Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play a key role in fertilisation by eliminating microorganisms and entrapping spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract (FRT). The deleterious effects of NETs on spermatozoa have been previously described; however, individual exposure to NET-derived components in bull spermatozoa has not been explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the main NET-derived proteins, histone 2A (H2A), neutrophil elastase (ELA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), pentraxin 3 (PTX), cathepsin G (Cat-G), and cathelicidin LL37 (LL-37), at concentrations of 1, 10, and 30 μg/mL, on sperm parameters. Sperm were selected and incubated with different NET-derived proteins for 4 h. Membrane and acrosome integrity, lipoperoxidation, and membrane phospholipid disorders were also evaluated. Bovine polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN)/sperm co-cultures were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence. All NET-derived proteins/enzymes resulted in a reduction in membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and lipoperoxidation at a concentration of 30 μg/mL. Bovine PMN/sperm co-cultures showed marked NET formation in the second hour. In conclusion, all NET-derived proteins/enzymes exerted cytotoxic effects on bull sperm, and this effect should be considered in future investigations on the uterine microenvironment and the advancement of spermatozoa in the FRT.

Infectious vaginitis is a microbiological syndrome of great importance in public health that affects millions of women worldwide. However, no studies have explored the phenomenon of the production of the neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that are released into the female reproductive tract in these pathologies. This study aimed to determine the presence of NETosis in vaginal discharges of women with bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and trichomoniasis by characterizing NETs. Extracellular DNA with neutrophil elastase and citrullinated histones was identified to confirm the NET components (n = 10). The concentration, phenotypes of NETs, and number of NETotic cells were determined. The results showed an increase in NETotic cells in women with Candida albicans (CA) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and an increase in NETs in TV-induced vaginitis. Samples of CA- and TV-infected women showed different NET phenotypes (diffNETs, sprNETs, and aggNETs); diffNETs were found in high concentrations in samples with CA and were increased in three types of NETs in TV infections. Samples with intermediate microbiota and bacterial vaginosis showed increased NETotic cells while the intermediate microbiota presented a higher concentration of NETs. Therefore, alterations in the microbiota and the presence of fungal and parasitic infections are important stimuli for the activation and induction of NETosis, and their cytotoxic effects could enhance tissue damage.

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Objetivo: Conocer los significados de la experiencia vivida por madres en el proceso de cuidado de su hijo con fibrosis quística.Método: Diseño cualitativo fenomenológico en ocho madres, con entrevista en profundidad en la región de la Araucanía de Chile. Análisis por identificación de unidades de significado para configurar el fenómeno develado. En rigor, se aseguró credibilidad, confirmación, auditabilidad y transferencias; y en ética principios de beneficencia, autonomía, justicia, anonimato y confidencialidad.Resultados: Se develaron 5 categorías: Sufrimiento y shock al enfrentar el diagnóstico; Desesperación frente al sufrimiento del hijo; Inseguridad por difícil adherencia al tratamiento; Altos costos económicos e inserción en política gubernamental de salud y Desesperanza materna por falta de información sobre el cuidado del niño.Conclusión: Los resultados son similares a otros estudios internacionales, un aspecto destacable es la situación de pobreza que viven las madres, y coincide con la realidad de la región de la Araucanía. Por tanto, se debe enfatizar en acciones que aumenten la calidad de vida de las madres, el niño y la familia.