International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine
Year:2020 | Volume:18 | Issue:8|Papers Count:10

Background: Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) is a protein involved in the fibrinolytic system that catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen into the active plasmin. The activity of t-PA is controlled by plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. t-PA has crucial functions during spermatogenesis. One polymorphism was reported for t-PA gene, either the presence of a 300-bp Alu-repeat (Alu+) or its absence (Alu− ). Objective: The current work aimed at studying the association between Alu polymorphism in the t-PA gene and male infertility. Materials and Methods: Using polymerase chain reaction on genomic DNA isolated from the blood of 79 participants, a region polymorphic for Alu element insertion in t-PA gene was amplified. In addition, total t-PA concentration, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 /t-PA complex concentration, and t-PA activity in seminal plasma were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The results indicate that the percentage of infertile participants (n = 50) who were homozygous for t-PA Alu insertion (Alu+/+), heterozygous Alu+/− or homozygous for t-PA Alu deletion (Alu− /− ) did not change significantly (p = 0. 43, 0. 81, and 0. 85, respectively) when compared with the control participants (n = 29). On the other hand, a significant decrease (p = 0. 0001) of t-PA total concentration in seminal plasma was observed in the infertile group in comparison with the control group. However, the results indicate that there is no association between the t-PA Alu different genotypes and the total t-PA seminal concentration in the infertile group when compared to the control group (p = 0. 63). Conclusion: Data obtained from the current study does not support an association between t-PA Alu polymorphism and t-PA seminal concentration or male infertility.

Background: Methenamine is a worldwide antibacterial agent for urinary system infections in human and animals. The effect of methenamine consumption during early phase of pregnancy is not fully clarified in previous studies. Vascular development is the essential part of the early embryonic growth. Objective: In this study, we used chicken chorioallantoic membrane to evaluate the effects of methenamine administration on angiogenesis process as a model. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 20 Ross 308 eggs (mean weight 55 ± 4) were incubated. The eggs were divided into two equal groups (n = 10/each). In the first group, methenamine (150 mg/kg egg weight) was injected on the shell membrane, and in the second group (control group) phosphate-buffered salineas injected. Methenamine was inoculated at 96 and 120 hrafter incubation; 24 hrafter the last inoculation, the eggs were removed and the egg’ s shell was incised. Then, the development of vascular network and vascular endothelial growth factor Aexpression was evaluated. Results: Angiogenesis was significantly decreased after methenamine treatment. The indexes such as areas containing vessels, the vessels’ length, the percentage of angiogenesis developing areas, and vascular complexity in the treatment group receiving methenamine were significantly reduced compared to the control group. Vascular endothelial growth factor Aexpression was suppressed in the methenamine treated group. Conclusion: According to the achieved results, it was defined that methenamine could have an inhibitory effect on the growth and development procedures of extraembryonic vasculature.

Background: Endometrial thickness is regarded as an indicator of the receptivity of the endometrium. Patients preparing for frozen embryo transfer need some interventions in case their endometrium is thin. Objective: This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of oral administration of estradiol valerate with its vaginal type in women with inappropriate endometrial thickness. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study comprised of 79 women (cycles) who had undergone frozen-thawed embryo transfer. On the 13th day of the cycle, vaginal sonography was performed in case the thickness of the endometrium was < 7 mm; in the oral group, the patients continued using oral estradiol valerate tablet. However, in the vaginal group, the participants applied estradiol valerate tablet vaginally. Finally, the chemical and clinical pregnancy rate, also, early miscarriage rate were compared between the two groups. Results: The early miscarriage rate was lower in the vaginal group in comparison with the oral group (p = 0. 040). Women in the vaginal group showed a lower rate of chemical pregnancy compared to the oral group, but this difference was not statistically significant (25. 0 vs. 34. 4%, p = 0. 440). The rate of clinical pregnancy in the two groups was not statistically significant, although the vaginal group had a higher pregnancy rate (22. 5% vs. 15. 6%, p = 0. 464), especially in women older than 34 years (37. 5% vs. 11. 1%, p = 0. 355). Conclusion: Vaginal administration of estradiol tablet in women with thin endometrium leads to a lower rate of early miscarriage.

Background: CATSPER 1 (Cation Channel Sperm Associated 1) and CATSPER2 channels have an important role in sperm motility. In this study, the effects of hyperthyroidism on Catsper1 and 2 genes of seminiferous tubules in mice testes were investigated. Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of hyperthyroidism on the expression of CATSPER1 and CATSPER2 genes in the seminiferous tubules of mice. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 20 BALB/C male mice divided into two groups-experimental and control. The experimental group was administered with 500 mg/l levothyroxine (L-thyroxine) liquid solution for two months for inducing hyperthyroidism, which was confirmed by radioimmunoassay. On the other hand, the control group was kept in animal houses under a normal condition. The implementation of real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical studies was accomplished after the removal of the testes of the mice under anesthesia induced by chloroform. Results: Results showed that there was no significant difference in CATSPER1 (p = 0. 45) and CATSPER2 (p = 0. 34) gene expression between groups. At the same time, the color intensity showed no significant enhancement in the hyperthyroidism group (CATSPER1 p = 0. 17 and CATSPER2 p = 0. 22) as compared to the control group. Conclusion: Considering the key role of CATSPER in the molecular structure of the sperm, our findings showed that the hyperactivity of the thyroid gland has no significant effects on the function of these components. Therefore, it might be concluded that hyperthyroidism has no considerable effects on the seminiferous tubules.

Background: Obesity, inflammation and alterations in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and nitric oxide (NO) levels are involved in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Objective: To investigate the relationship of MMP-9, NO and interleukin-10 (IL-10) with the increase in body mass index (BMI) in women with PCOS. Materials and Methods: Sixty two infertile PCOS women were included in the study. Serum levels of NO, IL-10 and MMP-9 were assessed in the women with increase in BMI. Results: MMP-9 was significantly increased (p = 0. 029) and IL-10 (p = 0. 015) was significantly reduced in obese PCOS subjects compared to those with lesser BMI. MMP-9 levels positively correlated with the duration of infertility (r = 0. 253, p = 0. 047) and negatively correlated with NO levels (r =-0. 259, p = 0. 042). A significant negative correlation between the interleukin-10 levels and the BMI (r =-0. 272, p = 0. 033) was also found in the PCOS subjects. Conclusion: MMP-9 levels are increased in obese PCOS women and it is associated with NO levels and the duration of infertility.

Background: The exposure of male individual to environmental toxicant is regarded as a channel that results in reduced sperm counts and infertility. Objective: This study investigated the ameliorative response of Sulforaphane (SFN) on Aluminum trichloride (AlCl3) induced testicular toxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 adult male Wistar rats (180-200 gm between 8-10 wk) were divided into four groups (n = 8/each). Group A) received distilled water orally as placebo; Group B) received 100 mg/kgbw AlCl3 only orally; Group C) received 100 mg/kgbw AlCl3 and 100 mg/kgbw SFN orally; and Group D) received 100 mg/kgbw SFN only orally. After 28 days of experiment, animals underwent cervical dislocation, blood serum was obtained for analysis, and testes were harvested for biochemical assays, histology, hormonal profile, and sperm characterization. Results: The sperm parameters showed a significant difference within the AlCl3 only group compared with the control and SFN only groups (p = 0. 02). However, AlCl3 and SFN co-treatment showed improvement in the motility, viability, and sperm count compared with the AlCl3 only group (p = 0. 02). Furthermore, there was a significant decline in the levels of hormones profile and antioxidant status in AlCl3 only group compared to the control and SFN only (p = 0. 02). The testicular histoarchitecture of the AlCl3 only group showed shrinkage of seminiferous tubules, spermatogenesis disruption, and empty lumen compared to the control and SFN only groups. Conclusion: The present study revealed the ameliorative response of SFN on AlCl3-induced testicular toxicity on serum hormone profiles, antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, and histomorphometric analysis through oxidative stress.

Background: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the ways to improve an undesirable sexual function. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CBT on the sexual function and sexual self-efficacy of pregnant women. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 36 pregnant women referred to five healthcare centers in Ahvaz, Iran, from December 2016 to January 2017 were enrolled through stratified random sampling in two groups. The case group received counseling based on cognitive behavioral therapy for eight consecutive weeks and the control group received the routine training provided by healthcare staff. Two and four weeks after the end of sessions, both groups completed the Female Sexual Function Index and self-efficacy questionnaires again. Results: The mean of sexual function and self-efficacy scores in pregnant women in the case and control groups before the intervention did not show a significant difference (p = 0. 56). The mean of sexual function and self-efficacy scores of pregnant women in the case and control groups was statistically significant two and four weeks, respectively, after the intervention (p ≤ 0. 0001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that counseling based on CBT in comparison with the routine training during pregnancy improves the sexual performance and self-efficacy of pregnant women.

Background: Resveratrol and Berberis integerrima (B. integerrima) are known to be natural antioxidants and regulators of human metabolism. However, the effects of resveratrol and B. integerrima on the ovarian morphology in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are not obvious. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of B. integerrima in combination with resveratrol on some biochemical parameters and ovarian morphology in the letrozole-induced PCOS rat. Materials and Methods: Seventy adult female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 10-12 weeks weighing 200 ± 20 gr were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 10/each). Group I): normal; Group II): vehicle; Group III): letrozole-induced PCOS 1 mg/kg letrozole orally, rats receiving 1 cc normal saline orally; Group IV): PCOS + receiving 150 mg/kg metformin orally; Group V): PCOS + receiving 20 mg/kg resveratrol orally; Group VI): PCOS + 3 gr/kg barberry orally; and Group VII): PCOS + receiving 3 gr/kg barberry and 20 mg/kg resveratrol orally. All animals were followedup for 63 days. The biochemical parameters and histological assessments of ovaries were performed. Results: Resveratrol alone and/or in combination with B. integerrima treatment in rats led to a significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, malondialdehyde, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations (p = 0. 02). The groups IV, V, VI, and VII showed a decrease in insulin resistance and an increase in the superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and high-density lipoprotein (p = 0. 01). No significant difference was observed between the level of serum glucose in the treatment groups. Number of cystic follicles had a significant decrease in barberry, resveratrol, and their combination groups (p < 0. 001). Conclusion: Resveratrol, B. integerrima, and their combination as natural products with fewer side effects might be effective as an alternative medicine in treatment of PCOS.

Background: Diabetes is a chronic disease that can affect almost all of the body organs, including male and female reproductive systems. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the preventive effects of metformin on stereological and ultrastructure characteristics of the ovary in the streptozotocininduced diabetes adult female rats. Materials and Methods: Seventy adult (8-10 wk) female Sprague-Dawley rats (180-200 gr) were equally divided, as follows: (n = 10/each) control; STZ-induced diabetes (single dose of 65 mg/kg STZ, IP); metformin-treated (50 mg/100 gr of body weight, orally); diabetic-metformin-treated; sham 1, (single dose of sodium citrate); sham 2, (0. 5 ml of daily oral distilled water); and sham 3, (sodium citrate + distilled water treated). The body mass index, ovarian weight, blood sugar level, cholesterol, and triglyceride were measured. The stereological and ultrastructural features of ovary were assessed. Results: The blood sugar of induced-diabetic rats was increased (p < 0. 01). The BMI (p < 0. 01), number of granulosa cells (p = 0. 04), primordial, primary and secondary follicles (p = 0. 03), total volume of ovary (p < 0. 01) and cortex, nucleus diameter ratio to the ooplasm were decreased. The number of atretic follicles in the diabetic and diabetic + metformin-treated rats were increased (p < 0. 01). The ultrastructural characteristics of ovary were more damaged in diabetic rats. Conclusion: Diabetes has destructive effects on ovarian follicles and causes follicular atresia. Also, the size of oocytes, numbers of granulosa cells and ooplasmic organelles, which are involved in the folliculogenesis are affected by diabetes and metformin has no preventive effects.

Background: Spermatogenesis is a complex process that takes place under the influence of many different genes. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of Ceratonia siliqua hydroalcoholic extract (CSHAE) on protamine gene expression, testicular function, and testicular histology in doxorubicin-treated rats. Materials and Methods: 56 adult male rats with a age range of 2. 5 to 3 months (210 ± 10 gr) were divided into seven groups (n = 8/each). A) Control group was left untreated; B) Sham group received 0. 3 ml distilled water intraperitoneally, C) Negative control group received 3 mg/kg doxorubicin, intraperitoneally once a week for 28 days; and D) Positive control group received 600 mg/kg of CSHAE orally for 48 days; E, F, G) the experimental groups 1, 2, and 3 received 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg of CSHAE respectively orally, for 48 days, as well as 3 mg/kg doxorubicin once a week for 28 days. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used in the histological study of testes, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used in measuring serum levels of testosterone. Protamine gene expression was determined by real-Time PCR method. Results: The mean body weight, testicular weight, testicular volume, testosterone level (p = 0. 022), the count of Leydig, spermatogonia, spermatocyte, and spermatid cells, as well as protamine gene expression (p = 0. 008) were significantly increased in the experimental group 2 compared to the negative control group. The regeneration of testicular tissue was observed in the experimental group 2. Conclusion: CSHAE has protective effect on doxorubicin-induced testicular injuries.