International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine
Year:2018 | Volume:16 | Issue:9|Papers Count:8

Background: Endometriosis is a prevalent gynecological disease, with limited known etiology and more researches are required to identify its etiology. In this manner, there is no evidence for expression and function of 3´ HOX genes in 4 clusters in the limb and pelvic organs such as the uterus and its disorders (Genes in the HOXA-D clusters are subdivided into 13 paralogous groups). Objective: This study designed to investigate the expression profile of 5 paralogous (1-5) in four clusters of HOX genes (A, B, C, and D) in ectopic and eutopic tissues of women with endometriosis compared to the normal endometrium. Materials and Methods: Samples were obtained from thirty patients (15 with and 15 without endometriosis) of reproductive age with normal menstrual cycles. The same patient provided both eutopic and ectopic tissues and control women were laparoscopically checked for the absence of endometriosis. The expression profile of these HOX genes was investigated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction technique. Results: We observed significant up-regulation of some members of HOXC and D clusters (HOXD1, HOXD3, HOXC4 and HOXC5) in ectopic and eutopic tissues vs. control. Also, our data showed significant down-regulation of all of HOXA and HOXB paralogous except HOXA1 in ectopic tissues versus control. Conclusion: Our data showed specific cluster dependent modulation of the HOX genes expression in endometriosis (over-expression of some HOX genes in cluster C and D and down-regulation of HOX genes in cluster A and B) in ectopic and eutopic tissues compare to control group. Therefore, it is possible that change of expression level of these genes in endometrium plays a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Background: Genital tuberculosis (GTB) is an important cause of female infertility, especially in developing countries. The positive results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in endometrial GTB in the absence of tubal damage raise the possibility of the detection of sub-clinical or latent disease, with doubtful benefits of treatment. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and Non-tubercular Mycobacterium (NTM) infection by using Real-PCR technique in the menstrual blood samples of 120 unexplained infertile women. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 120 infertile women with unexplained infertility aged 20-35 yr old and normal hysterosalpingography findings were taken. Menstrual blood in the first 12 hr of menstruation containing the endometrial tissues from each participant was tested for MTB and NTM by Real-Time PCR. Results: Among the selected 120 patients, only two were found to be positive for MTB infection. All remaining participants were negative for MTB infection. All participants were negative for NTM infection at the endometrium. Conclusion: Although, studies have indicated that PCR is a useful method in diagnosing early GTB disease in infertile women with no demonstrable evidence of tubal or endometrial involvement, our study showed that GTB is not the major problem in women with unexplained infertility.

Background: Premature birth is the main cause of neonatal mortality and long-term complications, which imposes heavy financial and psychological burdens on the family and society; therefore, it is important to recognize the factors affecting it. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between socioeconomic status, psychosocial factors, and food insecurity with preterm delivery. Materials and Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted on 674 pregnant women at 24-28 wk of gestation who met the inclusion criteria. The subjects were selected using cluster sampling. The pregnant women filled out total questionnaires of study and they followed up until delivery and the data about the newborn was collected after delivery. The data collection tools included questionnaires for evaluating socioeconomic status, psychosocial factors, and food insecurity. Results: The prevalence of preterm delivery was 7. 7%, and socioeconomic factors were not associated with preterm labor. Among the intermediary factors, social health, food insecurity, stress, and prenatal care had a significant relationship with preterm labor. The prevalence rates of preterm delivery in cases with food insecurity, stress, and inadequate prenatal care were 2, 9. 1 and 13. 2 times higher than those who had food security, did not experience stress, and received adequate care during pregnancy. Conclusion: Preterm labor is a relatively common problem in which intermediary social determinants of health can play an important role. Considering the limited studies on this issue, the results of this study can lay the foundation for future studies.

Background: The quality of oocyte is often considered as a limiting factor for fertility, especially IVF. Some mitochondrial mutations, particularly the 4977-bp deletion increase with the age. Thus, this mutation can serve as a marker for cell aging, which indicates the reduced quality of the oocytes for fertilization. It has been suggested that this can also be investigated in the blood cells of women with IVF failure. Objective: 1-Determination of the frequency of 4977-bp deletion in women with IVF failure, 2-Investigation of the relationship between 4977-bp deletion and the age of patients. Materials and Methods: Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the 4977-bp deletion in blood samples of 52 IVF failure women and 52 women who had at least one healthy child. After polymerase chain reaction with deleted and wild-type primers, the products were examined using agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: 48. 07% of women with IVF failure and 34. 62% of healthy women had a mitochondrial 4977-bp deletion, with p=0. 163 and OR: 1. 749. Also, in association with the age of these patients and the frequency of 4977-bp mutation, p and OR were obtained 0. 163 and 1. 749, respectively and frequency of this mutation was higher in patients over 35 yr old compared to other subgroups (Patients ≥ 35: 57. 69). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, there is no a significant relationship between the frequency of mitochondrial 4977-bp mutation and failure in IVF.

Background: Increased scrotal temperature can disrupt spermatogenesis leading to male infertility. Germ cells being heat sensitive maintain their genetic integrity via protective mechanism originated from the cell itself or by means of cell death. However, qualitative differentiation of how reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzymes regulate signaling pathways of cellular damage including DNA fragmentation at varied temperatures remains unexplored. Objective: The study was designed to evaluate the effects of heat mediated oxidative stress on male germ cells. Also, the time-dependent qualitative variation in the germ cell death was studied. Materials and Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly segregated into five major groups (n=6/each) i. e., Control, 30, 45, 60, and 90-min counterparts according to heat treatment protocol. Quantitation of DNA and DNA ladder studies was performed along with various biochemical parameter like lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutatione reductase (GR), glutathione-s-transferase (GST). Results: Animals receiving heat treatment for 30-min and 45-min revealed systematic and gradual response to heat stress; whereas, 60-min and 90-min treated animals showed a typical and abrupt change of the internal milieu of germ cells. Laddering and smearing effect of damaged DNA in 30 and 45 min and 60 and 90 min heat treated animals was seen respectively. Conclusion: As the duration of heat treatment increases, the rate of apoptosis reaches an optimum level, and a further increase in the duration of heat treatment converted the mode of cell death from apoptosis to necrosis, implicitly due to severe oxidative attack.

Background: To perform an in-vitro fertilization cycle, pretreatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist is widely used as a part of controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation protocols to prevent endogenous luteinizing hormone surge and spontaneous ovulation. GnRH agonist pretreatment is relatively costly and there is a risk of hypo estrogenic side effect. It would also lengthen the preparation period until pituitary desensitization occurs. Objective: Our study is aimed at evaluating the pregnancy outcome rate of frozen thawed embryo transfer with and without GnRH agonists pretreatment. Materials and Methods: Women with documented infertility who were candidate for frozen thawed embryo transfer were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups. In group A (n=100), patients received GnRH agonist, Buserelin, to induce pituitary desensitization prior to endometrial preparation and embryo transfer. Individuals in group B (n=100) received steroid manipulation without prior down-regulation of the pituitary. Chemical pregnancy, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy were measured and statistically compared between the two groups. Results: None of the outcome measures including clinical and chemical pregnancy rates, implantation rate, and ongoing pregnancy rate showed significant difference between the two groups. Similarly, the rate of miscarriage did not vary between the two groups. Conclusion: In this study, we found that removing the GnRH agonists pretreatment from the programmed cycles did not negatively influence the pregnancy outcome or implantation rate. Moreover, it will cause a considerable reduction in cost of assisted reproductive technology as well as adverse effects related to GnRH agonists, while having a favorable implantation and pregnancy outcomes.

Background: The role of the screening protocol for viral hepatitis and human immuunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among infertile couples were seldom investigated. Objective: The present study was performed to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infections among infertile couples referring to infertility clinic of Royan Institute. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 21673 infertile couples referring to infertility clinic of Royan Institute between 2009 and 2014. Serological findings for viral hepatitis B, C and HIV infection were gathered herewith demographic data of the study participants through the study checklist. Ultimately, 302 couples who had at least one positive result in their serological tests were included in the statistical analysis. Results: The HBV and HCV infections prevalence among study participants were 0. 57% and 0. 148% respectively; only two cases had HIV infection. HBV and HCV infections prevalence had significant association with the gender of participants, but there was no significant relationship between these infections and infertility types. Conclusion: Viral hepatitis infections screening among infertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive techniques needs more attention.

Background: Chromosome rearrangements can produce genomic imbalance in gametes which causes a drastic decrease in fertility. Several studies have described the relationship between high levels of DNA damage and chromosomal alterations in the spermatozoa of infertile or subfertile males. However, the nature of this relation is poorly understood. In this study, the meiotic segregation pattern and chromatin integrity were analyzed in the ejaculated spermatozoa of a 46, XY, t(2; 8)(p24; p21)mat carrier with normozoospermia and a lack of conception. Case: A 39-year-old infertile man with a 46, XY, t(2; 8)(p24; p21)mat inherited from his mother, was studied. The wife of the proband (30 yrs old) had a normal karyotype and no reproductive problems. The meiotic segregation pattern and aneuploidy of chromosome-8 and chromosome-2 were analyzed by FISH. Sperm DNA damage was evaluated by the Sperm Dispersion Chromatin, alkaline comet assay and DNA breaking detection. Five healthy male donors were included as controls. The frequency of genetically unbalanced spermatozoa was 61. 6%. Analysis of the aneuploidy of chromosome-8 and chromosome-Y revealed approximately three and 24 fold increased level respectively in comparison with that of the control group. Conclusion: We suggest that the accumulation of genetically unbalanced spermatozoa, and increased sperm aneuploidy level is related to male infertility. Interestingly, the case described here has a high level of sperm chromosomal imbalance appears to be linked to sperm DNA fragmentation status. This information could be useful in assisted reproductive techniques.