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Context: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder among the women of reproductive age, yet the etiology of PCOS remains unclear. Infertility in females with PCOS can be caused by anovulation, high luteinizing hormone levels, and hyperandrogenism. Aims: This research analyzed the role of the aromatase gene (CYP19A1) in PCOS pathogenesis. Settings and Design: This study used an observational, cross-sectional design. Subjects and Methods: A total of 110 research participants (55 PCOS patients and 55 non-PCOS patients) were included in the study. Statistical Analysis Used: A real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the mRNA expression for aromatase in granulosa cells. Results: The relative expression of aromatase mRNA is lower in women with PCOS compared to those without PCOS (P < 0.05). Relative expression of CYP19A1 (aromatase) mRNA in PCOS group was 0.38 ± 0.25, whereas in non-PCOS group was 1.00 ± 0.00. The decline in aromatase activity contributes to an increase in testosterone level. This condition has a role in hyperandrogenism which is a typical characteristic of PCOS women. Granulosa cells in polycystic ovary undergo disturbance in the development and cannot respond to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation. Lack of stimulation of FSH causes induction inadequacy to aromatase enzyme activity in the aromatization process. The decline in FSH activity is caused by various factors that are associated with typical characteristics of PCOS. Conclusions: There is a decrease in the relative expression rate of granulosa cells' aromatase mRNA in women with PCOS compared to the non-PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the causes of male fertility disorders is the exposure of oxidative stress on the human sperm. Understanding the mechanism of disturbance is important to develop a better treatment for infertile or subfertile patients. Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on human sperm quality parameters and cell survival. Settings and Design: This study used an experimental design. Materials and Methods: Sperm cells from 15 donors were washed in a Percoll gradient and dissolved in Biggers, Whitter, and Whittingham medium. Cells were incubated with H2O2 at various concentrations from 0 to 250 μM for 2 h. Sperm viability was examined by eosin assay, sperm kinetic by computer-assisted sperm analyzer, sperm penetration by cervical mucus penetration assay, and membrane integrity by hypo-osmotic swelling test. Sperm capacitation, apoptosis, and cell survival were analyzed using western immunoblotting. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way ANOVA on SPSS 21 combined with post hoc LSD test was used to analyze differences among the groups. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Sperm viability and kinetic were significantly reduced at H2O2 concentrations of 200 and 250 μM. H2O2 reduced sperm capability to penetrate cervical mucus and also damage cell membrane integrity at all concentrations used. H2O2 significantly inhibited sperm capacitation, indicated by reduced total tyrosine phosphorylation. H2O2 exposure stimulated activation of caspase 3 and significantly reduced phosphorylated AKT at all concentrations used. Conclusions: H2O2 comprehensively inhibits sperm qualities related to the capacity to fertilize oocyte, stimulates caspase activity, and inhibits cell survival.

Background: Sperm maturation takes place through contact between sperm and proteins produced in the epididymal lumen. CD52 had been characterised in the sperm; however, the expression and its regulation in the epididymis are mostly unknown. Aim: This study aimed to analyse the expression and regulation of CD52 in the mouse epididymis. Setting and Design: Experimental design was used in this study. Materials and Methods: Epididymis tissues from mice strain Deutch Democratic Yokohama were used as sources of total RNA. Bioinformatic tool was used to predict signal peptides. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was used to analyse tissue distribution, androgen, testicular factors dependency and postnatal development. Statistical Analysis: One-way analysis of variance was used to analyse differences between treatment and control untreated group. P < 0.05 was determined as a significant difference. Results: CD52 amino acid sequence contains a signal peptide, indicating it is a secretory protein. CD52 exhibited region-specific expression in the epididymis, with the highest level being in the cauda. CD52 expression was regulated by androgen indicated by a significant downregulation at day 1 and day 3 following a castration (P < 0.05). Dependency on androgen was confirmed by injection of exogenous testosterone which prevented downregulation by 50%. Moreover, lumicrine factors also influenced CD52 expression indicated by ligation of efferent duct which also reduced expression at day 1 to day 5 following the ligation (P < 0.05). CD52 expression was developmentally regulated. This was shown by increase in the level of expression starting at day 15 postnatally. Conclusion: CD52 shows characteristics of genes involved in sperm maturation in the epididymis.

Context: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder among the women of reproductive age, yet the etiology of PCOS remains unclear. Infertility in females with PCOS can be caused by anovulation, high luteinizing hormone levels, and hyperandrogenism. Aims: This research analyzed the role of the aromatase gene (CYP19A1) in PCOS pathogenesis. Settings and Design: This study used an observational, cross-sectional design. Subjects and Methods: A total of 110 research participants (55 PCOS patients and 55 non-PCOS patients) were included in the study. Statistical Analysis Used:A real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the mRNA expression for aromatase in granulosa cells. Results: The relative expression of aromatase mRNA is lower in women with PCOS compared to those without PCOS (P