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Natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) is one of the best known activating receptors of NK cells, which recognises its ligand on altered or stressed cells and activates NK cells to kill them. In this study, the single nucleotide polymorphism of the NKG2D gene for rs1049174 mutation was compared in 140 women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) and 175 control women with at least one successful pregnancy and without any known pregnancy loss. The findings just revealed that GG genotype and G allele were significantly higher in the case group compared with the control group (p <.001). Our results regarding decreased risk of RSA in C allele (OR = 0.438; 95%CI = 0.310–0.619; p <.001), and GC genotype (OR = 0.492; 95%CI = 0.214–0.574; p <.001) compared with G allele and GG genotype respectively. This study demonstrated a significant association between NKG2D gene polymorphism (rs1049174 G/C) and the risk of RSA in Iranian women. What is already known on this subject? According to previous investigations, maternal immune responses may affect the foetus, causing recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). The main cause of RSA has not yet been detected in nearly 50% of the cases. What do the results of this study add? The results showed that the frequency of G allele and C allele were significantly different in the case group and control group. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The results suggest a protective function of C allele because it significantly decreased the risk of RSA compared to G allele. It improves inhibition of NK cells and probably participates in maintaining pregnancy in fertile controls; whereas, G allele is related to a slight inhibition of NK cells, probably leading to increase effectiveness of NK activation and undesirable inflammation, which consequently causes foetal rejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined the association between the levels of interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23 in follicular fluid (FF), as well as their mRNA levels in cumulus cells from infertile women at risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). In this case-controlled study, the control group (n = 40) was infertile women whose partners had male factor infertility, whereas the case group (n = 40) was infertile women at risk of OHSS. IL-17 and IL-23 concentrations in FF were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, whereas the mRNA expression levels of IL-17 and IL-23 of cumulus cells were determined using RT-PCR. Significantly higher levels of IL-17 were seen in the case group (p = 0.04), whereas there was no significant difference in IL-23 concentrations between the two groups (p = 0.3). The mRNA levels of IL-17 and IL-23 showed no significant differences. In the case group, there was a positive significant correlation between the IL-23 concentration in FF and the oocyte maturation rates (p = 0.01). In the case group, the number of follicles, MII oocytes, immature oocytes, fertilized oocytes and number of embryos were significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). Our findings showed that the mRNA expressions of IL-17 and IL-23 were similar in the two groups, and IL-17 was increased in the case group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the factors involved in male infertility, there is a rare morphology disorder called "globozoospermia" that is classified into total globozoospermia and partial globozoospermia (type I and type II, respectively). This syndrome is primarily characterised by the presence of round‐headed spermatozoa with cytoskeleton defects around the nucleus and no acrosome. Current data support the negative correlation between globozoospermia and conventional intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes, revealing the need for the management of patients undergoing assisted reproduction technology (ART) through more effective treatment techniques. This review highlights the most important characteristics of globozoospermia such as sperm parameters, DNA/chromatin integrity and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), as well as genetic features based on the latest knowledge. Additionally, we looked into current progress on fertilisation potential and possible treatment strategies for patients presenting with globozoospermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a number of genes involved in sperm maturation are considered as one of the main factors for male infertility. The aim of the present case-control study was to examine the association of SNPs in protamine1 (PRM1) and protamine2 (PRM2) genes with idiopathic teratozoospermia. In this case-control study, some SNPs in PRM1 (c.49 C>T, c.102 G>T and c.230A>C) and PRM2 (rs545828790, rs115686767, rs201933708, rs2070923 and rs1646022) were investigated in 30 idiopathic infertile men with teratozoospermia (case group) in comparison with 35 fertile men (controls). Genotyping of SNPs was undertaken using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-direct sequencing. For PRM1, c.230A>C, as a synonymous polymorphism, was detected in both teratozoospermic men (heterozygous n=26, homozygous minor n=1) allele frequency C(48) A(52) and controls (heterozygous n=15, homozygous minor n=4). All cases and controls were genotyped for rs545828790 in PRM2, a missense polymorphism, as well as rs115686767 and rs201933708, both of which synonymous variants. The findings showed an intronic variant in PRM2 (rs2070923) was also present in both groups. Also, rs1646022, a missense polymorphism, occurred in teratozoospermic men (heterozygous n=10, homozygous minor n=5) and controls (heterozygous n=13, homozygous minor n=2). However, there were no significant differences in SNPs of PRM1 and PRM2 between the two groups, however, for c.230A>C, the frequency of the CA genotype was significantly higher in infertile men with teratozoospermia (P=0.001). We demonstrate that PRM2 G398C and A473C polymorphisms were associated with the teratozoospermia and its genetic variation was in relation to semen quality, sperm apoptosis, and morphology in the Iranian population. This study is a preliminary study and presenting data as part of a future comprehensive study to clinically establish whether these gene polymorphisms are biomarkers for susceptibility to teratozoospermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Selection of the best embryo for transfer is very important in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Using morphological assessment for this selection demonstrated that the correlation between embryo morphology and implantation potential is relatively weak. On the other hand, aneuploidy is a key genetic factor that can influence human reproductive success in ART. Objective: The aim of this lab trial study was to evaluate the incidence of aneuploidies in five chromosomes in the morphologically high-quality embryos from young patients undergoing ART for sex selection. Materials and Methods: A total of 97 high quality embryos from 23 women at the age of 37or younger years that had previously undergone preimplantation genetic screening for sex selection were included in this study. After washing, the slides of blastomeres from embryos of patients were reanalyzed by fluorescence in-situ hybridization for chromosomes 13, 18 and 21. Results: There was a significant rate of aneuploidy determination in the embryos using preimplantation genetic screening for both sex and three evaluated autosomal chromosomes compared to preimplantation genetic screening for only sex chromosomes (62.9% vs. 24.7%, p=0.000). The most frequent detected chromosomal aneuploidy was trisomy or monosomy of chromosome 13. Conclusion: There is considerable numbers of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos generated in vitro which cause in vitro fertilization failure and it seems that morphological characterization of embryos is not a suitable method for choosing the embryos without these abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Etiology of more than half of Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. The etiology of more than 50 percent of Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions (RSA) cases has been remained unexplained. It is supposed that RSA may have "paternal effect" due to supply 50% of embryonic genomic content by male gamete. Objective: The aim of present study was to evaluate the role of sperm apoptosis and protamine deficiency at same time in RSA cases. Materials and Methods: Forty fertile (control) and 40 unfertile men with RSA (case) were enrolled in this case-control study. Semen analysis was performed in accordance with WHO criteria and sperm apoptosis and protamine deficiency were evaluated by cell apoptosis detection kit and chromomycin A3, respectively. Results: Results showed significant different between normal morphology and total motility in two groups. Case group had higher percentage of spermatozoa with protamine deficiency and apoptosis compared to controls significantly. Conclusion: Our results showed that in cases of RSA, in addition to abnormal sperm parameters, we have a high percentage of spermatozoa with protamine deficiency and apoptosis and these two anomalies may consider as important causes of idiopathic recurrent abortions. It should be advised that sperm chromatin and DNA examinations are useful tools in the process of RSA treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesIn searching for new spermicidal microbicides for use in the prevention of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) we investigated the spermicidal and cytotoxicity activities of the antimicrobial peptide sarcotoxin Pd. MethodsWashed sperm from 10 healthy, normal volunteers was treated with different concentrations of sarcotoxin Pd. Sperm motility and morphology were assessed at 0, 0.3, 5, 10 and 15 min. The cytotoxicity of sarcotoxin Pd in normal human cervical HeLa cells was measured. Percentage cell survival was expressed as the number of live cells in the test group. ResultsThe cytotoxic effect of sarcotoxin Pd was concentration-dependent. Significant cytotoxicity was observed at concentrations above 24 μg/ml. Sarcotoxin Pd immobilised 100% of spermatozoa at a dose of 90 and 80 μg/ml after 0.3 and 5 min, respectively, and immobilised 50% of spermatozoa after 15 min at lower doses. Sarcotoxin Pd inhibited sperm motility in a dose-dependent manner. The peptide immobilised sperm within 20 s at its maximal effective concentration of 90 μg/ml. ConclusionsSarcotoxin Pd appears to be a good candidate for a contraceptive agent in the prevention of unplanned pregnancy and STIs. 摘要 目的 为了寻找一种同时具有杀精子活性和抗菌活性的药物，既能防止非计划妊娠又能预防性传播疾病，我们对抗菌肽sarcotoxin Pd的杀精子活性和细胞毒性进行了研究。 方法 从10名健康的志愿者获得精液，洗涤后分别与不同浓度抗菌肽sarcotoxin Pd的液体进行混合。分别记录混合后0、0.3、5、10和15分钟时间间隔的精子形态和活动度。通过测定正常人宫颈HeLa细胞在含有不同浓度的抗菌肽sarcotoxin Pd培养基里进行培养后的活细胞数来反映其细胞毒性。 结果 抗菌肽sarcotoxin Pd的细胞毒性是浓度依赖性的。24ug/ml以上浓度的抗菌肽sarcotoxin Pd具有显著的细胞毒性。抗菌肽sarcotoxin Pd的杀精子活性在90ug/ml浓度0.3分钟以及80ug/ml浓度5分钟后可以使100%的精子失去活性，而较低的浓度则需要超过15分钟来使50%的精子失去活性。抗菌肽sarcotoxin Pd对精子活动度的影响也是剂量依赖性的。抗菌肽sarcotoxin Pd的最大有效浓度90ug/ml能够在20秒内让精子失去活性。 结论 抗菌肽sarcotoxin Pd看起来是既能防止非计划妊娠又能预防性传播疾病的避孕方法的一种不错的选择。 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Limited resources for adult stem cells necessitate their in vitro culture prior to clinical use. Investigating mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and telomere shortening has proved to be important indications of stem cell validity. This study was designed to investigate these indicators in multiple passages of three adult stem cell lines which were produced in our stem cell laboratory. Methods: In this study, Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs), Periapical Follicle Stem Cells (PAFSCs) and Human Foreskin Fibroblast (HFF) cell lines were expanded for 20 passages. After 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 passages, expanded cells were harvested and DNA was extracted for further studies. Common mtDNA mutation was detected by multiplex PCR and telomere shortening was tested by Southern blot analysis. Results: The common deletion was not detected in any of the stem cells or cell lines after several passages. In addition, Southern blot analysis indicated that the mean difference of telomere length between first and last passage was 0.25 kb in DPSC, 0.1 kb in PAFSC and 0.32 kb in HFF which indicates that the mean telomere length in various passages of the samples showed insignificant changes. Conclusion: Absence of mtDNA mutations in adult stem cell lines indicates good mitochondrial function even after 20 passages. In addition, absence of telomere shortening indicates stem cells validity after multiple passages. It is hoped this information could pave the way for using in vitro expansion of adult stem cells for future clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study of microRNA expression can be effective in the diagnosing and treating different diseases. miR-135a is one of the most important microribonucleic acids involved in endometriosis. Among the genes that become the target of the miR-135a and are subjected to changes in the endometrium of patients with endometriosis is HOXA10 gene which is expressed in the endometrium in response to steroid hormones. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of miR-135a and its relationship with the level of HOXA10 gene expression in both endometrial ectopic and eutopic tissues in patients with endometriosis compared to the control samples. Materials and Methods: In this prospective case-control study, both case-eutopic and case-ectopic tissue samples were obtained from 17 women with endometriosis and the eutopic endometrial tissue was sampled from 17 women with normal endometrium as the control group. The gene's expression of miR-135a and HOXA10 were investigated using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (q-RT PCR). Results: A significant decrease in the expression of HOXA10 gene was detected in case-eutopic during the luteal phase compared to the control samples (p=0.001), while in the case-ectopic, the expression of this gene was increased (p=0.681) compared to the control samples. In addition, the expression miR-135a in the luteal phase showed a remarkable increase in the case-eutopic endometrial tissue (p=0.026) as well as a significant decrease in the case-ectopic endometrial tissue compared to the control samples (p=0.008). Conclusion: Considering the inverse relations between the over-expression of miR- 135a and the reduction of HOXA10, it seems that miR-135a may be applied as an endometrial diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globozoospermia is a severe form of teratozoospermia (incidence < 0.1%) in infertile men that is characterized by round headed sperm and acrosomeless in semen. Objective: To compare the semen parameters, protamine deficiency, and apoptosis in ejaculated spermatozoa between globozoospermic and normozoospermic men. Materials and Methods: Thirty six semen samples were divided into two groups including 15 infertile men with total globozoospermic (> 90% round-headed sperm) and 21 healthy donors with normal spermograms as controls. Semen analysis was performed according to World Health Organization criteria (2010). Sperm protamine deficiency was assessed using Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining and the rate of apoptotic spermatozoa was evaluated with TUNEL assay. Results: Sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphology in globozoospermic men were significantly decreased compared with controls (p<0.05). The rate of CMA3-reacted spermatozoa (CMA3+) in globozoospermic men was higher than controls (65.93 ± 11.77 vs. 21.24 ± 7.37, respectively, p<0.0001). The rate of apoptotic spermatozoa (TUNEL positive) were significantly increased in globozoospermic cases with respect to the controls (17.60 ± 10.72 and 5.95 ± 3.02, respectively, p<0.0001). There was no significant correlation between sperm protamine deficiency and apoptosis in globozoospermic men. Conclusion: Globozoospermic samples contain a higher proportion of spermatozoa with abnormal chromatin packaging and DNA fragmentation than normozoospermic samples. Therefore, in addition to absence of acrosome in the spermatozoa of globozoospermic patients, the high percentage of spermatozoa with immature chromatin and apoptotic marker may be considered as the other etiologies of infertility in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regarding the close and continuous interaction of infertility staff with hopeless infertile couples and in the contrary the atmosphere of happiness especially in obstetric wards make a sense that considering anxiety and depression it would be a difference between these two wards. Objective: The objective of this study is the comparison of the rate of depression and anxiety between the two wards of infertility and obstetrics and gynecology. Materials and Methods: This study is a descriptive-correlation study based on cross-sectional method. 199 individuals who were the staff of infertility and obstetrics and gynecology wards in four provinces enrolled in this study through stratified sampling. Data collection was done by demographic questionnaire, Spiel Berger and Beck depression inventory tests. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using ANOVA test. Results: The result showed the rate of anxiety in obstetrics and gynecology staff of Isfahan center (54.69+13.58) and depression rate had increased level in infertility staff of Shiraz center (14.94±10.87). Overall, there was significant correlation between anxiety, depression and work place (p=0.047, 0.008 respectively). According to ANOVA test, the mean value of anxiety level was higher in the staff of four obstetrics and gynecology centers and one infertility center Conclusion: As long as we know that infertile couples have little chance for success rate and obstetrics and gynecology wards patients have little risk of failure in treatment, it could be mentioned that the anxiety and depression in the staff are not correlated with the client illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human dental stem cells have high proliferative potential for self-renewal that is important to the regenerative capacity of the tissue. Objective: The aim was to isolate human dental pulp stem cells (DPSC), periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSC) and periapical follicle stem cells (PAFSC) for their potential role in tissue regeneration. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the postnatal stem cells were isolated from dental pulp, preapical follicle and periodontal ligament .The cells were stained for different stem cell markers by immunocytochemistry. To investigate the mesenchymal nature of cells, differentiation potential along osteoblastic and adipogenic lineages and gene expression profile were performed. For proliferation potential assay, Brdu staining and growth curve tests were performed. Finally, all three cell types were compared together regarding their proliferation, differentiation and displaying phenotype. Results: The isolated cell populations have similar fibroblastic like morphology and expressed all examined cell surface molecule markers. These cells were capable of differentiating into osteocyte with different capability and adipocyte with the same rate. PAFSCs showed more significant proliferation rate than others. Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) for nanog, oct4, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenease (GADPH) as control gene showed strong positive expression of these genes in all three isolated cell types. Conclusion: PDLSCs, DPSCs and PAFSCs exist in various tissues of the teeth and can use as a source of mesenchymal stem cells for developing bioengineered organs and also in craniomaxillofacial reconstruction with varying efficiency in differentiation and proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of smoking on human health have long been documented. However, only a few studies have highlighted the direct effects of nicotine on sperm function. Nicotine, as a chemical compound found in tobacco, has been shown to modulate different aspects of spermatogenesis and sperm functions. Nicotine can lead to a reduction in the number of sperm, their motility and functionality. It can change the molecular expressions involved in sperm function, including genes encoding sperm nuclear proteins. The most important nuclear proteins that play a critical role in sperm function are known as H2B histone family, member W, testis-specific (H2BFWT), transition protein 1 (TNP1), transition protein 2 (TNP2), protamine-1 (PRM1), and protamine-2 (PRM2). These proteins are involved in sperm chromatin condensation, which in turn affects fertilization and embryonic development. Any alteration in the expression of these genes due to nicotine exposure/usage may lead to adverse implications in couples' fertility and the health of future generations. Since research in this area is still relatively new, it underscores the importance of understanding the potential side effects of environmental factors such as nicotine on reproductive health., Competing Interests: The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Korean Society for Sexual Medicine and Andrology.)

Objectives: In recent years, smoking water pipes or hookah has increased among adolescents in most countries. Although there is evidence in support of the negative effects of this type of smoking on human health, such as the increased risk of lung disease, little is known about the potential effects of hookah smoking on the male reproductive system, especially on the molecular aspects of sperm., Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study examined sperm DNA fragmentation index, protamine 1 and 2 (PRM1 and PRM2 ) genes expression, and oxidant status in normozoospermic hookah smokers in comparison with non-smoker controls., Results: Our results showed significantly higher rates of DNA fragmentation, protamine deficiency, and abnormal chromatin condensation in the spermatozoa of hookah smokers ( P  < .0001). Also, protamine gene expression showed a remarkable decrease in hookah smokers (1.55 ± 2.54 and 0.33 ± 0.54) compared to the controls (3.49 ± 5.41 and 1.22 ± 1.96), although the reduction was not statistically significant ( P  = .155 and P  = .066, respectively). Moreover, a significantly higher level of semen MDA was observed in the case group compared to the controls (0.39 ± 1.04 vs 0.15 ± 0.21; P  = .013)., Conclusion: According to our study, although hookah smoking does not have a significant effect on sperm parameters, it may have deleterious effects on DNA integrity, oxidative status, and nuclear protein levels of spermatozoa., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

Objective: This current survey investigated the role of the Forkhead 3 box protein (foxp3) gene and serum vitamin D levels in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA)., Methods: The mRNA level of the foxp3 gene in peripheral blood was evaluated in women with a history of RSA (N=40) and in controls (N=40) via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We employed the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to assess the serum levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2 D) in both groups. The Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to statistically compare study groups between and within themselves, respectively., Results: Although mRNA levels of foxp3 were higher in women with RSA than in controls, we observed no significant change in mRNA levels of foxp3 between the two groups (p=0.16). An important positive correlation was observed between foxp3 mRNA levels and 1,25(OH)2 D in controls (p=0.003). In contrast, the correlation between foxp3 expression and 1,25(OH)2 D was not significant in the case group (p=0.14). Serum vitamin D levels were lower in women with RSA than in controls (p<0.001)., Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that 1,25Vitamin D3 along with other molecules might help prevent RSA by providing for an anti-inflammatory state not necessarily through foxp3 expression or T cell differentiation.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as one of the three main types of diabetes mellitus (DM). It is established that GDM is associated with exceeding nutrient losses owing to glycosuria. Magnesium (Mg), as one of the essential micronutrients for fetus development, acts as the main cofactor in most enzymatic processes. The aim of this study was to measure serum and cellular levels of Mg, albumin, creatinine, and total protein to further clarify the relationship between these components and DM in pregnant women. Blood samples were obtained from 387 pregnant women. The participants were classified into four groups based on their type of diabetes, namely GDM (n=96), DM (n=44), at high-risk of DM (n=122), and healthy controls (n=125). All participants' fasting blood sugar (FBS), creatinine, albumin, Mg, and total protein in the serum levels and red blood cell Mg (RBC-Mg) were measured during 24-28 weeks of gestation. Groups were compared for possible association between DM and abortion, gravidity, and parity. The serum levels of creatinine, FBS, albumin, Mg, and RBC-Mg were statistically different among four groups (P =0.001). Significant lower levels of RBC- Mg was observed in all studied groups in comparison with controls. Given a positive correlation between DM and abortion, it seems that decreased levels of RBC-Mg and serum albumin can increase the risk of abortion in pregnant women. Our data demonstrated significant alterations in albumin, Mg, and creatinine concentrations in women with DM or those at high risk of DM during their gestational age. It seems that the measurement of these biochemical parameters might be helpful for preventing the complications, and improving pregnancy outcomes complicated with DM.

Background: Nanoparticles have wide range of application while there are some reports regarding their probable effects on male reproductive system and spermatozoa., Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (70nm) on acrosome of rat spermatozoa and number of spermatogenic cells., Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, in experimental group, 32 male wistar rats (8 rats/group) received oral feeding AgNPs every 12 hr in one spermatogenesis period (48 days) by means of gavages in 25, 50 , 100 and 200 mg/kg concentration (experimental groups 1-4, respectively). The control group (8 rats) was treated on schedule with distilled water. Spermatozoa were stained by triple staining protocol for acrosome reaction. Histological evaluation on testis sections was performed using tissue processing and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining., Results: There was significant difference between the control group and the experimental group 1 for acrosome reaction (11.00±0.00 and 24.25±3.68, respectively, p=0.01). There was only significant reduction in spermatogonia cells in experimental group 4. Experimental groups 2, 3 and 4 showed a significant reduction in the number of primary spermatocytes and spermatids as well as spermatozoa. But there were no significant differences between different groups for Sertoli cell number and seminiferous tubule diameter., Conclusion: It seems that Ag NPs have acute and significant effects on spermatogenesis and number of spermatogenic cells and also on acrosome reaction in sperm cells. More experimental investigations are necessary to elucidate better conclusion regarding the safety of nanoparticles on male reproduction system.