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Summary: The present study was performed to investigate the relation of Chlamydia trachomatis infection to sperm chromatin/DNA integrity in a population of infertile men (male partner of infertile couples) from Iran. Blood, semen and first‐void urine samples were obtained from 250 infertile men. Data were analysed with regard to the results of (i) serological analysis for specific antibodies to C. trachomatis in serum; (ii) the presence of C. trachomatis and DNA in first‐void urine; and (iii) in the semen sample of the male partner, in addition to sperm analysis, four different tests (aniline blue, chromomycin A3, acridine orange and TUNEL) were used to detect sperm chromatin and DNA abnormalities. The main conclusions of the results were: (i) no evidence of C. trachomatis infection in semen samples was found; (ii) sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin studies were not correlated with C. trachomatis diagnosis; (iii) the percentage of DNA fragmentation is positively correlated with the percentage of immotile sperm but negatively with semen volume, normal morphology; and (iv) in sperm chromatin evaluations, only the percentage of chromatin protamination was related to male age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Globozoospermia is a severe form of teratozoospermia with low incidence in infertile patients, considered as one of the important causes of male infertility. The objective was to investigate the chromatin/DNA integrity as well as apoptosis in ejaculated spermatozoa of cases with partial or total globozoospermia. Fifty‐seven semen samples were divided into three groups of partial globozoospermia (n = 17), total globozoospermia (n = 10) and normozoospermia (control; n = 30). Sperm chromatin condensation, DNA integrity and apoptosis were assessed using cytochemical assays. The results showed significant differences in sperm parameters of count and motility between two case groups versus controls. The percentages of spermatozoa with abnormal chromatin packaging and protamine deficiency were significantly higher in total and partial globozoospermic men compared to normozoospermic samples. Also, the rates of TUNEL‐positive spermatozoa were significantly increased in both globozoospermic cases with respect to the control (18.3 ± 10.1 and 12.3 ± 9.2 versus 5.9 ± 3 respectively). However, no significant differences were noticed between two subgroups of patients with regard to sperm DNA denaturation, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. Abnormal chromatin packaging, DNA damage and apoptosis were significantly higher in cases than controls. The sperm chromatin/DNA anomalies may be considered as one of the main aetiology of ART failure in globozoospermic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have given conflicting results about the effect of generally infection and Chlamydia trachomatis on seminal ILs and semen parameters. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between semen quality and the level of seminal interleukins ( ILs) in infertile couples with C. trachomatis. Blood, first void urine ( FVU) and semen were obtained from 250 infertile men who had failed to conceive after 12 months of trying. Serological analysis for specific IgA, IgM and IgG antibodies to C. trachomatis in serum, the presence of C. trachomatis in FVU and semen sample and semen analysis were carried out. The main results are as follows: (i) elevated IL-6 and IL-8 are observed in C. trachomatis-positive men, but this is not significant and it varies by diagnostic method; and (ii) IL-6 and IL-8 levels were correlated with each other and the concentration of leucocytes, but IL-8 was correlated with semen volume and patient's age. This study showed that men with such an infection in FVU samples ( PCR positive) had only lower semen volume compared with men without infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work considers transient electrothermal simulation of sub-micrometer silicon device and electron-phonon interactions in electrical and thermal fields. A coupled thermal and electrical model is developed for a silicon n+-n-n+ structure consisting of the hydrodynamic equations for electron transport and energy conservation equations for phonon. The results indicate that, for one electric field the lattice temperature gradient has significant effect on the magnitude of electric current. The transient phonon temperature affects the device performance due to the change of mobility and gradient temperature of electron. At an external voltage of 0.1 V, calculations show that an increase in the junction boundary temperature by 100 °C, cause increasing the drain current by 16% at 3 picosecond and decreases it by 17% up to steady state condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sperm chromatin condensation is a complex process. During this process 85% of histones are replaced by protamines. Protamine deficiency has a negative impact on male fertility, fertilization and early embryonic development. The main goal was to evaluate the rate of spermatozoa with residual histones in a large community of infertile patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 1394 men referred to andrology laboratory during 5 years (2008-2013), were divided into two groups. 1044 men who had abnormal sperm parameters were considered as case and 350 normozoospermic men as normal groups. Semen analysis was performed according to WHO guidelines. Sperm chromatin integrity was assessed using Acidic Aniline Blue (AAB) assay. Results: The rate of AB-reacted spermatozoa were significantly higher in case group compared to the normal group (54.29±19.12 vs. 49.78± 18.32, respecfively, p<0.0001). There was a negative correlation between progressive motility, normal morphology and AB-reacted spermatozoa in infertile patients (Pearson correlation= -0.24, p<0.0001 and Pearson correlation= -0.22, p<0.0001, respectively). Conclusion: The infertile men with abnormal semen parameters showed a higher proportion of sperm cells with residual histones and immature chromatin than those men with normal semen indices. Therefore, it seems evaluation of sperm DNA/chromatin integrity could be regarded as a part of male infertility work-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is estimated that male factor infertility consists 15% of infertility cases in reproductive age. Globozoospermia is a severe form of teratozoospermia, with very low incidence in normal population which is characterized by round sperm head and lack of acrosome. The aim of present study was to evaluate the semen parameters and chromatin integrity of ejaculated spermatozoa in globozoospermic patients. Materials and Methods: Semen samples were obtained from nineteen patients with globozoospermia which were referred to andrology laboratory during a three years period. Semen analysis was carried out according to WHO criteria. Papanicolaou staining was applied to assess sperm morphology. Sperm chromatin integrity was assessed using Aniline Blue (AB) and Toluidine Blue (TB) assays. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS and the data were showed as mean± SD. Results: The mean semen volume of patients was 2.8±1.4 ml. Sperm count and normal sperm morphology were 54.3±36.7 (mil/ml) and 0.2±0.7 (%), respectively. The progressive motility was also 22.6±16.8 (%) in these patients. Regarding sperm chromatin structure, our data showed the high levels of AB and TB positive spermatozoa in globozoospermic men (81.3±12.3 and 78.1±16, respectively). Conclusion: The results showed that sperm count does not impair by globozoospermia but sperm motility and morphology were lower than the standard values. AB and TB tests showed that globozoosperm samples may have high rate of sperm with less chromatin condensation. It seems that ART treatment failure in these patients may be a result of sperm chromatin/DNA anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Globozoospermia is a severe form of teratozoospermia with very low incidence in infertile patients that is characterized by round sperm head and lack of acrosome. It's considered as one of the important causes of male infertility which the success rate in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles is also low. The goal was to compare the semen parameters and chromatin/DNA integrity as well as apoptosis in ejaculated spermatozoa between globozoospermic and normozoospermic men. Materials and Methods: In total 57 men were divided into two groups including globozoospermic (n=27) and normozoospermic men as controls (n=30). Semen analysis was performed according to WHO criteria (2010). Sperm chromatin condensation and DNA integrity were assessed using cytochemical tests including: Aniline blue (AB), Toluidine blue (TB), Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) and Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) for chromatin compaction and Acridine orange (AO), Sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) and TUNEL assays for DNA structure and apoptosis detection. Results: There were significant differences regarding sperm count, motility and normal morphology between two groups. The percentage of abnormal chromatin packaging/ DNA integrity (using AB, TB, AO and SCD tests) was significantly higher in globozoospermic men compared to normozoospermic samples. The rate of spermatozoa with protamine deficiency (CMA3+) showed an increase in golobozoospermic patients when comparison with controls (63.59±13.29 vs. 24.17±9.5, respectively, pO.OOOl). it should be noted that in SDS test, we didn't any significant difference between groups. But, the rate of TUNEL positive spermatozoa were significantly increased in globozoospermic cases respect to the controls (14.81±9.91 vs. 5.95± 3.02, respectively, p<0.0001). There was no significant correlation between sperm DNA denaturation, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis in globozoospermic men. Our data showed significant correlation between single strand DNA (AO+) and progressive motility (p=0.036). Conclusion: The rate of spermatozoa with abnormal chromatin packaging, DNA damage and apoptosis were significantly higher in globozoospermic samples than normal fertile men. Elowever, the sperm chromatin/ DNA anomalies may be considered as one of the main etiologies of ART failure in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is estimated that about 50% of spontaneous abortion might have preventable causes. The main goal of this study was to compare concentration of ROS in seminal fluid between RPL and fertile groups. Materials and Methods: In this case control study we selected 28 men with history of RPL who were referred to our clinic and 27 fertile men who had normal sperm parameters and also had a child one year as case and control groups, respectively. Makler chamber and phase contrast microscopy at ×200 magnification was used for evaluation of sperm count, sperm motility and morphology. Evaluation of ROS was done by chemilumine scence assay. Independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the data between groups. Results: There was insignificant difference between age of men in case and control groups (mean± SD: 31.7±4.8 and 34.4±5.4, respectively). Sperm count, motility and morphology were comparative in both groups with no significant differences. Although the ROS level showed the increasing trend in the case group compared to controls (median (min-max): 126.5(10-785) and 49.6(7-658), respectively) but the difference was insignificant. Conclusion: Our data showed that the ROS level may have increased level in RPL cases. More studies are needed to elucidate the probable role of ROS in etiology of RPL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chlamydia trachomatis stimulates both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. White blood cells produce inflammatory cytokines in response to foreign antigens including pathogens and chronic inflammation. Given the knowledge that infections may play a causative role in male infertility and male factor is a cause of infertility in 50% of cases, the hypothesis that increasing interleukin levels in seminal plasma correlates negatively with semen parameters in infertile men was tested. Materials and Methods: The impact of C. trachomatis DNA and antibodies in the male partners of infertile couples and related this to semen FVU samples were examined for C. trachomatis DNA using PCR. Serum samples from 250 men were examined for serum C. trachomatis IgG and IgA and IgM using an immunofluorescence assay. Semen samples were examined for semen analysis, TUNEL assay and interleukins. Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed by the TUNEL assay and levels of ILs were determined by ELISA. Results: 45 men were positive for C. trachomatis IgG, 3 for IgM but none were positive for IgA. Concentration of semen leucocytes were correlated with levels of IL-6 (p=0.012). IL-8 levels were negatively correlated with semen volume (p=0.013) and positively correlated with male age (p=0.039) and concentration of seminal leucocytes (p=0.001).Semen pH and level of IL-6 was significantly higher in the IgG positive men (p=0.056; p=0.055) whereas semen volume was significantly lower (p=0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the seminal interleukin levels might be a sensitive and useful marker of silent infection/inflammation of the male genital tract. Since there is no correlation between male age and semen volume, reduced semen volume must be caused by accessory glands infection without damage to sperm or spermatogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICS1) is an assisted reproductive technique for treatment of infertility in azoospermic men. It seems that pregnancy outcome in ICSI following percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) is better than using testicular sperm retrieving from testis due to greater motility and better morphology of epididymal spermatozoa. To determine clinical pregnancy outcome following ICSI with epididymal sperm comparing to that of testicular sperm in men with azoospermia. Materials and Methods: 60 men with azoospermia who were candidate for ICSI have been selected. Sperm retrieval was performed using PESA (n=30) or testicular sperm extraction (TESE) (n=30). The number of embryos and live births were analyzed and evaluated between two mentioned groups and also thawed sperms after freezing in TESE group (n=30). Results: No difference was seen in age and duration of infertility between groups. The number of embryos were not different significantly between TESE and PESA groups (p>0.05), but the different was significant between PESA and TESE freeze groups (3.67±2.89 vs. 2.10±1.53 respectively; p<0.05). The live birth rate was higher in the PESA group compared with the TESE group p<0.05). Conclusion: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection using sperm from epididymis is more effective than testicular sperm injection and can successfully be performed to treat men with azoospermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chlamydia trachomatis stimulates both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Given the knowledge that infections may play a causative role in male infertility and male faetor is a cause of infertility in 50% of cases, the hypothesis that increasing interleukin levels in seminal plasma correlates negatively with semen parameters in infertile men was tested. Materials and Methods: The impact of C. trachomatis DNA and antibodies in the male partners of infertile couples and related this to semen FVU samples were examined for C. trachomatis DNA using PCR. Serum samples from 250 men were examined for serum C. trachomatis IgG and IgA and IgM using an immunotluorescence assay. Semen samples were examined for semen analysis & interleukins. Levels of ILs were determined by ELISA. Results: 45 men were positive for C. trachomatis IgG, 3 for IgM but none were positive for IgA. Concentration of semen leucocytes were correlated with levels of IL-6 (p=0.012). IL-8 levels were negatively eorrelated with semen volume (p=0.013) and positively correlated with male age (p=0.039) and concentration of seminal leucocytes (p=0.001). Semen PH and level of IL-6 was significantly higher in the IgG positive men (p=0.056; p=0.055) whereas semen volume was significantly lower (p=0.001). Conclusion: Seminal interleukin levels might be a sensitive and useful marker of silent infection/inflammation of the male genital tract. Since there is no correlation between male age and semen volume, reduced semen volume must be caused by accessory glands infection without damage to sperm or spermatogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is anassisted reproductive technique for treatment of infertilify in azoospermicmen. It seems that pregnancy outcome in ICSI following percutaneous epididymalspermaspiration (PESA) is better than using testicular sperm retrieving from testis due to greater motility and befter morphology of epididymal spermatozoa. The objective was to determine clinical pregnancy outcome following ICSIwith epididymalspermcomparing to that of testicularspermin men with azoospermia. Materials and Methods: Sixty men with azoospermia who were candidate of ICSI selected. Sperm retrieval by PESA (n=30) or testicularspermextraction (TESE) (n=30) was performed. The number of embryos and live births were analyzed and evaluated. Results: No difference was seen in age and duration of infertility between groups. The number of embryos were notdifferent signiflcantly in two groups (3.14±2.28 vs. 3.67±2.89 p>0.05). However the live birth rate was higher in the PESA group compared with the TESE group (70.2% vs. 40%; p<0.05). Conclusion: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection using sperm from epididymis is more effective than testicular sperm injection and can successfully be performed to treat men with azoospermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is estimated that about 50% of causes of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) cases remain unknown. Sperm factors are suggested to have probable role in cases with RPL. The goal was to determine the possible relationship between semen bacterial contaminations with unexplained RPL. Also, the correlation between number of bacterial colony and sperm chromatin condensation was examined. Materials and Methods: This study consisted of 30 fertile men (group A) and 30 infertile men (group B) with unknown RPL in their wives. Semen collection and analysis were done according to WHO manuals. Sperm count and motility were evaluated by Makler chamber. Eosin-Nigrosin and Papanicolaou staining methods were applied for viability and morphology assessment, respectively. The semen samples from both groups were cultured for aerobic bacteria. Aniline blue (AB) and toluidine blue (TB) staining methods were applied for evaluating sperm chromatin condensation. Results: The numbers of colonies were significantly higher in group B when compared to group A. Also, S. aureus and E. coli contaminations showed significant differences between two groups. Both AB+ and TB+ sperm cells showed significant increase in group B compared to group A. There was a significant negative correlation between colony number and progressive motility (p=0.01), and sperm viability (p=0.007). In addition, positive correlations were found between colony number and AB+ (p=0.001) and TB+ (p=0.004) as well. Conclusion: Bacterial contaminations in semen of men from RPL couples had significantly higher levels when compared to fertile controls. Presence of microorganisms in semen may be correlated with irregular sperm parameters and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acrylamide (AA) is a chemically reactive substance used in various industries. Recently, acrylamide was discovered in a variety of human foods including heat-processed starchy foods such as potato chips and bread. AA is able to induce sperm damage in male mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 male Wistar rats of 28 days of age were divided in to five groups: Acrylamide, Acrylamide+ Vitamin C, Acrylamide+ Glycyrrhiza glabra, Acrylamide+ Vitamin C+ Glycyrrhiza glabra and Control. All treatments were administered (oral Acrylamide 10 mg/kg, Vitamin C 200 mg/kg and Glycyrrhiza glabra 150 mg/kg) daily for two months. Thereafter, the cauda epididymis of each rat was dissected and placed in 1 mL of pre-warm Ham's F10 culture medium for 30 min. The swim-out spermatozoa were analyzed for count, motility, morphology and viability. Results: The results showed that almost all of the sperm parameters except non progressive motility were significantly different between groups (p=0.001). Also, the mean of sperm parameters in Acrylamide+ Vitamin C+ Glycyrrhiza glabra group was higher than other groups. Conclusion: This study showed that the coadministration of vitamin C and Glycyrrhiza glabra as antioxidant can reduce the detrimental effects of acrylamide on sperm parameters in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It is shown that hypertension may affect androgens. The role of blood pressure on sperm parameters is matter of debate. The main goal was to evaluate the probable association between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and sperm parameters. Materials and Methods: Semen Sample of men (aged; 27-45 years old) from 40 infertile cases who were attended at Yazd research and clinical center for infertility work-up. Subjects with history of varicocele as well as advanced age and smokers were excluded from the study. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure of men was taken. Semen analysis was done according to WHO guidelines. Sperm count and motilify was assessed using Makler chamber. Papanicoula staining method was applied for evaluation of sperm morphology. Results: The mean age of men was 31.5±4.1. The data showed that there is a significant positive correlation between systolic blood pressure and sperm count (Pearson Correlation; 0.3, p=0.049) and progressive motility (Pearson Correlation; 0.3, p=0.02). There was insigniflcant correlation between systolic blood pressure and total motility and normal sperm morphology as well. No any signiflcant correlations were found between diastolic blood pressure and sperm parameters. Conclusion: It seems that cardiovascular system may affect male reproductive system via alteration in testicular vessels. More studies are required to draw final conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vitrification is a new method that has been recently introduced in ART. This study investigated the ability of patient's seminal fluid and artificial seminal fluid against cryo damage. These media were compared with routine medium (HTF supplemented with sucrose). Materials and Methods: Spermatozoa were isolated using the swim-up procedure performed using three different media: (a) HTF with 5% HSA and 0.25 M sucrose; (b) patient seminal fluid; (c) artificial seminal fluid. From each group, 30 ul suspensions of cells were dropped directly into liquid nitrogen and stored for at least 24 h. Cells were thawed by quick submerging the spheres in base medium (group a and b in HTF; group c in artificial seminal fluid) at 37°C with gentle agitation. Both sperm motility and viability were assessed pre-and post- vitrification. Motility was categorized into fast and slow (progressive), non- and immotile spermatozoa. Results: Viability of spermatozoa was not different significantly in three vitrified groups. The numbers of progressive motile spermatozoa were similar in three vitrified groups. But, fast progressive motile sperms were significantly higher in patients' seminal fluid and artificial seminal fluid (36.2±12.7 and 34.06±8.8, respectively), when compared with HTF supplemented with sucrose (18.4±9.2). Conclusion: Vitrification of human spermatozoa with patients' seminal fluid and artificial seminal fluid can effectively preserve the quality of motility in comparison with routine procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Varicocele is associated with impaired testicular function and male infertility, but the molecular mechanisms by which fertility is affected have not been satisfactorily explained. It has been demonstrated that patients with varicocele have a sperm DNA fragmentation index and anomalies than healthy fertile men. Protamines play an important role in DNA packaging within the sperm nucleus. In order to evaluate the association of PRM1, PRM2 and protamine deficiency in sperm of varicocele patients, this study was conducted. Materials and Methods: In a case control study, 110 infertile men patients with varicocele and 105 controls were recruited. PRM1 and PRM2 gene mutations in extracted DNA samples, were assessed by PCR-denature polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and then by DNA sequencing. The relationship between gene variations and semen parameters/ protamine deficiency was evaluated. Results: The results showed that sperm count, total motility (grades "a" and "b" and "c"), progressive motility (grades "a" and "b"), non-progressive motility and sperm morphology were significantly different between control group without gene mutation and varicocele group who had different gene variations (p<0.05). With regard to CM A3 test, the protamine deficiency was significantly higher in varicocele patients than controls (p<0.05). Conclusion: our results showed that PRM1 and PRM2 variations in varicocele patients are related to the production of spermatozoa with poor quality and more protamine deficiency. The latter may consider as one of the possible mechanisms of infertility due to varicocele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: An important factor involved in infertility is reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can damage sperm DNA, and involve lipid per-oxidation. ROS elevation is under the influence of leukocyte activation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of ROS as well as leukocyte, in normozoospermic (NO) and ologoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) ejaculates. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 75 individuals who were referred to the Research and Clinical Center, regarding infertility in Yazd, for semen analysis. Fifty (50) out of Seventy-Five (75) men were NO, and the remaining was OAT. ROS was measured with laminator, while leukocyte concentration was analyzed with the ENDTZ test Results: The results showed that ROS levels in OAT was significantly higher compared with NO (1253.49±200.95 vs. 75.64±149.52; P=0.00). Furthermore, men with OAT were divided into 2 groups, with sperm morphology and motility >5% and <5%. In group >5%, ROS level was significantly higher than the group with <5% (3627.55±407.79 vs. 81.29±100.48; P=0.007). In addition, leukocyte concentration in NO was 0.07±0.22×106 while it was 0.12±0.20×106 in OAT samples; P0.35). Conclusion: The results indicate although ROS is present in normal seminal samples, it is significantly higher in OAT. This shows the vital role of antioxidants, which may improve the sperm quality. Further clinical studies will pinpoint the antioxidant capacity in improving the seminal contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine debris and trace metals are among the common environmental contaminants known to affect marine organisms. In this study, the quantitative and qualitative aspects of marine debris levels and bioaccumulation of trace metals (Cadmium: Cd; Copper: Cu; Lead: Pb; and Zinc: Zn) were investigated in 42 green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) stranded on the northern coast of the Sea of Oman. The greatest quantity of debris was found in the intestine, stomach, and esophagus of the animals, respectively. Results of a Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) subcategory analysis of the ingested debris showed that sheet and thread-like plastics were the most frequently detected debris followed by various rubbish. The results revealed that white-colored debris were the most common debris, followed by black > green > blue > transparent > and brown ones. The results suggested that the rope monofilament was the main source of the ingested debris by the green sea turtles. Concentrations of the trace metals in the liver, kidney, and muscle ranged between 0.66-33.43, 0.36-15.12, and 0.33-7.47 μg/g (ww), respectively. The results of this study suggest that ingested marine debris and tissue concentrations of trace metals are present at levels that may cause sublethal effects on green sea turtles (C. mydas) through potentially affecting the physiological processes and making the turtles susceptible to other natural or human threats. Results indicated that the green sea turtles from the northern coast of the Sea of Oman have high interaction with the marine debris. These factors are considered as a serious threat to the existence and survival of the green sea turtles (C. mydas) living on the northern coast of the Sea of Oman.

Background: Male infertility is defined as a man lost his ability to fertilize a fertile female naturally. Diagnosis of male infertility cannot be made just according to basic semen analysis. It is necessity to have specific tests for evaluation of chromatin integrity. In this study, an attempt was made to evaluate the sperm chromatin quality in fertile men and infertile subgroup., Methods: Among 1386 couples, 342 men were categorized into normospermia and 1044 were infertile and they were referred to Yazd Research and Clinical Center for infertility treatment. Standard semen analysis and sperm nuclear maturity tests including aniline blue (AB) and toluidine blue (TB) staining were done. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. The p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: The mean value of TB staining was significantly higher in infertile group compared to normospermic group (p=0.005). Mean of sperm normal morphology was lower in idiopathic infertile men in comparison with normozoospermic men (p= 0.001). The highest negative correlation was obtained between sperm count and AB staining. Progressive motility was negatively correlated with AB and TB staining in both groups but there was no significant difference between AB staining and progressive motility in men normospermia group., Conclusion: Sperm chromatin staining using AB and TB showed a negative association between sperm chromatin condensation with sperm count, normal morphology and progressive motility. It seems that the AB and TB test may be useful for the assessment of male fertility potential., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest The authors have no financial or nonfinancial conflicts of interest.

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., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper.

Background: About 10% to 15% of infertile men have azoospermia, which could be obstructive or non-obstructive. Diagnostic biopsy from the testis and recently testicular sperm extraction (TESE) are the most precise investigations in these patients. Testicular biopsy can be done unilaterally or bilaterally. The worth of unilateral or bilateral testicular biopsy in men with azoospermia is controversial., Objective: To evaluate the necessity of bilateral diagnostic biopsy from the testis in new era of diagnosis and treatment of male infertility., Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, we reviewed the results of testis biopsy in 419 azoospermic men, referred to Yazd Research and Clinical Center for Infertility from 2009-2013. Patients with known obstructive azoospermia were excluded from the study., Results: In totally, 254 infertile men (60.6%) were underwent unilateral TESE, which in 175 patients (88.4%) sperm were extracted from their testes successfully. Bilateral testis biopsy was done in 165 patients (39.4%) which in 37 patients (22.4%), sperm were found in their testes tissues., Conclusion: Due to the low probability of positive bilateral TESE results especially when we can't found sperm in the first side, we recommend that physicians re-evaluate the risk and benefit of this procedure in era of newer and more precise technique of sperm retrieval like micro TESE.

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.

Pesticide accumulates in aquatic ecosystems and exerts toxic effects on aquatic animals. In this study, stress parameters and tissue histopathology under acute diazinon exposure were investigated in fish, scat (Scatophagus argus). Spotted scat was exposed to different diazinon concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30 μg L(-1)) for 24, 48, 72, 96 h. Cortisol and glucose levels showed a significant increase after exposure to different diazinon concentration with increase in exposure time. The electrolytes (K(+), Cl(-), Ca(2+), Na(+)) and glucose were differentially affected during the exposure to diazinon. Gill and kidney tissues showed many histopathological changes in diazinon-exposed fish. These results suggest that the release of spotted scat (S. argus) into the diazinon-contaminated regions may alter their physiology and jeopardize their survival.

The stocks of Caspian roach (Rutilus rutilus), an economically important species in the Caspian Sea, are depleting. Each year millions of artificially produced fingerlings of this species are restocked in the mouth of rivers of the Southern Caspian Sea (e.g. Qare Soo River), where they are exposed to pesticides originating from regional rice and orchard fields. This early exposure to pesticides could affect the hypo-osmoregulatory ability of juvenile fish. Thus, in this study, Caspian roach fingerlings were exposed to environmentally-relevant concentrations of the organophosphate insecticide diazinon for 96 h in fresh water and then transferred to diazinon-free brackish water (BW) for another 96 h. We report that cortisol and glucose levels were significantly increased in all diazinon treatments at all sampling time points in comparison to the control group. Moreover, the thyroid hormone levels of TSH, T4, and T3 significantly decreased in diazinon-exposed fish even after the transfer to BW. The electrolytes were differentially affected during the exposure to diazinon and after the transfer to BW. The number of chloride cells in the gill tissue was significantly increased during diazinon exposure at the higher concentrations and decreased to control levels after transfer to BW. Finally, gill and kidney tissues showed many histopathological changes in diazinon-exposed fish even after 240 h in BW. These results suggest that the release of Caspian roach fingerlings into the diazinon-contaminated Caspian Sea regions may alter their physiology and jeopardize their survival, which could lead to a failure in rebuilding the Caspian roach stocks in the Caspian Sea., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Male are involved in near 50% of cases of infertility and reactive oxygen species (ROS) playing an important role in decreasing fertility potential. Accurate measurement of ROS seems to be important in evaluation of infertile male patients., Objective: To compare ROS measurement in neat and washed semen samples of infertile men and define the best method for evaluation of ROS in these patients., Materials and Methods: We measured the level of ROS in semen samples of thirty five non-azoospermic men with infertility. The semen samples were divided into two parts and the semen parameters and ROS levels in neat and washed samples were evaluated. We also evaluated the presence of pyospermia using peroxidase test., Results: The differences regarding sperm count and quick motility were significant in neat and washed semen samples. The mean ROS level was significantly higher in neat samples compared with washed spermatozoa (7.50 RLU vs. 1.20 RLU respectively). Difference in ROS levels was more significant in patients with pyospermia compared to whom with no pyospermia (378.67 RLU vs. 9.48 RLU respectively)., Conclusion: Our study confirmed that neat or unprocessed samples are better index of normal oxidative status of semen samples. Because we do not artificially add or remove factors that may play an important role in oxidative equilibrium status.

It is known, that long decrease in gastric secretion leads to the development of hypergastrinemia, dysbiosis and to pathological changes in digestive organs. Very important there is a search of ways to correction of these undesirable consequences. Long-term usage of omeprazole leads to metabolic disorders in periodontium tissues and salivary glands, such as development of NO-ergic system disbalance and activation of free-radical oxidation, that are positively corrected by multiprobiotic of new generation "Symbiter acidophilic".

Background: It is estimated that about 50% of causes of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) cases remain unknown. Sperm factors are suggested to have probable role in cases with RPL., Objective: The goal was to determine the possible relationship between semen bacterial contaminations with unexplained RPL. Also, the correlation between number of bacterial colony and sperm chromatin condensation was examined., Materials and Methods: This study consisted of 30 fertile men (group A) and 30 infertile (group B) men with unknown RPL. Semen collection and analysis were done according to WHO manuals. Sperm count and motility were evaluated by Makler chamber. Eosin-Nigrosin and Papanicolaou staining methods were applied for viability and morphology assessment, respectively. The semen samples from both groups were cultured for aerobic bacteria. Aniline blue (AB) and toluidine blue (TB) staining methods were applied for evaluating sperm chromatin condensation., Results: The numbers of colonies were significantly higher in group B when compared to group A. Also, S. aureus and E. coli contaminations showed significant differences between two groups. Both AB+ and TB+ sperm cells showed significant increase in group B compared to group A. There was a significant negative correlation between colony number and progressive motility (p=0.01), and sperm viability (p=0.007). In addition, positive correlations were found between colony number and AB(+) (p=0.001) and TB+ (p=0.004) as well., Conclusion: Bacterial contaminations in semen of men from RPL couples had significantly higher levels when compared to fertile controls. Presence of microorganisms in semen may be correlated with irregular sperm parameters and quality.

Background: About 15% of couples have infertility problems which 40% of them are related to the male factors. Genetic factors are candidate for about 10% of male infertility conditions. Among these, AZFa, AZFb, AZFc and AZFd regions on the Yq are considered most important for spermatogenesis. Microdeletions of these regions are thought to be involved in some cases of azoospermic or oligospermic infertile men., Objective: We studied the prevalence of AZF microdeletions among Iranian infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia and oligospermia., Materials and Methods: A total of 50 Iranian azoospermic and oligospermic infertile men were selected for case group and 50 men with normal spermogram as control group. The molecular study of Y chromosome microdeletions was done by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) method by using of 13 sequence tagged site (STS) markers from AZF region., Results: Four (8%) patients showed Y chromosome microdeletions among case group, deletion in AZFc region was the most frequent (80%) followed by AZFb (20%), in AZFa and AZFd region we did not detect any deletions. No deletion was detected in control group; the ratio of Y chromosome microdeletion in azoospermic men was higher than this ratio in oligospermic men [19% (3/16) among azoospermic men and 3% (1/34) among oligospermics]. Serum FSH level in men with microdeletions was higher than this level in men with no deletions (p=0.034)., Conclusion: Because of relatively high prevalence of microdeletions on the long arm of Y chromosome among Iranian azoospermic and oligospermic patients, screening of this microdeletion may be advised to infertile men particularly azoospermic and oligospermic men before using assisted reproductive treatments.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of cord injury on (1) sperm parameters and (2) DNA chromatin status., Design: Case-control study., Setting: Data were collected from men referred to Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd, Iran., Participants: Thirty infertile men with the presence of any level of spinal cord injury (SCI) were compared with 30 healthy donors with definite fertility and normal sperm parameters., Interventions: Not applicable., Outcome Measures: Sperm chromatin integrity was assessed using aniline blue (AB), chromomycin A3 (CMA3), toluidine blue (TB), and acridine orange (AO) assays. The rate of apoptotic spermatozoa was evaluated with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) staining., Results: Sperm concentration, motility, and morphology in men with SCI were significantly decreased compared with control group (P < 0.05). In addition, with regard to cytochemical staining and TUNEL test, the rate of reacted spermatozoa was increased significantly in SCI group when compared with the controls (P < 0.05). The majority of AB, TB, AO, and CMA3-reacted spermatozoa were higher than the "cut-off" value in men with SCI, as were the number of apoptotic spermatozoa stained with TUNEL., Conclusion: Results showed that SCI disturbs sperm parameters, nuclear maturity, and DNA integrity of spermatozoa. Therefore, the production of spermatozoa with less condensed chromatin and more apoptotic rate increases after cord injury and this may be one possible cause of infertility following SCI.