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Background & Objective: Insufficient mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells and delayed engraftment are reported in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). The aim if this study was to identify and introduce predictive factors for mobilization and engraftment. Materials & Methods: The participants include AHSCT candidates. Pre-apheresis CD34+ cells and CD34+ count per kilogram (CD34+ CPK) in the apheresis products were assessed by flow cytometry. There were other parameters connected to platelet and neutrophil engraftment as well as mobilization by granulocyte-stimulating growth factor (G-CSF). Univariate, multivariate, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used in the statistical study. Results: The predictive value of CD34+ CPK for platelet engraftment was fair (AUC: 76.9%) with the cut-off of 3.5×106 , while it was poor for neutrophil engraftment (AUC: 64.4%) with the cut-off of 3.4×106. The multiple-variate analysis demonstrated that age and CD34+ CPK were positively correlated with platelet engraftment (pvalues less than 0.01 and 0.005, respectively), while CD34+ CPK and total dose of infused G-CSF (TDIG) were associated with neutrophil engraftment (p-values: 0.03). In high rates, the TDIG correlated negatively with CD34+ CPK, CD34+ cell counts in pre-apheresis peripheral blood samples, and total engraftment, indicating negative effects of high and long-term doses of G-CSF on mobilization and engraftment. Conclusion: The management of AHSCT will be more efficient by considering the age, CD34+ CPK, and TDIG. For enhanced engraftment, adjusting the G-CSF injection days for <4 days and total dose of G-CSF on <4000 micrograms are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The impaired functions of granulosa cells (GCs) in the delayed development and immaturity of oocytes have been reported in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOs). Even with ovarian stimulation, a large number of oocytes in these patients are still in the stage germinal vesicle (GV). Objective: The levels of Smad2/3, phosphorylated Smad2/3 (P-Smad2/3), the expression of SARA, Smad4, and SMURF2 genes in the GCs surrounding metaphase II (MII) or GV oocytes in PCOs women were investigated. Materials and Methods: GCs of MII and GV oocytes were isolated from 38 women with PCOs and the expression levels of SARA, Smad4, and SMURF2 in surrounding GCs of MII and GV oocytes were determined using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Also, Smad2/3 and P-Smad2/3 proteins were determined using western blotting. Results: The expression level of SMURF2 was significantly higher in GCs surrounding GV oocytes compared with that of GCs encompassing MII oocytes (p < 0.001). At the same time, no significant differences were observed in SARA and Smad4 expression levels in GCs surrounding GV and MII oocytes. A lower level of P-Smad2/3 was also found in GCs GV oocytes compared with GCs of MII oocytes (p < 0.001). Conclusion: It seems that P-Smad2/3 plays a role in oocyte development, and the downregulation of this protein is associated with a defect in the maturation of GV oocytes. On the other hand, the upregulation of the SMURF2 gene also affects the growth process of GCs and the maturation of GV oocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]