Background: One of the major concerns among the male reproductive health is the inability to achieve parenthood even after regular unprotected intercourse. The efficiency of the sperm selection techniques is expressed as the concen-tration of spermatozoa with normal motility. Discontinuous density gradient centrifugation (DGC) method widely used over the last decade due to effec-tiveness and reproducibility in recovering most motile sperm, which separates sperm based on their motility, size, and density differential. Glutathione act as an amino acid donor during spermatogenesis. If the levels of glutathione are too low during spermatogenesis, the number of mature and morphologically normal spermatozoa generated will be decreased. Objectives:The aim of this study was to assess the beneficial role of TAD 600mg Glutathione combined with DGC technique for activation of human sperm of asthenozoospermic, oligozoospermic and normozoospermic subjects compared with the DGC technique alone. Patients, Materials and Methods:Sixty males were involved in this study, di-vided into three groups, (twenty asthenozoospermic, Twenty oligozoospermic and twenty normozoospermic subjects)during their attendance to the Infertility Clinic at High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Tech-nologies; Al-Nahrain University. Semen samples were obtained, and seminal fluid analysis was assessed. Each semen sample was divided into three parts. The first part prepared as in vitro sperm characterization before activation, the second part using density gradient centrifugation technique, while the last part prepared using density gradient centrifugation combined with TAD 600mg Glu-tathione. Results: After in vitro sperm activation for asthenozoospermic, oligozoospermic and normozoospermic samples a significant increase was observed in the sperm function parameters including sperm concentration, motility and morphological-ly normal sperm percentage as compared to pre-activation using combined tech-niques (density gradient centrifugation and TAD 600mg Glutathione) as com-pared to DGC technique alone. Conclusions:TAD 600mg Glutathione combined to the DGC technique was found to give higher significant results on sperm function parameters (sperm concen-tration, motility and morphology) when using a low quality of semen samples such as decreased sperm motility as compared with DGC technique alone.
For successful implantation, a high-quality embryo, receptive endometrium, and tight communication between the two are required. The lack of uterine contractions during embryo transfer is one of the characteristics that greatly affects endometrial receptivity. This is because it has been observed that ET may cause uterine contractions, which may be harmful to embryonic apposition and endometrial blood flow .The aim of this study was to assess how magnesium sulfate administration on the day of embryo transfer improve sub endometrial blood flow, endometrial receptivity, and increase implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate . Eighty infertile women undergoing ART cycles participated in this prospective. Recombinant FSH (Gonal-F) was used in a controlled ovarian hyperstimulation technique. The first group A (n=40) got a 4gm infusion of magnesium sulfate, while the second placebo control group B (n=40) received 200ml of 5% glucose water as a placebo, respectively. While there were no significant changes in body mass index (BMI), endometrial thickness, number of transferred embryos, or embryo transfer day, significant variations were seen in patient mean age (p<0.001) and mean number of grades I embryo (P=0.003). It was significantly different after magnesium sulfate administration with the lowest value in magnesium sulfate group (P=0.024; P <0.001 and P <0.001 respectively). Implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate both increased after drugs administration although it was non-significant (P= 0.106 and P= 0.348 respectively). It appears that magnesium sulfate injection before to embryo transfer can significantly increase sub endometrial vascularity and endometrial receptivity and improving implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate non significantly in ICSI cycles by lowering uterine muscular
The estimation of oocyte quality in human in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an important point for the embryologists. Oocyte selection and the identification of the best oocytes may help to limit an overproduction of embryos and to improve the results of oocyte cryopreservation programs. The follicular fluid (FF) can be provided easily during oocyte pick-up and known to represents an optimal source for non-invasive biochemical predictors of oocyte quality. However, till now no substance was found to be used as reliable markers of oocyte competence to fertilization, embryo development and pregnancy. Metabolism and ATP levels within the oocyte and adjacent cumulus cells are associated with quality of oocyte and optimal development of a healthy embryo. Lipid metabolism provides a potent source of energy and its importance during oocyte maturation is being increasingly recognised. Objectives: To determine the effect of lipids (Cholesterol. Triglyceride and HDL) level in serum and follicular fluid in predicting oocyte quality, embryo quality and outcome in patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection program Patients and Methods: Fifty eight (58) infertile women with an age range 21-41 years old undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles were included in this study. Lipids (Cholesterol. TG and HDL.,) levels in serum and follicular fluid were measured by auto analyzer for biochemistry (Flexor El_200) and correlation with oocyte quality, embryo quality and ICSI outcome was done. Results: The results of this study showed no significant (p<0.05) difference in lipid levels in serum and follicular fluid between pregnant and non pregnant females as well as non significant correlation was found between lipid level in serum and follicular fluid in relation to oocyte quality and embryo quality. Conclusions: Serum and follicular fluid lipids are not good predictors of oocyte quality, embryo quality or ICSI outcome in women undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles. Accordingly, these biomarkers would be less reflective of the follicular environment and that the effect of maternal metabolic disorders on oocyte quality and fertility outcome is complex and of a multifactorial kind.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) comprises the insertion of a high number of washed and processed spermatozoa directly into the cervix to the uterine cavity around the time of ovulation to increase the chances of pregnancy. It is usually used for couples with mild male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, cervical factors, mild endometriosis, and psychological, sexual dysfunction. The endometrium, which lines the uterus, is prepared for the implantation of the embryo; this process starts in the proliferative phase and extends throughout the luteal phase. Implantation, a crucial phase of pregnancy, is a complicated process, and more than half of failures to achieve pregnancy are caused by implantation failure. To assess the influence of endometrial flushing of 1000IU hCG done prior to IUI procedure on pregnancy rate in infertile females undergoing IUI treatment. The present study was applied to 80 infertile subjected to ovarian stimulation protocol using letrozole and hMG in doses adjusted according to their response; triggering was done using subcutaneous HCG. The results of the present study showed no significant difference regarding initial characteristics, indication for IUI, basal menstrual cycle characteristics, ovarian stimulation characteristics, and semen parameters before and after processing, while there was a significant difference between both groups regarding biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates. In IUI cycles, endometrial human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) flushing done 5-10 minutes prior to IUI can improve biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates.
Obesity induces metabolic dysfunctions in bodily systems and is a significant health challenge. Excessive adipose tissue accumulation encompasses dynamic, endocrine, and biologically active processes. The fundamental pathogenic mechanism of obesity is chronic low-grade inflammation exacerbated by pro-inflammatory biomarkers such as free fatty acids, lipopolysaccharides, adipokines, and cytokines. The rising prevalence of obesity over the past forty years has led to an increase in associated comorbidities, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). To clarify the impact of increasing body mass index (BMI) in PCOS and non PCOS on the ICSI outcomes of 143 infertile Iraqi females, dividing them into two main groups: PCOS and non PCOS and each group into normal weight and overweight/obese group. Group 1= normal BMI PCOS, group 2= overweight/ obese PCOS, group 3= normal BMI non PCOS, group 4= overweight/obese non PCOS. Significant differences in ICSI outcomes were observed in the PCOS groups compared to the non-PCOS groups concerning the total number of harvested, MI, MII oocytes, GV, abnormal and fertilised oocytes, total and D3 grade I embryos alongside higher number of arrested and transplanted embryos. There are numerically higher number of D3 grade II and III embryos, morula and blastocyst with no significant difference seen. The rates of maturation and fertilisation exhibited no significant disparities. The biochemical pregnancy rate was higher in group 2 compared to group 1, and in group 4 compared to group 3, with a statistically significant difference. A higher BMI among younger PCOS individuals may be associated with better pregnancy outcomes.
Implantation failure and disorders of endometrial receptivity represent an essential cause of infertility; multiple parameters were needed to predict the uterine receptivity understanding that no sole parameter could predict the same. A score was termed as (Uterine Biophysical Profile) could be utilized as a predictor of endometrial receptivity. To evaluate the predictive potential of Uterine biophysical profile of both endometrial receptivity and pregnancy outcome in infertile women undergoing Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). The current cross-sectional study was conducted in the High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Al Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq from the 1 st of Oct. 2018 till 1 st of May 2019 involving seventy women of infertile couples with the same inclusion and exclusion criteria. Uterine biophysical profile was evaluated using a doppler ultrasound examination and then a score was calculated and correlated to pregnancy outcome. The mean Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index (UAPI) was significantly lower in women with positive pregnancy in comparison to women with negative pregnancy, 2.10±0.19 versus 2.47±0.65, respectively (P=0.032). Moreover, no women with Pulsatility Index (PI) score (0) succeeded to get pregnant and the higher the score, the higher the rate of pregnancy (P=0.006). Furthermore, Spearman correlation showed significant positive correlation between positive pregnancy outcome and UAPI (r=0.365; P= 0.002). The mean total score was significantly higher for pregnant women than in women with negative pregnancy, 18.27±1.33 versus 16.35±2.47, respectively (P= 0.005). The cutoff value was >17 with an acceptable accuracy level of 74.2. The sensitivity of that cutoff vale was 80 % and the specificity was 65.5%. Uterine artery pulsatility index and total uterine biophysical score are the principal predictors of positive pregnancy outcomes in infertile women undergoing IUI.
Phosphatidylserine (PS), exposed on viable sperm, is required for fertilization as it is recognized by specific receptors located on the microvilli of the oocyte to promote sperm: egg fusion. The heads of viable and motile sperm exhibit PS. With (PS) exposure progressively increasing during sperm transit through the epididymis. PS asymmetry on the leaflets of plasma membrane is arranged in a complex way, via multiple proteins functioning in opposite directions; further, PS is also essential for many intracellular trafficking events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phosphatidylserine PS level in seminal plasma of infertile men before and after activation using Direct Swim Up (DSU) and Indirect Swim Up (IDSU) activation method and make a comparison between them. Forty infertile men were included in this study during their attendance to the infertility clinic at High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Al-Nahrain University. Normozoospermic or mild asthenozoospermic semen samples were used to choose the cases, according to WHO manual standards (1999 -2010). The collected semen samples obtained were divided into three parts: The first part prepared was as an in vitro sperm characterization before activation while the second and third parts were after activation using direct and indirect swim up techniques respectively. The level of seminal plasma phosphatidylserine was increased after the activation techniques from the baseline level before activation. Comparison of Seminal plasma phosphatidylserine levels between direct and indirect sperm activation technique were significantly higher in direct swim up activation technique than indirect one. Phosphatidylserine (PS) in semen plasma of infertile men was significantly increased after activation using Direct Swim Up DSU preparation method.
Despite developments in assisted reproductive technology, there is immaterial progress in the implantation and pregnancy rates. Intrauterine infusion (IUIF) of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) might renew implantation rates through its paracrine properties by progression cytokines and growth factors which favor implantation. Here we determine whether the IUIF of autologous PRP had a role in pregnancy outcome through its outcome on epidermal growth factor and endometrial thickness. An overall of 43 patients where prospectively randomly dispersed into two groups subjected to a superovulation program using Letrozole® tablet orally 2.5 mg twice daily 12 hours apart from day 2 for 5 days for one cycle. 20 women were considered as control receiving the conventional intrauterine insemination (IUI) management while 23 of them were given PRP by IUIF on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin injection. The IUI was done for both groups 36-48 hours after confirming ovulation. The blood samples were collected from both groups on the day of IUI for the valuation of epidermal growth factor and an ultrasound was done on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin injection and day of IUI for assessment of endometrial thickness. The mean endometrial thickness in the PRP group at the day of IUI was significantly thicker than that of the control group and the difference in percentage change of endometrial thickness between PRP group and controls significantly higher in PRP group. The mean epidermal growth factor and the pregnancy rate were significantly superior in the PRP group than that of controls. In conclusion, autologous PRP IUIF was well-tolerated and resulted in a significant expansion in endometrial thickness, epidermal growth factor Level and, subsequent pregnancy rate in an infertile woman undergoing IUI.
Background : Bacterial vaginosis (BV)is a polymicrobial clinical syndrome re sulting from replacement of the normal hydrogen peroxide producing Lactoba cillus sp. BV is the most common lower genital tract disorder among women of reproductive age (pregnant and non-pregnant) and the most prevalent cause of vaginal discharge and malodor. Objectives: To study the role of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis on outcome in patients undergoing ICSI. Patients and Methods: This prospective study was undertaken in the High Insti tute of Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Techniques / Al-Nahrain University. During the period from September 2017 – April 2018. A total of 100 infertile women .All of them were underwent controlled ovarian hyper stimula tion for intra cytoplasmic sperm injection cycle. Antagonist oocyte maturation used as ovulation induction protocol in all the cases. Assessment of oocyte mat uration and embryo quality is done to the all the cases, bacterial vaginosis smear was collected on the day of oocyte retrieval. B.V. smear diagnosis by Amsel’s Criteria and Nugent’s Scoring. Results: TThere was no significant difference in mean age of pregnant and non-pregnant ladies, 29.40 ±6.47 years versus 30.78±6.84 years, respectively (P= 0.333).In addition the frequency of women under 35 years age was compara ble in the two groups with no statistical significant difference, 34 (79.1%) versus 33 (73.3%), respectively (P = 0.528). Wide variation and non-normal distribu tion was the role followed by the duration of infertility concerning sub-fertile women participating in this study. However, no significant difference was ob served in the duration of infertility between pregnant and non-pregnant ladies, 6.00 (5.00) years versus 6.00 (5.00) years (P = 0.289). Comparison of basal hor monal levels between pregnant and non-pregnant groups revealed no significant difference despite the presence of some minor differences in mean hormonal levels between the two groups (P> 0.05). Comparison of oocytes characteristics between pregnant and non-pregnant ladies was conducted and revealed no signif icant difference in mean total number retrieved oocyte (TNO), ruptured oocytes (RO), abnormal oocyte (AO), germinal vesicle oocyte (GV), metaphase I oocyte and metaphase II oocytes (P > 0.05), table Mean total number retrieved oocyte (TNO), ruptured oocytes (RO), abnormal oocyte (AO), germinal vesicle oocyte (GV), metaphase I oocyte and metaphase II oocytes was 10.81 ±4.95 versus
Background : Although progress was made in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) tech niques, the majority of transferred embryos fail to implant. Morphology embryo scoring is the standard procedure for most of IVF centers for choosing the best embryo, but remains limited since even the embryos classified as (top quality) may not implant. Determining molecular mechanisms of human embryo implan tation is an extremely challenging task due to the limitation of materials and significant differences underlying this process among mammalian species. L-Se lectin and its ligand carbohydrate have been proposed as a system that mediates initial adhesion of human blastocysts to the uterine epithelia. Objectives: Quantitative evaluation of soluble L-Selectin molecule in an in-vitro culture media used for in vitro fertilization. Determine cut-off value of soluble L-Selectin quantity to be as qualitative predictor of successful implantation Patients and Methods: This prospective study was undertaken in the High In stitute of Infertility diagnosis and assisted Reproductive Technologies/ Al-Nah rain University/ Baghdad/ Iraq, during the period from September2017 to April 2018.A total of 74 infertile women were underwent controlled ovarian hyper stimulation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle. Flexible antagonist pro tocol was used as ovulation induction protocol in all the cases .culture media L-Selectin level were measured on the day of embryo transfer by using Enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) for all cases . Comparison in culture me dia L-Selectin was done to all cases. Results: There was no significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant groups in age , BMI, and level of basal hormone FSH, LH , AMH and E2 in the day of hCG injection, and significant difference in the level of L-Selectin in pregnant compared to non-pregnant groups. Conclusion: Level of L-Selectin concentration in embryo culture media can be used as predictor of ICSI success
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of anovulatory infertility and is associated with an increased risk of premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surges during controlled ovarian stimulation. Progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) using Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA) has emerged as a convenient alternative to conventional gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocols. This study aimed to compare the effects of MPA-based PPOS and GnRH antagonist protocols on oocyte yield, maturation, fertilization, and embryo quality in women with PCOS undergoing ICSI . This prospective, randomized, open-label controlled clinical trial included 108 women with PCOS undergoing ICSI at the High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq, between 2023 and 2024. Participants were allocated to an MPA-based PPOS group (n=49) or a flexible GnRH antagonist group (n=59). Oocyte yield, metaphase II (MII) oocytes, fertilization rate, embryo quality, ovarian sensitivity index (OSI), gonadotropin consumption, stimulation duration, and LH profiles were evaluated.No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics or hormonal profiles between groups. The MPA group showed a numerically higher number of retrieved oocytes (20.65 ± 7.50 vs. 13.39 ± 4.41; p=0.083) and MII oocytes (15.10 ± 5.20 vs. 11.24 ± 4.12; p=0.09), although these differences were not statistically significant. Fertilization rates were comparable between groups (72.4 ± 10.6% vs. 71.2 ± 11.3%; p=0.68), as were embryo quality, OSI, gonadotropin consumption, and stimulation duration. Both protocols effectively suppressed premature LH surges without premature ovulation or cycle cancellation. MPA-based PPOS appears to be an effective and practical alternative to GnRH antagonist protocols for PCOS patients undergoing ICSI, providing comparable fertilization and embryological outcomes with effective LH suppression. Its oral administration and potential cost advantages may be particularly valuable in resource- limited ART settings.
Human peptidoglycan recognition protein-1 (PGLYRP‐1) protein molecule activation in the semen of infertile patients has been suggested to induce a negative impact on seminal fluid analysis. This study aimed to evaluate Human Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein 1 for indication of bad seminal fluid analysis parameters. One hundred seventy-six infertile patients were included in this study. Seminal fluid analysis and Endtz test were done; Human Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein 1 in seminal plasma using enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay technology PGLYRP‐1 is evident in seminal plasma of infertile men and statistically different according to the type of infertility. The concentration of PGLYRP-1 in the semen is directly proportional to the presence of leukocytes (Endtz test), which is reflected negatively on the quality of the semen. To the best of our knowledge, this study has not been done in Iraq or elsewhere. The presence of PGLYRP-1 protein in the semen may be evidence of leukocytospermia that may be related to bad quality for semen across infertile men with higher sensitivity than the Endtz test.