Background: Many studies found that the Glycyrrhiza glabra (G.glabra) showed a positive effect on the activation of sperm in vitro specifically improve the activity of progressive movement. However, it was not known the impact of this stimulant on the certain sperms parameters in vasal obstructive mammals. Objectives: This experiment was designed to examine the possibility of fertilization ova by epididymal sperm of vasectomized mice activated by G. glabra and study the early embryonic development, as a model for obstructive azoospermia. Methods: Glycyrrhiza glabra aqueous extract (0.3 mg/ml culture medium) was used for in vitro direct sperm activation technique. The superovulated female mice (SUO) were divided into two groups, the first group; the insemination of flushed ova was performed with epididymal sperm of vasectomized male mice activated by adding30% of G. glabra to the culture medium (treated group).While the second group,the ova were inseminated by epididymal sperm of vasectomized male mice activated by G. glabra - free medium (control). Results: This study showed a highly significant (P <0.01) improvement in certain sperm function parameters i.e the sperm forward movement, morphologically normal sperms (MAS). There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in fertilization rate (FR) of SUO mice oocyte using 30% G. glabra medium(75.84%) compared to G. glabraFree medium (Hams -F12 medium) alone (54.43%).By adding 30% G. glabra to the medium, the number of 3-cell and 4-cell embryonic stage of SUO mice was significantly (P <0.05) higher than that of grouping G. glabra- Free medium mice embryo(62.10% and 65.78% vs. 58.88 and 66.29%, respectively). Conclusion: This study showed a highly significant (P <0.01) improvement in certain sperm function parameters i.e the sperm forward movement, morphologically normal sperms (MAS). There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in fertilization rate (FR) of SUO mice oocyte using 30% G. glabra medium(75.84%) compared to G. glabraFree medium (Hams-F12 medium) alone (54.43%).By adding 30% G. glabra to the medium, the number of 3-cell and 4-cell embryonic stage of SUO mice was significantly (P <0.05) higher than that of grouping G. glabra- Free medium mice embryo(62.10% and 65.78% vs. 58.88 and 66.29%, respectively).
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), it is a type of artificial insemination, used to treat infertility by which the Sperm that have been prepared and placed directly into the woman’s uterus around the time of ovulation. The main purpose of this procedure is to enable the sperm to swim into the fallopian tubes and fertilize a ready egg in order to lead to a natural pregnancy. IUI can be coordinated with the normal cycle with fertility or medications depending on the reasons for infertility The IUI outcome still low about 20-25% so adding number of biochemical factors to the culture medium which are essential to regulate the fertility potential of spermatozoa, for example, platelet-activating factor (PAF) which is a unique and novel signaling phospholipid that has multiple biologic properties have been tried. To determine the effect of adding the PAF into the culture medium to prepare and activate the semen samples of non-male factor infertility (normal semen analyses). This study was carried out in the Infertility Unit, AL-Hussein Teaching Hospital, Al-Nassirya City, through the period from 30th of October 2020 till 17th of April 2021. The study included thirty couples who are complaining from infertility (they failed to conceive after one year at least of regular unprotected intercourse. The frequency distribution of enrolled infertile men with normozoospermia Baseline characteristics of seminal fluid analysis of males with normozoospermia those with PAF are Semen volume ml, pH, Sperm concentration before million/ml, Sperm motility %, morphologically normal sperm %, were Mean ±SD (3.10 ±1.23, 7.39 ±0.03, 46.67 ±15.31, 1.33 ±3.52, 36.00 ±5.07) respectively. Certain sperm parameters were highly improved after in vitro activation by PAF medium of Normozoospermic samples.
Background: The effect of L-carnitine (LC) on the male infertility have been previously reviewed. However there are few studies about the effect of LC on sperm function parameters in vitro. Objectives: The objective of this study was to improve certain sperm function parameters in vitro of asthenozoospermic infertile men using LC as a motility stimulant substance which may enhance the medium used for assisted reproductive technologies (such as artificial insemination) in future. Methods: Semen was collected from 50 infertile men involved in the current study. Each semen sample was divided into two portions. One part was considered as a control and in vitro activated by using culture medium only. The other portion was considered as treated group and in vitro activated by adding LC (0.5mg) to the culture media. Certain sperm function parameters were examined before and following in vitro activation using simple layer technique. Results: The results revealed highly significant increment (P<0.01) in the percentage of total sperm motility grades (A+B+C) and progressive sperm motility grade (A) with a significant improvement (P<0.05) in the percentage of progressive sperm motility grade (B) and morphologically normal sperm when using LC medium in comparison with control medium after 30 minutes incubation. Conclusion: It is concluded from the results of the present study that adding 20% LC to the culture medium ofthe in vitro sperm activation leads to an improvement in certain spermfunction parameters.
Background: Fibrillin- 3 is a recently discovered hormone.However, there are no studies till now regarding the role of fibrillin-3 hormone on fertilization capacity in infertile pregnant and non-pregnant women. Objectives: The goals of this study are concentrated on the fertilization capacity parameters by examining the effect of in vivo concentration of fibrillin-3 hormone on the ovarians status at different menstrual cycle phases and to elucidate the correlation between the levels of this hormone with pregnant and non -pregnant women following Intrauterine insemination (IUI) outcome or through natural pregnancy. Methods: Sixty infertile couples were involved in this prospective study. The couples were divided according to the type of insemination and ovulation induction program into two groups Group(1): Thirty spouses were subjected to induced ovulation stimulation by using clomiphene citrate(CC) and recommended for natural coitus. Group(2): Thirty couples, the females were induced ovulation stimulation by CC, Gonal F-751U /ml and Fostimon 50IU/ml with IUI. Measurements of Fibrillin-3 with other reproductive hormones were done at different phases of menstrual cycle and for pregnant and non-pregnant women following natural coitus and IUI. Results: The mean of fibrillin-3 hormone level at day 2 of menstrual cycle was 3.7ng/ml (ranged from 3.50 to3.91) in the two groups. The mean of fibrillin-3 hormone at cycle day 13 was 6.6ng/ml( ranged from 5.83to 7.0). Whereas, The basal level of Fibrillin-3 at 14 days post insemination was 3.3ng/ml. The range is from 2.76,395 to 3.29 ng/ml. There was no significant difference in the mean of Fibrillin -3hormone between pregnant and non-pregnant women through the phases of menstrual cycle or between the two groups, but there is a significant value between fibrillin-3 post insemination and E2 day 2 and day 13 P<0.05. Conclusion: The present study concluded that Fibrillin -3 hormone has no role in pregnancy, but it may have a main relationship with estrogens reaction in folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation and follicular contents. Therefore, this hormone may be one of the new hormones that interfere with fertilization capacity.
Activin is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily and is a polypeptide growth factor. Activin regulates follicle growth, gonadotropin responsiveness, steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, ovulation, and corpus luteum function in the ovary via a local autocrine/paracrine effect. Activin measurement A level in serum and follicular fluid during the preovulatory stage in PCOS women undergoing an IVF/ICSI cycle to predict fertilization capacity earlier Fifty infertile couples, 25 with PCOS and 25 without PCOS, who attended Al Nahrain University in Baghdad, Iraq's High Institute of Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies. The females that participated were between the ages of 18 and 40. On the day of oocyte retrieval, the level of Activin A in serum and follicular fluid was measured. Activin A levels in PCOS women's serum (activin A=1274 77.9) and follicular fluid (activin A =1038 50.3) compared to non-PCOS women's serum (activin A=453 25.74) and follicular fluid (Activin A=450 23.73). The study shows no correlation between activin A hormone with oocytes characteristics and fertilization rate in PCOS women with a significant increase of activin A hormone in the serum and FF of PCOS women compared to non PCOS women. Activin A level can predict a diagnosis of PCOS in addition to positive predictive pregnancy but not indicator of fertilization capacity in PCOS women.
Background: Glycyrrhiza glabra(Gg) is a herbal medicine used in the treatment of different syndromes. Recently, the effect of this plant on the reproductive system has been studied. However, its role in in vitro still not clear. Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the possibility of using Glycyrrhiza glabra extract for in vitro sperm direct activation, and its effect on in vivo fertilization rate (FR) and early embryonic development (ED) following intra-peritoneal insemination (IPI). The mice were used as an experimental model for mammals. Materials and Methods: Glycyrrhiza glabra extract (2 mg/ml culture medium) was used for in vitro direct sperm activation technique. The female mice were divided into two groups: spontaneously ovulated (SOM) and superovulated groups (SuOM). Each group was divided into two subgroups, the first: the IPI was accomplished by epididymal sperm activated in vitro by adding 20%Gg to the culture medium. The second subgroup: the IPI is accomplished without adding Gg to the culture medium. Results: In vitro activation of epididymal sperms with 20% Gg has shown positive effects on sperm concentration, sperm motility, and grade activity of progressive forward movement. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in FR with adding 20%Gg compared with that free of Gg of spontaneously ovulated groups after 24 hours of insemination. The FR in the right oviduct showed highly significant (P<0.001) increment compared to the left. Embryonic development rate significantly ( (P<0.05) increased after 24 and 48 hours of insemination in grouping with adding Gg. The study showed that the quantity and quality of embryos generated from IPI with adding Gg were higher than that of groups inseminated without adding Gg. Conclusion: It is concluded from the results of the present study that adding the 20% Gg to the culture medium of the epididymal sperm and IPI leads to an improvement in certain sperm function parameters and supports the FR in SOM and SuOM with an increase in the embryonic development rate. These data can be utilized for artificial insemination programs.
ackground: Pretreatment of semen samples of the infertile patients and in vitro preparation techniques with the certain sperm stimulant agents prior to use for assisted reproductive techniques (ART) has been reported to have beneficial effects on pregnancy rates. Objectives: The objective of this study is to improve certain sperm function parameters in vitro of infertile patients semen by using novel combination motility stimulants substances that improved medium to be used for ART in future. Patients and Methods: One hundred infertile men involved in the current study. They were divided into four groups. Each semen sample was divided into four portions. One part was considered as a control and in vitro activated by using culture medium only. The other three portions were considered as treated groups and activated in vitro by adding pentoxifylline(PX,1mg/ml) and/or L-carnitine (LC,0.5mg/ml) to the culture media. Certain sperm function parameters were examined before and following in vitro activation using layering and sedimentation techniques. Results: The results showed a highly significant (P<0.001) improvement in the sperm concentration and percentage of progressive sperm motility grade(A), grade (B) and grade (A+B) with a highly significant (P<0.001) increase in the percentage of morphologically normal sperm (MNS) after addition of PX and/or LC to the culture medium in comparison with control medium using layering and sedimentation(layering under paraffin) techniques in the infertile patients. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that adding 20%PXand/ or LC to the culture medium for in vitro sperm activation using layering and sedimentation techniques leads to an improvement in certain sperm function parameters.
Background: Citrullus colocynthis (CC) is an herbal medicine used in the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Recently, It has been studied on in vitro activation of mice sperms with no research concern the effect of this plant on the DNA normality following in vitro preparation of human semen samples. Objectives: The present study was aimed to examine the effect of adding CC in the medium used for in vitro sperm activation of asthenospermic men and related factors and to found out the effect of CC on the DNA status following the activation. Materials and Methods: Citrullus colocynthis aqueous extract (0.01mg/ml culture medium) was used for in vitro sperm activation . One hundred and ten semen samples were divided into two groups, the first group activated in vitro by adding CC extract to the culture medium Ham's F-12 (the treated group) and, the second group sperm activated in vitro with Ham's F-12 alone ( the control group). Results: In vitro activation of sperms with aqueous extract of CC has shown positive effect on sperm concentration, sperm motility, and grade activity of progressive forward movement. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in certain sperm function parameters of asthenozoospermic in treated group compared with the control group .The study showed that the DNA fragmentation resulted from treated group were lower than that of control group. Conclusions: According to the results of present study, adding aqueous extract of CC to the human sperms activation culture medium leads to an improvement in certain sperm function parameters of asthenozoospermic men with no harmful effect on the human sperms DNA with decrease in DNA denaturation.
Background: Since 1999 the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the assessment of sperm morphology by Kruger strict criteria (KSC). The manual of WHO contains the cut off values of sperm morphology measured by KSC for normal subject and patients treated by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intra- cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) without any information regarding intrauterine insemination (IUI). Objectives: The objective of this study is to achieve two major goals that are:1- Assessment of sperm morphology by applying KSC, using two different biological stains, named commercially Testsimplets (TS)pre-stained slides and Sperm-O-Scan (SOS)stain 2- To have a cut off value for morphologically normal sperm that resulting into a successful IUI outcome. Materials and Methods: Fifty five unselected couples attending the Institute of Embryo Researches and Infertility Treatment were included in this prospective study from December 2007 till August 2008. The mean age of male partner was 31.7±1.87years with an average duration of 6.25±1.65years of infertility. The women were prepared for IUI. All the males were subjected to semen analysis with in vitro sperm activation using layering swim-up technique. Assessments of the morphologically normal sperm (MNS) of the samples were performed by using both, High power field and KSC by using TS and SOS stains before and after the activation. Correlation of the positive IUI results and MNS by KSC waw recorded denoting the cut off value for successful results. Results: The mean of morphologically normal sperm applying KSC with the use of SOS stain before in vitro sperm activation was 16.10% and after activation was 37.85% and by using TS stain before in vitro sperm activation was 15.14% and after activation was 37.09%. No significant (P>0.05) differences was detected between the results of MNS of the two stains. The result of IUI was 11 positive pregnancies out of the 55 cases. The mean of MNS using KSC for these positive cases was 11.58% and 12.84% for SOS and TS stains, respectively. Conclusions: The cut off value of MNS by applying KSC and using two different biological stains for a successful IUI program was 11.58% by SOS stain and 12.84% by TS pre-stained slides. Although the study found no statistical differences between the two stains, TS found to be easier, simpler and less time consuming technically than SOS stain.
Male infertility is a global health issue affecting over 20 million males. A spermatogenesis-related cell differentiation abnormality causes teratozoospermia (TZS). Extensive research has linked TZS to poor fertilization outcomes at assisted reproductive technology (ART) centers as well as to spontaneous pregnancies. This study used Glycyrrhiza glabra (Gg) and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) media to establish a culture medium that aimed to improve certain sperm functions of teratozoospermic men in vitro. A total of fifty semen samples were examined. The World Health Organization 2021 and 1999 standards were used to evaluate certain sperm parameters and the DNA fragmentation index. Platelet-rich plasma and Gg extract were utilized as a medium for in vitro preparation and activation of semen samples complaining of teratozoospermia factor. Following activation by the utilization of the density gradient approach and the combination of Gg and PRP medium, there was a statistically significant ( p <0.001) improvement in certain sperm function metrics. These improvements included a higher percentage of morphologically normal sperm, a rise in active motility, and a drop in the DNA fragmentation index. The density gradient technique, regardless of the medium used in this investigation, resulted in a significant enhancement of morphologically normal sperms with other certain sperm parameters and a decrease in the DNA fragmentation index.
Background: Recently the reproductive hormones, Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), activin A, and follistatin (FS) have been found to play an important role in folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation and corpus luteum function by changing the pattern of granulosa cell expression which in turn affects the success of fertilization potential. Objectives: To examine the relation of in vivo concentrations of AMH, activin A, and FS hormones on the ovaries status in the phases of menstrual cycle and to elucidate the relationship of these hormones with pregnancy rate following intrauterine insemination(IUI). Materials and methods: Seventy seven infertile couples were recruited from infertility clinic population at the High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies through the period from September 2011 to May 2012. Those infertile couples were divided to 3 groups according to the infertility cause (male factors causes, anovulatory causes and unexplained causes of infertility). Measurements of AMH, activin A, and FS hormones levels were done at cycle day (CD25-). Then measurements of activin A, and FS hormones levels were done only at preovulatory cycle(CD1214-) when the size of the Graffian follicle range between 1824-mm and at least one follicle was present and before hCG injection and at day 28 of the cycle (CD28). IUI was performed 3640- hours after hCG injection then measurement of the three hormones was performed after successful IUI. The result of successful pregnancy was recorded and statistical relation with AMH, activin A and FS hormones was assessed. Results: There was a positive significant correlation between endometrial thickness (ET) and pregnancy rate and the best ET to predict pregnancy is more than 7mm. There was no significant relation (P>0.05) between AMH level and pregnancy rate. A significant correlation was found between follistatin levels in preovulatory (CD 1214-) with a cutoff value 0.20ng/ml to predict pregnancy. There was a significant relation between activin-A level and pregnancy rate with a predictive cut off value 397.5 ng/ml on (CD 28) only. Conclusions: Activin-A can be regarded as a biomarker candidate for diagnosing very early pregnancy at luteal phase following IUI. Follistatin preovulatory (average CD13) has the most predictive value for pregnancy following IUI.
Background: Pregabalin is an anti-convulsent drug that is indicated in epilepsy, neuropathic pain and anxiety. This study evaluates its effect on spermatogenesis in male rats through histological and physiological examination of the seminiferous tubules. Two doses of Pregabalin were employed, 300, 600 mg/Kg B.Wt. given orally and daily to groups of 30 male albino rats ( Rattaus rattus) for 35 days. The changes in the testes were evaluated by paraffin sections stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. The results showed relative preponderance of primitive germ cells over other stages of more mature spermatogenic cells. There was reduction in the diameter of the seminiferous tubule. These findings were more prominent with increase of the dose of Pregabalin. The above results were discussed in dose related context indicating that the current therapeutic dose of Pregabalin seems to not be within the range of dosage of Pregabalin that adversely affects spermatogenesis.
Infertility is the inability of a sexually active non-contraceptive couple to achieve pregnancy in one year. Sperm motility is one of the most important prerequisites to achieving fertilization and pregnancy . The objective of the current study was to improve certain sperm function parameters following in vitro activation of men suffering from asthenozoospermia by using a novel combination of motility stimulant substances, namely Maca, L-carnitine, and Pentoxifylline, to be used for assisted reproductive technologies programs in the future.Ninety asthenozoospermic patients were involved in the current study. Each sample was divided into two equal portions. One part was considered as a control by using Ham’s F12 medium, and the other part was considered as a treated group by adding medium content, a mixed combination of Maca powder extracts (Lepidium meyenii) (M)1mg/ml, Pentoxifylline (PTX) 10 mg /ml, and L-Carnitine (LC) 0.5mg /. Certain sperm function parameters were examined before and following in vitro preparation using the swim-up technique according to WHO guidelines.The results showed a significant (p<0.001) elevation in active sperm motility grade A, B, and progressive motility following in vitro preparation by Ham’s F12 media and mixed culture medium compared to before activation. The morphologically normal sperm percentage was significantly higher in mixed culture medium compared to control medium, and before activationWhile the results of DNA normality by using mixed culture and Ham’s F12 media were statistically shown a significant (p<0.001) reduction compared with before activation . It is concluded that the combination medium have a superior effects on certain sperm function parameters and DNA normality enhance its usage in sperm activation by swim up technique for ART programs.
The association between the two hormones (progesterone and Activin A) in infertile women on the day of ova pick up and their relationship with pregnancy status in assisted reproductive programs are both poorly understood. To determine the correlation of progesterone and activin A on the day of ova pick up with pregnancy status of women undergoing IVF/ICSI cycle. The study was conducted on 80 infertile couples. The serum at day of ova pick up was collected. Serum progesterone and activin A analysis were done for all samples for activin A. Out of eighty infertile females twenty-five became pregnant (Pregnancy rate = 31%). Serum progesterone levels at days of oocytes pick up was significantly higher in pregnant females than non-pregnant (9.22 ± 0.54 vs. 4.47 ± 0.44; p < 0.001). There was a significantly higher serum activin levels at day of oocytes pick up in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant (2.19 ± 0.04 vs. 1.52 ± 0.04; p < 0.001). The cut-off value of serum progesterone at day of oocytes picks up was > 7.5 ng/ml and the cut-off value of serum activin A at day of oocytes pick up was > 1.85 ng/ml. Pregnant women had higher levels of the hormone progesterone and Activin A than non-pregnant women, which is significantly correlated. This result can be utilized to predicate the pregnancy status early in IVF Centers.
Background: Many studies conducted on the pentoxifylline (PX) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (G.glabra) as motility stimulants showed positive effect on sperm preparation in vitro improving the progressive forward movement. However, it was not known the impact of these stimulants on the nature of genetic material, especially after cryopreservation. Objective: The experiment was designed to find out any harmful effect of a medium containing a mixture of PX and aqueous extract of G.glabra on the sperm DNA before and after cryopreservation. Materials and Methods: Fifty mature fertile male mice 8-12 weeks old were used. Epididymal sperms were obtained from caudal region and prepared in vitro by direct activation technique using four media namely; PX alone, G.glabra alone, a mixture of PX with G.glabra and Ham's F-12 (as control medium). Certain sperm function characteristics were examined as well as evaluation of DNA integrity by acridine orange test and comet assay before and after cryopreservation. Results: The results showed a highly significant (P<0.001) improvement in the sperm forward movement, with a highly significant (P<0.001) decrease in DNA abnormality using acridine orange test and comet assay, following in vitro activation by the four media compared to before activation. Following in vitro activation and cryopreservation, the results of epididymal sperm showed a highly significant (P<0.001) decrease in DNA abnormality by using PX medium alone, G.glabra medium alone and the mixture of PX and G.glabra compared to control medium and the results before cryopreservation. Conclusion: According to the results of present study, it has been found no toxic effect of medium containing PX and/or G.glabra on the epididymal sperms DNA after activation in vitro and cryopreservation using acridine orange test and comet assay. The best result obtained when using a medium containing a mixture of PX+ G.glabra together. These data could be applied for preparation and activation of epididymal and testicular sperms obtained from obstructive azoospermic men.
Background: Speramax® was found to play an important role in sperm function characters and males reproductive performance with no studies on its effects on the oocyte maturation and embryonic development in females. Objective: The goal of the present work was to examine the effect of Speramax ® on oocyte maturation ,ova quality , embryonic development and live birth using mice as a model for mammals . Materials and Methods: In this study, Speramax ® was administrated orally for 1, 2 and 4 weeks . One hundred and ten female mice were randomly divided into four groups , the first group was superovulated(SUO) while the second group was treated by Speramax® with SUO and the third group was spontaneously ovulated (SPO) and treated with Speramax ® and the forth group was spontaneously ovulated (SPO ) and served as control group .Another forty-eight female mice were used for the determination of the number of live births . Results: The results indicated that treatment with Speramax® showed a positive effect on oocytes maturation in vivo. There was a highly significance ( p˂ 0.0001) improvement in the number of mature oocytes following treatment with Speramax® in SPO and SUO mice compared with SPO and SUO mice not treated with Speramax® . The percentage of embryonic development after 24 and 48 hours of mating in treated groups with Speramax® was significantly ( p˂ 0.05) higher than SPO and SUO mice .The study showed that the quantity and quality of embryos obtained from the treated groups were superior to that of the untreated group . Conclusions: It was concluded that the Speramax® greatly improved oocyte maturation, early embryonic development and embryo grading quality embryos with an increase in the numbers of mice live births.
Exposure to radiation of various forms is one of the many environmental, health, and lifestyle variables that have been linked in recent years to an increase in the rate of male infertility. According to data from several recently published studies, mobile phone use may negatively affect sperm parameters, which may lower male fertility. Ninety-seven samples of semen from fertile and infertile individuals were sent to the "High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Al-Nahrain University in Baghdad, between November 2022 and May 2023. The samples were split into four groups: normozoospermia (n = 40), asthenozoospermia (n = 25), oligozoospermia (n = 16), and teratozoospermia (n = 16). Each group was further divided into two groups based on the amount of time spent using a mobile phone each day: less than 4 hours per day and equal to or more than 4 hours per day. A routine seminal fluid analysis was carried out to measure the sperm parameters and test the deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation rate using an acridine orange stain. Samples exposed to electromagnetic waves of cell phones showed a significant decrease in DNA normality. deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation index (p < 0.001) in normozoospermia patients exposed to more than 4 hours/day of non-ionizing electromagnetic waves. The results of deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation index after treatment were shown a significant improvement compared to before the treatment in all fertile and infertile groups. Electromagnetic waves emitted from cell phones are associated with a decrease of deoxyribonucleic acid normality when exposure for <4hours/day. The study recommend that men of reproductive age avoid keeping their cell phones in the hip pocket and front pants pocket which may negatively affect spermatozoa deoxyribonucleic acid integrity and impair male fertility.
Background: Citrullus colocynthis(CC) is an herbal medicine used in the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Recently, the effect of this plant on the reproductive system has been studied.However, its role in vitro still unclear. Objective: The present study was designed to investigate the possibility of using CC extract for in vitro sperm direct activation technique, in vitro fertilization(IVF) and early embryonic development using the mice as a model for mammals. Materials and Methods: Citrullus colocynthis extract (0.05mg/ml culture medium) was used for in vitro direct sperm activation technique. The same medium was used for oocytes insemination and for culturing the embryos after 24-48 hours of insemination. The oocytes were collected from superovulated female mice and divided into two groups: first group, 343 oocytes were inseminated and cultured in CC- free Ham's F-12 medium (the control group). The second group, 345 oocytes were inseminated and cultured in 10% CC - Ham's F-12 medium (treated group). Each 4 oocytes were inseminated with the same sperm concentration (1-2 x 10^5 sperm/IVF well). The fertilization rate was recorded after 24 hours of insemination, while embryonic development rate was recorded after 24 and 48 hours of insemination. Results: In vitro activation of epididymal sperms with 10%CC has shown positive effect on sperm concentration, sperm motility, and grade activity of progressive forward movement. There was a highly significant (P<0.004) increase in FR of the treated group (61.5%) compared to control group (50.4%) after 24 hours of insemination. Embryonic developmental rate was significantly increased after 24 and 48 hours of insemination in treated group compared to control group. Conclusion: It concluded that adding the 10%CC to the culture medium of the epididymal sperm and in vitro inseminated lead to improvements in certain sperm function parameters and sustain the FR and early embryonic development rate.
Background: Many studies has been found that the pentoxifylline (PX) and L-carnitine (LC) as motility stimulants showed a positive effect on the activation of sperm in vitro and improve the forward movement after cryopreservation. Objectives: The present study aim to investigate the possibility of using the motility stimulants(i.ePX,LC and mixture of PX with LC medium) for in vitro sperm activation after cryopreservation of epididymal sperms and their effects in vitro on fertilization rate (FR) and early embryonic development (ED) following in vitro fertilization (IVF) process as a model for obstructive azoospermia in men. Methods: Fifty mature male and Fifty mature female mice, 8-12 weeks old were used. Epididymal sperms were obtained from caudal region and in vitro direct activation technique was done after cryopreservation by using four media namely; PX alone, LC alone, a mixture of PX with LC and Ham's F-12 (as control media). The four media were used for IVF of mature ova and FR with ED were recorded. Results: In vitro activation of epididymal sperms with PX, LC and mixture of PX with LC has shown positive effect on sperm concentration, sperm motility, and grade activity of progressive forward movement after cryopreservation. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase of FR in treated media compared with the control medium after 24 hours of insemination. The study showed that the quality and quantity of embryos. Conclusion: It is concluded from the results of the present study that adding PX, LC and mixture of PX with LC medium to the culture medium of cryopreserved epididymal sperms and IVF leads to an improvement in certain sperm function parameters, supports the FR and early ED rate.
Resistin and follistatin levels have been found to be high in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients, that play role in pathophysiology of PCOS and pregnancy status of women having ICSI cycle. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the hormone levels and pregnancy outcome in PCOS and non-PCOS women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) program. The study was done at Higher Institute for Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies from 2022 to 2023. Eighty infertile women participating in the IVF/ICSI treatment. They were split to control (40 non-polycystic ovarian syndrome-PCOS women) and 40 women for PCOS group. They were subdividing to subgroups’ according to body max index (BMI; normal and overweight / obese). ELISA method was used to measure hormone level at day 2 and follicular fluid and serum at day of ova pick up. About 38.8% of study participants were got pregnant. Means of serum resistin and follistatin in day 2 and OPU were significantly higher in patients with PCOS and normal BMI level while follistatin at day 2 and in follicular fluid (FF) were significantly higher in participants who got pregnant. Follistatin level at day 2 > 9.89 ng/ml and in FF > 15.06 ng/ml and might be as a predictor for occurrence of pregnancy after ICSI. The cutoff point of follistatin level in the serum at day two and in FF at the day OPU was found to be a predictor of pregnancy following ICSI, while no correlation was found between resistin and pregnancy outcome.
Background: The intra uterine insemination (IUI) still an easy, simple and effective method to overcome the infertility that resulted from different causes. Although the equipments and methods of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) were highly developed, the percentage of successful IUI live-birth not exceed 20-30%. Objective: The present study was aimed to elucidated the cut off values of in vitro sperm preparation technique, follicular number and size, endometrial thickness and hormonal profile that lead to successful pregnancy rate (PR)following IUI. Materials and Methods: In retrospective study, one hundred cases of infertile couples were in who were became pregnant following IUI at the Institute of Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies, through the period from January 2007 to January 2010. Depending on the results of retrospective study, IUI was achieved for 100 infertile patients between August 2010and June 2011. The mean of significant prognostic variables were measured in both studies namely: age, type of infertility, type of sperm activation techniques, the protocol of ovulation induction medicine, the mean of hormonal status of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Estradiol(E2), and number with diameter of follicles, endometrial thickness a cycle day before hCG injection. Results: The protocol of ovulation induction in IUI cycles by using clomiphene citrate(CC) and recombinant gonadotropin (rFSH) was significantly(p<0.05) improve the IUI results compared to CC alone or CC with PergonalS. The mean values obtained by ultrasonography namely; two follicles, and dominant follicle of 19.5mm in size with endometrium thickness of >9.5mm were gave significantly successful IUI outcome compared to other values. In prospective study similar results were obtained, therefore the overall pregnancy rate was 37% per cycle. Conclusion: The calculated data of successful IUI outcome from retrospective study gave a best pregnancy rate in prospective study which was 37%. Consequently, these results can be considered as guideline for physician who interest in assisted reproduction to have a success in IUI.