CA125 is a glycoprotein mucins (MUC16) tumor marker, used in screening, ovarian and endometrial malignancies and in monitoring therapy, early recurrences, and prognosis of these cancers. Hormonal induction for ovulation can elevate the risk of ovarian cancers so CA125 may be used for screening in PCOS as an unsafe group and the way of treatment may need to be changed in these patients. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disturbed diseases that can affect females in reproductive life. It has both metabolic and fertility impacts that can be seen in the reproductive period and post-menopausal life. To study the correlation between PCOS and CA125 level in relation to body weight in non-cancerous patients. 60 women were selected with age 18-42-year-old forty of them were diagnosed with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria. They were divided into two groups according to BMI G1 was more than 25 kg/m 2 (overweight and obese) G2 was less than 25 kg/m 2 (normal) and the G3 was 20 healthy non-PCOS BMI less than 25 kg/m 2 . Blood samples were taken in the early follicular phase for assessing luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and, free testosterone (FT) hormone. Other blood samples were taken at the late follicular phase to measure CA125 levels using Enzyme-Linked Immune Sorbent Assay (ELISA). PCOS G2 were significantly higher in the concentration of CA125 than PCOS G1 (p< 0.05), but there was no significant difference in CA125 level in groups when there is no significant difference in body mass index (BMI) between PCOS G1 and G2. P>0.05. The negative relation between CA125 concentration and weight. The tumor marker CA125 efficacy is decreased in obese women. Furthermore, PCOS not causes an increase in CA125 in the non-cancerous patient.
Infertility is the disability of a couple to obtain pregnancy after one year of sexual intercourse that is unprotected and regular. Bisphenol A is an industrial chemical spread worldwide, that is a raw material utilized in multiple industries. Bisphenol A is assorted as an endocrine-disrupting chemical, which can interfere with hormone activity. This study aimed to assess the effect of BPA levels in serum on ICSI outcomes. The study was conducted at the High Institute for Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies / Al-Nahrain University during the period from October 2021 to April 2022. sixty infertile women enrolled in this study. BPA levels were analyzed through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Mean serum BPA was not significantly higher in non-pregnant women in comparison with that of pregnant women. Serum BPA was positively correlated to immature oocytes (MI) and abnormal oocytes. Also, BPA inversely correlated to Grade1 embryos and positively correlated to Grade 3 embryos. Bisphenol A can be detected in sera of infertile female undergoing ICSI. High BPA level in serum may impact oocyte quality and embryo grading
Background: The effects of Lead and other essential metal like zinc and copper on the reproductive system have been previously reviewed. Objective: Our goal in this study was to estimate the levels of Lead, Zinc and Copper in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and to confirm the effect of such metals on the female reproductive system at environmental exposure. Materials and Method: Fifty two women in their reproductive age (20-40) years old, which had been diagnosed as PCOS. Venous blood sample were taken from each patient and control, blood lead, zinc and copper were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Hormone assay were determined by ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immune Sorbet Assay) technique. Results: This study showed a significant increase of blood lead and serum zinc, copper (p<0.01), in addition to testosterone, lutenizing hormone, LH/FSH ratio and body mass index (BMI) (p<0.05) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome when compared with control. Conclusions: On the basis of the observations of the present study, it can conclude that the increased levels of Lead as a result of the exposure to this metal may be a risk factor for the development of polycystic ovary syndrome in women and has adverse effects on female endocrine and reproductive function.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 expression in serum and follicular fluid plays a crucial role in regulating fibrinolysis during the pregnancy period by blocking the action of other proteins called plasminogen activators. The aim is to assess the Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 level in blood serum and follicular fluid as a predictive marker of pregnancy. This study included Sixty-nine infertile females undergone ovarian stimulation with antagonist protocol and received recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone, at the cycle day two. The serum and follicular fluid were collected from each female on the day of oocyte retrieval, for PAI estimation using the Elisa kit. The data were analyzed using version 23.0 SPSS and Microsoft Office 2010. The serum PAI-1 levels at the day of oocyte retrievals were significantly lower in positive pregnancy women in comparison with non-pregnant women (p < 0.05), Yet no significant follicular fluid PAI-1 levels were noted in comparison with non-pregnant women. There was a negative significant correlation (p > 0.05) between serum and follicular fluid PAI-1 levels on the day of oocyte retrieval according to oocyte ICSI outcome. The evaluation of serum PAI-1 levels can be used as a promising parameter for the prediction of pregnancy outcomes of ICSI patients. It is assumed that the pregnancy rate was affected by PAI-1 level during ICSI cycles. The concentration of PAI-1 in serum and follicular fluid at the retrieval day is not correlated with the oocyte's maturity.
Background: Obesity, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health .The effects of obesity on male reproduction have been less well studied than those on female reproduction, but there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that obesity has an adverse effect on male reproduction However, a little is known about the effect of obesity on male reproductive system and infertility. Infertility is defined as inability to achieve conception within one year. It has not yet been clearly established how excess adiposity relates to the biological changes that underlie male infertility, although there are several theories worth exploring. The endocrine abnormalities associated with obesity in women are well known with an increase in androgen metabolism and changing in reproductive hormones in over weight and obese men. Objective: The study aim at assessing the role of obesity in infertile males through measurement of BMI, some of sex hormones. Methods: This study was carried out in Tikrit Teaching Hospital, on the adult male population aged 17-45 years, from September 2013 to April 2014. The recruited cases divided into 90 infertile obese male and 30 normal weights infertile as pathological control group and 30 normal weight fertile men as normal control group.The serum samples willed collect of the patients and measure the concentrations of the sex hormones (FSH, LH, INHB) by using ELISA technique. Body Mass Index Calculation Height (m) and weight (kg). Results: There was no significant correlation between BMI (30.1±93.45, 21.40±5.24,23.24±1.42)kg/m2 in patients group, pathological control group and control group and serum LH level (22.35±12.79, 19.31±9.94, 13.90±8.33) ml U/ml in all three group respectively. There was a significant negative correlation (P< 0.03) between BMI (23.24±1.42)kg/m2 and serum FSH level (7.10±3.77) ml U/ml, in control group. While there was no significant correlation between BMI (30.19±3.45,21.40 ±5.24) kg/m2 and serum FSH level (13.59±15.72, 11.58±14.06) ml U/ml in both patients' group and pathological control group respectively.There was no significant correlation between BMI (30.19±3.45, 21.40±5.24,23.2±1.42) kg/m2and serum INHB level in the patients group, pathological control group and control group (88.8±57.96, 108.51±78.39, 141.65±63.95) pg/ml respectively. Conclusions: The BMI did not correlated with some reproductive hormones (LH, FSH,INHB) in obese infertile males, but there was a significant correlation between the FSH and BMI in control group. In infertile obese group found the highest level of LH, FSH, and the lowest level of INHB comparing with other group in this study.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may interfere with ovulation, implantation, and pregnancy; they are generally avoided during reproductive procedures. The risks of using them during IVF must be carefully weighed against the necessity of pain relief during oocyte retrieval. About 64 women (ages 20–42) undergoing ICSI participated in a single-blind, cross- sectional clinical trial at the High Institute for Infertility at Al-Nahrain University from October 2024 to May 2025. During oocyte retrieval, participants were split into two groups at random and given propofol anesthesia and ketorolac analgesia, respectively. They all adhered to a common protocol for ovarian stimulation. Based on their maturity stage (MII, MI, or GV), oocytes were categorized; those that were aberrant or degenerated were not included in ICSI. ELISA was used to measure the levels of cortisol and serum LH both before and after oocyte retrieval. The mean post -operation LH Marker level were 10.41±8.0, 6.40± 7.48 among GA and analgesia groups respectively, this relation was statistically significant (P value =0.04). The mean Post -operation Cortisol Marker level were 201.13±132.34, 159.13± 78.42 among GA and analgesia groups respectively . The mean number of Oocytes: Similar for both groups (10±5.53 for anesthesia and 10.59±5.44 for analgesia). Abnormalities of Oocytes: slightly lower in the group receiving anesthesia (0.56±1.44 vs. 0.69±1.18). The anesthesia group had fewer ruptured oocytes (0.16±0.45 vs. 0.25±0.57). Fertilized embryos: Grade I: The anesthesia group had slightly fewer (2.75±2.63 vs. 3.13±2.46). Grade II: Groups are comparable (1.41±1.58 vs. 1.31±1.53). Grade III: Lower in the group under anesthesia (0.19±0.54 vs. 0.38±0.83). Similar results were obtained from arrested embryos (anesthesia: 0.63±1.1, analgesia: 0.68±1.64). The analgesia group had a significantly higher number of transferred embryos (anesthesia: 1.84±1.08, analgesia: 2.88±1.62; P = 0.004). The analgesia group showed a significant decrease in post-operation LH marker, Cortisol Marker, and higher mean number of transferred embryos compared to the anesthesia group.
The structural elements like the “blood-testis barrier” (BTB) and systemic and local tolerance mechanisms help to maintain testicular homeostasis, which shields germ cells and mature sperms from immune attack. Any damage to this barrier could result in an immune attack and may lead to infertility. This study aims to look at the correlation between male infertility and immunological factors (IL-17, IL-25, and anti-sperm antibody). During the months of October 2021 and July 2022, a total of 144 samples were taken from patients who sought to have infertility tested. The subjects' semen specimens were taken in order to perform the ELISA tests for IL-17, IL-25, and ASA. The levels of ASA, IL-17, and IL-25 differed significantly (P≤ 0.05) across study groups, according to the results of immunological parameters. The results of the correlation analysis revealed a strong positive association between IL-17 and IL-25, but not between those two interleukins and ASA. Although there was theoretically a positive link in this study, it was very weak and not significant. The findings suggest that IL-17, IL-25, and ASA influence seminal fluid parameters, which in turn affect male fertility.
Background: Over 70 million couples suffer from infertility worldwide and the majority of those couples can be found in developing countries. Aims of study: This study aims to determine if there is any significant difference in levels of inhibin B and gonadal hormones in fertile and infertile men. Subjects, Materials & Methods: Clinical and hormonal characteristics related to male infertility factor of the infertile patients(n=75)and representative proven fathers as a control(normozoospermic ones)(n=25)were studied. All males attending infertility clinic at Baquba General Hospital, Diyala in Iraq. The study included the measurement of gonadal hormones levels by using (ELISA)method and it was also used in analyzing the inhibin B hormone. The VIDAS instruments were used for enzyme immunoassay measurements Luteininzing Hormone(LH),Testosterone(T) ;and Follicle Stimulating Hormone(FSH). The samples were analyzed and classified according to WHO criteria. Results: The results of this study showed that inhibin B hormone and other gonadal hormones in control (representative proven fathers-normozoospermic ones)as inhibin B (240.2±17.4)Pg/ml, LH (1.639±0.103)mIU/ml, Testosterone (0.6253±0.035)ng/ml and FSH (0.469±0.0103)mIU/ml. In asthenozoospermic ones as an example of infertile patients the results showed that inhibin B (76.9±8.99)Pg/ml, LH(1.4311±0.033)mIU/ml, T (0.5483±0.030)ng/ml and FSH (0.495±0.0124)mIU/ml. Except the inhibin B comparisons all of other non significant evaluated parameters & correlations within this study could be ascribed to the role of cascaded role of inhibin B with the gonadal hormones in spermatogenesis. Conclusions: It concluded from this study that decreased levels of inhibin B, LH,Testosterone, but increased levels of FSH hormones were shown in asthenozoospermia group as an example of infertile patients,and increased levels of inhibin B,LH and Testosterone but decreased levels of FSH were shown in normozoospermia as control.
Glycotoxins termed as advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) are made endogenously and exogenously. Maillard reaction is a chemical non-enzymatic process, between sugars and a free amino acid group of nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids which happens exogenously when handled with high temperature for a prolonged period and in a dry environment, resulting in glycotoxins (AGEs) formations. This reaction is responsible for the taste, color, and smell of food. Glycotoxins derived from food are absorbed in the intestine and store in cells and tissues. Also, glycotoxins are derived exogenously from smoking. While endogenous glycotoxins are generated by normal body physiology. Obesity and insulin resistance may induce glycotoxins (AGEs) accumulation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between glycotoxins (AGEs) and obesity. 66 infertile females who were undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection ICSI. These females were classified into three groups according to their body mass index. On the day of ova pick up the collect serum and follicular fluid for subsequent measurement of glycotoxins (AGEs) by ELISA kits. there was a significant difference in the concentration of glycotoxins in follicular fluid and serum between the three ICSI groups of patients. As well as there was a significant difference in the concentration of glycotoxins (AGEs) in follicular fluid and serum in the same ICSI groups of patients. there is a significant positive relation between glycotoxins (AGEs) and increase BMI.
Amphiregulin, a growth factor inspired by LH surge, promotes oocyte maturation and follicular rupture. This study investigated whether amphiregulin growth factor levels in follicular fluid and blood serum can predict oocyte maturation and positive pregnancy rates in ICSI patients . Methods: The study included 50 women and they did ICSI from October 2024 to February 2025. Each woman got antagonist ovarian stimulation and recombinant follicle stimulating hormone. Blood samples were taken on cycle day two for infertility hormone assessment and on oocyte retrieval day for Elisa Amphiregulin growth factor estimate . Follicular fluids amphiregulin growth factor levels were significantly higher among pregnant females; however there was no significant difference of serum amphiregulin growth factor between pregnant and non- pregnant females. Out of 50 females, 11 females were had positive pregnancy test (Pregnancy rate = 22.0 %), there was a solitary positive correlation between follicular fluids amphiregulin growth factor with metaphase II oocytes count (r=0.800& p=0.003); however follicular fluids amphiregulin showed no significant correlations with other ICSI parameters. There were also no significant correlations between serum amphiregulin with all ICSI parameters. The current study found that elevated Amphiregulin (AREG) levels are linked to successful pregnancy outcomes in ICSI cycles
Pro-fusion proteins as mitofusins-1 are required for controlling mitochondrial shape which determined by a dynamic balance between organelle fusion and fission and also supports oocyte development. When compare with somatic cell, mitochondria of oocyte are tiny and circular in presence. The aim is to study the mitofusin-1 in the follicular fluid as a marker for evaluating of oocyte maturation in women undergoing ICSI cycles. Fifty infertile females were included in cross-section study was undergoing ICSI procedure with age 20 to 42 years. After retrieval of oocyte and the number of oocytes was recorded by embryologist and follicular fluid Samples were used for the measurement of Mitofusin 1. Mitofusin 1 levels by ELISA kit (Mybiosource /USA).The results showed considerable higher mitofusin-1levels in patients with good oocytes quality (3.71 ± 1.35 vs. 2.45 ± 1.12 & p=0.001). There were much positive correlations between follicular fluids mitofusin-1 with both total oocytes count (r= 0.374 & p= 0.007) and MII oocytes (r=0.383 & p=0.006); and there was no much correlation between mitofusin-1 levels with MI oocyte (r= - 0.100 & p= 0.490), germinal vesical oocyte (r=0.103 & p= 0.475) and fertilization rate (r= 0.054 & p= 0.711). High follicular fluid levels of Mitofusin 1 may positively impact oocyte development and pregnancy rate.
Background: Oligozoospermia is one of male infertility type which related with sperm lowering count in seminal fluid under limited reference. There are many factors leads to oligozoospermia like, congenital defects, endocrinal disorders, genetic abnormalities, immunological factors , life style , or in some cases unknown reasons. Immune and some non-immune cells produce immuno-chemical messengers proteins called (Interleukins) work as alerts proteins and contribute in immune body defend. These mediators found in all body fluids, also found in seminal fluid,and it’s presence of certain concentrations reflects the state of health of the body. Objective:Measure the level of interleukin-6 in fertile (normospermia) and infertile (Oligozoospermia). Materials and Methods: Microscopically and macroscopically ejaculates analysis according to WHO (2010) criteria for eighty -seven ejaculate from normospermia and oligozoospermia patients with age rang (21-47)yrs. , in duration of ( Nov-2013 to Mar-2014), study divide in to three groups according to the concentration ranges in to (normospermia > 15X 106 cells/ml), (Mild to Moderate Oligozoospermia 15-5 X106cells/ml) , (Severe Oligozoospermia< 5X106). Then store all samples in(-20 ) , IL-6 was detected through the (ELISA) specific way and kit . Results: Interleukin-6level is less in normospermia group than Oligozoospermia groups at (P<0.05), IL-6 level not correlated with sperm count, except weak correlation in severe group at (P≤ 0.05) and (t α=0.05). Conclusions: There are no correlation between IL-6 level and sperm cells concentration but the variation of interleukin-6 level among the groups indicate that some sperms parameters influence on interleukin-6 levels among the groups like sperm motility or morphology and also that the causative factors which lead to oligozoospermia also effect on IL-6 level and effect on spermatogenesis .
Background : With the rapid evolution of assisted reproductive technologies, more and more studies are concerned about the possible influential factors on the success rates of these procedures, with the efforts are now mainly directed toward defining these factors in a trial to increase these rates. Of these factors, inflammation is considered among the most remarkable and is in the focus of the updated studies. However, most of these studies are evaluating the role of inflammation in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS) , while the impact of this inflammation in insulin resistant non PCOS patients is underesti mated and not well evaluated . Objectives: This study is a trial to elucidate the importance of one of the inflam matory mediators , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF – α) , in insulin resistant patients undergoing IVF ( ICSI ) cycles . Patients and Methods: A group of 27non-PCOS infertile patients were select ed for this clinical randomized prospective study from patients attending the high institute for infertility diagnosis and assisted reproductive technologies / Al-Nahrain University and subjected to intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure. BMI was measured for all patients and they were classified according to WHO classification into 3 groups : Acceptable , overweight and obese . Fast ing plasma level of glucose and insulin was investigated and insulin resistance index (HOMA) was calculated. Serum TNF-α has been measured using ELISA and the relation with insulin resistance was investigated. Finally, the pregnancy rate, as a primary reproductive endpoint was compared according to TNF -a and insulin resistance levels between different study subjects. Results: Of the 27 infertile patients , 17(63 %) were non obese and 10 (37%) were obese , 15(55.5%) were having HOMA index < 1.6 and 12 (44.5 %) were having HOMA index ≥ 1.6 . BMI was found to be positively correlated with high er HOMA index ( P = 0.01 and R= 0.4 in spearman correlation). Investigating the relation between TNF-α with BMI revealed that TNF-α levels are increasing with the increment in BMI, However , the difference in the mean TNF-α between the three BMI groups failed to achieve statistical significance (P=0.1). In contrast to that, when stratifying for HOMA index , TNF-α was significantly correlated with it ( spearman correlation R= 0.4 , P=0.01 ) , and patients with HOMA index ≥1.6 were found to have higher levels of TNF-α ( P = 0.03) and to be more obese ( P=0.02 ) than those with HOMA index <1.6.
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 Fibroblast associated (Fas) system in the testes has been identified as a key regulator of apoptosis, a process that greatly influences the germ cell population of the testes. Objective: This study measures the level of soluble Fas Ligand (sFasL) in the semen of oligozoospermic men evaluating the association between seminal plasma sFasL and spermatogenesis. Methods: A total 58 oligozoospermic men and 29 normal volunteers were included in this study. semen was evaluated according to World Health Organization 2010 standard parameters. sFasL was measured using ELISA enzyme immunoassay for quantitative determination of sFasL. Results: s FasL level was found significantly higher (P< 0.01) in seminal plasma of oligozoospermic men, with weak correlation of the level of this marker with the degree of severity of oligozoospermia. Conclusions: The apoptotic marker, sFasL is a novel marker found in the seminal plasma of oligozoospermic men. It's level is higher in cases of oligozoospermia regardless of its severity.
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory gynecological disease and a leading cause of female infertility, characterized by Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) and Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) are cytokines mediating anti-inflammatory and pro- inflammatory pathways, respectively, and were investigated in this study in infertile women with endometriosis undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).To explore the potential impact and prognostic value of Interleukin-13 (IL-13) and Interferon- gamma (IFN-gamma) on ICSI outcome and to confirm their role in endometriosis-related infertility .A prospective case-control study was conducted involving 80 infertile women aged 18-40 years, including (n=40) women laparoscopically confirmed with endometriosis and (n=40) infertile women without endometriosis serving as controls. Both groups enrolled in ICSI cycles, and on the day of oocyte retrieval, serum and follicular fluid were collected; then concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-13 were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Ovarian stimulation characteristics, oocyte maturity, embryo quality, maturation rate, fertilization rate, and pregnancy rate were compared between groups using appropriate statistical analyses to investigate their association with endometriosis and their impact on ICSI outcomes. Elevated IFN-γ and IL-13 levels in both serum and follicular fluid are strongly associated with impaired ovarian response and poor ICSI outcomes in women with endometriosis. These findings suggest that inflammatory cytokine imbalance contributes to reduced oocyte developmental competence and embryo quality. Assessment of IFN-γ and IL-13 may provide clinically valuable biomarkers for predicting ART outcomes and could facilitate individualized therapeutic strategies targeting immune-mediated reproductive dysfunction.
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
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are active chemical compounds created by the body's metabolic process and are crucial in human reproduction. Excessive ROS can contribute to oxidative stress, which has been linked to poor fertility. Embryo culture medium plays an essential role in IVF/ICSI cycles. Eighty participants underwent ovarian stimulation and ICSI cycles; ROS levels were measured in blood samples on the ovum pickup (OPU) day and in each embryo culture dish on ET day using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These values were associated with the quality of generated embryos. Women were divided into two groups; the first had day three embryo transfers, whereas the second received blastocyst transfers on day 5. Grades I embryo count was shown to be inversely related to the serum and culture medium ROS levels. Pregnant women had significantly greater levels of GI embryos (p=0.011) and lower levels of GIII embryos (p=0.024). Pregnancy rates for the third-and fifth days of the embryo transfers were 24% and 50%, respectively, with (p=0.045). Pregnancy success rates were increased after ET day five and were strongly influenced by transfer day. Blastocyst-stage embryos with high serum ROS levels were found to be underdeveloped. Culture medium ROS levels can be used as an adjuvant criterion for embryo selection and metabolic marker for developing embryos.
Background: Obesity has been defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health while the Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of the weight-to-height ratio that is commonly used in classifying overweight and obesity in adult populations. Many semen parameters alteration can be ascribed to obesity like decreased sperm concentration, abnormal morphology, compromised chromatin integrity and abnormal motility. Many evidences showed an adverse effect of excess body fat on spermatogenesis. Methods: A total sample size composed of (70)infertile men were grouped into three groups according to published BMI ranges as follows: normal weight, overweight and obese.A single semen sample was collected for each infertile men.Heightin (m) and weight in (kg) were recorded on day of semen collection.BMI was calculated as BMI= Kg\m2. Sperm parameters evaluated according to World Health Organization guidelines.Quantitation of the IL-6 in seminal plasma were accomplished using commercially available ELISA kit. Results: In the current study, a positive correlation was found between body mass index and IL-6, on the contrary, a significant negative correlation was found among IL-6 level and progressive sperm motility and sperm concentration as well. Conclusion: There is an increase of IL-6 from the adipose tissue with increasing BMI. The IL-6 cause reduction of the sperm motility by increasing the level of ROS. The obesity reduces the spermatogenesis by androgenic deficiency results in low sperm concentration and motilitywhich it may be the main reason of their infertility.
The objective of the research was to investigate the potential correlation between serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and sperm parameters such as sperm concentration, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. A hundred male patients voluntarily participated in the study at a private andrology clinic in Al Najaf Al Ashraf City, Iraq, between October 2023 and November 2023. The patients were divided into four groups: 26 patients with oligozoospermia, 21 patients with asthenozoospermia, 28 patients with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT), and those with normozoospermia. Semen quality was evaluated by conducting a semen analysis according to the 2021 World Health Organization guidelines. The ELISA method was employed to measure the levels of AMH in serum samples. Biotechnology Instrument, USA, manufactured the ELIZA components that were used. The average age of the participants was 30.85 ± 0.70 years, BMI was 27.60 ± 0.58 kg/m2, and serum AMH was 2.08 ± 0.11 ng/ml. We did not find any negative or positive correlation between AMH levels in the blood with sperm concentration, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology in all study groups. The results of this study showed that serum AMH is an unreliable marker for predicting spermatogenic abnormalities.
Background: Immunological infertility is expected to be the reason of infer-tility in 9-36% of the concerned twosomes. The major cause of immunological infertility is the creation of anti-sperm antibodies (ASA), which influence the capability of insemination of spermatozoa. It has been detected that anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) are present either systemically in blood or locally in seminal plasma of approximately 10% of infertile male patients. Immunity to sperm can cause infertility; humoral antibodies directed against sperm did not necessarily impair fertility unless the circulating antibodies are also present within the re-productive tract and on the living sperm surface. Hormonal imbalance and sperm autoimmunity have been considered as two systems that play in near association and affect each other. Testosterone is the Steroid hormone necessary for the de-velopment and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics as well as initi-ation and maintenance of Spermatogenesis .It was known that males with abnor-mal seminal fluids have lower concentrations of the testosterone hormone. Objectives: To study the serum & seminal plasma antisperm antibodies levels in relevance to levels of testosterone in serum and seminal plasma accordingly to sperm function parameters in different groups of infertile patients. Subjects,Materials and Methods: Blood and semen samples were collected from (80) subjects (60) infertile patients (20Asthenozoospermic, 20 Oligozoospermic,20Azoospermic) and 20 Normozoospermic subjects .The anti-sperm antibody and testosterone levels were measured by using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: The Antisperm antibodies were positive in serum of normozoospermic, asthenozo-ospermic, oligozoospermic and azoospermic men respectively are about 10%, 5%, 20%,5% and in the total group was 10% positive. The ASA in seminal plasma of normozoospermic men, asthenozoospermic men, oligozoospermic men and azoospermic men respectively are 0%, 0%, 5%, 5% and in the total groups 2.5%.These findings lead to no possibility to make clear correlations with the studied hormones. There was significant increase (P<0.05) in the levels of testosterone in serum and seminal plasma in comparison between normozoospermic and infertile men subgroups. There was significant decrease (P<0.05) in the levels of pro-gesterone in serum and seminal plasma in comparison between normozoospermic men and infertile men subgroups, the highest levels were observed in asthenozoospermic subgroup. The study showed that 10 patients (12.5%) out of 80 patients showed a positive ASA positive in serum or seminal plasma of all groups. The result was considered positive if the value was ≥60 RU / ml .On these basis and regarding that screening criteria the positive ASA group showed the association with the low levels of testosterone in both types of the samples(serum and seminal plasma), these results was exhibited a high significant difference when compared with negative ASA group. Conclusion: Determination of the relevance of the levels of testosterone and anti-sperm anti-bodies in the serum and seminal plasma, which in turn is important to determine the type of infertility especially the immunological type.
Placenta growth factor is, VEGF family member, a Pleiotropic Factor affects a variety of cell types and regulates various biological responses. PlGF is similar in structure and function to VEGF, and it amplifies VEGF's angiogenic actions. Ovulation stimulation during cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) for the management of infertility results in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), an iatrogenic side effect. Considering potential roles of PlGF and its receptor (sflt-1) in angiogenesis, the association of these factors with OHSS among study women during controlled ovarian stimulation have evaluated in the present study. Comparative cross-sectional study including of 60 women who go through controlled ovarian stimulation. On oocyte retrieval day, their serum and follicular fluid were taken. The concentrations of PlGF and sFlt-1 were assessed using ELISA .Eighteen patients presented with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and 42 patients were no OHSS. There was significantly higher serum PIGF in women with OHSS patients as compared to women with no OHSS, 141.4 ± 11.8 versus 91.9 ± 5.4 respectively (p<0.001). Furthermore, Follicular fluid PlGF there was significantly higher in women with OHSS patients as compared to women with no OHSS, 163.4 ± 7.2 versus 91.1 ± 5.5 respectively (p<0.001). Additionally Follicular fluids PlGF/sFlt ratio significantly higher in women with OHSS patients as compared to women with no OHSS, 0.034 ± 0.01 versus 0.026 ± 0.01 respectively (p<0 . 001). On the contrary there was significantly lower serum and follicular fluid sFlt in ovarian hyper-stimulated patients These statistics show that serum and FF PlGF and PlGF to sFlt ratio higher in women with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) patients as compared to women with no OHSS. So, the PlGF may be played an important a role in angiogenesis dysregulation.
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of hyperandrogenism anovulatory infertility; it affects 510-% of females in the reproductive age. PCOS is a risk disease; it has an association with gynecological malignancy. Objectives: To determine whether Cancer Antigen 125 (CA125) and Cancer Antigen 153-(CA153-) levels are increased in PCOS and possibility of CA125 and CA153- to be used as a diagnostic marker of PCOS. Methods: Seventyfemales with PCOS diagnosed depending on threecriteria: Menstrualhistoryofoligomenorrhea ultrasound examinations revealed polycystic ovaries and biochemical hyperandrogenism. Twenty normal fertile females serve as control group. Blood samples were obtained from all individuals from 2nd-4th day of menstrual cycle to measure levels of FSH, LH and testosterone.Second blood samples were collected from the same patients during late follicular phase to measure CA153- and CA125( by ELISA). Results: Females with PCOS and controls differed significantly(p< 0.05) in total serum testosterone (p). Females with PCOS and controls have highly significant difference (p < 0.001) in LH mean level (7.881.83+ vs 3.900.73+) respectivelyand, highly significant difference (p < 0.001) in LH/FSH ratio and BMI parameters. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in FSH, CA125 and CA153- between PCOS patients and the controls.There were positive correlation between testosterone and CA125.Negative correlation between testosterone and CA153- serum values. Conclusion: There were no changes in the serum levels of CA125andCA153- in PCOS patient at the age of reproduction and those cancer antigens could not be used as diagnostic markers for polycystic ovarian syndrome.
The purpose of the study was to determine if age and body mass index in infertile men were associated with stress levels as determined by salivary stress biomarkers (cortisol and alpha-amylase). A cross-sectional study comprising 100 males with an infertility challenge was divided into 25 normozoospermia, 26 oligozoospermia, 21 asthenozoospermia, and 28 oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase were examined using the ELISA technique . The average age of the patient was 30.85±7.03, and their average BMI was 27.604±5. 7894. The infertile duration mean was 4.7896±3. 85932. The average amylase content in the saliva was 127.3721±40.0952, while the average cortisol content was 72.67±49.09. There are no discernible variations between the comparison mean of BMI and the duration of infertility. In the current investigation, there was no discernible relationship between SAA and age, BMI, or the length of infertility. Saliva cortisol and BMI in the oligoasthenoteratozoospermia group showed a substantial negative correlation (r = 0.483 & p = 0.009), although no significant link was seen with age, BMI, or length of infertility in the other study groups. There was no significant positive or negative correlation found between SAA level and the age and BMI of the four study groups, whereas salivary cortisol showed a substantial negative correlation with BMI in OAT and a non-significant correlation with age.
Background: Male obesity is associated with physiological changes that can negatively affect male fertility. Obese men have demonstrated a 3-fold increase in the prevalence of oligozoospermia when compared with men with normal Body Mass Index (BMI). Objective: To find the correlation between Aromatase enzyme with the following hormones (follicle stimulating hormone(FSH), Luteinizing hormone(LH), Estradiol(E2), and testosterone) in the obese infertile male. Subjects, Materials and Methods: Seventy obese infertile male (patients) and twenty obese fertile male (control) are enrolled in this study. Aromatase enzyme, FSH, LH, E2 and testosterone hormones were measured in their serum. All serum samples were measured by ELISA method. Results: Median human cytochrome enzyme level was significantly higher in patients than in control group, 87.55+ 12.48 pg./ml versus 56.95+9.88 pg./ml, P= 0.014. In patients group, a significant positive correlation was found between human cytochrome enzyme, FSH, and LH. Conclusions: The present study showed clearly that male obesity negatively affects fertility through changes in hormone levels. The results suggest that increased estrogen because of aromatization in the fatty tissue, reflected through the increase in human cytochrome enzyme (aromatase), may be an important mechanism for the hypoandrogenemia and altered sperm parameters.