فهرست مطالب soheila pourmasumi

Infertility has a significant impact on the quality of lives of infertile couples, necessitating the exploration of approaches to reduce its prevalence and improve fertility chances. This review focuses on the role of tree nuts in male fertility, considering their potential effects on seminal fluid quality and sperm parameters. Nuts are rich in antioxidants such as vitamins C, D, and E, as well as minerals like zinc and selenium, which are known to have a positive influence on fertility. While numerous reviews have summarized the effects of various nutrients on male fertility, there is currently no published review specifically categorizing the effects of tree nuts on male fertility. This review aimed to fill that gap by summarizing the relevant literature on nuts and male infertility. The findings of reviewed studies suggest the beneficial effects of nut consumption on reproductive health and overall health. The improvement in lipid stability, oxidative stress, inflammation indicators, and endothelial function can potentially contribute to better reproductive health, particularly in relation to agedependent decreases in sperm quality and fertility.

Morphine is a narcotic pain reliever that is prescribed to reduce postoperative pain and can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, it can have negative effects on spermatogenesis and male fertility. Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant which plays an important role in membrane lipid peroxidation due to increased ROS. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin E and morphine on sperm parameters, level of malondialdehyde (MDA), and diameter of seminiferous tubules in morphine-treated mice.  In this experimental study, 80 mice were divided into ten groups (n=8) including control, normal saline, vehicle, morphine, various doses of vitamin E (100, 200, 300 mg/kg), and morphine plus vitamin E (100, 200, 300 mg/kg) groups. The groups were followed up for 30 consecutive days. Sperm parameters, testis weight, the diameter of seminiferous tubules, and the level of MDA were analyzed and compared. Data analysis showed seminal parameters decreased significantly (excluding sperm count) and there was an increase in the level of MDA in morphine-treated mice compared with the normal saline group (P<0.05). Administration of E100 to morphinetreated mice did not show a significant difference in the evaluated parameters compared with the morphine group. However, E200 and E300 significantly reduced MDA and improved sperm parameters (P≤0.05). The results showed co-administration of vitamin E in high doses (200 & 300) could prevent the deleterious effects of morphine on some reproductive parameters and decrease the level of MDA in morphine-treated mice.

 Infertility is a major problem around the world. The male partner is responsible for half of the infertility. Several factors can affect the male reproductive system and create infertility. Occupational exposure is one of the main factors in male infertility. Present study aimed to review the literature on chemical occupational exposure effects on male fertility.

 For this narrative review online search was conducted on scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences by the following keywords: male fertility/infertility, sperm, occupational, chemical agents, work environment, pesticides painters, farmers, and farmworkers. In this study, we categorized sperm characteristics (quality, count, mobility, morphology, and viability) and reviewed studies (between 1985 – 2022) that assessed chemical occupational effects separately (chemical industries, farmers, and painters) on sperm characteristics. We tried to review the most recently reported studies in this issue and categorized them into subgroups for easy understanding.

  Most studies reported a positive association between chemical exposure and defects in sperm parameters. Existing research suggests that the association between industrial life and infertility development is probably reciprocal.

  Results of the studies are controversial, and it seems epidemiological investigations cannot approve the harmful effects of some occupational chemical exposure on fertility potential and sperm parameters. During interpreting the results of the studies, it is important to emphasize that the type of chemical mixtures, duration of exposure (chronic exposure to different levels), and number of compounds, physiological and psychological conditions can play a key role.

The pistachio is considered a valuable source of biologically active components. Compared to other nuts, it has a healthier nutritional profile with low-fat content consisting mainly of monounsaturated fatty acids. It is also a rich source of vegetable protein, dietary fiber, and minerals. While pistachio has been less studied than other nuts like walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts, numerous studies provide evidence of its beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease. These effects are not limited to its ability to lower lipids. Several studies have shown the positive impact of pistachio on human health. This review aims to gather and categorize recent data (2017-2023) on the most beneficial effects of pistachio on lipid and glucose homeostasis, blood pressure, and weight control.

Recurrent pregnancy loss is a distinct disorder defined as the loss of at least 2 pregnancies before the 20th wk of gestation. With one half of the genome of the embryo belonging to the father, the integrity of the sperm genome is crucial for a successful pregnancy. Semen analysis is recommended for men in such cases to evaluate sperm concentration, morphology, vitality and motility. However, other important sperm parameters such as sperm epigenetics, aneuploidy, Y chromosome microdeletion and chromatin integrity also correlate with successful pregnancy and delivery rate. This article examines the use of different sperm tests and their importance in male partners of women suffering from recurrent pregnancy loss.

Oilseeds and their related products are known to have various bioactive and health-promoting ingredients. In this research, we investigated the effects of phytosterols and fatty acids of Pistacia vera on spermatogenesis process and testis histological changes in Wistar male rats for the first time.

A total number of 64 adult male Wistar rats were divided randomly into eight groups including one control group, and seven test groups. Test groups received phytosterols, fatty acids, and pistachio oil orally for 30 days. Then, LH, FSH, and serum testosterone levels were determined. Also, the spermatogenesis process and changes in testicular tissue in rats were investigated.

The results of this research suggest that phytosterols in doses of 10 and 50 mg/kg reduce the spermatogenesis process. Fatty acid in a low dose of 10 mg/kg increases spermatogenesis, but when a high dose of 50 mg/kg was used, it harmed the spermatogenesis process. When low levels of phytosterols and fatty acids are used simultaneously in dose 5 mg/kg, improvement in spermatogenesis process is observed but when these were used together in the dose of 25 mg/kg, the spermatogenesis process was disrupted. Using pistachio oil alone also improved spermatogenesis process.

It seems that phytosterols reduce spermatogenesis at high and low doses, while fatty acids increase spermatogenesis when used in low doses and reduce this process when used in high doses. The use of fatty acids extracted from pistachios to treat infertility in men seems hopeful.

Male infertility accounts for about half of all infertility cases. Asthenoteratozoospermia is a severe form of male infertility. Free radicals play an important role in infertility. In a previous study we found that asthenoter - atozoospermic men had a lower mean percentage of sperm HSPA2+ and higher intracellular anion superoxide than normozoospermia. Antioxidants are thought to be able to counteract the negative effects of free radicals. We explored the efficacy of vitamin E in combination with Se on the level of sperm HSPA2+, intracellular anion su - peroxide, and chromatin integrity in these patients.

60 patients entered the study. They were randomized to the treatment group of oral Se (200 μg) in combination with vitamin E (400 units) for 3 months (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30). Semen samples were obtained and assessed for sperm parameters, intracellular O2-, protamine deficiency, sperm HSPA2+ and apoptotic spermatozoa at baseline and after the treatment phase.

There were no significant differences in baseline semen parameters, intracellular O2- protamine deficien - cy, sperm HSPA2+ and apoptotic spermatozoa between the treatment and placebo groups. There was a statistically significant decrease in sperm apoptosis and the level of anion superoxide ( P = .001) and an increase in sperm motility and viability ( P = .001) in the treated group, but no significant difference was found in the percentage of sperm HSPA2+ and sperm protamine deficiency compared with baseline. Moreover, no significant change was found in these parameters in the placebo group after 3 months.

Our results showed that administration of vitamin E and selenium for three months may improve sperm motility and viability by decreasing intracellular anion superoxide and sperm apoptosis in asthenoterato - zoospermic infertile men. We suggest that consuming these supplements before assisted reproductive technology (ART) may improve outcomes in these patients.

Women are sensitized to stress-related psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Several studies have shown that follicular development and ovarian reserve are reduced after chronic stress.

In this experimental study, the effect of oral consumption of pistachio oil was evaluated on mice models undergoing chronic unprintable mild stress.

6–8-week-old female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: one control and three experimental groups (n= 8). Animals in experimental groups (I, II, and III groups) were exposed to a variety of chronic unpredictable stress for 4 weeks. Then, the mice in I and II groups were fed orally 1 and 4 ml/kg/day pistachio oil for 4 weeks, respectively. Animals in the III and control groups received tab water. Forced swimming test (FST), sucrose preference test (SPT), and tail suspension test (TST) were performed to evaluate behavioral despair and hedonic level in mice. Their ovaries were analyzed for the number and diameter of primordial, primary, secondary, and antral follicles.

FST showed depressive-like behavior to be increased in stress groups compared with the control. According to SPT, greater data deviation was observed in the control mice compared to the experimental groups (P = 0.036). Follicle cell numbers showed a significant decrease in the I and III groups compared to the control (p = 0.034). In addition, there was a remarkable decreasing trend in the diameter of secondary and antral follicles in the I and III groups (p = 0.039).

This study demonstrates that pistachio has protective impacts on unpredictable chronic mild stress in the mice model. Therefore, pistachio could be a potential medical supplement for improving follicular development and ovarian reserve.

Menopause reduces sexual hormones in female rats and is accompanied by depression and emotional disorders. Flavonoids of pistachios have anxiolytic, sedative, and anticonvulsant properties.

The current study aims to investigate effects of pistachio oil on behavioral disorders of ovariectomized rats.

As many as 35 female Wistar rats (150-200g) were randomly divided into five groups (n=7 in each group). In the sham group, the animals received standard drinking water after surgery. In the OVX.C group, the ovariectomized rats received standard drinking water. The ovariectomized rats in the OVX.P group received Premarin (64.5µg/kg) for 28 days. In the h1 300 and h1 1200 groups, the ovariectomized rats received 300 and 1200mg/kg/day of pistachio oil orally for 28 days, respectively. Besides, anxiety was evaluated by the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and open field tests (OFT).

According to the results, oral administration of pistachios significantly increased the percentage of the open arm entries (OAE) test approximately three folds in the h1 300 and hi 1200 groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the percentage of the OAE test was raised in the OVX.P group compared to the OVX.C group (P < 0.05). Besides, the percentage of the open arm time was higher in the OVX.C group than in the sham group (P < 0.01). Anxietyline behaviors in the ovariectomized rats showed a smaller inner time parameter as observed in the OVX.C group compared to other groups. Besides, it was reduced significantly compared to the sham group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the velocity parameter in all treated groups compared to the sham and OVX.C groups.

The results of this study implied that pistachios had protective impacts on anxiety-like behaviors in ovariectomized rats; therefore, pistachio oil could be used as an effective remedy for alleviating anxiety in menopausal women.

The publisher has been informed of an error that occurred on pages 113-120 (Vol. 18; No. 2) which the study type in the title must be changed to “non randomized clinical trial”. The publisher wishes to apologize for this error. The online version of the article has been updated on April 16, 2021 and can be found at http://journals.ssu.ac.ir/ijrmnew/ article-1-1422-en.html (doi.org/10.18502/ijrm.v18i2.6423).

The results of previous studies on the effect of low-dose aspirin in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles are limited and controversial.

To evaluate the effect of low-dose aspirin on the clinical pregnancy in the FET cycles.

This study was performed as a randomized clinical trial from May 2018 to February 2019; 128 women who were candidates for the FET were randomly assigned to two groups receiving either 80 mg oral aspirin (n = 64) or no treatment. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate and secondary outcome measures were the implantation rate, miscarriage rate, and endometrial thickness.

The endometrial thickness was lower in patients who received aspirin in comparison to the control group. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.018). Chemical and clinical pregnancy rates and abortion rate was similar in the two groups and there was no statistically significant difference.

The administration of aspirin in FET cycles had no positive effect on the implantation and the chemical and clinical pregnancy rates, which is in accordance with current Cochrane review that does not recommend aspirin administration as a routine in assisted reproductive technology cycles.

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) plays a key role in angiogenesis during human placenta formation and its abnormal expressions have been reported in placental tissues of women with recurrent miscarriage (RM).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of polymorphism of VEGF1154 G/A gene in RM and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) failures.

The peripheral blood samples of women with RM, IVF failures and healthy women with live born children, as control group were collected. DNA samples were isolated and VEGF 1154G/A polymorphism was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Single nucleotide polymorphism scanning was done using MnII restriction enzymes for 1154 G/A.

The findings of this study showed that the VEGF 1154 A/A and VEGF 1154 G/A mutation frequencies in both RM and IVF failure groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (p=0.005). The homozygous AA mutant genotype frequency in the control group was 0, While in the RM and IVF failure groups it was 30% and 13.9%, respectively (p=0.005). Moreover, the heterozygous AG genotype frequencies were higher in the RM (66.7%) and IVF failure (77.8%) compared to those in the control group (58.3%).

It was concluded that VEGF 1154 A/A and VEGF 1154 G/A polymorphisms were associated with both RM and IVF failures. However, their relation with IVF failures was more common than RM in A/G genotype, while in A/A, the RM was higher than IVF failure.

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the level of ROS and antioxidants. Sperm membranes are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and are very sensitive to increased free radicals. Increasing the level of ROS can lead to an increase in lipid peroxidation in sperm membrane, decrease in their flexibility, and ultimately a decrease in sperm motility. Also, oxidative stress may impair sperm axonemal and mitochondrial function, as well as DNA integrity, RNA and protein synthesis. Several studies have shown that antioxidants are beneficial to human health and are used to prevent cancer and coronary artery disease. Based on the present review, there are more documents in protective effects of antioxidants on sperm cells. Studies showed adding in vitro antioxidants to sperm samples can increase sperm parameters such as sperm motility, morphology and decrease sperm membrane lipid peroxidation and sperm DNA damage. Also in vivo or oral antioxidants supplementation has protective effects on sperm from ROS negative effects. Since the causes of infertility are various, the lack of antioxidants action in reducing the sperm DNA damage, the level of antioxidant activity depends on the type, dose and duration of intake, so more studies are needed to determine the appropriate antioxidant type, the dosage and timing of administration in vivo and in vitro.

Asherman’s syndrome (AS) is a rare reproductive abnormality, resulting in endometrial collapse due to aggressive or recurrent endometritis and/or curettage.

We aimed to assess the effectiveness of using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to lower the recurrence rate of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) following hysteroscopy.

In this non-randomized clinical trial, women aged 20-45 years with AS diagnosed by sonohysterography, 3D sonography, hysteroscopy, or uterosalpingography between May 2018 and September 2018 were included. Participants (n = 30) were divided into case and control groups. Following hysteroscopic adhesiolysis, a Foley catheter was placed into the uterine cavity in all women. After two days, the catheter was removed, and 1-mL PRP was injected into the uterine cavity of women in the PRP (case) group, while the control received no PRP. All controls and subjects underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy 8-10 weeks following the intervention to assess the IUAs according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine scoring system.

Our results did not reveal any significant difference in the menstrual pattern of either the control or test groups before or after treatment (p = 0.2). Moreover, the IUA stage in both studied groups before and after treatment was similar (p = 0.2). The duration of menstrual bleeding in both studied groups before and after treatment was also similar.

PRP cannot change the menstrual pattern or development of postsurgical AS, as evaluated by follow-up hysteroscopy.

Idiopathic male infertility refers to the condition in which there is no clear cause for the diagnosis of infertility. Human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) containing the follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone is a medication that causes ovarian follicles to grow in women. This medication can also induce spermatogenesis in men. The present study was conducted to investigate and compare the rates of pregnancy and live birth in partners of men with unexplained infertility after the injection of 8 and 12 ampules of HMG.

This clinical trial study was carried out on 22 men with unexplained infertility who referred to the Urology Clinic of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran, during March 2016 and December 2018. The patients were randomly divided into two groups each of which included 11 cases. For one group 8 HMG injections and for the other group 12 HMG injections were administered (two injections per week). Afterward, the results of clinical pregnancy were assessed, and the cases were followed up to live birth after the clinical pregnancy. Data analysis was carried out using the Chi-square test.

In this study, the rate of positive pregnancy was reported as 62.5% in the group with 12 HMG injections in comparison to 37.5% in the group with 8 HMG injections. Although the pregnancy rate was higher in the 12-injection group, statistically there was no significant difference (P=0.7).

According to the results of the present study, it can be concluded that for couples with unexplained male infertility, the administration of 8 to 12 HMG injections can increase the chance of pregnancy and live birth. Since this study was the first attempt to evaluate the pregnancy rate after treatment with HMG, it is suggested to perform further studies for the assessment of HMG effect on hormonal profile and chromatin quality.

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) is an important medical problem comprising approximately 15% of all pregnancies. Sperm DNA damage and level of seminal ROS may have a role in RPL.

The main aim of the present study was to appraise the efficacy of antioxidants for improving these parameters in RPL patients.

In a clinical trial, 90 couples suffering from RPL were divided into two groups from April 2014 to December 2015 at the Yazd Research and Clinical Center for Infertility in Iran. Group I received supplemental vitamin E (400 µg) daily in combination with Se (200 µg) and the other group received vitamin E plus zinc for three months. Sperm parameters, sperm DNA damage, and seminal ROS were evaluated before and after treatment and compared between the two groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS and P values of ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Our results revealed normal sperm parameters in RPL patients. Sperm parameters substantially improved in the two treated groups (P ≤ 0.05). The ROS level dramatically reduced in the two groups (P = 0.01). The evaluation of chromatin integrity with AB staining did not show any remarkable changes in group 1 (P = 0.3), but it showed a considerable rate reduction in group 2 (P = 0.04). Also, it showed significant decreases with TB, CMA3, and TUNEL assays in both groups (P = 0.001). However, we did not find any significant difference between the two groups.

Supplemental vitamin E in combination with selenium or zinc may improve semen quality by decreasing the level of seminal ROS and sperm DNA damage in RPL patients. We advocate their use for improving the quality of the men’s sperm DNA.

Oxidative stress (OS) has been identified to be an important cause of sperm dysfunctions. Abnormal sperm morphology, chromatin integrity and DNA may have adverse effects on the implantation and early embryo development. Antioxidants are capable of scavenging or neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and then alleviating OS. Spermatozoa are particularly susceptible to ROS, because of the loss of a large amount of their cytoplasm along with its antioxidant content during the process of spermiogenesis. Normally, the level of seminal ROS is restricted by seminal antioxidants, but enhanced pathological ROS generation leads to OS and then sperm abnormality. Some nutrients including nuts, fruits are antioxidant rich. Pistachio is one of main antioxidants source. Pistachios contain high levels of antioxidants and studies showed pistachio have positive and protective effects on male reproductive system. In this review we will discuss the influence of ROS on sperm DNA damage and protective role of pistachio antioxidants

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

Opioid addiction is a chronic disorder that can create main psychological, systematic, social, and economic problems. Among the different therapies of opioid addiction, Methadone maintenance therapy is one of the many therapeutic approaches. Methadone, like any drugs can effect on some organs. The aim of this study was evaluation of liver enzymes in people undergoing methadone maintenance therapy. In this retrospective study, level of liver enzymes including Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) measured before and 12 mounts after methadone therapy (from October 2015 to June 2016 Rafsanjan, Iran). Data analyzed by SPSS-16 using spearman, paired sample and independent T-test. P-value ≤0.05 considered significance. 98 people enrolled to study (male/female: 83/15). The mean age of them was 47.21±9.53 years (male/female: 48.42±9.51/40.53±65). Plasma levels of AST before and 12 months after methadone therapy was 31.44±21.61, 40.77±20.00 U/L which significantly increased (p= 0.001). Plasma levels of ALT before and 12 months after methadone therapy was 36.43±33.54 and 39.93±25.52 U/L (p= 0.183). Plasma levels of ALP before and 12 months after methadone therapy was 263.21±52.19 and 239.42±57.27 U/L which significantly decreased (p= 0.001). Mean dose of methadone in people with abnormal AST levels was higher than people with normal AST (p=0.003). Before methadone therapy, AST in 58.2%, ALT in 50% and ALP in 100% of subjects was higher than normal level. Treatment with methadone has an effect on the Aspartate Aminotransferase for at least one year and may increase it, which can be due to liver damage.

Due to the paucity of studies, association between the morphology and function of sperm and recurrent miscarriage (RM) is not yet completely known. Increased reactive oxygen species and decreased antioxidant levels in men have been shown to be associated with RM. Recently it has been accepted that antioxidant therapy can approve sperm parameters. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of paternal factor and antioxidant therapy on sperm parameters in the couples with RM.
Sixty ejaculate samples with RM patients were analyzed before and after 3 months of vitamin E and selenium therapy. Sperm chromatin assay was assessed by cytochemical tests including aniline blue, chromomycin A3, and toluidine blue. To measure DNA fragmentation index, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) test was used. Data were analyzed by SPSS software.
Patients had significantly higher percentage of sperm parameters (p Our study demonstrates that antioxidants can improve sperm parameters and chromatin condensation in recurrent miscarriage male partner.

The sperm DNA damage may occur in testis, genital ducts, and also after ejaculation. Mechanisms altering chromatin remodeling are abortive apoptosis and oxidative stress resulting from reactive oxygen species. Three classifications of intratesticular, post-testicular, and external factors have been correlated with increased levels of sperm DNA damage which can affect the potential of fertility. Alcohol consumption may not increase the rate of sperm residual histones and protamine deficiency; however, it causes an increase in the percentage of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. In a medical problem as spinal cord injury, poor semen parameters and sperm DNA damage were reported. Infection induces reactive oxygen species production, decreases the total antioxidant capacity and sperm DNA fragmentation or antigen production that lead to sperm dysfunctions and DNA fragmentation. While reactive oxygen species generation increases with age, oxidative stress may be responsible for the age-dependent sperm DNA damage. The exposing of reproductive organs in older men to oxidative stress for a long time may produce more DNA-damaged spermatozoa than youngers. Examining the sperm chromatin quality in testicular cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients prior to chemotherapy demonstrated the high incidence of DNA damage and low compaction in spermatozoa at the time of diagnosis. In chemotherapy cycles with genotoxic agents in cancer patients, an increase in sperm DNA damage was shown after treatment. In overall, those factors occurring during the prenatal or the adult life alter the distribution of proteins associated with sperm chromatin induce changes in germ cells which can be detected in infertile patients.

Teratoasthenozoospermia (TA) is a severe form of male infertility with no clear etiology.

To compare the level of intracellular anion superoxide (O2–), heat shock protein A2 (HSPA2) and protamine deficiencies in ejaculated spermatozoa between teratoasthenozoospermic and normozoospermic men.

In this case- control study, semen samples of 20 infertile men, with TA (with normal morphology lower than 4%_ and total motility lower than 40% ) as the case group and 20 normozoospermic fertile men as the control group were evaluated for intracellular O2 – and HSPA2 by flow cytometry and protamine deficiency by Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) test.

The rate of CMA3 spermatozoa in the case group was higher than controls (p=0.001). The percentages of HSPA2 spermatozoa in the cases were significantly lower than controls (p=0.001). Also, intracellular O2 – levels in the case group were significantly higher than controls (p=0.001) and had positive correlations with sperm apoptosis (r=0.79, p=0.01) and CMA3 positive sperm (r=0.76, p=0.01), but negative correlations with normal morphology (r=-0.81, p=0.01) and motility (r=-0.81, p=0.01). There was no significant correlation between intracellular O2 – and HSPA2 in the case group (r=0.041, p=0.79).

We suggest that the increase in intracellular O2 –, decrease in spermatozoa HSPA2, and high percentages of spermatozoa with immature chromatin might be considered as etiologies of infertility in TA patients.

Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI) is one of the methods for infertility treatments. The size of the follicles and endometrial thickness are two important factors in pregnancy rate of patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination cycles (COH-IUI). The aim of this study was to investigate the success rate of IUI and follicular size and other associated factors in infertile couples. Materials & Methods: The study group was the patients who were undergoing COH-IUI. BMI of all women recorded and ovulation induction was propelled and when there was appropriate endometrial thickness and at least one dominant follicle in trans-vaginal ultrasonography. 36 hours after HCG injection, IUI was performed. Then pregnancy rate between patients who had follicle size fewer than 20 mm and higher than 20 mm was assumed. 159 cases of IUI were performed and pregnancy happened in 22(14.1 %). In non-pregnant group (134 cases), 78 cases had under 20 mm follicles and 47 cases had higher than 20 mm follicles. In pregnant group (22 cases) 10 cases had fewer than 20 mm follicles and 12 cases had higher than 20 mm follicles in the time of HCG injection. Endometrial thickness was 8.01±1.42 mm in patients with follicles more than 20 mm. The success rate in controlled ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination cycles closely related to obtaining of optimal size of follicles and endometrial thickness.

Sperm is particularly susceptible to reactive oxygen species (ROS) during critical phases of spermiogenesis. However, the level of seminal ROS is restricted by seminal antioxidants which have beneficial effects on sperm parameters and developmental potentials. Mitochondria and sperm plasma membrane are two major sites of ROS generation in sperm cells. Besides, leukocytes including polymer phonuclear (PMN) leukocytes and macrophages produce broad category of molecules including oxygen free radicals, non-radical species and reactive nitrogen species. Physiological role of ROS increase the intracellular cAMP which then activate protein kinase in male reproductive system. This indicates that spermatozoa need small amounts of ROS to acquire the ability of nuclear maturation regulation and condensation to fertilize the oocyte. There is a long list of intrinsic and extrinsic factors which can induce oxidative stress to interact with lipids, proteins and DNA molecules. As a result, we have lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, axonemal damage, denaturation of the enzymes, over generation of superoxide in the mitochondria, lower antioxidant activity and finally abnormal spermatogenesis. If oxidative stress is considered as one of the main cause of DNA damage in the germ cells, then there should be good reason for antioxidant therapy in these conditions.

Genital tuberculosis (GTB) is an important cause of female infertility, especially in developing countries. The positive results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in endometrial GTB in the absence of tubal damage raise the possibility of the detection of sub-clinical or latent disease, with doubtful benefits of treatment.

To evaluate the mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in endometrial biopsy samples collected from unexplained infertile women attending Yazd Research and Clinical Center for Infertility by using PCR techniques.

In this cross sectional study, 144 infertile women with unexplained infertility aged 20-35 years old and normal Histro-saplango graphy findings were enrolled. Endometrial biopsy samples from each participant were tested for mycobacterium tuberculosis detecting by PCR. In 93 patients, peritoneal fluid was also taken for culture and PCR.

The PCR results of endometrial specimens were negative in all cases, demonstrating that there was no GTB infection among our patients.

Our results showed that GTB could not be considered as a major problem in women with unexplained infertility. Although, studies have indicated that PCR is a useful method in diagnosing early GTB disease in infertile women with no demonstrable evidence of tubal or endometrial involvement.