جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « fertilization » در نشریات گروه « پزشکی »

The B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) protein is one of the members of the BCL-2 associated X (BAX) protein family that acts as an inducer of apoptosis.

The present study aims to investigate the association between BAX and BCL-2 gene expression with reproductive outcome, in cases undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

In this case-control study, 50 men were divided into the healthy fertile and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic infertile men (n = 25/each). They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, and semen analysis. Expression of BAX and BCL-2 genes were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The DNA fragmentation index was measured using the sperm chromatin dispersion assay technique. Using World Health Organization criteria, sperm parameters were evaluated.

Evaluation of apoptosis-related genes showed that oligoasthenoteratozoospermic significantly increased mRNA expression of BAX, and significantly decreased mRNA expression of BCL-2, when compared with control. Moreover, the BAX/BCL-2 ratio was significantly higher in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic compared to the normozoospermic group (p = 0.01). Also, this study showed that the BAX and BCL-2 genes expression had a significant correlation with sperm quality, and DNA fragmentation in the oligoasthenoteratozoospermic group (p = 0.01). The oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men, had a considerably lower proportion of fertilization rate and good-quality embryos at the cleavage stage than the normozoospermic subjects (p = 0.01). A significant correlation was observed between the expression of BAX and BCL-2 genes, fertilization, and embryo quality (p = 0.01).

We concluded that the sperm BAX/BCL-2 ratio demonstrates a significant correlation with fertilization rate and embryo quality.

The process of embryogenesis has long fascinated scholars, both in ancient Unani medicine and modern science, as it holds the key to the formation and development of life. In Unani medicine, the understanding of embryogenesis is deeply rooted in the philosophy of life, emphasizing the importance of reproduction for species survival. This article delves into the Unani perspective on embryogenesis, highlighting the role of Manī (semen) and the interplay of Arkān (elements) in shaping the development of the embryo. Unani scholars have expounded on various aspects of embryogenesis, including the formation of essential organs, sex differentiation, and the roles of Quwwat tanasuliyya (reproductive faculty) in Manī production and fertilization. They also described a holistic view of embryonic development, from the formation of the Zubda (zygote) to the differentiation of vital organs, aligning with some principles in modern embryology.This article explores striking similarities between Unani and modern scientific concepts of embryogenesis, such as gastrulation, umbilical vessels, and sex differentiation. Additionally, it discusses aspects like quickening, lactational amenorrhea, and foetal presentation, where Unani insights align with contemporary medical knowledge.All the relevant literature on Unani medicine has been evaluated, assessed and analysed based on classical texts. Additionally, several papers in this regard were also searched using search engines, namely PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect.The evolution of embryology as a scientific discipline has seen significant transformations, progressing from its early rudimentary stages to a more evidence-driven approach. This shift towards empirical science becomes readily apparent when examining the historical trajectory of embryological development.

 Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) as a known complication in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may occur following inducible fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and can affect the sequels of these treatments.

 This study aimed to assess the effects of OHSS on pregnancy outcomes through IVF in women with PCOS. Also, we assessed the value of baseline sexual hormones to predict the pregnancy's success.

 This case-control study was conducted on 180 consecutive women suffering from PCOS who were candidates for IVF at Fatemieh hospital in Hamadan, Iran, from May-July 2022. The women were assigned to the case group (with OHSS, n = 129) and the control group (without OHSS, n = 51). Measuring the sexual hormones was performed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent technique.

 In the multivariable logistic regression model, OHSS could not predict the likelihood of clinical or chemical pregnancy following IVF. None of the baseline sexual hormones could predict the successful chemical or clinical pregnancy in PCOS women following IVF.

 OHSS may not influence IVF-related outcomes in PCOS women. The values of sexual hormones may not also determine the pointed outcome.

Urtica dioica (UD), as a natural antioxidant, has positive effects on oocyte maturation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of hydro-alcoholic UD extract and retinoic acid on follicular development in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) condition.

A total of 40 female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: group 1 received normal saline, group 2 was given 25 mg/kg retinoic acid, group 3 was administered with 100 mg/kg UD extract, group 4 was treated with retinoic acid plus UD extract, and group 5 received 10 mg/kg olive oil. The histomorphometric parameters were analyzed, including the number of follicles, follicular atrophy, fertilized oocytes, 2-cell embryos, dead embryos, and blastocysts.  

Retinoic acid caused a significant increase in the primary, preantral, and atretic follicles and a substantial decrease in the corpus luteum compared with the control group (p<0.001). The number of preantral, antral follicles, and corpus luteum was significantly higher in group 3 compared with group 1 (p<0.001). Moreover, coadministration of UD plus retinoic acid (group 4) significantly reduced the atretic follicles (p<0.05).

Based on the results, UD herbal extract, as a natural antioxidant agent, could reduce the adverse effects of retinoic acid on oocyte maturation in an IVF condition.

Few studies have so far been done about the role of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in final oocytematuration. However, none of these studies have been performed solely on normoresponder patients. This study aimedto determine whether oocyte maturation, as well as fertilization and pregnancy rates, could be improved in normoresponderwomen with concomitant FSH and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger compared to those with thehCG trigger alone.

In this prospective randomized clinical trial, 117 normoresponder women, aged 19-40 yearswho were candidates for the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol at Avicenna Infertilitytreatment Center, were enrolled and claasified in two groups. Final oocyte maturation was triggered using 10000 IU ofhCG plus 450 IU of FSH in the first group (59 subjects) and 10000 IU of hCG alone in the second group (58 subjects).The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate.

Mean age of the patients was 33.21 ± 4.41 years. There was no difference in clinical pregnancy among thetwo groups (30.9% vs. 25.5%, P=0.525). There was no statistically significant difference in fertilization rate (80.0%vs. 74.1%, P=0.106), implantation rates (18.9% vs. 16.7%, P=0.352), and chemical pregnancy rates (38.2% vs. 32.7%,P=0.550). Oocyte maturation rate (84.2% vs. 73.6%, P<0.001), 2 pronuclei (2PNs) (6.53 ± 2.54 vs. 5.36 ± 2.85,P=0.021) and total embryos (5.85 ± 2.43 vs. 4.91 ± 2.58, P=0.046) were significantly higher in the first group.

Adding FSH to hCG for oocyte triggering, significantly improved oocyte maturation rates and total embryos.While there was no significant difference in the clinical and chemical pregnancy rates, between these two groups(registration number: IRCT20190108042285N1).

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most frequently inherited illnesses associated with adverse outcomes.

This study aimed to determine the referral cause for fetal echocardiography in the final diagnosis of major CHD.

In this cross-sectional study, the data of 1772 pregnant women, referred to a diagnostic clinic during 2017-2020, were reviewed. Data were collected from participants on maternal age, gestational age, history of previous child's heart disease, body mass, the order of birth of children (baby birth rank), type of woman’s disease, history of poor midwifery, and nuchal translucency (NT).

Of the 1772 pregnant women, only 33 women (1.8%) had a fetus with CHD major. Abnormality in ultrasound (57.6%), history of abortion (36.4%), increased NT and gestational diabetes (18.2%) and Gestational diabetes (18.2%) were identified as the most common referral reasons for fetal echocardiography in these women. Other reason included previous child with Down syndrome (12.1%), previous child with heart disease (12.1%), a history of stillbirth (12.1%), hypothyroidism (12.1%), taking medication during the pregnancy period (9.0), no underlying disease (9.0), multiple pregnancies (6.0%), diagnosis with high-risk fetal heart disease (3.0%), High-risk combined aneuploidy screening test in first trimester (3.0%), in vitro fertilization pregnancy (3.0%), and having a child with intellectual disability (3.0%).

According to the results, it can be concluded that ultrasounds abnormality, abortion, increased NT and gestational diabetes are the most important factors for referring pregnant women for fetal echocardiography.

Hypothyroidism is known as the most common endocrine disorder. The prevalence of hypothyroidism in the female and male population is 2% and 0.2%, respectively. Maternal hypothyroidism is a defect in the thyroid hormones transition from the mother to the fetus. The present study was conducted to find whether maternal hypothyroidism affects the fertility of the second generation.

In this experimental study, twelve adult female rats weighting 180-220 g were randomly divided into case and control groups. Hypothyroidism was induced by dissolving 0.1 g/L of 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil in drinking water toward the end of pregnancy and lactation. At the end of the breastfeeding period, the blood samples of female children were collected. Six healthy, mature, female rats were selected and kept until they reached maturity, and were then mated with male rats. After observing the female rats’ delivery, blood samples were collected from their male and female newborns and the healthy rats were selected.

There was a significant difference in the volume and size of ovarian as well as in the number of secondary follicles in comparison with the control group (P=0.025). However, there were no significant changes in the other parameters including the number of primary follicles, the number of Graafian follicles and sperm parameters. There was no significant decrease in the testicular volume and size, number of Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules diameter.

Maternal hypothyroidism has no significant effects on testicular tissue function, and sperm parameters in the second generation, but can significantly reduce the rate of secondary follicles in the second generation female rats.

Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) is a marker for predicting ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation. It plays an important role in ovarian primordial follicle recruitment and dominant follicle selection. Therefore, the present study evaluated the AMH levels and their association with fertility/reproductive outcomes among women undergoing IVF.

A retrospective study was conducted on 665 women in GarbhaGudi Institute of Reproductive Health and Research in India from October 2018 to 2019. Subjects were divided into ≥1.1 and ≤1.1 AMH level groups. Data on age, luteinizing hormone; LH (mIU/L), follicle-stimulating hormone values; FSH (mIU/ml), LH value, oocytes retrieved, and oocytes fertilization were collected. AMH category was considered as the primary explanatory variable. Independent sample t-test and chisquare tests were performed. The p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Couple’s age, FSH values (mIU/ml), number of large follicles, matured oocytes, fertilized oocytes, and cleaved embryos were statistically significant (p<0.001) among subjects with ≥1.1 AMH values. Percentage of women with successful embryo transfer was slightly higher among AMH category 1.1 (p=0.09). Fertilization rate (86.67±20.08 vs. 83.64±21.39, p=0.18) and clinical pregnancy rate (43.38% vs. 36.36%, p=0.19) were slightly higher among women with AMH level of ≥1.1 as compared to AMH of <1.1. Live birth rate was slightly higher among women with AMH level of 1.1 (25.85% vs. 22.22%, p=0.45). Also, the number of fertilized oocytes was associated with clinical pregnancy rate (aOR=1.20, 95%CI 1.09-1.33).

Women with ≥1.10 serum AMH levels had more number of retrieved oocytes, good oocyte quality, increased embryo transfer, and fertilization rates.

Failed oocyte activation following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) as a result of calcium deficiency is a major challenge.

We compared the effect of cult-active medium (CAM) on ICSI outcomes in obstructive azoospermia cases.

The present study was conducted with 152 ICSI cases, classified into CAM and control groups. The injected oocytes in the control group were cultured in the cleavage medium, while in the artificial oocyte activation group, oocytes were chemically activated through exposure to 200 µL of CAM for 15 min. Fertilization and cleavage rates, quality of embryos, and biochemical pregnancy and live birth rates were assessed in both groups.

There were significant differences between the groups in terms of fertilization and cleavage rates after using the CAM in the percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) subgroup (p = 0.05, p ≤ 0.001) and in the testicular sperm extraction subgroup (p = 0.02, p = 0.04), compared to their control groups. Also, the pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the PESA-CAM subgroup (p = 0.03). The PESA-CAM subgroup demonstrated a significant difference in embryo quality after ICSI (p = 0.04). Unsuccessful embryo transfer and abortion were lower in both subgroups compared to the control groups, but this difference was not significant. Surprisingly, live birth rate was higher in the PESA-CAM subgroup (p = 0.03).

CAM treatment could improve fertilization and cleavage rates in obstructive azoospermia participants. It had a significant effect on embryo quality, and pregnancy and live birth rates in PESA cases.

The aim of our study was to detect the rate of unexplained total fertilization failure (TFF) after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and identify its risk factors and retreatment prognosis. In this retrospective case-control study, we searched the computerized database ofthe Royan Institute (Tehran, Iran) from March 2015 to March 2019 and retrieved all cases diagnosed withTFF after ICSI. TFF cases that did not have any recognized risk factors were classified as unexplained (subgroupA). Cases with recognized risk factors were classified as subgroup B. The control group was randomlyselected from infertile couples who underwent ICSI cycles with fertilization of at least one oocyte during thesame time interval. Characteristics and treatment outcomes of the cases with unexplained TFF (subgroup A)were compared to the control group, and to the other TFF cases (subgroup B). Out of 18,750 couples who underwent ICSI cycles, 296 (1.58%) experienced TFF for the first time.Of these, 49 (16.5%) couples were diagnosed as unexplained TFF (subgroup A) and 247 (83.5%) were placedin subgroup B, TFF with expected risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the totalnumber of mature oocytes (P<0.001), duration of infertility (P=0.043), and women’s body mass index (BMI,P<0.001) were significant predictive factors for unexplained TFF. In the ICSI cycle after TFF, clinical pregnancyand live birth rates in subgroup A were higher than subgroup B. Although differences between thesegroups were not statistically significant (P=0.14 and P=0.07, respectively), this finding could be clinicallyimportant. Unexplained TFF following ICSI is a rare event significantly related to a lower number of matureoocytes, longer duration of infertility and higher female BMI. It has a good prognosis in retreatment cycles incomparison with expected TFF cases. Clinicians should take this into consideration for patient counseling andmanagement.

Implementation of sperm preparation techniques based on cellular and molecular characteristics can improve the clinical outcomes of couples with male factor infertility. These methods attempt to select better sperm compared to classical methods of preparation such as swim-up and density gradient centrifugation (DGC). In this view, the aim of this study was the comparison of clinical outcomes of magnetic-activated cell separation (MACS) followed by DGC or DGC alone in infertile men undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). For this prospective single parallel blind clinical trial study, 206 infertile couples with male factor infertility and having abnormal sperm morphology higher than 96% were included. 106 and 100 couples were considered for the study (MACS-DGC) and control group (DGC), respectively. Clinical outcomes of ICSI; fertilization, embryo quality, and implantation, pregnancy rates were compared between two groups. Mean of fertilization (80.19 ± 1.88 vs. 75.63 ± 2.06, P=0.1), top embryo quality on the day 3 (30.22 ± 3.59 vs. 17.96 ± 2.9, P=0.009), clinical pregnancy (30.76% vs. 22.22%, P=0.19), and implantation rate (18.12% vs. 10.42%, P=0.04) were higher in the study group compared to the control group. Sperm preparation by MACS followed by DGC in teratozoospermic men could improve the clinical outcomes after ICSI (Registration number: IRCT201610317223N8).

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) as an important nanomaterial have a wide range of applications in many fields and human beings’ exposure to this nanomaterial is unavoidable. The effects of CeO2 NPs on the male reproductive system are controversial.

To determine the effects of the administration of CeO2 NPs on the testis tissue, sperm parameters, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in mice.

Twenty-four male mice were divided into three groups (n = 8/each): one control and two experimental groups receiving CeO2 NPs at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 35 days. At the end of the experiment, the diameter of seminiferous tubules (SNTs), epithelial height of SNTs, spermiogenesis index in testes, sperm parameters (count, motility, viability, and morphology), sperm chromatin condensation, DNA integrity, and IVF assays were analyzed.

Histological results showed that the tubular diameter, the epithelial height of the SNTs, and the spermiogenesis index were significantly decreased in the experimental groups receiving CeO2 NPs. All sperm parameters in the experimental groups were significantly reduced and, additionally, the percentages of immature sperms and sperms with DNA damage were significantly increased in groups treated with CeO2 NPs compared to the control. Furthermore, the rates of IVF and in vitro embryo development were decreased.

Collectively, the current study showed that oral administration of CeO2 NPs in mice had detrimental effects on the male reproductive system through inducing testicular tissue alterations, decreasing sperm parameters quality, and also diminishing the IVF rate and in vitro embryonic development.

The management of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) disease relies on microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). Few studies have assessed the role of micro-TESE in men with NOA in our country.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the success rate of micro-TESE.

This retrospective descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 463 men with NOA in Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute during September 2017 through September 2019. Sperm were retrieved and frozen according to the rapid sperm freezing protocol. After preparing the oocyte of the male partner’s spouse, sperms were thawed and then entered the intracytoplasmic sperm injection process. The clinical pregnancy of individuals was confirmed via ultrasound. Demographic data were extracted from medical records.

The success rate of micro-TESE was 38% and successful fertilization, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth were observed in 111 (85.4%), 29 (22.3%), 29 (22.3%) and 14 (10.7%) men, respectively. A significant difference was seen between the two groups, regarding age   (p = 0.01). In addition, the mean follicle-stimulating hormone in men with positive micro-TESE was significantly lower than in men with negative micro-TESE (p = 0.02).

The success of pregnancy in couples with NOA managed via micro-TESE was significant. The study found that the success rate of micro-TESE was higher in older men and in those with lower follicle-stimulating hormone levels.

There is no sufficient information on the impact of bovine ampullary oviductal epithelial cells (BAOECs) on in vitro oocyte maturation competence and gene expression.

This study aimed to examine the oocyte developmental competence following co-culturing with a monolayer of fresh and frozen-thawed ampullary cells.

Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were distributed into three groups: control group; where in COCs were cultured in cell-free media for 24 hr and FML and FTML groups in which the COCs were cultured in maturation media for 18 hr and then transferred into a media containing fresh and frozen-thawed BAOECs monolayer, respectively (BAOECs were extracted from the oviducts of slaughtered cattle and were then cultured freshly or frozen-thawed) for a further 6 hr. After 24 hr, the expanded COCs were evaluated for nuclear maturation, fertilization rate, and gene expression (GDF9, StAR, CASP3, and FSHr).

Nuclear maturation rate in the FTML group was significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.02). The fertilization rate of FTML group was significantly higher than the control and FML groups (p = 0.05 and p = 0.03, respectively). In terms of gene expression, GDF9 were upregulated in the presence of the BAOECs during the last 6 hr of the in vitro maturation (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the expression of the StAR gene in the FTML group was higher than the other groups (p = 0.02).

Ampullary cells co-culturing (especially frozen-thawed cells) for in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes yields encourages the results and demonstrates the beneficial effect of co-culture on gene expression and developmental competence.

Varicocele is among the most common identifiable abnormality found in men evaluated for infertility.  Despite the long history associated with varicoceles, there remains much controversy regarding their diagnosis and management. The aim of this study was to determine association between varicocele, sperm parameters, and embryo quality of ICSI outcome in infertile men.

  Fifty individuals with varicocele for Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment were included in this study. The control group included healthy men without varicoceles (n=50). Semen samples were analyzed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Hormonal analysis of serum LH, FSH, and testosterone were measured. Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed by SCD (Halo sperm), and then ICSI fertilization rate, percentage of high- quality embryos and chemical pregnancy rate were measured.

In semen analyses, the total sperm count, total motile sperm and normal sperm morphology were significantly lower in patients with varicocele. Also, the DNA fragmentation was significantly higher in patients with varicocele than patients in the control group (p<0.001). The level of reproductive hormones was different in varicocele and control groups (p<0.05). Fertilization rate and embryo quality were significantly lower in individuals with varicocele, when compared to men without varicocele (p<0.05). The significant negative correlation between DNA fragmentation, fertilization rate, and embryo quality were observed (p<0.05).

The effect of varicocele on male infertility may be attributed to a decrease in sperm quality as well as an increase in DNA fragmentation, which leads to reduced embryo quality in patients with varicocele.

Due to the presence of the main receptor of SARS-CoV-2 (ACE2) in the male and female reproductive systems, infertility and viral damage during pregnancy are possible, in addition to premature birth, abnormal birth, and even maternal death.

This study aimed to review the effects of COVID-19 from fertilization until birth.

By searching relevant keywords, a total of 205 articles were retrieved, 62 of which were finally reviewed in this study. Also, the Fertility Society of Australia (FSA), European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), and Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) websites were checked to find reports on infertility management during the COVID-19 pandemic in other countries.

: The coronavirus receptor (ACE2) is expressed in the tissues of the male and female reproductive systems, as well as various embryonic stages. The fetus is most likely to be infected by the virus at the time of birth. However, there are few reports of vertical transmission from the mother to the fetus before birth. Couples are generally suggested to freeze their embryos after the COVID-19 pandemic is eradicated.

Considering the presence of the new coronavirus receptors in the male and female reproductive systems, besides reports on the destructive effects of this virus on different parts of the male and female reproductive systems, COVID-19 can harm the next generation, as well as the current world population. Therefore, couples are advised to avoid pregnancy during the COVID-19 outbreak. In the case of pregnancy, they are asked to observe the health protocols as much as possible to prevent the spread of disease.

Oxidative stress (OS) is a common biological event in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), causing oocytes to undergo OS-induced changes. Sirtuin3 (Sirt3) has a critical role in oocyte maturation through the modulation of OS. In the current study, we compared the effects of metformin and clomiphene citrate on the expression of the Sirt3 gene in oocytes obtained from mice induced by PCOS. The induction of PCOS was performed by the single injection of estradiol valerate. Animals were divided into control, PCOS, metformin (500 mg/kg), and clomiphene (18 mg/kg) groups. At the end of the experiment, the levels of LH and FSH were determined using the ELISA method. Ovarian tissues were evaluated histologically, and the expression of the Sirt3 gene was analyzed by the Real-time PCR. The induction of PCOS led to an increase in the ratio of LH/FSH elevation, the number of follicle atresia, as well as the presence of hydrated cysts. The results showed that both treatment regimens returned the altered parameters to the baseline values. The gene of Sirt3 was significantly (p< 0.001) reduced in the PCOS group in compare to control. Also, no significant difference was found in the expression of Sirt3 between clomiphene and PCOS group, whereas, in the metformin group, Sirt3 expression had the higher rate of expression in comparison with the PCOS group (p< 0.05). The administration of metformin and clomiphene showed that metformin is capable of preventing the downregulation of the Sirt3 gene in oocytes collected from PCOS mice.

 Although the detrimental effects of advancing maternal age on fertility and reproduction have been recognized, there is a controversy regarding the impact of paternal age on male fertility.

 This study aimed to evaluate the effect of paternal age on assisted reproductive outcomes in infertile couples with different male infertility factors.

 It was a cross-sectional study on 285 couples at Alzahra Hospital from 2017 to 2019. The exclusion criteria were couples with female factor infertility. Patients were divided into four groups of normozoospermia, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia based on the World Health Organization criteria. To evaluate the effect of age, another grouping was done according to the paternal age (< 25, 25 - 35, 35 - 45, and > 45 y).

 Our study showed that the negative effect of advancing age on male fertility can be seen in infertility factors of oligozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. A declined fertilization rate associated with aging was seen in all four groups, but the low embryo development rate was significant only in the oligozoospermia group (P = 0.01). The poor embryo quality related to advancing paternal age was observed in oligozoospermia (grade C; P = 0.001 and grade D; P = 0.005) and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (grade D; P = 0.01) groups. Additionally, the success rate of biochemical and clinical pregnancy decreased in the oligozoospermia (P = 0.01) and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (P = 0.02) groups with advancing male age.

 Our findings showed a declining likelihood of fertility in men with advancing age. Specifically, we observed the detrimental effect of age on fertilization, embryo quality, and biochemical and clinical pregnancy rate in oligozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia groups during intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles.

The aim of this study was to evaluate expression of Post-Acrosomal WW Binding Protein (PAWP) in infertile men with low and high fertilization post ICSI and also globozoospermic men.

Semen samples were collected from 18 infertile men with previously failed or low fertilization (< 25%) post ICSI, 10 men with high fertilization (>50%) post ICSI, 15 globozoospermic men, and 21 fertile individuals. Then, expression of PAWP was assessed at RNA with quantitative Real Time PCR.

Relative expression of PAWP in sperm was significantly (P < .05) lower in infertile men with globozoospermia (41.5 ± 5.7) or low fertilization rate (43.3±10.4) compared to fertile (138.8 ± 17.3)or men with high fertilization (211.6 ± 75.6). In addition, a significant positive correlation (r = 0.628; P = .001) was observed between percentage of fertilization with the relative expression of PAWP.

Considering solid recent evidences regarding PLCζ as the main sperm factor involved in oocyte activation, therefore co-localization of PLCζ with PAWP in perinuclear theca may account for the above observation and it is likely that PAWP may have other functions and/or it may assist PLCζ.