Therapeutic potential of testosterone on sperm parameters and chromatin status in fresh and thawed normo and asthenozoospermic samples.

BACKGROUND: Hormonal changes alter the physiological level of ROS and cause oxidative stress in the cell. As estimated, hormonal deficiencies, environmental and ideological factors make up about 25% of male infertility. Pathogenic reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a chief cause of unexplained infertility. Limited studies exist on the effects of testosterone on human sperm culture. Therefore, in the current study, the effect of different doses of testosterone on sperm parameters and chromatin quality was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semen samples from 15 normospermic and 15 asthenospermic patients were prepared by swim up method, and then were divided into four groups by exposing to different concentrations of testosterone (1, 10, and 100nM) for 45min. Samples without any intervention were considered as control group. All samples were washed twice. Sperm parameters and chromatin protamination were assessed in each group and the remains were frozen. After two weeks, all tests were repeated for sperm thawed. Also, the MSOM technique was used to determine the sperm morphology of class 1. RESULTS: Although sperm parameters were not show any significant differences in normospermic and asthenospermic samples exposed to different concentrations of testosterone before and after freezing, chromatin protamination was significantly decreased in the normospermic samples exposed to 10nM of testosterone before freezing (p<0.006), as well as 1 and 10nM of testosterone after freezing compared to control samples (p=0.001 and p=0.0009, respectively). Similarly, chromatin protamination in the asthenospermic samples was significantly decreased at concentration of 1nM of testosterone before and after freezing (p=0.0014 and p=0.0004, respectively), and at concentration of 10nM of testosterone before and after freezing (p=0.0009, p=0.0007) compared to control samples. CONCLUSION: Using a low dose of testosterone in the sperm culture medium, has positive effects on chromatin quality.

Possible Harmful Effects of Smoking Hookah on Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index and Protamine Genes Expression in Normozoospermic Men.

Objectives: In recent years, smoking water pipes or hookah has increased among adolescents in most countries. Although there is evidence in support of the negative effects of this type of smoking on human health, such as the increased risk of lung disease, little is known about the potential effects of hookah smoking on the male reproductive system, especially on the molecular aspects of sperm. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study examined sperm DNA fragmentation index, protamine 1 and 2 (PRM1 and PRM2) genes expression, and oxidant status in normozoospermic hookah smokers in comparison with non-smoker controls. Results: Our results showed significantly higher rates of DNA fragmentation, protamine deficiency, and abnormal chromatin condensation in the spermatozoa of hookah smokers (P < .0001). Also, protamine gene expression showed a remarkable decrease in hookah smokers (1.55 ± 2.54 and 0.33 ± 0.54) compared to the controls (3.49 ± 5.41 and 1.22 ± 1.96), although the reduction was not statistically significant (P = .155 and P = .066, respectively). Moreover, a significantly higher level of semen MDA was observed in the case group compared to the controls (0.39 ± 1.04 vs 0.15 ± 0.21; P = .013). Conclusion: According to our study, although hookah smoking does not have a significant effect on sperm parameters, it may have deleterious effects on DNA integrity, oxidative status, and nuclear protein levels of spermatozoa.

Improvement of human sperm properties with platelet-rich plasma as a cryoprotectant supplement.

PURPOSE: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a remarkable substance, which involves the growth and proliferation of all cell types. As a source of growth factors, we evaluated whether sperm cryopreservation supplemented with PRP improves the rates of sperm motility, viability, and DNA integrity after vitrification compared with conventional cryo-medium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 normal semen specimens were collected from healthy men. After swim-up preparation, each sample was divided into four aliquots. One, as control, received no treatment, and the other three experimental samples were treated with three different concentrations of PRP as cryoprotectant. Sperm parameters were examined before and after freezing procedure. RESULTS: PRP had no significant effect on sperm count. Meanwhile, the percentage of sperm progressive motility and viability in the PRP treated samples with 1×105 /µL concentration was significantly higher than control group. Besides, the rate of immotile sperms in these samples was significantly lower than the control. Sperm viability was significantly higher in the PRP samples at 1×105/µL concentration. In the case of DNA integrity, CMA3 staining showed that the lower PRP concentration was correlated with the higher rate of abnormal spermatozoa. SCD showed that the rate of abnormal sperms in the PRP samples with 1×105 /µL concentration was significantly lower than control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a protective effect of PRP on human sperm quality at an optimized concentration after vitrification. Besides, the effects of PRP supplementation of sperms on successful fertility following sperm preservation will be of interest.

Relationship between sperm quality and total fertilization failure in intracytoplasmic sperm injection and in vitro fertilization cycles: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Total fertilization failure (TFF) is associated with essential mechanistic and cellular events. Objective: The present study is a comprehensive examination of detrimental effects with well-known assays for predicting TFF in conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Materials and Methods: Semen parameters of 90 men, including 60 cases who had experienced IVF/ICSI failure and a control group of 30 individuals, were evaluated. Sperm chromatin/DNA quality assessments were done by aniline blue, toluidine blue, chromomycin A3, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays. A lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) kit was used to measure the LPO, and JC1 staining was used to evaluate mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Results: There were statistically significant differences found between the IVF, ICSI and control groups by the toluidine blue (p = 0.01), TUNEL (p = 0.02), and chromomycin A3 (p < 0.001) tests, but not by the aniline blue staining. Furthermore, there was a significant difference regarding LPO concentration and high MMP in cases of IVF fertilization failure compared to the control group (p = 0.04, p = 0.02, respectively). The logistic regression model showed that sperm viability was predictive for fertilization failure in the ICSI group. Sperm chromatin and DNA quality assays were not predictors for TFF in either group. Conclusion: Cellular events such as high DNA fragmentation damage, high levels of reactive oxygen species, and low MMP levels can cause TFF in IVF and ICSI programs. Diagnostic tests, especially in cases with previous fertilization failure, showed significant differences in sperm chromatin and DNA quality between groups but could not predict the risk of TFF.

The effects of morphine abuse on sperm parameters, chromatin integrity and apoptosis in men.

OBJECTIVE: Morphine is one of the major psychoactive chemicals in opium that can increase the production of free radicals and thus can negatively affect spermatogenesis. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effects of morphine consumption on sperm parameters, DNA integrity and apoptosis in men taking morphine. METHODS: In this case-control study, 30 man abusing morphine (cases) and 30 healthy men (controls) were compared in sperm parameters (count, motility and morphology) and sperm chromatin quality, with Aniline Blue (AB), Toluidine blue (TB) and Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) stains. The participants were matched for age, weight, amount and duration of cigarette smoking. RESULTS: In men with morphine dependency, sperm progressive and total motility (p=0.038 and p=0.000, respectively) showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. Concerning morphine abuse, although morphine can decrease the sperm chromatin condensation and increases the rate of sperm apoptosis, these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results morphine dependence can reduce male fertility by affecting sperm parameters.

L-proline as a novel additive to cryopreservation media improved post-thaw quality of human spermatozoon via reducing oxidative stress.

Sperm cryopreservation as a routine technique in assisted reproductive technique (ART) laboratories has detrimental effects on spermatozoa. Various methods have been introduced to improve it. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of L-proline supplementation in cryopreservation medium on normozoospermic semen samples. A total of 30 semen samples were collected from normozoospermic men. Cryopreservation media were supplemented with different concentrations of L-proline (0, 1, 2 and 4 mmol/L). The semen samples were cryopreserved. After thawing, sperm parameters and chromatin integrity (aniline blue (AB), toluidine blue (TB), sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD) and chromomycin A3 (CMA3)), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were evaluated. A total of 4 mmol/L L-proline significantly improved progressive motility and viability (p < 0.05). MDA and ROS levels significantly diminished in samples were cryopreserved by 4 mmol/L L-proline supplemented cryopreservation media (p < 0.001). Also, it significantly increased TAC level. Also, chromatin damages (AB, TB and CMA3) significantly improved in samples were cryopreserved by 4 mmol/L L-proline supplemented cryopreservation media (p < 0.05). The results support that the usage of L-proline supplemented cryopreservation media to improve sperm quality after cryopreservation.

The probable destructive mechanisms behind COVID-19 on male reproduction system and fertility.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to summarize the current understanding of probable mechanisms and claims of adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 on male fertility potential. METHODS: Our search was including original articles, reviews, guidelines, letters to the editor, comments on guidelines, and editorials, regarding the male reproductive system. We used the words SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, "2019 ncov," testis, sperm, male factor infertility, fertility treatment, semen, assisted reproductive technology (ART), sexual transmission, and ACE2. RESULTS: Data showed coronavirus affects men more than women because of more expression of 2019 nCoV receptors (ACE2 and TMPRSS2) in testicular cells. Also, "Bioinformatics Analysis" suggests that sperm production may be damaged, since "Pseudo Time Analysis" has shown disruption in spermatogenesis. "Gene Ontology" (GO) showed an increase in viral reproduction and a decrease in sperm production-related terms. Recently, SARS-COV-2 mRNA and protein were detected in the semen of patients that had recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, the probable disruption of blood-testis barrier (BTB) in febrile diseases is suspected in the acute phase of the disease enabling viral entry into the testes. Not only is spermatogenesis disturbed, but also disturbs gonadotropin, androgens, and testosterone secretion during SARS-CoV-2 infection. No sexual transmission has been reported yet; however, detection of the virus in semen still makes the sexual transmission an open question. CONCLUSION: There is a concern that male fertility may be disturbed after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, follow-up of the reproductive functions and male fertility may be necessary in recovered cases, especially in aged men.

Impact of biological and artificial seminal fluids on sperm parameters and DNA status in asthenozoospermic ejaculates.

The chemical composition and physiological properties of seminal fluid (SF) affect sperm quality. The objective was to investigate the effects of in vitro exposure of artificial seminal fluid (ASF) and biological seminal fluid (SF) on sperm quality. Asthenozoospermic ejaculates (n = 20) were divided into two aliquots. The first aliquot was centrifuged for obtaining asthenozoospermic SF. The second aliquot was processed with density gradient centrifugation (DGC), and the pellet was diluted separately with following media: (a) ASF; (b) Ham's F10; (c) normozoospermic SF; and (d) asthenozoospermic SF. Sperm parameters and DNA status were assessed after DGC, as well as 2 and 24 hr after incubation. The data showed that sperm progressive motility, viability and DNA integrity were significantly higher in ASF than Ham's F10 medium immediately after DGC. At 2 and 24 hr, the progressive motility was significantly decreased in biological SF compared with ASF and Ham's F10. DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was significantly lower in normozoospermic SF than asthenozoospermic SF and Ham's F10 at time 2 hr. In conclusion, normal SF showed the protective role on sperm DNA structure. Moreover, ASF preserved sperm motility better than biological SF during 24 hr, despite being similar to normal SF regarding DNA integrity preservation in short time.

Relation between sperm protamine transcripts with global sperm DNA methylation and sperm DNA methyltransferases mRNA in men with severe sperm abnormalities.

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between mRNA expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) such as DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B mRNA and sperm global DNA methylation with protamine transcripts in the sperm from men with severe sperm abnormalities. Sperm from each semen sample were isolated using a standard gradient isolation procedure by layering 1 mL of 40% (v/v) density gradient medium over 1 mL of 80% (v/v). A total of 30 oligoasthenoteratozoospermic ejaculates (OAT) and 30 normozoospermic ejaculates as controls were compared using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for mRNA expression of DNMT1, 3A, 3B, protamine1 (P1) and protamine2 (P2). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect global DNA methylation in sperm. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. In OAT ejaculates, the increased level of DNMT3A, 3B mRNA, sperm global methylation, P1 plus P2 mRNA and decrease of P1-P2 ratio were significantly different. Also the content of protamine transcript was not correlated with sperm parameters. The increased total protamine transcript levels were associated with increased mRNA methyltransferases. The increase of DNMT1 may lead to an increased level of global methylation.

Comparison of chromosomal instability of human amniocytes in primary and long-term cultures in AmnioMAX II and DMEM media: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The genomic stability of stem cells to be used in cell therapy and other clinical applications is absolutely critical. In this regard, the relationship between in vitro expansion and the chromosomal instability (CIN), especially in human amniotic fluid cells (hAFCs) has not yet been completely elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the CIN of hAFCs in primary and long-term cultures and two different culture mediums. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After completing prenatal genetic diagnoses (PND) using karyotype technique and chromosomal analysis, a total of 15 samples of hAFCs from 650 samples were randomly selected and cultured in two different mediums as AmnioMAX II and DMEM. Then, proliferative cells were fixed on the slide to be used in standard chromosome G-banding analysis. Also, the senescent cells were screened for aneuploidy considering 8 chromosomes by FISH technique using two probe sets including PID I (X-13-18-21) & PID II (Y-15-16-22). RESULTS: Karyotype and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (iFISH) results from 650 patients who were referred for prenatal genetic diagnosis showed that only 6 out of them had culture- derived CIN as polyploidy, including mosaic diploid-triploid and diploid-tetraploid. Moreover, the investigation of aneuploidies in senesced hAFCs demonstrated the rate of total chromosomal abnormalities as 4.3% and 9.9% in AmnioMAX- and DMEM-cultured hAFCs, respectively. CONCLUSION: hAFCs showed a low rate of CIN in two AmnioMAX II and DMEM mediums and also in the proliferative and senescent phases. Therefore, they could be considered as an attractive stem cell source with therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine.

Iranian temporal changes in semen quality during the past 22 years: A report from an infertility center.

BACKGROUND: Despite numerous reports about temporal changes in semen quality from all over the world, the debates continue. The latest systemic review has shown an overtime decrease in semen quality worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To assess the temporal changes in the semen quality among Iranian population referred to an infertility center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, semen parameters including concentration, motility, and morphology were compared between Iranian men reffered to Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd between 1990 to 1992 (group 1, n = 707) and 2010 to 2012 (group 2, n = 1108). Demographic characteristics and semen analysis were collected from the records. The effect of age on semen parameters was also investigated. RESULTS: Despite the increase in sperm concentration l in group 2, sperm with normal morphology decreased significantly (p < 0.001). Grade-A motility decreased (p < 0.001), grade B motility increased (p < 0.001), and grade C and D motile sperm remained constant (p = 0.303 and p = 0.315, respectively). Also, no significant correlation between the age and semen parameters were observed. CONCLUSION: This study showed inconsistent temporal changes in the participant semen quality. Significant temporal decline were obtained between various semen parameters, sperm morphology and grade A motility. These results should be further evaluated by larger studies in the future.

Cryopreservation of Low Number of Human Spermatozoa; Which is Better: Vapor Phase or Direct Submerging in Liquid Nitrogen?

Cryopreservation and subsequent survival of semen samples with low numbers of human spermatozoa in assisted reproductive technology (ART) facilities can be challenging. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of warmed human spermatozoa following vitrification using direct submerging (DS) in liquid nitrogen (LN2) or with LN2 vapour (V). Normozoospermic ejaculates were prepared by the swim-up technique and the motile sperm fraction was divided into three groups: (i) fresh (control); (ii) DS methods in LN2 (DS Group); or (iii) cryopreserved in V (Group V). Cryopreservation was performed in a small volume using a Cryotech device. After warming, sperm parameters (motility, viability, acrosome, DNA fragmentation and chromatin integrity) were assessed using cytochemical assays. Progressive motility, viability, chromatin integrity and DNA fragmentation differed significantly after warming when compared with the control. Sperm progressive motility and total motility rates were significantly higher in the DS Group compared to Group V. However, normal morphology, acrosome integrity and DNA damage were not significantly different between two groups. Also, sperm chromatin condensation using chromomycin-A3 (CMA3) and Aniline Blue (AB) staining showed fewer alterations in the DS Group compared to Group V. The rates of spermatozoa with an intact acrosome decreased significantly after thawing from 81.30 ± 6.76% to 68.84 ± 14.70% in the DS Group and to 60.92 ± 8.06% in Group V. Cryopreservation of a small number of spermatozoa with the DS method showed superior outcomes with regard to motility, viability and chromatin configuration.

Frequency of TNFR1 36 A/G gene polymorphism in azoospermic infertile men: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates different cellular activities related to spermatogenesis. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor 1 (TNFR1) mediates TNF-α activity and polymorphism in TNFR1 could lead to gene dysfunction and male infertility. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the association of TNFR1 36 A/G polymorphism with the idiopathic azoospermia in Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study included 108 azoospermic and 119 fertile men. This research investigated the frequency of TNFR1 36 A/G polymorphism in cases who were idiopathic azoospermic men referred to Yazd Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Iran in comparison with controls. polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to investigate the polymorphism in both case and control groups. PCR fragments were digested by Mspa1I enzyme and products were appeared by gel electrophoresis. The abundance of A→G was calculated in the azoospermic and healthy men. RESULTS: According to the present study, GG and AG genotypes frequency in the azoospermic men group were higher than the control group (OR= 2.298 (1.248-4.229), p=0.007), (OR=1.47 (0.869-2.498, p=0.149). Our findings also showed that G allele frequency in azoospermic men had significant difference compared to the control group (OR=2.302 (1.580-3.355), p<0.001). CONCLUSION: It seems that the GG genotype and G allele have an association with increased risk of non-obstructive azoospermia.

Modern human sperm freezing: Effect on DNA, chromatin and acrosome integrity.

OBJECTIVE: Presence of vitrification method in sperm freezing and the introduction of solid surface vitrification beside rapid freezing in vapour, opens an easy and safe way to help infertility centres. While the effects of cryopreservation on motility, morphology and viability of sperm are documented, the question of the probable alteration of sperm DNA, chromatin and acrosome integrity after freezing and thawing procedures in different methods is still controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Normal sample were collected according to WHO strict criteria. Sperm suspensions were mixed 1:1 with 0.5 M sucrose and divided into four equal aliquots for freezing: fresh, nitrogen direct immersion vitrification (Vit), solid surface vitrification (SSV) and in vapour (Vapour). Sperm suspensions were transferred into a 0.25 ml sterile plastic. Then straw was inserted inside the 0.5 ml straw. For thawing, the straws were immersed in a 42 °C water bath. Beside the sperm parameters, we assessed the acrosome reaction by double staining, chromatin integrity by toluidine blue (Tb) and chromomycin A3 (CMA3) and DNA integrity by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) respectively. RESULTS: In progressive motility, the highest rate occurred in Vit (39.9 ± 13.3). Moreover, the lowest rate of immotile sperm was in Vit (32.7 ± 16.3). In normal morphology, the group Vit was similar to the fresh, while SSV and Vapour were significantly different from the fresh. The percentage of acrosome-reacted sperms was more in Vit (81.3 ± 10.2) than the fresh group. TUNEL+ results showed that DNA fragmentation was significantly increased in Vit (p-value = 0.025). While in SSV and Vapour results were comparable to fresh. There was a significant correlation between TUNEL+ and normal morphology, TB, CMA3 and presence of intact acrosome. CONCLUSION: Sperm in Vapour was healthier in terms of DNA, chromatin and acrosome integrity. In contrast of higher motility and normal morphology; DNA, chromatin and acrosome integrity were decreased in Vit. However, these findings were more acceptable in SSV or Vapour.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha -308 G/A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Risk of Sperm Abnormalities in Iranian Males.

BACKGROUND: Signaling molecules such as cytokines regulate spermatogenesis during the maturation of germ cells and sperm apoptosis. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is one of the most-documented cytokines that is involved in spermatogenesis. We investigated the association of the TNFα -308 G/A single nucleotide polymorphism with sperm abnormalities in Iranian males. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study included 180 infertile men who re- ferred to Yazd Research and Clinical Center for Infertility and 100 healthy normospermic controls. Infertile men were classified into four groups of azoospermia (n=91), oligospermia (n=26), teratospermia (n=30) and asthenoteratospermia (n=33). After sperm analysis, DNA was extracted from blood and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was carried out for the genotyping of TNFα- 308 G/A. RESULTS: The A allele was significantly associated with sperm abnormality in our population [(P<0.001, odds ratios (OR) 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.31]. In addition, the A allele was also associated with azoospermia (P<0.001, OR (95% CI)=2.484), oligospermia (P=0.005, OR (95% CI)=2.51) and teratospemia (P<0.001, OR (95% CI)=3.385) but not with asthenoteratospermia (P=0.623). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that this single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) maybe associated with the risk of sperm abnormality in infertile men of Iranian origin.

Administration of high dose of methamphetamine has detrimental effects on sperm parameters and DNA integrity in mice.

BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine (MA) was shown to have harmful effects on male reproductive system. OBJECTIVE: To investigate probable effects of daily administration of MA on sperm parameters and chromatin/DNA integrity in mouse. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-five NMRI male mice were divided into five groups including low, medium, and high dosage groups which were injected intraperitoneally with 4, 8 and 15 mg/kg/day for 35 days, respectively. Normal saline was injected in sham group and no medications were used in control group. Then, the mice were killed and caudal epididymis of each animal was cut and placed in Ham's F10 medium for sperm retrieval. To evaluate sperm chromatin abnormalities, the aniline blue, toluidine blue and chromomycine A3 were used. For sperm DNA integrity and apoptosis, the acridine orange, sperm chromatin dispersion, and TUNEL assay were applied. For sperm morphology, Papanicolaou staining was done. RESULTS: Normal morphology and progressive motility of spermatozoa decreased in medium and high dosage groups in comparison with the control group (p=0.035). There was a significant increase in rate of aniline blue, toluidine blue, and chromomycine A3 positive spermatozoa in high dosage group. In a similar manner, there was an increase in rates of acridine orange, TUNEL and sperm chromatin dispersion positive sperm cells in high dosage group with respect to others. CONCLUSION: MA abuse in a dose-dependent manner could have detrimental effects on male reproductive indices including sperm parameters and sperm chromatin/DNA integrity in mice.

Pentoxifylline increase sperm motility in devitrified spermatozoa from asthenozoospermic patient without damage chromatin and DNA integrity.

The freeze-thaw process results in reduced motility, viability and fertilization potential of human spermatozoa. So, a variety of substances were evaluated in order to enhance human sperm resistance to the stress of cryopreservation, such as Pentoxifylline (PTX) for improving the Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes. The aim was to investigate the effect of PTX on sperm parameters and chromatin/DNA integrity of asthenozoospermic semen post vitrification. A total of 30 semen specimens were obtained from infertile men with asthenozoospermia. The cryoprotectant-free vitrification was performed for the samples after assessment of sperm parameters. After warming, each sample was exposed for 30 min to 3.6 mmol/l PTX in experimental group and the control group without any treatment apposing at 37 °C for 30 min in regard, to repeat all in vitro analysis (sperm parameters and DNA integrity assay). Regardless of the vitrification devastating impacts on sperm parameters, incubation of post vitrified samples with PTX increased the rate of progressive motility (P < 0.01). Moreover, PTX addition did not significantly damage DNA integrity of asthenozoospermic sperm samples. The data showed that PTX was able to improve sperm movement without any adverse effects on sperm chromatin/DNA integrity in vitrification program.

Zoroastrians support oocyte and embryo donation program for infertile couples.

BACKGROUND: The main goal was to evaluate the attitudes and knowledge of Zoroastrians living in Iran towards oocyte donation (OD) and embryo donation (ED) program. METHODS: This cross sectional study consisted of 318 Zoroastrians (n=175 for OD and n=143 for ED) of both sexes. The questionnaire form comprised two parts of general demographic characteristics of the participants and twenty multiple-choice questions about attitude and knowledge of participants towards OD and ED. For statistical analysis, the chi-square test was applied for comparison of data generated from ED and OD groups. RESULTS: Majority of the participants supported OD (69.7%) and ED (71.3%) for infertile patients. In addition, 40% and 42% preferred donation program (OD and ED, respectively), compared to adoption. About 60% of the respondents believed that the donors have no right to find the child and claim it as their own. In addition, more than half of the respondents thought that the recipients of oocyte/embryo should never know the name and address of the donors. More than half of the participants did not know whether their religion accepts donation program or not. Approximately, 80% of respondents supported psychological counseling for both donors and recipients. Moreover, about 56% of the participants necessitated the advertisement on OD/ED program in the mass media. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary data showed that Zoroastrians supported both OD and ED program equally for infertile couples.