Investigation of medical faculty students' views on cadaver and cadaver teaching in anatomy.

PURPOSE: Cadaver education in anatomy is one of the cornerstones of medical school education. The primary purpose of this study is to determine the importance of cadaver education from the students' point of view by examining the effect of cadaver education on learning the anatomy course. In this study, the perspectives of second-term medical students who received or did not receive anatomy education with cadavers, on cadavers and on anatomy education with cadavers were investigated. METHODS: The study was carried out with a total of 116 (66 females and 50 males) second-term medical faculty students. Participants were divided into 2 groups; the first group (n=56) consisted of students who learned anatomy with cadavers, while the second group (n=60) included students who had never seen a cadaver and learned anatomy through atlas and models. RESULTS: As a result, it was determined that the students in both groups thought that there should be cadavers in anatomy education and education with cadavers would accelerate and facilitate the learning process of anatomy. It was also determined that, the students who received anatomy education with cadaver were psychologically affected by the cadaver compared to those who did not, and they thought that the cadaver was less effective in gaining a physician identity (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: When the results of the study are evaluated, it is revealed that the anatomy course is difficult, but the education given on the cadaver significantly facilitates learning and makes it more attractive.

Novel chlorine-extending polymer coating with prolonged antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.

We previously reported a novel polymeric surface coating, namely, HaloFilm™ that can immobilize and extend the antimicrobial activity of chlorine on surfaces. In this study, we demonstrated the continuous antiviral efficacy of HaloFilm when applied on stainless steel and cotton gauze as two representative models for non-porous and porous surfaces against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Forty-eight hours post HaloFilm application and chlorination and 2 h post the viral challenge, the inoculum titre was reduced by 2.25 ± 0.33 and ≥4.36 ± 0.23 log10 TCID50 on non-porous and porous surfaces, respectively. The half-life of the virus was shorter (13.86 min) on a HaloFilm-coated surface than what has been reported on copper (46.44 min).

Assessment of nail findings in children with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous findings are well known in atopic dermatitis (AD), but nail changes have not received as much attention. AIM: To determine the clinical and disease-related capillaroscopic findings of nail findings in paediatric patients with AD. METHODS: In total, 100 participants aged 2-16 years were sourced from the dermatology outpatient clinic: 50 of these had been diagnosed with AD according to the Hanifin-Rajka criteria, and the others were 50 healthy controls (HCs) without AD. The AD severity score (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis; SCORAD) was calculated for all patients with AD. A digital epiluminescence device was used for nailfold capillaroscopy. RESULTS: The nail findings detected in patients with AD were pitting, punctate leuconychia, trachyonychia, onycholysis and onychomadesis. Pitting was significantly (P < 0.01) more frequent in the patient group (26%) than in the HC group (6%). Similarly, the patient group had significantly higher rates for capillary density decrease (P < 0.01), capillary array irregularity (P < 0.001), capillary dilatation increase (P < 0.001), tortuosity (P = 0.04), ramification increase (P = 0.02), bush-like appearance (P = 0.02) and avascular areas (P < 0.01). Significant correlations were determined between pitting and trachyonychia (P < 0.05, r = 0.21), capillary density decrease (P < 0.05, r = 0.25), avascular areas (P < 0.001; r = 0.29) and SCORAD (P < 0.05, r = 0.35). CONCLUSION: The nailfold capillaroscopic images of children with AD were similar to those of scleroderma spectrum disorder. Thus, we believe it would be beneficial to support detailed clinical examination of patients with a capillaroscopic examination.

Efficacy of pulse steroid therapy in patients critically ill with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of pulse steroid therapy administered to patients critically ill with COVID-19 progressing into severe pneumonia. METHODS: A total of 600 patients included in this retrospective study were divided into three groups. Group 1 (control group): 200 patients who did not receive steroid treatment, Group 2: 200 patients who received dexamethasone 1x8 milligram (mg) or methylprednisolone 1x80 mg, Group 3: (pulse steroid therapy group): 200 patients who received 1 g methylprednisolone followed by 1x80 mg methylprednisolone. Demographic and laboratory data were recorded. RESULTS: Mortality rates in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 77 %, 53.55 %, and 58.5 %, respectively. The ratios of intubated patients in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 70 %, 45.5 % and 56 %, respectively. The numbers of patients whose D­dimer values were above 2,250 ng/mL (cut-off value for D-dimer in this study) in groups 2, 1 and 3 were 65, 107, and 105, respectively. CONCLUSION: Pulse steroid therapy does not shorten the duration of hospital stay, does not reduce the need for intubation and increases the risk of thrombosis by significantly increasing the level of D-dimer among patients critically and severely ill with COVID-19 (Tab. 4, Fig. 3, Ref. 20) Keywords: COVID-19, pulse steroid therapy, thrombosis, d-dimer, corticosteroid.

Deformity correction with total knee arthroplasty for severe knee osteoarthritis accompanying extra-articular femoral deformity: the results are promising.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate patients with severe degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee and extra-articular femoral deformities treated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and acute deformity correction. METHODS: Ten patients with severe degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee and extra-articular femoral deformities were included, and the median age was 63 years (range 38-67). The etiology was post-traumatic malunion in four patients, rickets sequelae in four patients, and surgical sequelae due to multiple epiphyseal dysplasia in two patients. The severity of degenerative osteoarthritis and deformity analyses were assessed according to the Kellgren-Lawrence and Paley criteria, respectively. The median number of previous operations the patients had undergone was two (range 0-3), and the median Oxford Knee Society score was 9 (range 5-13) before treatment. All patients were treated with primary TKA and deformity correction in the same surgery. The TKA was completed first, followed by an osteotomy at the apex of the deformity. Finally, a retrograde intramedullary nail was inserted. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 44 (31-60) months. A stable and functional knee joint, a physiological mechanical axis, and solid osseous union were achieved in all patients. Late prosthetic failure was seen in one patient due to deep infection. The median Oxford Knee Society score was 42 (range 37-47) at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Combining several procedures in single setting for the treatment of severe knee osteoarthritis accompanied by extra-articular deformity may eliminate the need for multiple surgeries. Furthermore, a proper physiological mechanical axis can be obtained without causing substantial bone loss. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Clinical importance of placental membrane microscopic chorionic pseudocysts in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the importance of placental membrane microscopic chorionic pseudocysts (MCP) in preeclamptic and normal placentas and evaluate the association between MCP and neonatal complications in preeclamptic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective case-control study, microscopic examination of placentas was performed, including MCP count, in 33 preeclamptic and 35 normal control pregnant women from December 2008 to May 2009. The MCP were counted in placentas for each patient and modeled as a continuous variable to assess the difference between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean MCP count was similar for preeclamptic (7 ± 2) and control patients (7 ± 2; not significant). A weak positive correlation was noted between placental weight and MCP (r = 0.253; p ≤ 0.04). In the preeclamptic patients, mean MCP count was significantly higher for neonates that did not have neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) (p ≤ 0.05) and who did not admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than admitted to NICU (P ≤ .03). The risk for developing NRDS was 20.3-fold greater in neonates of preeclamptic patients who did not have than had MCP (odds ratio, 20.3 95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 48; P ≤ .05). The MCP count cutoff value was ≤ 1 for developing NRDS (sensitivity 83%; specificity, 70%). CONCLUSION: The absence of MCP was significantly associated with the development of NRDS in neonates. The MCP count was inversely associated with the risk of NRDS in newborns of high-risk pregnancies caused by preeclampsia.

The possible role of serum leptin in preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: It is theorized that adipokines play a critical role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, particularly with their pro-inflammatory and inflammatory features. AIM: To investigate serum leptin levels in pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maternal serum leptin levels were analyzed by solid phase enzyme amplified sensitivity immunoassay (EASIA) method in 23 patients with mild preeclampsia, 29 patients with severe preeclampsia, and 28 healthy pregnant controls. RESULTS: Mean serum leptin levels did not differ statistically between patients with mild preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, and the controls (10.77 ng/ml, 13.40 ng/ml, and 8.43 ng/ml, respectively). Also, there was no relationship between serum leptin levels and the gestational ages of the participants. DISCUSSION: Serum leptin levels are not associated with preeclampsia. Leptin measurements are not affected with the gestational age. The role of leptin in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia should be evaluated cautiously.

Reproductive performance after hysteroscopic metroplasty in infertile women: complete versus partial uterine septum.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of hysteroscopic metroplasty on pregnancy outcome in women with complete or incomplete uterine septum (US) accompanying infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-three patients who had hysteroscopic metroplasty for complete and incomplete US with primary and secondary infertility were reviewed. Obstetric outcomes (number of pregnancies, live births, and miscarriages) up to 36 months follow up period were investigated. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients in complete US and 28 patients in incomplete US became pregnant in 36 months follow up. Postoperative miscarriage rate was significantly lower in patients with complete US (p = 0.0001,p = 0.0001, respectively). The mean gestational week at the time of birth and mean birth weight of the in- fants were significantly lower in patients with complete US compared to the incomplete US cases (p = 0.026, p = 0.049, respectively). Postoperative pregnancy rate was significantly lower in incomplete US patients with primary infertility compared with secondary in- fertility (p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic metroplasty improves fertility and pregnancy performance. This improvement is more prominent in patients with complete US, and incomplete US patients with secondary infertility.

Angular deformity development after the distal tibial physeal fractures.

Several clinical and radiological factors can be prognostic in the development of angular deformity following physeal injuries of the distal tibia. One of the radiological parameters, premature physeal closure (PPC), can be detected during postoperative follow-ups. Aim of our study was to identify the prognostic factors in development of angular deformity and its relationship with PPC. One hundred and four patients treated due to physeal injuries of the distal tibia were included in our study. Patients were divided into three groups based on Salter-Harris (SH) classification. The intergroup relationships between sex, age, the amount of energy sustained during injury, premature physeal closure, the amount of residual gap, and deformity were analyzed. Angular deformity developed in 25% (3/12) of SH Type 2, in 60% (9/15) of Type 3 and 30% (3/10) of Type 4 patients with PPC. A residual displacement of more than 2 mm, age and premature physeal closure were specified as significant risk factors for development of angular deformity. 2 mm limit for residual displacement and findings of premature physeal closure in the radiological evaluations during follow-ups are prognostic factors in avoiding malalignment of the distal tibia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Detecting coagulability status by thromboelastography in women with the history of preeclampsia and inherited thrombophilia.

OBJECTIVE: To assign tendency to thrombosis in patients with preeclampsia and inherited thrombophilia using thromboelastography (TEG), and therefore to evaluate possible relationship between thrombophilia and preeclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Kinetics of clot formation was assessed with TEG analyzer in 49 patients with severe preeclampsia, 54 cases with previous diagnosis of inherited thrombophilia, and 31 controls. RESULTS: 'r, 'k', TMA, coagulation index (CI) parameters were found statistically discrete between patients with inherited thrombophilia and controls. The difference between preeclampsia and control groups was not statistically significant. The difference in a angle was statistically significant between thrombophilics and preeclamptics (p = 0.01), and between thrombophilics and controls (p = 0.004). CI was found statistically lower in thrombophilia group than control group (p = 0.006). Particularly, clot lysis time (CLT) was measured to shorten in preeclampsia when compared with controls and patients with thrombophilia (p = 0.032, p = 0.028, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Not only the inherited thrombophilia group but also preeclampsia group demonstrated elongated clot initiation patterns when compared to the controls. Moreover, apart from the patients with inherited thrombophilia, preeclamptics exposed shorter CLT values indicating a possible increment in clot turn over, which eventually results in increased depletion of coagulation substrates, and thus, increased frequencies of oxidative cycle injury.

Reattachment of dehydrated tooth fragments: two case reports.

Anterior crown fractures are the most common type of injury in dental trauma. The ideal treatment is to reattach the fragments as quickly as possible following intraoral and radiographic examination, but sometimes delayed treatment appointments are necessary because of uninformed patients/parents or multidisciplinary cases included endodontically and periodontically. Delayed reattachment may lead to unesthetic results because of the dehydration of fragments. The purpose of this study was to present 1-year follow-ups of reattachment of dehydrated fragments using dentin bondings and flowable composites in two different cases. The color of the dehydrated fragments was natural in the control appointments and 1-year follow-ups show harmonious integration of color, form and texture after the reattachment of the original piece of tooth. Restoration of the tooth by reattaching the original fragment is the best way of treatment in esthetic, conservative and economic point of view.

Prognostic factors that affect the response to topical treatment in patchy alopecia areata.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is an organ-specific, T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease that is characterized by non-scarring hair loss. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to find the factors that may affect the response to topical therapy in AA. METHODS: The study included a total of 60 patients with AA and 30 healthy control patients. The AA patients were randomized into two groups. 40 patients used 0.05% clobetasol propionate cream, and 20 patients used petrolatum (placebo). Both groups applied topical treatments to their lesions twice daily for 12 weeks. RESULTS: The mean extent of AA was 21.88 ± 16.75% in patients with autoantibodies and 12.16 ± 13.55% in those who were negative for autoantibodies (P = 0.021). Ophiasic pattern and nail involvement were observed more frequently in patients with atopy (P < 0.05). Relapse was more frequent in patients with atopy (P = 0.002) and nail involvement (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: We observed that the presence of autoantibodies was associated with more extensive AA, and that ophiasic hair loss pattern and nail dystrophy were significantly associated with atopy. Topical clobetasol propionate treatment produced a modest advantage in hair regrowth as compared with placebo. Notably, atopic AA patients have a higher risk of relapse and redevelopment of AA after completing a course of topical corticosteroid treatment.

Audiological abnormalities in patients with alopecia areata.

BACKGROUND: Audiological abnormalities seen in various autoimmune disorders raises the question of whether such abnormalities also exist in alopecia areata. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to detect possible audiological abnormalities in Alopecia areata (AA) patients. METHODS: The study population consisted of 51 patients with AA and 51 healthy controls. Autoscopic and audiometric examinations of both ears were performed in patients and controls. Audiometric examinations were performed using a pure tone audiometer in a silent cabin. Pure tone thresholds were determined for each ear at frequencies of 250-16000 Hz for air conduction. RESULTS: Sensorineural hypoacusis was found in 28 patients with AA (54.9%). Six of these 28 patients showed unilateral minimal hearing loss (>30 dB) at high frequencies only (4000-16 000 Hz), while 22 showed bilateral minimal hearing loss (>30 dB) at high frequencies only (4000-16 000 Hz). Hypoacusis was observed in 13 control subjects (25.4%). Sensorineural hypoacusis was significantly more frequent in AA patients than controls (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Follicular melanocytes may be an important target in the autoimmune process of AA and AA may have an effect on hearing function by affecting the melanocytes in the inner ear. Therefore, there may be a relationship between sensorineural hearing loss and the autoimmune disease, AA.

Does hepcidin play a role in the pathogenesis of aphthae in Behçet's disease and recurrent aphthous stomatitis?

BACKGROUND: Aphthae constitute one of the major signs in Behçet's disease (BD) and recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). No scientific study has yet explored the relationship of hepcidins, which have antimicrobial effects, with RAS and BD. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to evaluate by immunohistochemistry whether hepcidin is synthesized by the salivary glands and to measure levels of prohepcidin and hepcidin (an antibacterial peptide) in the serum and saliva of patients with BD and RAS. METHODS: The study included 25 BD patients and 30 RAS patients, as well as a control group comprising 25 healthy individuals. Serum and saliva samples were collected at the same time from all subjects. Levels of prohepcidin and hepcidin were measured by ELISA. The presence of hepcidin in salivary glands was assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Hepcidin was localized in the striated ducts of the sublingual and parotid glands. Saliva prohepcidin and hepcidin levels were correlated with blood levels. Saliva prohepcidin levels were found to be lower in RAS patients than in BD patients and healthy controls (P < 0.001 and P = 0.007 respectively). In addition, RAS patients had lower saliva hepcidin levels than did the control group (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The lower serum and saliva prohepcidin and hepcidin concentrations found in RAS and BD patients indicate that hepcidin may be involved in the aetiopathogenesis of these diseases. Because it can be obtained non-invasively and easily, saliva may provide a useful alternative to serum in quantifying prohepcidin and hepcidin concentrations.

Noninvasive assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis in normotensive gravidae with gestational diabetes.

AIM: Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), hyperhomocysteinemia, microalbuminuria, and nitric oxide reflect subclinical atherosclerosis and predict the risk of future cardiovascular events. We aimed to evaluate the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in normotensive patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) noninvasively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 41 normotensive patients with GDM and 44 healthy gravidae in the study. Serum homocysteine and nitric oxide levels, urinary albumin excretion (microalbuminuria), and CIMT were evaluated along with lipid parameters and anthropometric measurements. RESULTS: Patients with GDM had significantly higher levels of serum homocysteine, urinary albumin excretion, and increased CIMT (p < 0.001, p=0.005, and p < 0.001, respectively). Nitric oxide levels were significantly reduced in the patient group (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between groups in terms of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) but not of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride levels. A significant correlation was observed between CIMT and serum LDL, HDL, homocysteine, nitric oxide levels, and urinary albumin excretion. Microalbuminuria was significantly correlated with serum homocysteine levels (p=0.03) but not with nitric oxide. CONCLUSION: Independent of elevated blood pressure, subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction exist in normotensive patients with GDM. Further studies with a large number of participants are required to clarify these data.

Glutathione s-transferase m1 and t1 gene polymorphisms are not associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus development.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1) gene polymorphisms contributed to development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty women with diagnosis of GDM and 50 control individuals without GDM or altered glucose intolerance during their pregnancy were enrolled in the study. Multiplex polimerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was applied to determine the GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms. Genotypes were determined according to bands detected with the agarose gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: The difference in the frequencies of GSTM1 null genotypes between GDM and control groups was not statistically significant (60% and 54%, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between GDM and control groups with respect to GSTT1 null genotype rates (22% and 20%, respectively).There was no statistically significant difference between GDM and control groups with respect to GSTT1 null genotype rates (22% and 20%, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study shows no association between GST gene polymorphisms and GDM.

The relationship between ischemia modified albumin and oxidative stress parameters in patients with cardiac syndrome X.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of ischemia modified albumin and oxidative stress parameters in patients with cardiac syndrome X. METHODS: A total of 61 patients, composed of 32 consecutive patients (24 female, 8 male, average age: 47.63 +/- 9.49 years) diagnosed with cardiac syndrome X by coronary angiography (initially performed following the identification of ischemia by exercise stress test or myocardial perfusion scintigraphy) and a control group of 29 consecutive patients (15 female, 14 male, average age: 49.59 +/- 11.68 years) with similar features without cardiac syndrome X were included in the study. The levels of the ischemia modified albumin (IMA), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), and advanced protein oxidation products (AOPP) were determined by colorimetric methods. RESULTS: Patients have significantly higher PAB, AOPP, and IMA levels in the patient group than in the control group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, and p < 0.02, respectively). Also, serum triglyceride (p < 0.005) and hs-CRP (p < 0.0001) levels were significantly higher in the patient group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, and p < 0.02, respectively). We found that there was a significant correlation between hs-CRP, plasma PAB (r: 0.258; p < 0.05), AOPP (r: 0.459; p < 0.001), and triglyceride levels (r: 0.404; p < 0.01). Plasma AOPP levels were also significantly positive correlated with triglyceride levels (r: 0.463; p < 0.001). In addition, during the correlation analysis performed on the patient group, a positive correlation was observed between the levels of IMA with the levels of plasma PAB and plasma AOPP (r: 0,994; p < 0.01 and r: 0.857; p < 0.05, respectively) In a multiple linear regression analysis, AOPP levels were significantly related with hs-CRP and triglyceride (R2: 0.380, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05). Simple linear regression analysis was performed between plasma PAB (as dependent variable) and hs-CRP levels. Plasma PAB levels were related with hs-CRP (R2: 0.258, p < 0.05). Using the receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve, the best cut-off values for predicting cardiac syndrome X of PAD, AOPP, IMA, and hs-CRP levels were 88.1 arbitrary units, 68.5 kloramin T micromol/L, 7.17 U/mL, and 1.09 mg/dL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of our study, the increase in oxidative stress during cardiac syndrome X appears to be related to elevated levels of IMA. Treatment modalities that decrease oxidative stress might be beneficial for the treatment of cardiac syndrome X.

Correlation of myocardial performance index assessed by different echocardiographic methods in patients with acute myocard infarction receiving different reperfusion treatment.

AIM: Myocardial performance index (MPI) is a well known prognostic parameter in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, which has been used to assess global cardiac functions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the corelation between the MPI levels obtained by PW doppler and Tissue doppler ultrasonography with reperfusion in AMI patients. METHODS: Fifty-four consecutive acute ST elevatation myocardial infarction patients, 26 treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and 28 with thrombolytic therapy (TT); and 15 consecutive healthy controls were included in the study. MPI levels were measured with pulsed-wave (PW) doppler and tissue Doppler ultrasonography in all patients. The isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), isovolumic contraction time (IVCT) and ejection time (ET) values used to measure MPI levels were determined. Corelation between the time intervals obtained with both methods were evaluated. MPI variations were evaluated in patients treated with PCI and TT. A significant corelation was observed in MPI levels obtained with PW doppler and tissue doppler ultrasonography (P<0.001) as well as between IRT, ICT and ET values (for all parameters; P<0.001). No significant corelation was observed between the MPI levels obtained with PW doppler and tissue doppler ultrasonography in patients treated with primary PTCA and TT (P=0.128, P=0.991, respectively). A significant corelation was observed between the MPI values obtained by PW doppler and tissue doppler ultrasonography with reperfusion interval (P=0.002, P<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: As a result, tissue Doppler ultrasonography may be used as an alternative to PW doppler to evaluate MPI, which is a well known prognostic factor in AMI. No relation has been observed between MPI values in early phases of AMI with reperfusion pattern, while a connection has been observed between MPI and reperfusion interval.

Human spermatozoa antigens in unexplained infertility.

OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the immunolocalization of functionally important antigens in human spermatozoa in an unexplained infertility (UI) group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, the sperm samples of 20 patients undergoing evaluation belonging to normozoospermic group, whose primary reason of infertility was under investigation for this purpose, were screened. CD46, CD55 and CD52, CD69, CD98, fMLP, HI307, and 80280 were stained on the spermatozoa through indirect immunofluorescence technique. RESULTS: In addition to CD46, CD55, and CD52 antigens, which are known to be localized on human spermatozoa, significant immunolocalization of several novel antigens including: CD52, CD69, CD98, fMLP, HI307, and 80280 were determined on the spermatozoa of the unexplained infertility group, possibly reflecting important roles in the pathophysiology of such unresolved clinical situations. CONCLUSION: Identification and characterization of antigens present on sperm cells is crucial for understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of unexplained infertility. Further studies were conducted to evaluate a possible correlation between the expression of these antigens and clinical outcomes in different well-defined infertility groups.