Seminal prolactin is associated with HSP90 transcript content in ejaculated spermatozoa.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence indicates that an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and defense ability of antioxidants has clinical significance in the pathophysiology of male infertility. To investigate the role of seminal prolactin (PRL) in the fertilizing capacity of men, the present study evaluated the associations of seminal PRL levels with semen parameters and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) transcript abundance in ejaculated spermatozoa. METHODS: We assessed seminal PRL levels and the abundance of HSP90 transcripts in ejaculated spermatozoa from normozoospermic donors (n=18) and infertile men (n=18). The transcript content of HSP90 in ejaculated spermatozoa was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Seminal PRL concentrations in infertile patients were significantly lower (p=0.004) than in fertile controls. Seminal PRL showed relatively good diagnostic power for discriminating infertile men (area under the curve=0.776; 95% confidence interval, 0.568 to 0.934; p=0.005). Significant positive correlations were seen between seminal PRL levels and sperm count (r=0.400, p=0.016) and progressive motility (r=0.422, p=0.010). Infertile patients showed a significantly higher abundance of sperm HSP90 than fertile controls (p=0.040). Sperm HSP90 transcript abundance was negatively correlated with sperm progressive motility (r=0.394, p=0.018). Men with higher seminal PRL levels exhibited a lower abundance of sperm HSP90 transcripts. CONCLUSION: Our finding demonstrated associations among semen quality, seminal PRL levels, and the abundance of HSP90 transcripts in ejaculated spermatozoa. Seminal PRL may contribute to male fertility by maintaining the seminal antioxidant capacity and may have the potential to act as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.

Histological study on the skin structure in two mudskippers, Periophthalmus waltoni and Boleophthalmus dussumieri in relation to their terrestrial life.

Microscopic structure of skin in two amphibious mudskipper fish; Boleophthalmus dussumieri Valenciennes, 1837 (B. dussumeri) and Periophthalmus waltoni Koumans, 1941 (P. waltoni) were investigated in relation to their lifestyle. The general structure of skin is the same among the two species. Epidermis in B. dussumeri was thicker significantly than P. waltoni. The dermal bulges were only well developed in the skin of B. dussumeri. Mucous cells were absent in the epidermis of P. waltoni but present in B. dussumeri. Both B. dussumeri and P. waltoni have well-developed swollen middle cells as a shared epidermal feature. The thickness of the middle cell layer of the epidermis in B. dussumeri was significantly greater than in P. waltoni. Capillaries in the dorsal and ventral parts of the body are more closely distributed to the epidermal surface in P. waltoni than in B. dussumeri. The diffusion distance in the dorsal epidermis of P. waltoni was less than that in the ventral epidermis of B. dussumeri. A comparative examination of the skin of mudskipper species suggests that, due to the more terrestrial lifestyle adopted by P. waltoni, the skin contributes more to respiration.

Sperm miR-34c-5p Transcript Content and Its Association with Sperm Parameters in Unexplained Infertile Men.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an essential role in regulatory functions during gametogenesis. There is evidence that dysregulation of miR-34c-5p is implicated in the pathogenesis of male infertility. Whether miR-34c-5p expression could represent the semen quality and be useful in prediction of the fertilizing ability in normozoospermic men was examined in this study. Normozoospermic infertile patients (n = 15) and fertile men (n = 15) were recruited from the Infertility Clinic of Ahvaz, Iran. Sperm contents of miR-34c-5p transcript in were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. No significant differences were seen in semen characteristics between patients and fertile men. Infertile patients showed significant (p = 0.019) lower contents of sperm miR-34c-5p than fertile controls. Men with lower transcript contents of miR-34c-5p exhibit lower sperm motility and normal morphology. Sperm miR-34c-5p transcript with a relatively good diagnostic power discriminated unexplained infertile men (AUC = 0.751, 95% CI: 0.568-0.934; p = 0.019). Our findings show that sperm contents of miR-34c-5p transcript could reflect the quality of spermatozoa in etiology of unexplained male infertility and be helpful in predicting a successful pregnancy.

Sperm miR-26a-5p and its target PTEN transcripts content in men with unexplained infertility.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggests that routine semen analysis has limited power to predict male fertility. Several efforts have been made to best discriminate between fertile and subfertile men using several sperm features. So, there is a need to more reliable assays for providing molecular data to evaluate sperm quality and predict male fertility. OBJECTIVES: Present study aimed to investigate relationship between sperm miR-26a-5p and its target PTEN transcript content and sperm parameters in unexplained infertile and healthy fertile men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sperm parameters and transcript content of miR-26a-5p and PTEN in ejaculated spermatozoa were assessed in fertile (n = 15) and normozoospermic infertile (n = 15) men. RESULTS: Sperm transcript levels of miR-26a-5p were lower in unexplained infertile men than in fertile controls (P = .021). High sperm PTEN expression is correlated with low miR-26a-5p transcript levels in ejaculated spermatozoa. High levels of sperm miR-26a-5p transcript were associated with high sperm motility and normal morphology. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis indicated miR-26a-5p has a fairly good diagnostic value to distinguish fertile and unexplained infertile men with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.747 (95% confidence interval: 0.560-0.933; P = .021). DISCUSSION: This study suggests that sperm miR-26a-5p and its target PTEN transcript content may contribute to infertility etiology in unexplained infertile patients. CONCLUSION: miR-26a-5p has a potential to use as a diagnostic biomarker and provide new therapeutic approaches for male infertility.

Cichorium intybus L. extract ameliorates testicular oxidative stress induced by lead acetate in male rats.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress has been suggested as a possible mechanism for the adverse effects of heavy metal toxicity on male reproduction. Cichorium intybus L. is used in Iranian folk medicine as a hepatoprotective agent as well as for its supposed fertility-enhancing properties. The present study was performed to investigate whether the ethanolic extract of C. intybus leaves could protect male rats against lead-induced testicular oxidative stress. METHODS: In this experimental study, adult Wistar rats were treated with 0.1% lead acetate in drinking water alone or with 50, 100, or 200 mg/ kg body weight of C. intybus extract via gavage once daily for 70 days. The weight of their reproductive organs, levels of serum hormones, histometric parameters of the seminiferous tubules, epidydimal sperm quality, and oxidative stress status were evaluated. RESULTS: The testis weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, epididymal sperm count, serum testosterone level, and testicular levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in the lead-treated rats. Moreover, significantly (p<0.05) higher levels of malondialdehyde were observed in the lead-exposed group compared to the control. However, the co-administration of C. intybus ethanolic extract in lead-treated rats was associated with a significant improvement in reproductive parameters. CONCLUSION: We conclude that C. intybus leaf extract has the potential to prevent lead-induced testicular toxicity and to suppress the adverse effects of lead on male reproductive health.

Beneficial effects of Cichorium intybus L. extract on oxidative status and reproductive parameters in male Wistar rats: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: During recent years, increasing concern has been raised about the declining sperm count and human male infertility. Cichorium intybus L. (C. intybus) has traditionally been used in Iranian folk medicine as hepato protective and blood purifier and for its presumed fertility-enhancing properties. OBJECTIVE: A dose-response study was performed to determine the effect of C. intybus ethanolic leave extract on the reproductive parameters in adult Wistar male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 40 healthy adult male Wistar rats (8 wk old, 200-210 gr body weight) were randomly divided (n = 10/each) as control and groups treated with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day of C. intybus extract via gavage for 70 days. Serum hormonal assay, epididymal sperm evaluation, and analysis of morphometrical parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation levels of testis were done in each experimental group. RESULTS: Weights of testis and epididymis increase significantly in male rats treated with 200 mg/kg C. intybus extract. Sperm density and percent of morphologically normal sperm were significantly increased in a dose-related manner with C. intybus treatment.Serum testosterone was higher at 100 and 200 mg/kg C. intybus extract-treated groups. C. intybus significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels and also increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in testicular tissue of rats. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that C. intybus leave extract improves reproductive parameters in male rats which might be a consequence of both its antioxidant and androgenic properties.

Overexpression of Endometrial Estrogen Receptor-Alpha in The Window of Implantation in Women with Unexplained Infertility.

BACKGROUND: Failure in the endometrial receptivity may account for a significant number of infertility cases including unexplained infertility in women. Reduction in the endometrial estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) expression during implantation may be a critical event that coincides with the expression of specific genes and the formation of a receptive endometrium. The aim of the present study was to assess the expression of ER-α in the mid-secretory phase in the endometrium of women with unexplained infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study was carried out on randomly selected fertile (n=10) and infertile (n=16) women whose source of infertility remained unexplained. We evaluated the expression of ER-α and glycodelin- A (GdA) through mRNA level measurement with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the endometrium of fertile women and patients suffering from unexplained infertility and fertile women. Endometrial biopsies of each subject were collected during a single menstrual cycle 7 days after the peak of luteinizing hormone (LH+7). RESULTS: Endometrial expression level of ER-α was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the patients with unexplained infertility compared to the control. Significantly (P<0.05) lower levels of GdA expression were seen in women with unexplained infertility. A statistically non-significant negative correlation was observed between ER-α and GdA mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that reduction in the endometrial GdA expression is associated with elevated expression of ER-α in mid-luteal phase. Disruption in the endometrial ER-α expression, which leads to defects in uterine receptivity, may contribute to unexplained infertility.

Endometrial expression of ß3 integrin, calcitonin and plexin-B1 in the window of implantation in women with unexplained infertility.

BACKGROUND: Endometrial receptivity plays a key role in the establishment of successful implantation and its impairment may contribute to subfertility and limit the assisted reproduction techniques (ART) success. OBJECTIVE: The aim of present study was to investigate endometrial receptivity in terms of ß3 integrin, calcitonin and plexin-B1 expression in women with unexplained infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated expression of ß3 integrin, calcitonin and plexin-B1 through mRNA level measurement with real-time RT-PCR, in the endometrium of 16 infertile women with unexplained infertility and 10 fertile women. Endometrial biopsies were collected during a single menstrual cycle on postovulatory day LH+7 in each subject. RESULTS: Significant differences regarding ß3 integrin and calcitonin expression levels found between patients with unexplained infertility and the fertile women. Endometrial plexin-B1 expression levels showed no significant difference between fertile and infertile women. There were significant correlations between expression of ß3 integrin with calcitonin and plexin-B1 in fertile and infertile women. CONCLUSION: Reduced in endometrial expression of ß3 integrin and calcitonin alone or together may contribute to unexplained infertility and these genes could account as the potential molecular markers of infertility.

Effects of Fumaria parviflora leaves extract on reproductive parameters in adult male rats.

BACKGROUND: There is growing concern that occupational, environmental and lifestyle factors adversely affect male reproductive health. Fumaria parviflora Lam. is being used traditionally in Persian folk medicine to cure various ailments and has been supposed to have fertility-enhancing properties. OBJECTIVE: A dose-response study was designed to assess effects of F. parviflora ethanolic leaves extract on reproductive parameters in adult male Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, healthy adult male rats were treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day of F. parviflora leaves extract via gavage for 70 days. Blood samples were collected for determination of testosterone, LH and FSH serum levels. Reproductive organs weight, motility, morphology and density of epididymal sperm, seminiferous tubules diameter and germinal epithelium height were evaluated in each experimental group. RESULTS: The body weight was not affected, while the weights of testis and epididymis were significantly enhanced in rats treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg/day F. parviflora extract. No significant changes were observed in seminal vesicle and ventral prostate weight between experiment groups. Significant increase was found in epididymal sperm density and percent of morphologically normal sperm in extract-treated rats. Serum testosterone levels were significantly higher in rats received 200 and 400 mg/kg/day. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that ethanolic extract of F. parviflora leaves have a potential to improve reproductive parameters and enhance male fertility.

Maternal caffeine consumption has irreversible effects on reproductive parameters and fertility in male offspring rats.

OBJECTIVE: Concerns are growing about the decrease in male reproductive health. Caffeine is one of the popular nutrients that has been implicated as a risk factor for infertility. In the present study, we examined whether in utero and lactational exposure to caffeine affects the reproductive function of the offspring of rats. METHODS: Pregnant rats received caffeine via drinking water during gestation (26 and 45 mg/kg) and lactation (25 and 35 mg/kg). Body and reproductive organ weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, sperm parameters, fertility rate, number of implantations, and testosterone level of the offspring were assessed from birth to adulthood. RESULTS: Significant dose-related decreases were observed in the body and reproductive organ weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, and germinal epithelium height of the offspring. Sperm density had declined significantly in offspring of the low-dose and high-dose groups, by 8.81% and 19.97%, respectively, by postnatal day 150. The number of viable fetuses had decreased significantly in females mated with male offspring of the high-dose group at postnatal days 60, 90, 120, and 150. There were also significant reductions in testosterone levels of high-dose group offspring from birth to postnatal day 150. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that maternal caffeine consumption impairs gonadal development and has long-term adverse effects on the reproductive efficiency of male offspring rats.

Long-term effects of maternal exposure to Di (2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate on sperm and testicular parameters in Wistar rats offspring.

BACKGROUND: Phthalate esters have been shown to cause reproductive toxicity in both developing and adult animals. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to assess long-term effects of maternal exposure to Di (2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) on reproductive ability of both neonatal and adult male offspring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 60 female rats randomly divided in four equal groups; vehicle control and three treatment groups that received 10, 100 and 500 mg/kg/day DEHP via gavage during gestation and lactation. At different ages after birth, the volumes of testes were measured by Cavellieri method, testes weights recorded and epididymal sperm samples were assessed for number and gross morphology of spermatozoa. Following tissue processing, seminiferous tubules diameter and germinal epithelium height evaluated with morphometric techniques. RESULTS: Mean testis weight decreased significantly (p<0.05) in 500 mg/kg/day dose group from 28 to 150 days after birth. Significant decreases were seen in total volumes of testis in 100 (p<0.05) and 500 (p<0.01) mg/kg/day doses groups until 150 days after birth. Seminiferous tubules diameter and germinal epithelium height decreased significantly in 100 (p<0.05) and 500 (p<0.01) mg/kg/day doses groups during postnatal development. Also, mean sperm density in 100 mg/kg/day (p<0.05) and 500 mg/kg/day (p<0.01) doses groups and percent of morphologically normal sperm in highest dose group (p<0.05) decreased significantly until 150 days after birth. CONCLUSION: Present study showed that maternal exposure to Di (2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate during gestation and lactation caused to permanent and dose-related reductions of sperm and testicular parameters in rats offspring.

Effects of maternal caffeine consumption on ovarian follicle development in wistar rats offspring.

BACKGROUND: In recent years concerns have been raised about human reproductive disorders, specially the effects of environmental factors on human fertility and pregnancy outcome. Therefore, the present study was designed to assess the effects of maternal caffeine consumption on ovarian follicles development in rat offspring. METHODS: 60 pregnant female rats were randomly divided into a control and two experimental groups. The rats in the two experimental groups received caffeine via drinking water during gestation (26 and 45 mg/kg) and lactation (25 and 35 mg/kg). The ovaries of the offspring were removed at 7, 14, 28, 60, 90 and 120 days after birth, and fixed in Bouin's solution. By preparing serial tissue sections, structural changes in ovarian follicles and corpora lutea were studied during postnatal development. RESULTS: The weight of ovaries decreased significantly (p<0.05) in the high dose caffeine-treated group at all stages of postnatal development. Significant (p<0.05) decreases were seen in the number of primordial follicles from day 7 to 120 after birth in the high dose caffeine-treated group. Moreover, the number of primary and secondary follicles decreased significantly on days 7, 14 and 28 as did the number of antral follicles on days 14 and 28 after birth (p<0.05) in the high dose caffeine-treated group. The diameter of secondary and antral follicles decreased significantly (p<0.05) in high dose caffeine-treated group on the early days of postnatal development. No statistically significant differences were seen in the number of corpora lutea between the groups. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that caffeine consumption during gestation and lactation affects the early stages of ovarian follicle development and reduces reproductive efficiency in the offspring of Wistar rats.

Long-term Developmental Effects of Lactational Exposure to Lead Acetate on Ovary in Offspring Wistar Rats.

BACKGROUND: During the last decades, environmental contamination by lead generated from human activities has become an evident concern. The present study assessed the long-term effects of neonatal exposure to different doses of lead acetate on the ovaries of offspring rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant female Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control and three experimental groups. The experimental groups received 20, 100 and 300 mg/L/day lead acetate via drinking water during lactation. Ovaries of the offspring were removed at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days of age, their weights recorded and fixed in Bouin's solution. Following tissue processing, 5 µm serial sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and then, the numbers and diameters of ovarian follicles and corpora lutea were estimated. RESULTS: Ovary weights decreased significantly (p<0.05) in the 300 mg/L/day dose groups at 30, 60 and 90 days postnatal development. Significant dose-related decreases were seen in the numbers of primary, secondary and antral follicles in 100 (p<0.05) and 300 mg/L/day doses groups at 30 and 60 days of age (p<0.01). There was significant decrease in mean number of corpora lutea in the 100 (p<0.05) and 300 (p<0.01) mg/L/day dose groups at 60 days of age. It seems that neonatal lead treatment has transient effects on follicular development in the ovary of offspring and ovarian parameters gradually improve until 90 days of age. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that maternal lead acetate exposure affects prepubertal ovarian follicle development in a dose dependent manner, but ovarian parameters gradually improve during the postpubertal period.