Leisure-time and occupational physical activity and risk of cardiovascular disease incidence: a systematic-review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Physical activity has benefits for the cardiovascular system, however, what levels and types of activity provide optimal cardiovascular health is unclear. We aimed to determine the level of physical activity that has the most benefits against cardiovascular diseases (CVD). METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for prospective cohort studies on leisure-time (LTPA) or occupational physical activity (OPA) as the exposure and major types of CVD (total CVD, coronary heart disease [CHD], stroke, and atrial fibrillation [AF]) incidence as the outcome. Risk of bias of studies was evaluated using the ROBINS-I tool. Summary hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using random-effects pairwise model. RESULTS: A total of 103 studies were included in the analysis. The highest versus the lowest LTPA was associated with a lower risk of overall CVD (HR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.77-0.86), CHD (HR = 0.83; 0.79-0.88), and stroke (HR = 0.83; 0.79-0.88), but not AF (HR = 0.98; 0.92-1.05). Linear dose-response analyses showed a 10%, 12%, 9%, and 8% risk reduction in CVD, CHD, stroke, and AF incidence, respectively, for every 20 MET-hours/week increase in LTPA. In nonlinear dose-response analyses, there were inverse associations up to 20 MET-hours/week with 19% and 20% reduction in CVD and CHD risk, and up to 25 MET-hours/week with 22% reduction in stroke, with no further risk reduction at higher LTPA levels. For AF, there was a U-shaped nonlinear association with the maximum 8% risk reduction at 10 MET-hours/week of LTPA. Higher levels of OPA were not associated with risk of CVD, CHD, stroke, or AF. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, results showed an inverse dose-response relationship between LTPA and risk of CVD, CHD, stroke, and AF. Running was the most beneficial LTPA but the risk was similar among various LTPA intensities. OPA showed no benefits in total or any type of CVD.

A novel homozygote nonsense variant of MSH4 leads to primary ovarian insufficiency and non-obstructive azoospermia.

BACKGROUND: Both non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) are pathological conditions characterized by premature and frequently complete gametogenesis failure. Considering that the conserved meiosis I steps are the same between oogenesis and spermatogenesis, inherited defects in meiosis I may result in common causes for both POI and NOA. The present research is a retrospective investigation on an Iranian family with four siblings of both genders who were affected by primary gonadal failure. METHODS: Proband, an individual with NOA, was subjected to clinical examination, hormonal assessment, and genetic consultation. After reviewing the medical history of other infertile members of the family, patients with NOA went through genetic investigations including karyotyping and assessment of Y chromosome microdeletions, followed by Whole exome sequencing (WES) on the proband. After analyzing WES data, the candidate variant was validated using Sanger sequencing and traced in the family. RESULTS: WES analysis of the proband uncovered a novel homozygote nonsense variant, namely c.118C>T in MSH4. This variant resulted in the occurrence of a premature stop codon in residue 40 of MSH4. Notably, the variant was absent in all public exome databases and in the exome data of 400 fertile Iranian individuals. Additionally, the variant was found to co-segregate with infertility in the family. It was also observed that all affected members had homozygous mutations, while their parents were heterozygous and the fertile sister had no mutant allele, corresponding to autosomal recessive inheritance. In addition, we conducted a review of variants reported so far in MSH4, as well as available clinical features related to these variants. The results show that the testicular sperm retrieval and ovarian stimulation cycles have not been successful yet. CONCLUSION: Overall, the results of this study indicate that the identification of pathogenic variants in this gene will be beneficial in selecting proper therapeutic strategies. Also, the findings of this study demonstrate that clinicians should obtain the history of other family members of the opposite sex when diagnosing for POI and/or NOA.

In vitro effect of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on the expression of genes related to sperm motility and energy metabolism and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes in obstructive azoospermic patients.

BACKGROUND: The presence of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and its receptor in various testicular cells and spermatozoa suggests a potential role in enhancing spermatogonial and postmeiotic cell development. Moreover, GM-CSF activates the pivotal pathways implicated in sperm motility regulation and glucose metabolism. However, the impact of GM-CSF on testicular biopsies from patients with obstructive azoospermia (OA) remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the in vitro effects of GM-CSF on the expression of genes related to glucose transporters and signaling pathways, sperm motility, and viability in testicular biopsies. METHODS AND RESULTS: Following testicular sperm extraction from 20 patients diagnosed with OA, each sample was divided into two parts: the experimental samples were incubated with medium containing 2 ng/ml GM-CSF at 37 °C for 60 min, and the control samples were incubated with medium without GM-CSF. Subsequently, the oocytes retrieved from the partner were injected with sperm from the treatment and control groups. The sperm parameters (motility and viability), the expression levels of sperm motility-related genes (PIK3R1, PIK3CA, and AKT1), and the expression levels of sperm energy metabolism-related genes (GLUT1, GLUT3, and GLUT14) were assessed. Furthermore, the fertilization and day 3 embryo development rate and embryo quality were evaluated. Compared with those in the nontreated group, the motility parameters and the mRNA expression levels of PIK3R1, AKT1, and GLUT3 in testicular sperm supplemented with GM-CSF were significantly greater (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences in the mRNA expression of PIK3CA, GLUT1, or GLUT14 were detected. According to the ICSI results, compared with the control group, the GM-CSF treatment group exhibited significantly greater fertilization rates (p = 0.027), Day 3 embryo development rate (p = 0.001), and proportions of good-quality embryos (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: GM-CSF increased the expression of genes related to motility and the energy metabolism pathway and effectively promoted the motility of testis-extracted spermatozoa, consequently yielding positive clinical outcomes.

Assessment of drug-drug interactions among patients with hematologic malignancy: A clinical pharmacist-led study.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with hematologic malignancies often receive multiple medications, leading to potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Identifying and managing these DDIs is crucial for ensuring patient safety and effective care. This study aimed to identify and describe DDIs and associated factors in hematologic malignancy patients. METHODS: This prospective interventional study was conducted at a referral center and included hospitalized patients with hematologic malignancies who were receiving at least four concurrent medications. A pharmacist initially compiled a comprehensive list of all medications through patient interviews and medication reviews, and subsequently, identified and categorized potential DDIs using the Lexi-interact® and Micromedex® databases. The clinical pharmacist then evaluated the clinical impact of the identified DDIs in every individual patient and provided appropriate interventions to resolve them. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study, with 1281 DDIs identified across 337 distinct types. The majority of identified DDIs exhibited major severity (52.1%) and pharmacokinetic mechanisms (50.3%), with an unspecified onset (79.4%) and fair evidence (67%). Of the identified DDIs, 81.1% were considered clinically significant, prompting 1059 pharmacotherapy interventions by the clinical pharmacist. Additionally, a significant relationship was observed between the number of drugs used during hospitalization and the occurrence of DDIs (P < 0.001, r = 0.633). CONCLUSION: DDIs are highly prevalent among hospitalized patients with hematologic malignancies, with their occurrence increasing alongside the number of medications administrated. The intervention of a clinical pharmacist is crucial to evaluate the clinical impact of these DDIs and implement effective interventions for their management.

The relationship between major food sources of fructose and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of cohort studies.

We aimed to summarize the associations between food sources of fructose and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancer, and all-cause mortality risk using a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to November 2020. We included cohort studies that investigated the relationship between mortality risk (all-cause, CVD, specific CVD, and total and site-specific cancers) and intake of ≥1 food source of fructose (fruit, fruit juice, breakfast cereals, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), sweets, and yogurt) in general adult population. Summary hazard ratios and 95% CIs were estimated using a random-effects model for linear and nonlinear relationships. Findings indicated that each 100 g/d increase in fruit intake was associated with 8-13% lower risk of CVDs, stroke, gastrointestinal, and lung cancer mortality. For all-cause mortality, there was a beneficial relationship up to 200 g/d fruit, and then plateaued. For ischemic heart disease and cancer mortality, there was a beneficial relationship up to 300 g/d followed by a slight increase. Ingestion of breakfast cereals and sweets was also associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality. For yogurt, a non-linear marginal decrease in all-cause mortality was found. Ingestion of each 200 g/d yogurt was associated with a 14% lower risk of CVD mortality. Every 60 g/d increase in sweet intake was linked to a 5% lower risk of all-cause mortality. Contrariwise, every 250 g/d increase in SSBs intake was associated with 7-10% higher risk of all-cause and CVD mortality. In conclusion, beneficial associations were found between fruit, breakfast cereals, sweets, and yogurt with all-cause and/or CVD mortality risk. Fruit intake had also an inverse link with cancer mortality. Conversely, SSBs had a harmful relationship with all-cause and CVD mortality.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.2000361 .Registry number: CRD42019144956.

Maternal circulating leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukine-6 in association with gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Over the last decade, an emerging role of novel cytokines in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been proposed. The present study was implemented to provide a more accurate estimate of the effect size of the association between leptin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the risk of GDM.Methods: Online databases were looked up to January 2023 using the search string: (leptin OR TNF-α OR IL-6) AND "gestational diabetes." Observational studies investigating the association of selected cytokines and GDM risk were included. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted and random-effects models were used to estimate the pooled effect.Results: Twenty-four studies were included in the meta-analysis. A significant association was found between higher circulating leptin and the risk of GDM and the pooled estimate was 1.16 (95%CI: 1.07, 1.27). Higher circulating levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were associated with increased risk of GDM, and the pooled estimates were 1.35 (95%CI: 1.05, 1.73) and 1.28 (95%CI: 1.01, 1.62), respectively.Conclusions: The studied cytokines could be implicated in the GDM pathogenesis and used as potential biomarkers for assessing the GDM risk. Additional longitudinal studies with large sample sizes are needed for a further evaluation of these findings.

Rescuing fertility during COVID-19 infection: exploring potential pharmacological and natural therapeutic approaches for comorbidity, by focusing on NLRP3 inflammasome mechanism.

The respiratory system was primarily considered the only organ affected by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As the pandemic continues, there is an increasing concern from the scientific community about the future effects of the virus on male and female reproductive organs, infertility, and, most significantly, its impact on the future generation. The general presumption is that if the primary clinical symptoms of COVID-19 are not controlled, we will face several challenges, including compromised infertility, infection-exposed cryopreserved germ cells or embryos, and health complications in future generations, likely connected to the COVID-19 infections of parents and ancestors. In this review article, we dedicatedly studied severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virology, its receptors, and the effect of the virus to induce the activation of inflammasome as the main arm of the innate immune response. Among inflammasomes, nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor protein, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway activation is partly responsible for the inflicted damages in both COVID-19 infection and some reproductive disorders, so the main focus of the discussion is on NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection alongside in the reproductive biology. In addition, the potential effects of the virus on male and female gonad functions were discussed, and we further explored the potential natural and pharmacological therapeutic approaches for comorbidity via NLRP3 inflammasome neutralization to develop a hypothesis for averting the long-term repercussions of COVID-19. Since activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway contributes to the damage caused by COVID-19 infection and some reproductive disorders, NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors have a great potential to be considered candidates for alleviating the pathological effects of the COVID-19 infection on the germ cells and reproductive tissues. This would impede the subsequent massive wave of infertility that may threaten the patients.

Cold atmospheric plasma modification and electrical conductivity induction in gelatin/polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers for neural tissue engineering.

BACKGROUND: This research follows some investigations through neural tissue engineering, including fabrication, surface treatment, and evaluation of novel self-stimuli conductive biocompatible and degradable nanocomposite scaffolds. METHODS: Gelatin as a biobased material and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a mechanical, electrical, and piezoelectric improvement agent were co-electrospun. In addition, polyaniline/graphene (PAG) nanoparticles were synthesized and added to gelatin solutions in different percentages to induce electrical conductivity. After obtaining optimum PAG percentage, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment was applied over the best samples by different plasma variable parameters. Finally, the biocompatibility of the scaffolds was analyzed and approved by in vitro tests using two different PC12 and C6 cell lines. In the present study the morphology, FTIR, dynamic light scattering, mechanical properties, wettability, contact angle tests, differential scanning calorimetric, rate of degradation, conductivity, biocompatibility, gene expression, DAPI staining, and cell proliferation were investigated. RESULTS: The PAG percentage optimization results revealed fiber diameter reduction, conductivity enhancement, young's modulus improvement, hydrophilicity devaluation, water uptake decrement, and degradability reduction in electrospun nanofibers by increasing the PAG concentration. Furthermore, ATR-FTIR, FE-SEM, AFM, and contact angle tests revealed that helium CAP treatment improves scaffold characterizations for 90 s in duration time. Furthermore, the results of the MTT assay, FE-SEM, DAPI staining, and RT-PCR revealed that samples containing 2.5% w/w of PAG are the most biocompatible, and CAP treatment increases cell proliferation and improves neural gene expression in the differentiation medium. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, the samples with the 2.5% w/w of PAG could provide a suitable matrix for neural tissue engineering in terms of physicochemical and biological.

GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) treatment improves sperm parameters in men with oligoasthenoteratospermia via PI3K/AKT pathway.

Poor sperm quality in oligoasthenoteratospermia patients negatively affects assisted reproductive technology outcomes. Therefore, the development of sperm media is necessary to improve sperm parameters. This study investigated the effect of GM-CSF via PI3K/AKT pathway on sperm quality in OAT patients. Semen samples were collected from 20 OAT patients, and each sample was divided into two groups: Experiment and Control. In the experimental group, the samples were incubated with medium containing GM-CSF, and control samples were incubated without GM-CSF. Sperm parameters, mitochondrial membrane potential, acrosome reaction and DFI were studied; in addition, gene expression of PI3KR1, PI3KCA, GLUT1, GLUT3 and AKT1 was analysed, evaluation of PAKT/TAKT, and expression of GLUT 1, 3 was examined; subsequent fertilization rate and embryo quality were assessed. Our data showed that GM-CSF supplementation could significantly increase motility, mitochondrial activity, gene expression of PI3KCA, AKT1, the protein level of PAKT/TAKT and expression of GLUT 1, 3 while it decreases DNA fragmentation. The fertilization rate and embryo quality significantly improved in the treatment group. LY294002 had adverse effects on sperm motility and the PAKT/TAKT ratio. GM-CSF can improve in vitro sperm quality and could be a suitable supplement to sperm media for OAT patients.

Preparation of two amide-bonded stationary phases and comparative evaluation under mixed-mode chromatography.

In this work, the conventional reactions were used to functionalize the silica surface with amide and hydrocarbon chain groups affording two different mixed-mode stationary phases (Sil-amide-C11 and Sil-C12-amide). The prepared stationary phases were analyzed by elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The retention of benzene, phenol, pyridine, and aniline was investigated and compared with synthesized and commercial columns, and this led to prove the existence of different interactions on the synthesized stationary phases. The mixed-mode stationary phases showed multiple interactions, and different chromatography modes were found under distinct chromatographic conditions. According to the type of amide group (either free or within the hydrocarbon chain), different interactions can be made on the columns. The alkylbenzenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as nonpolar hydrocarbons, were chromatographed under reversed-phase liquid chromatography modes, in which amide groups on the silica could efficiently separate polar analytes under hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography mode in both prepared stationary phases. The performance of the columns was compared by the separation of the carboxylic acid group and biological samples. The bonding method and the type of amide group showed different interactions leading to different separation and performance.

Preparation and evaluation a mixed-mode stationary phase with C18 and 2-methylindole for HPLC.

A modified C18 column (Silpr-2MI-C18) was prepared using 2-methylindole and C18 reagent. The extent of C18 hydrocarbon chain, conjugative rings and anion exchange site provided multiple retention mechanisms, including reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC), π-π interaction, hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and anion exchange chromatography (AEC). The separation of protected amino acids was investigated on the commercial C18 and Silpr-2MI-C18 columns, while the chromatographic conditions, including methanol content and pH of the mobile phase, were studied. The separation arrangement of the hydrophilic amino acids was different on the Silpr-2MI-C18 column compared to the commercial C18 column under RPLC mode. Furthermore, these amino acids were separated on the Silpr-2MI-C18 column under HILIC mode. The modified C18 column was employed to separate amino acids, alkylbenzenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under RPLC mode and inorganic anion under AEC mode. The results confirm that this new stationary phase of RPLC/HILIC/AEC has multiple interactions with different analytes. Effective retention of biological samples was found on the Silpr-2MI-C18 column by comparing the results obtained from the commercial C18 column.

Notch signaling pathway in cumulus cells reflecting zygote and embryo quality in polycystic ovary syndrome.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to explore the associations between the expression pattern of molecules in the Notch pathway in the cumulus cells of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients and the quality of zygotes and embryos. METHODS: A total of 200 cumulus complexes surrounding mature oocytes were obtained from 40 patients with and without PCOS undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The expressions of Notch-1, Notch-2, and Notch-3 genes were examined by Reverse Transcription Q-PCR assay. Moreover, immunocytochemistry was performed for the expressions of Jagged-1 and Jagged-2 proteins. The correlations between the Notch receptors and their ligand expressions and the qualities of the zygote and embryo were investigated. RESULTS: The expression levels of Notch-2, Notch-3, Jagged-1, and Jagged-2 were significantly lower in patients with PCOS than in normal women (p < 0.05), while Notch-1 showed no meaningful difference between the groups. A positive correlation was found between Notch-1 and embryo quality. Furthermore, only Notch-2 and Jagged-2 marginally correlated with zygote quality. CONCLUSION: The data of the present study indicated that evaluating the molecules in the Notch pathway in PCOS patients' cumulus cells provides a novel approach to predict the zygote and embryo quality. However, further studies on a larger population are needed to validate this finding.

Epigenetic alterations of CYP19A1 gene in Cumulus cells and its relevance to infertility in endometriosis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the epigenetic mechanisms responsible for the aberrant aromatase expression (CYP19A1) in Cumulus Cells (CCs) of infertile endometriosis patients. METHOD: Cumulus cells were obtained from 24 infertile patients with and without endometriosis who underwent ovarian stimulation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Expression of CYP19A1 gene was quantified using Reverse Transcription Q-PCR. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and binding of Estrogen Receptor, ERß to regulatory DNA sequences of CYP19A1 gene were evaluated by Chromatin ImmunoPrecipitation (ChIP) assay. RESULTS: CYP19A1 gene expression in CCs of endometriosis patients was significantly lower than the control group (P = 0.04). Higher incorporation of MeCP2 (as a marker of DNA methylation) on PII and PI.4 promoters, and hypoacetylation at H3K9 in PII and hypermethylation at H3K9 in PI.4 were observed in CYP19A1 gene in endometriosis patients (P < 0.05). Moreover, a decreased level of ERß binding to PII and an increased level of its binding to PI.3 and PI.4 promoters of CYP19A1 were observed in endometriosis patients when compared to control. CONCLUSION: Significant reduction of CYP19A1 gene expression in CCs of endometriosis patients may be the result of epigenetic alterations in its regulatory regions, either by DNA methylation or histone modifications. These epigenetic changes along with differential binding of ERß (as a transcription factor) in CYP19A1 promoters may impair follicular steroidogenesis, leading to poor Oocyte and embryo condition in endometriosis patients.

Methotrexate-induced Severe Pancytopenia in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Toxicity associated with low doses of methotrexate (MTX) is low, but it may be fatal. Bone marrow suppression and mucositis are among the common side effects of low dose MTX toxicity. Different risk factors have been reported for toxicities associated with low doses of MTX, including accidental use of higher doses, renal dysfunction, hypoalbuminemia, and polypharmacy. In this paper, we present a female patient who had mistakenly used 7.5 mg of MTX daily instead of the same dose of MTX on Thursday and Friday. She was presented with mucositis and diarrhea to the emergency department. Moreover, we searched the databases Scopus and PubMed for available studies and case reports on toxicities associated with MTX dosing errors. The most frequently observed toxicities included gastrointestinal lesions, nausea, vomiting, skin lesions, and bone marrow suppression. Leucovorin, hydration, and urine alkalinization were among the most frequently used treatments. Finally, we summarize the data on the toxicities of low doses of MTX in different diseases.

Correlation of Dietary Macro- and Micro-Mineral Intake with Seminal Plasma Quality/Quantity and Oxidant/Antioxidant Status in Infertile Compared to the Normal Men: a Case-Control Study.

Male infertility is a global public health issue, but studies on the correlation between the dietary components and sperm quality showed inconclusive results due to the heterogeneous population with different dietary habits and environmental stimuli. Herein, the correlation of dietary macro- and micro-mineral intake was evaluated with quality/quantity and oxidant/antioxidant status of seminal fluid in infertile compared to the healthy men. One hundred twenty men attending to the infertility clinic of Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan City were enrolled. Seminal fluid was extracted, and groups were categorized into the infertile (non-standard) and normal (standard) groups based on the WHO, 2020 criteria. Food frequency questionnaire was completed. Seminal malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured by ELISA kit based on the manufacture's instruction. An independent sample t-test was used to determine differences between the two groups, and linear regression model was used to determine the effect of each dietary macro/micro mineral intake on these parameters. Adjusting for all parameters, dietary selenium increased 3.7-folds the seminal TAC level (p=0.04) and decreased sperm with non-progressive motility by 2.4-folds (p=0.04). Higher manganese intake increased the sperm count by 7.8-folds (p=0.005). Dietary copper decreased sperm vitality and increased sperm with slow motility (OR= -1.7, 95% CI= -59.8, -9.9; p=0.007). Dietary zinc (OR=1.24, p=0.01) and iron (OR=1.5, p=0.02) showed a positive effect on sperm vitality. None of macro and micro minerals showed a significant effect on the seminal MDA level. Daily intake of adequate amounts of micro and macro minerals improves sperm quality and increases the antioxidant capacity of the seminal fluid; however, copper showed a negative correlation that must be evaluated in future studies.

Relationship between dietary glycemic index and glycemic load and sperm-quality parameters in Iranian men: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Infertility is a major clinical problem with psychological, financial and medical costs. Male infertility has recently been linked to 50% of childless couples. It is worth mentioning that diet and its components can be manipulated and applied in counseling meetings of infertile men as a modifiable factor. The goal of this study was to determine the correlation of dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) with sperm-quality parameters in Iranian men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study which was carried from Aug to Nov 2023, after excluding smokers, 322 men who were attending the IVF clinic of Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital for seminal analysis were enrolled. Dietary intake was completed by an expert dietitian through face-to-face interviews with a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). In the present study, sperm-quality parameters, including motility, concentration, normal morphology, vitality, DNA fragmentation index (DFI), and chromatin maturation of sperm, were analyzed. The relationship between dietary GI and CL and these parameters was assessed. RESULTS: Adjusting for the baseline variables, dietary GI and GL showed positive and negative associations with sperm progressive motility, respectively (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001). Higher dietary GI was associated with lower (p = 0.03); however, a higher dietary GL was associated with higher immotile sperm (p < 0.001). A higher dietary GI was associated with a 77% higher sperm count (p = 0.003). In contrast, higher dietary GL was associated with a lower count (p < 0.001). Higher dietary GI and GL were associated with higher and lower percentages of sperm with normal morphology by 70% and 40%, respectively (p < 0.001 in both). A higher dietary GL was associated with an increase in sperm vitality and DFI of 33% and 53%, respectively (p < 0.001). Higher dietary GI showed a significant negative effect on sperm DFI (p = 0.009). Dietary GI and GL showed significant positive and negative effects on SCMA, respectively (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A diet with a higher GI showed beneficial effects on more parameters of sperm; however, higher dietary GL showed deleterious effects, except sperm vitality and SCMA. More studies are needed to obtain a concise result.

Effects of slow dynamic, fast dynamic, and static stretching on recovery of performance, range of motion, balance, and joint position sense in healthy adults.

INTRODUCTION: Considering the effects of fatigue on athletic performance and the subsequent increase in the probability of injury, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of slow dynamic, fast dynamic, and static stretching on the recovery of performance, range of motion (ROM), balance, and joint position sense. METHODS: Fifteen collegiate healthy females were involved in four separate sessions of slow dynamic stretching (SDS), fast dynamic stretching (FDS), static stretching (SS), and control condition (CC; without stretching), in a random order with at least 48 h of rest between sessions. After warming up, the individuals performed ROM, balance, joint position sense (JPS) maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) force as well as countermovement (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) as pre-tests. After performing the knee fatigue protocol of 4 sets of knee extension and flexion at 60% of 1 repetition maximum (RM) to exhaustion (CC; without stretching) or stretching programs (SDS or FDS or SS), the subjects repeated all the tests at post-test 1 (after 5 min) and post-test 2 (after 60 min). RESULTS: A significantly lower JPS error was detected with SDS while JPS error increased in the SS and control conditions (p < 0.0001). MVIC force significantly increased with SDS and FDS but decreased in control and SS conditions (p < 0.0001). Moreover, a significant decrease in CMJ and SJ height in SS and control conditions was revealed (p < 0.0001). Also, a significant decrease in balance with the control condition was revealed. But only SDS minimized fatigue-induced balance decrements (p < 0.0001). Additionally, the control condition experienced a significant decrease in knee extensor ROM, which contrasted with the significant increase in the quadriceps flexibility with the stretching conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The present results support the idea that SDS may increase quadriceps MVIC force, knee extensor ROM and knee JPS. So according to the present results, it is suggested that the SDS could be implemented and incorporated into a regular recovery program.

Curcumin mitigates acrylamide-induced ovarian antioxidant disruption and apoptosis in female Balb/c mice: A comprehensive study on gene and protein expressions.

Curcumin is known for its antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the impact of curcumin on acrylamide (ACR)-induced alterations in the first-line antioxidant defense of ovarian tissue. Female Balb/c mice were divided into control, ACR (50 mg/kg), ACR/CUR100 (received Acr + curcumin100 mg/kg), and ACR/CUR200 (Acr + curcumin 200 mg/kg) groups, and received oral treatments for 35 days. Evaluation of antioxidant enzyme expression (Sod, Cat, Gpx genes), pro-apoptotic gene expressions (Bax, Caspase 3), and anti-apoptotic gene expression (Bcl2l1) at mRNA and protein levels was done. Percentage of apoptotic cells using Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed. The model group (ACR) showed decreased mRNA expression of Sod, Cat, and Gpx genes compared with the control group. Treatment with two different doses of curcumin (CUR100 and CUR200) significantly increased Sod, Cat, and Gpx gene expression, with CUR200 demonstrating significant recovery. SOD, CAT, and GPX protein levels were similar to mRNA expression trends, significantly increased with curcumin administration. Acrylamide exposure significantly increased Bax and Caspase 3 expression and decreased Bcl2l1 gene expression leading to a notable rise in apoptosis in ACR group as compared to the control group. Conversely, curcumin administration, significantly reduced Bax and Caspase 3 expressions, with an increase in Bcl2l1expression, though not statistically significant. TUNEL assay revealed a substantial decrease in apoptosis in curcumin-received groups. In our study, ACR exposure adversely affected ovarian antioxidant defense thereby leading to increased pro-apoptotic markers. Notably, curcumin treatment effectively mitigated these effects, restored antioxidant potential, and reduced acrylamide-induced toxicity in female mouse ovaries.

Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Cytokine Addition After the Freeze-Thawing Process Improves Human Sperm Motility and Vitality in Asthenoteratozoospermia Patients.

The cryopreservation-thawing process of spermatozoa cells has negative impacts on their structure, function, and fertility parameters, which are known as cryoinjury. Asthenozoospermia patients are more susceptible to cryoinjury. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) increases sperm glucose uptake via the induction of glucose transporters, resulting in increased sperm motility. This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of GM-CSF supplementation of the cryopreservation media for semen samples of asthenoteratozoospermia patients. The study was carried out on 20 semen samples from infertile men referred to diagnosing semen analysis. To avoid subjective bias, two main sperm motility parameters, including velocity along the curvilinear path and velocity along the straight-line path were considered by the computer-assisted sperm analysis system. Afterward, each semen sample was divided into three equal aliquots and randomly assigned to one of the following groups: group I (control, freezing media only), group II (+GM-CSF, freezing medium supplemented with 2 µL/mL GM-CSF), or group III (GM-CSF added after thawing and washing). Following semen thawing, standard parameters, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and the DNA Fragmentation Index were analyzed. Total sperm motility (progressive and non-progressive) improved significantly in group III samples after a 30-minute incubation with GM-CSF compared with the control group (26.5% ± 3.1% vs. 17.51% ± 2.59%). However, no differences in progressive motility or sperm morphology were found among the three thawed samples. The percentage of vitality was significantly higher in group III compared with the other two groups (28.38% ± 3.4% vs. 22.4% ± 3.08% and 22.14% ± 2.77%, respectively) (p < 0.05). JC-1 levels (a marker of MMP) were not significantly different between the examined groups (44.95% ± 8.26% vs. 36.61% ± 6.95% vs. 46.67% ± 7.7%, for control, group II, and group III, respectively) (p > 0.05). GM-CSF may be advantageous as an additive after freezing, improving total motility and viability after 30 minutes of post-thaw incubation; however, when supplied to the freezing media before cryopreservation, it is unable to protect against cryoinjury.