Comparison of sperm characteristics and antioxidant and oxidant levels in bull semen frozen with four widely used extenders.

Sperm survives for a very short time in fresh semen, and slow cooling to 5.00 ˚C kills a large number of sperms. This study was aimed to compare the semen quality parameters and anti-oxidant levels in four extenders (manual, Triladyl, Steridyl and AndroMed). Semen samples were obtained from a total number of 12 dual-purpose Simmental bulls kept in the Simmental Cattle Breeding Center for a period of 3 months using an artificial vagina. Sperm viability, motility, abnormal morphology, plasma membrane integrity, DNA damage, chromatin quality, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lipid peroxidation were evaluated. The highest progressive motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and TAC and the lowest levels of malondialdehyde in the frozen-thawed semen belonged to the semen group frozen with Triladyl. Parameters of motility were higher in the frozen-thawed semen with Triladyl than in other groups, indicating a significant difference from the manual extender. Among the extenders studied, Triladyl was the most suitable for semen freezing in Simmental bulls.

Effect of saponin on spermatogenesis and testicular structure in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

About a third of human infertility is related to male factors. Of these, idiopathic-related infertility is not curable. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder affecting male impotence and fertility by increased production of free radicals and oxidative stress. Saponin, a glycosidic compound found in many plants, improves sperm parameters. The present study investigated the effect of saponin on sperm oxidative stress and testicular structure in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. The diabetes was induced by the administration of 150 mg kg-1 STZ via a single intra-peritoneal injection. All experimental mice were allocated to the following groups: Control group, diabetic control group, diabetic group administrated 100 mg kg-1 saponin daily and one healthy group administrated saponin daily for 56 days. At the end of the treatment period, serum levels of insulin, glucose and oxidative stress markers were measured. A histological evaluation of testicles was performed. Treatment of diabetic mice with saponin ameliorated testicular tissue damage as well as serum glucose and insulin concentrations. Furthermore, in the diabetic group, the serum concentration of malondialdehyde was increased; while, the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes was reduced. The mean Johnsen's score and the diameter and thickness of seminiferous tubules were lower in the diabetic mice than control ones. However, these parameters were higher in the saponin-treated mice than controls. Overall, saponin administration rectified all examined parameters. The anti-oxidant role of saponin improves sperm parameters and diabetes-induced testicular oxidative damage.

Evaluation of the effects of hesperidin on fresh and frozen-thawed semen quality using two different cryopreservation methods in Simmental bull.

In the industry of bull semen freezing centers, one-step and two-step semen dilution protocols are two standard and well-known methods in semen freezing process. As the freezing/thawing processes cause detrimental effects on sperm function, the addition of antioxidants can improve sperm characteristics. Hesperidin (Hesp) is an antioxidant used as the male reproductive protective agent. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate two different dilution methods, as well as to evaluate Hesp supplementation influence on sperm characteristics in fresh and frozen thawed semen. Semen samples were collected from 12 Simmental bulls. Two separate examinations were conducted in, with and without Hesp supplementation groups. Statistical analysis was performed by an independent t-test, Mann Whitny test, MANOVA and ANOVA tests. In comparison to the one and two-step dilution protocols without Hesp supplementation, the two-step dilution showed greater cryoprotective potential. In the Hesp supplemented group, each semen sample was divided into six equal parts for experimental groups (dilution step method/µM of Hesp). In the both one and two step dilution protocols, significant improvements were detected in semen motility parameters by Hesp administration. Also, oxidative stress status was reduced in seminal plasma of Hesp treatment groups. Interestingly, in comparison with Hesp dosage, 1µM was shown to have greater semen cryoprotective potential. In conclusion.

Evaluation of dietary betaine on post-thawed semen quality in mature bulls during summer heat stress.

Heat stress (HS) has caused relative hypoxia, oxidative stress and high level of homocysteine, which contributes significantly to fertility failures in bulls. The aim of present study was to evaluate the role of dietary betaine (BET) in improving dual purpose Simmental (Fleckvieh) post-thawed semen quality especially during the hottest summer days. A total number of 16 mature bulls were randomly assigned to three equal groups including: 1) Control condition (without betaine), 2) BET1: 57.00 mg of betaine kg-1 per day and 3) BET2: 114 mg of betaine kg-1 per day, through daily intakes for 90 days in summer. Plasma levels of homocysteine, seminal plasma antioxidants levels and sperm parameters such as DNA fragmentation, chromatin integrity, motility, viability, morphology and membrane integrity were evaluated. Under maximal HS, serum homocysteine concentrations were reached 16.67 ± 0.09 µmol L-1. Dietary betaine supplementation influenced DNA fragmentation of sperm and was higher in the control group compared to BET2 group. There were significant decreases in seminal plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and sperm viability and motility in bulls treated with betaine. The activity of GPx and SOD in the control group was increased up to 0.08 ± 0.00 U mg-1 protein and 0.52 ± 0.01 U mg-1 protein in seminal plasma. There were no significant differences between groups in the percentage of swollen spermatozoa, membrane integrity, sperm morphology, abnormal head morphology and percentage of spermatozoa stained with aniline blue. In conclusion, BET supplements improved semen parameters in sperm motility, sperm viability and influenced DNA fragmentation during HS with reduction in serum homocysteine concentrations.

Minocycline can reduce testicular apoptosis related to varicocele in male rats.

The current research aimed to assess the impacts of Minocycline on varicocele-induced regulation of apoptotic-related genes and oxidative stress in the testis of adult Wistar rats. Thirty-two rats were divided into 4 groups: sham, varicocele (VcI), varicocele treated with Minocycline (VcI + Mno) for 56 days and healthy rats treated with minocycline (Mno). After 8 weeks, the oxidative stress markers levels in serum were investigated, afterwards, the level of Bax and Bcl-2 expression were assessed through 'immunocytochemistry' and RT-qPCR assays. Also, the rate of apoptosis was evaluated through the TUNEL method. Johnson's score, 'the width of epithelium' and 'seminiferous tubules diameter' were ameliorated in the VcI + Mno group in comparison with the Vcl group. Administration of Minocycline raised the 'Glutathione peroxidase' and 'Superoxide dismutase' levels in serum and declined the Malondialdehyde level in serum (p = 0.001). Furthermore, current study represented that minocycline reduced Bax and enhanced the expression of Bcl-2 gene and protein in comparison with the Vcl group (p < 0.05). In addition, Minocycline administration significantly declined the rate of apoptosis in germ cells (p < 0.05). Our study demonstrated that the administration of Minocycline could improve testicular injury in varicocele-induced rats by its antioxidant activity.

Differences between some biochemical components in seminal plasma of first and second ejaculations in dual-purpose Simmental (Fleckvieh) bulls and their relationships with semen quality parameters.

This study aimed to evaluate differences in seminal plasma zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels in the first and second ejaculations and their relationships with semen quality parameters in Fleckvieh bulls. Repetitive ejaculates were separately collected, analyzed, and frozen from the sires. Progressive motility of frozen-thawed semen (PMFT) was considered the main factor for more data classification into three following groups: <40.00%, 40.00 - 50.00%, and >50.00%. Seminal plasma trace elements and enzymes were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry and ELISA, respectively. The results revealed significant differences between the first and second ejaculations. Semen concentration, SOD, GPx, and Fe were different in ejaculations. Although PMFT groups in different ejaculations did not show significant differences, there was significant alteration between different PMFT groups and first and second ejaculations. All frozen-thawed semen CASA parameters (except lateral head displacement) were associated with fresh motility parameters and before and after thawing sperm viability. Also, a correlation between seminal Zn concentration with fresh semen gross and progressive motility, average path velocity, and beat cross frequency, Cu with SOD and Fe and semen concentration was observed. CAT was associated with fresh and frozen-thawed sperm motility parameters except for lateral head displacement and angular displacement. Although our findings showed differences between the first and second ejaculations in some parameters, PMFT, which is the most important indicator for estimating bull fertility, was not different between them.

Eugenol improves tissue damage and oxidative stress in adult female rats after ovarian torsion/detorsion.

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of eugenol on histopathological changes and oxidative stress caused by torsion/detorsion in the ovary of adult female rats. In this study, forty-eight female Wistar rats were classified into six groups; Sham and 2 healthy group receiving 30, 60 mg/kg eugenol; ovarian torsion/detorsion; and 2 experimental groups receiving 30, 60 mg/kg eugenol. After ten days, the plasma levels of oestrogen, testosterone, and some oxidative stress markers were assessed. also, the histomorphometric study was performed. A marked degenerative changes in the TD group was observed (p < .001). The oestrogen, GPX, and SOD levels were remarkably declined in the G2 group, while they were reversed to the baseline values in groups receiving eugenol. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was remarkably increased during the ischaemia (p < .001). The treatment with eugenol significantly diminished MDA levels in different groups (p < .001). Our finding indicated that eugenol could protect the ovarian tissue against oxidative stress and tissue injury induced by torsion/detorsion.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known about this subject? Ovarian torsion is one of the commonest gynecological emergencies in all age groups of the female gender. Timely diagnosis and management of ovarian torsion are crucial, especially for women of reproductive age. Detorsion is one of the interventions used for the prevention of ovarian tissue damage. Ovarian ischaemia/reperfusion is a pathophysiological condition in which decreased blood flow, and oxygen deficiency (ischaemia) are observed in ovarian tissues as a result of ovarian torsion. Following torsion, the inflammatory response induced by detorsion (reperfusion) leads to vascular endothelial cell apoptosis and microcirculation abnormalities, which are responsible for the cause of ovarian tissue damage.What do the results of this study add? This study found that eugenol, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, could be used experimentally to diminish the I/R damage in the ovary through the attenuation of detrimental histological events, decreasing the serum level of MDA and testosterone, and increasing the level of SOD and GPX enzymes. To date, there is no report on the application of eugenol for diminishing T/D-induced oxidative stress in the ovary.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice? Eugenol has been shown to possess therapeutic properties in patients with ovarian torsion. Further clinical studies are necessary to prove the beneficial effect of eugenol on the prevention of I/R-induced ovarian damage.

The effect of clomiphene citrate, herbal mixture, and herbal mixture along with clomiphene citrate on clinical and para-clinical parameters in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the effect of a herbal mixture (i.e., Mentha spicata, Zingiber officinale, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Citrus sinensis) alone and in combination with clomiphene citrate (CC) compared to CC on the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 infertile participants with PCOS who were randomly divided into three groups. After spontaneous or progestin-induced withdrawal bleeding, group 1 (n = 20) received routine treatment with CC (50-150 mg) for three menstrual cycles from the 3rd to 5th day of menstruation for 5 days while group 2 (n = 20) and group 3 (n = 20) received herbal mixture capsules 700 mg/day and the herbal mixture along with CC for 3 months, respectively. Finally, several related parameters were measured, including the level of sex steroids, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile (primary outcomes), thyroid hormones, and clinical features. The analysis was based on intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of socio-demographic characteristics. However, after adjustment for baseline, luteinizing hormone (aMD = 4.9; 95% CI: 3.7-6.2), luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone (aMD = 0.9; 95% CI: 0.7-1.2), total testosterone (aMD = -0.12; 95% CI: -0.2 to -0.01) in group 2 and free testosterone (aMD = -6.0; 95% CI: -9.7 to -2.3) in group 3 revealed a significant difference compared to group 1. In addition, HOMA-IR in group 2 (aMD = -1.3; 95% CI: -2.4 to -0.2) decreased significantly compared to group 1. Further, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly in group 2 (aMD = -21.8; 95% CI: -31.5 to -12.1; aMD = -29.9; 95% CI: -47.9 to -12.0; aMD = -21.2; 95% CI: -31.3 to -11.1; aMD = -5.1; 95% CI: -7.5 to -2.7) and group 3 (aMD = -18.3; 95% CI: -27.4 to -9.2; aMD = -26.9; 95% CI: -43.8 to -9.9; aMD = -21.4; 95% CI: -31.1 to -11.7; aMD = -5.9; 95% CI: -8.3 to -3.6) compared to group 1, respectively. However, high-density lipoproteins cholesterol in group 2 (aMD = 6.8; 95% CI: 2.9-10.7) and group 3 (aMD = 10.7; 95% CI: 7.2-14.7) increased remarkably compared to group 1. Overall, clinical outcomes improved significantly in all groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In general, the herbal mixture along with CC was found to improve free testosterone, HOMA-IR, lipid profile, and clinical features of PCOS women.

Retraction Notice: MS14 Down-regulates Lipocalin2 Expression in Spinal Cord Tissue in an Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis in Female C57BL/6.

This retracts the article DOI: 10.6091/ibj.1375.2014.

Minocycline attenuates testicular damages in a rat model of ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Testicular torsion is a serious urological disease leading to testicular damage. This study aimed to assess the effect of minocycline on testicular ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury caused by testicular torsion/detorsion. Male adult Wistar rats (n = 32) were assigned into four groups of sham, I/R, I/R + minocycline and minocycline. I/R injury was induced by two sets of surgical operations, including the rotation of the left testis (720°, counterclockwise), followed by detorsion after 4 hr. The administration of minocycline was carried out 30 min before detorsion and then continued for 8 weeks. At the end of the 8th week, rats were killed and sampling was done. Johnson's score, the height of seminiferous tubule epithelium, the mean seminiferous tubule diameter, as well as biochemical parameters, SOD, GPx and CAT, were significantly enhanced in the I/R + minocycline group compared with the I/R group. The administration of minocycline led to a marked decrease in expression levels of Caspase-3, Bax, IL-1ß and TNF-α genes, and a remarkable increase in expression levels of Bcl-2, 3ß-HSD and 17ß-HSD3 genes compared with the I/R group. Administration of minocycline could also reduce the rate of germ cell apoptosis (TUNEL staining). Hence, minocycline was useful in the management of testicular torsion/detorsion.

Positive Effects of PI3K/Akt Signaling Inhibition on PTEN and P53 in Prevention of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Tumor Cells.

Purpose: The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway regulates cell growth, proliferation and viability in hematopoietic cells. This pathway always dysregulates in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). PTEN and P53 are tumor suppressor genes correlated with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and both have a tight link in regulation of cell proliferation and cell death. In this study, we investigated the effects of dual targeting of PI3K/Akt pathway by combined inhibition with nvp-BKM-120 (PI3K inhibitor) and MK-2206 (Akt inhibitor) in relation with PTEN and P53 on apoptosis and proliferation of leukemia cells. Methods: Both T and B ALL cell lines were treated with both inhibitors alone or in combination with each other, and induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation were evaluated by flow cytometry. Expression levels of PTEN as well as p53 mRNA and protein were measured by real-time qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Results: We indicated that both inhibitors (BKM-120 and MK-2206) decreased cell viability and increased cytotoxicity in leukemia cells. Reduction in Akt phosphorylation increased PTEN and p53 mRNA and p53 protein level (in PTEN positive versus PTEN negative cell lines). Additionally, both inhibitors, particularly in combination with each other, increased apoptosis (evaluated with Annexin V and caspase 3) and reduced proliferation (Ki67 expression) in leukemia cells. However, administration of IL7 downregulated PTEN and P53 mRNA expression and rescued cancer cells following inhibition of BKM-120 and MK-2206. Conclusion: This investigation suggested that inhibition of Akt and PI3K could be helpful in leukemia treatment.

An investigation of the concurrency of anti-Neospora antibody and parasitemia in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in northwest of Iran.

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite causing abortion and reproductive failure in ruminants. Here, the seroprevalence of Neospora DNA and anti-Neospora antibodies and the correlation between the DNA and the antibody using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a new developed whole cell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) were investigated. To determine the level of anti-Neospora antibody, 83 serum samples were collected from buffaloes in the northwest of Iran. Plates were coated with 2 × 106 whole Neospora tachyzoites and the anti-Neospora antibody level was determined by calculating the ratio of sample/positive control (S/P) optical densities (ODs) in the ELISA. All samples with the ration of 0.50 or above were accounted as positive. To confirm the presence of Neospora DNA, the serum samples were directly subjected to PCR and nested PCR for detection of Neospora NC5 gene without the DNA isolation process. A total number of 83 buffalo serum samples were examined for the presence of anti-N. caninum immunoglobulin G and Neospora DNA. All samples with the S/P ratio of 0.50 or above (16 samples, 19.27%) were also positive for Neospora DNA. All samples with OD less than 0.50 (34 samples, 40.96%) were negative for Neospora DNA. However, 33 samples with the S/P ratio of bellow 0.50 (39.75%) showed a significant level of antibody. A 100% correlation was observed between high levels of the anti-Neospora antibody and Neospora DNA in the serum of water buffalo, and the whole N. caninum tachyzoites have the potency to be used as antigens for detection of the parasite in ELISA.

Detection of Polymorphisms in MTHFD1 G1958A and Its Possible Association with Idiopathic Male Infertility.

PURPOSE: The role of male infertility is important in human infertility pathology. Spermatogenesis is a complex developmental process which is regulated by a number of genes. Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase1 (MTHFD1) is involved in the synthesis of purine, pyrimidine, and methionine. The aim of this study was to identify the MTHFD1, G1958A polymorphism and its association with idiopathic male infertility in Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 200 Iranian men, 100 cases with idiopathic infertility (experimental group) and 100 normal men (control group). The subjects were assessed for the MTHFD1 G1958A polymorphism, using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique (PCR-RFLP). The chi-square test was used to determine the association between MTHFD1 G1958A polymorphism and male infertility, using SPSS software. P ? 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Totally, the frequency of A allele and AA homozygous genotype was found 51% and 47.3% respectively, with 52.5% and 30% in the experimental group versus 42% and 21% in control group. There was a statistically significant correlation between the frequencies of A allele (95 % CI = 1.028- 2.265, OR = 1.526, p = 0.035) and AA homozygous (% CI = 0.995- 4.494, OR = 2.114, 95 p = 0.05) genotype with the MTHFD1 G1958A polymorphism (P ? 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the polymorphism in MTHFD1 G1598A gene could be considered as an important genetic disorder associated with the etiology of male infertility.

Panax ginseng Extract Improves Follicular Development after Mouse Preantral Follicle 3D Culture.

OBJECTIVE: Panax ginseng is a popular traditional herb that has been used in complementary and alternative medicine in eastern Asia, and it possesses pharmacologically active compounds like ginsenosides (GSs). This study aimed to investigate the impact of Panax ginseng extract (PGE) at different concentrations on in vitro follicular function and development in a three-dimensional (3D) culture system fabricated using sodium alginate after 12 days of culture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, preantral follicles (n=661) were mechanically isolated from the ovaries of 14-day-old female NMRI mice using 29-gauge insulin syringes. Follicles were individually capsulated within sodium alginate, and divided into four groups including control and experimental groups 1, 2, and 3. Then, they were cultured for 12 days in the medium supplemented with different concentrations of PGE (0, 50, 100, and 500 µg/ mL, for control groups and groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively). At the end of the culture period, the mean diameter and maturation of follicles, follicular steroid production, mRNA expression level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in collected metaphase-II (MII) oocytes were determined. RESULTS: The mean diameter of follicles in group 2 was significantly increased as compared to other groups (P<0.001). The percentages of the survival and maturation rate and levels of secreted hormones were higher in group 2 than the other groups (P<0.05). Follicles cultured in the presence of PGE 100 µg/mL had higher levels of proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R) mRNA expression in comparison to other groups (P<0.05). Moreover, oocytes collected from groups 2 and 3 had lower levels of ROS as compared to other groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that PGE at the concentration of 100 µg/mL induces higher follicular function and development in the 3D culture system.

The ameliorative effect of carvacrol on oxidative stress and germ cell apoptosis in testicular tissue of adult diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is one of the most chronic and widespread diseases causing the damages to the male reproductive system. Nowadays, several studies have been performed to show the role of phenolic compounds in reducing the complications of diabetes. Carvacrol is a phenolic monoterpene which has been shown to have much therapeutic efficacy in various diseases. METHODS: Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats (n = 8 in each group) were used in this experimental study. The induction of diabetes was performed using a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of STZ (50 mg/kg). Rats were assigned into the following groups: control group, diabetic group, diabetic group daily fed with carvacrol at a dose of 75 mg/kg for 8 weeks, and the control group daily fed with carvacrol at a dose of 75 mg/kg for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Treatment with carvacrol significantly improved the histological morphology of the testis, reduced the tissue activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes, and diminished the elevated levels of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). Moreover, our results showed that carvacrol significantly decreased Bax and increased Bcl-2 at the levels of gene and protein expression. It also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the rate of germ cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION: It seems that the treatment with carvacrol mitigates testicular tissue damage in diabetic rats possibly through its antioxidant properties.

Differences between first and second ejaculations regarding seminal plasma calcium, magnesium and total antioxidant capacity in dual-purpose Fleckvieh bulls and their relationships with semen quality.

Artificial insemination is a well-established and widely used method for genetic improvement in cattle breeding industry. Recently, researchers have shown an increased interest in the cryoprotective effects of minerals and antioxidants on semen. Previous studies on calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), two main macro-minerals, have mainly investigated their roles in mammalian spermatogenesis and fertility. In addition, the experimental data examining the semen content regarding these minerals and antioxidants from different animal species are rather controversial and there is no general agreement about their associations with semen quality. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the seminal plasma concentrations of Ca, Mg and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in first and second ejaculations of dual-purpose Fleckvieh bulls and to link them to the sperm characteristics of fresh and frozen-thawed semen. Sperm progressive motility after thawing was used to classify the data into three groups: < 40.00%, 40.00 to 50.00% and > 50.00%. The measurements of two minerals and TAC were carried out using spectrophotometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. The results showed that there were significant differences in several parameters of semen quality between first and second ejaculations. No significant differences were also found on Ca and Mg concentrations and Ca/Mg ratio. The TAC level was significantly higher in the first ejaculation than the second one. The findings of this study suggest that TAC is a potential marker for bull semen quality assessment in the frozen semen production industry.

Regulation and modulation of PTEN activity.

PTEN (Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten) is a tumor suppressor that is frequently mutated in most human cancers. PTEN is a lipid and protein phosphatase that antagonizes PI3K/AKT pathway through lipid phosphatase activity at the plasma membrane. More recent studies showed that, in addition to the putative role of PTEN as a PI(3,4,5)P3 3-phosphatase, it is a PI(3,4)P2 3-phosphatase during stimulation of class I PI3K signaling pathway by growth factor. Although PTEN tumor suppressor function via it's lipid phosphatase activity occurs primarily in the plasma membrane, it can also be found in the nucleus, in cytoplasmic organelles and extracellular space. PTEN has also shown phosphatase independent functions in the nucleus. PTEN can exit from the cell through exosomal export or secretion and has a tumor suppressor function in adjacent cells. PTEN has a critical role in growth, the cell cycle, protein synthesis, survival, DNA repair and migration. Understanding the regulation of PTEN function, activity, stability, localization and its dysregulation outcomes and also the intracellular and extracellular role of PTEN and paracrine role of PTEN-L in tumor cells as an exogenous therapeutic agent can help to improve clinical conceptualization and treatment of cancer.

Effects of Matricaria chamomilla Extract on Growth and Maturation of Isolated Mouse Ovarian Follicles in a Three-dimensional Culture System.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to design and assess the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria chamomilla (MC) on preantral follicle culture of mouse ovaries in a three-dimensional culture system. METHODS: Isolated preantral follicles were randomly divided into three main groups: the control group containing 10% fetal bovine serum without MC extract (G1), the first experimental group supplemented with 25 µg/ml hydroalcoholic extract of chamomile (G2), and the second experimental group supplemented with 50 µg/ml hydroalcoholic extract of chamomile (G3). RESULTS: After 12 days of culture, the survival rate (P < 0.05), antrum formation (P < 0.01), metaphase two oocytes (P < 0.01), and the expression of PCNA (P < 0.05) and FSHR (P < 0.05) genes significantly decreased in G3 as compared with G1. On the other hand, at the last day of culture (day 12), the mean diameter of follicles cultured in the medium which was supplemented with 50 µg/ml hydroalcoholic extract of chamomile significantly decreased as compared with the G1 (P < 0.05). In addition, the levels of progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone hormones significantly increased in the medium of G3 relative to G1 (P < 0.01), while in the medium of G1, the level of 17ß-estradiol was significantly higher than that of other groups (P < 0.01). Reactive oxygen species levels of metaphase II oocytes were significantly decreased in G2 as compared with G1 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Adding chamomile extract to culture media appeared to decrease follicular function and development.

A review on Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and the reproductive system.

Environmental factors, such as electromagnetic waves, induce biological and genetic effects. One of the most important physiological systems involved with electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is the genital system. This paper reviews the effects of EMFs on human reproductive organs, female animals, fetus development and the importance of two types of natural antioxidants, i.e., vitamin E and fennel. The studies presented in this review referred to the effects of different exposures to EMFs on the reproductive system, and we tried to show the role of natural antioxidants in reducing the effects of the exposures. Many studies have been done on the effects of ionizing and non-ionizing electromagnetic waves on the cell line of spermatogenesis, sexual hormones, and the structure of the testes. Also, about the hormonal cycle, folliculogenesis and female infertility related to EMF have been given more consideration. In particular, attention is directed to pregnant women due to the importance of their fetuses. However, in addition to the studies conducted on animals, further epidemiological research should be conducted.