Phytochemical analysis and biological evaluation of essential oils and extracts from Heracleum pastinacifolium subsp. incanum (Boiss. & A.Huet) P.H.Davis, an endemic plant from Turkey.

Essential oil content of and phenolic compounds flower-fruit, root, and aerial parts of Heracleum pastinacifolium subsp. incanum were analysed by GC/MS and LC/MS methods, respectively. Antidiabetic, anticholinesterase, and antioxidant activities of flower-fruit, root, aerial parts methanol extracts were evaluated. Apiole (35.0%), myristicine (72.2%), and myristicine (15.1%) were found as major compounds of fruit-flower mixture, root, aerial part essential oils, respectively. Hesperidin was found the highest amount in aerial part and flower-fruit extracts with 8904.2621 ng/mL and 11558.3634 ng/mL values, respectively. Fruit-flower extract showed the highest activity against α-glucosidase (24%). Root extract demonstrating the highest activity (18%) against AChE enzyme. Flowers-fruits mixture methanol extract had a higher % inhibition value on ABTS·+ and DPPH•. Flowers-fruits mixture methanol extract was rich in total phenol, total tannin, and protein content. All the extracts were determined as genetoxically safe according to the results of Ames/Salmonella, Escherichia coli WP2 and Allium cepa assays.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes of obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermic men.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles in obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermic men. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we searched the first ICSI cycle parameters of 211 azoospermic men. Our main outcomes were the average fertilization rate, implantation rate, pregnancy and miscarriage rates. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that although the males with obstructive azoospermia had better fertilization and biochemical pregnancy rates than the ones with nonobstructive azoospermia, clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rates among the groups were similar. CONCLUSION: ICSI overcomes the obstacles related to the sperm in its function as a carrier but it cannot alter the message carried by the male gamete.

Assessment of anti-sperm antibodies in couples after testicular sperm extraction.

PURPOSE: Testicular spermatozoa can be retrieved successfully by the testicular sperm extraction (TESE) procedure and used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Disruption in the blood-testis barrier can lead to the production of antisperm antibodies (ASA). The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the frequency of ASA formation in couples after TESE procedure. METHODS: Thirty-seven couples were included in the study at the Urology Clinic of the Dr. Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Training and Research Hospital. History, physical examination, spermiogram, and endocrine profiles were obtained for all male patients. All the male patients in this study had been diagnosed with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and underwent microdissection TESE. Secondary and tertiary cases were also included in the study. Serum samples were obtained from all 74 patients before TESE, and at three and 12 months after TESE. Serum ASA levels were determined. ANOVA was performed for statistical analysis for serum Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), testosterone and testicular volume. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There were no differences in the testicular volumes, serum FSH and testosterone levels before and after TESE. None of the patients or their partners developed significant levels of ASA as a result of the TESE procedure. CONCLUSION: TESE procedure does not cause ASA production in either males or their female partners.

Caspase-3 and VEGF immunopositivity in seminiferous tubule germ cells in cases of obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia in smokers versus non-smokers.

PURPOSE: To investigate immunostaining pattern of caspase-3, an apoptosis marker, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an hypoxia marker in testis biopsy specimens collected either from smoking or non-smoking patients with azoospermia. METHODS: Testis biopsy specimens were obtained from thirty seven non-smoker and thirty eight smoker patients. Using immunochemistry technique, caspase-3 and VEGF were evaluated in all intratubular spermatogenic and interstitial Leydig cells. RESULT(S): Caspase-3 expression was significantly increased in germ cells in maturation arrest specimens in smoker azoospermic patients. No statistically significant difference was present between smokers and non-smokers for caspase-3 expression in Sertoli cell. However, the VEGF immunopositive Leydig cells were statistically higher in smokers. There were no differences between groups in terms of germ cell immunopositivity. CONCLUSION: Our results support the hypothesis that increased apoptosis contributes significantly to impaired spermatogenesis. We conjecture that germ cell apoptosis may be augmented by hypoxic microenvironments and environmental toxicants in smoking azoospermic men.

Assisted reproductive treatment applications in men with normal phenotype but 45,X/46,XY mosaic karyotype: clinical and genetic perspectives.

OBJECTIVE: The 45,X/46,XY mosaic karyotype is expressed by a spectrum of genital phenotypes, ranging from normal males through to ambiguous genitalia and to normal females. CASE REPORTS: We present three cases of men with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia, and a 45,X/46,XY mosaic karyotype and two with a Y-chromosome microdeletion. Phenotypically, they appeared as normal males, with normal penis, scrotum and secondary sex characteristics. Testicular sperm extraction and aspiration were applied to patients, and couples were prepared for assisted reproductive therapy. All men with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia were evaluated for karyotype and Y-chromosome microdeletion even if they had normal phenotypes. CONCLUSION: Possibilities for finding sperm and the biologic paternity in subjects with 45,X/46,XY karyotype should be considered. Furthermore, the increased risk for testicular neoplasia with mosaic karyotypes should be taken into consideration.