RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D3 has been shown to be effective in the treatment of PCOS. However, due to its poor solvability and bioavailability, effective time is delayed and dosage requirements are increased. In our previous study, we demonstrated that PhytoSolve containing VD3 is more effective than vitamin D3 alone in the treatment of PCOS. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of this vitamin D3 formulation on gene expression involved in implantation in patients with PCOS. METHODS: To create PhytoSolve, Lipid S75, glycerol, and MCT oil were combined using a sonicator probe. Six groups, each consisting of 36 female Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice, were included in the following groups: control; sham; PCOS; PhytoSolve; PhytoSolve containing VD3; and vitamin D3. The mice were given DHEA injections to induce PCOS. After administering PhytoSolve containing VD3 and vitamin D3 by gavage for one week from the 13th day of model creation, the female mice were mated and endometrial tissue was collected for analysis of LIF, ß-integrin, and HOXA10 proteins and genes. RESULTS: Compared to the group receiving vitamin D3 alone, the group receiving PhytoSolve containing vitamin D3 showed a significant increase in the expression of LIF, ß-integrin, and HOXA10 genes (p<0.05). Although there was an increase in the expression of ß-integrin and HOXA10 proteins in the group given PhytoSolve containing vitamin D3 compared to the group given vitamin D3, this increase was not significant. However, the increase in LIF protein expression in the group given PhytoSolve containing vitamin D3 was significant when compared to the group given vitamin D3 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of PhytoSolve containing vitamin D3 was more effective than vitamin D3 alone. The PhytoSolve formulation might be a useful solution for medications with limited solubility and bioavailability.
RESUMEN
Despite the widespread use of silver nanoparticles (NPs), these NPs can accumulate and have toxic effects on various organs. However, the effects of silver nanostructures (Ag-NS) with alginate coating on the male reproductive system have not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impacts of this NS on sperm function and testicular structure. After the synthesis and characterization of Ag-NS, the animals were divided into five groups (n = 8), including one control group, two sham groups (received 1.5 mg/kg/day alginate solution for 14 and 35 days), and two treatment groups (received Ag-NS at the same dose and time). Following injections, sperm parameters, apoptosis, and autophagy were analyzed by the TUNEL assay and measurement of the mRNA expression of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, LC3, and Beclin-1. Fertilization rate was assessed by in vitro fertilization (IVF), and testicular structure was analyzed using the TUNEL assay and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The results showed that the NS was rod-shaped, had a size of about 60 nm, and could reduce sperm function and fertility. Gene expression results demonstrated an increase in the apoptotic markers and a decrease in autophagy markers, indicating apoptotic cell death. Moreover, Ag-NS invaded testicular tissues, especially in the chronic phase (35 days), resulting in tissue alteration and epithelium disintegration. The results suggest that sperm parameters and fertility were affected. In addition, NS has negative influences on testicular tissues, causing infertility in men exposed to these NS.
RESUMEN
Paeonia spp and Glycyrrhiza glabra were traditionally used to treat female hormonal problems. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of root extract of these plants on ovarian follicles after induction of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 25-day-old NMRI mice were divided into 4 groups: control, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and DHEA plus 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg plant extract. Animals in the DHEA group received a daily dose of 6mg/100 g.b.w dissolved in 0.05ml sesame oil for 20 consecutive days through subcutaneous injection (0.2ml); the control group received sesame oil and saline only through i.p; and the other two groups received herbal extracts through i.p. At the end, blood samples were taken to examine hormonal changes and isolate ovarian tissue. There was a significant difference in the level of testosterone and fasting insulin between the polycystic group and treatment groups (50 and 100mg/kg doses). The results showed a significant difference between the control and DHEA treated groups in terms of the number of graph and primary follicles (P<0.05). The results of this study indicated that the mixture of paeonia spp and glycyrrhiza glabra extracts with the administered dosage had positive effects on the status of follicles in the ovaries in polycystic ovary syndrome.