COVID-19 and Selenium Deficiency: a Systematic Review.

Several studies have indicated that selenium deficiency may be detrimental in the context of various viral disorders, and in the case of COVID-19, several studies have reported heterogeneous results concerning the association of selenium deficiency with the severity of disease. To summarize the available data surrounding the association of body selenium levels with the outcomes of COVID-19, a systematic search was performed in the Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science using keywords including "SARS-CoV-2," "COVID-19," and "selenium," Studies evaluating the association of COVID-19 with body selenium levels were included. Among 1,862 articles viewed in the database search, 10 articles were included after title, abstract, and full-text review. One study was further included after searching the literature again for any newly published articles. Out of 11 included studies, 10 studies measured serum selenium level, and one study investigated urinary selenium level. Three of 10 studies measured serum SELENOP level as well as selenium level. Glutathione peroxidase-3 level in serum was also assessed in one study. The reported outcomes were severity, mortality, and risk of COVID-19. Nine studies indicated that a lower serum selenium level is associated with worse outcomes. Two studies reported no significant association between serum selenium level and COVID-19. In one study, urinary selenium level was reported to be higher in severe and fatal cases compared to non-severe and recovered patients, respectively. In most cases, selenium deficiency was associated with worse outcomes, and selenium levels in COVID-19 patients were lower than in healthy individuals. Thus, it could be concluded that cautious selenium supplementation in COVID-19 patients may be helpful to prevent disease progression. However, randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this.

Assessment of the effect of sachet formulation of almond (Amygdalus dulcis L.) on diarrhea prominent irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) symptoms: A clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Almond has been listed in the low FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono saccharides And Polyols) and is recommended for infant diarrhea and gastrointestinal problem in Iranian folk medicine. In this work, sachet of almond has been designed, formulated and is studied on the clinical symptoms of diarrhea prominent irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). DESIGN: almond was standardized on the basis of total protein and carbohydrate content. A sachet of almond and wheat flour (placebo) was formulated and their physicochemical characteristics were investigated. INTERVENTION: In a double blind randomized trial, fifty IBS-D patients were randomly enrolled into the almond and placebo groups, ranked in respect to the severity of symptoms to mild-moderate and severe disease. The patients received almond or placebo sachet (40 g/day,20 days) respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Patients were assessed for bowel habit, pain severity and frequency and bloating and data was recorded in a data collecting form. RESULTS: The results showed that none of the primary outcomes of the disease is improved in the patients treated with almond. The bowel movement and severity of the pain was significantly increased in the almond treated patients compared to the placebo and baseline (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Almond contains high content of oligo-fructan which in high intake might result in a large amount of fermentable carbohydrates that can exacerbate the symptoms of the disease. So, despite the almond inclusion in the low-FODMAPs, the amount of almond intake is a determining factor and here we have controversial results for almond intake in patients with IBS. Mental health and physical activity of patients are also involved in the disease.

Can Melissa officinalis improve chromatin structure and sperm parameters in a rat model of varicocele?

Excessive production of reactive oxygen species is a central mechanism in the pathology of varicocele; Melissa officinalis (MO) is a medicinal plant from the Lamiaceae family that has antioxidant activity. In this study, we have investigated the potential therapeutic effect of MO on sperm parameters and chromatin structure in varicocelised rat. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control, sham, varicocele, MO treatment and placebo groups. Rats in varicocele, MO treatment and placebo groups underwent left varicocele induction. Following the operation, rats in placebo and MO treatment groups received normal saline or MO extract, daily for 10 weeks respectively. At 10 weeks after varicocele induction, sperm chromatin and parameters were evaluated in all groups. Chromatin structure was evaluated by aniline blue, acridine orange and toluidine blue staining. All three staining outcomes were increased in varicocele and placebo compared control (and sham) groups (p < 0.05). Sperm count, motility, morphology and vitality were decreased between varicocele and control (and sham) group (p < 0.05). Sperm parameters and chromatin staining (else AB staining) outcomes improve in MO treatment compared to varicocele and placebo groups (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that MO ameliorate the harmful effect of varicocele on sperm parameters and chromatin structure.

Mouse preantral follicle growth in 3D co-culture system using human menstrual blood mesenchymal stem cell.

Follicle culture provides a condition which can help investigators to evaluate various aspects of ovarian follicle growth and development and impact of different components and supplementations as well as presumably application of follicle culture approach in fertility preservation procedures. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), particularly those isolated from menstrual blood has the potential to be used as a tool for improvement of fertility. In the current study, a 3D co-culture system with mice preantral follicles and human Menstrual Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MenSCs) using either collagen or alginate beads was designed to investigate whether this system allows better preantral follicles growth and development. Results showed that MenSCs increase the indices of follicular growth including survival rate, diameter, and antrum formation as well as the rate of in vitro maturation (IVM) in both collagen and alginates beads. Although statistically not significant, alginate was found to be superior in terms of supporting survival rate and antrum formation. Hormone assay demonstrated that the amount of secreted 17 ß-estradiol and progesterone in both 3D systems increased dramatically after 12 days, with the highest levels in system employing MenSCs. Data also demonstrated that relative expression of studied genes increased for Bmp15 and Gdf9 and decreased for Mater when follicles were cultured in the presence of MenSCs. Collectively, results of the present study showed that MenSCs could improve indices of follicular growth and maturation in vitro. Further studies are needed before a clinical application of MenSCs-induced IVM is considered.

The effects of melatonin on colonization of neonate spermatogonial mouse stem cells in a three-dimensional soft agar culture system.

BACKGROUND: Melatonin is a pleiotropic hormone with powerful antioxidant activity both in vivo and in vitro. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of melatonin on the proliferation efficiency of neonatal mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) using a three-dimensional soft agar culture system (SACS) which has the capacity to induce development of SSCs similar to in vivo conditions. METHODS: SSCs were isolated from testes of neonate mice and their purities were assessed by flow cytometry using PLZF antibody. Isolated testicular cells were cultured in the upper layer of the SACS in αMEM medium in the absence or presence of melatonin extract for 4 weeks. RESULTS: The identity of colonies was confirmed by alkaline phosphatase staining and immunocytochemistry using PLZF and α6 integrin antibodies. The number and diameter of colonies of SSCs in the upper layer were evaluated at days 14 and 28 of culture. The number and diameter of colonies of SSCs were significantly higher in the melatonin group compared with the control group. The levels of expression of ID-4 and Plzf, unlike c-kit, were significantly higher in the melatonin group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study show that supplementation of the culture medium (SACS) with 100 µM melatonin significantly decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the treated group compared with the control group, and increased SSC proliferation.

In vitro effects of melatonin on colonization of neonate mouse spermatogonial stem cells.

We have recently reported that antioxidant supplements enhance the efficacy of cryopreserved spermatogonial stem cells. Melatonin is considered a free radical scavenger which has direct and indirect antioxidant effects in in vitro and in vivo microenvironments. Due to the anti-apoptotic properties of melatonin, researchers have proposed that melatonin may improve the efficiency of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation. However, the appropriate methodology which facilitates SSC proliferation remains to be determined. Identification of a proper propagation system is essential for the future application of SSCs in the field of infertility. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of melatonin on the colonization of SSCs. SSCs were isolated from the testes of three to six day old mice, and their purities were assessed by cytometry using Plzf antibody. Isolated testicular cells were cultured in the absence or presence of melatonin extract for two weeks. Suppression of differentiation and maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells was confirmed by alkaline phosphatase staining and immunocytochemistry using Plzf antibody. The number and diameter of the colonies of SSCs were assessed during the 7th and 14th days of culture, and the expression of Id4, Plzf, and C-kit were evaluated using real-time PCR at the end of the culture period. The survival rate of the cultured cells in the presence of melatonin was significantly higher than the control group. The number and diameter of colonies also increased in the cells treated with melatonin. The results of our study suggest that culture of SSCs with 100 µM melatonin supplementation can increase SSCs proliferation significantly.

Improving the Efficacy of Cryopreservation of Spermatogonia Stem Cells by Antioxidant Supplements.

Cryopreservation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is an applicable method for young males seeking fertility preservation before starting a treatment. It increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and oxidative stress, which damages cellular structures. In this study, we added two antioxidants, catalase and α-tocopherol (α-TCP), to the basic freezing medium to evaluate their effects on the efficiency of SSCs. SSCs were isolated from testes of 3- to 6-day-old male mice using enzymatic digestion. The enrichment of isolated cells was evaluated by flow cytometry and Stra8 antibody. Catalase (40 µg/mL), or α-TCP (200 µg/mL) was added to the basic freezing medium. The cell viability was evaluated by the methylthiazoltetrazolium (MTT) assay. After thawing, cells were cultured for 1 month, and the expression pattern of specific genes of SSCs and the ability of the cells to restore spermatogenesis were used to determine the efficiency of the cryopreservation method. The survival rate of the frozen cells in the presence of catalase or α-TCP was significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). The number of colonies and their diameter measured after 1 month were significantly higher in the antioxidant groups than in the control group (p < 0.05). Gene expression and resumption of spermatogenesis also followed the same pattern. Thus, adding antioxidants to the basic freezing medium can be helpful in increasing the quality and viability of SSCs after cryopreservation. This new approach to stem cells cryopreservation can also be a promising strategy for fertility preservation in patients who suffer from malignancy.

The effects of curcumin on sperm parameters and nitric oxide production in varicocelized rats / Efectos de la cúrcuma sobre los parámetros espermáticos y producción de óxido nítrico en ratas varicocelizadas

One of the proposed mechanism by which varicocele induces its damage is excessive release of nitric oxide (NO). Several studies have shown the role of NO in poor sperm quality in infertile patients with varicocele. Scientific studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of curcumin on the sperm parameters. Curcumin as an atoxic antioxidant can reduce production of NO. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of curcumin on NO levels and investigate if curcumin can improve sperm parameters in varicocelized male rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (V1 and V2 (varicocele), T (treatment), Sh (sham) and C was control). In groups V1, V2, T and Sh, the left renal vein was partially ligated to induce varicocele. In groups V1 and V2, sperm parameters and NO level were evaluated 8 and 16 weeks respectively after varicocele induction. Groups T and Sh received 100 mg/kg curcumin and placebo respectively, daily for 8 weeks after 2 months of induced varicocele. Sperm parameters (count, motility, viability and morphology), epididymis and testis weight and also NO concentration were measured. Sperm parameters (count, motility and viability) in groups V1, V2 and Sh were significantly low in comparison with control and treatment groups. The level of NO was significantly increased in serum of rats in groups V1 and V2, whereas group T rat serum in which curcumin was administered, showed decreased NO levels. The values of the epididymis and testis weight had no significant changes (P 0.05) in all groups. Administration of curcumin as a free radical scavenger, can decrease NO level and improve sperm parameters in varicocelized male rats.

Uno de los mecanismos propuestos por el cual los varicoceles inducen daño es la excesiva liberación de óxido nítrico (ON). Varios estudios han demostrado el efecto del ON en la mala calidad del semen en pacientes infértiles con varicocele. Investigaciones han demostrado los efectos beneficiosos de la cúrcuma sobre los parámetros de esperma. La cúrcuma como un antioxidanteatóxico puede reducir la producción de ON. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de la cúrcuma en el nivel de ON e investigar si la cúrcuma puede mejorar los parámetros del semen en ratas macho. Treinta ratas macho Wistar fueron divididas aleatoriamente en 5 grupos (V1y V2 (varicocele), T (tratamiento), Sh (simulado) y C (control)). En los grupos V1, V2, T y Sh, la vena renal izquierda fue parcialmente ligada para inducir varicocele. En los grupos de V1 y V2, los parámetros de semen y nivel de ON se evaluaron a las 8 y 16 semanas respectivamente, después de la inducción de varicocele. Los grupos T y Sh recibieron diariamente 100 mg/kg de cúrcuma y placebo durante 8 semanas, después de 2 meses de inducir el varicocele. Fueron medidos los parámetros del semen (recuento, motilidad, viabilidad y morfología espemática), peso del epidídimo y testículos, junto con la concentración del ON. El recuento, motilidad y viabilidad de los espermatozoides en los grupos V1, V2 y Sh fueron significativamente más bajos en comparación con los grupos C y T. El nivel de ON se incrementó significativamente en el suero de las ratas de los grupos V1 y V2, mientras que el suero del grupo T, en el que se administró cúrcuma, hubo una disminución de los niveles de ON. El peso del epidídimo y testículos tuvieron cambios significativos (P 0,05) en todos los grupos. La administración de cúrcuma como un eliminador de radicales libres, puede disminuir el nivel de ON y mejorar los parámetros espermáticos en ratas macho varicocelizadas.

Do Pilea Microphylla Improve Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Sperm Parameters in Varicocelized Rats?

Varicocele is one of the most common causes of primary male infertility. Pilea microphylla (PM) is being used as folk medicine. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of PM in a rat model of varicocele. A total of 30 male Wistar rats were divided into control, sham, varicocele, accessory varicocele and PM-treated groups. After 10 weeks of varicocele induction, sperm parameters and chromatin (Aniline blue, acridine orange and toluidine blue) were evaluated, except for the treated and accessory groups that received 50 mg/kg PM orally daily for 10 weeks and then were sacrificed. Sperm parameters significantly decreased in varicocele groups (P < 0.01). Moreover, there was a negative correlation between the DNA fragmentation and sperm parameters in varicocelized rats. Administration of PM led to significantly increased sperm parameters and AO staining (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that PM improves sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation in varicocelized rats. PM can reduce the damage to sperm DNA but not chromatin condensation.