Oral administration of titanium dioxide nanoparticle through ovarian tissue alterations impairs mice embryonic development

Background: Titanium dioxide nanoparticle [TiO[2]NP] is commonly used in industrial products including food colorant, cosmetics, and drugs. Previous studies have shown that oral administration of TiO[2]NP can be toxic to the reproductive system, but little is known if TiO[2]NP could be able to affect the functions of the female reproductive system, in particular fertility

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effects of oral administration of TiO[2]NP on histological changes in ovaries, pregnancy rate and in vitro fertility in mice

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 54 adult female NMRI mice were randomly assigned to two groups: control group [received vehicle orally] and TiO[2]NP group [received 100 mg/kg/daily TiO2NP solution orally]. After 5 wk, pregnancy and in vitro fertilization rates, histological changes in ovaries, malondyaldehyde and estrogen hormone levels in the blood serum were investigated and compared between groups

Results: Our results revealed that TiO[2]NP administration induced histological alterations in ovary including, degenerating and reduction of ovarian follicles, ovarian cyst formation and disturbance of follicular development. Compared to control, animals in Ti[O2]NP group have shown significant reduction of pregnancy rates and number of giving birth [p=0.04]. TiO[2]NP caused significant reduction in oocyte number, fertilization rate, and pre-implantation embryo development [p<0.001]. Furthermore, malondyaldehyde and estrogen hormone levels were significantly [p<0.01] increased in mice received TiO[2]NP

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that TiO[2]NP exposure induces alterations on mice ovary resulting in a decrease in the rate of embryo development and fertility

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among HIV Patients in Jahrom, Southern Iran

Toxoplasma gondii is an important opportunistic agent especially in immunocompromised hosts and can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Hence, detection and monitoring of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies are of a great interest in HIV-infected patients. A study on the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and associated risk factors was carried out among HIV-infected patients in Jahrom, southern Iran. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies was 21.1% in HIV-infected patients by ELISA. PCR was performed on all of the samples, and 1 of the blood samples was positively detected. Among the HIV patients, anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were significantly higher in age group of 30–39 years old (P=0.05). The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in patients with CD4+<100 cells/μl was 33.3% that was significantly higher than the other groups (P=0.042) with or without IgG antibodies. The CD4+ count mean of seropositive patients was lower than that of seronegative patients. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in patients with highly active antiretroviral therapy was significantly less than patients without therapy (P=0.02). In conclusion, this study showed low seroprevalence of latent toxoplasmosis among HIV-infected patients in the region and confirmed the need for intensifying prevention efforts among this high-risk population and also the risk of toxoplasmosis reactivation which could be important among this population.

Elevated IL-17 and TGF-beta serum levels: a positive correlation between T-helper 17 cell-related pro-inflammatory responses with major depressive disorder

Introduction: Depression is a mental disorder that highly associated with immune system. Therefore, this study compares the serum concentrations of IL-21, IL-17, and transforming growth factor beta [TGF-beta] between patients with major depressive disorder and healthy controls

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 41 patients with major depressive disorder and 40 healthy age-matched controls with no history of malignancies or autoimmune disorders. The subjects were interviewed face to face according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. Depression score was measured using completed Beck Depression Inventory in both groups. The serum concentrations of IL-21, IL-17, and TGF-beta were assessed using ELISA

Results: The mean score of Beck Depression score in the patient and control groups was 35.4 +/- 5.5 and 11.1 +/- 2.3. IL-17 serum concentrations in the patients and the control group were 10.03 +/- 0.6 and 7.6 +/- 0.6 pg/mL, respectively [P=0.0002]. TGF-beta level in the patients group was significantly higher than compare to the control group; 336.7 +/- 20.19 vs. 174.8 +/- 27.20 pg/mL, [P<0.0001]. However, the level of IL-21 was not statistically different between the two groups 84.30 +/- 4.57 vs. 84.12 +/- 4.15 pg/mL [P>0.05]

Conclusion: Considering pro-inflammatory cytokines, current results support the association of inflammatory response and depressive disorder. So, it seems that pro-inflammatory factors profile can be used as indicator in following of depression progress and its treatment impacts

Ethyl pyruvate ameliorates the damage induced by cyclophosphamide on adult mice testes

Background: Cyclophosphamide [CP] is a chemotherapy drug which causes deleterious effects on testicular tissue and increases free radicals in the body. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of ethyl pyruvate [EP] on testicular improvement in CP treated animals

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 15 male mice [6-8 weeks] were divided into 3 groups. The control group received normal saline [0.1 ml/day] intraperito-neal [IP], CP group received CP [15 mg/kg/week, IP], and the CP+EP group received EP [40 mg/kg/day, IP] plus CP. After 35 days, we assessed serum total antioxidant capacity [TAC] along with histomorphometric and histochemical analyses of the testicles

Results: The mean thickness of the germinal epithelium, diameter of seminiferous tubules, and the number of Leydig cells in the CP+EP group were higher than those of the CP group [P<0.05]. The number of the mast cells in the CP+EP group significantly reduced compared with the CP group [P<0.05]. Alkaline phosphatase [ALP], periodic acid-schiff [PAS] positive reactions and lipid granules in cytoplasm of the Leydig cells in the CP group increased compared with the other groups [P<0.05]. TAC in the CP group significantly reduced compared with the other groups [P<0.05]

Conclusion: This study showed the ability of EP to reduce the destructive side effects of CP in the adult mice reproductive system

Protective effects of ethyl pymvate on sperm quality in cyclophssgphamide treated mice

AbstrnetBackground: One of the affecting factors in disturbance process of spermatogenesisis chemotherapeutic-induced oxidative stress resulted from cyciophosphamide [CP]; treatment which leads to diminisled sperm quality via interference in spermatogenesis process. Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of ethyl pyruvat [EP] in reducing the CP-induced side effects on reproductive system.Materials and Methods: 24 mature male mice were randomly divided into 3 equal j groups and were undergone therapy for 35 days. Control group received normalsaline [0.1 mliday, IF]. CP group were injected CP [15 mgikglweek, IP] and CP+EPgroup received EP [40 mgilcglday, IP] as well as CP. In the end of the treatment: period, the mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation. Then, the epididymis wasincubated with C02 in a human tuba1 fluid medium [1 ml] for half an hour in order: to float sperm. Then, the number, motility, viability [eosin-nigrosin staining], DNAbreakage [acridine orange staining], nucleus maturity, and sperm morphology I [aniline blue staining] were analyzed. Results: The average [15.871-1.28], motility [35.77+2.75], viability [4013.03], I nucleus maturity [36*2.79] and sperm morphology [61.751-0.85] were decreasedI significantly in CP group in comparison with control and EP groups, whereas I caused significant increase of these parameters. Also, the percentage of DNA I damage was increased significantly in CP group [41.75*3.75] in comparison with I control [2*0.71] and EP groups [22.514.13]. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed ameliorating effects of EP on sperm quality of CP treated animals

Distribution of IL-28B genotypes in patients with hepatitis C and healthy individuals in Jahrom city

The purpose of this study was to compare the distribution of interleukin [IL]-28B genotypes between Iranian healthy individuals and patients with chronic hepatitis C based on the genotype. Polymorphisms in the region of IL-28B gene have been identified as the strongest genetic pretreatment predictor of sustained virological response [SVR] in hepatitis C infection. In this study, 147 patients with chronic hepatitis C and 80 healthy individuals were included. The IL-28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-RFLP method and the frequency of IL-28B polymorphisms with respect to HCV genotypes was also determined. The frequencies of rs12979860 TT, CC and CT genotypes in the chronic hepatitis C patients and healthy individuals were as follows: 10.8% vs. 11.3%, 38.7% vs. 46.2% and 50.3% vs. 42.5%. Also, the frequencies of rs8099917 TT, GG and GT genotypes in the chronic hepatitis C patients was 61.9%, 6.1% and 32% and in controls was 47.5%, 11.2% and 41.3%. The differences in the distribution of rs12979860 genotypes and alleles between HCV genotype 1 and HCV genotype 3a infected patients were statistically significant. The rs12979860 C allele is the favorable allele for the spontaneous clearance of HCV. It seems that the impact of IL-28B polymorphism on the spontaneous clearance of HCV genotype 3 is more prominent than HCV genotype 1, which results in the observation of higher rs12979860 C allele frequency in chronic hepatitis C patients with HCV genotype 3 than HCV genotype 1

effects of chlorpromazine on reproductive system and function in female rats

Chlorpromazine [CPZ], an antipsychotic drug, is associated with increased risk of sexual dysfunction through increasing prolactin levels. The current study evaluates the effect of CPZ-induced hyperprolactinemia on ovarian follicular growth, gonado-tropins, and alteration of ovarian source hormones. In this experimental study, animals were divided into four groups, control and CPZ [n=8 per group]. In the treated groups, CPZ was administered by gavage at doses of 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg per day for 28 days. On day 29 the animals were killed after which histopathological and histomorphometric analyses of the ovaries were performed. We evaluated the levels of prolactin serum, luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], estradiol [E[2] and progesterone. The ovaries of the test groups showed numerous atretic follicles of various sizes. CPZ caused a significant difference between the test groups and the control group [P<0.05] on the amount of atresia and the size of the normal corpora lutea [CL]. The increased dysfunction of the ovaries from the different groups depended on the amount of CPZ administered. The serum concentrations of prolactin and progesterone significantly increased [P=0.05], while the serum concentrations of estradiol, LH and FSH notably decreased [P=0.05], depending on the CPZ dose. CPZ-induced animals had unsuccessful mating and decreased pregnancy rate. The present findings suggest that CPZ-induced disturbances not only depend on prolactin level but the increased prolactin level is largely dose-dependent

Chlorpromazine-induced hyperprolactinemia on rat's uterus

Hyperprolactinemia is a common side effect of antipsychotic drugs that requires further investigation. The current study was designed to evaluate dose-dependent effect of chlorpromazine [CPZ] on hormonal changes and uterine horn histological structure in rats. Moreover, the mammary glands were analyzed to show hyperprolactinemia-induced histological changes. Albino Wistar rats [n = 32] were divided into four groups. The first group was set as a control. In the three drug-treated groups [eight rats in each group], CPZ was administered by a gavage at doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day for 28 days. One day after the last administration of the drug, the animals were sacrificed. Histopathological and histomorphometrical analyses of the uterine horns and mammary glands were carried out to evaluate dose-dependent effect of CPZ on histological structure. Serum levels of prolactin [PRL], estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], and luteinizing hormone [LH] were also evaluated. Remarkable [P < 0.05] elevation was observed in CPZ-administrated animals' uterine horn endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium thicknesses, and the mammary glands were observed with galactorrhea features. The serum level of progesterone and PRL significantly [P < 0.05] increased, while the serum concentration of LH, FSH, and estradiol was notably [P < 0.05] decreased depending on administrated CPZ dose. No histological and biological changes were occurred in the control animals. The present findings suggest that CPZ-induced disturbances not only depend on PRL level and increased PRL level largely depends on administrated doses of the CPZ

[Effect of chloroformic extract of Cichorium intybus on liver function tests and serum level of TNF- alpha in obstructive cholestasis in rat]

Liver plays important roles in the production of bile, detoxification, and elimination of foreign material and synthesis of plasma proteins. Obstructive cholestasis is one of the liver disorders that can result in increased concentration of oxidants and inflammatory agents in the liver. In traditional medicine, Cichorium intybus has been used as a liver protectant, anti inflamatory and detoxifying agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chloroformic extract of Cichorium intybus on liver functional tests and serum level of TNF- alpha in cholestatic rat model. In this experimental study, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups [n= 6] including sham operated, control [Bile Duct Ligation [BDL] + vehicle], and 3 groups with BDL + extract treatments [100, 200, 400 mg/kg/day ip]. These groups were treated for seven days and on the eighth day, prothrombin time [PT], serum albumin, alanine amino transferase [ALT], aspartate amino transferase [AST], total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], were measured by calorimetric and TNF- alpha was measured by ELISA methods. The results were analyzed by one way ANOVA. The results of the present study showed that the Cichorium extract [100 mg/kg/day] decreased the serum level of direct bilirubin, AST, ALT, and TNF- alpha significantly compared to the control group [p <0.05]. Furthermore, at the higher dose [200 mg/kg/day] PT, ALP, LDH and AST decreased significantly in comparison to the control group [p <0.05], while the serum albumin level increased significantly in the treated animals [p <0.05]. In conclusion, we found that, low doses of chloroformic extract of Cichorium intybus protected the liver against obstructive cholestasis induced -injury

Sulpiride-induced hyperprolactinemia in mature female rats: evidence for alterations in the reproductive system, pituitary and ovarian hormones

Background: The prevalence of hyperprolactinemia following administration of conventional antipsychotic drugs requires further investigation. The current study is designed to evaluate the effect of sulpiride [SPD]-induced hyperprolactinemia on alterations to ovarian follicular growth, gonadotropins, and ovarian hormones and to analyze the extent of potential problems in mammary glands

Materials and Methods: A total of 40 albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control [no treatment], control-sham [0.3 ml olive oil], low dose SPD [20 mg/kg] and high dose SPD [40 mg/kg]. All compounds were intraperitoneally [IP] administered for a period of 28 days

Results: After 28 days, we dissected the rats' ovarian tissues, uterine horns and mammary glands which were sent for histological analyses. We counted the numbers of normal, atretic follicles and corpora lutea [CL]. Serum levels of prolactin [PRL], estradiol, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH] were evaluated. SPD-administered animals showed sporadic follicular atresia in different sizes associated with higher numbers of CL on the ovaries. The mammary glands exhibited features of galactorrhea. There was remarkable [p<0.05] elevation in SPD-administered animals' uterine horn endometrium, myometrium and perimetrium thicknesses. The serum levels of PRL and progesterone significantly [p<0.05] increased, while the serum concentration of estradiol, LH and FSH notably [p<0.05] decreased according to the SPD administered dose. No histological and biological changes occurred in control-sham animals. SPD-induced animals had unsuccessful attempts at mating and decreased pregnancy rates

Conclusion: The present findings suggest that SPD-induced disturbances depend on PRL level. In addition, an increased PRL level is largely dependent on the administered doses of SPD

Reduced Interleukin-17 and Transforming Growth Factor Beta Levels in Peripheral Blood as Indicators for Following the Course of Bladder Cancer

Interleukin (IL) 17 is produced by T-helper (Th) 17 with a vigorous effect on cells of the immune system playing important roles in pathogenesis of immune-mediated diseases, including autoimmune disorders and cancers. Therefore, the aim of current study was to determine the serum levels of IL-6, IL-17, and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in Iranian bladder cancer patients, and to correlate them with disease status. Blood samples were collected from 40 bladder cancer patients and 38 healthy individuals with no history of malignancies or autoimmune disorders. The serum levels of IL-6, IL-17, and TGF-beta were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that the levels of IL-17 (p<0.0001) and TGF-beta (p<0.0001) were significantly lower in the patients compared to the controls. No significant differences in the level of serum IL-6 (p=0.16) was observed between the patients and controls. In addition, demographic characteristics between control and patients groups were not significantly different. As most of the cases studied in this investigation were in stage I and II, it is concluded that reduced Th17-related cytokines can be used as indicators for following the course and clinical stages of bladder carcinoma progress and immune response to cancer.

Radiosynthesis and quality control of [[67]GA]-3,4-dimethoxylated porphyrin complex as a possible imaging agent

Radiolabeled porphyrins are potential tumor avid radiopharmaceuticals because of their impersonation in the human body, ability to complex various radionuclides, water solubility, low toxicity etc. In this work a radiogallium porphyrin complex has been developed. [67Ga] labeled 5,10,15,20-tetrakis [3,4-dimethoxyphenyl] porphyrin [[67Ga]-TDMPP] was prepared using freshly prepared [67Ga]GaCl[3] and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis [3,4-dimethoxyphenyl] porphyrin [H[2]TDMPP] for 60 min at 100°C. Stability of the complex was checked in final formulation and human serum for 24 h, followed by biodistribution and imaging studies in wild type rats up to 24 h. The radiocomplex was obtained with radiochemical purity >99% [ITLC] and >98% [HPLC]], specific activity: 12-15 GBq/mmol. The partition coefficient was determined [log P=1.63]. A detailed comparative pharmacokinetic study performed for 67Ga cation and [67Ga]-TDMPP. The complex was mostly washed out from the circulation through kidneys. Myocardial uptake was significantly observed by SPECT and biodistribution studies. Knee and shoulder joints demonstrated significant activity uptake in 2h post injection. Higher water solubility of the complex due to ionic nature of the complex is an advantage for rapid wash-out of the complex from the system, the complex has significant joint uptake compared to other radiolabeled porphyrins which the mechanisms are explained

Toxic effect of acyclovir on testicular tissue in rats

Background: acyclovir [ACV], a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue, is known to be toxic to gonads

Objective: the current study evaluated cytotoxicity of ACV on histopathological changes in testis tissue and serum testosterone and lipid peroxidation concentrations of male rats

Materials and Methods: animals were divided into five groups. One group served as control and one group served as control sham. In the drug treated groups ACV administered for 15 days. 18 days after the last injection, animals were sacrificed. Histopathological and histomorphometrical analysis of the testis was carried out. Serum levels of testosterone and Lipid Peroxidation and potential fertility of animals was evaluated

Results: male rats exposed to ACV had significant reduction in serum testosterone concentrations at 16 and 48mg/kg dose-levels [p<0.01]. ACV induced histopathological changes in the testis and also increase the mean number of mast cells in peritubular or interstitial tissue in the testis at16 and 48mg/kg dose-levels [p<0.01]. In addition ACV caused increase of serum level of Lipid Peroxidation at 48mg/kg dose-level [p<0.05]. As well ACV decreased potential fertility in male rats

Conclusion: the present results highly support the idea that ACV has adverse effect on the reproductive system in male rat

Effect of purine nucleoside analogue-acyclovir on the sperm parameters and testosterone production in rats

Acyclovir [ACV], a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue derived from guanosine, is known to be toxic to gonads and the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ACV on the sperm parameters and testosterone production in rat. In this experimental study, forty adult male Wistar rats [220 +/- 20 g] were randomly divided into five groups [n=8 for each group]. One group served as control and one group served as sham control [distilled water was intraperitoneally [i.p.] injected]. ACV was administered intraperitoneally in the drug treatment groups [4, 16 and 48 mg/kg/day] for 15 days. Eighteen days after the last injection, rats were sacrificed by CO2 inhalation. After that, cauda epididymides were removed surgically. At the end, sperm concentrations in the cauda epididymis, sperm motility, morphology, viability, chromatin quality and DNA integrity were analyzed. Serum testosterone concentrations were determined. The results showed that ACV did not affect sperm count, but decreased sperm motility and sperm viability at 16 and 48 mg/kg dose-levels. Sperm abnormalities increased at 48 mg/kg dose-level of ACV. Further, ACV significantly increases DNA damage at 16 and 48 mg/kg dose-levels and chromatin abnormality at all doses. Besides, a significant decrease in serum testosterone concentrations was observed at 16 and 48 mg/ kg doses. The present results highly support the idea that ACV induces testicular toxicity by adverse effects on the sperm parameters and serum level of testosterone in male rats

[Comparison of the clinical efficacy of scaling and root planning with and without topical application of vitamin E via tray method for treatment of chronic periodontitis: a randomized clinical trial]

Microbial plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease. Production of free oxygen radicals is an immune system mechanism to destroy invading microorganisms which per se results in further destruction of periodontal tissues. The present study sought to assess the efficacy of anti-oxidant application [vitamin E] as an adjuvant treatment following scaling and root planning in periodontal patients. For this randomized clinical trial 10 patients aged 30 to 50 years suffering from moderate to severe periodontitis with no systemic disease were selected. After scaling and root planning, 5% vitamin E for one side and placebo for the opposite side were poured in a maxillary custom tray and placed inside the mouth. Type of treatment did not have a significant effect on the understudy factors. However, time had a significant effect on the majority of indices. Healing was significantly better at week 4 following initiation of treatment compared to week 2. The values in proximal and radicular sites were -0.151, p=0.002 and -0.31, p=0.001 for pocket depth, -0.217, p=0.002 and -0.401, p=0.001 for CAL, -4.188, p=0.001 and -0.391, p=0.272 for BOP and -0.219, p=0.05 for GI, respectively. The present study showed that the effect of time was greater than the type of treatment on improvement of indices

Beneficial effects of American ginseng on epididymal sperm analyses in cyclophosphamide treated rats

This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of American ginseng administered by gastric intubation on sperm vital quality in adult male rats treated with cyclophosphamide [CP]. In this experimental study, 28 Adult male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups, seven rats in each. The animals allocated to control, CP treated, Ginseng treated and CP-Ginseng treated groups. Rats were treated with CP [6.1 mg/kg/day, i.p] for 6 weeks. American ginseng was used at a dose of 500 mg/kg/day during treatment. Sperm analysis [motion, count, morphology and viability] were evaluated at the end of the experiments. Sperm motion was assessed by Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis [CASA]. The data were analyzed using GB stat software. Probability values of p<0.05 and p<0.01 were considered significant. The epididymal sperm counts in the groups that received CP showed significant decreases compared to the control group. Also dead and abnormal sperms significantly increased following CP treatment compared with control. The motility of caudal sperm was reduced significantly with CP treatment. Therefore, according to the results of this study, co-administration of CP and American ginseng can improve these parameters. American ginseng can prevent the cytotoxic effects of CP on sperm quality factors

Synthesis and anti-inflammatory performance of newly cyclizine derivatives on adult male wistar rats

Cyclizine [1-benzhydryl-4-methyl-piperazine, CAS 82-92-8, CYC, I], a piperazine derivative, belongs to H1 antihistamine group of drugs that shows such pharmacological properties as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-platelet effects, similar to other H1-receptor antagonists. In this study, two new tolyl and cumene derivatives of I [1-ethyl- 4-[[p-isopropylphenyl] [p-tolyl] methyl]-piperazine, II and 1-[3, 4-dichlorophenyl]-4-[[p-isopropylphenyl] [p-tolyl] methyl]-piperazine, III] were synthesized to investigate their acute and chronic anti-inflammatory activities in formalin and histamine-induced rat paw edema. In addition, the vascular permeability in formalin and histamine-induced paw edema, xylene-induced ear edema, and peritonitis due to acetic acid application into peritoneal cavity were measured. The cotton pellet-induced granuloma model was chosen for inducing chronic inflammation in rats. Findings proved reduction in formalin-induced rat paw edema and vascular permeability [acute inflammation] by I and II at 30 min after the injection. In addition, results in histamine-induced rat paw edema showed anti-inflammatory effects of all drugs started 60 min after the injection as these effects continued for a longer period by II and III comparing to I, as discussed above. In addition, the data on vascular permeability in xylene-induced ear edema and acetic acid-induced to peritoneal cavity confirmed that substitutions on cyclizine molecule were more effective and could decrease the vascular permeability and acute inflammation. However, the results from the cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation in rats revealed that none of the drugs [I-III] were effective to reduce the reactions and intermediates of chronic inflammation

Effects of selenium, calcium and calcium ionophore on human oocytes in vitro maturation in a chemically defined medium

In vitro maturation [IVM] of human oocytes is an emerging procedure quickly incorporated into the world of assisted reproductive technologies. As an effective method of in vitro maturation, several studies have reported the critical role of differentions on activating the complex process involved in both gamete maturation and fertilization. In this study, we supplemented a chemically defined medium with different combinations of selenium, calcium and calcium ionophore concentrations to obtain the best rate of human oocytes maturation, survival, and fertilization. As an experimental study, Three combinations of [selenium [5 microg/ml], calcium [5 microg/ml] and calcium ionophore [1 microg/ml]], [selenium [10 microg/ml], calcium [7 microg/ml] and calcium ionophore [2 microg/ml]] and [selenium [15 microg/ml], calcium [10 microg/ml] and calcium ionophore [5 microg/ml]] added to the chemically defined medium and the morphology of oocytes assessed after 22-24 hours in vitro maturation of the oocytes. The highest percentage of MII [meiosis II] oocytes [68%], developing beyond the morula [20.1%] and the blastocyst formation [11.1%] observed in oocytes treated with 15microg/ml selenium, 10microg/ml calcium and 5microg/ml calcium ionophore. Moreover, we showed the significant rate of survival in each three combinations after 36, 72 and 96 hours. Maturation and activation of oocytes may be triggered by changes in intracellular ion concentrations as second messengers in signal transduction pathways. Here, we received the highest percentage of in vitro maturation and fertilization among three combinations of selenium, calcium and calcium ionophore treatments. Using this combination of ions beside other factors might be useful for the enrichment of the human oocytes IVM medium

[Evaluation of sperm quality, maturation and DNA integrity in adult mice treated with sulpiride]

Use of certain antipsychotic drugs has severe effects on fertility in males. Hypothalamus and hypophysial impressions and changes in plasma hormones concentration like prolactin, LH and FSH can affect sperm production. In this study, we investigated the effects of sulpiride on sperm quality, maturation and DNA damage. Twenty for adult male mice [age: 6-8 weeks] were divided into three groups. The treatment group received 40 mg/kg sulpiride solution and the control sham group was given carrier of the drug intraperitoneally [IP] daily for 45 days but the control group received nothing. Finally, all the mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and their cauda epididymis were removed surgically. The excised specimens were placed in 1 ml HTF medium and incubated for 30 min in CO2 incubator to allow the spermatozoa to swim out. Later, sperm count, motility and viability were analyzed. Additionally, sperm chromatin quality and DNA integrity were assessed by aniline blue and acridine orange staining. Significant decrease in sperm motility and count were observed in the treatment group while the number of abnormal sperm increased as compared with the other two groups. Sperm viability and DNA maturation showed significant reduction and the rate of DNA damage increased in comparison with the control sham and the control groups [P<0.05]. The study showed that sulpiride has negative effects on sperm parameters in treated animals and in some cases it could cause secondary infertility

effect of tamoxifen on the fetal and neonatal ovarian follicles development in rats

The effect of tamoxifen as a selective estrogen receptor modulator which is widely used for treatment of early and metastatic breast cancer was investigated on the folliculogenesis in rat's fetuses and neonates. The pregnant rats assigned into test and control groups. Control group received olive oil and treatment groups received either 17-[3-estradiol [10 [micro g/kg/day] or tamoxifen [0.4 mg/kg/day] between days 8-13 of pregnancy. On day 20th of pregnancy the rats euthanized and the blood samples were collected for determination of FSH, E[2], and the fetuses fixed for histological studies. Another group of pregnant rats went forward to obtain their neonates and we euthanized the neonates and the genital system was collected for further histopathological analyses on day 5th. The histological examinations of the fetus's and neonate's ovaries and biochemical data showed significant changes in the rats which treated with tamoxifen. The absence of folliculogenesis and an increase in E[2] level in tamoxifen-treated group which accompanied with sharp decrease of FSH level in comparison with the control group were demonstrated. By contrary, E[2] treated group showed a positive progress in development in terms of the formation of secondary follicles and also supportive connective tissues in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, this study supports the previous findings showing that tamoxifen has effects on the development of ovaries and therefore, it should be avoided or used with great caution in pregnant women