Seminal prolactin is associated with HSP90 transcript content in ejaculated spermatozoa / 대한생식의학회지

Objective@#Evidence indicates that an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and defense ability of antioxidants has clinical significance in the pathophysiology of male infertility. To investigate the role of seminal prolactin (PRL) in the fertilizing capacity of men, the present study evaluated the associations of seminal PRL levels with semen parameters and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) transcript abundance in ejaculated spermatozoa. @*Methods@#We assessed seminal PRL levels and the abundance of HSP90 transcripts in ejaculated spermatozoa from normozoospermic donors (n=18) and infertile men (n=18). The transcript content of HSP90 in ejaculated spermatozoa was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. @*Results@#Seminal PRL concentrations in infertile patients were significantly lower (p=0.004) than in fertile controls. Seminal PRL showed relatively good diagnostic power for discriminating infertile men (area under the curve=0.776; 95% confidence interval, 0.568 to 0.934; p=0.005). Significant positive correlations were seen between seminal PRL levels and sperm count (r=0.400, p=0.016) and progressive motility (r=0.422, p=0.010). Infertile patients showed a significantly higher abundance of sperm HSP90 than fertile controls (p=0.040). Sperm HSP90 transcript abundance was negatively correlated with sperm progressive motility (r=0.394, p=0.018). Men with higher seminal PRL levels exhibited a lower abundance of sperm HSP90 transcripts. @*Conclusion@#Our finding demonstrated associations among semen quality, seminal PRL levels, and the abundance of HSP90 transcripts in ejaculated spermatozoa. Seminal PRL may contribute to male fertility by maintaining the seminal antioxidant capacity and may have the potential to act as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.

Overexpression of endometrial estrogen receptor-alpha in the window of implantation in women with unexplained infertility

Background: Failure in the endometrial receptivity may account for a significant number of infertility cases including unexplained infertility in women. Reduction in the endometrial estrogen receptor-alpha [ER-alpha] expression during implantation may be a critical event that coincides with the expression of specific genes and the formation of a receptive endometrium. The aim of the present study was to assess the expression of ER-alpha in the mid-secretory phase in the endometrium of women with unexplained infertility

Materials and Methods: This case-control study was carried out on randomly selected fertile [n=10] and infertile [n=16] women whose source of infertility remained unexplained. We evaluated the expression of ER-alpha and glycode-lin-A [GdA] through mRNA level measurement with real-time polymerase chain reaction [PCR] in the endometrium of fertile women and patients suffering from unexplained infertility and fertile women. Endometrial biopsies of each subject were collected during a single menstrual cycle 7 days after the peak of luteinizing hormone [LH+7]

Results: Endometrial expression level of ER-alpha was significantly [P<0.05] higher in the patients with unexplained infertility compared to the control. Significantly [P<0.05] lower levels of GdA expression were seen in women with unexplained infertility. A statistically non-significant negative correlation was observed between ER-alpha and GdA mRNA expression

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that reduction in the endometrial GdA expression is associated with elevated expression of ER-alpha in mid-luteal phase. Disruption in the endometrial ER-alpha expression, which leads to defects in uterine receptivity, may contribute to unexplained infertility

Endometrial expression of beta-3 integrin, calcitonin and plexin-B1 in the window of implantation in women with unexplained infertility

Background: Endometrial receptivity plays a key role in the establishment of successful implantation and its impairment may contribute to subfertility and limit the assisted reproduction techniques [ART] success

Objective: The aim of present study was to investigate endometrial receptivity in terms of beta3 integrin, calcitonin and plexin-B1 expression in women with unexplained infertility

Materials and Methods: We evaluated expression of beta3 integrin, calcitonin and plexin-B1 through mRNA level measurement with real-time RT-PCR, in the endometrium of 16 infertile patients with unexplained infertility and 10 fertile women. Endometrial biopsies were collected during a single menstrual cycle on postovulatory day LH+7 in each subject

Results: Significant differences regarding beta3 integrin and calcitonin expression levels found between patients with unexplained infertility and the fertile women. Endometrial plexin-B1 expression levels showed no significant difference between fertile and infertile women. There were significant correlations between expression of beta3 integrin with calcitonin and plexin-B1 in fertile and infertile women

Conclusion: Reduced in endometrial expression of beta3 integrin and calcitonin alone or together may contribute to unexplained infertility and these genes could account as the potential molecular markers of infertility

Effects of Fumaria parviflora leaves extract on reproductive parameters in adult male rats

There is growing concern that occupational, environmental and lifestyle factors adversely affect male reproductive health. Fumaria parviflora Lam. is being used traditionally in Persian folk medicine to cure various ailments and has been supposed to have fertility-enhancing properties. A dose-response study was designed to assess effects of F. parviflora ethanolic leaves extract on reproductive parameters in adult male Wistar rats. In this experimental study, healthy adult male rats were treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day of F. parviflora leaves extract via gavage for 70 days. Blood samples were collected for determination of testosterone, LH and FSH serum levels. Reproductive organs weight, motility, morphology and density of epididymal sperm, seminiferous tubules diameter and germinal epithelium height were evaluated in each experimental group. The body weight was not affected, while the weights of testis and epididymis were significantly enhanced in rats treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg/day F. parviflora extract. No significant changes were observed in seminal vesicle and ventral prostate weight between experiment groups. Significant increase was found in epididymal sperm density and percent of morphologically normal sperm in extract-treated rats. Serum testosterone levels were significantly higher in rats received 200 and 400 mg/kg/day. The results indicated that ethanolic extract of F. parviflora leaves have a potential to improve reproductive parameters and enhance male fertility

Maternal caffeine consumption has irreversible effects on reproductive parameters and fertility in male offspring rats / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: Concerns are growing about the decrease in male reproductive health. Caffeine is one of the popular nutrients that has been implicated as a risk factor for infertility. In the present study, we examined whether in utero and lactational exposure to caffeine affects the reproductive function of the offspring of rats. METHODS: Pregnant rats received caffeine via drinking water during gestation (26 and 45 mg/kg) and lactation (25 and 35 mg/kg). Body and reproductive organ weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, sperm parameters, fertility rate, number of implantations, and testosterone level of the offspring were assessed from birth to adulthood. RESULTS: Significant dose-related decreases were observed in the body and reproductive organ weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, and germinal epithelium height of the offspring. Sperm density had declined significantly in offspring of the low-dose and high-dose groups, by 8.81% and 19.97%, respectively, by postnatal day 150. The number of viable fetuses had decreased significantly in females mated with male offspring of the high-dose group at postnatal days 60, 90, 120, and 150. There were also significant reductions in testosterone levels of high-dose group offspring from birth to postnatal day 150. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that maternal caffeine consumption impairs gonadal development and has long-term adverse effects on the reproductive efficiency of male offspring rats.

Long-term effects of maternal exposure to Di [2-ethylhexyl] phthalate on sperm and testicular parameters in wistar rats offspring

Phthalate esters have been shown to cause reproductive toxicity in both developing and adult animals. This study was designed to assess long-term effects of maternal exposure to Di [2-ethylhexyl] Phthalate [DEHP] on reproductive ability of both neonatal and adult male offspring. 60 female rats randomly divided in four equal groups; vehicle control and three treatment groups that received 10, 100 and 500 mg/kg/day DEHP via gavage during gestation and lactation. At different ages after birth, the volumes of testes were measured by Cavellieri method, testes weights recorded and epididymal sperm samples were assessed for number and gross morphology of spermatozoa. Following tissue processing, seminiferous tubules diameter and germinal epithelium height evaluated with morphometric techniques. Mean testis weight decreased significantly [p<0.05] in 500 mg/kg/day dose group from 28 to 150 days after birth. Significant decreases were seen in total volumes of testis in 100 [p<0.05] and 500 [p<0.01] mg/kg/day doses groups until 150 days after birth. Seminiferous tubules diameter and germinal epithelium height decreased significantly in 100 [p<0.05] and 500 [p<0.01] mg/kg/day doses groups during postnatal development. Also, mean sperm density in 100 mg/kg/day [p<0.05] and 500 mg/kg/day [p<0.01] doses groups and percent of morphologically normal sperm in highest dose group [p<0.05] decreased significantly until 150 days after birth. Present study showed that maternal exposure to Di [2-ethylhexyl] Phthalate during gestation and lactation caused to permanent and dose-related reductions of sperm and testicular parameters in rats offspring

Effects of maternal lead acetate exposure during lactation on postnatal development of testis in offspring wistar rats

During recent years, there has been an increasing interest in contribution of environmental pollutants as heavy metals to human male infertility. Present study was aimed to investigate the effects of maternal lead acetate exposure during lactation on postnatal development of testis in offspring rats. A total of 60 female rats randomly divided into four equal groups; control and three treatment groups received 20, 100 and 300 mg/kg/day lead acetate via drinking water from day 2 to day 21 of lactation. At 7, 14, 21, 28, 60, 90 and 120 days after birth, the testis weight and volume of offspring were measured and their epididymal semen analyzed. Following tissue processing, 5 micro m sections were stained with haematoxylineosin and evaluated with quantitative techniques. Testicular parameters in different groups were compared by one-way ANOVA. Testis weight and volume of offspring decreased significantly in a dose-related manner in moderate [P<0.05] and high [P<0.01] doses groups. Dose-dependent significant reductions were seen in seminiferous tubules diameter and germinal epithelium height during neonatal, prepubertal and postpubertal periods in moderate [P< 0.05] and high [P< 0.01] doses groups until 90 and 120 days after birth, respectively. Significant decreases were observed in mean sperm density of offspring at puberty in moderate and high doses groups until 90 and 120 days after birth, respectively testosterone levels decreased significantly in a dose-related manner at puberty in moderate and high doses groups. Present study showed maternal lead acetate exposure during lactation caused dose-related and long-term alterations of testicular parameters in offspring rats

Long-term developmental effects of lactational exposure to lead acetate on ovary in offspring wistar rats

During the last decades, environmental contamination by lead generated from human activities has become an evident concern. The present study assessed the long-term effects of neonatal exposure to different doses of lead acetate on the ovaries of offspring rats. Pregnant female Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control and three experimental groups. The experimental groups received 20, 100 and 300 mg/L/day lead acetate via drinking water during lactation. Ovaries of the offspring were removed at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days of age, their weights recorded and fixed in Bouin's solution. Following tissue processing, 5 micro m serial sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and then, the numbers and diameters of ovarian follicles and corpora lutea were estimated. Ovary weights decreased significantly [p<0.05] in the 300 mg/L/day dose groups at 30, 60 and 90 days postnatal development. Significant dose-related decreases were seen in the numbers of primary, secondary and antral follicles in 100 [p<0.05] and 300 mg/L/day doses groups at 30 and 60 days of age [p<0.01]. There was significant decrease in mean number of corpora lutea in the 100 [p<0.05] and 300 [p<0.01] mg/L/day dose groups at 60 days of age. It seems that neonatal lead treatment has transient effects on follicular development in the ovary of offspring and ovarian parameters gradually improve until 90 days of age. The present study showed that maternal lead acetate exposure affects prepubertal ovarian follicle development in a dose dependent manner, but ovarian parameters gradually improve during the postpubertal period

Effects of maternal caffeine consumption on ovarian follicle development in Wistar rats offspring

In recent years concerns have been raised about human reproductive disorders, specially the effects of environmental factors on human fertility and pregnancy outcome. Therefore, the present study was designed to assess the effects of maternal caffeine consumption on ovarian follicles development in rat offspring. 60 pregnant female rats were randomly divided into a control and two experimental groups. The rats in the two experimental groups received caffeine via drinking water during gestation [26 and 45 mg/kg] and lactation [25 and 35 mg/kg]. The ovaries of the offspring were removed at 7, 14, 28, 60, 90 and 120 days after birth, and fixed in Bouin's solution. By preparing serial tissue sections, structural changes in ovarian follicles and corpora lutea were studied during postnatal development. The weight of ovaries decreased significantly [p<0.05] in the high dose caffeine-treated group at all stages of postnatal development. Significant [p<0.05] decreases were seen in the number of primordial follicles from day 7 to 120 after birth in the high dose caffeine-treated group. Moreover, the number of primary and secondary follicles decreased significantly on days 7, 14 and 28 as did the number of antral follicles on days 14 and 28 after birth [p<0.05] in the high dose caffeine-treated group. The diameter of secondary and antral follicles decreased significantly [p<0.05] in high dose caffeine-treated group on the early days of postnatal development. No statistically significant differences were seen in the number of corpora lutea between the groups. The present study shows that caffeine consumption during gestation and lactation affects the early stages of ovarian follicle development and reduces reproductive efficiency in the offspring of Wistar rats

Chronic effects of Di-2-ethylhexyl] phthalate on stereological parameters of testis in adult Wistar rats

In recent years concerns have been raised regarding the incidence of male reproductive disorders from exposure to endocrine disruptors. So, chronic effects of di [2-ethylhexyl] phthalate were studied on histological and stereological structure of testis in adult Wistar rats. Thirty two adult Wistar rats were randomly divided in four equal experiment groups; oil vehicle group and three treated groups which received 10, 100 and 500 mg/kg/day di[2-ethylhexyl] phthalate by gavage for 90 days, respectively. At the end of exposure, period the volume of testes was measured by Cavellieri method, testes weight was recorded and then fixed in Bouin's solution. Following tissue processing, 5 micro m sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin and evaluated with quantitative techniques. Seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, relative ad total volumes of seminiferous tubules, tubular lumen and interstitial tissue were estimated. The results showed that mean weight and volume of testis were decreased significantly [35.2% and 23.9% respectively] in rats treated with 500 mg/kg/day DEHP for 90 days. Seminiferous tubules diameter reduced, 4.4% and 13.4% in 100 and 500 mg/kg/day DEHP-treated groups, respectively. Relative volumes of tubular lumen and interstitial tissue were increased significantly in 100 [P, 0.05] and 500 [P< 0.01] mg/kg/day doses groups. Also, testosterone serum levels were significantly higher [P< 0.05] in rats exposed to 500 mg/kg/day DEHP. Present study indicated dose-dependent reductions of testicular parameters in adult male rats chronically exposed to di[2-ethylhexyl] phthalate