[Sex selection by using albumin gradient technique for sperm separation in IUI cycles]

One of the primary desirers of couples, especially in Asian countries, is to have a male offspring. This wish is generally higher in fertile than infertile couples. One of the tech-niques used in infertility centers for separating the spermatozoa containing Y or X chromosomes, is the Ericsson method that is simple, cheap and practical with application of no toxic material. The goal of this study was to evaluate the results of sex selection with sperm separation using albumin gradient technique in fertile and infertile couples under IUI treatment cycles. This was a descriptive-analytical study. A total of 32 couples [30 fertile and 2 infertile couples] were enrolled for sex selection techniques [31 asking for male and one for female offsprings] using Ericsson method. Following sperm evaluation, the sperm samples were prepared with Ericsson technique in less than 2 hours. Through a transfer catheter400-500?l of the fluid, containing more than 1x106 spermatozoa, was transferred into uterine cavity. All candidates had been super-ovulated for IUI cycles. The data were analyzed using ?2, t-test and Wilcoxon nonparametric tests. Out of 32 couples under study, 30 individuals already had one child. The rate of pregnancy after IUI plus albumin gradient was 34.4%. The pregnancies of 4 couples were aborted. The live birth rate was 21.8% and achieving the desirable offspring was 71.4% among the born babies. The findings also showed that two sperm parameters of fast and slow motilities and normal morphology, following sperm separation with albumin gradient, were significantly increased [p<0.001, p<0.05 and p<0.05, respectively]. In addition, the rate of sperm progressive motility and normal morphology was higher in subjects who gave birth to male off springs than other candidates. Only one couple had asked for a female offspring, but the process resulted in a normal male infant. The separation of spermatozoa by albumin gradient technique, which was introduced by Ericsson, is a suitable technique for sex selection of off springs. However, the applicability of this technique for infertile couples needs further studies. The aforementioned technique is considered safe, since it neither requires toxic materials during sperm separation, nor involves embryo manipulation

[ correlation between reactive oxygen species and leukocytes in normozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia ejaculates]

An important factor involved in infertility is reactive oxygen species [ROS]. ROS can damage sperm DNA, and involve lipid per-oxidation. ROS elevation is under the influence of leukocyte activation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of ROS as well as leukocyte, in normozoospermic [NO] and ologoasthenoteratozoospermic [OAT] ejaculates. The study population consisted of 75 individuals who were referred to the Research and Clinical Center, regarding infertility in Yazd, for semen analysis. Fifty [50] out of Seventy-Five [75] men were NO, and the remaining was OAT. ROS was measured with laminator, while leukocyte concentration was analyzed with the ENDTZ test The results showed that ROS levels in OAT was significantly higher compared with NO [1253.49 +/- 200.95 vs. 75.64 +/- 149.52; P=0.00]. Furthermore, men with OAT were divided into 2 groups, with sperm morphology and motility >5% and <5%. In group >5%, ROS level was significantly higher than the group with <5% [3627.55 +/- 407.79 vs. 81.29 +/- 100.48; P=0.007]. In addition, leukocyte concentration in NO was 0.07 +/- 0.22x10[6]; while it was 0.12 +/- 0.20x10[6] in OAT samples; P=0.35]. The results indicate although ROS is present in normal seminal samples, it is significantly higher in OAT. This shows the vital role of antioxidants, which may improve the sperm quality. Further clinical studies will pinpoint the antioxidant capacity in improving the seminal contents

[Effect of cervical mucus aspiration with insulin syringe on pregnancy rate in ART cycles]

A huge number of inefficient embryo implantation caused by embryo transfertechniques. Cervical mucus aspiration is the most important factor in successful embryo transfer.Based on reports pregnancy rate in woman with positive culture of cervical mucus is lower thanwomen with negative culture. Mucus plague on the catheter tip can cause improper embryoimplantation. This study evaluated the effect of cervical mucus aspiration on embryo transferresults.A Randomized Clinical trial study was performed on 340 women [in twogroups] by cycles of ART [Assisted reproductive technology] such as IVF [In vitro Fertilization] orICSI [Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection] referred to the Research and Clinical Center of Infertilityand Madar Hospital of Yazd. Male's and female's age, duration and cause of infertility were machedin two groups. The long time protocol was used for induction of the ovaries. In 170 patients, cervical mucus aspiration was done with insulin syringe [A or case group]. In the control group orgroup B [170 women], cervical mucus was aspirated only with cotton swabe. The patients werefollowed up by beta-HCG serum level measurement on the day 14 after embryo transfer. The datawere analyzed by Chi-square and t-test.Mean of men's age in group A was 35.26 +/- 5.2 years and in group B was 35.13 +/- 5.4 years.Mean of women's age in group A was 29.8 +/- 5.3 years and in group B was 30.2 +/- 5.4 years. Mean ofinfertility duration was 8.6 +/- 4.6 years in both groups. Mean of follicle number, oocytes number, embryos number, cause of infertility and IVF/ICSI method in both groups were similar and therewas no significant difference. Pregnancy rate in group A, was more than group B, [26.9% Vs19.2%], but was not statistically significant.Cervical mucus aspiration with insulin syringe before embryo transfer can increase thepregnancy rate. This has confirmed by other studies, so it seems that cervical mucus aspirationbefore embryo transfer is useful