ABSTRACT
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most critical disorders, which affects approximately 20% of women of childbearing age and melatonin supplementation in these women can be effective. However, human studies in this area are particularly limited to IVF candidates. The aim of this clinical trial study was to evaluate the effect of melatonin on the in vitro fertilization (IVF) in PCOS involved women. In this clinical trial study, a total of 320 women with PCOS were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. Patients in the intervention group (n=160) received a combination of melatonin and metformin (3 mg and 500 mg, respectively) three times a day. The control group (n=160) received metformin 500 mg from the luteal phase of the cycle before the start of gonadotropin. Oocyte and embryo quality, number of oocytes, and pregnancy outcomes were compared in both groups. Our study revealed that the frequency of Metaphase II oocytes (69.9% vs. 57.9%, p＜0.001) and the number of embryos of the top-quality (grade A) were higher in the group treated with melatonin (40.3% vs. 29.9%, p=0.001). The rate of clinical pregnancy and implantation were also higher in the intervention group. The odds of clinical pregnancy in the intervention group was 1.8 times (p=0.039). Moreover, oral melatonin supplementation was effective in patients with PCOS, who were candidates for IVF because of the increased quality of mature oocytes, top-quality embryos, and increased odds of clinical pregnancy.
ABSTRACT
Background: Neopterin is a significant and sensitive marker in estimating the activity of cellular immune system. Oxidative stress plays a role in the etiology of male infertility. Increased reactive oxygen species is accompanied with increase in neopterin level. Hence neopterin may be involved in male infertility
Objective: The objective of this case-control study was to determine neopterin level in idiopathic infertile and normospermic men; furthermore, to identify its relationship with oxidative stress markers including total oxidant, malondialdehyde, sperm DNA fragmentation, and total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma
Materials and Methods: Forty seven infertile and forty three normospermic males were selected according to WHO criteria. Their semen and blood samples were taken; subsequently, the levels of neopterin, total oxidant, total antioxidant, malondialdehyde, and sperm DNA fragmentation were measured
Results: The levels of neopterin, total oxidant, and malondialdehyde in seminal plasma of infertile males were significantly higher than those of normospermic group [p=0.038, 0.018, and 0.028, respectively]. Furthermore, sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men was higher than that of control group [p<0.001]. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma in infertile males was significantly lower than that of normospermic subjects [p=0.002]. No significant difference was observed in serum neopterin, total oxidant, and malondialdehyde between the infertile and normospermic groups
Conclusion: The significant inverse correlation between seminal plasma neopterin and total antioxidant in the infertile males supports a possible role of neopterin in male infertility. Neopterin can be suggested as a marker in monitoring and diagnosis of idiopathic male infertility
ABSTRACT
Background: Oxidative stress in reproductive system leads to sperm DNA damage and sperm membrane lipid peroxidation and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of male infertility, especially in idiopathic cases. Antioxidants such as carotenoids function against free radical damages
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the levels of lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol in serum and their relationship with sperm DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in infertile and normospermic males
Materials and Methods: Sixty two infertile men and 71 normospermic men participated in this study. Blood and semen samples were collected from all subjects. Sperm DNA damage was measured using TUNEL method. Carotenoids, retinol, and malonedildehyde in serum were also determined
Results: DNA fragmentation was higher in infertile group comparing to control group. Serum levels of lycopene, beta-carotene and, vitamin A in infertile men were significantly lower than normospermic men [p< 0.001, =0.005, and =0.003 respectively]. While serum MDA was not significantly different between two groups, MDA in seminal plasma of infertile men was significantly higher than control group [p< 0.001]
Conclusion: We concluded that lycopene, beta-carotene, and retinol can reduce sperm DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation through their antioxidant effect. Therefore the DNA fragmentation assay and determination of antioxidants factors such as lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol, along with sperm analysis can be useful in diagnosis and treatment of men with idiopathic infertility
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Cryopreservation of semen is routinely used in a variety of circumstances including before assisted reproduction treatments, pre- radiation or chemotherapy treatment and etc. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Butylated hydroxytoluene [BHT] and Glutathione supplemented cryopreservation medium on sperm parameters and amount of DNA fragmentation during the freeze-thaw process
Methods: Semen samples were obtained from 60 donors. After the determination of basic parameters, groups of three sample with similar parameters were pooled and processed by Pure Sperm gradient centrifugation. The semen samples were then diluted with normal freezing medium [control] or a medium containing 5mM glutathione [test] and 0.5 mM BHT [test] stored in liquid nitrogen. Frozen cryovials were thawed individually for 20 seconds in a water bath [37 degree C] for evaluation
Results: Significant differences were observed in motility, viability and DNA fragmentation. Motility and viability were significantly higher in treated groups with 0.5 Mm in 5 min BHT than the control group and Glutathione 5mM [P<0.001]
Conclusion: Significant differences were observed in motility, viability and DNA fragmentation. Motility and viability were significantly higher in treated groups with 0.5 Mm in 5 min BHT than the control group and Glutathione 5mM [P<0.001]