RESUMEN
Background: Paracrine disruption of growth factors in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS] results in production of low quality oocyte, especially following ovulation induction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of metformin [MET], N-acetylcysteine [NAC] and their combination on the hormonal levels and expression profile of GDF-9, BMP-15 and c-kit, as hallmarks of oocyte quality, in PCOS patients
Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial aims to study the effects of MET, NAC and their combination [MET+NAC] on expression of GDF-9, BMP-15 and c-kit mRNA in oocytes [10 at the germinal vesicle [GV] stage, 10 at the MI stage, and 10 at the MII stage from per group] derived following ovulation induction in PCOS. Treatment was carried out for six weeks, starting on the third day of previous cycle until oocyte aspiration. The expression of GDF9, BMP15 and c-kit were determined by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction [RT-qPCR] and western blot analysis. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA
Results: The follicular fluid [FF] level of c-kit protein significantly decreased in the NAC group compared to the other groups. Significant correlations were observed between the FF soluble c-kit protein with FF volume, and rostenedione and estradiol. The GDF-9 expression in unfertilized mature oocytes were significantly higher in the NAC group com- pared to the other groups [P<0.001]. Similar difference was not observed between the MET, NAC+MET and control groups. The c-kit expression in unfertilized mature oocytes were significantly lower in the NAC group compared to the other groups [P<0.001]. Similar difference was not observed between the MET, NAC+MET and control groups [Registration number: IRCT201204159476N1]
Conclusion: We concluded that NAC can improve the quality of oocytes in PCOS
RESUMEN
Background: Reproductive toxicity is a major challenge associated with aluminum [Al] exposure. No studies have evaluated the possible effects of curcumin [CUR] on Al-in- duced reproductive dysfunction. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of CUR treatment on Al-induced reproductive damage
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were allocated to the five groups [n=8] based on the treatment they received: no treatment [control], solvent [dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO] or distilled water], CUR 10 mg/kg body weight [BW], Al chloride 10 mg/kg BW, and CUR+A1 chloride [10 mg/kg BW/each alone]. Treatments were performed by intraperitoneal [IP] injections for 28 days. The left testis was assessed for histopathological analysis as well as the incidence of germ cell apoptosis. One-way analysis of variance [ANOVA] followed by the Tukey's test was used. PO.05 was considered significant
Results: Significant reductions in body and testis weight; plasma testosterone and luteiniz-ing hormone levels; sperm count, motility, morphology, and viability; germinal epithelium thickness; seminiferous tubules diameter; as well as, superoxide dismutase activity were observed in rats treated with Al. Moreover, Al exposure caused significant increments in the lumen diameter of tubules, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling [TUNEL]-positive cells and malondialdehyde [MDA] levels compared to the control group. However, in rats receiving CUR+A1, CUR significantly reversed the adverse effects of Al on testis and sperm quality. No significant differences in follicle-stimulating hormone ' - . [FSH] levels and nuclear diameter of spermatogonia were detected among all groups
Conclusion: It can be concluded that Al causes reproductive dysfunction by creating oxi-dative damage. CUR, on the other hand, reduces the toxic effects of Al and improves the antioxidant status and sperm quality in male rats
RESUMEN
Background: Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of metformin [MTF] in reducing insulin resistance and N-acetyl cysteine [NAC] in inhibiting oxidative stress which are involved in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS]. We aimed to compare the effects of MTF and NAC combination on serum metabolite and hormonal levels during the course of ovulation induction in PCOS individual candidates of intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]
Materials and Methods: In this prospective randomized clinical trial, placebo con- trolled pilot study, 80 patients of polycystic ovarian syndrome at the age of 25-35 years were divided into 4 groups [n=20]: i. NAC=treated with N-acetyl cysteine [600 mg three times daily], ii. MTF=treated with metformin [500 mg three times daily], iii. MTF+NAC=treated with N-acetyl cysteine plus metformin [the offered doses] and iv. placebo [PLA]. A total number of 20 patients [6 from MTF group, 4 from NAC group, 6 from MTF+NAC group and 4 from PLA group] were dropped of the study. The drugs were administrated from day 3 of menses of previous cycle until ovum pick-up
Results: Serum levels of luteinizing hormone [LH], total testosterone, cholesterol and triglyceride, insulin and leptin significantly reduced in the MTF and NAC groups compared to the placebo [p<0.01]. But levels of LH, total testosterone, cholesterol and triglyceride had no significant reduction in the MTF+NAC groups compared to the placebo. The serum levels of malonyldialdehyde [MDA], insulin and leptin reduced significantly after treatment in the MTF+NAC group compared to the placebo [p<0.05]
Conclusion: Considering the adverse effect of combination therapy, we proposed the conadministration might have no beneficial effect for PCOS patient during course of ovulation induction of ICSI [Registration Number: IRCT201204159476N1]