The effect of vitamin C on the gene expression profile of sperm protamines in the male partners of couples with recurrent pregnancy loss: A randomized clinical trial / 대한생식의학회지

Objective@#Since sperm abnormalities are known to be a major reason for recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), any defects in DNA structure and chromatin condensation can place embryos at risk in the early stage of development and implantation. As antioxidants such as vitamin C may play a protective role against the destruction of protamine genes in sperm chromatin, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of vitamin C on chromatin and the expression of protamine genes in the male partners of couples with RPL. @*Methods@#Twenty male partners of couples with RPL were selected as the intervention group and received vitamin C supplementation (250 mg daily for 3 months). Healthy fertile men (n=20) were included as controls. Sperm chromatin, DNA integrity, and the expression levels of protamine genes were evaluated before and after treatment. @*Results@#Significant differences were found in sperm morphology, protamine deficiency, and apoptosis between the two groups and before and after vitamin C administration. A significant change was found in mRNA levels of PRM1, PRM2, and the PRM1/PRM2 ratio after treatment. @*Conclusion@#Daily oral administration of vitamin C may improve human sperm parameters and DNA integrity by increasing protamine gene expression levels in the male partners of couples with RPL. The beneficial effects of vitamin C supplementation as an antioxidant for the male partners of couples with RPL could lead to improved pregnancy outcomes in these cases.

Sperm chromatin and DNA integrity, methyltransferase mRNA levels, and global DNA methylation in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: To investigate sperm chromatin/DNA integrity, global DNA methylation, and DNMT mRNA transcription in men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) compared with normozoospermic men. METHODS: Semen samples from 32 OAT patients who comprised the case group and 32 normozoospermic men who comprised the control group were isolated and purified using a standard gradient isolation procedure according to World Health Organization criteria. DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B transcripts were then compared between groups using real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Global DNA methylation in sperm was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protamine deficiency and the proportion of apoptotic spermatozoa were evaluated using chromomycin A3 (CMA3), aniline blue (AB), and toluidine blue (TB) staining, as well as the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The p-values < 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: Significantly higher proportions of AB+, TB+, CMA3+, and TUNEL+ spermatozoa, as well as DNMT3A and DNMT3B transcription, were found in the OAT group. Positive correlations were detected between sperm parameters, DNA/chromatin damage, and DNMT3A and DNMT3B transcripts. Global DNA methylation was significantly higher in the OAT patients and had a significant correlation with abnormal results of all sperm chromatin integrity tests, but was not associated with DNMT1, DNMT3A, or DNMT3B expression. CONCLUSION: Oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men showed abnormal sperm parameters, abnormal chromatin/DNA integrity, and a higher global DNA methylation rate, as well as overexpression of DNMT mRNA.

biological activity and composition of the essential oil of Sclerorhachis leptoclada [asteraceae-anthemideae] from Iran

The biological activity and composition of the essential oil of Sclerorhachis leptoclada Rech. an endemic species from northeast of Iran was studied. The essential oil was isolated from the aerial flowering parts of the plant and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Fifty-four compounds accounting for 95.9% of the total oil were characterized. The main constituents were [E]-nerolidol [14.5%], terpinen-4-ol [13.3%], camphor [6.1%], 1,8-cineole [4.8%] and p-cymene [4.5%]. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of S. leptoclada was tested against eight microbial strains and a fungi. The results of the bioassays showed that the Gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus epidermidis, were the most sensitive to the oil than others with the MIC value of 1.8 mg/mL. The tested fungi, Saccharomyces cerevisiae was highly inhibited by the oil of S. leptoclada with MIC value of 10 mg/mL. In the case of cytotoxicity, IC50 values estimated to be 312, 1250, 625 and 1250 microg oil/ml respectively, for the Vero, SW480, MCF7, and JET 3 cancer cell lines

[Anti bacterial scaffolds based on gum tragaccanth for wound caring under moist conditions]

When hydrocolloids dressings are loaded with an antibacterial agent, they can also prevent infection during wound cicatrisation. To consider interesting properties of traditional Gum Tragacanth such as moisture absorption, hydrocolloid formation, drug holding and releasing abilities, it was aimed to introduce a scaffold wound dress based on Gum Tragacanth with drug release ability simultaneously. In this experimental study, gum tragacanth from Astragalus gossypinus species [Iranian species] is solved and loaded with an aminoglycoside antibiotic [Gentamicin]. Prepared solution transformed to a nano fibers network "scaffold" by lyophilization method. Samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction methods and their antimicrobial and moisture holding properties were determined. Gum tragacanth showed a proper potential for dispersing gentamicin and the drug was loaded into polymer matrix without any aggregation. Loaded gum tragacanth with gentamicin is successfully transformed to a nanofibers scaffold by lyophilization. The diameters of fibers were in the range of 300nm to 2micro m. Transformed gum tragacanth into scaffolds showed declined regain content [up to 50%] due to the ordering and orientation of polymer chains. Ordered hydroxyl groups also observed in FTIR graphs. Regarding the zones of inhibition, scaffolds also showed acceptable antibacterial activities. Produced scaffolds are capable of absorbing wound's exocrine liquid easily due to their high specific area of nanofibers. When it is turned to gel by moisture sorption, the release of loaded Gentamicin would be enhanced

possibility of access to the kidneys from posterior axillary line in supine position for percutaneous nephrolithotomy

To evaluate the possibility of access to the kidneys from posterior axillary line [PAL] in supine position for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. 102 consecutive patients who were candidated for abdominal CT scan, enrolled in this study. In cases of impossible access, the point on the posterior surface of body which permitted safe access was determined and the percent of movement toward body midline [relative to PAL] was calculated [M.PER]. Percutaneous access was simulated from upper and middle calyces of the kidney in 13% and 75% of cases, respectively. Access to the lower region was possible in 90% of right and 79% of left lower calyces, respectively [p=0.03]. In cases with impossible access from PAL, the M.PER for a safe access was 46-47% for upper region and 34-38% for middle and lower calyces of the kidney [P = 0.0001]. Access to upper calyces from PAL was limited in some cases regarding to the presence of solid organs. Presence of colon made access impossible in the lower right and left calyces in about 10% and 20% of cases, respectively. In upper region, more deviation toward midline was necessary to establish a safe access compared with middle and lower calyces