Effects of Date Palm Pollen Supplementations on The Expression of PRDX1 and PRDX6 Genes in Infertile Men: A Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidences suggest that date palm pollen (DPP) induces antioxidant activity and improves semen parameters in male rats. However, there is a few scientific evidences in support of the DPP effects on human male fertility. Hence, the effect of oral consumption of DPP on sperm parameters and expression pattern of Peroxiredoxin- 1 (PRDX1) and Peroxiredoxin-6 (PRDX6) genes was evaluated in men with infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current controlled clinical trial included 40 men with infertility (DPP group) and 10 normospermic fertile men as controls. The DPP group received gelatinous capsules of DPP (400 mg/kg) for 74 days. Semen sampling was done before and after treatment in the both groups. Semen analysis and 8-isoprostane concentration assessments were performed by computer-assisted sperm analysis and ELISA methods, respectively. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays were employed to explore expression of PRDX1 and PRDX6 genes. RESULTS: DPP consumption significantly improved semen volume (P=0.030), count (P<0.001) and morphology of sperm (P=0.023). Concentration of 8-isoprostane was significantly decreased after intervention in the DPP group (P<0.001). DPP consumption led to a significant elevation in the expression of PRDX1 and PRDX6 genes (P<0.001). Elevated gene expression of PRDX6 and PRDX1 was positively correlated with improved parameters of sperm including count, volume, motility and morphology. CONCLUSION: Taken together, DPP seems to promote sperm quality through a decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) by increasing expression of antioxidant genes. Further large-scale studies are required to challenge this hypothesis (registration number: IRCT2015021221014N2).

The Effect of Palm Pollen and Black Seed Pollen on Male Sex Hormones and Sperm Quality: A Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Study.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, using medicinal properties is a good alternative for infertility treatment to use them is increasing in the world. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Herbal oral capsules included palm pollen extract (DPP) and Nigella Sativa extract (NS) on sex hormones in adult infertile men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this a single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial study, a total of 62 infertile men between 22 and 42 years of age were randomly selected and tested for sex hormones and prolactin. Thirty people in the case group received two 500 mg/kg capsules on a daily basis containing an herbal composition of palm pollen extract (350 mg) and black seed powder extract (250 mg) and the 20 in the control group received a placebo in the morning and at night for 3 months. The herbal composition capsules were manufactured by the Golbadistan Company. At the end of the three -month period, blood and semen tests were performed before and after the intervention in the case group that was compared with the control group. Hormonal assays were performed by Immunoradiometric Assay (IRMA) method. The data entered SPSS statistical software and the level of significance was set at P≤0.05. RESULTS: The spermiogram test results showed significant changes in the sperm count, progressive motility and rapid progressivity of the case group at the end of a quarterly period after consuming plant composition except for morphology (P=0.001, P=0.001, P=0.02, P=0.23). In addition, in the case group, the concentration of testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) was significantly increased compared to the control group (P=0.000, P=0.004, P=0.012). CONCLUSION: It seems that taking one 500 mg/kg capsule of DPP and NS extract can significantly increase sperm parameters and testosterone (registration number: IRCT2015020120895N1).

Corrigendum to "The effect of Phoenix dactylifera pollen on the expression of NRF2, SOD2, CAT, and GPX4 genes, and sperm parameters of fertile and infertile men: A controlled clinical trial" [Int J Reprod BioMed 2021; 19: 545-558].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v19i6.9376.].

The effect of Phoenix dactylifera pollen on the expression of NRF2, SOD2, CAT, and GPX4 genes, and sperm parameters of fertile and infertile men: A controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is caused by the imbalance occurring between the creation and clearance of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is responsible for 30-40% of male infertility. The positive impact of phoenix dactylifera pollen (Date palm pollen, DPP) on the improvement of sperm parameters has been well documented in animal models. OBJECTIVE: For evaluating the effect(s) of DPP on sperm parameters, ROS levels, expression of antioxidant genes, and activity of antioxidant enzymes of infertile men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this controlled clinical trial, a total of 60 male case with infertility and 20 normospermic fertile men were recruited. Before and after the treatment with DPP, the case were administered 400 mg/kg of gelatinous capsules daily for 30 consecutive days and semen samples were taken. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied for the evaluation of the mRNA expression levels of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2), superoxide dismutase (SOD2), glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4), and catalase (CAT) genes. RESULTS: The mRNA expression levels of NRF2, SOD2, GPX4, and CAT (p < 0.05 for all) and significantly increased after treatment with DPP. The increased expressions of all antioxidant genes and enzymes significantly correlated with improvement in semen parameters including count (p = 0.01), motility (p = 0.05), and morphology (p = 0.01) of sperm. A significant correlation between the alteration of SOD2 gene expression and SOD activity, GPX4 and GPX, and CAT were also observed (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: DPP can increase the expressions of NRF2, GPX4, SOD2, and CAT genes and also improve the semen quality in infertile men.

Effect of antioxidant supplements on sperm parameters in infertile male smokers: a single-blinded clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Naturally, in human body, there is a balance between free radicals and the antioxidant system. Yet, cigarette consumption in smokers increases free radicals and decreases antioxidants. A vast body of research showed that the ROS level of seminal fluid is reduced using oral antioxidant complements through enhancing the clearing capacity of free radicals. Thus, the present research aimed to explore the effect of vitamin complement consumption on changing male infertility indices among smokers. METHODS: In the present randomized clinical trial which was single-blinded, 50 infertile oligospermic and asthenospermic men participated. They were selected in a randomized convenient sampling method. Before the study began, a semen sample was taken from all participants for analysis. Subsequently, the patients received 30 mg of Q10 coenzyme, 8 mg of zinc, 100 mg of vitamin C, 12 mg of vitamin E, 400 mg of folic acid for a whole duration of 3 months on a daily basis (once a day) and 200 mg of selenium every other day after lunch. A second sample of seminal fluid was taken from patients and semen parameters were compared between the pre- and post-test. The relevant statistical analyses were conducted in SPSS.23. RESULTS: A comparison of pre-test and post-test results revealed that all sperm parameters including the volume, morphology, motion, count and progressive motility were significantly increased after the intervention (p ≥ 005). Moreover, a statistically significant improvement was observed in the pH and concentration of seminal fluid. CONCLUSION: The present research showed that consuming vitamin complements (30 mg of Q10, mg of zinc, 100 mg of vitamin C, 12 mg of vitamin E, 400 mg of folic acid) once a day as well as 200 mg of selenium every other day can effectively improve the qualitative parameters (pH and concentration) and quantitative parameters (volume, motion, morphology, count and progressive motility) in infertile male smokers.

Antioxidant Effects of Brown Algae Sargassum on Sperm Parameters: CONSORT-Compliant Article.

The occurrence of oxidative stress during the sperm freeze-thaw cycles affects the sperm parameters and eventually leads to a decrease in its reproductive potential. Sperm protection against oxidative reactions during freezing is done by antioxidants. Since the selection of a suitable sperm cryopreservation bank is effective in maintaining acceptable reproductive potential and motility of sperm during cryopreservation.This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effects of different doses of the extract of brown algae Sargassum on oxidative stress and frozen human sperm parameters.We conducted a randomized controlled trial on the semen samples from 11 healthy men in the age group of 25 to 36 years. The samples were collected by masturbation after 3 to 5 days of abstinence from ejaculation. The specimens were divided into 3 equal parts, including 1 control group and 2 experimental groups.The 2 experimental groups were frozen using the rapid solidification technique with Sargassum extract at doses of 250 and 500 µg/mL.Motility and morphology of sperms were measured using a computer system and CASA software and the amount of reactive oxygen species was determined using Oxisperm kit.Sargassum extract significantly decreased the amount of reactive oxygen species (P < 0.005) and at doses of 250 and 500 µg/mL, significantly increased the overall motility (P < 0.006) and progressive motility (P < 0.007) after solidification, but did not affect the normal morphology of sperms.The addition of ethanol extract of Sargassum prevents reactive oxygen species production during the solidification process and improves sperm motility at doses of 250 and 500 µg/mL.

Epidemiology, Regional Characteristics, Knowledge, and Attitude Toward Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Southern Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), also known as female circumcision, is an ancient traditional procedure that involves partial or total removal of the female external genitalia for nonmedical reasons. Although it is well described in African and some Arabic countries, data from Iran are scarce. AIM: To describe the epidemiology, regional characteristics, knowledge, and attitude toward FGM/C in Southern Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted during a 36-month period from 2010 to 2013 in Hormozgan, a southern province of Iran near the Persian Gulf. We included 780 women in six major rural areas of the province who referred to healthcare centers for vaccination, midwifery, or family planning services. All participants underwent complete pelvic examination to determine the type of FGM. The questionnaire consisted of several sections such as demographic and baseline characteristics, and two self-report sections addressing the knowledge and attitude toward FGM/C and its complications. Baseline sociodemographic characteristics including age, educational level, marital status, religion, and nationality were the independent variables. RESULTS: Among the participants, 535 (68.5%) had undergone FGM/C. FGM/C was associated with higher age (P = 0.002), Afghan nationality (P = 0.003), Sunni Islam as religion (P = 0.019), illiteracy (P < 0.001), and family history of FGM/C in mother (P < 0.001), sister (P < 0.001), and grandmother (P < 0.001). Ancient traditions in the area (57.1%) were mentioned as the most important factor leading to FMG/C. Urinary tract infection was the most common reported complication (60.4%). CONCLUSION: FGM/C is a common practice in rural areas of Southern Iran. It is associated with increased age, illiteracy, Sunni Islam religion, Afghan nationality, and positive family history. Lack of knowledge toward FGM/C is the main cause of its high prevalence and continuation in the area.

Ethical considerations in sex selection.

Advances in modern medicine are resulted from unrestricted and unlimited research disregarding many essentials of a research including ethical issues. Following ethical issues, many of unwanted pregnancies and abortions can be avoided. Several factors such as medical issues including X linked disease, has encouraged couples to select traditional or modern techniques in selecting the gender of their children. Some of these methods are corrected Swim-up method or washing of spermatozoa, Percoll gradient sperm separation method, grass wool column filter method method, albumin separation method, microsort method using FISH (Fluorescence in situ hybridization), free electrophoresis method, Ph adjustment method, pre implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)/fluorescence in situ hybridization. This technology is confronted with many ethical issues. Ethical considerations PGD in the SEX SELECTION differ in different religions and their perspectives on this issue. In this this review, electronic databases, books and Internet sites were completely searched and full articles including required keywords and techniques were obtained and reviewed. The rites and religions, were different and had legal perspectives and opinions about PGD. In some non-Islamic countries there are strict rules to control the use of technology. Some of these methods are costly and even risky. They also involve ethical issues such as legitimacy of the conceived fetus; recommending final touches in sex selection is still considered a taboo and a big issue in some cultures or mono-sexual families. Islamic views and beliefs are more flexible and the use of these technologies are allowed to preserve the health and lives permit. Islam strongly favors humanity and supports different issues if they are not in conflict with the primary concept of legitimate reproduction and are beneficial to human beings.

Role of soap and water in the treatment of wound dehiscence compared to normal saline plus povidone-iodine: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of cesarean section is increased. About 3-30% of the women who undergo cesarean experience surgical site infections (SSIs). Many methods, have been used to decrease the incidence of SSIs, but despite much effort, no definite efficacious method has been suggested. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this parallel, single-blinded, randomized control trial, 56 women with post-surgical superficial wound dehiscence were divided into two groups in a 1:1 ratio. One group was irrigated with normal saline for irrigation and Firooz® baby soapand the other with normal saline for irrigation and povidone-iodine. Formation of granulation tissue was monitored in both groups. Also, the reason for surgery, length of wound dehiscence, and duration of hospitalization and wound union after were compared in both group's. RESULTS: The soap group patients were irrigated for 4.18 ± 1.96 days compared to 5.36 ± 2.83 days for the patients in povidone-iodine group (P = 0.414). The granulation tissue was formed after 3.88 ± 1.94 days in the soap group compared to 4.48 ± 2.92 days in the other group (P = 0.391), and the duration of hospitalization was 5.48 ± 2.04 days in the soap group compared to 6.3 ± 2.95 days in the other group (P = 0.423). So, no differences were observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded since there is no difference between the results of two groups, irrigation with normal saline and soap is safe, easy and causes no harm or allergy compared with povidone iodine and normal saline.

Would Phoenix Dactyflera Pollen (palm seed) be considered as a treatment agent against Males' infertility? A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress is a key factor involved in male infertility, which is due to an unnatural increase in environmental free radicals. In the majority of cases, this has a negative effect on a male's ability to impregnate a female. Currently, it is believed that spermatozoa can be protected against the damages induced by oxidative stress by saturating sperm with antioxidants. The antioxidant role of phoenix dactylifera pollen is capable of collecting the reactive oxygen and neutralizing it in and out of body cells. The present research provides a review of the antioxidant roles of phoenix dactylifera pollen on male infertility. METHODS: This research is based on English-Language studies and articles found by comprehensively reviewing electronic databases, websites, books, and academic articles over the last 10 years. RESULTS: The phenolic compounds of phoenix dactylifera pollen, due to the existing polyphenols, are strong chelators of heavy metals. Therefore, they are effective in eliminating environmental hydroxyl radicals. Moreover, these plants have high capacities of eliminating hydroxyl free radicals, picrylhydrazyl, diphenyl and phoenix dactylifera pollen and also inhibiting glutathione-S-transferase (GST). CONCLUSION: Currently, the use of herbal antioxidants to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce the negative effects of oxidative stress on body cells and tissues has attracted researchers' attention. Various substances, such as flavonoids and catechins, perform their antioxidant role by increasing the concentration of glutathione peroxidase. The final product of this process is an increase in the number of motile sperm, which can have significant effects on fertility.