Effect of saponin on spermatogenesis and testicular structure in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

About a third of human infertility is related to male factors. Of these, idiopathic-related infertility is not curable. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder affecting male impotence and fertility by increased production of free radicals and oxidative stress. Saponin, a glycosidic compound found in many plants, improves sperm parameters. The present study investigated the effect of saponin on sperm oxidative stress and testicular structure in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. The diabetes was induced by the administration of 150 mg kg-1 STZ via a single intra-peritoneal injection. All experimental mice were allocated to the following groups: Control group, diabetic control group, diabetic group administrated 100 mg kg-1 saponin daily and one healthy group administrated saponin daily for 56 days. At the end of the treatment period, serum levels of insulin, glucose and oxidative stress markers were measured. A histological evaluation of testicles was performed. Treatment of diabetic mice with saponin ameliorated testicular tissue damage as well as serum glucose and insulin concentrations. Furthermore, in the diabetic group, the serum concentration of malondialdehyde was increased; while, the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes was reduced. The mean Johnsen's score and the diameter and thickness of seminiferous tubules were lower in the diabetic mice than control ones. However, these parameters were higher in the saponin-treated mice than controls. Overall, saponin administration rectified all examined parameters. The anti-oxidant role of saponin improves sperm parameters and diabetes-induced testicular oxidative damage.

Minocycline can reduce testicular apoptosis related to varicocele in male rats.

The current research aimed to assess the impacts of Minocycline on varicocele-induced regulation of apoptotic-related genes and oxidative stress in the testis of adult Wistar rats. Thirty-two rats were divided into 4 groups: sham, varicocele (VcI), varicocele treated with Minocycline (VcI + Mno) for 56 days and healthy rats treated with minocycline (Mno). After 8 weeks, the oxidative stress markers levels in serum were investigated, afterwards, the level of Bax and Bcl-2 expression were assessed through 'immunocytochemistry' and RT-qPCR assays. Also, the rate of apoptosis was evaluated through the TUNEL method. Johnson's score, 'the width of epithelium' and 'seminiferous tubules diameter' were ameliorated in the VcI + Mno group in comparison with the Vcl group. Administration of Minocycline raised the 'Glutathione peroxidase' and 'Superoxide dismutase' levels in serum and declined the Malondialdehyde level in serum (p = 0.001). Furthermore, current study represented that minocycline reduced Bax and enhanced the expression of Bcl-2 gene and protein in comparison with the Vcl group (p < 0.05). In addition, Minocycline administration significantly declined the rate of apoptosis in germ cells (p < 0.05). Our study demonstrated that the administration of Minocycline could improve testicular injury in varicocele-induced rats by its antioxidant activity.

Eugenol improves tissue damage and oxidative stress in adult female rats after ovarian torsion/detorsion.

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of eugenol on histopathological changes and oxidative stress caused by torsion/detorsion in the ovary of adult female rats. In this study, forty-eight female Wistar rats were classified into six groups; Sham and 2 healthy group receiving 30, 60 mg/kg eugenol; ovarian torsion/detorsion; and 2 experimental groups receiving 30, 60 mg/kg eugenol. After ten days, the plasma levels of oestrogen, testosterone, and some oxidative stress markers were assessed. also, the histomorphometric study was performed. A marked degenerative changes in the TD group was observed (p < .001). The oestrogen, GPX, and SOD levels were remarkably declined in the G2 group, while they were reversed to the baseline values in groups receiving eugenol. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) was remarkably increased during the ischaemia (p < .001). The treatment with eugenol significantly diminished MDA levels in different groups (p < .001). Our finding indicated that eugenol could protect the ovarian tissue against oxidative stress and tissue injury induced by torsion/detorsion.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known about this subject? Ovarian torsion is one of the commonest gynecological emergencies in all age groups of the female gender. Timely diagnosis and management of ovarian torsion are crucial, especially for women of reproductive age. Detorsion is one of the interventions used for the prevention of ovarian tissue damage. Ovarian ischaemia/reperfusion is a pathophysiological condition in which decreased blood flow, and oxygen deficiency (ischaemia) are observed in ovarian tissues as a result of ovarian torsion. Following torsion, the inflammatory response induced by detorsion (reperfusion) leads to vascular endothelial cell apoptosis and microcirculation abnormalities, which are responsible for the cause of ovarian tissue damage.What do the results of this study add? This study found that eugenol, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, could be used experimentally to diminish the I/R damage in the ovary through the attenuation of detrimental histological events, decreasing the serum level of MDA and testosterone, and increasing the level of SOD and GPX enzymes. To date, there is no report on the application of eugenol for diminishing T/D-induced oxidative stress in the ovary.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice? Eugenol has been shown to possess therapeutic properties in patients with ovarian torsion. Further clinical studies are necessary to prove the beneficial effect of eugenol on the prevention of I/R-induced ovarian damage.

The effect of clomiphene citrate, herbal mixture, and herbal mixture along with clomiphene citrate on clinical and para-clinical parameters in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the effect of a herbal mixture (i.e., Mentha spicata, Zingiber officinale, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Citrus sinensis) alone and in combination with clomiphene citrate (CC) compared to CC on the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 infertile participants with PCOS who were randomly divided into three groups. After spontaneous or progestin-induced withdrawal bleeding, group 1 (n = 20) received routine treatment with CC (50-150 mg) for three menstrual cycles from the 3rd to 5th day of menstruation for 5 days while group 2 (n = 20) and group 3 (n = 20) received herbal mixture capsules 700 mg/day and the herbal mixture along with CC for 3 months, respectively. Finally, several related parameters were measured, including the level of sex steroids, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profile (primary outcomes), thyroid hormones, and clinical features. The analysis was based on intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of socio-demographic characteristics. However, after adjustment for baseline, luteinizing hormone (aMD = 4.9; 95% CI: 3.7-6.2), luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone (aMD = 0.9; 95% CI: 0.7-1.2), total testosterone (aMD = -0.12; 95% CI: -0.2 to -0.01) in group 2 and free testosterone (aMD = -6.0; 95% CI: -9.7 to -2.3) in group 3 revealed a significant difference compared to group 1. In addition, HOMA-IR in group 2 (aMD = -1.3; 95% CI: -2.4 to -0.2) decreased significantly compared to group 1. Further, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly in group 2 (aMD = -21.8; 95% CI: -31.5 to -12.1; aMD = -29.9; 95% CI: -47.9 to -12.0; aMD = -21.2; 95% CI: -31.3 to -11.1; aMD = -5.1; 95% CI: -7.5 to -2.7) and group 3 (aMD = -18.3; 95% CI: -27.4 to -9.2; aMD = -26.9; 95% CI: -43.8 to -9.9; aMD = -21.4; 95% CI: -31.1 to -11.7; aMD = -5.9; 95% CI: -8.3 to -3.6) compared to group 1, respectively. However, high-density lipoproteins cholesterol in group 2 (aMD = 6.8; 95% CI: 2.9-10.7) and group 3 (aMD = 10.7; 95% CI: 7.2-14.7) increased remarkably compared to group 1. Overall, clinical outcomes improved significantly in all groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In general, the herbal mixture along with CC was found to improve free testosterone, HOMA-IR, lipid profile, and clinical features of PCOS women.

Retraction Notice: MS14 Down-regulates Lipocalin2 Expression in Spinal Cord Tissue in an Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis in Female C57BL/6.

This retracts the article DOI: 10.6091/ibj.1375.2014.

Minocycline attenuates testicular damages in a rat model of ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Testicular torsion is a serious urological disease leading to testicular damage. This study aimed to assess the effect of minocycline on testicular ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury caused by testicular torsion/detorsion. Male adult Wistar rats (n = 32) were assigned into four groups of sham, I/R, I/R + minocycline and minocycline. I/R injury was induced by two sets of surgical operations, including the rotation of the left testis (720°, counterclockwise), followed by detorsion after 4 hr. The administration of minocycline was carried out 30 min before detorsion and then continued for 8 weeks. At the end of the 8th week, rats were killed and sampling was done. Johnson's score, the height of seminiferous tubule epithelium, the mean seminiferous tubule diameter, as well as biochemical parameters, SOD, GPx and CAT, were significantly enhanced in the I/R + minocycline group compared with the I/R group. The administration of minocycline led to a marked decrease in expression levels of Caspase-3, Bax, IL-1ß and TNF-α genes, and a remarkable increase in expression levels of Bcl-2, 3ß-HSD and 17ß-HSD3 genes compared with the I/R group. Administration of minocycline could also reduce the rate of germ cell apoptosis (TUNEL staining). Hence, minocycline was useful in the management of testicular torsion/detorsion.

Positive Effects of PI3K/Akt Signaling Inhibition on PTEN and P53 in Prevention of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Tumor Cells.

Purpose: The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway regulates cell growth, proliferation and viability in hematopoietic cells. This pathway always dysregulates in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). PTEN and P53 are tumor suppressor genes correlated with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and both have a tight link in regulation of cell proliferation and cell death. In this study, we investigated the effects of dual targeting of PI3K/Akt pathway by combined inhibition with nvp-BKM-120 (PI3K inhibitor) and MK-2206 (Akt inhibitor) in relation with PTEN and P53 on apoptosis and proliferation of leukemia cells. Methods: Both T and B ALL cell lines were treated with both inhibitors alone or in combination with each other, and induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation were evaluated by flow cytometry. Expression levels of PTEN as well as p53 mRNA and protein were measured by real-time qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Results: We indicated that both inhibitors (BKM-120 and MK-2206) decreased cell viability and increased cytotoxicity in leukemia cells. Reduction in Akt phosphorylation increased PTEN and p53 mRNA and p53 protein level (in PTEN positive versus PTEN negative cell lines). Additionally, both inhibitors, particularly in combination with each other, increased apoptosis (evaluated with Annexin V and caspase 3) and reduced proliferation (Ki67 expression) in leukemia cells. However, administration of IL7 downregulated PTEN and P53 mRNA expression and rescued cancer cells following inhibition of BKM-120 and MK-2206. Conclusion: This investigation suggested that inhibition of Akt and PI3K could be helpful in leukemia treatment.

Detection of Polymorphisms in MTHFD1 G1958A and Its Possible Association with Idiopathic Male Infertility.

PURPOSE: The role of male infertility is important in human infertility pathology. Spermatogenesis is a complex developmental process which is regulated by a number of genes. Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase1 (MTHFD1) is involved in the synthesis of purine, pyrimidine, and methionine. The aim of this study was to identify the MTHFD1, G1958A polymorphism and its association with idiopathic male infertility in Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 200 Iranian men, 100 cases with idiopathic infertility (experimental group) and 100 normal men (control group). The subjects were assessed for the MTHFD1 G1958A polymorphism, using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique (PCR-RFLP). The chi-square test was used to determine the association between MTHFD1 G1958A polymorphism and male infertility, using SPSS software. P ? 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Totally, the frequency of A allele and AA homozygous genotype was found 51% and 47.3% respectively, with 52.5% and 30% in the experimental group versus 42% and 21% in control group. There was a statistically significant correlation between the frequencies of A allele (95 % CI = 1.028- 2.265, OR = 1.526, p = 0.035) and AA homozygous (% CI = 0.995- 4.494, OR = 2.114, 95 p = 0.05) genotype with the MTHFD1 G1958A polymorphism (P ? 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the polymorphism in MTHFD1 G1598A gene could be considered as an important genetic disorder associated with the etiology of male infertility.

Panax ginseng Extract Improves Follicular Development after Mouse Preantral Follicle 3D Culture.

OBJECTIVE: Panax ginseng is a popular traditional herb that has been used in complementary and alternative medicine in eastern Asia, and it possesses pharmacologically active compounds like ginsenosides (GSs). This study aimed to investigate the impact of Panax ginseng extract (PGE) at different concentrations on in vitro follicular function and development in a three-dimensional (3D) culture system fabricated using sodium alginate after 12 days of culture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, preantral follicles (n=661) were mechanically isolated from the ovaries of 14-day-old female NMRI mice using 29-gauge insulin syringes. Follicles were individually capsulated within sodium alginate, and divided into four groups including control and experimental groups 1, 2, and 3. Then, they were cultured for 12 days in the medium supplemented with different concentrations of PGE (0, 50, 100, and 500 µg/ mL, for control groups and groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively). At the end of the culture period, the mean diameter and maturation of follicles, follicular steroid production, mRNA expression level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in collected metaphase-II (MII) oocytes were determined. RESULTS: The mean diameter of follicles in group 2 was significantly increased as compared to other groups (P<0.001). The percentages of the survival and maturation rate and levels of secreted hormones were higher in group 2 than the other groups (P<0.05). Follicles cultured in the presence of PGE 100 µg/mL had higher levels of proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R) mRNA expression in comparison to other groups (P<0.05). Moreover, oocytes collected from groups 2 and 3 had lower levels of ROS as compared to other groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that PGE at the concentration of 100 µg/mL induces higher follicular function and development in the 3D culture system.

The ameliorative effect of carvacrol on oxidative stress and germ cell apoptosis in testicular tissue of adult diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is one of the most chronic and widespread diseases causing the damages to the male reproductive system. Nowadays, several studies have been performed to show the role of phenolic compounds in reducing the complications of diabetes. Carvacrol is a phenolic monoterpene which has been shown to have much therapeutic efficacy in various diseases. METHODS: Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats (n = 8 in each group) were used in this experimental study. The induction of diabetes was performed using a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of STZ (50 mg/kg). Rats were assigned into the following groups: control group, diabetic group, diabetic group daily fed with carvacrol at a dose of 75 mg/kg for 8 weeks, and the control group daily fed with carvacrol at a dose of 75 mg/kg for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Treatment with carvacrol significantly improved the histological morphology of the testis, reduced the tissue activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes, and diminished the elevated levels of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). Moreover, our results showed that carvacrol significantly decreased Bax and increased Bcl-2 at the levels of gene and protein expression. It also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the rate of germ cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION: It seems that the treatment with carvacrol mitigates testicular tissue damage in diabetic rats possibly through its antioxidant properties.

Regulation and modulation of PTEN activity.

PTEN (Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten) is a tumor suppressor that is frequently mutated in most human cancers. PTEN is a lipid and protein phosphatase that antagonizes PI3K/AKT pathway through lipid phosphatase activity at the plasma membrane. More recent studies showed that, in addition to the putative role of PTEN as a PI(3,4,5)P3 3-phosphatase, it is a PI(3,4)P2 3-phosphatase during stimulation of class I PI3K signaling pathway by growth factor. Although PTEN tumor suppressor function via it's lipid phosphatase activity occurs primarily in the plasma membrane, it can also be found in the nucleus, in cytoplasmic organelles and extracellular space. PTEN has also shown phosphatase independent functions in the nucleus. PTEN can exit from the cell through exosomal export or secretion and has a tumor suppressor function in adjacent cells. PTEN has a critical role in growth, the cell cycle, protein synthesis, survival, DNA repair and migration. Understanding the regulation of PTEN function, activity, stability, localization and its dysregulation outcomes and also the intracellular and extracellular role of PTEN and paracrine role of PTEN-L in tumor cells as an exogenous therapeutic agent can help to improve clinical conceptualization and treatment of cancer.

Effects of Matricaria chamomilla Extract on Growth and Maturation of Isolated Mouse Ovarian Follicles in a Three-dimensional Culture System.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to design and assess the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria chamomilla (MC) on preantral follicle culture of mouse ovaries in a three-dimensional culture system. METHODS: Isolated preantral follicles were randomly divided into three main groups: the control group containing 10% fetal bovine serum without MC extract (G1), the first experimental group supplemented with 25 µg/ml hydroalcoholic extract of chamomile (G2), and the second experimental group supplemented with 50 µg/ml hydroalcoholic extract of chamomile (G3). RESULTS: After 12 days of culture, the survival rate (P < 0.05), antrum formation (P < 0.01), metaphase two oocytes (P < 0.01), and the expression of PCNA (P < 0.05) and FSHR (P < 0.05) genes significantly decreased in G3 as compared with G1. On the other hand, at the last day of culture (day 12), the mean diameter of follicles cultured in the medium which was supplemented with 50 µg/ml hydroalcoholic extract of chamomile significantly decreased as compared with the G1 (P < 0.05). In addition, the levels of progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone hormones significantly increased in the medium of G3 relative to G1 (P < 0.01), while in the medium of G1, the level of 17ß-estradiol was significantly higher than that of other groups (P < 0.01). Reactive oxygen species levels of metaphase II oocytes were significantly decreased in G2 as compared with G1 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Adding chamomile extract to culture media appeared to decrease follicular function and development.

A review on Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and the reproductive system.

Environmental factors, such as electromagnetic waves, induce biological and genetic effects. One of the most important physiological systems involved with electromagnetic fields (EMFs) is the genital system. This paper reviews the effects of EMFs on human reproductive organs, female animals, fetus development and the importance of two types of natural antioxidants, i.e., vitamin E and fennel. The studies presented in this review referred to the effects of different exposures to EMFs on the reproductive system, and we tried to show the role of natural antioxidants in reducing the effects of the exposures. Many studies have been done on the effects of ionizing and non-ionizing electromagnetic waves on the cell line of spermatogenesis, sexual hormones, and the structure of the testes. Also, about the hormonal cycle, folliculogenesis and female infertility related to EMF have been given more consideration. In particular, attention is directed to pregnant women due to the importance of their fetuses. However, in addition to the studies conducted on animals, further epidemiological research should be conducted.

The effect of Non- ionizing electromagnetic field with a frequency of 50 Hz in Rat ovary: A transmission electron microscopy study.

BACKGROUND: Recently, there are increasing concerns and interests about the potential effects of Electromagnetic Field (EMF) on both human and animal health. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the harmful effects of 50 Hz non-ionizing EMF on rat oocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study 30 rats were randomly taken from laboratory animals and their ags and weights were determined. These 3 month's old rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. The control group consisted of 10 rats without receiving any treatment and kept under normal conditions. Experimental group 1 (10 rats) received EMF for 8 weeks (3 weeks intrauterine +5 weeks after births) and experimental group 2 (10 rats) received EMF for 13 weeks (3 weeks intrauterine +10 weeks after birth). After removing the ovaries and isolating follicles, granulosa cells were fixed in glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide. Electron microscopy was used to investigate the traumatic effects of EMF on follicles. RESULTS: In control group nucleus membrane and mitochondria in follicle's cytoplasm seemed normal in appearance. Theca layer of primary follicles in experimental group was separated clearly, zona layer demonstrated trot with irregular thickness and ovarian stroma seemed isolated with dilated vessels showing infiltration. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that EMF has harmful effects on the ovarian follicles.

Effect of non-ionizing electromagnetic field on the alteration of ovarian follicles in rats.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, there has been an increase in the attention paid to safety effects, environmental and society's health, extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF), and radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). The aim of this research was to determine the effect of EMF on the alteration of ovarian follicles. METHODS: In this experimental study at Tabriz Medical University in 2015, we did EMF exposures and assessed the alteration of rats' ovarian follicles. Thirty three-month old rats were selected randomly from laboratory animals, and, after their ages and weights were determined, they were divided randomly into three groups. The control group consisted of 10 rats without any treatment, and they were kept in normal conditions. The second group of rats was influenced by a magnetic field of 50 Hz for eight weeks (three weeks intrauterine and five weeks ectopic). The third group of rats was influenced by a magnetic field of 50 Hz for 13 weeks (three weeks intrauterine and ten weeks ectopic). Samples were fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde and cleared with Xylol and embedded in paraffin. After sectioning and staining, samples were studied by optic microscopy. Finally, SPSS version 17, were used for data analysis. RESULTS: EMF radiation increased the harmful effects on the formation of ovarian follicles and oocytes implantation. Studies on the effects of electromagnetic fields on ovarian follicles have shown that the nuclei of the oocytes become smaller and change shape. There were significant, harmful changes in the groups affected by electromagnetic waves. Atresia of ovarian follicles was significantly significant in both study groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Exposure to electromagnetic fields during embryonic development can cause morphological changes in oocytes and affect the differentiation of oocytes and folliculogenesis, resulting in decreased ovarian reserve leading to infertility or reduced fertility.

The anti-oxidant effects of ginger and cinnamon on spermatogenesis dys-function of diabetes rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes rats have been linked to reproductive dysfunction and plant medicine has been shown to be effective in its treatment. Antioxidants have distinctive effects on spermatogenesis, sperm biology and oxidative stress, and changes in anti-oxidant capacity are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic diabetes mellitus. Ginger and cinnamon are strong anti-oxidants and have been shown to reduce oxidative stress in the long-term treatment of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in animal models. The present study examined the influence of combined ginger and cinnamon on spermatogenesis in STZ-induced diabetes in male Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animals (n = 80) were allocated randomly into eight groups, 10 each: Group 1: Control rats given only 5cc Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) daily;Group2: rats received ginger (100mg/kg/rat) daily; Group 3: rats received cinnamon (75mg/kg) daily; Group 4: rats received ginger and cinnamon, (100mg/kg/rat ginger and 75mg/kg cinnamon) daily; Group 5: Diabetic control rats received only normal saline. Group 6: Diabetic rats received 100mg/kg/day ginger; Group 7: Diabetic rats received 75mg /kg/ day cinnamon; Group 8: Diabetic rats received ginger and cinnamon (100mg/kg/day and 75mg/kg /day). Diabetes was induced with 55 mg/kg, single intra-peritoneal injection of STZ in all groups. At the end of the experiment (56th day), blood samples were taken for determination of testosterone, LH,FSH, total anti-oxidant capacity, and levels of malondialdehyde, SOD, Catalase and GPX. All rats were euthanized, testes were dissected out and spermatozoa were collected from the epididymis for analysis. RESULTS: Sperm numbers, percentages of sperm viability and motility, and total serum testosterone increased in ginger and cinnamon and combined ginger and cinnamon treated diabetic rats compared with control groups. Serum testosterone, LH and FSH were higher compared to control group and also serum anti-oxidants (TAC, SOD, GPX and catalase) all were increased at the end of treatment. Combined ginger and cinnamon showed more intense increase in all parameters compare to ginger and cinnamon alone. Most of the results were significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: We concluded that combined ginger and cinnamon have significant beneficial effects on the sperm viability, motility, and serum total testosterone, LH,FSH and serum anti-oxidants' level and could be effective for maintaining healthy sperm parameters and male reproductive function in diabetics.

MS14, a Marine Herbal Medicine, an Immunosuppressive Drug in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: Cytokines are secreted signaling proteins which play essential roles in immune responses during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a demyelinating model that mimics many features of multiple sclerosis (MS). Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine produced by different cells, mediating inflammatory reactions and immune-mediated processes. Several studies have described immunosuppressive potentials of several herbal medicines. MS14 as an Iranian marine herbal medicine has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. OBJECTIVES: The present study investigated the immunosuppressive potential of MS14 as an herbal drug as well as the IL-6 level in EAE model. We hope it will be a new approach for neurologic diseases and autoimmune originated diseases therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present experimental study was a collaboration between Department of Anatomical Sciences of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and Shefa Neuroscience Research Center of Tehran. We used 30 C57BL/6 mice. The animals were immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) to induce EAE and treated with MS14-containing (30%) diets. Subjects were selected by simple random sampling and then they were randomly allocated to two groups. EAE symptoms were assessed using the standard 10-point EAE scoring system from the seventh to the 35th day after immunization. Afterwards, the spleen was removed and its cells were cultured with or without MOG 35-55; then, the IL-6 level was analyzed by ELISA. In addition, histopathological studies were carried out for demyelination lesion evaluation in the spinal cord. RESULTS: MS14 significantly improved clinical symptoms of EAE compared with the control (P < 0.05). It also suppressed proliferative responses of T cells and decreased IL-6 expression (16.93 ± 2.7 vs. 21.4 ± 3.33) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results strongly suggested that IL-6 as a potential molecule could have a role in neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation, which is in congruent with previous studies. Therefore, it can be a clear target in strategic therapies and support effective properties of phytotherapy in EAE and MS treatment.

Using Fresh and Frozen Testicular Sperm Samples in Couples Undergoing ICSI-MicroTESE Treatment.

BACKGROUND: We performed this study to evaluate use of fresh and frozen sperm samples in non-obstructive azoospermia microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE-ICSI) treatment. METHODS: We performed a total of 82 consecutive in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles at Fertijin IVF Center in Istanbul, Turkey from January 2010 to March 2012. In 43 participants we used fresh sperm and frozen sperm in the remaining 39 cases. We used fresh and frozen thawed micro surgical testicular sperm extraction (micro TESE) sperm for ICSI with metaphase II (MII) oocytes. RESULTS: Frozen microTESE sperm was used in 39 cycles, while 43 ICSI cycles were performed using fresh microTESE. Neither the age of male partners (38.33±5.93 and 38.13±8.28) nor that of the female participants (33.16±6.38 and 33.33±6.97) showed significant difference between fresh versus the microTESE and frozen treatment groups, respectively. FSH concentrations were (14.66±13.93 mIU/ml) in fresh TESE group and (17.91±16.29 mIU/ml) in frozen group with no correlations or differences between the two groups. The average number of mature oocytes injected with sperm was 9.23±3.77, versus 9.26±5.26 in cycles using fresh and frozen microTESE sperm, respectively. Fertilization rate was not significantly different in the fresh microTESE (44.79%) than frozen TESE sperm group (46.76%). The average number of transferred embryos was 1.60±0.49 in fresh sperm group and 1.59±0.50 in frozen sperm group. All embryo transfers were performed on day 3. CONCLUSION: Cryopreservation of testicular sperm tissues is more suitable and of great benefite if carried out before ovulation induction and not after, especially in cases with non-obstructive azoospermia.