Religious Affiliation and Childbearing Preferences of Iranian Women.

Religious differences in fertility are one of the essential issues in health and demographic research in Western societies. However, they have received less attention in Muslim countries. This study aims to investigate Shiite and Sunni religious groups' childbirth preferences in Iranian society. It also seeks to analyze their differences based on socioeconomic and demographic factors. We used data from 1020 married women aged 18-44 surveyed as part of Iran's National Family Survey in 2018. The study was designed quantitatively with a cross-sectional approach, and samples were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling. SPSS26 was used to run logistics and Poisson regression models. The results revealed that the means (± SD) of ideal family sizes for Shiite and Sunni women were 2.6 (± 1.0) and 3.4 (± 1.3) children, respectively. Sunni women (49%) had a higher intention to have a (or another) child than Shiite women (35%). According to the multivariate analysis findings, religion alone significantly affected the ideal family size, even when other socioeconomic and demographic variables were controlled. However, it had no significant effect on the intention to have a (or another) child within the next three years. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that within the specific social structure and cultural context of Iran, religion has explanatory power regarding childbearing beliefs and values. Furthermore, regarding fertility intentions and behaviors, demographic and socioeconomic factors become more important than religion.

Label-free E-DNA biosensor based on PANi-RGO-G*NPs for detection of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood and fetal gender determination in early pregnancy.

In this study, a DYS14 aptamer/polyaniline-reduced graphene oxide-gold nanoparticles/gold (Apt/PANi-RGO-G*NPs/Au) electrode was fabricated to detect the Y-chromosome DYS14 DNA sequence in cffDNA in the blood plasma of pregnant women and used on real and laboratory samples with high success rate. The electrochemical properties of the prepared E-DNA biosensor were characterized by CV, SWV, XRD, and EIS. The E-DNA biosensor morphological characteristics were investigated by TEM, SEM, and EDX. Phosphorothioate was used to link the aptamer to PANi-RGO-G*NPs modified gold electrode. This is due to control of the adsorption polarity and increase adsorption stability. Under optimized conditions, the linear range of the analytical technique with respect to the logarithm of the target sequence concentration was 1.0 × 10-16-1.0 × 10-8 M, the detection limit was 4.26 × 10-17 M, and the limit of quantitation was 1.422 × 10-16 M. The E-DNA biosensor displayed high selectivity and sensitivity, high efficiency, and acceptable repeatability. For fetal sex detection, 12 pregnant women from the 5th to the 15th week of gestation participated in the study. Results indicated the fabricated Apt/PANi-RGO-G*NPs/Au E-DNA biosensor to be appropriate for fetal sex determination in pregnant women between the 7th and 9th week of gestation. Notably, this method can be used as a model for the study of pathogens like bacteria and viruses.

Protective effect of L-carnitine on apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, membrane integrity and Lipid peroxidation of spermatozoa in the asthenoteratospermic men.

This in vitro study aimed to measure the ameliorative effect of L-carnitine against apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation of spermatozoa from men with asthenoteratozoospermia (ATS). L-carnitine has an impressive effect on boosting the quality and quantity of spermatozoa and also can prevent apoptosis induction. For this purpose, semen samples were collected from 50 ATS men. Semen was divided into control and L-carnitine (0.5 mg/ml) groups at 2, 4, 6 and 24 hr. Concentrating on the reasons for apoptosis is an arduous process, but in the present research for this evaluation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), DNA fragmentation by TUNEL and SCD methods, and lipid peroxidation were carried out. Also, sperm viability was performed. In the control group, MDA levels were increased significantly at 6 hr; however, sperm viability was decreased significantly at 4 and 6 hr. Moreover, in the L-carnitine group, TUNEL, SCD and MDA levels were decreased significantly and MMP and viability were increased significantly compared with the control group. In this writers' view, in vitro L-carnitine treatment can downregulate apoptosis in men with ATS.

Ameliorative effect of melatonin on apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation of spermatozoa in the idiopathic asthenoteratospermic men: In vitro.

Fertility loss, recurrent spontaneous abortion and poor outcome in assisted reproductive techniques (ART) have been associated with DNA fragmentation. This work was achieved to evaluate the protective role of melatonin versus apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation of spermatozoa from men with asthenoteratozoospermia (ATS). Some researchers maintain that melatonin can serve as a remedy for apoptosis induction, and it has an impressive effect on boosting the quality and quantity of spermatozoa. For this purpose, semen samples were collected from 50 ATS men and they were divided into control and melatonin (6 mM) groups at 2, 4, 6 and 24 hr. Concentrating on the reasons for apoptosis is an arduous process, but in the present study for this evaluation mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), DNA fragmentation by TUNEL and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) methods and lipid peroxidation were carried out. Also, sperm viability was performed. In the control group, MDA, TUNEL-positive and SCD were significantly increased but viability and MMP of spermatozoa were significantly decreased. Moreover, in the melatonin group, TUNEL-positive, SCD and MDA levels were significantly decreased and viability and MMP significantly increased, compared to the control group. In outcome, melatonin prescription paves the way for apoptosis down-regulating in the ATS men.

Antioxidant effects of N-acetylcysteine on the male reproductive system: A systematic review.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of N-acetyl cysteine on the male reproductive system and consensus and classification of data found from previous studies. It is undeniable that N-acetyl cysteine as a powerful antioxidant compound can medicate many diseases such as cardiovascular, kidney, liver and reproductive system disorders. With the increasing environmental pollution that has a direct adverse effect on male fertility, the use of this compound is able to positively function on human fertility health. In this study, we have been collected the main data of scientific articles (1994-2020) about N-acetyl cysteine effects. By searching in the scientific databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Wiley and Web of Science, related articles were extracted. As a result, all observations have confirmed that N-acetyl cysteine can improve and normalise the spermatogenesis in the male reproduction system.

The effect of vitamin E on sperm motility and viability in asthenoteratozoospermic men: In vitro study.

Induction of oxidative stress during the sperm preparation process for assisted reproductive techniques (ART) in men can weaken sperm parameters. Vitamin E (VE) is considered a factor in boosting male fertility. This experimental study (in vitro) aimed to assess the impact of VE supplementation on sperm quality and lipid peroxidation during sperm sampling at different times. For this mention, semen samples were collected from 50 asthenoteratozoospermic men. Samples were divided into control and test groups for 2, 4 and 6 hr that the test group was incubated with VE (2 mM). In two groups, total motility, progressive motility and viability based on the WHO 2010 criteria were assessed. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were evaluated in each group. In the control group, total and progressive motility and sperm viability were decreased significantly after 2 hr; however, MDA levels were increased significantly after 6 hr. Also, in the test group, sperm parameters were increased significantly after 2 hr, and MDA levels were decreased significantly after 6 hr compared to the control group. In outcome, in vitro VE supplementation may protect spermatozoa from the adverse effect of oxidative stress during sperm preparation via preservation antioxidant processes in normal condition.

Effect of nonylphenol on spermatogenesis: A systematic review.

Nonylphenol (NP) is known as an environmental pollutant that has adverse effects on the spermatogenesis process. In this review, we focus on (1999-2020) studies on the effect of this pollutant on the sperm parameters and the male reproductive system. Spermatogenesis is a process in which male spermatogonia (primary germ cells) is divided into meiosis and produce spermatozoa. NP and its isomers can cause oxidative stress and alter the production of sex hormones, and thereby disrupting this vital process. By searching in the scientific databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Springer and Web of Science related articles were extracted. As a result, all observations have confirmed that NP can cause multiple damages to the spermatogenesis and male reproductive system.

Protective effects of silymarin on testis histopathology, oxidative stress indicators, antioxidant defence enzymes and serum testosterone in cadmium-treated mice.

Cadmium is known as an oxidative stress-inducing factor. Silymarin extracted from Silybum marianum is regarded as a potent antioxidant. The present study investigated the preventing effects of silymarin on cadmium chloride-induced toxicity in terms of testis histopathology and serum testosterone level as well as oxidative stress indicators in mice. In addition, the activities of antioxidant defence enzymes was evaluated. Adult male mice were divided into four groups (n = 6 in each group): (a) control; (b) cadmium chloride; (c) silymarin + cadmium chloride and (d) Silymarin. In this study, cadmium chloride significantly decreased the diameter and wall thickness of the seminiferous tubule, diameter of the spermatogonia nucleus and serum testosterone levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, in mice treated with this pollutant, a significant increase in malondialdehyde was observed while ferric reducing antioxidant power level, and the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly reduced in the testis. In the silymarin + cadmium chloride group, silymarin could significantly reverse the toxic effects of cadmium chloride. The findings of this study showed that silymarin, as a potent antioxidant, can compensate the adverse effects of cadmium chloride on testis histopathology, testosterone level, oxidative stress indicators and antioxidant defence enzymes in mice.

Protective antioxidant effects of N-acetylcysteine against impairment of spermatogenesis caused by paranonylphenol.

Paranonylphenol (p-NP) is an environmental pollutant that causes oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antioxidant on sperm parameters and testis in mice after treatment with p-NP. Adult mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6, each group) including 1-control, 2- p-NP (250 mg kg-1  day-1 ), 3- NAC (150 mg kg-1  day-1 ) and 4- p-NP + NAC. After 35 days of oral treatment, the mean of spermatogenic index (p < 0.02), sperm count (p < 0.01), daily sperm production (p < 0.01), sperm tail length (p < 0.02), progressive movement (p < 0.04), normal morphology (p < 0.04) and viability (p < 0.01) of spermatozoa and also serum testosterone level (p < 0.04) were significantly reduced in p-NP group when compared to other groups. While the count of the positive TUNEL cells in the seminiferous tubules (p < 0.01) and level of the malondialdehyde (MDA) in testis (p < 0.02) and serum (p < 0.01) significantly increased. In the histopathologic assay in the p-NP group, apoptosis, atrophy, oedema, reduction in sperm density in lumens and vacuoles were observed. The findings of this study indicate that NAC as a potent antioxidant be able to compensate the adverse effects of p-NP in spermatogenesis, testis and levels of testosterone and MDA in the p-NP + NAC group significantly compared to the p-NP group.