Comparison of the effect of combined therapy of HCG ampule and letrozole tablet with each method separately on the spermogram parameters in the obese men with idiopathic infertility: a clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Considering that the use of aromatase inhibitors in the treatment of infertile men is a new approach and obesity in men is one of the factors affecting infertility, we decided to compare the effect of combined therapy of Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and Letrozole and either of the two methods alone on the spermogram parameters in obese men with idiopathic infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial study was performed with the participation of 15 infertile and obese men from 2018 to 2019 in Tabriz (infertility clinics); Patients were randomly divided into three groups; The first group received treatment with Letrozole 2.5 mg daily alone, the second group received treatment with HCG ampoules at a dose of 5000 units twice a week, and the third group received combination therapy with HCG ampoules at a dose of 5000 units twice a week and letrozole tablets at a dose of 2.5 mg daily; The results of testosterone and sperm tests before and after the intervention were evaluated by t-test and linear regression tests in SPSS21 software. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between semen indices and hormones studied before the intervention (P < 0.05), while after the intervention there were statistically significant differences between all variables compared to those before the intervention (P < 0.05); Also, the rate of change in the third group was much more favorable than the other two groups. CONCLUSION: The combination of HCG ampules with letrozole tablets compared to the use of these drugs alone improved sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology.

MicroRNA-based regulatory circuit involved in sperm infertility.

miRNAs (MicroRNAs), known as noncoding and important endogenous factors regulating the expression protein-coding genes, are vital regulators in each biological process. Thus, this study aims to explore the key role of four microRNAs in regulating the spermatogenesis. To conduct this experiment, 55 infertile and fertile men provided the study with the sperm and testicular tissue samples. To study the spermatozoa in terms of the morphology, Diff-Quick was applied. Then, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was conducted on samples. Our data indicated that in contrast to the miR-15b, significant increasing of miR-383 and miR-122 occurred in both severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (SOAT) and moderate oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (MOAT) compared to normal sperm group (N). In addition, it was observed that miR-15b and miR-122 increased in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) compared with obstructive azoospermia (OA) group. Expression levels of target genes including P53, CASPASE-9 and CYCLIN D1 underwent principle changes according to miRNAs expression level. Our finding indicated that miRNAs had essential role in the regulation of spermatogenesis, and their expression altering was associated with sperm abnormalities. Thus, microRNAs can be introduced as useful biomarkers to determine male infertility reasons to choose the effective treatment.

Corrigendum to "Effects of Withania somnifera on Reproductive System: A Systematic Review of the Available Evidence".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2018/4076430.].

Effects of Withania somnifera on Reproductive System: A Systematic Review of the Available Evidence.

INTRODUCTION: Withania somnifera (WS) also known as ashwagandha is a well-known medicinal plant used in traditional medicine in many countries for infertility treatment. The present study was aimed at systemically reviewing therapeutic effects of WS on the reproductive system. METHODS: This systematic review study was designed in 2016. Required data were obtained from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge, Web of Science, and manual search of articles, grey literature, reference checking, and expert contact. RESULTS: WS was found to improve reproductive system function by many ways. WS extract decreased infertility among male subjects, due to the enhancement in semen quality which is proposed due to the enhanced enzymatic activity in seminal plasma and decreasing oxidative stress. Also, WS extract improved luteinizing hormone and follicular stimulating hormone balance leading to folliculogenesis and increased gonadal weight, although some animal studies had concluded that WS had reversible spermicidal and infertilizing effects in male subjects. CONCLUSION: WS was found to enhance spermatogenesis and sperm related indices in male and sexual behaviors in female. But, according to some available evidences for spermicidal features, further studies should focus on the extract preparation method and also dosage used in their study protocols.