RESUMO
BACKGROUND: In vitro obtaining oocytes can be an appropriate alternative for patients with gonadal insufficiency or cancer survivors. The purpose of the current research was isolating stem cells from ovarian cortical tissue as well as evaluating the effectiveness of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and neurotrophin 3 (NT3) in differentiating to oocyte-like cells. METHODS: A human ovary was dissected and cortical tissue pieces were cultured for cell isolation. Isolated cells were divided into 8 groups (3 cases in each group) of control, FSH, NT3, bFGF, FSH+NT3, FSH+bFGF, NT3+bFGF, and FSH+NT3+ bFGF. Pluripotency specific gene (OCT4-A and Nanog), initial germ cells (c-KIT and VASA) and PF growth initiators (GDF-9 and Lhx-8) were evaluated by qRTPCR. Experiments were performed in triplicate and there were 3 samples in each group. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Flow cytometry results showed that cells isolated from the ovarian cortex expressed markers of pluripotency. The results showed that the expression of Nanog, OCT4, GDF-9 and VASA was significantly increased in FSH+NT3 group, while treatment with bFGF caused significant expression of c-KIT and Lhx-8 (p<0.05). Also, according to the results, isolated cells treated with NT3 significantly increased c-KIT expression. CONCLUSION: According to our results, the ovarian cortex cells could be differentiated into primordial follicles if treated with the proper combination of FSH, bFGF, and NT3. These findings provided a new perspective for the future of in vitro gamete proudest.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: To evaluate the clinical presentation of pregnant women in Iran who died due to COVID-19. METHODS: Data were evaluated of pregnant women who died following a laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19. The data were obtained from electronic medical records. Additionally, a questionnaire was completed for each patient, including demographic, clinical, laboratorial, imaging, and treatment data. In case of missing information, a member of the research team contacted the first-degree relatives via phone. RESULTS: Of 32 pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19, 15 were enrolled into the study (mean age 30.0 ± 5.0 years). The mean time from first symptoms to death was 12 ± 7.0 days. Pre-existing comorbidities were seen in six patients. The main presentations at admission were fatigue and coughing, but most of the women had a fever below 38 °C. Increased white blood cell count and neutrophils were noticeable. A significant drop of saturation of O2 with ground glass and consolidation seen in both lungs were prominent. The most common complications were acute respiratory distress syndrome followed by respiratory failure. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography findings, O2 pressure, and regular blood assessment may be considered suitable indicators for the surveillance of patients.
