International Journal of Fertility & Sterility最新文献

{"title":"The Effect of Curcumin on Angiogenic and Proliferative Factors inHuman Endometriotic Cells.","authors":"Sedigheh Kamrani, Reyhaneh Sadat Hayaei Tehrani, Fereshteh Esfandiari, Firouzeh Ghaffari, Elham Amirchaghmaghi, Kamran Ghaedi, Maryam Shahhoseini","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2029019.1684","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2029019.1684","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Endometriosis is a benign gynaecological disorder characterised by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Proliferation of endometrial tissue and neoangiogenesis are essential factors in the development of endometriosis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (<i>VEGF</i>) and insulin-like growth factors (<i>IGF1</i>, <i>IGF2</i>) can be effective in neoangiogenesis and cell proliferation. Imprinted long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 is involved in endometriosis pathogenesis through the regulation of cellular proliferation and differentiation. Curcumin has antiangiogenic, anti-proliferative, and anti-invasive properties for various diseases, and it is hypothesised that it may have therapeutic effects on endometriosis. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of curcumin on the expression of <i>VEGF</i>, <i>IGF1</i>, <i>IGF2</i>, and <i>H19</i> lncRNA, as well as on cell migration and proliferation in endometrial stromal cells isolated from women with endometriosis.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this experimental study, human normal endometrial stromal cells (N-ESCs) from healthy endometrial tissue and human eutopic endometrial stromal cells (EU-ESCs) from endometriosis patients were cultured and treated with different concentrations of curcumin (0-100 mM) for 72 hours. Then, the effects of curcumin on cell viability, proliferation, and migration were assessed using methylthiazole tetrazolium (MTT) and the scratch test, respectively. Expressions of genes involved in angiogenesis (<i>VEGF</i>), proliferation (<i>IGF1</i>, <i>IGF2</i>), and the H19 lncRNA gene were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Curcumin decreased cell migration and proliferation of endometriotic stromal cells in a time- and concentration- dependent manner. It also reduced <i>VEGF</i> expression and increased the expressions of <i>H19</i>, <i>IGF1</i>, and <i>IGF2</i>.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The anti-migration effect of curcumin on EU-ESCs and its impact on the expression of proliferative and angiogenic genes indicate that curcumin can be a promising treatment for endometriosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 2","pages":"130-136"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13080706/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparing Ovulation Outcomes of Letrozole-Tamoxifen-Estradiolwith and without Vitamin E in Infertile Women with PolycysticOvary Syndrome: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial.","authors":"Athar Rasekh Jahromi, Nader Sharifi, Mohamad Karimi Javad, Vahid Rahmanian","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2055868.1841","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2055868.1841","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder and a leading cause of anovulatory infertility. This study evaluated whether adding vitamin E to a regimen of letrozole, tamoxifen, and estradiol improves ovulation outcomes in infertile women with PCOS.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In a double-blind, randomized clinical trial conducted in Jahrom, Iran (December 2023-August 2024), 90 infertile women with PCOS were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A (n=45) received letrozole, tamoxifen, estradiol, and vitamin E, while group B (n=45) received the same regimen without vitamin E. The primary outcome was pregnancy rate; secondary outcomes included follicle size, count, and endometrial thickness, measured on cycle days 3, 7, and 12. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and t tests (Stata 14).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Baseline characteristics including age (mean: 31.21 ± 6.31 Y), BMI (24.96 ± 3.45 kg/m²), and infertility duration (3.48 ± 2.70 Y) were similar between groups (P>0.05). On day 7, the vitamin E group showed significantly larger follicles (14.15 ± 0.36 mm vs. 10.90 ± 0.68 mm), more follicles (5.16 ± 0.36 vs. 3.73 ± 0.83), and thicker endometrium (7.16 ± 0.36 mm vs. 5.16 ± 0.36 mm). These advantages persisted on day 12, including improved follicular maturity and endometrial thickness. Although the pregnancy rate was higher in the vitamin E group (11.1% vs. 6.7%), the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.457). Adverse effects, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and irregular bleeding, did not differ significantly (P=0.553).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results indicate that the addition of vitamin E to the letrozole-tamoxifen-estradiol protocol might be associated with improved ovulatory outcomes in women with PCOS. Nevertheless, no significant effect on pregnancy rates was observed. These findings highlight the potential adjunctive role of vitamin E in ovulation induction among women with PCOS, although further large-scale randomized trials are needed to confirm its clinical relevance (number registration: IRCT20150407021653N20).</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 2","pages":"115-123"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13080707/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689867","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Compound Heterozygous Missense Variant in The <i>DNAH5</i> Gene Could Be A Significant Factor in Unexplained Male Infertility: A Case Study.","authors":"Maryam Afkari, Najmeh Salehi, Hesamoddin Sajadi, Marjan Sabbaghian, Seyed Abolhassan Shahzadeh-Fazeli, Amir Amiri-Yekta","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2051131.1811","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2051131.1811","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Infertility affects approximately 50 million couples worldwide, with both men and women being equally affected. Male infertility is a complex issue with genetic factors playing a significant role. Conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome (XXY), Y chromosome microdeletions (YCMDs), and monogenic mutations can contribute to male infertility. Currently, hereditary factors account for 4% of male infertility cases, while the causes of 60-70% of cases remain unknown. Ongoing research aims to identify new genes and variants related to male fertility to improve diagnostic methods. More than 2000 genes are believed to be involved in preserving germ cells and ensuring normal meiosis, with more than 100 genes already identified for male infertility.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this case series study, we assessed a patient with unexplained male infertility, who also had a brother with a similar issue. We used whole exome sequencing (WES) technology, segregation analysis and analyzed the data through bioinformatics tools.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Bioinformatics analysis and Sanger sequencing revealed that two infertile brothers had a compound heterozygous (CH) mutation with missense variants in dynein axonemal heavy chain 5 (DNAH5) gene: one variant in exon 9, (c.1121T>C: p.Ile374Thr), and another in exon 66, (c.11437C>T: p.Arg3813Trp). The protein structure analysis showed that the Ile374Thr variant is located near the outer dynein arm-docking subunit 1 (ODA-D1) and ODA-D3. Additionally, the Arg3813Trp variant replaces the positively charged arginine with a hydrophobic tryptophan residue, which may lead to local instability in the protein structure, particularly in the ATP-binding site.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study reports a CH presence of a missense variant in DNAH5 within a family experiencing male infertility. In silico structural predictions suggest a potential role of these DNAH5 variants in causing fertility issues.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 2","pages":"159-168"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13080711/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lean Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Has Better Responses toRecombinant Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Compared to ObesePCOS during Ovarian Stimulation for <i>In Vitro</i> Fertilization:A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Radan Muharam, Yuannita Ika Putri, Muhammad Ikhsan, Edward Christopher Yo, Alisha Nurdya Irzanti, Achmad Kemal Harzif, Mila Maidarti, Budi Wiweko, Andon Hestiantoro, Eva Suarthana, Togas Tulandi","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2023851.1632","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2023851.1632","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Obese or lean patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may respond differently to <i>in vitro</i> fertilization (IVF) treatment. The purpose of our study was to compare ovarian response as well as IVF outcomes in lean and obese PCOS patients. The evaluation specifically focused on the utilization of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) for ovarian stimulation.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study recruited patients diagnosed with PCOS (according to Rotterdam criteria) undergoing IVF utilizing the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist combined with rFSH protocol. The PCOS patients were grouped into lean PCOS [body mass index (BMI) < 23 kg/m²] and obese PCOS (BMI > 25 kg/m²). Data were obtained from our comprehensive database. This study included a total of 226 women diagnosed with PCOS, who underwent IVF between 2013 and 2023 at our fertility clinics. Women with alternative reproductive endocrinology disorders, frozen embryo cycles, canceled cycles, or those who failed to follow-up were excluded. Each of the lean and obese PCOS groups had 113 patients.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of the subjects was 32.7 ± 3.6 years. We found significant differences between the two groups in terms of the anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels (P=0.005), the initial dosage of rFSH (P<0.001), and cumulative doses of rFSH administered (P<0.001). However, the number of retrieved oocytes, endometrial thickness, cleavage rate, and pregnancy rates were comparable. Compared to the obese PCOS patients, the lean patients had higher AMH levels (8.80 vs. 6.85 ng/mL) and lower total dosages of rFSH (2128 ± 586 vs. 2752 ± 1136 IU).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Individuals within the lean PCOS group exhibited elevated AMH levels and demonstrated a more favorable response to rFSH stimulation. Consequently, the lean PCOS group yielded more retrieved oocytes, while necessitating lower doses of rFSH stimulation compared to the obese PCOS group.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 2","pages":"124-129"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13080712/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms between Husbandsof Women with High-Risk and Low-Risk Pregnancies: A Case-Control Study.","authors":"Azita Ghanbarpour, Hossein Soltani, Zahra Geraili, Seyyedeh Mahboubeh Mirtabar, Hajar Adib-Rad, Mahbobeh Faramarzi","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2047264.1790","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2047264.1790","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>High-risk pregnancies, due to the need for special care and medical risks, can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression in the spouses of pregnant women. This study aimed to compare symptoms of depression and anxiety in the spouses of women with high-risk and low-risk pregnancies.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This case-control study was conducted using a case-control design. The study population included the spouses of women with high-risk and low-risk pregnancies who entered in the Babol Pregnancy Mental Health Registry. A purposeful sampling method was used, with 160 participants (80 in each group) selected for the study. Two groups were matched for age, education, job, and history of having psychiatric disorders. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Brief Symptom Index (BSI-18), and data analysis was performed using independent t tests and multivariate logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The frequency of depression (66.3 vs. 51.2%), anxiety (65.0 vs. 33.8%), and psychological distress (48.8 vs. 31.3%) was significantly higher in the spouses of women with high-risk pregnancies compared to those with low-risk pregnancies. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the factors of high-risk pregnancy (B=0.195, 95% confidence interval (Cl)=[0.300-3.142], P=0.018) and a history of previous high-risk pregnancies (B=0.214, 95% Cl=[0.559-4.107], P=0.010) were significant predictors of depression in the spouses of women with high-risk pregnancies. Additionally, educational level (B=-0.185, 95% Cl=[0.258-3.278], P=0.022) and high-risk pregnancy status (B=0.293, 95% Cl=[1.295-4.240], P<0.001) were identified as predictors of anxiety in the spouses.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>High-risk pregnancy may be an important factor in the increased prevalence of depression and anxiety in spouses of pregnant women. These findings emphasize the importance of providing supportive interventions and psychological counseling for spouses alongside pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 2","pages":"147-153"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13080714/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Breastfeeding Challenges and Determinants among Mothers withGestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Soltan Asghari, Nahid Jahani Shoorab, Samira Shahbazzadegan, Talat Khadivzadeh","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2029123.1686","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2029123.1686","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The prevalence of gestational diabetes has increased in parallel with risk factors such as obesity, a family history of diabetes, and advanced maternal age. Studies suggest that gestational diabetes may negatively affect breastfeeding outcomes. This systematic review aimed to investigate the relationship between gestational diabetes and breastfeeding, as well as the contributing factors influencing breastfeeding among affected women.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Articles published up to January 2023, with an update through 2025, were included. A comprehensive search was conducted across databases including Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and others, using relevant keywords such as gestational diabetes, breastfeeding, blood sugar, misconception, cultural factors, and predisposing factors. Quantitative studies were assessed using the STROBE checklist, and qualitative studies were evaluated using the CASP tool. Key challenges identified include delayed onset of lactogenesis, misconceptions regarding diabetes transmission, and insufficient support.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 19 studies (16 quantitative and 3 qualitative) were included. Analysis revealed several trends: ten quantitative studies reported a reduction in exclusive breastfeeding duration; three indicated lower breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge; and three studies identified difficulties in breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Notably, three studies found similar breastfeeding continuation rates between mothers with gestational diabetes and healthy controls. Factors associated with reduced breastfeeding included maternal obesity, cesarean delivery, prematurity, advanced maternal age, racial disparities, insulin treatment, limited knowledge about complementary feeding, misconceptions about exclusive breastfeeding, and concerns over diabetes transmission through breast milk.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Addressing breastfeeding barriers among mothers with gestational diabetes requires targeted education, social support, and attention to professional challenges. Additional barriers included insufficient organizational resources, lack of hospital policies supporting breastfeeding, inadequate post-discharge support, and poor coordination with other healthcare facilities. Strengthening post-discharge support and inter-facility collaboration is essential. Future longitudinal and qualitative research should integrate cultural and psychosocial dimensions into evidence-based practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 2","pages":"96-114"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13080715/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of Borderline and Pathological Sperm Morphology on Pregnancy Outcomes following Intrauterine Insemination in Pregnant Women: A Retrospective Study.","authors":"Roshan Nikbakht, Mahsa Afrough, Mahmoud Hashemitabar, Mojgan Barati, Sareh Amirzadeh, Narges Dibavand, Shokoofe Bazokarjoshaghani, Parvin Dorfeshan","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2042418.1769","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2042418.1769","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The prognostic value of borderline and pathological sperm morphology (SM) in infertility treatment remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the potential impact of SM on clinical pregnancy outcomes following intrauterine insemination (IUI).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This retrospective study reviewed IUI outcomes conducted between July 2012 to January 2017 at an infertility treatment center. Couples who underwent IUI and subsequently achieved a clinical pregnancy were included. Based on semen analysis according to the 6th edition of World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the couples were divided into two groups: borderline (4-13% normal forms) and pathological (<4% normal forms) SM. The study assessed the association between SM and pregnancy outcomes, specifically live birth and spontaneous abortion rates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 111 IUI cycles with confirmed clinical pregnancy were analyzed. Gestational complication rates were 8.3% in the borderline SM group and 17.3% in the pathological SM group, this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.255). However, live birth rates differed significantly between the two groups (borderline: 91.7%, pathological: 69.3%; P=0.009). Overall abortion rates were significantly higher in the Pathological SM group (borderline: 2.8%, pathological: 26.7%; P=0.001). First-trimester abortion rates were 5.6% and 18.7% in the borderline and pathological SM groups, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that for every one-unit increase in the percentage of morphologically normal sperm, the odds of abortion decreased by a factor of 0.6 (P=0.017; OR=0.614; 95% CI: 0.412-0.916).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Pathological SM is associated with a significantly higher risk of first-trimester abortion. Therefore, SM is highlighted as a potential predictor of IUI outcomes following clinical pregnancy. Subsequently, SM should be considered a critical factor in fertility assessments, and alternative treatment strategies may be more appropriate for couples with pathological SM undergoing infertility treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 2","pages":"154-158"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13080705/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Emerging Frontiers in Ovarian Organoids: Bridging Development,Function, and Disease Modeling: A Review.","authors":"Mojdeh Salehnia, Seyed Sajad Moazzeni","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2059423.1866","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2059423.1866","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review highlights recent advances in ovarian organoid research. Ovarian organoids are three-dimensional (3D) structures derived from primary ovarian tissues, cancer cells, or stem cells that replicate key architectural and functional features of native ovarian tissue. Their formation requires both germ cells, such as oocytes and primordial germ cells, and somatic cells, including stromal, thecal, follicular, and epithelial cells. Ovarian organoids are typically characterized through histological, molecular, and functional analyses to confirm their structural and transcriptional resemblance to the native ovary. These organoids contain a heterogeneous population of cell types, reflecting the cellular diversity of ovarian tissue, and exhibit gene expression profiles closely aligned with those of primary ovarian tissues. Organoids derived from both normal and malignant sources hold great potential for a wide range of applications, including basic ovarian biology, cancer research and therapeutics, fertility studies, drug screening, disease and cancer modeling, endocrine function studies, personalized medicine, and pathogen interaction analysis. Despite existing technical and biological challenges, ongoing research and innovations continue to expand the potential of ovarian organoids in reproductive biology and disease management.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 2","pages":"80-95"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13080713/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exercise Training Ameliorates The Tramadol-Induced Toxicity on VEGF/VEGFRs/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway in Testicular Tissue after Tramadol Withdrawal.","authors":"Vahid Saeidifard, Asghar Tofighi, Javad Tolouei Azar, Mazdak Razi","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2051764.1816","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2051764.1816","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The study investigated how exercise training protocols (ETPs) with different intensities can ameliorate the tramadol (TRA)-induced toxicity in the testicular tissue by upregulating VEGF/VEGFRs/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the post-withdrawal period.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this experimental study, thirty-six mature Wistar rats were included in two groups: one being a sedentary control group, and the other receiving TRA treatment (40 mg/kg, daily, ip). After 60 days, six rats from the TRA-received group were excluded (TRA-sole; euthanized after 60 days). The TRA administration was stopped and the rats were further divided into four subgroups: TRA/withdrawal (TRA/W), low (LICT), moderate (MICT), and high (HICT)-intensity continuous exercise training-received groups (n=6/each group). The expression levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), protein Kinase B (AKT), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor 1 (VEGF R1) and 2 (VEGF R2) were assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The expression levels of PI3K, AKT, VEGF, VEGF R1, and VEGF R2 were decreased in the TRA-sole group. No significant alterations were noted in the PI3K, AKT, VEGF, and VEGF R1 expressions after 60 days of withdrawal compared to the TRA-sole rats. However, this situation was reversed and the expression levels of PI3K, AKT, VEGF, VEGF R1, and VEGF R2 increased in the MICT and HICT-received groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>TRA disrupts the PI3K/AKT interaction, and this disruption is not easily reversed shortly after withdrawal. However, ETPs exert positive effects on PI3K/AKT signaling by promoting the expression of VEGF, VEGFR1, and R2. These results highlight the potential of ETPs to ameliorate the adverse effects of TRA on VEGF/VEGF R1, R2/PI3K/AKT signaling, even a short time after withdrawal.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 2","pages":"137-146"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13080709/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689920","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Correlation between <i>miR-let-7b</i> Expression, Sperm Parameters, Oxidative Stress Markers, and Hormonal Levels in Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia Men.","authors":"Leila Shavandi, Fatemeh Jamalloo, Rahil Jannatifar","doi":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2030885.1704","DOIUrl":"10.22074/ijfs.2025.2030885.1704","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>microRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous, single-stranded RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and play a role in various disease states. The let-7 family of miRNAs constitutes an important class of regulators for diverse cellular functions ranging from cell proliferation, differentiation in spermatogenesis. The aim of study review the current state of correlation between miR-let-7b expression and sperm parameters, oxidative stress markers, and hormonal levels in Oligoasthenotratozoospermia (OAT) men.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In the experimental study, RNA was extracted from the spermatozoa of 60 volunteers 30 patients with OAT and 30 controls with normal fertility (NOR). After the separating sperms, the expression level of <i>miR-let-7b</i> was evaluated by real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was measured using TUNEL assay technique. Using World Health Organization (WHO, 2010) criteria, sperm parameters were evaluated. Oxidative stress markers, i.e., total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reactive oxidative stress (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as hormonal profile [luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone] were determined by ELISA kit.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong><i>miR-let-7b</i> level was significantly higher in OAT patients than the control group (P=0.008). Correlation analysis highlighted that sperm parameters (count, motility, morphology, r=-0.863, r=-0.723, r=0.875, respectively, P=0.001), TAC (r=-0.441, P=0.021), and hormonal profile (FSH; r=-0.335, P=0.027, LH; r=-0.246, P=0.034, and Testosterone; r=-0.106, P=0.036) were negatively correlated with <i>miR-let-7b</i> level, but positively correlated with the sperm DNA fragmentation (r=+0.691, P=0.011), ROS (r=0.376, P=0.031), and MDA (r=0.201, P=0.033).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results of this study indicate that miRNA can have a key role in spermatogenesis and might have a diagnostic and prognostic value in men infertility. Changes in <i>miR-let-7b</i> level in OAT patients may be associated with the susceptibility and progression of infertility.</p>","PeriodicalId":14080,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Fertility & Sterility","volume":"20 1","pages":"28-33"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12831596/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146051992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}