Amir Mohammad Bagheri, Kimia Monshizadeh, Fatemeh Anbari, Nasrin Ghasemi, Mohammadreza Dehghani
{"title":"Evaluation of frizzled class receptor 3 and miR-378 expression levels in cumulus cells of polycystic ovary syndrome women: A case-control study.","authors":"Amir Mohammad Bagheri, Kimia Monshizadeh, Fatemeh Anbari, Nasrin Ghasemi, Mohammadreza Dehghani","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i3.18777","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i3.18777","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Recent studies suggest that frizzled class receptor 3 (<i>FZD3</i>) and miR-378 play significant roles in PCOS by affecting oocyte maturation.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Considering the importance of <i>FZD3</i> and miR-378 in ovulation, the present study aimed to determine the expression levels of <i>FZD3</i> and <i>miR-378</i> genes in cumulus cells of germinal vesicles and metaphase II oocytes in women with PCOS.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The samples for this case-control study included, randomly selected, 25 women with PCOS who were treated at the Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd, Iran. The diagnosis of PCOS was made based on the criteria defined in the Rotterdam guidelines. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction determined the expression level of <i>FZD3</i> and miR-378.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study showed increased expression of <i>FZD3</i> and miR-378 in cumulus cells of immature oocytes compared to mature oocytes (p <math><mo><</mo></math> 0.0001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>High levels of <i>FZD3</i> and miR-378 in cumulus cells of immature oocytes can inhibit their maturation. <i>FZD3</i>, a component of the WNT signaling pathway, is overexpressed in immature oocytes and may negatively affect the maturation process. Additionally, miR-378 inhibits oocyte development by targeting and repressing essential genes. Currently, various aspects of microRNA function remain unknown. MiR-378 may exert its regulatory role by directly targeting the <i>FZD3</i> gene or by targeting other genes and mediators that interact with <i>FZD3</i> or the protein it encodes. This study may provide a foundation for further investigation of this hypothesis in future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"23 3","pages":"265-274"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12186177/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144496669","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":"Chrysin's protective effect on the expression of <i>protamine</i>, <i>Tsga10</i>, <i>Dazl</i>, and <i>Akap4</i> genes against diazinon toxin in male rats: An experimental study.","authors":"Fatemeh Mojibi, Esmail Fattahi, Seyed Gholam Ali Jorsaraei, Sohrab Kazemi, Maryam Gholamitabar Tabari","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i3.18778","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i3.18778","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Environmental pollution due to pesticides is a major health problem worldwide that causes toxicity. Chrysin (C) is a flavonoid that reduces the adverse effects caused by diazinon (D).</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the protective effects of C on the expression of <i>protamine</i>, testis-specific gene antigen 10 (<i>Tsga10</i>), deleted azoospermia-like gene (<i>Dazl</i>)<i>,</i> and A-Kinase anchoring protein 4 (<i>Akap4</i>) genes in the testicular tissue of rats receiving D.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this experimental study, 42 Wistar rats (7-8 wk, 180-250 gr) were selected. This study was conducted in 2021 at the Pasteur Institute of Iran, Amol Research Center, Amol, Iran. Injections were performed 5 days a week for 4 wk. Random grouping of rats: 1) control: without any injection. 2) Sham: injection of 10% tween 80 solution as D solvent. 3) D: injection at a concentration of 20 mg/kg/BW. 4 and 5) C with low dose (C10 mg/kg/BW) and high dose (C20 mg/kg/BW). 6 and 7) D with low dose of C (D20 mg/kg/BW/ C10 mg/kg/BW) and D with high dose: (D20 mg/kg/BW/ C20 mg/kg/BW). Finally, the testes were examined in terms of histology and gene expression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Histological results showed that D improved spermatogenesis after C intervention by reducing germinal cells, diameter, and lumen area. SPSS results showed that D reduced the expression of <i>Dazl</i> (p <math><mo><</mo></math> 0.0001), <i>Tsga10</i> (p = 0.01)<i>,</i> and <i>protamine</i> (p <math><mo><</mo></math> 0.0001) genes, but increased the expression of <i>Akap4</i> gene (p <math><mo><</mo></math> 0.0001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>D has a negative effect on the expression of meiotic genes in rat testicular tissue, while C greatly reduces the adverse effects caused by D.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"23 3","pages":"275-288"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12186175/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144496667","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":"Evaluation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and antagonist protocols on pregnancy outcomes in POSEIDON groups 3 and 4: A randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Zahra Aminimajomerd, Maryam Eftekhar, Nooshin Hatamizadeh, Shahrzad Moeinaddini","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i3.18775","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i3.18775","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Women with low ovarian reserve are the capable part of people who refer to infertility centers, this study compares 2 treatment protocols in cases with low ovarian reserve.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to compare the efficacy of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist and GnRH-antagonist protocols in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) in POSEIDON groups 3-4 undergoing in assisted reproductive technology (ART).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This randomized clinical trial enrolled 158 infertile women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing ART at the Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd, Iran from January to October 2024. Women were randomly assigned to either a GnRH-antagonist (n = 84) or a long GnRH-agonist (n = 74). Primary outcomes included clinical pregnancy and secondary outcomes were chemical pregnancy, early abortion rate, ongoing pregnancy, and implantation rate.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No significant differences were observed in baseline values between groups. The GnRH-agonist group had a longer stimulation duration (12.23 vs. 10.60 days, p <math><mo><</mo></math> 0.001) and a higher total gonadotropin dose (4588.84 vs. 3225.67 IU, p <math><mo><</mo></math> 0.001) compared to the antagonist group. Clinical pregnancy rates (17.8% vs. 15.8%, p = 0.810) and live birth rates (11.1% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.775) were comparable between the agonist and antagonist groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>According to acquired data, the GnRH-antagonist and long GnRH-agonist protocols resulted in similar ART outcomes. The antagonist protocol was associated with shorter stimulation and lower gonadotropin consumption. As a result, the antagonist protocol was found to be more cost effective. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results and determine the optimal protocol for this woman group.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"23 3","pages":"241-250"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12186172/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144496670","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":"Variation of the encoding hyaluronic receptors Hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (rs299295) and Stabilin-2 (rs2271637) genes with prostate neoplasms risk: A case-control and in silico study.","authors":"Hayder Abdulhadi Saleh Albdairi, Abasalt Hosseinzadeh Colagar","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i3.18776","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i3.18776","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (HMMR) and Stabilin-2 (STAB2), known as extracellular matrix cell surface protein's receptors, bind to hyaluronic acid and lead to various cell functions.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The study aims to investigate the relationship between the <i>HMMR</i>-rs299295 (C <math><mo>></mo></math> T/ A485V) and <i>STAB2</i>-rs2271637 (C <math><mo>></mo></math> G/ L2401V) gene variants and the risk of prostate neoplasms in the Mazandaran population, North of Iran.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This study was conducted based on a case-control and <i>in silico</i> approach. Genomic DNA was extracted from 598 intravenous blood samples, collected from 250 benign prostatic hyperplasia (case group I) and 250 malignant prostate (case group II) neoplasms as cases, and 98 healthy men as control. The <i>HMMR</i>-rs299295 and <i>STAB2</i>-rs2271637 genotypes were identified using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted using PolyPhen-2, GOR IV, and GeneMANIA free web tools.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study found that the mutant T allele in <i>HMMR</i>-rs299295 and the G allele in <i>STAB2</i>-rs2271637 are associated with an increased risk of prostate neoplasm, including benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer (p <math><mo><</mo></math> 0.001). Bioinformatic analyses revealed structural changes and potential damage from these variants. The <i>HMMR</i>-A485V variant might impair interaction with family with sequence similarity 83 member D, and the <i>STAB2</i>-L2401V variant could disrupt domain 7 of FAS1, together they may affect the protein's physical interactions, especially with mitogen-activated protein kinase 1.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The mutant alleles of T in <i>HMMR</i>-rs299295 and the G in <i>STAB2</i>-rs2271637 may disrupt protein structures and probably contribute to prostate neoplasm progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"23 3","pages":"251-264"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12186173/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144496672","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":"Prenatal screening of Down syndrome in assisted reproductive techniques pregnancies: A systematic review.","authors":"Fatemeh Zahra Meamar, Mitra Savabi-Esfahani, Tahmineh Farajkhoda","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i3.18773","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i3.18773","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The interpretation of Down syndrome screening results in assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancies is challenging. Despite the high psychological burden that false positive results impose on parents, studies that have addressed interpretation of both serum and sonographic markers in both rounds of screening for Down syndrome diagnosis in post-ART pregnancies are limited.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This review study investigated the types of serum screening and imaging for prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome in ART pregnancies to know and correctly interpret the results of prenatal screenings in these pregnancies.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this systematic review, an extensive search was conducted in Persian and English in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SID, and Google Scholar without any time limit until January 2024 using appropriate keywords. PRISMA guideline, STROBE, and CONSORT checklists were used.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Review of 30 articles showed in the first screening, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A was significantly lower than normal values compared to spontaneous pregnancies, while free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, especially in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was significantly higher. Some studies also indicated an increase in nuchal translucency in the first trimester of pregnancies resulting from ART. Biochemical markers of second screening, in some studies, showed an increase in inhibin-A, a decrease in α-fetoprotein, and unconjugated estriol were evident compared to normal values.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Marker levels may be different for the presence of ovulation-stimulating hormones, multiple corpora lutea, twins or multiplets, type of IVF, and changes in egg cytoplasm in ICSI. Study suggests concentration of maternal serum markers, especially free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, should be adjusted differently for each ART (IVF and ICSI separately).</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"23 3","pages":"225-240"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12186174/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144496671","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 protective effects of melatonin on testis, sperm parameters quality, and in-vitro fertilization in mice following treatment with aflatoxin B1: An experimental study.","authors":"Maryam Sabahi, Mojtaba Karimipour, Abass Ahmadi, Bagher Pourheydar, Gholamhossein Farjah","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i2.18492","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/ijrm.v23i2.18492","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination of foods and animal feeds is a public health issue. Exposure to AFB1 induces oxidative stress and can cause male reproductive toxicity. Melatonin (MLT) is a neuro-hormone produced by the pineal gland and the testis and is known as a potent antioxidant.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to determine the protective effect of MLT on testicular tissue alterations, sperm parameter indexes, and in vitro fertility assays in mice treated with AFB1.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this experimental study, 28 adult male NMRI mice (8-10 wk old, 25-27 gr) were divided randomly into 4 groups: control, MLT (20 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally), AFB1 (50 <math><mi>μ</mi></math> g/kg/day, intraperitoneally) and MLT+AFB1. After 35 consecutive days, testis histological changes, sperm quality parameters, the rate of sperm with DNA damage, and in vitro fertilization outcomes up to the blastocyst stage were surveyed and compared between groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our results showed that AFB1 administration induced histological alterations in the testis and significantly decreased all the sperm parameters and in vitro fertility (fertilization and blastocyst formation rates) compared to control. Additionally, the percentages of immature sperms and sperms with DNA damage significantly (p <math><mo><</mo></math> 0.001) increased in the AFB1-treated group. MLT treatment in the MLT+AFB1group significantly increased testis quality and sperm parameters and improved in vitro fertilizaton rate and in vitro embryonic development.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings demonstrated that MLT can compensate for the adverse effects of AFB1 on the quality of testicular tissue, sperm parameters, sperm DNA, and in vitro fertilization outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"23 2","pages":"185-198"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12070049/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144078001","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":"Diagnostic potential of cell-free fetal nucleic acids in predicting pregnancy complications: A systematic review and meta-analysis on trisomy, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes.","authors":"Jiut Ram Keshari, Pritam Prakash, Seema Rani Sinha, Prem Prakash, Kirti Rani, Tarique Aziz, Shaily Shilpa","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i2.18476","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/ijrm.v23i2.18476","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Recent studies reveal an association between increased cell-free fetal (cff) nucleic acid in maternal blood and pregnancy challenges like loss, pre-eclampsia, growth restriction, and preterm labor.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This article assesses the role of cff nucleic acids as potential diagnostic markers for the prediction and monitoring progression of severe pregnancy-related complications.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this systematic review and meta-analysis, various databases were searched. Original articles reporting on the role of cff nucleic acids in predicting the complications of pregnancy were included. I square test and funnel plot were used to analyze heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively. The quality of studies was assessed using the critical appraisal checklists for studies created by the Joanna Briggs Institute.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>70 publications were selected for the final qualitative analysis. Articles were published between 2010 and 2023, and most studies were conducted in the USA and China. The majority of studies were conducted on the quantity of cff-DNA (n = 40), and the remaining on microRNA (n = 18), messenger RNA (n = 11), and cell-free RNA (n = 1). The pooled sensitivity of cff nucleic acids for detecting trisomy was found to be 90.9 (95% CI: 80.9-100%). MicroRNA levels were significantly increased in participants with gestational diabetes mellitus, with a standardized mean difference of 1.22 (95% CI: -0.90-3.34).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Fetal nucleic acids can serve as accurate noninvasive diagnostic tools for predicting serious complications during pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"23 2","pages":"111-130"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12070052/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144078013","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":"Endometrial compaction can improve assisted reproductive technology outcomes in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles using hormone replacement therapy: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Shahrzad Moeinaddini, Saeideh Dashti, Zahra Amini Majomerd, Nooshin Hatamizadeh","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i2.18484","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/ijrm.v23i2.18484","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Endometrial compaction (EC) is an ultrasound evaluation method that may predict assisted reproductive technology outcomes.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to assess the impact of EC on assisted reproductive technology outcomes in frozen embryo transfer cycles with hormone replacement therapy.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional study, 100 women who underwent first or second frozen embryo transfer cycle at Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Yazd, Iran from June to October 2024 were included. Endometrial thickness was compared between the day of starting progesterone and embryo transfer day. Then participants were divided into 2 groups, no compaction and compaction group. Biochemical, clinical, and ongoing pregnancy rates (OPR) were assessed between the 2 groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Statistically significant differences were observed in biochemical, clinical, and OPR between the compaction and no compaction groups. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated significantly higher pregnancy rates in EC 10-15% and <math><mo>></mo></math> 15%. We found a significant influence of EC 10-15% (p = 0.02, p = 0.01, p = 0.01), and EC <math><mo>></mo></math> 15% (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, and p = 0.002) on biochemical, clinical, and OPR, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>EC after progesterone administration in hormone replacement therapy-frozen embryo transfer cycles can increase biochemical, clinical, and OPR. The percentage of EC changes also influence the outcomes of these cycles.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"23 2","pages":"141-152"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12070053/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144078029","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":"An investigation of the therapeutic potential of the testicular tissue encapsulated in amnion membrane in mouse model: An experimental study.","authors":"Keykavoos Gholami, Elahe Asheghmadine, Fateme Guitynavard, Leila Zareian Baghdadabad, Diana Taheri, Parisa Zahmatkesh, Leonardo Oliveira Reis, Seyed Mohammad Kazem Aghamir","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i2.18489","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/ijrm.v23i2.18489","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Restoring fertility in male cancer individuals through testicular tissue transplantation faces challenges due to hypoxia-induced loss of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Hydrogel encapsulation was explored to minimize hypoxic damage in testicular tissue transplantation. For this purpose, human amnion membrane (hAM)-derived hydrogel could be an alternative.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The potential of hAM-derived hydrogel to support testis tissue grafts was evaluated.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this experimental study, testicular tissue samples (1-3 mm<sup>3</sup>) were obtained from 16 male NMRI mice (4-5 wk, 22 <math><mo>±</mo></math> 2 gr). These tissue fragments were either encapsulated within a hydrogel derived from a hAM or left unencapsulated (control) prior to being autologously transplanted beneath the dorsal skin of mice subjected to hemilateral or bilateral orchiectomy. The grafted testicular tissues were histologically evaluated for key parameters, including the integrity of seminiferous tubules, survival of SSCs, Sertoli cell functionality, as well as hypoxia and apoptosis on day 21.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No significant differences were observed between groups regarding ST integrity, number of SSCs, Sertoli cell functionality, or the rate of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha and apoptosis (p <math><mo>≤</mo></math> 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, this study demonstrated no effect of hAM hydrogel encapsulation on the outcomes of testicular tissue transplantation.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"23 2","pages":"171-184"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12070051/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144077937","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}