{"title":"Magnetic graphene oxide increases the biocompatibility and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 antioxidant of human cumulus cells: A lab-trial study.","authors":"Fahimeh Kabiri, Tahereh Foroutan, Maryam Pashaiasl","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v22i9.17475","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/ijrm.v22i9.17475","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although assisted reproductive technology has been improved, the success rate is only 30%. Since the interaction between oocytes and cumulus cells (CCs) is necessary for the formation of a fertile oocyte, increasing the survival rate of CCs can improve the function of oocytes in infertile women.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the effects of magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) nanocomposite on the biocompatibility and antioxidant activity of human CCs.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this lab-trial study, from July 2021-2023 human CCs were collected from 37 women aged 20-37 yr and cultured in a medium containing Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's/F12, fetal bovine serum (10%), and penicillin-streptomycin (1%). Then CCs were treated with increasing concentrations of nano-MGO for 24, 48, and 72 hr (3[4, 5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and flow cytometry technique were used to compare the survival rate and apoptosis of CCs before and after treatment. Western blot test was used for expressing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant in 2 groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results of the present study showed that treatment with MGO increased the viability of CCs at a concentration of 50 µg/ml after 48 hr (p <math><mo>></mo></math> 0.01). At higher doses (100 µg/ml) MGO decreased the survival rate of CCs (p <math><mo>></mo></math> 0.05). Also, treatment with MGO at a concentration of 50 µg/ml increased the expression level of antioxidant protein Nrf2 in human CCs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our results highlight the use of MGO in a new strategy that improves CCs viability and secretion of antioxidant protein Nrf2, thereby potentially increasing in vitro fertilization outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"22 9","pages":"709-716"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11602735/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142768764","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":"Effect of online problem-solving counseling on the sexual anxiety and intimacy of women with recurrent pregnancy loss: A clinical trial.","authors":"Shahla Mohammadkhani, Nasrin Ghasemi, Tayebeh Mokhtari Sorkhani, Mahshid Bokaie","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v22i9.17476","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/ijrm.v22i9.17476","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) creates complex reproductive conditions among women. Problem-solving therapy is one of the sexual health approaches.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study was designed to investigate the effect of online problem-solving counseling on the sexual anxiety and intimacy of women with RPL.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A randomized clinical trial was conducted at Abortion Research Center in Yazd, Iran between March and August 2023. A total of 70 women with RPL were assigned into 2 groups, that is, intervention and control using random allocation software (n = 35/each). The intervention group received 8 sessions of sexual counseling on problem solving. The control group received an educational pamphlet. The primary outcome was sexual anxiety, and the secondary outcome was sexual intimacy. The data were collected using questionnaires based on sexual anxiety and intimacy. The questionnaires were completed before, after, and 1 month after the study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 70 participants were included in the final analysis. The mean score of sexual anxiety in the 8 <math> <msup><mrow><mi> </mi></mrow> <mtext>th</mtext></msup> </math> and 12 <math> <msup><mrow><mi> </mi></mrow> <mtext>th</mtext></msup> </math> wk was significantly less in the online group than in control group (p <math><mo><</mo></math> 0.001). The mean score of sexual intimacy in the 8 <math> <msup><mrow><mi> </mi></mrow> <mtext>th</mtext></msup> </math> and 12 <math> <msup><mrow><mi> </mi></mrow> <mtext>th</mtext></msup> </math> wk was significantly higher in the online group than in control group (p <math><mo><</mo></math> 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Problem-solving-based sexual health counseling programs may improve sexual anxiety and intimacy in women with RPL. It is recommended to use a sexual health counseling method in RPL centers when considering the effectiveness of this type of training.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"22 9","pages":"717-726"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11602740/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142768762","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}
Nazanin Farshchian, Parisa Bahrami Kamangar, Mohammad Reza Ghasempour
{"title":"Carotid artery intima-media thickness in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Nazanin Farshchian, Parisa Bahrami Kamangar, Mohammad Reza Ghasempour","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v22i9.17480","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/ijrm.v22i9.17480","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is an acceptable marker in assessing the risk of heart disease.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the CIMT in PCOS women compared to non-PCOS women.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted on 48 women who referred to Imam Reza hospital, Kermanshah, Iran from July 2020-2021. Women were divided into 2 groups of PCOS and non-PCOS women (n = 24/each). The intima-media thickness of participants' carotid artery was measured on both sides in 3 areas, and its mean was recorded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean thickness of the carotid artery intima-media in the case group was within the normal range; but it was significantly higher than the control group (0.71 <math><mo>±</mo></math> 0.17 vs. 0.57 <math><mo>±</mo></math> 0.09 mm, p = 0.019).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Considering the higher thickness of CIMT in women with PCOS, it can be concluded that PCOS increases the risk of heart diseases in women.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"22 9","pages":"749-754"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11602738/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142768758","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}
Zahra Ahmadnia, Fateme Montazeri, Saeideh Dashti, Mohammad Hasan Sheikhha, Marzieh Lotfi
{"title":"Expression of steroidogenesis pathway genes in cumulus cells from women with diminished ovarian reserve after gonadotropin administration: A case-control study.","authors":"Zahra Ahmadnia, Fateme Montazeri, Saeideh Dashti, Mohammad Hasan Sheikhha, Marzieh Lotfi","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v22i9.17474","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/ijrm.v22i9.17474","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) respond differently to gonadotropin medications.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study investigates the relationship between effective gene expression in the steroidogenesis pathway and gonadotropin responsiveness in DOR.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this case-control study<i>,</i> cumulus cells were obtained from women with DOR after gonadotropin administration (n = 20) and normal ovarian reserve (n = 20). They were divided into the following groups, oocyte number <math><mo><</mo></math> 3 and oocyte number <math><mo>></mo></math> 3. After RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to assess the expression levels of cytochrome P450 aromatase (<i>CYP19A1</i>), protein kinase A(<i>PKA</i>)<i>,</i> and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (<i>GSK3B</i>)genes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The women with DOR had statistically significant lower expression of <i>CYP19A1</i> and <i>PKA</i> genes in their cumulus cells compared to control group (p = 0.04, and p <math><mo><</mo></math> 0.001, respectively). There was also lower expression of the <i>GSK3B</i> gene in DOR compared to control group, but it was not significant. Although the expression of the <i>CYP19A1</i>, <i>PKA</i>, and <i>GSK3B</i> genes was lower in women with <math><mo><</mo></math> 3 oocytes compared to women with more oocytes, this difference was not statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, DOR may be associated with lower expression of <i>CYP19A1</i> and <i>PKA</i> genes. Also, considering the decrease in the expression of these genes in people with DOR, the expression of these genes can be used as a tool to predict the treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"22 9","pages":"701-708"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11602736/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142768763","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":"Correction to \"Role of genetic variations and protein expression of β-Microsemino protein in intrauterine insemination outcome of unexplained infertile men: A case-control study\" [Int J Reprod BioMed 2024; 22: 481-494].","authors":"Elham Bagherian, Sahar Jokari, Parnaz Borjian Boroujeni, Kaveh Haratian, Marjan Sabbaghian, Anahita Mohseni Meybodi","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v22i8.17185","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18502/ijrm.v22i8.17185","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v22i6.16799.].</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"22 8","pages":"682"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11528294/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142570961","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}
Azam Yazdanian, Marzieh Lotfi, Fateme Montazeri, Saeideh Dashti, Mohammad Hasan Sheikhha
{"title":"The possible regulatory role of miR-4463 and its target gene <i>CYP19A1</i> on the ovarian response in the women with diminished ovarian reserve: A case-control study.","authors":"Azam Yazdanian, Marzieh Lotfi, Fateme Montazeri, Saeideh Dashti, Mohammad Hasan Sheikhha","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v22i8.17237","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v22i8.17237","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a condition that affects fertility by reducing the reproductive potential of the ovary. The altered expression profile of cumulus cells (CCs) can negatively affect the quality and quantity of oocytes in the ovaries. Recent studies suggest that circulating miRNAs play a significant role in the ovary function, and their serum expression changes can be valuable biomarkers for predicting ovarian function.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Investigating the expression levels of circulating miRNA-4463 and its target cytochrome P450 19A1 gene (<i>CYP19A1</i>) in DOR-CCs in order to find a molecular pathway involved in DOR.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this case-control study, a total of 20 DOR-women and 20 women with normal ovarian reservation aged between 20-34 yr referred to Yazd Reproductive Science Institute, Yazd, Iran were included in the study. Serum and CCs were collected, and real time-polymerase chain reaction was performed to investigate the expression level of miR-4463<i>,</i> and its target gene <i>CYP19A1</i>.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our results showed an inverse relationship between miR-4463 and <i>CYP19A1</i> expression levels. Therefore, the increase in the expression of miR-4463 was significantly evident in DOR-women compared to the control group (p = 0.0019), while the expression of its target gene, <i>CYP19A1,</i> has significantly decreased in these women (p = 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The present study suggests that miR-4463 and <i>CYP19A1</i> pathways could regulate ovary function. Therefore, examination of this miRNA could be a promising parameter for predicting ovarian reserve and their response to stimulation protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"22 8","pages":"639-650"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11528295/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142568376","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":"Unexpected early pregnancy during myomectomy followed by successful term delivery: A case report.","authors":"Nasrin Saharkhiz, Mitra Nemati, Nazanin Hajizadeh, Hajar Abbasi","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v22i8.17242","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v22i8.17242","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Leiomyoma, also known as uterine fibroid, is a non-malignant tumor originating from the uterus's smooth muscles. It is the most common benign tumor in the female genital tract, exhibiting varying size and form that can distort the uterus's shape. Uterine fibroids affect 2.7-10.7% of pregnant women and can lead to increased risks during pregnancy, such as miscarriage, placental abruption, preterm labor, and fetal malpresentation. Myomectomy is a surgical intervention for uterine fibroids, but it has drawbacks, including hemorrhage, fever, infection, ureter ligation, adhesive disorders, and unplanned hysterectomy.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>In this case report, we present a 32-yr-old woman with a large leiomyoma who underwent laparotomy myomectomy due to abdominal pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. 4 wk after the myomectomy, she was referred to the Obstetric Clinic of Ayatollah Taleghani hospital, Tehran, Iran complaining of delayed menstruation. Her beta-human chorionic gonadotropin test was positive. Ultrasound revealed a fetus with an estimated gestational age of 6 wk and 4 days. The pregnancy continued with no complications. At 38 wk of gestation, she underwent a cesarean section and delivered a healthy newborn.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case report supports previous publications that have demonstrated the safety of myomectomy during pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"22 8","pages":"673-678"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11528293/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142568379","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 association among cancer-antigen-125 and pre-eclampsia and estimated fetal weight: A case-control study.","authors":"Hamideh Gholami, Lida Garrosi, Shabnam Tofighi, Zahra Ghadimi","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v22i8.17238","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v22i8.17238","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although an optimal screening model is still under investigation, pre-eclampsia is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity. The association between cancer-antigen-125 (CA-125) and pre-eclampsia has been discussed in several studies recently.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>We aimed to determine the association between CA-125 and preeclampsia and estimated fetal weight.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This case-control study was performed on 30 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia who were homogenized in terms of age, body mass index, and gestational age with 30 normal pregnant women. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling. The level of CA-125 in blood at the time of termination of pregnancy was measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The urine sample was used to check proteinuria. Blood pressure and pregnancy outcomes were assessed and recorded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean serum CA-125 level in study group was considerably higher than control group (p <math><mo><</mo></math> 0.001). Elevating the level of CA-125 has increased the likelihood of pre-eclampsia by 1.5 times. A significant direct correlation was obtained between CA-125 level and the amount of urinary protein (r = 0.605, p <math><mo><</mo></math> 0.001). Also, a significant but negative correlation was obtained between the CA-125 level and the estimated weight of the fetus (r = -0.593, p <math><mo><</mo></math> 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Increasing the serum level of CA-125 with high sensitivity and specificity is significantly associated with the occurrence of pre-eclampsia and estimated fetal weight.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"22 8","pages":"651-660"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11528289/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142568368","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}
Majid Almasi, Golnaz Shafiei, Hossein Nikzad, Mohammad Karimian, Ghazaleh Moshkdanian
{"title":"The effect of L-carnitine in reactive oxygen species reduction and apoptotic gene expression in mice after cyclophosphamide: An experimental study.","authors":"Majid Almasi, Golnaz Shafiei, Hossein Nikzad, Mohammad Karimian, Ghazaleh Moshkdanian","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v22i8.17262","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v22i8.17262","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cyclophosphamide (CP), a utilized anticancer drug, is known to cause infertility in women. However, L-carnitine (LC), an antioxidant, has been shown to offer protective benefits against infertility.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptotic gene expression in mice treated with CP and LC.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>24 NMRI female mice (6-8 wk, 30 <math><mo>±</mo></math> 5 gr) were divided into 4 groups: control group: received normal saline intraperitoneal (IP) injection for 10 days; CP group: received 75 mg/kg of CP as a single IP on the 10 <math> <msup><mrow><mi> </mi></mrow> <mtext>th</mtext></msup> </math> day of the experiment; LC group: received 200 mg/kg of LC IP for 10 days; LC+CP group: received LC for 10 days and CP single IP injection on the 10 <math> <msup><mrow><mi> </mi></mrow> <mtext>th</mtext></msup> </math> day of the experiment. After 10 days, mice were superovulated. The oviducts were then removed, and the oocytes of each group were collected for evaluating apoptotic gene expression B-cell lymphoma 2(<i>Bcl2</i>), <i>Bcl2</i>-associated X(<i>Bax</i>), and <i>Caspase3</i> via real-time polymerase chain reaction and intracellular ROS levels by dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate fluorescence staining.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data revealed that LC in the LC+CP group significantly increased <i>Bcl2</i> gene expression (p = 0.01), and decreased <i>Bax</i> and <i>Caspase3</i> gene expression compared to the CP group (p = 0.03, p = 0.04). LC decreased the ROS level in the LC+CP group compared to the CP group (p <math><mo><</mo></math> 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings suggest that LC can scavenge the ROS caused by CP and modulate the apoptotic pathway via downregulating the <i>Bax</i> and <i>Caspase3</i> genes and upregulating the <i>Bcl2</i> gene in oocytes of mice exposed to CP.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"22 8","pages":"661-672"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11528291/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142568373","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}