International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine最新文献

{"title":"Outcomes of microdissection testicular sperm extraction in azoospermic men following chemotherapy: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Mehdi Babaei, Mohammad Ali Sadighi Gilani, Mahdi Ramezani-Binabaj, Hamid Arasteh, Seyed Reza Yahyazadeh","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v24i1.20995","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v24i1.20995","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The use of chemotherapy agents can increase the likelihood of azoospermia in men. Today, the application of micro-dissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) and subsequent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is recommended for sperm retrieval in such affected men.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>We aimed to report our experiences with the success rate of the protocol of micro-TESE in maintaining sperm restoration in men undergoing chemotherapy protocols for different cancers.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional study, data of 33 men who were scheduled for micro-TESE and subsequently ICSI due to non-obstructive azoospermia (following the use of chemotherapy agents because of different types of malignancies) and were referred to Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, Tehran, Iran from 2010-2023 were extracted from their medical records. At the end of the study, we measured the success rate of sperm retrieval using micro-TESE in men with chemotherapy-related non-obstructive azoospermia.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Adequate amounts of spermatozoa were successfully retrieved for cryopreservation and subsequent ICSI in 16 out of 33 cases, resulting in a sperm retrieval rate of 48.5%. None of the baseline parameters, including individuals' age, time and duration of chemotherapy, type of cancer, history of smoking or alcohol use, or baseline hormonal states, might affect the rate of sperm retrieval.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Applying micro-TESE can retrieve sperm exposed to chemotherapy protocols. Also, it can be useful for reducing the likelihood of chemotherapy-related azoospermia.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"24 1","pages":"37-44"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13054295/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147638741","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":"Ivermectin mitigates 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene-induced reproductive toxicity in female wistar rats: An experimental study.","authors":"Ali Jebeli Eshrat Abadi, Fatemeh Zahra Gharib, Seyed Mohammad Hosseini","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v24i1.20993","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v24i1.20993","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) is a pervasive environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that exerts genotoxic and endocrine-disrupting effects in female reproductive tissues, largely through oxidative stress and induction of apoptosis. Ivermectin, a food and drug administration-approved antiparasitic agent, has emerging anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>We evaluated whether Ivermectin could protect the ovarian and uterine tissues against DMBA-induced injury.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this experimental study, 20 female Wistar rats (8 wk, 210 <math><mo>±</mo></math> 5 gr) were divided into 4 groups (n = 5/each): control, Ivermectin (1 mg/kg), DMBA (single 80 mg/kg dose), and DMBA + Ivermectin (same dosage). After 8 wk, sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone, testosterone) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase activity, and total antioxidant capacity) were assayed. Ovarian tissue was analyzed for apoptosis-related gene expression (<i>Bax</i>, <i>Bcl-2</i>, <i>Caspase-3</i>, <i>p53</i>), and uterine and ovarian tissues were evaluated for histopathological changes by hematoxylin and eosin staining.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our findings showed that DMBA induced significant oxidative stress and tissue damage, along with hormone disruption and upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes. In contrast, Ivermectin co-treatment largely reversed these changes, such as reducing the serum malondialdehyde and increasing superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity. Moreover, the hormone level balance significantly shifted toward control values. Histopathological examination showed DMBA-induced ovarian damage and uterine epithelial degeneration, which were attenuated by Ivermectin.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Ivermectin significantly ameliorated DMBA-induced oxidative damage, endocrine disruption, and apoptotic signaling in female rats. These findings suggest Ivermectin's potential for protecting the reproductive tissues from environmental toxin injury.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"24 1","pages":"13-22"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13054294/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147638708","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 effects of different doses of Stanozolol on sperm parameters and testicular histology in male rats: An experimental study.","authors":"Mahmood Neamah Hammood, Hussein Jasim Al-Harbi, Thoalffakar Abbas Alhamed, Hanan Jassim Hammod","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v24i1.20996","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v24i1.20996","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Stanozolol, an anabolic steroid, has potential therapeutic applications but is also linked to numerous adverse health effects.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to assess the effects of different doses of Stanozolol on testicular tissue and sperm quality in rats.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This experimental study was conducted at the Department of Biology, College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Karbala, Karbala, Iraq, between September and November 2022. In this study, 20 male Wistar rats (8-10 wk old, 250-325 gr) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 5/group). The control group was orally gavaged with distilled water. Groups 2, 3, and 4 were administered Stanozolol at doses of 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg by gavage daily. After 60 days, the animals were sacrificed. The testes and epididymis were then removed, weighed, and prepared for histological examination and sperm parameter analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared to the control group, all groups that received Stanozolol showed a statistically significant decrease (p <math><mo><</mo></math> 0.05) in testicular weight, sperm concentration, viability, and motility, alongside an increase in sperm abnormalities. Histopathological findings revealed that the Johnsen score and seminiferous tubule diameters decreased significantly in the 5 mg/kg (p = 0.002) and 15 mg/kg (p = 0.008) groups compared to the control (p <math><mo><</mo></math> 0.05). Additional observations included damage and disorganization of the seminiferous tubules, a deficiency and disarrangement of spermatogenic cells, and degradation and sloughing of the germinal epithelial cells.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The present study concludes that the use of different doses of Stanozolol induces serious adverse effects on reproductive health, particularly on testicular tissue and sperm quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"24 1","pages":"45-58"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13054296/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147638700","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":"Comparative effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes on interleukin-1 beta-induced testicular inflammation in rats: An experimental study.","authors":"Maryam Bilabari, Daryush Mohammadnejad, Reza Rahbarghazi, Hajar Shafaei","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v24i1.20998","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v24i1.20998","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Elevated interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in orchitis triggers immune-mediated inflammation, disrupting spermatogenesis and impairing reproductive function.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study compared adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and their exosomes (EXO) for mitigating inflammation and enhancing repair in IL-1β-induced orchitis.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this experimental study, ASCs were isolated and cultured to passage 3. Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry confirmed ASCs' surface markers; scanning electron microscopy characterized EXO. 32 male Wistar rats (6-7 wk; 250-300 gr) received daily intraperitoneal IL-1β (10 μg/kg) for 6 days to induce testicular inflammation. Rats were assigned to 4 groups: 1) control; 2) IL-1β only; 3) IL-1β + ASCs (1 <math><mo>×</mo></math> 10⁶ cells); and 4) IL-1β + EXO (200 μg). After the treatments, testicular histopathology, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and leukocyte infiltration were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ASCs displayed spindle morphology and positivity for CD44 and CD105. Isolated EXO averaged 82.6 <math><mo>±</mo></math> 28.5 nm in diameter. IL-1β induction caused considerable leukocyte infiltration, Sertoli cells displacement, vascular congestion, and disrupted seminiferous tubule structure. ASC administration yielded partial tissue recovery and reduced degenerative alterations. EXO demonstrated superior efficacy, significantly reducing leukocyte infiltration (p = 0.011) and restoring near-normal testicular structure. Exosome treatment also outperformed ASCs in alleviating epididymitis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both ASCs and exosome therapies reduced IL-1β-induced inflammation in the rat testis and epididymis. EXO demonstrated superior efficacy, highlighting their significant potential for treating inflammation-induced testicular injury.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"24 1","pages":"59-70"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13054297/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147638764","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":"When 105% is too much: Reflections on boundaries and statistical methods in diagnostic test accuracy meta-analytical modeling: A letter to the editor.","authors":"Javier Arredondo Montero","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i12.20719","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i12.20719","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"23 12","pages":"1051-1053"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12926644/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147354968","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":"Determining factors associated with the number of oocytes with appropriate morphology in infertile women: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Zahra Asadollahi, Azadeh Ghaheri, Saiedeh Haji-Maghsoudi, AliAkbar Haghdoost, Mahnaz Ashrafi, Poopak Eftekhari-Yazdi, Yunes Jahani","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i12.20715","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i12.20715","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide. The number of morphologically normal oocytes (MNO) is a key determinant of assisted reproductive technology success. Accurate identification of influencing factors is limited by excess zeros in real-world clinical data.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to identify clinical factors associated with MNO count and to demonstrate the superiority of advanced statistical models, zero-inflated Poisson and semiparametric zero-inflated negative binomial regression, in analyzing high-quality clinical data with a high proportion of zeros.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional study, data of 950 infertile women who referred to the Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran, between January 2012 and December 2013 were extracted from their medical records. Zero-inflated Poisson and semiparametric zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were used to count data with a large number of zeros.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ovarian surgery history (p = 0.045) and ovarian abnormalities (p = 0.041) significantly reduced MNO. Nonlinear inverse associations were observed with advancing age (p = 0.038), elevated luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio (p = 0.044), thyroid-stimulating hormone (p = 0.026), fasting blood sugar (p = 0.049), hirsutism score (p = 0.049), and increasing assisted reproductive technology cycles (p = 0.037). The semiparametric model provided the best fit and revealed complex nonlinear patterns not detectable by linear models.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results of this study enhance our understanding of the clinical and hormonal factors influencing oocyte morphology in infertile women and highlight the importance of applying advanced nonlinear statistical models in reproductive medicine research.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"23 12","pages":"1007-1020"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12926651/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147354942","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 novel homozygous growth differentiation factor 9 variant associated with premature ovarian insufficiency: A case report.","authors":"Behzad Haj Mohammad Hassani, Niloofar Ghasemi, Kianoosh Malekzadeh","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i12.20718","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i12.20718","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a condition marked by reduced ovarian function. The variants in several genes have been identified in association with POI. Growth differentiation factor 9 (<i>GDF9</i>) is one of these genes, which encodes a secreted protein with an essential role in follicular development.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>Our study investigates the cause of early secondary amenorrhea in 2 affected sisters with POI from a consanguineous Iranian family. Exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous <i>GDF9</i> variant (c.275T <math><mo>></mo></math> C; p.Leu92Pro) in the probands. Based on family segregation analysis, the variant was detected in a heterozygous state in the parents of the affected sisters and their grandmother. Notably, neither the mother nor the grandmother showed symptoms of the disease. Bioinformatics analysis and protein structural alteration due to the substitution of leucine with proline also supported the deleterious potential impact of this variant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In summary, our findings highlight the role of <i>GDF9</i> biallelic variants in the etiology of POI and suggest a more cautious interpretation of heterozygous variants in the context of disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"23 12","pages":"1043-1050"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12926645/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147354807","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 intracytoplasmic sperm injection and in vitro fertilization outcomes in double stimulation with conventional protocol in participants with poor ovarian response with minimal injection: An RCT.","authors":"Shahla Farzipour, Ladan Kashani, Mahshad Khodarahmian, Kasra Jafari, Ashraf Moini","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i12.20716","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i12.20716","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In women with poor ovarian response (POR), the quantity and quality of oocytes produced by the ovaries decrease, resulting in poor-quality embryos. Ovarian stimulation, by increasing the number of oocytes and embryos, improves in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to compare intracytoplasmic sperm injection and IVF outcomes in double stimulation (DuoStim) with a conventional protocol in participants with POR and minimal injection.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 90 women with POR referred for IVF treatment at female infertility unit, Arash Women's hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Women were randomly assigned to either the DuoStim group, which underwent ovarian stimulation during both the follicular and luteal phases (n = 45) or the conventional group (n = 45). Finally, the number of recovered metaphase II oocytes and the number of oocytes retrieved were measured.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean number of metaphase II eggs was 5.7 <math><mo>±</mo></math> 3.9 in the DuoStim group and 6.2 <math><mo>±</mo></math> 3.9 in the conventional group (p = 0.53). The mean total number of retrieved eggs in the DuoStim group was 7.2 <math><mo>±</mo></math> 4.5, and in the conventional group, it was 9.7 <math><mo>±</mo></math> 6.04 (p = 0.026). The mean number of embryos obtained in the DuoStim group was 4.5 <math><mo>±</mo></math> 3.9; in the conventional group, it was 4.7 <math><mo>±</mo></math> 2.8 (p = 0.016).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In our study, the number of oocytes retrieved and the duration of ovarian stimulation were lower in the DuoStim group than the conventional group, and we reached the same number of oocytes and high-quality embryos in a shorter time.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"23 12","pages":"1021-1030"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12926649/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147354950","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":"Complex in vitro fertilization laboratory factors affecting sperm DNA integrity: A narrative review.","authors":"Moones Vasiee, Azam Agha-Rahimi","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i12.20710","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i12.20710","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is increasingly recognized as a key biomarker of male fertility, influencing natural conception and assisted reproduction clinical outcomes. Unlike conventional semen parameters, SDF directly reflects chromatin integrity and the sperm's genetic potential. Mechanistically, oxidative stress and abortive apoptosis represent the main pathways leading to DNA damage. Laboratory practice, such as centrifugation, prolonged incubation, cryopreservation, and inappropriate temperature or light exposure can elevate reactive oxygen species and compromise DNA stability. Similarly, materials used in in vitro fertilization laboratories, including gloves, media additives, and storage containers may release toxic compounds that harm sperm DNA. While, certain surgical procedures, such as varicocelectomy, can improve sperm quality, others, including testicular sperm retrieval, pose risks of oxidative injury. This narrative review was conducted through a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for studies published between 2000 and 2025. The keywords related to SDF, oxidative stress, and iatrogenic factors in assisted reproductive technologies were used for English-language studies. They were screened, and data were extracted based on methodological relevance and clinical significance. To mitigate iatrogenic DNA damage, best practices emphasize optimized handling protocols, antioxidant-enriched media, air quality control, and advanced sperm selection methods, such as microfluidics. This review focuses on complex factors and laboratory interventions that may inadvertently increase SDF, highlighting preventive strategies to preserve sperm DNA integrity and improve assisted reproductive technologies outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"23 12","pages":"971-984"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12926647/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147354915","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":"Association of polymorphic loci of the matrix metalloproteinase genes with the development of fetal growth retardation: A case-control study.","authors":"Olesya Efremova, Irina Ponomarenko, Mikhail Churnosov, Olga Efremova","doi":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i12.20711","DOIUrl":"10.18502/ijrm.v23i12.20711","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in successful pregnancy as molecular regulatory factors of the developing organism. Additional studies focusing on MMPs activity and function in fetal growth retardation (FGR) may help in the search for diagnostic markers of this pregnancy complication.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To study the association of <i>MMPs</i> gene polymorphisms with the development of FGR.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This case-control study included 122 pregnant women with FGR and 243 pregnant women with normal birth weight. We studied polymorphic loci of metalloproteinase genes: rs1799750 of <i>MMP-1</i>, rs243865 of <i>MMP-2</i>, rs3025058 of <i>MMP-3</i>, rs11568819 of <i>MMP-7</i>, rs17577 of <i>MMP-9</i>. The polymorphism study was performed by TaqMan probe detection using real-time precipitation reaction. The logistic regression method was used to analyze the association of polymorphisms with FGR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The T allelic variant rs243865 of the <i>MMP-2</i> gene was found to be associated with the development of FGR under allelic (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-2.24, p_perm = 0.016), additive (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.07-2.18, p_perm = 0.015) and dominant (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.03-2.50, p_perm = 0.027) models. The FGR-causative locus rs243865 of <i>MMP-2</i> is located in the enhancer region in the amnion and placenta tissues, affects epigenetic modifications in FGR-significant cell/organ cultures both in the embryo/fetus in the maternal body and in the mother's body, changes deoxyribonucleic acid binding affinity to the myogenic factor transcription, transcriptional activity of <i>RP11-212I21.2</i> gene in arteries.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The T allele rs243865 of the <i>MMP-2</i> gene was found to be a risk factor for the development of FGR.</p>","PeriodicalId":14386,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine","volume":"23 12","pages":"985-994"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12926650/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147354973","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}