The impact of resveratrol on the outcome of the in vitro fertilization: an exploratory randomized placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound present in plants and red wine with many potential health benefits. This compound has various anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties and can improve cellular mitochondrial activity. This trial was designed to evaluate the effect on the outcome of IVF of Resveratrol supplementation in women > 35 years with good ovarian reserve (AMH > 1.2 ng/ml). Women were randomized to receive or placebo or Resveratrol (150 mg per day) for three months preceding the ovarian stimulation (OS). All patients were stimulated with a starting dose of recombinant FSH ranging between 150 and 300 IU according to age and ovarian reserve. GnRH antagonist flexible protocol was adopted for pituitary suppression. Triggering was performed with urinary hCG (10.000 IU).

RESULTS

The study was conducted between January 2019 and December 2022 with aa total of 37 cases and 33 controls were recruited. No statistically significant differences in the number of oocytes retrieved, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were observed between women treated with resveratrol and control group. A statistically significant increase in the follicle output rate (FORT) and follicle-to oocyte index (FOI) was observed in women treated with resveratrol-based nutraceutical (0.92 versus 0.77 [p = 0.02], and 0.77 versus 0.64 [p = 0.006], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary results from this study indicate that pre-treatment with resveratrol may improve ovarian sensitivity to exogenous FSH, which in turn may decrease the risk of hypo-response to OS in advanced reproductive age women.

Toward hyperuniform disordered plasmonic nanostructures for reproducible surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

We report on the self-assembling of clusters of gold-nanoparticles (Au-NPs) directed by the phase separation of poly(styrene)-b-poly(methylmethacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) block-copolymer (BCP) on indium tin oxide coated glass, which induces the onset of vertical lamellar domains. After thermal evaporation of gold on BCP, Au-NPs of 4 nm are selectively included into PS-nanodomains by thermal annealing, and then clustered with large density of hot spots (> 10(4) μm(2)) in a random two-dimensional pattern. The resulting nanostructure exhibits near-hyperuniform long-range correlations. The consequent large degree of homogeneity of this isotropic plasmonic pattern gives rise to a highly reproducible Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) enhancement factor over the centimeter scale (std. dev. ∼ 10% over 0.25 cm(2)). We also discuss the application of a static electric field for modulating the BCP host morphology. The electric field induces an alignment of Au-NP clusters into ordered linear chains, exhibiting a stronger SERS activity, but reduced SERS spatial reproducibility.

A less-invasive approach with orthodontic treatment in Beckwith-Wiedemann patients

The Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a rare genetic disorder, linked to an alteration on the short arm of chromosome 11 that comprises multiple congenital anomalies. Macroglossia is the predominant finding, with subsequent protrusion of dentoalveolar structures, which results in a protruding mandible, anterior open bite, abnormally obtuse gonial angle and increased mandibular length. A less-invasive treatment with orthopaedic appliances in a patient with early tongue reduction is presented. This work summarizes the oral signs linked to macroglossia, and highlights the influence of macroglossia on mandibular growth structures. In our opinion, glossotomy could be carried out in the paediatric patient as a preventive measure in that it curbs the tongue's influence on skeletal growth and dramatically reduces the duration and extensiveness of subsequent treatment.

Seminal plasma nitrite/nitrate and intratesticular Doppler flow in fertile and infertile subjects

The objective of the present study was prospectively to evaluate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in modulating intratesticular blood flow and sperm function. A total of 56 males, undergoing assisted reproduction, were divided into three groups according to semen analysis: (i) normozoospermic (n = 16); (ii) oligozoospermic (n = 21); and (iii) azoospermic (n = 19). All the subjects were submitted to hormone analysis [luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), growth hormone, testosterone, androstenedione, insulin], and to ultrasonographic (testicular volume) and Doppler (transmediastinal artery) evaluations. Plasma and seminal plasma nitrite/nitrate concentrations, and plasma insulin-like growth factor-I were assayed. All 56 patients completed the study. In normozoospermic patients, significantly greater testicular volume, lower transmediastinal resistances, and higher seminal plasma nitrite/nitrate concentrations were observed in comparison with both oligo- and azoospermic subjects. Testicular volume was inversely correlated with plasma FSH (r = -0.589; P = 0.005) and pulsatility index of transmediastinal artery (r = -0.402; P = 0.049). Furthermore, the seminal plasma nitrite/nitrate concentrations were inversely correlated with pulsatility index of transmediastinal artery (r = -0.511; P = 0.015). It was concluded that NO is involved in vascular modulation of testicular vessels and ultimately in sperm output.

Rapid palatal expansion in treatment of Class II malocclusions

A technique which combines the use of rapid maxillary expansion and fixed appliance in growing patients, is presented. The treatment in three patients with Class II division 1 malocclusion and different skeletal patterns is described, and relative advantages highlighted.

Ionic bonding, the mechanism of viral uptake by shellfish mucus

An investigation was conducted to determine the processes involved in the contamination of shellfish by viruses. Results of binding-release studies show that the process involves the attachment of viruses to mucus secreted, and then ingested, by shellfish during feeding. Analysis of the mucus-virus bond involved selective degradation of the mucus and use of chemical agents to block carboxyl and sulfate groups on the mucus. Results obtained indicate that the attachment of virus to mucus is primarily ionic and involves the binding of viral particles to sulfate radicals on the mucopolysaccharide moiety of shellfish mucus.

Uptake and elimination of poliovirus by West Coast oysters

Accumulation of poliovirus Lsc-2ab by West Coast oysters was determined by using a stationary seawater system, and depuration was determined by using both stationary and free-flow systems. Results indicate that these shellfish have the same pattern of accumulation and localization of viruses as do East Coast species. However, uptake appeared to occur more rapidly than described for East Coast shellfish. There appeared to be a gradual diffusion of virus from the digestive area into the body. Depuration was found to occur more rapidly and completely under free-flow conditions than in a stationary system.

Effects of irradiation on the survival of virus in West Coast oysters

Gamma irradiation was evaluated as a means of inactivating poliovirus in shucked and whole shellfish. Results indicated that there was a significant survival of virus at all levels of radiation tested.