Vitamin D and its binding protein in patients with leiomyomas

AIM

This study examined the levels of VitD, VitD binding protein (DBP), and free VitD in leiomyomas patients and their association with the quantity, dimensions, and site of fibroid growths. Additionally, we evaluated the potentiality of employing these factors as a biomarker tool for the diagnosis and assessment of uterine fibroid progression.

METHODS

This study involved the participation of 55 women with leiomyomas and 50 healthy women. We utilized commercial ELISA kits to measure the levels of total VitD and DBP in their serum. Additionally, we calculated the levels of free VitD and the ratio of VitD to DBP. Moreover, we determined the number, size, and location of the leiomyomas in the patients.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the levels of total VitD between the groups. However, patients had significantly lower levels of free VitD and higher levels of DBP compared to the control group. The size of the largest leiomyomas showed a negative relationship with free VitD and a positive relationship with DBP. Receiver operating characteristic analyses, showed that the cut-off value for free VitD was 4.47 pg/mL, with a sensitivity of 75.6% and a specificity of 74.4%. The cut-off value for DBP was 256.2 μg/mL, with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 70.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Free VitD and DBP potentially contribute to the development of leiomyomas and are linked to the size of these tumors. The measurement of serum levels of these factors could serve as additional biomarkers for the diagnosis of leiomyomas.

An update on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in endometrium and ovary related infertilities: clinical and molecular aspects

Administration of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one of the well-recommended strategies for the treatment of endometrium- and ovary-associated infertility. Due to the autologous source of PRP, minimal risks for disease transmission and immunogenic and allergic responses are expected in this method. Despite the extensive use of PRP in medicine, its precise mechanism of action in endometrial and ovarian tissues is still unknown. Nevertheless, the induction of cell proliferation, chemotaxis, regeneration, extracellular matrix synthesis, remodeling, angiogenesis, and epithelialization are the main pathways for PRP to affect female reproductive organs. Given the promising results of previous studies, it is necessary to standardize PRP preparation protocols for different therapeutic purposes and also clearly determine appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria for recruiting patients. In the current review, we presented a summary of studies on PRP therapy for endometrium- and ovary-associated infertility with a focus on the possible mechanisms by which PRP enhances endometrial receptivity and regenerates ovarian function.Abbreviations: PRP: platelet-rich plasma; ART: assisted reproductive technology; POF: premature ovarian failure; TGF: transforming growth factors; PDGF: platelet-derived growth factors; IGF-I: insulin-like growth factor-1; HGF: hepatocyte growth factor; EGF: epidermal growth factor; FGF: fibroblast growth factor; VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor; ADP: adenosine diphosphate, ATP: adenosine triphosphate; PDGF: platelet-derived growth factor; COX2: cyclooxygenase-2; TP53: tumor protein 53; ER-α: estrogen receptors alpha; ER-β: estrogen receptors beta; PR: progesterone receptor; RIF: recurrent implantation failure; G-CSF: granulocyte colony-stimulating factor; iNOS: inducible nitric oxide synthase; NF-kβ: nuclear factor kappa beta; MMPs: matrix metalloproteinases; Col1a1: collagen type I alpha 1; IL: interleukin; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; AMH: anti-Mullerian hormone; GDF-9: growth differentiation factor 9.

Cytokines in embryonic secretome as potential markers for embryo selection

Despite performing certain morphological assessments for selecting the best embryo for transfer, the results have not been satisfactory. Given the global tendency for performing quick and noninvasive tests for embryo selection, great efforts have been made to discover the predictive biomarkers of embryo implantation potential. In recent years, many factors have been detected in embryo culture media as a major source of embryo secretions. Previous studies have evaluated cytokines, miRNAs, extracellular vesicles, and other factors such as leukemia inhibitory factor, colony-stimulating factor, reactive oxygen species, soluble human leukocyte antigen G, amino acids, and apolipoproteins in these media. Given the key role of cytokines in embryo implantation, these factors can be considered promising molecules for predicting the implantation success of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The present study was conducted to review embryo-secreted molecules as potential biomarkers for embryo selection in ART.

Tacrolimus Improves the Implantation Rate in Patients with Elevated Th1/2 Helper Cell Ratio and Repeated Implantation Failure (RIF)

Introduction An abnormal endometrial immune response is involved in the pathogenesis of repeated implantation failure (RIF), so we investigated the effectiveness of tacrolimus treatment on the endometrium of RIF patients.

Materials and Methods Ten RIF patients with elevated T-helper 1/T-helper 2 (Th1/Th2) cell ratios were recruited into a clinical study. The expression of p53, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-17, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in the endometrium of patients with and without tacrolimus treatment and the association of these factors with assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes were investigated.

Results Tacrolimus significantly increased the expression of LIF, IL-10, and IL-17 and decreased the expression of IL-4, IFN-γ, and the IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio in RIF patients. Tacrolimus treatment resulted in an implantation rate of 40%, a clinical pregnancy rate of 50%, and a live birth rate of 35% in RIF patients with elevated Th1/Th2 ratios who had previously failed to become pregnant despite at least three transfers of embryos. We also found a significant positive correlation between IL-10 levels and the implantation rate.

Conclusions Our findings suggest that RIF patients with a higher Th1/Th2 ratio could be candidates for tacrolimus therapy and that this immunosuppressive drug could be acting through upregulation of LIF, IL-10, and IL-17.

Dual role of TGF-β in early pregnancy: clues from tumor progression

TGF-β signaling in the endometrium is active during the implantation period and has a pivotal role in regulating endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. During embryo implantation, both apoptosis and proliferation of endometrial cells happen at the same time and it seems TGF-β is the factor that controls both of these processes. As shown in cancer cells, in special conditions this cytokine can have a dual effect and switch the action from apoptosis to proliferation. Owing to the similarity between embryo implantation and cancer development and also unusual pattern of proliferation and remodeling in the uterus, in this review we suggest the existence of such a switching in endometrium during the early pregnancy. Moreover, we address some potential mechanisms that could regulate the switching. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating TGF-β action and signaling during the implantation period could pave the way for introducing novel therapeutic strategies in order to solve implantation-associated issues such as repeated implantation failure.

Effects of bacteria on male fertility: Spermatogenesis and sperm function

Bacterial infection can negatively affect different parts of the male genital tract and subsequently cause impaired spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, most of the previous studies have focused on the infected organs of the male genital tract and there are not many studies that investigated the direct effect of bacteria on sperm and their mechanism of action. Interestingly, bacteria can induce different damages on sperm cells such as DNA fragmentation, cell membrane peroxidation, and acrosome impairment. Such negative effects can be mediated by bacteria-secreted toxins and metabolites or by direct attachment of bacteria on the sperm cells and subsequent activation of signaling pathways related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. These bacteria-induced changes can impair semen parameters and subsequently cause infertility. Given the significant destructive effect of some bacteria on sperm function and male fertility, in this study, we reviewed the impact of male urogenital bacteria on spermatogenesis and sperm functions as well as the underlying mechanisms by which the bacteria can damage sperm.

Promoter methylation and expression pattern of DLX3, ATF4, and FRA1 genes during osteoblastic differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Introduction: Nowadays, mesenchymal stem cells are touted as suitable cell supply for the restoration of injured bone tissue. The existence of osteogenic differentiation makes these cells capable of replenishing damaged cells in the least possible time. It has been shown that epigenetic modifications, especially DNA methylation, contribute to the regulation of various transcription factors during phenotype acquisition. Hence, we concentrated on the correlation between the promoter methylation and the expression of genes DLX3, ATF4 , and FRA1 during osteoblastic differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro after 21 days.

Methods: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were cultured in osteogenesis differentiation medium supplemented with 0.1 µM dexamethasone, 10 mM β-glycerol phosphate, and 50 µM ascorbate-2-phosphate for 21 days. RNA and DNA extraction was done on days 0, 7, 14, and 21. Promoter methylation and expression levels of genes DLX3 , ATF4 , and FRA1 were analyzed by methylation-specific quantitative PCR and real-time PCR assays, respectively.

Results: We found an upward expression trend with the increasing time for genes DLX3, ATF4, and FRA1 in stem cells committed to osteoblast-like lineage compared to the control group (P <0.05). On the contrary, methylation-specific quantitative PCR displayed decreased methylation rates of DLX3 and ATF4 genes, but not FRA1 , over time compared to the non-treated control cells (P <0.05). Bright-field images exhibited red-colored calcified deposits around Alizarin Red S-stained cells after 21 days compared to the control group. Statistical analysis showed a strong correlation between the transcription of genes DLX3 and ATF4 and methylation rate (P <0.05).

Conclusion: In particular, osteoblastic differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells enhances DLX3 and ATF4 transcriptions by reducing methylation rate for 21 days.

Endothelins and their receptors in embryo implantation

As a critical stage of pregnancy, the implantation of blastocysts into the endometrium is a progressive, excessively regulated local tissue remodeling step involving a complex sequence of genetic and cellular interplay executed within an optimal time frame. For better understanding the causes of infertility and, more importantly, for developing powerful strategies for successful implantations and combating infertility, an increasing number of recent studies have been focused on the identification and study of newly described substances in the reproductive tree. The endothelins (ET), a 21-aminoacidic family of genes, have been reported to be responsible for the contraction of vascular and nonvascular smooth muscles, including the smooth muscles of the uterus. Therefore, this review aims to comprehensively discuss the physiological role of endothelins and signaling through their receptors, as well as their probable involvement in the implantation process.

Messenger RNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor α and its receptors in human follicular granulosa cells

To evaluate the concentration of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and its soluble receptors (sTNFR I and II) in serum and follicular fluid (FF) at the time of oocyte retrieval and to detect expression of TNF-α and its receptors by luteinized granulosa cells (GCs). In a cross-sectional study and through an in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) program, 81 women undergoing oocyte retrieval were recruited. Serum and FF were obtained from 81 women. GCs were pooled from 20 patients (from six different days of oocyte retrievals, 5-16 follicles per patient). TNF-α and its soluble receptors concentration were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and also their expression by immune cytochemistry and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. The median TNF-α concentration in serum was 4.06 pg/ml (interquartile range [IQR], 3.71-6.14) and significantly higher than that in FF with 3.50 pg/ml (IQR, 3.05-5.01), p < 0.001. The sTNFR I and II levels in serum were lower and higher than FF, respectively. The TNF-α levels in serum and FF of good responders were higher than low responders (p = 0.017 and 0.021, respectively). TNF-α cut-off level for low responders versus good responders was 4.174 pg/ml in serum with a pregnancy rate of 25.8% and 40% for below and above of this level, respectively (p = 0.19). For FF, the cut-off value was 3.89 pg/ml. TNF-α and its receptors were expressed by GCs. The presence of TNF-α and its soluble receptors in serum and FF and their expression by GCs suggest an important role for this cytokine in ovarian function.

Mating with seminal vesicle-excised male can affect the uterus phospholipid fatty-acids composition during implantation in an experimental mouse model

PURPOSE

No comprehensive information is available about uterus fatty acid (FA) change during implantation period and possible effects of the seminal vesicle secretion on it.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we evaluated FA composition of uterus phospholipids during the implantation period in intact and seminal vesicle-excised (SVX) mated female mice. Forty NMRI female mice were divided into control (mated with intact male) and seminal vesicle excised (SVX)-mated (mated with SVX-male) groups. The phospholipid fatty acids composition was monitored during the fi rst fi ve days of pregnancy using gas chromatography and also implantation rate was evaluated on fi fth day of pregnancy.

RESULTS

We found that levels of linoleic acid (LNA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) showed a decreasing trend from the fi rst to the third day of pregnancy and then started to increase on the fourth day and peaked on the fi fth day. In contrast, the level of saturated FA (SFA) increased on the second and third day of pregnancy compared to the fi rst (p<0.05) and then decreased on the fourth and fi fth. We also found that the seminal vesicle secretion could affect the levels of LNA, ARA, SFA, and PUFA in uterine phospholipids especially on second and third day. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between ARA level and implantation rate in control but not SVX-mated groups.

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that several uterus FA that have important roles in early pregnancy could be affected by seminal vesicle secretion.

Follicular Fluid Levels of Adrenomedullin 2, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and its Soluble Receptors Are Associated with Ovarian Response During ART Cycles

Introduction Adrenomedullin 2 (ADM2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) affect ovarian function, especially angiogenesis and follicular development. The actions of VEGF can be antagonized by its soluble receptors, soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and soluble VEGF receptor 2 (sVEGFR-2), as they decrease its free form. In the present study, we evaluated the relationship between follicular fluid (FF) levels of AMD2, VEGF and its soluble receptors, and ICSI outcomes.

Materials and Methods ICSI cycle outcomes were evaluated and FF levels of VEGF, sFlt-1, sVEGFR-2 and ADM2 were determined using ELISA kits.

Results FF levels of ADM2, VEGF, and sVEGFR-2 were significantly higher in non-responders compared to other ovarian response groups (p < 0.05). There were significant correlations between ADM2, VEGF and sVEGFR-2 levels as well as VEGF/sFlt-1 and VEGF/sVEGFR-2 ratios (r = 0.586, 0.482, 0.260, and − 0.366, respectively). Based on the ROC curve, the cutoff value for ADM2 as a non-responder predictor was 348.55 (pg/ml) with a sensitivity of 67.7% and a specificity of 94.6%.

Conclusions For the first time we measured FF ADM2 levels to determine the relationship to VEGF and its soluble receptors. We suggest that ADM2 could be a potential predictive marker for non-responders. Although the exact function of ADM2 in ovarian angiogenesis is not yet understood, our study may shed light on the possible role of ADM2 in folliculogenesis and ovulation.

The role of sphingosine 1 phosphate in coronary artery disease and ischemia reperfusion injury

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Atherosclerotic plaques, as a hallmark of CAD, cause chronic narrowing of coronary arteries over time and could also result in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The standard treatments for ameliorating AMI are reperfusion strategies, which paradoxically result in ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury. Sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P), as a potent lysophospholipid, plays an important role in various organs, including immune and cardiovascular systems. In addition, high-density lipoprotein, as a negative predictor of atherosclerosis and CAD, is a major carrier of S1P in blood circulation. S1P mediates its effects through binding to specific G protein-coupled receptors, and its signaling contributes to a variety of responses, including cardiac inflammation, dysfunction, and I/R injury protection. In this review, we will focus on the role of S1P in CAD and I/R injury as a potential therapeutic target.

N1-methylnicotinamide (MNAM) as a guardian of cardiovascular system

Atherosclerosis is identified as the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which could initiate the formation of a blood clot in which its growth to coronary artery can lead to a heart attack. N-methyltransferase (NNMT) is an enzyme that converts the NAM (nicotinamide) to its methylated form, N1-methylnicotinamide (MNAM). Higher levels of MNAM have been reported in cases with coronary artery disease (CAD). Further, MNAM increases endothelial prostacyclin (PGI2) and nitric oxide (NO) and thereby causes vasorelaxation. The vasoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic roles of MNAM have been well documented; however, the exact underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified. Due to potential role of MNAM in the formation of lipid droplets (LDs), it might exert its function in coordination with lipids, and their targets. In this study, we summarized the roles of MNAM in cardiovascular system and highlighted its possible mode of actions.

Wnt Signaling Pathway in Uterus of Normal and Seminal Vesicle Excised Mated Mice during Pre-implantation Window

Introduction

The importance of seminal vesicle secretion and uterine Wnt signaling for uterus preparation and embryo implantation has been described.

Materials and Methods

In this study, we evaluated the gene expression of Wnt ligands (Wnt4 and Wnt5a) and their corresponding receptors (Fzd2 and Fzd6) using qRT-PCR and active β-catenin protein levels using western blotting in the uterine tissue of female mice mated with intact and seminal vesicle-excised (SVX) males during the pre-implantation window. We evaluated the association between these factors and implantation rates and embryo spacing.

Results

mRNA expression of Wnt4 and Wnt5a and active β-catenin protein levels decreased from Day 1 to Day 4, but reached a peak on the fifth day of pregnancy. Fzd2 also reached its highest level on Day 5. Fzd6 expression showed a decreasing trend towards the day of implantation. Lack of seminal vesicle secretion decreased Wnt4 and Wnt5a expression on Days 1 and 5 and β-catenin levels on Day 5. There were almost no significant differences in expression levels of the Fzd2 and Fzd6 receptors between groups. There were positive and negative correlations, respectively, between implantation rates and embryo spacing and Wnt4, Wnt5a and active β-catenin in the control group, but such correlations were not observed in the SVX-mated mice.

Conclusions

Significant changes occurred in the expression of several Wnt signaling members and there was a significant association between Wnt signaling and embryo implantation. Seminal vesicle secretion affects Wnt signaling in mice and consequently also affects murine embryo implantation.

DNA repair mechanisms in response to genotoxicity of warfare agent sulfur mustard

Sulfur mustard (SM) is an alkylating agent that causes severe damages to the skin, eyes, and the respiratory system. DNA alkylation is one of the most critical lesions that could lead to monoadducts and cross-links, as well as DNA strand breaks. In response to these adducts, cells initiate a series of reactions to recruit specific DNA repair pathways. The main DNA repair pathways in human cells, which could be involved in the DNA SM-induced DNA damages, are base excision repair (BER), nucleotide excision repair (NER), homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). There is, thus, a need for a short review to clarify which damage caused by SM is repaired by which repair pathway. Increasing our knowledge about different DNA repair mechanisms following SM exposure would lay the first step for developing new therapeutic agents to treat people exposed to SM. In this review, we describe the major DNA repair pathways, according to the DNA adducts that can be caused by SM.

Potential roles of metalloproteinases of endometrium-derived exosomes in embryo-maternal crosstalk during implantation

During embryo implantation, crosstalk between the endometrial epithelium and the blastocyst, especially the trophoblasts, is a prerequisite for successful implantation. During this crosstalk, various molecular and functional changes occur to promote synchrony between the embryo and the endometrium as well as the uterine cavity microenvironment. In the past few years, growing evidence has shown that endometrium-derived exosomes play pivotal roles in the embryonic-maternal crosstalk during implantation, although the exact mechanism of this crosstalk has yet to be determined. The presence of metalloproteinases has been reported in endometrium-derived exosomes, implying the importance of these enzymes in exosome-based crosstalk. Thus, in this review, we describe the potential roles of the metalloproteinases of endometrium-derived exosomes in promoting embryo attachment and implantation. This study could provide a better understanding of the potential roles of exosomal metalloproteinases in embryo implantation and pave the way for developing novel exosome-based regulatory agents to support early pregnancy.

Induction of immune-related gene expression by seminal exosomes in the porcine endometrium

Seminal plasma (SP) is considered as a vehicle to carry sperm into female reproductive tract, of which functions have not been completely understood. This study aimed to identify the function of seminal exosomes on porcine endometrium. Exosomes were isolated from the sperm-rich fraction of boar semen and were confirmed by the expression of exosome marker HSP70 and size distribution using nano-sight tracking analysis. Porcine endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) were then treated with seminal exosomes, and RNA extracted were subjected to global expression analysis. Transcripts related to "immune response", "inflammatory response" and their associated signaling pathways were up-regulated in EECs treated with seminal exosome, whereas those associated with "steroid biosynthesis", "metabolic pathways" and "T cell differentiation" were down-regulated. The decrease in PMVK, SC5D, INSIG1, HSD17B7, NSDHL, HMGCR, SQLE and FDFT1, and increase in CCL20, TNFSF15, AMCFII, CXCL2 and CXCL8 were also found in the endometrium from the naturally mated pigs. Moreover, changes in exosome-induced CYP24A1, EBP, CCL20, AMCFII and IL1A expression were not regulated by the exosome removed SP. These observations indicated that exosomes present in SP are involved in the immune-related gene regulation in the uterus, which could pave the passage for sperm and possibly fertilized eggs.

Placental growth factor (PlGF) as an angiogenic/inflammatory switcher: lesson from early pregnancy losses

Placental growth factor (PlGF) is an angiogenic factor which belongs to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family. In addition to the angiogenic function of PlGF, in some conditions such as preeclampsia and early pregnancy losses, it can induce inflammatory reactions which could be accompanied with reduced angiogenesis. Hence, it is crucial to investigate inflammatory and angiogenic switching states and understand underlying mechanisms. PlGF is expressed in endometrium, placenta and trophoblast cells and is involved in maturation of uterine NK cells. Up-regulation of PlGF directs VEGF to VEGFR-2 and reinforces angiogenesis. However, when VEGF/VEGFR-2 signaling pathway is impaired, PlGF may shift to severe inflammation and cause tissue damages which could lead to early pregnancy losses. Downregulation of PlGF has also been reported in pregnancy complications. In this review, we discussed the role of PlGF in embryo implantation failure and early pregnancy loss and also possible mechanisms regarding the role of PlGF in angiogenic/inflammatory switching in early pregnancy losses. Furthermore, we summarized the effects of various compounds on PlGF expression and briefly talked about its therapeutic potential that may be an opportunity for prevention of pregnancy loss.

The role of cholesterol-enriched diet and paraoxonase 1 inhibition in atherosclerosis progression

Introduction: Atherosclerosis could be deemed as a chronic, progressive, and inflammatory disease. It has been well-documented that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) can reduce the risk of the atherosclerosis occurrence through exerting some anti-atherogenic mechanisms. In recent years, the strong evidence has suggested that paraoxonase 1 (PON1) may contribute to antioxidant properties of HDL. In the present study, the impact of a diet enriched with cholesterol and also the PON1 inhibition on atheroma formation and lipid profile has been investigated.

Methods: In this study, 24 New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups receiving standard diet, atherogenic diet, and atherogenic diet plus once daily intramuscular injection of nandrolone decanoate as the PON1 inhibitor. Triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were determined and both cholesterol accumulation in aorta and fatty streak formation were evaluated.

Results: The comparison of the results in three groups reveals that cholesterol level in the group received cholesterol-enriched diet plus once daily injection of PON1 inhibitor was higher than the groups received standard diet or atherogenic diet without PON1 inhibitor (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the percentage of atheroma with type-I lesions was equal to 75% compared with the group received atherogenic diet plus nandrolone at 30%. Additionally, the differences in fatty streak formation in aorta, as well as the right and left coronary arteries in three groups given show that the difference between groups receiving atherogenic diet and standard diet was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the difference between groups receiving atherogenic diet plus PON1 inhibitor and standard diet.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that lack of paraoxanase1 or even reduced the activity of this enzyme could accelerate the progression of fatty streak lesions toward advanced atherosclerotic lesions.

Prostaglandin E Pathway in Uterine Tissue During Window of Preimplantation in Female Mice Mated With Intact and Seminal Vesicle-Excised Male

Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) has been introduced as an important factor for embryo implantation. So the present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of seminal fluid (SF) on PGE₂ pathway in uterus tissues of mice during window of preimplantation. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of microsomal PGE synthase (mPGES) and cytosolic PGE synthase (cPGES) as well as protein expression of PGE receptor 2 and 4 (EP2 and EP4) were determined in uterine tissue of control and seminal vesicle-excised (SVX)-mated female mice during days 1 to 5 of pregnancy using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. We found that mRNA expression of mPGES at day 1 and 2 of pregnancy was significantly higher in the control group than the SVX-mated group ( P < .05), but such result was not obtained for cPGES expression. The protein levels of EP2 at day 1 to 4 of pregnancy were significantly higher in the control group compared with the SVX-mated group ( P < .05), also the EP4 levels were significantly different between the control and SVX-mated groups at the first day of pregnancy ( P < .05). Implantation rate was higher in the control group and also there were positive correlations between mPGES and EP2 expressions in the fifth day of pregnancy with implantation rate. Our results demonstrated significant effect of SF on uterine expressions of the evaluated factors, especially mPGES and EP2. Regarding the correlations between levels of these factors and implantation rate, we suggest that possibly one of the important mechanisms of SF in affecting female pregnancy is through mPGES and EP2.

Effects of Different Doses of Metformin on Serum Fatty Acid Composition in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Background: Several studies have shown association of fatty acids with type 2 diabetes (T2D), as well as metformin effects on blood glucose concentrations through affecting lipid metabolism. Objectives: Since the exact therapeutic mechanism of metformin is not clear, in this study we investigated effects of different doses of metformin on serum fatty acids in rats with T2D. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five adult albino male Wistar rats were divided into the following groups: Healthy, untreated T2D, and T2D rats receiving metformin for 4 weeks with doses of 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg/d. Serum insulin and triglyceride (TG) were measured using commercial kits. Serum total lipids were extracted by the Bligh-Dyer method and then compositions of fatty acids were evaluated using gas chromatograph. Results: Monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) levels in T2D rats were lower than those in healthy rats (P < 0.05). We also observed that diabetic rats treated with 100 or 150 mg/kg/d of metformin had higher levels of arachidonic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in comparison with the healthy group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the T2D+Met (150 mg/kg) group showed increased levels of MUFA compared with the T2D group. Such a difference was seen in levels of arachidonic acid between the T2D+Met 100 mg/ kg group and untreated T2D group. In the group treated with high doses of metformin (200 mg/kg/d), levels of palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, and saturated fatty acid (SFA) were higher and levels of oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, MUFA, PUFA, and also SFA/UFA ratio were lower compared with other metformin treated and untreated groups (P < .05). In untreated T2D group, there were positive correlations between glucose levels and linoleic acid and PUFA levels (r = 0.707, P = .049 and r = 0.726, P = .041 respectively). Arachidonic acid levels were positively correlated with glucose levels in T2D rats treated with 100 mg/kg/d of metformin (r = 0.969, P = .031). Conclusions: Our study showed that different doses of metformin could have different effects on serum levels of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, as 200 mg/kg/d of metformin could increase and decrease saturated and unsaturated fatty acids respectively, while lower doses increased unsaturated fatty acids, particularly arachidonic acid.

The Role of G22 A Adenosine Deaminase 1 Gene Polymorphism and the Activities of ADA Isoenzymes in Fertile and Infertile Men

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate frequency distribution of adenosine deaminase 1 (ADA1) G22 A alleles and genotypes in fertile and infertile men.

METHODS

In this study we evaluate frequency distribution of ADA1 G22 A alleles and genotypes in 200 fertile and 200 infertile men. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was used for determining ADA1 G22 A variants. In addition, ADA isoenzymes activities (ADA1 and ADA2) were measured using colorimetric method.

RESULTS

The frequency of GG genotype was significantly higher and GA genotype was lower in infertile males compared with fertile men (P = .048 and P = .045, respectively). However, there was not any noticeable difference in allele distribution between groups (P >.05). Based on logistic regression analysis, the GA genotype has a protective role and can decrease the risk of male infertility 1.7 times (P = .046). There were significantly higher activities of ADAT and its isoenzymes in infertile males compared with fertile men (P <.05). Also, the ADA1 activity with GG genotype was higher than GA carriers in all population (P = .001).

CONCLUSION

Our results revealed that the activity of ADA isoenzymes and distribution of ADA1 G22 A genotypes were different among fertile and infertile men and more likely the GA genotype, which had lower ADA1 activity and was higher in fertile men is a protective factor against infertility.

Correlation between follicular fluid 25-OH vitamin D and assisted reproductive outcomes

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D in complex with its receptor by regulating gene expression, endometrium immune response and stimulation of endometrium decidualization can be involved in implantation. So, it seems that the amount of vitamin D in follicular fluids (FF) may have an association with ART success.

OBJECTIVE

First, we intended to investigate the possible association between levels of follicular fluids 25-OH vitamin D with assisted reproductive outcomes. Second, we examined relationship between 25-OH vitamin D levels with number and quality of oocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prospective study, 80 infertile female candidates for IVF/ICSI were enrolled. Blood samples (on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration) and follicular fluids were taken, and then levels of serum estradiol and follicular fluids 25-OH vitamin D were measured. Also clinical characteristics of patients (duration of infertility, causes of infertility, menstrual status), number and quality of oocytes, number of fertilized oocytes, estradiol levels, and clinical pregnancy were evaluated.

RESULTS

Concentration of FF 25-OH vitamin D in pregnant women was significantly higher than non-pregnant women (p=0.007) but there were no significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI), duration of infertility, menstrual status, number of oocytes, oocytes quality, number of fertilized oocytes, and serum estradiol levels between the two groups. Statistically positive correlation was found between 25-OH vitamin D levels with patient age and implantation rate (r=0.264, p=0.018 and r=0.301, p=0.007 respectively).

CONCLUSION

The obtained results suggest that vitamin D without affecting the number and quality of oocytes can independently improve implantation rate and IVF outcome.