O-137 Evaluation of the effect of seminal plasma exosomes from unexplained infertile men on the expression of implantation-related genes

Study question

Do exosomes from seminal plasma of men with unexplained infertility affect endometrial receptivity?

Summary answer

Seminal plasma exosomes from unexplained infertile men alter the expression of genes and signaling pathways related to endometrial receptivity.

What is known already

Unexplained infertile Men are a challenging group with no obvious cause of infertility. Many Complicated mechanisms play a crucial role in preparing the receptive endometrium for embryo implantation. The exosomes of seminal plasma are a heterogeneous cargo of nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids that participate in sperm maturation and function by binding to sperm. It is now apparent that the seminal plasma and its exosomes play a complex role in controlling the female reproductive system. There is no study investigating the effect of Unexplained seminal plasma exosomes on endometrial receptivity.

Study design, size, duration

Samples were collected from 10 men with normal semen parameters from couples undergoing infertility treatment and from 10 donor men with proven fertility and analyzed according to WHO -2010 criteria. Endometrial biopsy tissue was collected from 6 women in the proliferative phase of a natural menstrual cycle. Endometrial epithelial cells were cultured immediately after tissue processing and treated with 100 μg/ml seminal exosomes for (6 and 24 hours); then analyzed for gene expression.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Exosomes isolated by an ultracentrifuge and characterized size and ultrastructure with dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Western blot analysis showed the presence of the exosome markers. After incubation of exosomes with DiI dye, cytoplasmic localization of exosomes detected by fluorescence microscopy. The endometrial receptivity and signaling pathway genes were analyzed by qRT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Image J and Prism software were used to quantify and analyze the data. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Main results and the role of chance

Compared with the embryo donation group, the mRNA levels of MUC1, LIF, G-CSF, CX3CL1, and VEGF were significantly downregulated in the endometrium treated with unexplained infertile exosomes, especially after 24 hours of treatment. Mean mRNA levels of IL6, IL8, and TGFB genes in the unexplained infertile group changed compared with the embryo donation group but were not significant (p > 0.05). Immunocytochemical analysis showed that  MUC1 and LIFR protein levels were increased in endometrial epithelial cells.

Limitations, reasons for caution

larger sample size and exosomal compositions assessment will be useful to identify the effect of exosomes on the endometrium.

Wider implications of the findings

Alterations in the expression of genes associated with endometrial receptivity by exosomes of the unexplained infertile men compared with embryo donation could be one of the causes of infertility in these individuals. Presumably, the atypical composition of exosomes has a different effect on sperm functions and endometrial genes expression.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

P-056 The reproductive toxicity of alginate coated silver nano-rod on sperm

Study question

What is the toxic effects of Au@Ag core-shell NR on sperm function?

Summary answer

Although sperm count and morphology did not differ significantly, changing the shape and envelope of the silver nanostructure did not reduce its toxicity.

What is known already

Spermatogenesis is a developmental process of germ cell reproduction that depends on hormonal or dynamic interplays between sertoli cells and germ cells. Silver is the most common noble metal used in the synthesis of nanoscale materials, particularly in room sprays, cosmetics, toys, clinical catheters, and wound dressings. The increasing usability of silver nanoparticles (Ag NP) has increased human exposure. Many studies have demonstrated that Ag nanoparticles, depending on their shape, size, and concentration, have cytotoxic effects that reduce cell viability. The toxicity of silver Nano-Rod by deformation and coating with alginate has been studied.

Study design, size, duration

Forty-eight male mice were divided into five groups (two treatments, two shams, and one control). The treated groups received the Ag Nano-Rod at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for fourteen and thirty-five days. The sham groups were treated with identical amounts and days, and the control group received no material. Finally, the cauda epididymis of the animals was removed.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

In the present study, Ag Nano-Rod were characterized by HR-TEM, FT-IR, UV-visible, XRD and ICP-MS. Sperm analysis, including count, motility, viability, and morphology, was studied according to the criteria of WHO. A phase-contrast microscope was used to count the spermatozoa and assess their motility. Viability and morphology were examined by eosin-nigrosin and papanicolaou staining, respectively. TUNEL assay and gene expression for apoptotic and autophagic markers were also performed.

Main results and the role of chance

High magnification images TEM were obtained. According to this, the Ag nanostructure was rod-shaped and the average size of the particles was 50nm. The UV-visible confirms the formation of the synthesized nanosilver (rod shape). The change in nanostructure coating from CTAB to alginate was studied by FTIR analysis, and XRD proved the presence of silver in the composition. The results of sperm analysis showed that there was no significant decrease in sperm count and morphology but the parameters of motility and viability of the nanosilver groups showed a significant decline compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation by the TUNEL assay showed that the nanosilver groups had significantly higher DNA fragmentation and the real-time PCR results also confirmed this. Expression of autophagic and apoptotic markers indicates activation of the apoptosis pathway compared to the autophagy pathway. The expression of LC3 and Beclin-1 (markers that initiate and continue the autophagy) was reduced compared to the sham and control groups. Also, examination of apoptotic pathway genes showed a decrease in Bcl-2 expression and an increase in Bax and caspase-3 expression.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This study requires further research, including protein expression in these two pathways.

Wider implications of the findings

This study investigated the acute (14 days) and chronic (35 days) effects of silver nanorod on reproductive toxicity, which can lead to significant changes in sperm quality. This reduction in quality was observed mainly in the chronic phase and severely affected sperm motility.

Trial registration number

Not Applicable

First-principles and Molecular Dynamics simulation studies of functionalization of Au32 golden fullerene with amino acids

With the growing potential applications of nanoparticles in biomedicine especially the increasing concerns of nanotoxicity of gold nanoparticles, the interaction between protein and nanoparticles is proving to be of fundamental interest for bio-functionalization of materials. The interaction of glycine (Gly) amino acid with Au₃₂ fullerene was first investigated with B3LYP-D3/TZVP model. Several forms of glycine were selected to better understand the trends in binding nature of glycine interacting with the nanocage. We have evaluated various stable configurations of the Gly/Au₃₂ complexes and the calculated adsorption energies and AIM analysis indicate that non-Gly, z-Gly and also tripeptide glycine can form stable bindings with Au₃₂ at aqueous solution via their amino nitrogen (N) and/or carbonyl/carboxyl oxygen (O) active sites. Furthermore, cysteine, tyrosine, histidine and phenylalanine amino acids bound also strongly to the Au₃₂ nanocage. Electronic structures and quantum molecular descriptors calculations also demonstrate the significant changes in the electronic properties of the nanocage due to the attachment of selected amino acids. DFT based MD simulation for the most stable complex demonstrate that Gly/Au₃₂ complex is quite stable at ambient condition. Our first-principles findings offer fundamental insights into the functionalization of Au₃₂ nanocage and envisage its applicability as novel carrier of the drugs.

Evaluation of pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and its association with inflammatory cytokines in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Chronic low-grade inflammation has been suggested as a key contributor of the pathogenesis and development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To investigate the association between oxidative stress status and inflammatory cytokines in follicular fluid of 21 PCOS women compared to 21 women with normal ovarian function who underwent intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection. Concentration of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α was measured using sandwich ELISA. Oxidative stress was examined by measuring total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and thiol groups. PCOS women had an elevated concentration of MDA and TOS compared to controls. Levels of TAC and thiol groups were lower in PCOS compared to controls. PCOS patients had a higher concentration of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α compared to controls. Concentration of IL-10 was lower in PCOS compared to controls. Significant correlations were found between MDA and TOS concentration with TNF-α and between IL-6 and MDA, IL-8 and TAC, IL-10 and TOS levels and also between IL-10 and TAC levels. TAC and thiol groups were negatively correlated with TNF-α. Increased oxidative stress in PCOS is associated with inflammation which is closely linked. Inflammation can induce production of inflammatory cytokines in this syndrome and directly stimulates excess ovarian androgen production.

Ellagic acid ameliorates cuprizone-induced acute CNS inflammation via restriction of microgliosis and down-regulation of CCL2 and CCL3 pro-inflammatory chemokines

Ellagic acid (EA) is a natural phenol antioxidant with various therapeutic activities. However, the efficacy of EA has not been examined in neuro-inflammatory conditions. Microglia making the innate immune system of the central nervous system (CNS) and are imperative cellular mediators of neuro-inflammatory processes. In this study, neuro-protective effects of EA on cuprizone (Cup)-induced acute CNS inflammation evaluated. C57BL/6J mice were fed with chow containing 0.2 % Cup for 3 weeks to induce acute neuro-inflammation predominantly in the corpus callosum (CC). EA was administered at different doses (40 or 80 mg/kg body weight/day/i.p) from the first day of the Cup diet. Microglia activation (microgliosis) and expression of microglia related chemokines during Cup challenge were examined. Results shows that EA significantly decreased the number of activated microglia cells (Iba-1+ cells) and also restricted proliferation of these cell population (Iba-1+/Ki67+ cells) in dose dependent manner. Consequently, concentration of microglial pro-inflammatory chemokines including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (MCP-1/CCL2), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1-alpha/Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (MIP-1-α/CCL3) dramatically reduced in CC after EA treatment. According to this results, we conclude that EA is a suitable therapeutic agent for moderation brain damages in neuro-inflammatory diseases.

Evidence for decreased expression of APPL1 associated with reduced insulin and adiponectin receptors expression in PCOS patients

PURPOSE

To investigate the expression of Adaptor protein containing a PH domain, PTB domain and leucine zipper motif 1 (APPL1), insulin receptor (INSR), adiponectin and adiponectin receptors (adipoR1 and R2) and their possible associations in granulosa cells (GCs) of 22 polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women compared to the 22 non-PCOS controls with normal ovulatory function matched for BMI (body mass index).

METHODS

In this study, 44 infertile women aged 18-40 years undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocol were recruited. After follicular fluid collection, GCs were isolated and then purified with MACS (Micro Beads conjugated to monoclonal anti-human CD45 antibodies). RNA was extracted from GCs and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to assess APPL1 gene expression.

RESULTS

Expression of APPL1, insulin receptor and adiponectin system genes was significantly decreased in PCOS group compared to the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduction of APPL1, insulin receptor and adiponectin system genes in GCs could be involved in the development of PCOS.

NeuroProtective effects of adenosine receptor agonist coadministration with ascorbic acid on CA1 hippocampus in a mouse model of ischemia reperfusion injury

Ischemic brain injury is a leading cause of sever neurological and neurobehavioral deficits and death. The hippocampus plays vital roles in learning and memory processes and it is impaired by ischemic insults. Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion leads to Oxidative stress damage impairing the hippocampus. Here we tested whether ascorbic acid and adenosine receptor played a neuroprotective role in a mouse brain ischemia model induced by common carotid arteries occlusion. Adult male mice were randomly assigned into nine experimental groups. The animals were subjected to ischemia by the ligation of common carotid arteries for 15 min. Drugs were injected intrapritoneally once daily for 7 days. Behavioral tests performed at day 14 and then mice were killed at day 21 and their brains were fixed for microscopic studies and some samples were prepared for western blot analysis. Western blot analysis utilized to evaluate the expression of apoptosis-related proteinsin the hippocampus. Short-term memory was assessed by shuttle-box test. Our findings revealed that administration of vitamin C and N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) significantly attenuated ischemia-induced brain injury. Vitamin C and CPA administration increased the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and decreased the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax in the ischemic mice. Ischemia caused short-term memory loss that was improved by vitamin c and CPA treatment. Our results demonstrate that treatment with vitamin C and adenosine receptor agonist attenuated cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced brain injury as a potential neuroprotective agent.

Laryngeal foreign body aspiration misdiagnosed as asthma: two case reports and a review of the literature

Children who aspirate a foreign body initially present with choking and subsequently present with respiratory syndrome symptoms. However, foreign body aspiration can mimic other illnesses, causing some difficulties in diagnosis. Here we report two cases that were treated with glucocorticoids for several weeks after an initial diagnosis of asthma. When there was no response to treatment, further examination revealed laryngeal foreign body aspiration in both cases. Foreign body aspiration should be considered a differential diagnosis for asthma. The delay in diagnosis could have been avoided by paying more attention to the medical history and by performing a more through initial examination.

Ultrasonographic diagnosis of urinary tract anomalies in neonates: a study among Iranian children

AIM

The incidence of urinary tract anomalies varies in different population and depends on several factors such as underlying etiologies. The goal of this study was to investigate the incidence of abnormal urinary tract ultrasound findings in children with different etiologies.

METHODS

In a case-series study, 100 neonates who were hospitalized in the Children's Hospital Medical Center with the different etiologies such as sepsis, icter, seizure, and respiratory distress were included. In all neonates, ultrasound study was performed by using 3.5-7.5 MHz probe and neonates with the diagnosis of urinary tract infection underwent DMSA scan and voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG).

RESULTS

The mean age of neonates was 10.15+/-7.45 days and 56% of patients were male. The most frequent etiologies led to hospitalization were icter (37%), sepsis (35%), and infectious respiratory distress (10%). Abnormal sonographic findings were found in 5% of patients. The frequency of urinary tract anomalies in neonates with sepsis was higher than non-septic group (14.29% versus 0.0%, P=0.008).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of urinary tract anomalies which detected by sonography in our population is higher than other reported studies and has strong relationship with the occurrence of neonatal sepsis.

Pulmonary complications in primary hypogammaglobulinemia: a survey by high resolution CT scan

BACKGROUND

Primary hypogammaglobulinemia disorders are a group of heterogeneous immunodeficiency syndromes with an increased susceptibility to pulmonary complications.

METHODS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of lung abnormalities in primary hypogammaglobulinaemic patients by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan and pulmonary function test (PFT). HRCT and PFT were performed in 22 Iranian patients with primary hypogammaglobulinemia.

RESULTS

Pathological bronchial findings were observed in thirteen patients: three patients showed only peribronchial thickening and the remaining ten patients suffered from both bronchiectasis and peribronchial wall thickening. Mild type of bronchiectasis and peribronchial wall thickening were the most common type, predominantly observed in the right middle and both right and left lower lobe segments of lungs. Although bullae were not found, emphysema, air-trapping, and collapse/consolidation were observed in two patients. Bronchial involvement was mostly limited to 1 up to 5 bronchopulmonary segments; only one HRCT indicated bronchial involvement in more than nine bronchopulmonary segments. Pathological bronchial findings mostly observed in the proximal bronchi; meanwhile the involvement of the distal bronchi was less common. Decreasing FEVI and FVC were observed in 65% and 55% of patients, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the HRCT score and the predicted values by PFT. The delay of diagnosis in patients with bronchiectasis was significantly higher than those without bronchiectasis.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that the majority of hypogammaglobulinaemic patients suffer from the mild type of bronchiectasis, which is mostly observed in the proximal bronchi of the lower lobe segments. The delay of diagnosis plays an important role in the occurrence of this complication in these patients.

Teratogenic effects of retinoic acid on neurulation in mice embryos

Retinoic acids (RA) are natural chemicals that exert a hormone-like activity and a variety of biological effects on early development of mouse. In this study, the probable teratogenic effects of RA on CNS have been investigated in pregnant mice (n = 20) divided into four groups: (1) untreated controls, (2) controls which received a single dose of DMSO, (3) a group that received 40 mg/kg, and (4) a group that received 60 mg/kg of all-trans RA in DMSO, respectively on the eighth day of gestation. Embryos whose dams had received 40 and 60 mg/kg doses of RA, showed malformations and decreased size. At 40 mg/kg dosage level, 50% of the embryos had closed neural tubes while at 60 mg/kg dosage level the neural tube failed to close. The neuroblast mantle layers were disorganized in the 40 mg/kg and even more in the 60 mg/kg exposed group compared to the controls. In mitosis, the density of chromatin was increased in the 60 mg/kg dose group. Compared to controls the 40 and 60 mg/kg dose groups of RA treated dams decreases in the luminal longitudinal and internal measures were observed. Also the thickness of ventricular, mantle and marginal layers was smaller. Wide intercellular spaces due to the degenerated cells at high doses of RA as well as an accumulation of intercellular fluid were observed. Therefore, the wedge shape of neuroepithelium was abolished, preventing the elevation of the neural wall.

Solubility and complexation behavior of griseofulvin in fatty acid-isooctane mixtures

The influence of complex formation on the solubility behavior of griseofulvin in the straight-chain fatty acids was investigated by using phase solubility analysis in isooctane (2,2,4-trimethylpentane) at 25 degrees C. The apparent molar solubility of the proton acceptor griseofulvin ([A]t) was determined spectrophotometrically in the presence of various total molar concentrations ([D]t) of each of the proton donors (acetic, propanoic, butanoic, hexanoic, and octanoic acids). Increasing [D]t caused a pronounced increase in [A]t according to a biphasic log-log relationship, suggesting the formation of two complexes, ADm and ADn. The data are in close agreement with a simple mathematical model which assumes that two complexes, ADm and ADn, are formed and that [D]t approximately equal to 2[D2], where D2 refers to the fatty acid dimer. Linear regression analysis showed that the data best fit the complexation models with n = 5 or 6 and m = 0, 1, or 2, depending on the fatty acid. Assuming values of the dimerization constants of the fatty acids as reported in the literature, the stability constants of the complexes, Kn and Km, were calculated and found to decrease with increasing chain length of the fatty acids. The proposed model was critically appraised. An alternative model, which takes into full account the fatty acid monomer while assuming that only one complex is formed, leads to unacceptable conclusions.

Extended Hildebrand solubility approach: testosterone and testosterone propionate in binary solvents

Solubilities of testosterone and testosterone propionate in binary solvents composed of the inert solvent, cyclohexane, combined with the active solvents, chloroform, octanol, ethyl oleate, and isopropyl myristate, were investigated with the extended Hildebrand solubility approach. Using multiple linear regression, it was possible to obtain fits of the experimental curves for testosterone and testosterone propionate in the various binary solvents and to express these in the form of regression equations. Certain parameters, mainly K and log alpha 2, were employed to define the regions of self-association, nonspecific solvation, specific solvation, and strong solvation or complexation.

Some solute-solvent complexes involving testosterone and testosterone propionate

Solute-solvent interactions have been studied by observing the influences of carbon tetrachloride, carbon disulphide, ethyl oleate, isopropyl myristate and octanol on the solubilities of testosterone and testosterone propionate in an inert solvent (cyclohexane). Complexation with testosterone was detected, but there was no evidence of complexation between testosterone propionate and these solvents. The solvent-induced infrared shifts were due to non-specific solvent effects. The existence of solute-solvent complexes between the two solutes and chloroform, previously detected by infrared absorption, was confirmed. The solubility technique, which has previously only been used with solid complexing agents, is adaptable to liquid complexing agents, but has limitations.