https://www.jri.ir/ "Journal of Reproduction & Infertility" is owned, published, and copyrighted by ©2009 Avicenna Research Institute. No parts of this journal may be reproduced in any form or by any means unless properly referenced or sent a notification letter through www.jri.ir en The Relationship between GSK3ß and ß-catenin Proteins with Apoptotic Events in Normal and Induced Polycystic Ovaries in Rats Introduction: Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role in folliculogenesis of rodent ovaries; however, its involvement in ovarian apoptotic events remains undetermined. With respect to the importance of apoptosis in homeostasis and ovarian biological function, this experimental study was conducted to determine the effects of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling on follicular growth arrest and apoptosis in polycystic ovary (PCO) models of rats. Materials and Methods: The experiments were performed in three independent series and with each set of experiments, 8 rats were allocated to the group, half of them as the controls and the other four as the testosterone propionate (TP)-treated rats for the indicated period of time (1 and 4 weeks). Induction of PCO in immature rats was performed by daily injection of testosterone propionate (TP) dissolved in sesame oil over 1 and 4 weeks in the experimental group but to the control group solvent was injected. At the end of the experiments, the ovaries were fixed and sequential paraffin slices were prepared for immunohistochemical analyses of GSK3ß, ß-catenin and pGSK3ßser9 proteins. Assessment of Sfrp4 expression as an antagonist of Wnt signaling pathway was performed by Western blot test. Analysis of apoptosis was done by TUNEL staining, followed by quantification of apoptotic follicles in the different groups. The data were analyzed by using Mann-Whitney U-test and a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Histological analysis of TP-treated rats showed cystic follicles, absence of corpus luteum and anovulation. GSK3ß expression in apoptotic follicles of PCO-induced and control groups was observed. In addition, co-localization of nuclear ß-catenin and pGSK3ßser9 in 1-week-treated rats was detected. In long-term TP-treated rats, there was an increase in apoptosis and GSK3ß expression and a 5.1 fold increase in Sfrp4 expression in granulosa cells, compared with the control group, which may explain the absence of nuclear ß-catenin in these cells.Conclusion: The results show testosterone propionate injections induces PCO in immature rats. Furthermore, the increased expression of Sfrp4 and GSK3ßin long-term treatment with TP was associated with apoptosis. These results may reveal Wnt signaling inhibition in apoptotic events of rodent ovaries. https://www.jri.ir/article/317 Antioxidant Effects of Selenium on Sperm Parameters and Testicular Structure in Young and Aged Mice Introduction: Selenium, as an antioxidant, is essential for normal testicular function and spermatogenesis. It can reduce free oxidative radicals as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes; therefore, it is expected to increase fertility. This experimental study was conducted to determine the effects of different doses of selenium on sperm parameters and testicular structure of aged and young mice.Materials and Methods: In this study, twenty 10 to 12-month and twenty 2 to 3-month old male mice were randomly divided into three control, sham and experimental groups. The control group received no injection but the sham and the experimental groups received daily intraperitoneal injectins of selenium solvent (Normal saline) and selenium, 0.2 mg/kg (Based on dose/response data), respectively over 5 weeks. Histological examinations as well as sperm analyses were performed on days 21, 28, 35 and 42 following the initiation of injections.Results: Sperm analyses showed improvements especially in terms of normal morphology and viability rates in the experimental group (P<0.05). Decreased sperm counts were evident in the aged mice at histological examination and some vacuoles were observable in the epithelium of seminiferous tubules.Conclusion: The results indicated that administration of 0.2 mg/kg selenium, improves some sperm parameters in the aged mice; thus, it seems that selenium effects are dose-dependent and appropriate amounts of the element can probably improve testicular function and sperm quality in the aged subjects. https://www.jri.ir/article/318 Semen Analysis and In Vitro Fertilization Cycle Outcome in Polyzoospermia Introduction: According to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, men with sperm counts more than 250  106 / ml are referred to as polyzoospermics. Some studies suggest that these individuals might have reduced sperm motility and infertility. Therefore, the aims of this study were to assess macroscopic as well as microscopic parameters of semen samples and outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in men with polyzoospermia.Materials and Methods: Participants of this retrospective study were 121 polyzoospermic men referring to Yazd Infertility Center, from September 2003 to June 2007. The macroscopic and microscopic parameters of semen samples were evaluated regarding the WHO guideline in 94 of the cases (Group I). The remaining 27 cases (Group II) with polyzoospermia underwent IVF or ICSI. The data on the clinical conditions of cases in group II, including sperm parameters, quality and number of ova, quality of the developed embryos, fertility and pregnancy rates were collected.Results: Results of semen analyses in the two groups were within normal ranges according to WHO guidelines. The mean values for sperm progressive motility (Rapid and slow) were 15.05%15.56 and 39.67%15.45 in group I and 16.37%16.51 and 14.92%35.66 in group II, respectively. Out of 234 retrieved oocytes, 144 oocytes were fertilized (61.5%) and 112 embryos were developed (77.7%), which from these only 73 embryos were transferred (65.1%). Out of 27 cases undergoing ICSI, 22 failed to conceive but five succeeded (18.5%). The infertility etiologies were related to female, male and unexplained causes in five, eight and 14 cases respectively. Of the five pregnant cases, three were conceived with sperm morphologies less than 30%.Conclusion: According to the results, men with polyzoospermia have semen parameters within normal ranges. It seems that excessive sperm concentration (Polyzoospermia) has no significant effects on the likelihood of fertilization and pregnancy rates in assisted reproductive technique (ART) cycles. https://www.jri.ir/article/319 Therapeutic Effects of Heparin on Repeated Implantation Failures in IVF Cycles;A Randomized Clinical Trial Introduction: Repeated Implantation Failure (RIF) is the main cause of IVF failure. Antiphospholipid syndrome is one of the causes of RIF and heparin is its treatment of choice. It is not clear yet whether heparin could be effective in women with other autoimmune disorders or other causes of IVF failure. Since IVF is the choice procedure for various causes of infertility, its application for the treatment of repeated implantation failures is of critical importance. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of heparin in women with repeated implantation failures.Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 60 women, with two or more unsuccessful IVF cycles, referring to infertility clinic of Shariati Hospital were randomly selected irrespective of their clinical characteristics from 2006 to 2007. Male factors infertility, anatomic, infectious, endocrine, as well as genetic problems had been ruled out in the participants. Women in the treatment group received 5000 IU heparin subcutaneously twice daily, 14 days prior to IVF.Results: Gestational outcomes (Reaching the 30th week of gestation) between the two groups were the same. Positive -hCG tests were seen in 40% and 30% of the intervention and control groups respectively with no significant statistical differences. Amongst the participants, 23.3% and 16.7% of the intervention and control groups reached the 30th week of pregnancy, respectively with no significant statistical differences. Women with immunologic or thrombophilic factors had more positive -hCG tests than those with unexplained causes (58.3% vs. 27.8%) in the intervention group; although the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion: It seems that administration of heparin has no effects on women with unexplained infertility or repeated IVF failures. Although women with immunologic or thrombophilic factors had more positive -hCG tests, more extensive trials are warranted in this regard. https://www.jri.ir/article/320 Serum Calcium and Magnesium in Preeclamptic and Normal Pregnancies; A Comparative Study Introduction: Preeclampsia is a common gestational disorder which complicates 5-8% of pregnancies and it is associated with maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Alterations in serum calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels have been suggested as effective factors in causing preeclampsia. This study was conducted to compare serum calcium and magnesium levels in preeclamptic and normal pregnant women.Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 50 preeclamptic and 50 normal pregnant women referring to Ghaem Hospital, affiliated to Mashad University of Medical Sciences, were selected during 2005. Blood samples of both groups with similar gestational ages were collected and compared for calcium and magnesium concentrations. The data were analyzed by student t-test, 2, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Fishers exact tests and a general linear model.Results: The demographic data in the two groups, had no significant difference (P<0.01) but there was a significant difference between them in terms of smoking history (P<0.05). Serum magnesium levels in the preeclamptic women were significantly lower than those of individuals with normal pregnancy (1.920.37 mg/dl vs. 2.290.69 mg/dl), (P<0.01) while calcium levels had no significant differences (9.160.75mg/dl vs. 9.471.58 mg/dl).Conclusion: This study revealed that serum magnesium level in preeclampsia is lower than that of the normal pregnant women. This result may support the hypothesis on the role of magnesium deficiency in preeclampsia pathophysiology and suggest the usefulness of its assessment in the early diagnosis of the disorder. https://www.jri.ir/article/321 Prevalence of Low Birth Weight and its Related Factors in Shahr-e-Kord Introduction: Since a great number of neonatal mortality is related to low birth weight (LBW) and its prevalence of LBW is increasing in different populations, this study was carried out to identify the prevalence of LBW and some of its related factors at Hadjar Educational Hospital in Shahr-e-Kord, during 2006.Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was done on 5102 neonates. The data were collected by completing a form through physical examinations of the neonates by pediatricians and interview with their mothers.Results: Out of 5102 neonates, 434 (8.5%) had low birth weight than 2500gr (CI=7.5%-9.5%). The odds ratio for low birth weight in multiples was 16.3 times greater than singletons (P=0.0001), 9.6 times greater in gestational ages before the 37th week than after it (P=0.0001), and 2.75 times greater in mothers under 20, than older ones (P=0.04). In addition, the odds ratio was 2.45 times greater in female versus male neonates (P=0.04), 3.69 times greater in primigravidas than multigravidas (P=0.01) and 1.22 times greater in mothers under high school diploma than those with higher education (P=0.045). No significant relationships were found between the mothers’ residential areas and low birth weight.Conclusion: The prevalence of LBW in Shahr-e-Kord was similar to other parts of Iran. Preventing preterm labor and holding educational programs for high-risk mothers, particularly under 20 mothers, primiparous women and those with lower educational attainments can play an effective role in the prevention of low birth weight. https://www.jri.ir/article/322 Sexual Dysfunction in Couples and its Related Factors during Pregnancy Introduction: Pregnancy is one of the most critical periods in women’s lives. Sexual and marital relationships could change due to physical and psychological alterations during this period. Disregarding sexual relationships during pregnancy may result in sexual dysfunction in couples. This study was performed to determine sexual dysfunction and some of its related factors in pregnant women and their spouses.Materials & Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, sexual dysfunction and some of its related factors, prevalent during pregnancy, were studied in 350 couples, through stratified sampling. A three-part questionnaire was used for data gathering: 1) Demographic, 2) Couples’ attitudes towards sexual activities during pregnancy, and 3) Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX)_ both female and male versions. The results were statistically sccrutimized.Results: Sexual dysfunction was found in 12.5%, 11.3% and 21% of the couples in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy respectively. Altered sex drive in women and sexual dissatisfaction and inability to reach orgasm in men were the most prevalent sexual dysfunctions at each pregnancy trimester. A significant relationship was found between male sexual dysfunction and fear of injury to the fetus (P=0.009) and feeling of guilt (P<0.001) in the third trimester. Similarly, female sexual dysfunction was significantly associated with fear of injury to the fetus (OR=1.5), feeling of decreased sexual attractiveness (OR=1.43), discontent with family’s financial situation (OR=2.67), unwanted pregnancy (OR=4.05) and low level of education (OR=2.49).Conclusion: As couples’ knowledge, beliefs and attitudes regarding sexual activity during pregnancy influence their sexual function, holding educational programs and providing consultation to address the issue during prenatal care are recommended. https://www.jri.ir/article/323 Isolated Torsion of Fallopian Tube in a 12-Year-Old Premenarcheal Girl; A Case Report Introduction: Isolated torsion of the fallopian tubes is a rare condition. Although, it can occur at all ages, it is mostly observed during reproductive ages. Early diagnosis and urgent management of the condition is crucial to preserving the tube.Case Report: A 12-year-old premenarcheal girl presented with a sudden, severe right-sided lower abdominal pain. The pain had begun 24 hours earlier. The girl had nausea and vomiting. Abdominal examination revealed tenderness in the right lower quadrant with no palpable mass. Pelvic ultrasound showed a right adnexal mass measuring 65×35 mm and containing dense and cystic tissues with simple appearance. At laparotomy, an isolated twist of the right fallopian tube with necrosis was found, leaving no choice other than salpingectomy. Menstruation began one week following surgery.Conclusion: Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominopelvic pain in premenarcheal adolescent girls. Prompt surgical intervention is necessary to preserve the fallopian tube. https://www.jri.ir/article/324