The Possibility of Increasing Oocyte Capacity to Repair Sperm DNA Fragmentation

en 34041002 The Possibility of Increasing Oocyte Capacity to Repair Sperm DNA Fragmentation 075 77 https://www.jri.ir/article/120111 https://www.jri.ir/documents/fullpaper/en/120111.pdf Mohammad RezaSadeghiReproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran محمدرضاصادقیsadeghi@ari.ir77

en 34041003 The Effect of Post warming Culture Period Between Thawing and Transfer of Cryopreserved Embryos on Reproductive Outcomes After In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of post warming culture period between thawing and transfer of cryopreserved embryos on reproduc-tive outcomes after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: An extensive literature search was performed using PubMed, EmBase, and the Cochrane library from January 2000 to August 2019. A systematic review and meta–analysis of clinical trials was performed in this manuscript. The trials represented patients with embryo transfers of at least one previously cryopreserved good quality embryo. Main outcome measures of the study included clinical preg-nancy rate, live birth rate, miscarriage rate, and ectopic pregnancy rate.   Results: A total of 5338 trial/abstracts were identified through a literature search. Totally, five studies were included in the systematic review, and three in the final meta–analysis. The studies included 1717 embryo transfers, 605 after short culture, and 1112 after long culture. The clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) was the most con-sistent outcome reported. The CPR was slightly better after short time culture with a RR of 1.09 (0.95–1.26, 95%CI) but this difference was not statistically significant. The great heterogenicity in the results reported in the included studies made it impossible to compare all planned outcomes. Conclusion: There are no differences in reproductive outcomes if cryopreserved embryos are transferred after overnight culture or after two hours of culture follow-ing thawing. Due to small number and the poor quality of trials reported on this topic, the results of this review should be treated with caution. Cryopreservation, Embryo transfer, In vitro fertilization, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection 077 85 https://www.jri.ir/article/120109 https://www.jri.ir/documents/fullpaper/en/120109.pdf Luis HSordia-HernandezDepartment of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital “Dr. Jose Eleuterio González” Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexicodrsordia@gmail.com112172Felipe AMartinezDepartment of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital “Dr. Jose Eleuterio González” Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico112173EduardoOrozcoDepartment of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital “Dr. Jose Eleuterio González” Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico112174AndreaFlores-RodriguezPlataforma INVEST Medicina UANL–KER Unit Mayo Clinic (KER Unit México), Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico112175Paloma CLeyva-CamachoPlataforma INVEST Medicina UANL–KER Unit Mayo Clinic (KER Unit México), Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico112176NeriAlvarez-VillalobosPlataforma INVEST Medicina UANL–KER Unit Mayo Clinic (KER Unit México), Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico112177JorgeZuñiga-HernandezPlataforma INVEST Medicina UANL–KER Unit Mayo Clinic (KER Unit México), Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico112178

en 34041004 Characterization of DDX4 Gene Expression in Human Cases with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia and in Sterile and Fertile Mice Background: In mammals, spermatogenesis is the main process for male fertility that is initiated by spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) proliferation. SSCs are unipotent progenitor cells accountable for transferring the genetic information to the following generation by differentiating to haploid cells during spermato-and spermiogenesis. DEAD-box helicase 4 (DDX4) is a specific germ cell marker and its expression pattern is localized to, spermatocytes, and spermatids. The expression in the SSCs on the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules is low. Methods: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Fluidigm reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to analyze the expression of DDX4 in testis tissue of fertile and sterile mice and human cases with non-obstructive azoospermia. Results: Our immunohistochemical findings of fertile and busulfan-treated mice showed expression of DDX4 in the basal and luminal compartment of seminiferous tubules of fertile mice whereas no expression was detected in busulfan-treated mice. The immunohistochemical analysis of two human cases with different levels of non-obstructive azoospermia revealed more luminal DDX4 positive cells. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that DDX4 might be a valuable germ cell marker for analyzing the pathology of germ cell tumors and infertility as global urological problems. DDX4 protein, Seminiferous tubules, Spermatogonial stem cell, Testicles 085 92 https://www.jri.ir/article/120102 https://www.jri.ir/documents/fullpaper/en/120102.pdf HosseinAziziDepartment of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iranh.azizi@ausmt.ac.ir112138AmirrezaNiaziTabarDepartment of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran112139AtiyehMohammadiDepartment of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran112140ThomasSkutellaInstitute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany112141

en 34041005 Association Between Promoter Polymorphisms of IL-1Β, IL-4 and IL-6 Genes and a Viral Load Infected Women with Human Papillomavirus Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between IL-4 -589C>T, IL-6 -174G>C, IL-1β -31T>C and IL-1β -511C>T genes polymorphism with high concentrations of human papillomavirus (HPV), and the influence of gene-gene interactions on persistent human papillomavirus infection. Methods: In this study, 101 infected women with high HPV viral load and 93 healthy women were involved in a case-control study. Genotyping of SNPs for IL-4 -589C>T, IL-6 -174G>C, IL-1β -31T>C and IL-1β -511C>T genes was carried out by allele-specific PCR. Quantitative analysis of HPV-DNA was performed by Amplisens HPV HCR genotype-titer software. Gene-gene interactions were analyzed using multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) algorithm. Haplotype interactions were analyzed by HaploView 4.2 tool. Results: The study of single individual SNPs in promoters of IL-4 -589C>T, IL-6-174G>C and IL-1β -31T>C genes did not reveal statistically significant difference in genotypes and allele frequencies among women with high HPV viral load and control group. The frequency of -511T allele and TT genotype of the IL-1β gene in case group was significantly higher than the one in control group (OR=1.71, p=0.012 and OR=2.02, p=0.046, respectively). Haplotype analysis revealed that -511C/-31T haplotype for IL-1β gene is significantly less common among women with high HPV viral load  (p=0.018). Conclusion: The haplotype -511C/-31T for IL-1β gene is associated with a protective effect against increasing HPV viral load. The frequencies of -511T allele and -511TT genotype of the IL-1β -511C>T were significantly higher among women with HPV in comparison to control group. Cytokines, Human papillomavirus (HPV), Inflammation, Polymorphism, Viral load 092 103 https://www.jri.ir/article/120103 https://www.jri.ir/documents/fullpaper/en/120103.pdf AbbasAlbosaleGenetics Department of Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University-Russia, Rostov-on-Don, Russiaabbashammadi4@gmail.com112142ElenaMashkinaGenetics Department of Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University-Russia, Rostov-on-Don, Russia31871

en 34041006 Evaluation of Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction (mTESE), Outcomes and Predictive Factors in Ireland: The Gold Standard for Men with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia Background: Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) is the gold standard approach in sperm retrieval in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). The purpose of the study was to assess the outcomes for Irish men who have undergone mTESE with a single surgeon. Methods: This is a retrospective, single cohort study. Thirty-four patients underwent mTESE between September 2015 and June 2019. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this study, sperm retrieval rate (SRR) was 47.06%. (16/34). The mean age in those who had retrieved sperm at mTESE was 37.9±2.6 years. Johnson Score (JS) and FSH were statistically different between successful and unsuccessful mTESE groups (p=0.017*10-5 and p=0.004, respectively). Optimal cutoff values for FSH, T and JS were 15 IU/L, 13 nmol/L and 5, respectively. The pregnancy rate was 63.64% (7/11) among men who went on to use mTESE sperm in an ICSI cycle. Conclusion: The combination of mTESE/Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the best option available for men with NOA who prefer to achieve paternity using their own DNA. Given the overall SRRs in mTESE, it is imperative to continue research for a predictive model to better counsel azoospermic men regarding the use of mTESE. For this purpose, large, multicenter, randomized controlled trials are needed. Male infertility, Microdissection testicular sperm extraction, Non-obstructive azoospermia, Predictive markers, Sperm retrieval 103 110 https://www.jri.ir/article/120107 https://www.jri.ir/documents/fullpaper/en/120107.pdf PatRohanDepartment of Urology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Irelandpat.rohan@ucdconnect.ie112155NiamhDalyWaterstone Clinic, Cork, Ireland112156AoifeO’KellyDepartment of Urology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland112157MartinO’LearyCollege of Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland112158TimDineenWaterstone Clinic, Cork, Ireland112159NigamShahDepartment of Pathology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland112160PadraigDalyDepartment of Urology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland112161JohnWaterstoneWaterstone Clinic, Cork, Ireland112162IvorCullenDepartment of Urology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland112163

en 34041007 The Comparison of Resistance Index of Testicular Artery Using Color Doppler Ultrasound in Infertile Men Undergoing Varicocelectomy Background: Varicocele is one of the leading causes of infertility in men. Resistance index (RI) in testis is a parameter indicating parenchymal perfusion and microvascular functions. Increased RI in the testis of patients with varicocele might be a sign of impairments in microvascularization and a significant decrease in testicular perfusion. In the present study, RI in capsular and intraparenchymal testicular arteries was evaluated in patients with varicocele who underwent varicocelectomy. Methods: This prospective cohort study was performed in 2019-2020 in Guilan, Iran. Sixty-six patients were included. Semen analysis was also done before surgeries. Patients with at least one disorder in semen analysis entered the study. RI in testicular arteries was measured by an experienced radiologist before surgeries. Six months after varicocelectomy, all patients underwent the same semen analysis and ultrasound imaging. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. The tests for analysis included McNemar Test and Wilcoxon and p<0.005 was considered as the significance level. Results: According to the results, 42 patients (63.6%) had positive changes in sperm analysis after surgeries. Sperm analysis showed a significant increase in number, concentration, morphology, and motility of sperm after surgeries (p<0.001). Further measurements of capsular and intratesticular RI in all patients also indicated a significant decrease (p<0.001). Conclusion: Increased RI might be associated with impaired microperfusion in testis followed by impairments in semen. Moreover, mean capsular and intratesticular RI in patients decreased after surgeries and this decrease was significantly more in patients who had improvement in their semen parameters. Color Doppler ultrasound, Resistance index, Semen analysis, Varicocele, Varicocelectomy 110 116 https://www.jri.ir/article/120100 https://www.jri.ir/documents/fullpaper/en/120100.pdf Amir RezaDaliliDepartment of Radiology, Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran112129AliHamidi MadaniUrology Research Center, Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Guilan, Iran112130SaeidSadeghi JoniDepartment of Radiology, Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iransaeedsadeghi69@gmail.com112131

en 34041008 Clinical Efficacy of Follitropin Alfa in GnRH-Antagonist Protocols: A Prospective Observational Phase IV Study on the Use of Biosimilar Follitropin Alfa r-hFSH in Assisted Reproductive Technology in a Routine Care Setting Background: This phase IV routine care study evaluated ovarian responses when using a biosimilar follitropin alfa r-hFSH (Bemfola®) for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment who were pituitary-suppressed with a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist. Methods: This multicenter, prospective, non-comparative, non-interventional study (Germany/Austria) was conducted with 885 women (Mean age of 34.0±4.4 years) for whom COS with Bemfola® and GnRH-antagonist for pituitary suppression were applied  as part of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment with/without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) observing routine clinical-practice protocols. Primary endpoint was the number of retrieved cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs). Results: Among 986 ART cycles, COS was given for 9.9±1.8 days (First-day r-hFSH dose of 220.7±68.9 IU; mean total dose of 2184.3±837.5 IU). It was revealed that 99.1% of cycles resulted in follicular puncture, with mean of 10.7±6.6 oocytes retrieved. Successful fertilization took place after IVF/ICSI in 93.8% of follicular punctures. Freeze-all was performed in 14.2% of cycles. Fresh embryo transfer was performed in 76.9% of cycles with follicular puncture; mean day of transfer was 3.5±1.3 and average number of transferred embryos was 1.76±0.50. Clinical pregnancy rate was 30.2% of embryo-transfer cycles and 23.4% of started cycles. Sixty-nine reports of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (7.0% of started cycles) were documented. Conclusion: COS with Bemfola® in GnRH-antagonist IVF/ICSI protocols in a routine care setting led to an appropriate ovarian response allowing oocyte retrieval in 99.1% of initiated cases. Assisted reproductive technology, Biosimilar pharmaceuticals, Follitropin alfa, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist 116 125 https://www.jri.ir/article/120104 https://www.jri.ir/documents/fullpaper/en/120104.pdf GeorgGriesingerSektion Für Gynaekologische Endokrinologie und Reproduktionsmedizin, Klinik Für Frauenheilkunde & Geburtshilfe (Gynaekologie), Universitaetsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein-Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germanygeorg.griesinger@uni-luebeck.de112144ThiloSchillMVZ Kinderwunschzentrum Langenhagen-Wolfsburg, Langenhagen, Germany112145MichaelSatorKinderwunsch im Zentrum GmbH, Tulln an der Donau, Australia112146MichaelSchenkDas Kinderwunsch Institut Schenk GmbH, Dobl b. Graz, Australia112147Jan-SteffenKrüsselUniversitaeres interdisziplinäres Kinderwunschzentrum Duesseldorf (UniKiD), Klinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsklinikum Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany112148

en 34041009 The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Stress and Anxiety of Non-infected Pregnant Mothers Background: The newly emerging COVID-19 has caused severe anxiety around the world and it is infecting more people each day since there is no preventive measure or definite therapy for the diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate its effect on anxiety and stress of pregnant mothers during perinatal care. Methods: Three–hundred pregnant mothers without COVID–19 infection who were referred to the hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences for delivery during April 2020, based on negative clinical symptoms and the results of polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR) for COVID–19, were recruited by census method and asked to complete the Persian version of the perceived stress scale (PSS); participants views about their anxiety level and the role of COVID–19 as the source of their stress and worries were recorded. Women who refused to continue the study were excluded. The frequency of variables and mean scores were calculated using SPSS v. 21. Results: Mean age of mothers was 30.20±16.19 years; 31.3% were primigravida and mean gestational age was 38.00±4.14 weeks. Moreover, 16.3% asked for earlier pregnancy termination and 39% requested Cesarean section (C/S). Assessing the mothers’ anxiety revealed a high/very high level of anxiety in 51.3%. The majority felt worried and frustrated because of COVID–19 (86.4%). Social media had a great impact on the level of stress among these mothers (60.3%). Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic is an important source for the increased anxiety and stress among healthy pregnant mothers. 125 133 https://www.jri.ir/article/120108 https://www.jri.ir/documents/fullpaper/en/120108.pdf AbolfazlMehdizadehkashiEndometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, IranAbolfazlMehdizadehkashi1182ShahlaChaichianPars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranShahlaChaichianchaichian.sh@iums.ac.ir, shchaichian@gmail.com1185LadanHaghighiEndometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran112164NooshinEshraghiDepartment of Perinatology, Shahid Akbarabadi Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran112165ArashBordbarShahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran112166NedaHashemiEndometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran112167RoyaDerakhshanEndometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran112168ShahlaMirgalobayatEndometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran112169SamanehRokhgirehEndometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran112170KobraTahermaneshEndometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran112171

en 34041010 A Novel Balanced Chromosomal Translocation in an Azoospermic Male: A Case Report Background: Balanced translocation and azoospermia as two main reasons for recurrent pregnancy loss are known to be the leading causes of infertility across the world. Balanced translocations in azoospermic males are very rare and extensive studies need to be performed to elucidate the translocation status of the affected individuals.   Case Presentaion: The cytogenetic characterization of a 28 year old male and his female partner is reported in this study. The male partner was diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and the couple was unable to conceive. Cytogenetic analysis by karyotyping through Giemsa-trypsin-giemsa banding technique (GTG) showed a novel balanced translocation, 46,XY,t(19;22)(19q13.4;22q11.2), 13ps+ in the male and the female karyotype was found to be 46,XX. Multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH) analysis on paternal chromosomal preparations confirmed both the region and origin of balanced translocation. The status of Y chromosome microdeletion (YMD) was analyzed and no notable microdeletion was observed. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was performed for breakpoint regions to explore the possible functional genetic associations. Conclusion: The azoospermic condition of the male patient along with novel balanced chromosomal translocation was responsible for infertility irrespective of its YMD status. Therefore, cytogenetic screening of azoospermic patients should be performed in addition to routine semen analysis to rule out or to confirm presence of any numerical or structural anomaly in the patient. Azoospermia, Balanced translocation, Infertility, Multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization 133 138 https://www.jri.ir/article/120105 https://www.jri.ir/documents/fullpaper/en/120105.pdf AbhikChakrabortyMolecular Stress and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India112149IndiraPaloDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amit Hospital, Odisha, India112150SouvickRoyMolecular Stress and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India112151ShuKohDepartment of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore112152ManoorHandeDepartment of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore112153BirendranathBanerjeeDivision of Cytogenetics, inDNA Life Sciences Private Limited, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Indiabnbanerjee@kiitbiotech.ac. in112154

en 34041011 Chromosomal Analysis of Cumulus Cells as a Future Predictor for Oocyte Aneuploidy: A Case Report Background: Within the ovary, the optimal growth of the follicle, oocyte maturation and ovulation are highly conditioned by the two-way cross talk and interactions between the oocyte and the immediate somatic cells, known as cumulus cells (CCs). This biological communication between cell lines triggered the interest in the study of CCs as a biomarker of oocyte competence. Case Presentation: The findings of a 45,X mosaic pattern on CCs from a female patient with unremarkable medical history are reported in this study. The patient came to the Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, London on 14th August 2019 for her first visit and the follow up procedures were done for her to determine underlying genetic status. For this purpose, four sources of DNA including CCs, blood lymphocytes, buccal cells and immature oocytes were analyzed in the present report. Conclusion: In the present case study, the hypothesis of the female patient being mosaic 45,X was confirmed although the degree of mosaicism and whether this was affecting the germinal line could not be determined. In the event of the discovery of a cell line with an apparently abnormal genetic makeup, genetic counselling is important in order to understand the implications from somatic to germinal cells for patients exploring fertility journeys. Biomarker, Counselling, DNA, Genetics, Mosaicism, Oocyte 138 144 https://www.jri.ir/article/120110 https://www.jri.ir/documents/fullpaper/en/120110.pdf XavierGonzalezInstitute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, UKxavier.vinalsgonzalez@crgh.co.uk41896RabiAhmed-OdiaDepartment of Embryology, The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, London, UK112180HimanshuGuptaInstitute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, UKHimanshuGupta1156RoyNajaInstitute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, UK112182FalakArshadSchool of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK112183PaulSerhalDepartment of Embryology, The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, London, UK41900WaelSaabDepartment of Embryology, The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, London, UK112098SrividyaSeshadriDepartment of Embryology, The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, London, UK112186

en 34041012 Pregnancy Consequences and Vertical Transmission Potential of SARS- CoV-2 Infection: Seeking Answers From a Preliminary Observation 144 148 https://www.jri.ir/article/120099 https://www.jri.ir/documents/fullpaper/en/120099.pdf KalpanaKumariDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, India112121RamakantYadavDepartment of Neurology, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Indiarkyadav_2003@yahoo.com112122SanghMittraVeerangana Avantibai Mahila Hospital, Lucknow , India112123ArushiKumarDepartment of Community Medicine, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, India112124JigyasaSinghDepartment of Community Medicine, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, India112125PrashantBajpaiDepartment of Community Medicine, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, India112126DhirajSrivastavaDepartment of Community Medicine, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, India112127RajKumarUttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, India112128