The Effect of Melatonin on Izumo1 Gene Expression, Sperm Motility and In Vitro Fertilization in Mice

Objective: IZUMO 1 is one of the most important and the most recent known proteins of sperm-oocyte fusion function. The present study aims to investigate the expression of IZUMO1 gene with melatonin injection in in-vitro conditions. Moreover, the sperm-oocyte fusion rate in in vitro fertilization (IVF) condition was examined. Materials and methods: In this study, 30 female and 45 male mice were divided into control and experimental groups. To investigate Izomo1 gene expression and sperm motility, 10 μM melatonin was added to the culture medium in the experimental group for 1 hour and to examine the fertilization rate 10 μM melatonin was added to culture medium in the experimental group for 1 hour. Then, sperms of the control and experimental groups were added to the oocyte collected and the fertilization was examined on embryo formation. Results: Examinations showed a significant increase in IZUMO1 gene expression and sperm motility in the experimental group (receiving melatonin) compared to the control group. Counting formed embryos showed that 83% of the oocytes have evolved to the fetus. Conclusion: We conclude that melatonin may be a good alternative for rising oocyte fertilization success by sperm in IV

Effect of peppermint water on prevention of nipple cracks in lactating primiparous women: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Nipple pain and damage in breastfeeding mothers are common causes of premature breastfeeding cessation. Peppermint water is popularly used for the prevention of nipple cracks in the North West of Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of peppermint water in the prevention of nipple cracks during breastfeeding in comparison with the application of expressed breast milk (EBM). METHODS: One hundred and ninety-six primiparous breastfeeding women who gave birth between February and May 2005 in a teaching hospital in Tabriz, Iran, were randomized to receive either peppermint water or EBM. Each woman was followed for up to three visits or telephone calls within 14 days and then by telephone call at week six postpartum. RESULTS: Women who were randomized to receive peppermint water were less likely to experience nipple and areola cracks (9%) compared to women using EBM (27%; p < 0.01). Women who used the peppermint water on a daily basis were less likely to have a cracked nipple than women who did not use peppermint water (relative risk 3.6, 95%CI: 2.9, 4.3). Nipple pain in the peppermint water group was lower than the expressed breast milk group (OR 5.6, 95% CI: 2.2, 14.6; p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that peppermint water is effective in the prevention of nipple pain and damage. Further studies are needed to assess the usefulness of peppermint water in conjunction with correct breastfeeding techniques. Trial registration number: NCT0045640

Effect of oral Utrogestan in comparison with Cetrotide on preventing luteinizing hormone surge in IVF cycles: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Oral progesterone is recommended as an alternative to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists to prevent luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. However, there are little data regarding its use. Objective: We aimed to compare the effect of oral Utrogestan and Cetrotide (a GnRH antagonist) on preventing LH surge in ART cycles. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 100 infertile women undergoing ART who received recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) at 150- 225 IU/day were randomly assigned to receive either Utrogestan 100 mg twice a day (case group) or GnRH antagonist protocol (control group) from cycle day 3 until the trigger day. Triggering was performed with 10,000 IU hCG) when there were at least three mature follicles. Viable embryos were cryopreserved for transfer in the next cycle for both groups. The number of oocytes retrieved and transferred embryos were compared between groups. Results: The case group had significantly higher progesterone levels on triggering day, more follicles of &gt;14 mm with higher maturity, and more oocytes retrieved with a higher rate of embryos transferred. A small increase in the pregnancy rate was observed in the case group, with no significant between-group differences. The most important result was the lack of premature LH surge in either group upon serum LH assessment on the triggering day. Conclusion: Utrogestan is an alternative treatment that could reduce the LH surge rate and increase the ART outcomes including the number of oocytes retrieved and transferred embryos compared with GnRH agonists and antagonists. Key words: In vitro fertilization, Premature luteinization, Utrogestan

Effect of peppermint water on prevention of nipple cracks in lactating primiparous women: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Nipple pain and damage in breastfeeding mothers are common causes of premature breastfeeding cessation. Peppermint water is popularly used for the prevention of nipple cracks in the North West of Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of peppermint water in the prevention of nipple cracks during breastfeeding in comparison with the application of expressed breast milk (EBM). Methods One hundred and ninety-six primiparous breastfeeding women who gave birth between February and May 2005 in a teaching hospital in Tabriz, Iran, were randomized to receive either peppermint water or EBM. Each woman was followed for up to three visits or telephone calls within 14 days and then by telephone call at week six postpartum. Results Women who were randomized to receive peppermint water were less likely to experience nipple and areola cracks (9%) compared to women using EBM (27%; p Conclusion This study suggests that peppermint water is effective in the prevention of nipple pain and damage. Further studies are needed to assess the usefulness of peppermint water in conjunction with correct breastfeeding techniques. Trial registration number: NCT00456404</p