Can Physical Activity Patterns before and during Pregnancy and Anxiety be Related to Preterm Birth?

AbstractIntroduction: Changes of physical activity before and during three trimesters of pregnancy known as pattern of physical activity and anxiety during pregnancy can be two concerns of pregnant women about preterm birth which require clarification. So, this retrospective study aimed to assess the effect of pattern of physical activity, and anxiety on preterm birth in Iranian pregnant women.Methods: This study was a kind of descriptive correlation which was performed retrospectively. Participants of this study (2019-2020) included 118 pregnant women with preterm (n=62) and term (n=56) birth who participated in the study voluntarily and were selected according to the study inclusion criteria. The energy cost of physical activity before and during three trimesters of pregnancy, and anxiety level were recorded through interview using pregnancy physical activity (PPAQ) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Rating Scale Anxiety (HADS) questionnaires respectively.Results: There was no significant difference between preterm and term birth groups regarding total physical activity, and sedentary behavior energy expenditure before and during pregnancy as well as anxiety during pregnancy(P>0.05). Physical activity pattern was not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). However, physical activity before pregnancy was significantly higher than all trimesters of pregnancy in both groups of the study (P<0.001). In two groups of preterm and term deliver, physical activity reduced in the third compared to the second trimester of pregnancy similarly.Conclusions: Physical activity reduced during pregnancy in preterm and term birth women similarly. In this study, physical activity, sedentary behavior and anxiety during pregnancy and before it were not effective on the pre-term birth

CD52+ regulatory T cells and CD52-expressing sperms downregulated in couples with unexplained infertility: A case–control study

This is a Letter to the Editor and does not have an abstract

Genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1) and susceptibility to pre-eclampsia

The objective of the present hospital-based case-control study was to assess the association between glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1) genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to pre-eclampsia (PE) in Shiraz (Fars province, southern Iran). A total of 200 healthy pregnant women and 151 pre-eclamptic women were included. The healthy control group was frequency matched with the age of the pre-eclamptic women. Control women had neither PE in current pregnancy nor history of pregnancies with PE previously. The genotypes of GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms were determined using a PCR-based method. Neither GSTM1 null genotype (OR=1.07, 95 % CI: 0.70-1.64, P=0.736) nor GSTT1 null genotype (OR=0.73, 95 % CI: 0.44-1.21, P=0.233) was associated with risk of PE. Association between combination genotypes and risk of PE was not significant. When family history was entered as a covariate in analysis, adjusted ORs revealed that neither GSTM1 nor GSTT1 polymorphisms was associated with risk of PE. For meta-analysis, we identified 5 eligible studies, including 1217 subjects (515 patients, and 702 healthy controls) in relation to the study polymorphisms and risk of PE. Our present meta-analysis indicated that there neither GSTM1 (OR=0.99, 95 % CI: 0.78-1.25, P=0.955) nor GSTT1 polymorphisms (OR=0.85, 95 % CI: 0.66-1.10, P=0.223) was associated with susceptibility to PE. Taken together it seems that the polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 are not risk factors for PE. Further investigations adjusting for confounding factors are needed to confirm the present findings

Glutathione-dependent enzymes in the follicular fluid of the first-retrieved oocyte and their impact on oocyte and embryos in polycystic ovary syndrome: A cross-sectional study

Background: Oxidative stress and GSH-dependent antioxidant system plays a key role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Objective: We compared glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in serum and follicular fluid (FF) of the first-retrieved follicle and their impact on quality of oocyte and embryo in PCOS women undergoing IVF. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 pairs of blood samples and FF of the first-retrieved follicle from PCOS women, at the Infertility center of Ghadir Mother and Child Hospital. The mean activity of GPx and GR, also GSH levels in the serum and FF were compared to the quality of the first follicle and resultant embryo. Results: Retrieved oocytes included 53 (66.25%) MII, 17 (21.25%) MI, and 10 (12.5%) germinal vesicles; after IVF 42 (52.50%) embryos with grade I and 11 (13.75%) with grade II were produced. The mean values for all three antioxidants were higher in the FF compared to serum (p < 0.001). Also all of the mean measured levels were significantly higher in the FF of the MII oocytes compared to that of oocytes with lower grades (p = 0.012, 0.006 and 0.012, respectively). The mean GPX activity and GSH levels were significantly higher in the serum (p = 0.016 and 0.012, respectively) and FF (p = 0.001 for both) of the high-quality grade I embryos. Conclusion: GSH-dependent antioxidant system functions more efficiently in the FF of oocytes and embryos with higher quality. Key words: In vitro fertilization, Glutathione, Antioxidant, Oocyte, Embryo.&nbsp

GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS OF GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASE M1 (GSTM1) AND T1 (GSTT1) AND SUSCEPTIBILITY TO PRE- ECLAMPSIA: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY AND A META-ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT The objective of the present hospital-based case-control study was to assess the association between glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1) genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to pre-eclampsia (PE) in Shiraz (Fars province, southern Iran). A total of 200 healthy pregnant women and 151 pre-eclamptic women were included. The healthy control group was frequency matched with the age of the pre-eclamptic women. Control women had neither PE in current pregnancy nor history of pregnancies with PE previously. The genotypes of GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms were determined using a PCR-based method. Neither GSTM1 null genotype (OR=1.07, 95 % CI: 0.70-1.64, P=0.736) nor GSTT1 null genotype (OR=0.73, 95 % CI: 0.44-1.21, P=0.233) was associated with risk of PE. Association between combination genotypes and risk of PE was not significant. When family history was entered as a covariate in analysis, adjusted ORs revealed that neither GSTM1 nor GSTT1 polymorphisms was associated with risk of PE. For meta-analysis, we identified 5 eligible studies, including 1217 subjects (515 patients, and 702 healthy controls) in relation to the study polymorphisms and risk of PE. Our present meta-analysis indicated that there neither GSTM1 (OR=0.99, 95 % CI: 0.78-1.25, P=0.955) nor GSTT1 polymorphisms (OR=0.85, 95 % CI: 0.66-1.10, P=0.223) was associated with susceptibility to PE. Taken together it seems that the polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 are not risk factors for PE. Further investigations adjusting for confounding factors are needed to confirm the present findings

Associations of insulin resistance, sex hormone-binding globulin, triglyceride, and hormonal profiles in polycystic ovary syndrome: A cross-sectional study

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) occurs in 50–70% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and can be applied as a prediabetic feature in PCOS. Objective: In this study, indirect methods including fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin (FI), FBS/FI ratio, and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were compared with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) as a standard technique. The association of IR to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and several hormones was also analyzed. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 74 PCOS women. Sensitivity and specificity of each IR method was calculated based on HOMA-IR. Hormonal profiles of the patients were compared between the groups with defined normal and abnormal values of IR. Results: Triglyceride levels had a positive association with FBS and HOMA-IR (p = 0.002 and p = 0.01, respectively) with a negative association to QUICKI and SHBG (p = 0.02 and p = 0.02, respectively). SHBG showed a significant negative association with FBS (p = 0.001). Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate showed a positive association with FI (p = 0.002). Seven PCOS women showed abnormal SHBG levels (< 36 nmol/L) while expressed normal values of the rest of the studied variables. FI and QUICKI had the highest sensitivity while FBS/FI and QUICKI had the highest specificity when HOMA-IR was applied as a standard test. Conclusion: SHBG and triglyceride had a significant negative and positive association with IR, respectively. HOMA-IR followed by FI and QUICKI is the most sensitive test for the detection of IR. SHBG levels can be a helpful biomarker for the diagnosis of PCOS. Key words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Insulin resistance, Sex hormone-binding globulin

Relative frequency of hepatitis B virus, human papilloma virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes simplex viruses in the semen of fertile and infertile men in Shiraz, Iran: A cross-sectional study

Background: About 8-12% of couples on reproductive age suffers from infertility worldwide. Since 1993, the role of genital tract infections by microbes, including viruses that can infect the sperm, in human infertility has been proposed. Objective: To investigate the frequency of hepatitis B virus (HBV), human papilloma virus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in the semen of fertile and infertile men referred to the Mother and Child Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 350 men including 200 infertile and 150 fertile men were included. All semen samples were allowed to liquefy, followed by the assessment of sperm parameters. DNA was extracted using a DNA extraction kit (CinaGene, Tehran, Iran) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Detection of HBV, HPV, EBV, and HSV1/2 was done by the PCR method. Results: The mean age of the participants was 36 ± 7 yr. Molecular results showed that 16 samples (8%) of infertile men and 5 (3.3%) of fertile men were positive for HBV, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.069). Only one sample of the fertile participants was positive for HPV. None of the semen samples of the infertile or fertile groups was positive for the presence of EBV or HSV1/ 2. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that HBV, HPV, EBV, and HSV might not be involved in men’s infertility. Further studies are recommended for clarifying the role of these viruses in infertility. Key words: Male infertility, Hepatitis B virus, Human papilloma virus, Epstein-Barr virus, Herpes simplex viruses

Delayed Start Protocol with Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Antagonist in Poor Responders Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: A Randomized, Double-blinded, Clinical Trial

Objectives: We sought to determine the effects of the delayed start protocol with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists in poor responders undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted during a 15-month period from April 2014 to July 2015 in clinics in Shiraz, Iran. A total of 42 poor responders with primary infertility were randomly assigned to the controlled ovarian stimulation group utilizing the delayed start protocol (n = 21) or the traditional group (n = 21) using GnRH antagonist, Cetrotide. The primary endpoint was the number of patients undergoing oocyte pick-up, implantation, and the rate of pregnancy. Results: The baseline characteristics of the two study groups were comparable including age, infertility duration, and body mass index. The number of follicles measuring > 13 mm in diameter (p = 0.057), retrieved oocytes (p = 0.564), mature metaphase II oocytes (p = 0.366), embryos (p = 0.709), and transferred embryos (p = 0.060) were comparable between the two groups. The number of patients undergoing oocyte pick-up (p = 0.311), the rates of implantation (p = 0.407), and pregnancy (p = 0.596) were also comparable between the two groups. Conclusions: The delayed start protocol was not associated with better conception results or cycle outcomes in poor responders with primary infertility undergoing IVF cycles

Promjene u RF-amidu srodnom peptidu-3 hipotalamusa i ekspresijama gena Kiss1 tijekom spermatogeneze kod štakora u uvjetima kroničnog stresa.

The effects were evaluated of chronic stress and the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (RU486) on mRNA expressions of RF-amide related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) in the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH) and Kiss1 in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of male rats. Twenty-four male rats were allocated to four equal sized groups: the stress, RU486, stress/RU486, and control groups. In the stress group the rats were restrained 1 hour/day for 12 days. In the RU486 group, the rats were injected with RU486 for 12 days. In the stress/RU486 group, the rats were injected with RU486 1 hour before the stress process for 12 days. Relative expressions of RFRP-3 and Kiss1 mRNAs were determined using real-time PCR. The relative expression of RFRP-3 mRNA in the stress group was higher than that in the RU486 and control rats. The relative expression of RFRP-3 mRNA did not differ between the stress group and the stress/RU486 rats. Furthermore, the relative expressions of Kiss1 mRNA in the stress, RU486, and stress/RU486 groups were less than that of the control rats. The relative expression of Kiss1 mRNA did not differ between the stress, RU486, and stress/RU486 groups. In conclusion, dysfunction in male rat fertility caused by the chronic stress may be the result of the increase in REFP-3 and the decrease in Kiss1 mRNA expression.Istražen je učinak kroničnog stresa i antagonista glukokortikoidnog receptora (RU486) na ekspresiju mRNA RF-amidu srodnog peptida-3 (RFRP-3) u dorzomedijalnoj jezgri hipotalamusa (DMH), te na ekspresije gena Kiss1 u arkuatnom nukleusu (ARC) štakora. Dvadeset i četiri štakora bila su raspodijeljena u četiri jednake skupine: stresna skupina, RU486 skupina, stresna/RU486 skupina i kontrolna skupina. U stresnoj skupini štakori su 12 dana bili obuzdani tijekom jednog sata dnevno. U skupini RU486, štakorima je tijekom 12 dana bio primijenjivan RU486. U skupini stres/RU486, štakorima je tijekom 12 dana apliciran RU486 jedan sat prije postupka obuzdavanja. Relativne ekspresije RFRP-3 i Kiss1 mRNA određene su lančanom reakcijom polimerazom u stvarnom vremenu. Relativna ekspresija RFRP-3 mRNA u stresnoj skupini bila je veća nego u skupini RU486 i kontrolnoj skupini. Relativna ekspresija RFRP-3 mRNA nije bila različita između stresne skupine i stres/RU486 skupine. Nadalje, relativne ekspresije Kiss1 mRNA u stresnoj skupini, skupini RU486, i stresnoj skupini/RU486 bile su manje u odnosu na kontrolnu skupinu. Relativna ekspresija Kiss1 mRNA nije se razlikovala između stresne skupine, skupineRU486 i stresne skupine/RU486. Zaključno, disfunkcija plodnosti kod štakora izloženih kroničnom stresu može biti uzrokovana putem povećane ekspresije RFRP-3 i smanjene ekspresije Kiss1 mRNA

Protective effect of loboob (a Persian traditional remedy) on sexual hormones, antioxidant activities and stereological changes of testis tissue on busulfan induced oligospermia in rats

Loboob as a traditional drug in Iranis known for its beneficial effects on busulfan-induced oligospermia. In this experimental study, protective effects of loboob (a Persian traditional remedy) on sexual hormones, antioxidant levels and stereological changes of testis tissue were evaluated in an oligospermia rat model induced by busulfan. Fifty male rats were randomly divided into five different groups: control, received no treatments; and the other groups administrated with a single dose of busulfan (10 mg/kg body weight). After 30 days, these groups were treated with 0, 35, 70 or 140 mg/kg/day of loboob for 60 days. Blood samples were collected for hormone and antioxidant enzyme assays. Unbiased stereology was performed on testis tissues to evaluate the volume of different parts of the testis and the number of various testis cells. Data indicated that FSH, LH and MDA were increased, and testosterone, catalase, SOD were decreased in the busulfan group, while treatment with loboob at 70 and 140 mg/kg significantly improved these parameters (P <0.05). Treatment with 70 and 140 mg/kg of loboob ameliorated the germinal epithelium volume, types A and B spermatogonia, spermatocytes, elongated and round spermatids, and Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules (P <0.05). High concentration of loboob also improved testis weight and volume, and leydig cell number (P <0.05). Thus, loboob is more effective for the recovery of seminiferous tubules and their cells than for the interstitial tissue. Loboob with various antioxidants, minerals and vitamins could overcome the side effects of busulfan