@article { author = {Khazaei, Mozafar and Montaseri, Azadeh and Khazaei, Mohammad Rasool and Khanahmadi, Masumeh}, title = {Study of Foeniculum vulgare Effect on Folliculogenesis in Female Mice}, journal = {International Journal of Fertility and Sterility}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, pages = {122-127}, year = {2011}, publisher = {Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)}, issn = {2008-076X}, eissn = {2008-0778}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background: Foeniculum vulgare (FVE) is used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic, palliative and anti-inflammatory effects. Traditionally, FVE is utilized for treating female infertility. The present study aims to investigate the effects of FVE extract on folliculogenesis in female albino mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, a total of 20 female albino mice were divided into four groups. Groups 1 and 2 (experimental) received FVE alcoholic extract at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day for five days. Group 3 (negative control) received ethanol and group 4 (positive control) was administered normal saline, in the same doses as the experimental groups. Animals in all groups were sacrificed on the sixth day of the study; their ovaries were dissected out and prepared for histological examinations. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained microscopic slides were evaluated and the numbers of ovarian follicles were compared between groups. Data were analyzed by one way ANOVA. Results: The total follicle numbers were 26.5 ± 5.24 for group 1 (100 mg/kg FVE), 27.2 ± 4.1 for group 2 (200 mg/kg FVE), 10.1 ± 2.53 for group 3 (ethanol control) and 17.2 ± 3.9 for the saline control group (group 4). The numbers of graffian, antral and multilaminar follicles increased significantly in both experimental groups when compared with the control groups (p < 0.05), however there were no significant differences in follicle numbers among the experimental groups. The number of unilaminar primary follicles did not significantly change between all groups. GCMS analysis of FVE extract identified the presence of diosgenin, an estrogenic compound. Conclusion: FVE induced folliculogenesis in female mice ovary and increased the number of growing ovarian follicles. The estrogenic component of FVE, diosgenin, may exert this effect.}, keywords = {Foeniculum vulgare,Folliculogenesis,Ovary,Mice}, url = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45095.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45095_504faf6209ac175feeab87c8973fa0c6.pdf} } @article { author = {Fathi, Zohreh and Tavalaee, Marziyeh and Kiani, Abbas and Deemeh, Mohammad Reza and Modaresi, Mehrdad and Nasr-Esfahani, Mohammad Hossein}, title = {Flow Cytometry: A Novel Approach for Indirect Assessment of Protamine Deficiency by CMA3 Staining, Taking into Account the Presence of M540 or Apoptotic Bodies}, journal = {International Journal of Fertility and Sterility}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, pages = {128-133}, year = {2011}, publisher = {Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)}, issn = {2008-076X}, eissn = {2008-0778}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining, either by the slide method or fluorescence microscopy, is widely used for indirect assessment of protamine deficiency in a semen sample. Flow cytometry is the most suitable tool to improve assessment accuracy, both in terms of statistical analysis and for prevention of observer variation. This study provides a simple procedure to account for merocyanine 540 (M540) or apoptotic bodies, which result in underestimation of the percentage of CMA3 positivity, by using propidium iodide (PI) staining. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the percentage of CMA3 by PI staining to exclude M540 bodies that prevent underestimation of CMA3 staining. Materials and Methods This study is an experimental study. Semen samples collected from 104 infertile men who referred to the Andrology Unit of the Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center were initially assessed according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Samples were washed twice with Ham’s. Each sample was divided into two portions, a control and the other processed for density gradient centrifugation (DGC). Each portion was assessed for CMA3 staining by both the slide and flow cytometry methods. Coefficients of correlation and student t-test were carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Studies (SPSS 11.5). Results Detection of CMA3 staining was more appropriate with fluorescence detector 3 (FL-3) rather than fluorescence detector 2 (FL-2) in the evaluation of protamine deficiency to exclude M540 bodies. Conclusion This study, for the first time, provides the basis for assessment of CMA3 staining for flow cytometry. However, since the maximum excitation for CMA3 is not covered by the 488 nm laser, we recommend further experimentation using a flow cytometer with optimal excitation.}, keywords = {flow cytometry,Sperm,Protamine,Merocyanine}, url = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45096.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45096_6f1f745f24924b7b83cf544b2525341a.pdf} } @article { author = {Alport, Brie and Case, Allison and Lim, Hyun and Baerwald, Angela}, title = {Does the Ovarian Stimulation Phase Length Predict In vitro Fertilization Outcomes?}, journal = {International Journal of Fertility and Sterility}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, pages = {134-141}, year = {2011}, publisher = {Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)}, issn = {2008-076X}, eissn = {2008-0778}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background Bi-directional communication between the follicle and oocyte is necessary to regulate follicle and oocyte development. Currently, it is not practical to monitor the serial growth of individual follicles during assisted reproduction. The ovarian stimulation phase length (SPL) is an indirect measure of mean follicular growth rate. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that a short or long SPL would be associated with suboptimal outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 140 women who underwent IVF. Follicle development was monitored every 2-3 days during ovarian stimulation using transvaginal ultrasonography. Once > 3 follicles reached ≥ 17 mm, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was administered. Oocyte retrieval was performed approximately 35 hours after hCG. Oocytes underwent IVF on the day of collection and were evaluated daily thereafter. Embryos were transferred on days 3 or 5, depending on the number and quality of embryos available. Associations between SPL, age, follicle, oocyte, embryo and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated (SPSS version 17.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results A SPL of 11 days was associated with an optimal number of follicles that developed to ≥ 6 mm, ≥ 10 mm and ≥ 15 mm; serum estradiol concentrations; and number of oocytes collected (p < 0.05). Gradual reductions in the number of developing follicles, serum estradiol concentrations and number of oocytes collected occurred with SPL less than or greater than 11 days (p < 0.05). The SPL did not influence endometrial, embryo or pregnancy outcomes (p > 0.05). Associations between SPL and outcomes were not influenced by age (p > 0.05). Conclusion The ovarian SPL can be used to predict the number of follicles that develop, oocytes collected and serum estradiol concentrations, but not embryo or pregnancy outcomes.}, keywords = {Ovarian Stimulation Phase,IVF,Oocyte,embryo,Pregnancy}, url = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45097.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45097_860d9115dda8235066ead505e73639cf.pdf} } @article { author = {Khazaei, Mozafar and Roshankhah, Shiva and Ghorbani, Rostam and Chobsaz, Farzaneh}, title = {Sildenafil Effect on Nitric Oxide Secretion by Normal Human Endometrial Epithelial Cells Cultured In vitro}, journal = {International Journal of Fertility and Sterility}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, pages = {142-147}, year = {2011}, publisher = {Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)}, issn = {2008-076X}, eissn = {2008-0778}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background Sildenafil is a selective inhibitor of cyclic-guanosine monphosphat-specific phosphodiesterase type 5. It increases intracellular nitric oxide (NO) production in some cells. There are reports on its positive effect on uterine circulation, endometrial thickness, and infertility improvement. Endometrial epithelial cells (EEC) play an important role in embryo attachment and implantation. The present work investigates the effect of sildenafil on human EEC and their NO secretion in vitro. Materials and Methods In this experimental in vitro study, endometrial biopsies (n=10) were washed in a phosphate buffered solution (PBS) and digested with collagenase I (2 mg/ml in DMEM/ F12 medium) at 37°C for 90 minutes. Epithelial glands were collected by sequential filtration through nylon meshes (70 and 40 μm pores), respectively. Epithelial glands were then treated with trypsin to obtain individual cells. The cells were counted and divided into four groups: control and 1, 10, and 20 μM sildenafil concentrations. Cells were cultured for 15 days at 37ºC and 5% CO2; the media were changed every 3 days, and their supernatants were collected for the NO assay. NO was measured by standard Greiss methods. Data were analyzed by one way ANOVA. Results There was no significant difference between groups in cell count and NO secretion, but the level of NO increased slightly in the experimental groups. The 10 μM dose showed the highest cell count. EEC morphology changed into long spindle cells in the case groups. Conclusion Sildenafil (1, 10, and 20 μM) showed a mild proliferative effect on human EEC numbers, but no significant change was seen in NO production.}, keywords = {Epithelial Cells,Sildenafil,Endometrium,Nitric Oxide}, url = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45098.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45098_5c4543b4c2e740008a1958fa464896e1.pdf} } @article { author = {Gilani Modaress, Mitra and Cheraghi, Fatemeh and Zamani, Narges}, title = {Ovarian Metastasis in Endometriod Type Endometrial Cancer}, journal = {International Journal of Fertility and Sterility}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, pages = {148-151}, year = {2011}, publisher = {Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)}, issn = {2008-076X}, eissn = {2008-0778}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background The purpose of this study was to examine the rate and clinico-Pathological characteristics of ovarian metastasis of endometriod type endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods A retrospective study of all patients with endometriod type endometrial cancer was carried out during 1990-2009. Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests were used to analyze all the variables. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. SPSS software (version 18), was used for statistical analysis of the data obtained. Results Two hundred and ten patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Only 17 (8%) cases were identified to have ovarian metastasis. Fisherُ s Exact test showed that the independent risk factors of ovarian metastasis in endometrial carcinoma included pathologic grading and depth of myometrial invasion (p < 0.001 and p < 0.02, respectively). Conclusion The risk of ovarian metastasis in the patients with well to moderately differentiated endometriod type endometrial cancer and myometrial invasion limited to less than one half of the myometrium is minimal. Therefore, it is possible to preserve ovaries in young women with early stage endometrioid type endometrial carcinoma, but it is better to remove and freeze ovarian tissue to save fertility without the recurrence risk of ovarian cancer.}, keywords = {endometrial,Cancer,Endometriod Type,Prognosis,Therapy}, url = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45099.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45099_33291d6aefd9ce9ef8b2f3e782dc514a.pdf} } @article { author = {Aryanpur, Mahshid and Tarahomi, Majid and Sharifi, Hooman and Heydari, Gholamreza and Hessami, Zahra and Akhoundi, Mohamadmehdi and Masjedi, Mohamad Reza}, title = {Comparison of Spermatozoa Quality in Male Smokers and Nonsmokers of Iranian Infertile Couples}, journal = {International Journal of Fertility and Sterility}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, pages = {152-157}, year = {2011}, publisher = {Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)}, issn = {2008-076X}, eissn = {2008-0778}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background Smoking has a negative effect on fertility and sperm quality. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of smoking on sperm quality and the related parameters such as sperm concentration, morphology and motility. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 infertile men with at least one year history of idiopathic infertility, who admitted to the Avicenna Infertility Center, Tehran, Iran. A complete history including smoking habits and other diseases was obtained and semen analysis was performed for all participants. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 16 and t test and Mann-whitney tests with a significance level of α= 0.05. Results Comparison of sperm parameters in the two groups of smoker and nonsmoker subjects showed that active smoking (p=0.04) and cigarette consumption even in small amounts (p=0.03) decreased sperm concentration, However, no significant correlation was detected between smoking status and morphology or motility of sperms. Conclusion This study failed to find a significant correlation between sperm analysis and smoking status except for sperm concentration, which was significantly decreased in the active smokers ,even in those consuming small amounts of tobacco. This finding propounds that tobacco consumption may negatively affect fertility.}, keywords = {Semen analysis,Smoking,infertility,Sperm Concentration}, url = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45100.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45100_9b8aedfce9f80f6e51b062264c42c814.pdf} } @article { author = {Latifnejad Roudsari, Robab and Allan, Helen T.}, title = {Women’s Experiences and Preferences in Relation to Infertility Counselling: A Multifaith Dialogue}, journal = {International Journal of Fertility and Sterility}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, pages = {158-167}, year = {2011}, publisher = {Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)}, issn = {2008-076X}, eissn = {2008-0778}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background Religion and spirituality are a fundamental part of culture and influence how individuals experience and interpret infertility counselling. Thus far, little research has examined the influence of religiosity on the experience of infertility, and to our knowledge no study exists investigating the responses of religious infertile women to counselling. In this study we explored Muslim and Christian women’s experiences and preferences with regard to infertility counselling. Materials and Methods Using a grounded theory approach, 30 infertile women affiliated to different denominations of Islam (Shiite and Sunni) and Christianity (Protestantism, Catholicism, Orthodoxies) were interviewed. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews at fertility clinics in the UK and Iran, and analyzed using the Straussian mode of grounded theory. Results Emerging categories included: Appraising the meaning of infertility religiously, applying religious coping strategies, and gaining a faith-based strength. These were encompassed in the core category of ‘relying on a higher being’. Religious infertile women experienced infertility as an enriching experience for spiritual growth. This perspective helped them to acquire a feeling of self- confidence and strength to manage their emotions. Hence, they relied more on their own religious coping strategies and less on formal support resources like counselling services. However, they expected counsellors to be open to taking time to discuss their spiritual concerns in counselling sessions. Conclusion In addition to focusing on clients’ psychosocial needs, infertility counsellors should also consider religious and spiritual issues. Establishing a sympathetic and accepting relationship with infertile women will allow them to discuss their religious perspectives, which consequently may enhance their usage of counselling services.}, keywords = {infertility,Counselling,Religion,Spirituality,Experience}, url = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45101.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45101_b3f82d088b80737ff7b33f145413f235.pdf} } @article { author = {Nikbakht, Roshan and Saharkhiz, Nasrin}, title = {The Influence of Sperm Morphology, Total Motile Sperm Count of Semen and the Number of Motile Sperm Inseminated in Sperm Samples on the Success of Intrauterine Insemination}, journal = {International Journal of Fertility and Sterility}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, pages = {168-173}, year = {2011}, publisher = {Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)}, issn = {2008-076X}, eissn = {2008-0778}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background The present study aimed to analyze the prognostic value of sperm morphology , total motile sperm count (TMSC) and the number of motile sperm inseminated (NMSI) on the outcome of intrauterine insemination (IUI). Materials and Methods This cross sectional study was carried out 445 women undergoing 820 IUI cycles. All of the patients underwent controlled ovarian hyper stimulation with clomiphen citrate and human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) followed by intrauterine insemination with the husband’s sperm. Pregnancy rate (PR) per cycle in correlation to sperm morphology, TMSC and NMSI was obtained. Statistical analysis of the data was done by the SPSS version 13 (Chicago,USA). Results A total of 81 clinical pregnancies were obtained for a pregnancy rate per cycle of 9.9%. When the TMSC was 5×106to}, keywords = {Intrauterine,Insemination,Motile Sperm,Morphology}, url = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45102.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45102_04f2322201c3794e12345b0347a44838.pdf} } @article { author = {Razi, Mazdak and Sadrkhanloo, Rajab-Ali and Malekinejad, Hassan and Sarafzadeh-Rezaei, Farshid}, title = {Varicocele Time-dependently Affects DNA Integrity of Sperm Cells: Evidence for Lower In vitro Fertilization Rate in Varicocele-positive Rats}, journal = {International Journal of Fertility and Sterility}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, pages = {174-185}, year = {2011}, publisher = {Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)}, issn = {2008-076X}, eissn = {2008-0778}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background We designed this study to clarify how varicocele can time-dependently affect sperm morphological parameters and DNA integrity. In this study, we intend to estimate the effect of various periods of varicocele on the in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate in rats. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, left varicocele were induced as the test group (n=18) which was further sub-divided into three groups based on the study termination time (4, 6 and 8 months after varicocele induction). The control-sham group (n=6) consisted of rats who received no treatment. Repopulation index (RI), tubular differentiation index (TDI), sperm viability and motility, morphological maturity, chromatin integrity and ability to undergo IVF were assessed. In addition, the potential impact of varicocele on serum total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and total thiol molecules (TTM) were examined. Results Histological results showed that varicocele negatively influenced TDI and RI. All sperm morphological parameters were lower than those in the control-sham group. DNA damage was severely and time-dependently substantiated in all test groups. Varicocele significantly reduced the ability of sperm derived from varicocele rats to undergo IVF. Serum TAOC and TTM levels reduced in a time-dependent manner. Right testes varicocele-induced rats showed remarkably less damaged profile for all investigated parameters compared to the left testes varicocele. Conclusion Our data suggested that experimentally induced varicocele negatively impacted sperm maturation and chromatin integrity in a time-dependent manner. This consequently caused a remarkable reduction in IVF ability. The detrimental effect of varicocele may be attributed to the significant reduction of antioxidant capacity of the serum.}, keywords = {DNA damage,Fertilization,Oxidative stress,Varicocele}, url = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45103.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45103_bd6964b26c77089dd999cf059399a3bc.pdf} } @article { author = {Zare, Zohre and Mohammadi, Moslem and Eimani, Hossein and Shafaroudi, Majid Malekzadeh}, title = {Prevention of di (2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate-induced Testicular Disturbance in Mice by Co-administration of L-carnitine}, journal = {International Journal of Fertility and Sterility}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, pages = {186-192}, year = {2011}, publisher = {Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)}, issn = {2008-076X}, eissn = {2008-0778}, doi = {}, abstract = {Background di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is widely used in the plastic industry and can induce reproductive toxicity. On the other hand, L-carnitine (LC) plays a crucial role in sperm metabolism and maturation. This study evaluates the effect of LC on body and testis weight, testis tissue, count, motility, viability, morphology, and chromatin quality of epididymal sperm, testicular spermatid number (TSN) per gram testis and daily sperm production (DSP) in LC-treated mice. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, adult male NMRI mice (mean age: 4 weeks) were given doses of DEHP and LC by gavaging for 2 weeks. All samples were assessed according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Sperm morphology was assessed using Papanicolaou staining and sperm chromatin quality by aniline-blue staining. The left testes were fixed in Bouinś solution for histological examination and the end slices were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The right testes were homogenized, and then TSN and DSP were calculated with an improved Neubauer haemocytometer and respective frames. Paired t-test, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were utilized for data analysis. Results Co-administration of DEHP and LC not only prevented significant gains in testicular weight, but also maintained the sperm’s normal morphology and chromatin quality (p < 0.05). In addition, LC recovered histological changes, TSN, DSP, and sperm count. Conclusion These results demonstrated that oral administration of LC partially or generally protects spermatogenesis from DEHP-toxicity in mice.}, keywords = {L,Carnitine,di (2,ethylhexyl) phthalate,Spermatogenesis,Testis}, url = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45104.html}, eprint = {https://www.ijfs.ir/article_45104_7a5443ae3cad03e54734a1fdaaa796b5.pdf} }