Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)International Journal of Fertility and Sterility2008-076X5420120101The Effects of Ethanol and Strontium on Growth and Development of Two-Cell Arrested Mouse Embryos19720245105ENMohammad Reza DarabiDepartment of Anatomy, Arak University of Medical Science, Arak, IranAbdolhossein ShiraviDepartment of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, IranVida HojatiDepartment of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, IranJournal Article19700101<b>Background</b><br> Arresting at a certain stage of development like the two-cell stage could be one of the causes of infertility. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of ethanol and strontium on growth and development of mice embryos arrested at the two-cell stage. <br><b>Materials and Methods</b><br> In this experimental study, female mice were coupled with a male following superovulation. Positive vaginal plug mice were sacrificed 48 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection. Two-cell embryos were transferred to M16 medium and divided to four groups. The first control group was incubated without any exposure to low temperatures. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were exposed to 4°C for 24 hours. The second control group was incubated immediately, while the third and fourth groups were exposed to 10 mM strontium for five minutes and 0.1% ethanol for a further five minutes. Growth rate and developmental parameters of embryos were analyzed by one- way ANOVA. The significant difference between the groups was determined by Post Hoc. <br><b>Results</b><br> The data shows that developmental rate is decreased significantly by 4°C exposure. The mean percentage of degenerated embryo was significantly different between groups but the mean cleavage rate was not significantly different. The mean percent of morula, blastocyst and hatched blastocyst formation were significantly different between groups during a 120 hours study post hCG injection. <br><b>Conclusion</b><br> The effect of strontium and ethanol on arrested two-cell embryos had no significant effect on the mean percentage of morula, but ethanol treatment significantly increased the percentage of blastocyst and hatched blastocyst formation compared to strontium.Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)International Journal of Fertility and Sterility2008-076X5420120101Effects of Steroid Hormone Levels on the Ultrasound Appearance of the Preovulatory Endometrium in Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation Cycles20320645106ENAytul CorbaciogluBulent BaysalJournal Article19700101<b>Background</b><br> This study investigated the effects of serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone levels on preovulatory endometrial thickness and echogenicity in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles for in vitro fertilization (IVF). <br><b>Materials and Methods</b><br> In this retrospective study, we evaluated the data of 241 in vitro fertilization- embryo transfer cycles. Cycles were classified into three groups according to endometrial thickness measured on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration as: i. ≤8 mm, ii. 8-14 mm, and iii. ≥14 mm. Echogenic patterns were described as trilaminar, isoechogenic, and hyperechogenic. Serum E2 and progesterone levels were evaluated on the day of hCG administration. Data were analyzed using X2test, Student’s t test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). <br><b>Results</b><br> Serum E2 levels increased in parallel with endometrial thickness, although differences among the three groups were insignificant. There was no correlation between serum progesterone levels and endometrial thickness. There was no significant difference in the steroid hormone concentrations between the echogenic patterns. <br><b>Conclusion</b><br> Serum steroid hormone levels on the day of hCG administration do not affect the ultrasound appearance of the endometrium in COH cycles.Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)International Journal of Fertility and Sterility2008-076X5420120101The Impact of Maternal Age, Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index, Weight Gain and Parity on Glucose Challenge Test (GCT)207201045107ENMitra Arjmandi FarSaeideh ZiaeiAnoshirvan KazemnejadJournal Article19700101<b>Background</b><br> Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) complicates 3-7% of all pregnancies and fetomaternal outcomes are strongly related to early diagnosis of GDM. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of risk factors in the prediction of an abnormal glucose challenge test (GCT). <br><b>Materials and Methods</b><br> This was a prospective study conducted during 2009-2010 in two prenatal clinics in Rey, Iran. A total of 711 pregnant women who were in their first trimester of pregnancy and met the inclusion criteria were selected. The women were observed once every other week until 24- 28 weeks of gestation. All patients at 24-28 weeks of gestation were screened with 50 g oral glucose GCT. The effects of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), maternal age, and weight gain until the time of GCT, and parity on abnormal GCT were evaluated. All confident intervals were calculated at the 95% level. Data was analyzed using student’s t test and the logistic regression test. <br><b>Results</b><br> Maternal age (p < 0.001), pre-pregnancy BMI (p < 0.00), parity (p=0.05) and weight gain during pregnancy (p=0.05), were significantly higher in women with abnormal GCT compared to women who had normal GCT. Logistic regression analyses confirmed that pre-pregnancy BMI (OR=1.09), maternal age (OR=1.14), and weight gain during pregnancy (OR=1.13) were associated with abnormal GCT. <br><b>Conclusion</b><br> Weight gain had a profound impact on the prevalence of abnormal GCT in our population. Therefore, we propose that pregnant women should only gain the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy.Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)International Journal of Fertility and Sterility2008-076X5420120101Fatty Acid Prof iles of Ram's Sperm after Removing Some Fatty Acid Sources from the Diets and Persistency of Fatty Acids in Sperm21121645108ENVahid EsmaeiliDepartment of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedi-
cine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran;Department of Animal Science, Saveh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Saveh, IranAbdolhossein ShahverdiDepartment of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedi-
cine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-9615-4586Ali Reza AlizadehDepartment of Animal Science, Saveh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Saveh, IranHiva AlipourDepartment of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedi-
cine, ACECR, Tehran, IranArmin TowhidiDepartment of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Engineering, University of Tehran, Karaj, IranJournal Article19700101<b>Background</b><br> Mammalian spermatozoa are characterized by a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), but reliable data concerning dietary effects on fatty acid (FA) profile in ram's sperm and the persistency of FA in the ration to the FA in sperm has not been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the stability of saturated and unsaturated FAs in ram's sperm despite removing FA sources from their diet. <br><b>Materials and Methods</b><br> Nine Kalkoohi rams were used in a completely randomized design and they were assigned to 3 groups. The treatments were diet supplemented (35 g/d/ram) by C16:0 (RP-10®), C18: 2 (Sunflower oil; SO) and n-3 (Fish oil; FO) with Vitamin E. Fifteen weeks after the start of the supplemented diet, rams were offered a basal diet without any supplementary FA source for 35 days when the sperm’s FA ratio was determined. The data were analyzed by ANOVA (Analysis of variance) using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS Institute. <br><b>Results</b><br> Thirty five days after removing the fat supplement from the diet, major FA in sperm consisted of: C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1 cis, C18:2 cis and C22:6 n-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The percentage of C14:0 (p=0.8) and C18:1 cis (P =0.4) were similar among all the treatments. Interestingly, 35 days after the removal of fatty acid source, the percentage of C22:6 was highest in the FO treated group. <br><b>Conclusion</b><br> The different sperm FA profile among various groups suggests that dietary FA had significant direct or indirect impacts on sperm FA profile after 35 days which might lead to physical and chemical changes in sperm characteristics.Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)International Journal of Fertility and Sterility2008-076X5420120101Comparison of Neonatal and Adult Mice-derived Sertoli Cells in Support of Expansion of Mouse Spermatogonial Stem Cells In vitro21722445109ENFaranak TavakolifarDepartment of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell
Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran;Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science andAbdolhossein ShahverdiDepartment of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell
Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran;Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research CenMehdi PirouzDepartment of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell
Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, IranMalak Shakeri4Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Campus, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranMorteza Koruji5Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranJournal Article19700101<b>Background</b><br> This study compared neonatal and adult mice-derived Sertoli cells (NSCs and ASCs) to examine the influence of feeder cells derived from donors of different ages on the maintenance of mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in vitro. <br><b>Materials and Methods</b><br> SSCs were derived from the testes of six-day-old mice. They were subsequently transferred to Sertoli cells which were isolated by datura stramonium agglutinin (DSA) lectin from neonatal and adult mice for five days. <br><b>Results</b><br> The numbers of spermatogonial colonies, the numbers of cells per colony, and cloning efficiency were assessed in presence of NSCs and ASCs. The expression of α6- and β1-integrin- positive cells was evaluated. Moreover, the functionality of the cells was assessed by their transplantation into the testes of busulfan-induced infertile mice. Colony efficiency assay showed that the number of colonies derived from single spermatogonial cells were significantly higher on NSCs. Additionally, the transplantation of dissociated colonies into the testes of busulfan-induced infertile mice showed their migration to the seminiferous basal membrane. <br><b>Conclusion</b><br> These results show that NSCs may provide a more favorable microenvironment in comparison with ASCs for in vitro culture of spermatogonial colonies.Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)International Journal of Fertility and Sterility2008-076X5420120101Presence of SNPs in GDF9 mRNA of Iranian Afshari Sheep22523045110ENShahin EghbalsaiedDepartment of Animal Science, Agricultural Faculty, Khorasgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, IranKamran GhaediBiology Department, School of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran;Departments of Cell and Molecular Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Animal Biotechnology,
ACECR, Isfahan, IranSomayeh Shahmoradi4Young Researchers Club, Khorasgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.Akbar PirestaniDepartment of Animal Science, Agricultural Faculty, Khorasgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, IranHamidreza Amini4Young Researchers Club, Khorasgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.Talat Saiedi4Young Researchers Club, Khorasgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.Linda Nicol5MRC Centre for Reproductive Health Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UKAlan McNeilly5MRC Centre for Reproductive Health Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UKJournal Article19700101<b>Background</b><br> Multiple births occur frequently in some Iranian sheep breeds, while infertility scarcely occurs. Mutation detection in major fecundity genes has been explored in most of Iranian sheep flocks over the last decade. However, previously reported single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for bone morphogenetic protein receptor-(BMPR)-1B and growth differentiation factor ) GDF9( known to affect fertility have not been detected. This study was conducted to assess whether any significant mutations in GDF9 were extracted from slaughtered ewe ovaries of Iranian Afshari sheep breed. <br><b>Materials and Methods</b><br> Ovaries defined as poor, fair, and excellent quality based on external visual appearance of follicles were used for histology and RNA extraction processes. High quality RNAs underwent reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from GDF9 mRNA, and the products sequenced. <br><b>Results</b><br> No streak ovaries, which are considered indicators of infertility due to homozygocity for some mutations in GDF9 and BMP15, were found. Sequencing results from GDF9 cDNA showed that G2 (C471T), G3 (G477A), and G4 (G721A) mutations were observed from 1, 4, and 1 out of 12 ewes, respectively. Though all 3 mutations were previously reported, this is the first report on their presence in Iranian breeds. The first and second mutations do not alter the amino acids, while G4 is a non-conservative mutation leading to E241K in the prohormone. <br><b>Conclusion</b><br> As the G4 mutation was observed only in ovaries defined superficially as top quality, it could be considered as one of reasons for higher ovulation rate in some sheep. Furthermore since multiple mutations were observed in some cases, it might be possible that combinations of minor mutations in GDF9 and BMP15 interact to affect fecundity in some Iranian sheep breeds.Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)International Journal of Fertility and Sterility2008-076X5420120101Assessment of Serum Progesterone Level on the Day of hCG Injection in Infertile Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Patients Referred to Women’s Hospital, Tehran, 200923123445111ENZahra RezaeeObstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranAzizeh GhaseminejadObstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMitra ForootanObstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranTaraneh HosseinipoorObstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranForough ForghaniZabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, IranJournal Article19700101<b>Background</b><br> Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of endocrine disorders and main reasons for infertility due to unovulation and recurrent abortions. There is no consensus on effect of serum progesterone level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection. This study aims to evaluate the effect of plasma levels of progesterone on the day of hCG injection on the rate of pregnancy in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles of PCOS cases. <br><b>Materials and Methods</b><br> A stratified cohort study was conducted over a period of one year (2009) on 38 infertile women with PCOS who were suitable candidates for the IVF program. Patients were evaluated for other causes of infertility with hysterosalpingography (HSG), laparoscopy and normal sperm analysis. Patients were placed on the long protocol, followed by oocyte pick up, and finally IVF-embryo transfer (ET). Study patients were grouped according to progesterone levels of greater or less than 1.2 ng/ml on the day of hCG injection. Pregnancy rates were defined in each group. Levels on day of hCG day clinical pregnancy outcome were assessed. Experimental data were then compared against Fisher’s exact test in SPSS version 18. <br><b>Results</b><br> The overall pregnancy rate in this study was 26.3%. In the group with progesterone levels more than 1.2 ng/ml on the day of hCG injection, the clinical pregnancy rate was 4 (21.1%) and chemical pregnancy rate was 3(15.8%). In the group with progesterone levels less than 1.2 ng/ml, the clinical pregnancy rate was 1(5.3%) and chemical pregnancy rate was 2(10. 5%). <br><b>Conclusion</b><br> This study showed that PCOS patients with progesterone levels more than 1.2 ng/ml on the day of hCG injection resulted in higher chemical and clinical pregnancy rates. However, no significant statistical differences were found between the two groups. For further verification, we recommend additional studies with larger numbers of subjects.Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)International Journal of Fertility and Sterility2008-076X5420120101Fertility Outcome after Operative Laparoscopy versus No Treatment in Infertile Women with Minimal or Mild Endometriosis23524045112ENAshraf MoiniDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Women’s Hospital, Tehran University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran, Iran;Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center,Laleh BaharDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Women’s Hospital, Tehran University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran, IranMansour AshrafiniaDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Women’s Hospital, Tehran University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran, IranBita EslamiDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Women’s Hospital, Tehran University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran, IranReihaneh HosseiniDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Women’s Hospital, Tehran University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran, IranNarges Ashrafinia4Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranJournal Article19700101<b>Background</b><br> Endometriosis is the presence of endometrial glands and stroma in sites other than the uterine cavity, which is associated with infertility. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of laparoscopic surgical treatment on clinical pregnancy in infertile women with minimal or mild endometriosis. <br><b>Materials and Methods</b><br> This clinical trial study was performed in infertile women who were referred to the gynecological clinic between April 2008 and March 2009. After confirmation of minimal or mild endometriosis by diagnostic laparoscopy, patients were randomly assigned into two groups using consecutively numbered, opaque sealed envelops. The first group consisted of women who only underwent diagnostic laparoscopy (no treatment) before randomization. The second group of patients underwent operative laparoscopies. T-test and chi-square test were used when appropriate. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. <br><b>Results</b><br> Analysis with 38 patients in each group showed characteristics such as age, body mass index (BMI), and duration of infertility were statistically similar in both groups. At 9 months follow- up, 9 (24%) women who had operative laparoscopies became pregnant compared with 7 (18%) women in the diagnostic laparoscopy group. The pregnancy rate showed no statistically significant difference between both groups (p=0.49). No complications were reported in either group. <br><b>Conclusion</b><br> The present study suggested that laparoscopic surgical treatment was not superior to diagnostic laparoscopy in pregnancy occurrence in infertile women with minimal and mild endometriosis. (IRCT Number: IRCT201012311952N2).Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)International Journal of Fertility and Sterility2008-076X5420120101Comparison of Complications of Chorionic Villus Sampling and Amniocentesis24124445113ENNahid ShahbazianFetal Medicine Unit, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Jondishapor University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, IranMojgan BaratiFetal Medicine Unit, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Jondishapor University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, IranParvin ArianFetal Medicine Unit, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Jondishapor University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran;Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Taleghani Hospital, Abadan Faculty of Medicial Sciences, Abadan, IranNajmie SaadatiFetal Medicine Unit, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Jondishapor University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, IranJournal Article19700101<b>Background</b><br> A significant number of pregnancies are associated with the cytogenetic abnormalities of the fetus. Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are procedures used for prenatal genetic diagnosis. In this study, we compare the safety and complications of mid-trimester amniocentesis and transabdominal CVS. <br><b>Materials and Methods</b><br> This analytic cross-sectional study was performed in 308 patients from 2.11.2007 to 26.10.2009. We had 155 cases of amniocentesis, which we performed in weeks 15-23 of pregnancy; and 153 cases of CVS, which we performed during weeks 10-14 of pregnancy. <br><b>Results</b><br> There were 2 cases (1.2%) of premature rupture of membrane (PROM) in amniocentesis which occurred 1 and 10 days after the procedure and caused pregnancy loss before 20 weeks. We had 1 case (0.7%) of abortion in CVS, which occurred 10 days after the procedure. Additionally, there was 1 case of amniotic fluid leakage (0.7%) in which, after admission to the hospital and observation, leakage was stopped and the pregnancy continued normally. <br><b>Conclusion</b><br> In this study, we had more complications with amniocentesis cases than CVS. CVS is a procedure performed in the earlier stages of pregnancy and its complications are less than amniocentesis. We suggest CVS to be the procedure of choice for genetic diagnosis.Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)International Journal of Fertility and Sterility2008-076X5420120101A Legal Jurisprudential Deliberation on Lineage and Inheritance of the Pre-Implantation Embryo24525845114ENMohammad Taqi RafieiJournal Article19700101Today, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is not just a medical issue, but certainly also a complex legal issue, in which lawyers can play an important role by establishing the suitable legal conditions to regulate legal relations by introducing necessary theories. One of the important and controversial issues, which can be approached legally, is the study of the pre-implantation embryo with regard to property law, especially the inheritance of the pre-implantation embryo. Article 3 of the Conditions of Embryo Donation to Infertile Couples Act of the year 2003 only stipulates the responsibilities of the intended couple and born child in terms of support, upbringing, maintenance and respect; it does not specify any law regarding the other financial outcomes of lineage like "inheritance", which makes this law imperfect. Also, in view of the fact that lineage is one of the causes of inheritance; studying inheritance without analyzing lineage in the pre-implantation embryo is not possible. Therefore, it is recommended to study lineage and inheritance simultaneously. Some questions arise in this regard, including whether it is possible to prove lineage between the genetic father and mother with a laboratory child, and between the owner of the womb (that is intended wife) and the child. Supposing the lineage is proved, what is the state of inheritance between them? Lawyers and Islamic jurists have different opinions regarding the lineage of the pre-implantation embryo and inheritance. The author believes that the owner of the sperm is regarded as the genetic father of the child and in terms of lineage between laboratory child and mother two genetic and carrying factors must be considered. Thereby, considering inheritance between the genetic father and the child is possible according to inheritance law. Regarding the inheritance state of a laboratory child from two mothers the problem can be solved by using the equality rule within the framework of inheritance law.Royan Institute, Iranian Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR)International Journal of Fertility and Sterility2008-076X5420120101Spontaneous Resolution of a Fetal Dural Sinus Thrombosis: One Case Report and Review of the Literatures25926245115ENJinsong GaoDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, ChinaJuntao LiuDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, ChinaXiya ZhouDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, ChinaXuming BianDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, ChinaQing DaiDepartment of Ultrasound (Qing Dai), Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, ChinaFeng FengDepartment of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, ChinaMin ShengDepartment of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, ChinaChen Wang4Department of Pediatrics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, ChinaJournal Article19700101Fetal dural sinus thrombosis is a rare finding. Most cases have been terminated without long-term follow-ups. Recently some reports have indicated the potentially favorable evolution of fetal dural sinus thrombosis. Most of the fetuses showing symptoms have been delivered with normal neurologic outcome. We report a case of fetal dural sinus thrombosis. Serial ultrasound and magnetic resonance images (MRI) showed the shrinkage of the thrombosis which indicated good prognosis. No physical or neurological abnormality was observed at 8-months follow-up. Conservative treatment is appropriate to prenatally diagnosed dural sinus thrombosis with favorable prognostic factors. Serial MRI or ultrasound should be taken every 1-2 months to monitor the thrombosis development and fetal well-beings.