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Table of Content

    15 November 2018, Volume 37 Issue 6
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    Effect of Macamide on Expression of eNOS Gene in Penis Cavernosum Smooth Muscle Cells of Mice
    LI Bao-xin,XIE Zheng-yuan,ZHENG Shui,YUAN Yan-ling
    2018, 37 (6):  445-449. 
    Abstract ( 1061 )   PDF (1087KB) ( 5823 )  
    Objective:To explore the effect of macamide, an effective extract of maca, on the expression of eNOS in penis cavernosum smooth muscle cells (PCSMC). Methods:The cultured PCSMC was treated with macaamide (100 nmol/L, 100 μmol/L, 100 mmol/L) for 24 h. The expressions of eNOS mRNA and AKT, JNK, P38/MAPK proteins were tested. The PCSMC was also treated with macaamide and SB203580, the inhibitor of P38. The expressions of P38 and eNOS proteins were then tested. Results:After the treatment with macaamide, the expressions of eNOS mRNA and P38/MAPK proteins in PCSMC were significantly increased while the expressions of AKT and JNK proteins were not significantly changed. The expressions of P38 and eNOS proteins were significantly decreased in the PCSMC treated with both macaamide and SB203580, suggesting that SB203580 reversed the upregulation of eNOS induced by macaamide. Conclusions:Macamide can promote the expression of eNOS in PCSMC by activating the P38 pathway.
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    Index of Sperm DNA Fragmentation as A Potential Parameter of Male Fertility
    QIAO Kun,YANG Zhi-yong,XIE Yuan,FAN Qiu-lin,FAN Yu,LIU Yu-bing,YANG Yan-nan,ZHAO Yong-feng,WANG Ling,CHIAN Ri-cheng
    2018, 37 (6):  450-453. 
    Abstract ( 1128 )   PDF (899KB) ( 5999 )  
    Objective:To evaluate whether the index of sperm DNA fragmentation index(DFI) can be used as a parameter of male fertility. Methods:A total of 460 infertile men were enrolled in the observation group, and 107 fertile men in the control group. Semen parameters were calculated by the computer assisted semen analysis system (CASA). Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was detected by the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). The results of routine semen analysis were divided into the normal, oligospermia, asthenospermia and oligoasthenospermia subgroups. Objects were also grouped into 3 subgroups according to the age,  <30 years, 30-39 years, and over 40 years. Specially, those objects were further divided into three subgroups according to DFI, ≤15, 15-30 and ≥30. DFI was compared between the control group and the observation group. The correlations between sperm DFI and age, IVF/ICSI embryonic development and reproductive outcome were successively analyzed. Results:There were significant differences in the proportions of normal, oligospermia, asthenospermia and oligoasthenospermia between the observation group and the control group (22.17% vs. 60.96%, 13.26% vs. 34.59%, 52.62% vs. 1.75% and 11.95% vs. 2.70%, all P<0.05). In the observation group, the proportion of sperm DFI ≤15% was decreased while the proportion  of DFI ≥30% increased (both P<0.05). The level of sperm DFI was increased with age (P<0.05). The early abortion rates of those IVF or ICSI embryos derived from sperms with DFI≥30 were significantly increased (31% and 25%, P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the fertilization rate, cleavage rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate among those subgroups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: The sperm DFI in infertile men is at a higher level, and increased with age. The early abortion rate of IVF or ICSI embryos will be increased when sperm DFI≥30, suggesting that sperm DFI is a practical reference for the evaluation of the potential fertility in those infertile men.
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    Improving the Prediction of Ovarian Response to Ovulation Induction in Patients with Normal Ovarian Function: A Diagnostic Trial
    HE Yi-lei,YANG Shuo,XU Hui-yu,LI Rong,QIAO Jie
    2018, 37 (6):  454-457. 
    Abstract ( 1030 )   PDF (1264KB) ( 5745 )  
    Objective:To investigate the high-accuracy predictive factors of ovarian response to ovulation induction. Methods:The basic information, medication and outcome of 5 859 IVF/ICSI cycles were respectively analyzed in our center from June 2014 to December 2016. The Logistic regression model was developed to predict the ovarian response. There were a total of 517 cycles in the low-response group, 1 281 cycles in the high-response group and 4 061 cycles in the normal-response group. The clinical data of 1 143 cycles in 2017 were used to test the diagnostic value of those factors. Results:The differences in the age, AFC, basal hormone levels, medication and clinical outcomes were significant among the three groups (P<0.001). The level of serum AMH was the important predictor of ovarian response, with the cut-off values of 2.76 ng/mL for high ovarian response and 1.50 ng/mL for low ovarian response. AMH if combining with age could predict high ovarian response, while AMH combining with AFC also predict low ovarian response. Conclusions:The level of serum AMH was a good predictor of ovarian response before Gn initiation. AMH if combining with AFC and age was of great significance in obtaining an appropriate number of oocytes, ensuring a good pregnancy outcome and preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
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    Efficacy of Dehydroepiandrosterone in Improving Ovarian Response and Outcome of IVF-ET in Poor Responders
    HU Rong,QU Quan-xin
    2018, 37 (6):  458-462. 
    Abstract ( 1048 )   PDF (942KB) ( 5961 )  
    Objective:To evaluate the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on the ovarian response and clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in poor responders. Methods:A prospective case-control study was conducted in 78 POR patients treated by IVF/ICSI-ET from January 2015 to June 2017 in Tianjin First Central Hospital, including 41 cases in the DHEA pre-treatment group (DHEA group) and 37 cases in the control group. Patients in the DHEA group received DHEA pretreatment before controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. General data, ovarian reserve and IVF outcome were compared between the two groups. Results:There were no significant differences in age, duration of infertility, body mass index (BMI) and parameters of ovarian reserve including basic follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) between the two groups (all P>0.05). The number of follicles, the number of retrieved oocytes and clinical pregnancy rate were significantly higher in the DHEA group than those in the control group, while the total dosage of gonadotropin (Gn) was significantly lower in the DHEA group (all P<0.05). There were the trends in improving the oocyte retrieval rate, cleavage rate, high-quality embryo rate and implantation rate in the DHEA group, and a trend in decreasing the cycle cancellation rate(all P>0.05). The number of follicles, oocyte retrieval rate and implantation rate were significantly higher in patients aged <37 years than those aged ≥37 years in the DHEA group (P<0.05). Conclusions:DHEA supplementation in some women with POR can enhance the ovarian response, reduce the dosage of gonadotropin and improve the clinical outcome of IVF. DHEA supplementation is more effective for young patients.
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    In vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Case Report and References Review
    HU Yue-yue,XU Shao-yuan,PENG Hai-ying,ZHANG Chang-jun
    2018, 37 (6):  463-467. 
    Abstract ( 1022 )   PDF (2257KB) ( 5803 )  
    Objective:To investigate the genetic diagnosis and IVF-ET treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Methods:Clinical manifestations, chromosome examinations, biochemistry and steroid hormone measurements were collected in a patient with CAH who had primary infertility. Genotyping was performed using direct gene sequencing. Corticosteroids replancement and IVF-ET therapy were performed. Results:This patient was diagnosed as a CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) by a heterozygous mutation of CYP21A2 gene. After successful pregnancy with IVF-ET, the patient was given glucocorticoid intervention and prenatal diagnosis. A healthy baby boy was delivered at term. Conclusions:Genotyping is an effective method for CAH genetic diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis. Reducing androgen and progesterone during IVF-ET treatment of CAH patients can improve the pregnant outcome.
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    A Meta-analysis of Side Effects of GCu200 Intrauterine Device in Different Periods of Insertion
    ZHOU Jian,YANG Yue-hua,SUN Zhi-ming,ZHANG Xue-ning,SHI Wen-hui,CHEN Ying,XU Hao-qin
    2018, 37 (6):  467-473. 
    Abstract ( 980 )   PDF (1672KB) ( 5743 )  
    Objective:To evaluate the rate of side effects of GCu200 intrauterine device (IUD) in different periods of insertion, as the safety reference of contraception. Methods:Nine electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL, as well as related websites including WHO, FDA and ClinicalTrials, were searched. All literatures were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria by two reviewers. Meta-analysis was conducted using Open Meta-Analyst software. Results:6 864 Chinese literatures were preliminarily retrieved, 10 RCT or quasi-RCT studies were recruited finally. Meta-analysis demonstrated that the rates bleeding and pain were gradually decreased as time went on, and that the infection rate was insignificantly changed within 12 months. At 24 months, the total rate of those side effects was actually very low. The bleeding rate of GCu200 in lactation period insertion was significantly lower than that in intermenstrual period or post-abortion period insertion (P<0.05), while there were no significant differences in the rates of pain and infection (both P>0.05). Conclusions:Bleeding was the main side effect in the use of GCu200. Since the insertion during lactation period had lower bleeding rate, this insertion period should be recommended if possible. The follow-up should be strengthened, and the early bleeding after the insertion of GCu200 should be prevented and treated especially, so as to reduce the removal due to side effects.
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    Visualization Analysis of HPV Vaccine-related Literatures with Knowledge Map Based on CiteSpace
    MA Ai-hua,WU Xiao-qing
    2018, 37 (6):  474-478. 
    Abstract ( 1015 )   PDF (8141KB) ( 5640 )  
    Objective:To understand the history and current development of HPV vaccine, and to predict the trend of HPV vaccine. Methods:Using CNKI and WangFang databases, 1 584 articles from January 1995 to Septemper 2018 were retrieved. HPV vaccine-related literatures were exported in the format of refworks. The cluster view or timeline view was described on the author, institution, key words, term and category, which was based on the cluster analysis using CiteSpace software. Results:The number of literatures was significantly increased around 2006, fell slightly from 2010 to 2014, and increased again after 2014. Although research teams and institutions in this field were widely distributed, the extensive or detailed studies were from few institutions, and the cooperative study was much less. The research hot words were college student, human papillomavirus vaccine, influencing factors related to HPV vaccine, study related to HPV vaccine guideline and application of HPV vaccine in women. Conclusions:Study on HPV vaccine is still a hot topic although it went through 28 years. In the future, the diversified cooperation in different institutions or teams should be encouraged. It is necessary for those new researchers to understand the findings of core authors and the developing trend in this field.
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    Effect of Abdominal Obesity on Semen Parameters:A Review
    QIAN Li,GUO Yi-hong
    2018, 37 (6):  481-485. 
    Abstract ( 1075 )   PDF (889KB) ( 5849 )  
    Abdominal obesity among men of childbearing age in China continues to increase. Epidemiology showed the negative effect of abdominal obesity on semen quality. In this paper, the evaluation methods of abdominal obesity, the effect and mechanism of abdominal obesity on semen quality, as well as the intervention, were reviewed. The waist circumference >85 cm and the ratio of waist to height >50 in China can be used as the two parameters of abdominal obesity. CT, MRI and DEXA can be used to evaluate visceral fat content more accurately. Abdominal obesity can affect semen quality by reproductive hormones, oxidative stress, fat factors, physical factors, apoptosis and so on. In addition, abdominal obesity can also affect erectile function. High intensity intermittent exercise can reduce visceral fat, and supplement with vitamin D can improve adipose tissue inflammation. However, the effect of abdominal obesity on semen quality and potential mechanisms should be studied more deeply and carefully in future, including the clinical controlled study with large samples.
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    Research Progress in Mammalian Sperm RNAs
    SHI Zi-yang,ZHANG An-di,MA Jia-yi,YANG Yang,WU Jing-wen
    2018, 37 (6):  486-491. 
    Abstract ( 1023 )   PDF (932KB) ( 5755 )  
    The quantity of mammalian sperm RNAs is little,  but the kind is much. With the development of biotechnology, the function and mechanism of some sperm RNAs have been illustrated. In spermiogenesis, miRNAs and mRNA are closely related to the chromosome pycnosis, flagellum structure and motility; while piRNAs have a definite but limited function on the retrotransposon activity and genome stability. During fertilization and early embryonic development, mRNA plays a role in regulating cellular energy pathways and affecting gametogenesis. The deficiency of miRNAs or endo-siRNAs could lead to the abnormal early embryonic development. Several pri-mir-RNAs transported as miRNA precursors and activated after fertilization regulate the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. LncRNAs participats in the regulation of gene expression and silence. Sperm RNAs as a stable trans-generation bio-marker (such as tsRNAs, miRNAs and piRNAs) can remodel the acquired traits, and transmit them steadily to offspring, via modifying the higher-order structures of genetic materials.
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    The Effects of Oxidative Stress on Male Reproductive System
    QIN Xin-ran,XUE Chun-ran,PENG Qi-hua,HAN Si-yang,JING Jia,DING Zhi-de
    2018, 37 (6):  492-497. 
    Abstract ( 1055 )   PDF (960KB) ( 5784 )  
    Oxidative stress can induce much more reactive oxygen species (ROS), which upset the balance between oxidation and antioxidant. The low level of ROS plays a role in regulating the physiological function of cells, whereas the abnormally high level of ROS can cause the damage of tissues and cells, such as abnormal signal pathways, energy production disorders, gene mutations and protein structure changes, and further affect the functions of cells, tissues, organs and even system. In male reproductive system, the high level of ROS causes serious damage in the reproductive organs and the germ cells as well. For instance, the high level of ROS induced the testicular damage in morphological structure and steroid syntheses. Oxidative stress may directly damage the structures of DNA, membrane lipids and proteins in germ cells, which greatly increases the deformity rate of sperm and eventually leads to male infertility. It is important to understand the ROS production in male reproductive system and its effects on male fertility, so as to discuss further  the pathogenesis of male infertility and the related antioxidant treatment.
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    Research Advances in Pathogenesis of Asthenozoospermia
    JIANG Meng-qi,HUANG Jin-hua,LIANG Meng-chen,LIU Yue,DING Zhi-de
    2018, 37 (6):  498-503. 
    Abstract ( 1129 )   PDF (908KB) ( 5770 )  
    Asthenozoospermia, one of the important factors of male infertility, is caused by multi-factors such as chromosomal abnormalities, microbial infections, endocrine disorders, varicocele and autoimmune factors, etc. However, the mechanism remains unclear in a considerable proportion of asthenozoospermia. Structural proteins on sperm flagella maintain sperm morphology and mobility. The gene mutation or decreased expression of Tektins, a microtubule-associated protein, and Septins, a cytoskeletal component, can decrease sperm motility. The intracellular phosphorylation cascades are affected by the concentrations of ions in sperm, such as Ca2+, Cl-, etc., which is vital for the sperm to adapt to the change of external environment and to the important physiological function such as capacitation and acrosome reaction. Abnormalities of ion channels and their regulators, Catspers and CRISPs, are related to asthenozoospermia. Oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria is the source of energy for sperm movement. Gene mutations of oxidative phosphorylase and respiratory chain-related proteins, and abnormal expression of mitochondria-associated microRNAs, might result in the reduced sperm motility. Besides, JAK-STAT signaling pathway is involved in spermatogenesis, and mitochondria-mediated pathways of sperm cell apoptosis are also associated with the reduced sperm motility. This review is focused on the pathogenesis of asthenozoospermia.
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    Roles of LncRNA in Follicular and Early Embryonic Development
    KONG Yue,YAO Gui-dong,SUN Ying-pu
    2018, 37 (6):  504-507. 
    Abstract ( 1001 )   PDF (890KB) ( 5793 )  
    Long non-coding RNAs (long ncRNAs, lncRNA) are defined as a group of RNAs being longer than 200 nucleotides and lacking the protein-coding ability. LncRNA plays an important role in follicular development and early embryonic development that are closely related to female reproductive health. It has been found that lncRNAs may be involved in follicular development by affecting the proliferation and survival of female germline stem cells and regulating cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation. LncRNA also plays an important role in ovulation, corpus luteum formation and early embryonic development by affecting the proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of granulosa cells. The study of lncRNA will help us to further understand the molecular mechanism of follicle and early embryonic development, and provide us new diagnostic criteria for evaluating female ovarian reserve and pre-implantation embryo quality and new ideas for the treatment of infertility. This article will review the recent studies on lncRNAs related to the follicular and early embryonic development.
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    Antioxidation of Peroxiredoxin 4 and Its Effect on Reproductive System
    MA Wei-wei,MENG Yan,CUI Yu-gui
    2018, 37 (6):  508-512. 
    Abstract ( 1178 )   PDF (881KB) ( 5993 )  
    As a member of the peroxiredoxin family, PRDX4 plays an important role in antioxidation as a endogenous antioxidant. PRDX4 can anchor the endoplasmic reticulum to regulate protein oxidative folding, and secrete into the extracellular matrix as an extracellular antioxidant. In the female reproductive system, oxidative stress affects the physiological state of the ovary. The PRDX4s expressed in granulosa cells and oocytes can promote follicular maturation through anti-oxidative stress, inhibit oocyte aging, and participate in the pathological process of PCOS and ovarian dysfunction. Two PRDX4 subtypes, PRDX4s and PRDX4t, were expressed in testis. PRDX4 inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress and clears cytoplasm and extracellular matrix ROS, by which PRDX4 protects testicular tissue structure and cell function, participates in regulating spermatogenesis and sperm formation, and inhibits spermatogenic cells apoptosis. This article describes the structure and function of PRDX4 and its role in regulating gametogenesis.
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    SIRT3 and Female Fertility
    LI Tian-jie,QIAO Jie
    2018, 37 (6):  513-516. 
    Abstract ( 1007 )   PDF (824KB) ( 5789 )  
    The Sirtuins family has been one of the research hotspots in recent years. Sirtuins were involved in multiple biological processes including metabolism, gene expression, oxidative stress and cellular aging. SIRT3, a member of the Sirtuins family, plays an important role in protecting cells from damage by antioxidation. The deacetylation of SIRT3 in mitochondria is most active, regulating ROS production and clearance, ATP production and mitochondrial function through various molecular mechanisms. As one of the key factors regulating ROS production, SIRT3 plays a fundamental role in the reproductive biological processes such as ovarian reserve, follicular development, oocyte meiosis, pre-implantation embryo development, oocyte aging and granulosa cells function. Therefore, SIRT3 can be a potential candidate target to develop some drugs for improving ovarian function. This article reviews the role of SIRT3 and possible molecular pathways in the reproductive system.
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    Research Progress in Monogenic Diseases of Cardiovascular System and PGD
    QIN Meng,ZHANG Zhe,QIAO Jie,ZHI Xu
    2018, 37 (6):  517-522. 
    Abstract ( 1081 )   PDF (936KB) ( 5829 )  
    Many hereditary cardiovascular diseases with a high risk of sudden death seriously affect the life quality of patients. Those hereditary cardiovascular diseases caused by single gene defect can be classified into monogenic cardiovascular diseases and monogenic syndromic diseases with cardiovascular abnormalities, according to whether multiple organ defects are involved. Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) technology can be used to select the embryos that do not carry the genetic defect for implantation so as to block the monogenic diseases. With the continuous improvement of technology, PGD has been applied to more and more hereditary cardiovascular disorders.
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