Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction

Pages 7-12

Authors: Laurence A. Cole a, *, larry@hcglab.com, Stephen A. Butler b

Objective Hyperglycosylated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a variant of hCG made by cytotrophoblast cell. Here we examine the role of hyperglycosylated hCG in placenta growth and invasion. Methods JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells and term cytotrophoblast monolayer culture were prepared. The effect of supplemental hyperglycosylated hCG and hCG was investigated. Growth of these cells was examined by increase in cell number. Invasion was investigated using Matrigel basement membrane cells. The proportion of cell invading Matrigel was determined. Results Term cytotrophoblast cell and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells grew to 5 427±834 cells (109%) and 7 114±553 cells (142%). With the supplementation of hyperglycosylated hCG, they grew significantly wider to 7 633±177 cells (142%) and 10 315±1 477 cells (206%). With the supplementation of hCG they diminished to 4 227±769 cells (78%) and 5 620±657 cells (79%). Term cytotrophoblast cell and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells penetrated Matigel membranes to (40.0±10.0)% and (46.0±9.8)%. Hyperglycosylated hCG significantly enhanced penetration to (76.0±13.0)% and (84.0±6.6)%. hCG diminished penetration to (32.0±9.1)% and (32.0±4.5)%. Conclusions Hyperglycosylated hCG enhances both cytotrophoblast growth and cytotrophoblast cell invasion. hCG minimally suppresses growth and invasion. Keywords hCG; Hyperglycosylated hCG; Cytotrophoblast; Syncytiotrophoblast; Glycoprotein

Pages 17-21

Authors: MartÍn MartÍnez-torres a, *, martor@servidor.unam.mx, E Martha PÉrez-armendariz b, M Elena Hernández Caballero c, Juanaluis a, guadalupe ortÍz-LÓpez d

Objective To relate the histological characteristics and histochemical Δ5−4-isomerase-3 beta hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (Δ5−43β-HSD) activity of the corpora lutea (CL) and the atresic vitellogenic follicles (AVF) with progesterone (P4) plasma concentrations in three different times of gestation (early, medium and late) in the viviparous lizard Sceloporus mucronatus (S. mucronatus). Methods The histological characteristics as well as histochemical activity of Δ5−43β-HSD of the CL and AVF and their relationship with plasma P4 levels were studied during three different times of pregnancy of the viviparous lizard S. mucronatus. Results Corpora lutea develops during the first third of gestation. In second third, the luteal tissue reaches maturity and starts the first regressive changes. The last third of gestation was characterized by a considerably advance in the luteolysis. Activity of Δ5−43β-HSD was observed in he luteal cell mas. The activity of this enzyme were high during the first third and scantle activity was detected in the last third. Even though atresic vitellogenic follicles are found throughout the whole period of gestation, Δ5−43β-HSD activity is very low in relation with showed by CL and does not change significantly in the studied period of time. Another hand, we observed a direct relationship among the histological aspect of the corpus luteum, Δ5−43β-HSD activity and progesterone levels. Conclusions These observations suggests that the corpus luteum is the most important source of ovarian progesterone (P4) during pregnancy and that the participation of the AVF in the production of this hormone is little or non-existent. Keywords Corpus luteum; Atretic vitellogenic follicles; Progesterone; Ovary; Lizard; Introduction

Pages 27-33

Authors: Alfredo Medrano a, b, c, *, Paul F Watson b, William V Holt c

Objective To relate semen susceptibility in cooling protocols to sperm plasma membrane properties. Methods A series of experiments was performed using the fluorescent markers, progesterone-BSA-FITC and BSA-FITC. Results These experiments indicated that both progesterone-BSA-FITC and BSA-FITC bound to specific sperm plasma membrane domains, thus producing four different binding patterns, revealing probable changes in membrane organization during capacitation and during cooling. Those patterns seem to make a sequence progressing from non-capacitated status to capacitated status. The proportion of each pattern was different during incubation than during cooling, showing the latter had a higher proportion of dead sperm than the former. Conclusions At this stage, the association of sperm plasma membrane alterations was revealed by BSA-FITC probes and cryosensitivity remains unclear. Keywords Cooling; Incubation; Capacitation; Acrosome reaction

Pages 38-41

Authors: floricultural plant from twin scale explants Author links open the overlay panel. Numbers correspond to the affiliation list which can be exposed by using the show more link. Lekha Kumar *, Sincy Joseph, Narmatha Bai

Objective The present study was performed to standardize an effective protocol for micropropagation of Tigridia pavonia using tissue culture. Methods The explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with cytokinins like thidiazuron (TDZ), zeatin, kinetin and auxins such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), individually at different concentrations. Results Multiple shoots were obtained on MS medium containing either 2.0 mg/L TDZ or 2.0 mg/L IAA or 0.5 mg/L IBA and in the same medium for a long period (120 d) produced tiny bulbs at the base of the senescent leaves. TDZ favored only multiple shoots without roots, whereas IAA or IBA individually or in combination with TDZ produced rooted shoots. Shoots developed on MS medium supplemented with TDZ were rooted on MS medium containing either IBA or NAA at 0.5 mg/L. The plantlets were acclimatized in pots containing garden soil. Regenerated plantlets developed into normal plants. The plants showed 99% survival. Conclusions The highest number of bulblets obtained in the present study represents an effective alternative to the conventional method. Keywords Tigridia pavonia; Twin scale explant; Murashige and Skoog medium; Growth regulator

Pages 48-54

Authors: Jun-Qing Wu, Yu-Yan Li, Jing-Chao Ren, Na Li, Yin Zhou, Rui Zhao, Yu-Feng Zhang

Objective To explore the male condom use and the using problems as well as the influencing factors among Shanghai women. Methods A prospective follow-up was conducted among 1 562 subjects who used either the condom or the combined regimen as their method for fertility regulation in nine districts in Shanghai. The study began in the October, 2003 with a baseline survey, and finished in the December, 2007. There were two groups, group I with condom use combined regimen (condom + ECP) and group II with condom use only. Totally 812 eligible subjects were assigned to group I, and 750 to group II. Data was collected with a daily diary card, on which menses, acts of intercourse, information on condom and ECP use, and condom using problems were recorded. Data were analyzed with binary logistic regression models adjusting the potential confounding factors. Results During the whole study years, in group I the mean condom using frequency was (59.5±17.9) times and the whole course condom using frequency was (58.1±18.5). In group II, the mean condom using frequency and the whole course condom using frequency are (57.4±19.0) and (56.4±19.7), respectively. The condom using problem rate (CUPR) in group I and group II in the first month were 5.05 and 9.64 per 100 condoms. With the progress of the study, the CUPR in both groups were decreasing. The total year's CUPR in group I and group II were 0.82% and 1.45% (P=0.002). The study showed that the common condom using problems during the 1st year were too loose (41.9% in group I and 27.1% in group II), too long (15.6% in group I and 25.6% in group II), and too slippery (21.2% in group I and 20.2% in group II) among those reported condom using problems. Condom problems were more common in the inexperienced and in those who had not experienced problems previously. Subject's age, education and occupation might influence condom using problem rate. Conclusions The condom using problems indicated that condom manufacturers should continue to refine the products so as to increase the condom acceptability. Experience was significant associated with condom using problem. Keywords Condom using problem; Contraception; Sexual intercourse

Pages 60-62

Authors: Mostafa A. Borahay, Gokhan S. Kilic, Mary C. Haver

Ovarian vein embolotherapy is a relatively new treatment for pelvic congestion syndrome that is claimed to be safe and effective. A 36-year-old woman underwent ovarian (without internal iliac) vein embolotherapy for pelvic congestion syndrome. Her pain was improved following the procedure. Within three months of the procedure, she started experiencing distressing abnormal uterine bleeding. Specifically, she developed profuse bleeding after intercourse. After thorough evaluation and counseling, a total abdominal hysterectomy was eventually performed. The use of ovarian vein embolization for treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome may be associated with abnormal uterine bleeding. Keywords Pelvic congestion syndrome; Ovarian vein embolotherapy; Ovarian vein embolization; Chronic pelvic pain; Abnormal uterine bleeding; Interventional radiology; Uterus; Ovary

Pages 67-68

Authors: Melanie Walls, Emily Zuvela , Cheryl Ayres , Deborah Sherrin , Asma Chhotani , Liz Butler , Kelli Peirce , Jenny Krapez , Renae Parker , Cherise Mooy , Patrick Mohan , Sally Catt , Matthew Wiltshire, Hassan W Bakos, Mary Whyte, Phillip Matson

Objective To undertake a multi-centre study to maximize the number of Makler chambers used. Methods A total of 15 laboratories participated with 31 Makler chambers. A suspension of latex beads was prepared to a concentration of 20 millions per milliliter, and 0.5 mL aliquots distributed to each participating laboratory. They measured the concentration on their Makler chamber(s) used for routine semen analysis by adding 3, 4, 5, 7 and 10 μL volumes of bead suspension to the chamber. Results There was no difference in within-chamber analysis of the bead concentration according to the volume of bead suspension applied within the range of 3–10 μL (F4,14=2.634, P=0.056). However, the between-chamber effects were significantly different (F30,124=4.937, P=0.000), and 24/31 (77.5%) chambers tested had an average bias>10% compared to the target bead concentration. Conclusions A volume of 3–10 μL added to Makler counting chambers does not influence the concentration measured of latex beads, but the between-chamber variability and positive bias seen would suggest that other sources of error are present which are yet to be identified. Keywords Volume; Semen; Makler chamber

Pages 76-84

Authors: Zi-Liang Ji, Yong-Gang Duan , Li-Sha Mou , Jean-Pierre Allam , Gerhard Haidl , Zhi-Ming Cai

It has been well established that heat shock proteins (HSP) and heat shock factors (HSF) are involved in wide varieties of physiological regulation process and signal pathway. Numerous members of heat shock family exhibit a cell-type-specific expression pattern during spermatogenesis and play crucial roles in germ cell development. This led to the emerging studies to reveal the association between heat shock family and male infertility. Aberrant expressions of HSP/HSFs observed in sterile men and animal models indicate the two opposite effects, both protective and harmful, of heat shock family on male fertility. Moreover, HSP/HSFs are also involved in the two major causes of male infertility. It seems that different behaviors of HSP/HSFs patients with varicocele and Chlamydia trachomatis infection lead to distinct outcomes of male fertility. In addition, emerging evidence has demonstrated that the altered expression of HSP/HSFs may be responsible for the abnormal germ cell apoptosis and subsequently results in impaired spermatogenesis. Therefore, heat shock family may play an important role in the quality-control of germ cells during spermatogenesis, raising the prospect of their utility for novel treatment targets in male infertility. Keywords Apoptosis; Heat shock; Infertility; Spermatogenesis