Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction

Number 12(03), 2023

97-108
Protein kinase inhibitors affect spermatogenic functions and blood testis barrier remodelling: A scoping review

Authors: Oyovwi Mega Obukohwo, Onome Bright Oghenetega, Falajiki Yewande Faith, Emojevwe Victor, Rotu Arientare Rume, Joseph Gregory Uchechukwu, Oyeleke Abiodun Abioye

Abstract

View in PDF

Number of views: 30

bjective: To identify the role of protein kinase in male reproduction in animal models and human spermatogenic function. Methods: This study assessed the protein kinase of male reproduction in animal models and human using different reviewed paper indexed in PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCO, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Sage Journals, and Google Scholar. Data were charted based on author, year of publication published between 1893 and 2023, country, purpose, data collection, key findings, and research focus/domain. Results: The MAPK pathway contributed to the growth, maturation, and functionality of male germ cells. We also found out that certain influencing factors categorized into hormonal/non hormonal factors and chemotoxicant, as well as heat stress expressed an inhibitory mechanism on protein kinase, thus affecting spermatogenic functions and maintenance/remodeling of the blood testis barrier, as well as the physiology of the Sertoli cells necessary for nutritional support of spermatogenesis. However, activating protein kinases pathway like the mTOR pathway as well as increased expression of peroxiredoxin-4 and L-carnitine mediated protein kinases may be useful for treating or managing male reproductive dysfunction. Conclusions: Protein kinase plays an important role in spermatogenic functions and blood testis remodeling in animal and human. Its assessment provides essential information that can guide treatment strategies aimed at improving male reproductive potential. Taken together, these recent advances highlight a future therapeutic intervention in assessing male reproductive potential. It might also be possible to look at potential targets for male contraceptives in the MAPK pathway.

109-116
Prevalence and risk factors of infertility in a Mongolian population

Authors: Tuvshinbayar Negdel, Arigbukh Enkhbat, Badrakh Munkhbayar, Khantushig Bilegsuren, Ariunaa Ganbold, Khuderchuluun Nanjid, Carol W Readhead, Lkhagva-Ochir Erkhembaatar, Erkhembaatar Tuduvdorj, Munkhzol Malchinkhuu, Odkhuu Enkhtaivan

Abstract

View in PDF

Number of views: 40

Objective: To investigate and analyze the prevalence and risk factors of infertility in a Mongolian population. Methods: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study between September 2016 and November 2021. Our study population of 1 919 participants consisted of residents of Ulaanbaatar city and four regions of Mongolia. A pretested standardized and structured questionnaire was used to gather data from the participants. Our questionnaire comprised categories influencing infertility, such as socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, health, reproductive history, present status, and sexual function. In addition, trained staff conducted face-to-face interviews with the participants. Results: Our study showed an infertility incidence of 8.2%, with primary infertility at 2.76% and secondary infertility at 5.47%. Compared with the urban area of Ulaanbaatar, the prevalence of infertility was significantly higher amongst the rural population (P<0.001). Risk factors of infertility included advanced age (35- 39 years, OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.99-6.55; >40 years, OR 2.1, 95% CI 2.62-8.55), living rural region (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.62-3.69), alcohol consumption (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.11-2.44), chronic diseases (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.20-2.38), reproductive disease (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.86-3.88), gynecological operative history (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.38- 3.21), ovarian cyst (aOR 4.2, 95% CI 2.70-6.40), gonorrhea (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.01-6.16), non-malignant uterine cancer (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.40-6.70), and endometriosis (aOR 4.7, 95% CI 1.41-15.62). Conclusions: In Mongolia, the average infertility rate is 8.2%, similar to the average worldwide and is significantly higher in rural communities. Our study shows the most significant risk factors for infertility are age, alcohol consumption, and rural living. In addition, an unfavorable gynecological history and some diseases also pose a risk to fertility.

117-123
Antifertility potential of leaves and seeds of Delonix regia in female rats

Authors: Garg Megha, Sharma Aditi, Choudhary Manjusha , Kaur Prabhjeet

Abstract

View in PDF

Number of views: 49

Objective: To evaluate the antifertility activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Delonix regia (Boj. ex Hook.) Raf. leaves and seeds which are traditionally being used by Yanadi tribe to treat dysmenorrhea. Methods: Three experimental animal models, including anti- implantation, early abortifacient, and estrogenic activity in female rats, were used for evaluation of the antifertility activity of both extracts at two dose levels (250 and 500 mg/kg, orally). There were five groups in the anti-implantation and early abortifacient activity while six groups in estrogenic activity including the standard. The number of implants, resorptions, vaginal cornification, body weight, uterus weight, and biochemical parameters were measured. Results: At doses 250 and 500 mg/kg, the leaf extract was found to have strong anti-implantation action. The extract administered at the same doses also caused a significant rise in the number of resorptions, showing early abortifacient activity, increased uterine weight, and altered numerous biochemical parameters. Meanwhile, the seed extract only displayed slight anti-implantation activity at both levels. Conclusions: Based on these preliminary findings, we can conclude that the leaf extract outperformed the seed extract in terms of antifertility activity, exhibiting potent estrogenic, anti-implantation and early abortifacient activities in a dose-dependent manner. These findings are consistent with the literature study and corroborate to the antifertility activity of the plant.

124-130
Effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide on the oestrous cycle of rats

Authors: Hafsat Yazeed Idris, Adewale Ayodeji Adeyeye, Emmanuel Busayo Ibitoye, Millicent Ladi Umaru

Abstract

View in PDF

Number of views: 24

Objective: To determine the effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide on the oestrous cycle of rats. Methods: Fifteen adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group A served as the control group, while groups B and C received 250 and 500 mg/kg of glyphosate-based herbicide orally for five oestrous cycles, respectively. Stages of oestrous cycle, oestrous cycle index, length of cycle, oestrous cycle ratio, serum estradiol and progesterone levels were determined. Results: The proestrus and oestrus stages of the glyphosate- based herbicide groups increased significantly (P<0.05), although proestrus in group C was not significantly different from the control group. There was a significant decrease in the metestrus and diestrus of the glyphosate-based herbicide groups (P<0.05). The oestrous cycle index of the glyphosate-based herbicide treated groups was altered; this was characterized by an increase in the oestrous index and a decrease in the metestrus and diestrus indexes. The proestrus index of group B increased, while that of group C decreased. The length of the cycle of the glyphosate-based herbicide groups significantly decreased from the 1st and 3rd week till the end of the study in groups B and C, respectively (P<0.05). There was a significant increase in the oestrous cycle ratio of the glyphosate-based herbicide groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). Though the estradiol and progesterone levels of the glyphosate-based herbicide groups increased and decreased, respectively, they were not significantly different from the control group. Conclusions: Glyphosate-based herbicide at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg can alter the pattern of the oestrous cycle in rats.

131-143
Buffalo anti-PDC-109 antibodies improve the semen quality profiles and in-vitro zona binding index and minimize the cryoinjury of sperm in cryopreserved buffalo semen

Authors: S. S. Ramteke, J. S. Rajoriya, A. M. Shende, S. K. Ghosh, J. K. Prasad, P. Peruma

Abstract

View in PDF

Number of views: 26

Objective: To optimize the concentration of PDC-109 protein in semen for higher cryopreservability and fertility by sequestration or neutralization of PDC-109 by its antibodies (anti-PDC-109 antibodies) in bubaline species. Methods: PDC-109 protein was purified by applying two-step chromatography procedures. Purified protein was injected in rabbits to raise antibodies. These raised anti-PDC-109 antibodies were used in neutralization or sequestration of PDC-109 in in-vitro model. Ejaculates were collected from buffaloes and splited for four groups. Group 1 received egg yolk Tris glycerol extender, without anti-PDC-109 antibodies, while group 2 to 4 received anti-PDC-109 antibodies 266 µg/mL, 80 µg/mL, and 26 µg/mL in Tris-fructose- citrate buffer, respectively. Semen quality parameters viz., forward progressive motility, viability, total morphological abnormality, acrosomal integrity, plasma membrane integrity, cryoinjury and in- vitro zona binding index were evaluated. Results: Semen quality parameters of neat semen were within the normal range of bubaline species. Sperm motility, livability, acrosomal integrity, plasma membrane integrity, and cholesterol content of sperm were decreased and total sperm abnormality was increased significantly in post-thaw semen compared to those in pre-freeze and fresh semen (P<0.05). Semen in group 2 had higher sperm motility, livability, acrosomal integrity, plasma membrane integrity, and cholesterol content of sperm and lower total sperm abnormality significantly compared to those in group 1, 3 and 4 at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages (P<0.05). Conclusions: Sequestration or neutralization of PDC-109 by its antibodies significantly improves pre-freeze, and post-thaw semen quality parameters and in-vitro zona binding index with simultaneously reducing cryoinjury or cryodamage in the sperm of bubaline species.

144-146
Do not lose the moon while counting the stars: Conventional IVF versus add-on treatments

Authors: Mete Isikoglu

Abstract

View in PDF

Number of views: 24

We may realign our priorities by focusing on the efficient, simple, and cost-effective C-IVF technique and reconsider spending our efforts and sources for struggling with mostly unproven add-ons. In other words, instead of overusing ICSI in unnecessary indications and spending precious time and money with unproven add-on techniques, it will be more prudent to switch back to C-IVF which may contribute better to the effort of achieving higher success rates and safer long-term outcomes for ART individuals. Thus, for non-male factor infertility cases, sooner or later, IVF should be placed again in the right position it deserves.