Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction

201-210

Authors: Cakir Kaya Hacer, Eroglu Onur

Objective: To give a brief overview of the field of epigenetics and the potential predictive power that small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) may hold in relation to improving the treatment and diagnosis of male infertility. Methods: PRISMA-ScR was used as the scoping review guideline for this investigation. All article data here have been accessed from MEDLINE–PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCO, Scopus, Sage Journals, and Google Scholar. The terms "small non coding RNA, male, infertility, miRNA, sperm" were used in the search between 2015 and 2023. Results: The study comprised 35 publications in total. Several sncRNAs, miR-155, miR-16, miR-196, miR-525-3p, miR-891 were found to be effective in regulating the mechanism of spermatozoa processing in the infertility of men. sncRNA can be used as a biomarker of male infertility. Conclusions: sncRNAs can act as biomarkers for the diagnosis of reproductive diseases. Actually, by recognizing sncRNAs and their mechanisms, a new way to treat infertile men would be paved. The functional annotation of sncRNAs in spermatogenesis is still in its infancy but has enormous potential. This is despite the fact that many potential sncRNAs have been found to date with the use of cutting-edge technology and publicly accessible sncRNA annotation tools.

220-228

Authors: Fahad Afzal, Arindam Das

Objective: To analyze the sociological support system available for left-behind wives of male outmigrants and develop a model that predicts the antenatal care (ANC) services utilization. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in rural regions of the Patna district, India. The sample size (n=328) was estimated using Cochran’s formula. Five parameters of the social support system were identified (autonomy, spousal support, family support, social circle support, and government support). The score for each was calculated as a composite score using multiple variables; these served as independent variables. The respondents were categorized as efficient and non-efficient users of ANC service based on established criteria. Results: The regression results showed that four out of five social parameters had a significant effect on ANC behavior. Spousal support was the strongest predictor (standardized regression coefficient β=0.57, OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.08-1.79, P=0.007). Government support was found to be the second strongest predictor (β=0.40, OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.04-2.14, P=0.027), followed by family support (β=0.31, OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.23-2.57, P=0.034) and autonomy (β=0.11, OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.11-2.26, P=0.030). The social circle support was found to be non-significant in predicting ANC behavior (P>0.05). Conclusions: The policymakers could focus on the identified predictors to strengthen and modify the existing policies for left- behind wives of male outmigrants. The need of the hour is a strategic intervention for behavioral modification of not only the left-behind wives but also their family members along with reinforcement of the existing social-security net. One strategy we suggest is to launch an awareness campaign focusing on husbands (male outmigrants) and family members.

239-248

Authors: İrfan Yılmaz, Gaffari Türk, Aslıhan Çakır Cihangiroğlu, Tutku Can Acısu, İbrahim Halil Güngör, Gözde Arkalı, Edanur Güler Ekmen

Objective: To investigate the effect of taxifolin added to rabbit semen on freezing-induced cold-shock damages in spermatozoa. Methods: Semen was collected from six adult New Zealand rabbits once a week by artificial vagina. The collected semen was pooled at 38 ℃ and divided into four equal volumes. They were diluted with 0, 50, 100 and 200 µM taxifolin-containing Tris + egg yolk extender at 38 ℃ and their temperatures were lowered to 4 ℃. Following equilibration, semen drawn into 0.25 mL straws were frozen in an automatic semen freezing device and stored in liquid nitrogen container at -196 ℃. Samples were thawed in 38 ℃ water for 25 s and the analyses of motility, kinematic parameters, morphological deformities, changes in membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, dead-live ratio, acrosomal damages and as well as oxidative stress analyses were performed in semen. Results: Addition of 50 µM taxifolin significantly improved motility (total, progressive, rapid and static), high mitochondrial membrane potential and the ratios of spermatozoa with acrosomal damage compared to the control group. Compared to the control group, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the 50 and 100 µM taxifolin groups were significantly lower, while the MDA level was high and viable spermatozoa ratio was low in the 200 µM taxifolin group. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of kinematic parameters, morphological deformities, membrane integrity and antioxidant levels. Conclusions: The low dose of taxifolin (50 µM) has a positive effect and the high dose (200 µM) has a negative effect. Therefore, it is concluded that the addition of low-dose (50 µM) taxifolin to the extenders would be a useful additive in reducing cold-shock damage that occurs during freezing of rabbit semen.