Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction

1-2

Authors: Mawiya Sana

In conclusion, even though Pakistan ranking 79th globally on the Inclusive Internet Index 2022, which measures the ability of citizens to use the internet, Pakistan has the strongest performance being affordability and despite there being evidence of technology being proven to be an effective and socially acceptable method of positively influencing reproductive health, the incorporation of telehealth seems to be a great challenge. This is due to the lack of awareness of such programs and insufficient training of healthcare professionals in this area of expertise. Therefore, it is essential to introduce nationwide awareness of online and mobile technologies and lay out rules and regulations to allow virtual practices in improving online sexual and reproductive health.

12-21

Authors: Seyed Sobhan Bahreiny, Mojtaba Aghaei, Mohammad Reza Dabbagh, Hamid Ghorbani, Moslem Javidan,Reza Mohammadpour Fard

Objective: To investigate the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) exposure and semen quality parameters. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the association between SO 2 exposure and semen quality parameters. This search encompassed the timeframe from January 2000 to May 2023 and included electronic databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus. Pooled effect estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using percent changes (PC). The meta-analysis included seven studies with 6 711 participants and 15 087 semen samples. Results: The results revealed a significant negative association between ambient SO 2 exposure and certain semen quality parameters. In particular, SO 2 exposure was associated with a significant decrease in progressive motility (PC=0.032; 95% CI: -0.063 to -0.001; P=0.044) and sperm concentration (PC = -0.020; 95% CI: -0.036 to -0.005; P=0.012). However, no statistically significant associations were observed for total sperm count (PC = -0.038; 95% CI: -0.079 to 0.003; P=0.070), seminal fluid volume (PC = -0.009; 95% CI: -0.048 to -0.030; P=0.662) and sperm motility (PC = -0.17; 95% CI: -0.363 to 0.022; P=0.830). In addition, the results of the subgroup analysis revealed specific variables that were associated with the decrease in relevant sperm parameters. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis provides compelling evidence supporting a consistent negative association between exposure to ambient SO 2 and semen quality parameters.

28-33

Authors: OKUTUCU Gulcan, EVSEN Mehmet S, PEKER Nurullah, YAMAN TUNC Senem, ICEN Mehmet S

Objective: To evaluate the effect of bilateral hypogastric artery ligation (BHGAL) on women's pregnancy outcomes and fertility rates in cases with severe postpartum hemorrhage. Methods: Patients hospitalized in a tertiary care center between 2007 and 2018 were included in the study. The records of cases were obtained from the hospital database, retrospectively. Maternal demographic data, morbidities or complications associated with BHGAL surgery, any additional haemostatic interventional or surgical procedures, preoperative admission and lowest postoperative haematocrit-hemoglobin values, blood products given, type of anaesthesia, intensive care unit (ICU) and length of hospital stay were recorded. In cases without surgical sterilization, future fertility and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were assessed for at least two years after operation. Information was obtained through face-to-face or telephone interviews with patients whose long-term fertility and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were assessed. Results: Sixty-eight patients with BHGAL surgery history were included in the study. 26 Of 37 cases (70%) that did not undergo surgical sterilization had a desire for pregnancy after the surgery. Six of these cases (23%) were diagnosed with secondary infertility. The fertility rate of these cases was 77%, and subsequent pregnancy was detected in 20 women. A total of 25 pregnancies, including first and second pregnancies, developed, and 15 of these pregnancies resulted in term delivery, six preterm births, one stillbirth, and three abortions. Conclusions: The postoperative pregnancy rate was found to be higher than the rate of women with infertility problems, and this surgery does not seem to adversely affect pregnancy outcomes. This is a tertiary center experience and cohort studies with large patient series are needed.

42-48

Authors: Suherni Susilowati, Imam Mustofa, Tri Wahyu Suparyogi, Adeyinka Oye Akintunde, Djoko Agus Purwanto, Wurlina Wurlina, Suzanita Utama, Sri Mulyati

Objective: To improve the quality of post-thawing Boer buck semen for artificial insemination by adding green tea extract chitosan nanoparticles to skimmed egg yolk diluent, and the proper thawing temperature. Methods: The ejaculate of Boer buck was added to skimmed egg yolk diluent without (the control group) and with adding 1 µg of chitosan nanoparticles of green tea extract per mL of diluent (the treatment group). Then, the diluted semen was filled in French mini straws containing 60×10 6 live sperm per straw, frozen in a standard protocol, and stored as frozen semen at −196 ℃ for a week. Six replicates from each group were diluted for 30 s at 37 ℃ or 39 ℃ sterile water to evaluate the semen quality. Results: Post-thawing (at 37 ℃ or 39 ℃ ) of live sperm, progressive motility, and plasma membrane integrity were lower compared to those of the pre-freezing stage (P<0.05). Thawing at 37 ℃ resulted in no significant difference in live sperm, progressive motility, and plasma membrane between the control group and the treatment group (P>0.05). The live sperm, progressive motility, and plasma membrane of the treatment group in the pre-freezing stage, and post-thawed at 39 ℃ were higher compared to those of the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, DNA fragmentation, and catalase concentration of thawing at 37 ℃compared to those of 39 ℃ in the same group. The MDA concentration and DNA fragmentation in thawing at 37 ℃ and 39 ℃ of the treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). However, the catalase concentration in thawing at 37 ℃ and 39 ℃ of the treatment group was not significantly different than the control group (P>0.05). Conclusions: Higher quality post-thawing Boer buck semen is achieved by adding 1 µg/mL of chitosan nanoparticles of green tea extract to the skimmed egg yolk diluent and thawing at 39 ℃.