Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction
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    2023,12(4):147-154, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.380981
    Abstract:
    Objective: To determine the barriers of joining In-vitro fertilization (IVF) programs among infertile couples in developing countries. Methods: This study assessed infertile couples and the barriers or associated factors resulting in delayed decision-making of joining IVF program by searching databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, ClinicalKey, and Cochrane Library from inception until December 31, 2021. Additional search strategies were snowballing literature search and citation tracking. Results: Eleven articles were included in the scoping review. The cost was the greatest barrier of joining IVF program. Limited access and lack of assisted reproductive technology centers, few qualified infertility trained staff, insufficient government support, low priority in government policy, along with sociocultural factors, such as religion and false beliefs or myths were also majorly considered to be associated obstacles. Conclusions: The main barrier associated with IVF program among infertile couples in developing countries is the high cost of the IVF services.
    2023,12(4):155-161, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.380982
    Abstract:
    Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may have harmful effects on expectant moms, labor, and newborns born to infected mothers. There is a risk of the initiation of pregnancy with infection. Even if the gametes are non-infected, pregnancies could be exposed later for infection by coronavirus. Investigations of COVID-19 during pregnancy highlighted the non-transmission or surprising transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to the offspring. However, other studies have exhibited the potential mother-to-fetus transmission. In this way, unanswered concerns about SARS-CoV-2 fetal transmission and the particular interface(s) controlling its pathogenesis throughout pregnancy persist. This review focuses on the potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 on vertical transmission, as well as the influence of the virus on pregnancy and placenta.
    2023,12(4):162-169, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.380983
    Abstract:
    Objective: To determine whether a single dose of gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) agonist administered subcutaneously in addition to the regular progesterone supplementation could provide a better luteal support in antagonist protocol fresh embryo transfer cycles. Methods:This prospective, multicentric, cohort study included total 140 women, 70 in each group. Controlled ovarian stimulation was carried out as per fixed GnRH antagonist protocol. The trigger was given with hCG. In vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) was performed and day-3 embryos were transferred. Patients were divided into groups 1 and 2 based on computer generated randomization sheet. Six days following oocyte retrieval, group 1 received 0.2 mg decapeptyl subcutaneously in addition to regular progesterone support while group 2 received progesterone only. Luteal support was given for 14 days to both groups; if pregnancy was confirmed luteal support was continued till 12 weeks of gestation. The clinical pregnancy rate was the primary outcome. The implantation rate, miscarriage rate, live birth delivery rate, and multiple pregnancy rates were the secondary outcomes. Results: A total of 140 patients were analysed, 70 in each group. Clinical pregnancy rates (47.1% vs. 35.7%; P=0.17), implantation rates (23.4% vs. 18.1%, P=0.24), live birth delivery rates (41.4% vs. 27.1%, P=0.08), and multiple pregnancy rates (21.2% vs. 16.0%, P=0.74) were higher in group 1 than in group 2. Group 1 had a lower miscarriage rate than group 2 (5.7% vs. 8.6%; P=0.75). However, these differences were not statistically significant between the two groups. Conclusions: Administration of a single dose of GnRH agonist in addition to regular natural micronized vaginal progesterone as luteal support in GnRH antagonist protocol cycles marginally improves implantation rates, clinical pregnancy rates, and live birth delivery rates. However, more studies with higher sample sizes are needed before any conclusive statements about GnRH agonist as luteal phase support can be made.
    2023,12(4):170-181, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.380984
    Abstract:
    Objective:To assess the potential of plantain-based diet in modulating testicular toxicities in rats exposed to atrazine. Methods: The plantain-based diet at 50%, 25% and 12.5% were prepared from the basal diet by substituting the corn starch with plantain fruit pulp flour at different percentages. Wistar rats were fed plantain-based diet in varying concentrations ranging from 12.5% to 50% of the basal diet for 21 days before or after atrazine treatment in a two-phase experiment: preventive and therapeutic phases. The therapeutic model (n=35) had seven groups with 5 rats each, including the control, atrazine, atrazine recovery, atrazine plus plantain-based diet 50%, 25%, 12.5%, and atrazine plus quercetin groups. The preventive model (n=30) had six groups of 5 rats, consisting of the control, atrazine, 50%, 25%, 12.5% plantain-based diet plus atrazine, and quercetin plus atrazine groups. Gonadal hormones (testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone), sperm parameters (sperm motility, viability, morphology and concentration), and testicular function indices (protein, cholesterol, glycogen, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase) were measured. Results:The gonadal hormones, sperm characteristics, and testicular function indices of the rat testis decreased significantly in the atrazine group alongside degeneration of the histoarchitecture. However, plantain-based diet restored the gonadal hormone concentrations, semen parameters, and testicular function indices in both the preventive and therapeutic models. Conclusions: Treatment with plantain-based diet protects against rat testicular toxicity caused by atrazine via the modulation of gonadal hormones, sperm quality, testicular function index as well as histoarchitecture of rat testes.
    2023,12(4):182-193, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.380985
    Abstract:
    Objective: To evaluate the effects of three oxidized palm oil diets (OPD) on female rat reproductive function. Methods: Forty-four female Wistar rats presenting five consecutive and regular estrous cycles were divided into 4 groups. The rats were fed with: a standard diet, 70% of standard diet+30% oxidized palm oil diet (OPD1), OPD1+5 g of boiled yolk egg (OPD2) and OPD1+10% sucrose (OPD3) for 125 days, respectively. During the feeding period, morphometric, estrous cycle, sexual behavior, gestation, biochemical and histomorphometric parameters were evaluated. Results: All OPDs significantly increased abdominal circumference, body mass index and Lee index coupled to an irregularity and lengthening of the estrous cycle. They significantly decreased appetite and consumption behaviours, quantic pregnancy index, fertility rate, implantation sites and index, serum progesterone and high-density lipoprotein levels, increased pre-implantation losses, anti-implantation activities, serum estradiol, triglycerides, total and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, and impaired brain and ovaries oxidative status. Histomorphometric examinations revealed increases in the number of atresic and primary follicles and decreases in secondary, tertiary, Degraaf, total and corpus luteum follicles in ovaries coupled to a neurodegeneration of hypothalamic anteroventral periventricular neurons in the OPD groups compared to the standard diet group. Conclusions: The three OPDs induce obesity and impair the female reproductive function, especially OPD2 and OPD3. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the adverse effects of palm oil bleaching on the reproductive function in female rats, which could be useful in the management of women with obesity-related sexual dysfunction.
    2023,12(4):194-200, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.380986
    Abstract:
    Objective: To determine the ovine ovarian histomorphology and follicular staging at various age periods in Awassi breed. Methods: Ovaries were collected from prenatal fetuses [gestational age (95±5) days], neonatal (day 0), and prepubertal ewe lambs (two and four months of age); each age group included six animals. Ovaries (n=12, each group) were dissected and processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining. Stained sections (n=24, each group) were imaged and utilized for histomorphology assessment, follicle measurement, and classification. Results: Prenatal ovaries were mainly enriched with primordial follicles accompanied by a lower proportion of primary follicles. In addition to primordial and primary follicles, neonatal ovaries demonstrated a proportion of centrally located multilayered and antral follicles. In comparison with neonatal ovaries, the proportion of multilayered and antral follicles was significantly higher in the ovaries of two-month-old lambs; conversely, the proportion of peripherally situated primordial follicles dramatically declined compared to that of earlier age of lamb. Although there was no statistical variation in the sizes of primordial follicles across groups, the mean diameter of the primary follicle in the prenatal ovaries was substantially smaller than in postnatal ovaries. Compared to the neonatal ovaries, the size of the multilayered and antral follicles in the prepubertal ovaries was substantially larger. Conclusions: The earliest follicular developmental stages were established prenatally whereas the advanced growth stages started in the neonatal period and greatly increased in the prepubertal period.
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    2019(2):63-69, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.254647
    Abstract:
    Objective: To investigate ameliorative effects of Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) and VAC containing pharmaceutical supplement (VPS) against polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: PCOS in the rats was induced by daily administration of letrozole at 1 mg/kg body weight concentration for 21 d. PCOS rats were then treated daily either with metformin, VAC plant extract or VPS at 70, 8 or 8 mg/kg body weight concentration for 15 d. Rats that received none of these treatments were considered as control. Blood and ovaries were collected from all the rats. Serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol were measured spectrophotometrically. Serum insulin, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulation hormone, catalase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehide and reduced glutathione were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Rats treated with letrozole demonstrated a significant increase in serum testosterone, estrogen, cholesterol, luteinizing hormone, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, and malondialdehide levels, and a significant decline in progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, catalase and reduced glutathione levels compared to control. Contrarily, no significant change in superoxide dismutase was noted in response to letrozole treatment. Rats treated with metformin, VAC or VPS showed a remarkable reversal in the levels of parameters affected by letrozole treatment. Conclusions: Data indicate that VAC and VPS exert potential ameliorative effects against PCOS through the modulation of hormonal and lipid profile as well as oxidative stress. Moreover, the favorable effects of these compounds are comparable to that of metformin.
    2019(2):70-74, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.254648
    Abstract:
    Objective: To evaluate effect of Phaseolus vulgaris (P. vulgaris) on the breastfeeding in female rats. Methods: This experimental study was done from May 2018 to December 2018 in the Anatomical Department of Medical School in Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in Iran. In this study, after one-week adaptation and fertilization by male, 40 female rats within 20 days of pregnancy (on average, every mother had 10 newborns) were equally separated into four groups (animals were administrated after delivery of offspring). Group 1 was control group receiving normal saline interaperitoneally, and groups 2, 3, 4 were treatment groups receiving the dose of 20, 50, 100 mg/kg of P. vulgaris interaperitoneally respectively once a day for 60 days. The prolactin hormone was measured by radio immune assay, number and diameter of alveoli via histological and morphometrical examinations, and receptor prolactin gene expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Results: P. vulgaris significantly improved alveoli’s number and diameter, prolactin hormone and receptor prolactin expression when compared to the control group (P<0.001). Conclusions: P. vulgaris is helpful to improve the breastfeeding parameters of rats’ mammary glands.
    2019(2):56-62, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.254646
    Abstract:
    Objective: To study the effects of co-administration of Gynura procumbens (GP) and kelulut honey (KH) on male fertility and libido in diabetes-induced rats. Methods: A total 42 males Sprague Dawley rats aged 8 weeks were randomly and equally divided into six different groups. All groups except a normal control group were induced with 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) intravenously to induce diabetes. A positive control group was treated with an antidiabetic drug, metformin (500 mg/kg) whereas a negative control group remained untreated throughout the experiment. Meanwhile, another three treatments on diabetic rat groups were performed and categorised as Group 1 (450 mg/kg GP + 300 mg/kg KH), Group 2 (450 mg/kg GP + 600 mg/kg KH) and Group 3 (450 mg/kg GP + 1 200 mg/kg KH). Treatments were given for seven consecutive days through oral gavage and all rats were euthanized on day 8th for fasting blood glucose analysis, sperm quality, spermatogenesis, sexual behaviour and implantation sites analysis. Results: Fasting blood glucose levels were significantly reduced after treatment of GP and KH, compared to negative and positive controls. The treated groups showed significant increment in sperm quality compared to all control groups. Testes histology illustrated significant damages on leydig and sertoli cells for both negative and positive controls. On the contrary, co-administration of GP and KH displayed regeneration of leydig and sertoli cells in the testes. Additionally, the number of implantation sites significantly increased in females copulated with treated groups, compared to controls. Besides, the libido analysis displayed improvement of libido in treated groups, compared to all controls. Throughout the study, insignificant variances were recorded between the treated groups, indicating that treatment in Group 1 was sufficient to trigger significant improvement on fasting blood glucose level, fertility, and libido in diabetic male rats. Conclusions: Co-administration of GP and KH has great potential to serve as a pro-fertility agent amongst diabetic patients.
    2019(2):75-82, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.254649
    Abstract:
    Objective: To investigate the effect of different fractions from the aqueous methanolic root bark of Adansonia digitata (Linn) on the estrous cycle of female Wistar rats and to elucidate their phytochemical content. Methods: Crude aqueous methanol extract of Adansonia digitata (Linn) root bark was fractionated by column chromatography using various ratios of hexane, acetyl acetate, methanol and distilled water. Fractions with similar trails on a thin layer chromatography were pooled into four fractions. Each fraction was then screened for its phytochemical content. Forty mature Wistar female rats weighing (135±28) g with regular estrous cycles were given each fraction at two dose levels while a control group received distilled water of equal volume. Treatments were given per os for 15 days starting from the day of estrus. Vaginal smears were observed daily for the duration of each cycle, frequency of occurrence of each stage of the estrous cycle and number of cycles for 15 days before and during treatment. At the end of treatment, rats were humanely sacrificed. Ovaries and uteri were weighed and processed for histopathology. Results: Hexane acetyl acetate and acetyl acetate methanol fractions at 150 mg/kg body weight and 300 mg/kg body weight prolonged the occurrence of proestrus and diestrus and produced atretic cyst-like ovaries at 300 mg/kg body weight. Acetyl acetate methanol treated rats also had low relative ovarian weights when compared to the control. Conclusions: Sterols and triterpenes in hexane acetyl acetate and acetyl acetate methanol fractions of the root bark may be responsible for the disruption of estrous cycle in female Wistar rats and may have a contraceptive effect.
    2019(2):83-87, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.254650
    Abstract:
    Objective: To compare the levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), soluble endoglin and endothelin-1 in the serum of patients with severe preeclampsia, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome and normal pregnancies. Methods: This study was an observational analytic cross-sectional study performed at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia, in the period of 5th February 2016 to 20th January 2017. P38 MAPK, soluble endoglin and endothelin-1 levels of patients with normal pregnancies, severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome were measured by enzymelinked immunoabsorbentassay technique, using kits of human soluble endoglin, endothelin-1 and p38 MAPK, Quantikine immunoassay: R&D System Inc. Results: Level of serum p38 MAPK in HELLP syndrome group was higher than in severe preeclampsia and normal pregnancy groups. Soluble endoglin and endothelin-1 levels in pregnancies with severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome were higher than normal pregnancy but there was no significant difference between these two groups (P>0.05). Levels of p38 MAPK, soluble endoglin and endothelin-1 also had a positive linear correlation with systolic and diastolic blood pressures (P<0.05). Conclusions: P38 MAPK in serum may be a marker for evidence of the severe hypoxia and its application may be considered for the diagnosis of HELLP syndrome.
    2019(2):45-55, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.254645
    Abstract:
    Pyometra is one of the most important and common disorders in canine. The disease results in life threatening condition associated with septicemia and toxemia. The condition commonly occurs during luteal phase of estrous cycle, generally 4 weeks to 4 months of estrous cycle. The age, parity, breeds, administration of hormones are some predisposing factors of the condition. However, interaction between potentially pathogenic bacteria and hormonally primed uterus is believed to result in pyometra. The disease is initiated in the form of cystic endometrial hyperplasia, which later progresses into purulent uterine content fo llowing bacterial infection resulting in pyometra. The disturbance in antioxidant and prooxidant balance succeeding bacterial infection results in oxidative stress. The resultant stress further induces endometrial degeneration, immunosuppression and additionally aggravates the condition. An important clinical sign is malodorous, sanguineous or mucopurulent vaginal discharge with general symptoms such as vomiting, polyuria, polydipsia, depression, anorexia and occasionally fever. Till date, ultrasonography is the best diagnostic method while radiology and serological test are also helpful. Recently, the estimation of inflammatory mediators (acute phase proteins and prostaglandin metabolites) has appeared as marker for diagnosis of the pyometra. Determination of levels of inflammatory mediators has emerged as an important diagnostic method because it can be helpful in prognosis of the condition. The pyometra can be best treated by surgical manipulation (ovariohysterectomy);however, hormonal treatment can be given in less severe cases which aimed at reducing the effect of progesterone on the reproductive tract. Together, provision of antioxidants could be helpful in disease recovery along with the determined treatment. In this review, incidence,predisposing factors, etio-pathogenesis, oxidative stress associated with condition, diagnostic methods and treatment are discussed.
    2017(2):58-67, DOI: 10.12980/apjr.6.20170203
    Abstract:
    The present review article has described the prevalence of various pathological conditions of reproductive system of female buffaloes starting from ovary to vulva and vagina. Various pathological conditions were analyzed and tabulated as the total number of animal examined, number of the animals showed pathological lesions, percentage of animal showed various pathological lesions and percentage of individual pathological lesion in different parts of reproductive system of female buffaloes. The incidence of disorders of female genital organs of buffaloes has been reported by various authors at various percentages in different countries. The incidence of pathological conditions was recorded in clinically infertile cows after slaughtering or from apparently healthy buffaloes slaughtered for human consumption and/or based on postmortem examination. This review is comprehensively covering pathological conditions of female buffalo hitherto which was not previously described at one place. This review will provide a comprehensive knowledge about the prevalence of different pathological condition of different parts of reproductive tract of female buffaloes. The review has six numbers of tables described about the various pathological conditions from ovary to vulva and vagina in female buffaloes. The present review article will be very useful to the buffalo farmers, buffalo breeders and researchers are working in buffalo reproduction & breeding and pathology.
    2019(2):88-92, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.254651
    Abstract:
    Objective: To assess the secondary sex ratio (SSR) of assisted reproduction technology babies within a fertility clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 3 369 babies who were born following single embryo transfer between 2011 and 2016. Variables examined included embryo creation date, maternal and paternal ages, maternal body mass index (BMI), type of infertility, sperm parameters, fertilization method, type of embryo and stage of transfer. Multivariate regression analysis was performed on the data set using STRATA V9.2. Results: More males were found to be born to embryos created in summer (adjusted odds ratio=1.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.95; P=0.01). Lower BMI of mother (30 kg/m2) and younger age of parents (35 years) were associated with an increase in SSR (50.1% vs. 47.1%; 50.6% vs. 48.8%; 50.0% vs. 48.9%) respectively. Decreased SSR value was associated with primary subfertility, using in-vitro fertilization procedure and fresh embryo compared to those with secondary subfertility, using intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure and thawed embryo (49.3% vs. 50.6%; 47.1% vs. 50.8%; 49.4% vs. 50.1%) respectively. Conclusions: The fertilization methods, type of embryo, stage of embryo transfer, parameters of the sperm and status of subfertility do not significantly affect the SSR. SSR is affected by the seasonality, maternal age, and BMI.
    2018(4):167-171, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.237054
    Abstract:
    Objective: To study the methods of increasing the reproductive qualities and indices of viability in the offspring of Holstein cows under conditions of intensive milk production. Methods: Studies were conducted on 3 groups of Holstein cows with 30 heads in each group. Animals of the experimental groups had a different length physiological period. The study focused on experimental groups of animals: the reproductive indicators, the viability of newborn calves, and their growth rate. All the digital materials of the experimental data were processed by the method of variation statistics for the significance of the difference of the compared parameters using the Student’s criterion, adopted in biology and zootechnics. Results: Studies found that reduction of the duration of the service period, along with a simultaneous increase in the inter-lactation period to 80–90 days, increased the reproductive capacity of the cows, and enhances the viability of the offspring compared with their peers. Conclusions: The study revealed the optimal duration of the physiological periods in highproducing cows under conditions of intensive milk production technology.
    2019(3):93-101, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.259166
    Abstract:
    Among resources of mesenchymal stem cells, human umbilical cord appears to be a rising source capable of differentiating into all germ layers, reaching and repairing lesion areas, and promoting wound repair, and it has also the capacity to influence the immune response. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells are considered to be an optimal resource compared with other mesenchymal stem cells sources because they require a noninvasive recovery. All these characteristics allow their use in heterogeneous applications. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells can regenerate tissues, stimulate angiogenesis, modulate inflammatory pathway signals and recruit endogenous stem cell. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells suppress mitogen-induced signals and modulate the activation and proliferation of several immune cells, modifying lymphocyte phenotypes activity. In culture, human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cellss show the capacity to create several tissues such as bone, cartilage, and fat. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells can be isolated from the different compartments of umbilical cord and processed by using different techniques. Clinical applications of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells include graft-versus-host disease, autoimmune diseases such as Sj.gren's syndrome and diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2, gynecological disorders like endometriosis. Recent studies have shown possible application on rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and neuronal degenerative diseases. This review is focused on the resources, molecular profiles, propriety, in vitro characterizations, clinical applications and possible future usage of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
    2019(2):63-69, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.254647
    Abstract:
    Objective: To investigate ameliorative effects of Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) and VAC containing pharmaceutical supplement (VPS) against polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: PCOS in the rats was induced by daily administration of letrozole at 1 mg/kg body weight concentration for 21 d. PCOS rats were then treated daily either with metformin, VAC plant extract or VPS at 70, 8 or 8 mg/kg body weight concentration for 15 d. Rats that received none of these treatments were considered as control. Blood and ovaries were collected from all the rats. Serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol were measured spectrophotometrically. Serum insulin, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulation hormone, catalase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehide and reduced glutathione were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Rats treated with letrozole demonstrated a significant increase in serum testosterone, estrogen, cholesterol, luteinizing hormone, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, and malondialdehide levels, and a significant decline in progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, catalase and reduced glutathione levels compared to control. Contrarily, no significant change in superoxide dismutase was noted in response to letrozole treatment. Rats treated with metformin, VAC or VPS showed a remarkable reversal in the levels of parameters affected by letrozole treatment. Conclusions: Data indicate that VAC and VPS exert potential ameliorative effects against PCOS through the modulation of hormonal and lipid profile as well as oxidative stress. Moreover, the favorable effects of these compounds are comparable to that of metformin.
    2017(2):93-96, DOI: 10.12980/apjr.6.20170209
    Abstract:
    Objective: To determine the effect of different cervical dilators on cervical dilation and reproductive performance of fat-tailed ewes. Methods: In experiment 1 140 ewes were divided into seven groups with seven different treatments as following: 10 mL normal saline (control group), 100 IU oxytocin (OT group), 100 μg estradiol and 100 IU oxytocin (E2+OT group), 5 mL relaxin (R group), 2 mL sensiblex (SEN group), 200 μg misoprostol (MIS group) or 200 μg dinoprostone (DIN group). In experiment 2, artificial insemination was applied for evaluation of reproductive performance in experimental groups. Results: In experiment 1, the highest cervical dilation was observed in OT (90%) and E2+OT (100%) groups (P<0.05), while no significant differences was found among DIN, MIS, SEN and R groups (80%, 75%, 70% and 65%, respectively). In addition, the lowest cervical dilation was observed in control group. Experiment 2 found no significant differences among control, OT and E2+OT groups. The highest pregnancy rate, parturition rate and lambing rate were observed in OT groups (60%, 60% and 70%, respectively) and E2+OT groups (65%, 60% and 70%, respectively) compared to SEN, R, MIS and DIN groups (P<0.05). Conclusions: Oxytocin treatment alone or with estradiol could be used as a suitable dilator for improving reproductive efficiency during artificial insemination in fat-tailed ewes.
    2017(3):128-132, DOI: 10.12980/apjr.6.20170306
    Abstract:
    Objective: To explore the effect of Diospyros kaki on cattle spermatozoa during chilling and cryopreservation. Methods: Five milliliter of blended Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) flesh was added to 45 mL TCF to obtain 10% stock solution. Kaki enriched extender (KEE) was prepared by adding to TCF in concentrations 0.0/5.0 mL (control, 0%), 0.5/4.5 mL (1%), 1/4 mL (2%), 1.5/3.5 mL (3%), 2.0/3.0 mL (4%), 2.5/2.5 mL (5%), 3.0/2.0 mL (6%), 3.5/1.5 mL (7%), 4.0/1.0 mL (8%), 4.5/0.5 mL (9%) and 5.0/0.0 mL (10%) to obtain a final volume 5 mL in each tube. Whole egg yolk was added to each tube to obtain KEE with 20% egg yolk (KEEY), all tubes were centrifuged to get rid of debris. Semen was added to the supernatants in other tubes. Extended semen was subjected to evaluation [motility, alive sperm and intact sperm membrane (HOST) %] in both chilled and cryopreserved semen. Conception rate was carried out. Results: Sperm motility was significantly (P<0.000 1) kept high after 11 d of chilling with the concentration 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5% as compared to the control (41.67±1.67, 41.67±1.67, 40.00±0.00, 41.67±1.67 and 41.67±1.67, respectively) and also non-significantly kept high at the other concentrations up to 9 d of chilling. Addition of KEE had significantly(P<0.003 3) improved post thawing sperm motility % with the concentrations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6% as compared to the control (51.67±5.27, 55.00±3.16, 48.33±1.05, 45.00±3.96, 57.00±2.50,55.00±5.00 and 43.33±5.11 respectively).While the other concentrations exhibit no effect.Addition of KEE maintained alive sperm%, abnormalities% and % of intact spermatozoa membranes (HOST%) as good as the control with all concentrations of kaki used in our study.The conception rate upon using frozen semen in insemination showed higher conception rate in concentrations of 2%, 4% and 6 % KEE in cattle. Conclusion: It could be concluded that some concentrations of Diospyros kaki improved bull semen quality post-chilling and post-freezing.
    2019(2):88-92, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.254651
    Abstract:
    Objective: To assess the secondary sex ratio (SSR) of assisted reproduction technology babieswithin a fertility clinic in Melbourne, Australia.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 3 369 babies who were born following single embryo transfer between 2011 and 2016. Variables examined included embryo creation date, maternal and paternal ages, maternal body mass index (BMI), type of infertility,sperm parameters, fertilization method, type of embryo and stage of transfer. Multivariate regression analysis was performed on the data set using STRATA V9.2. Results: More males were found to be born to embryos created in summer (adjusted odds ratio=1.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.95; P=0.01). Lower BMI of mother (30 kg/m2)and younger age of parents (35 years) were associated with an increase in SSR (50.1% vs.47.1%; 50.6% vs. 48.8%; 50.0% vs. 48.9%) respectively. Decreased SSR value was associated with primary subfertility, using in-vitro fertilization procedure and fresh embryo compared to those with secondary subfertility, using intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure and thawed embryo (49.3% vs. 50.6%; 47.1% vs. 50.8%; 49.4% vs. 50.1%) respectively.Conclusions: The fertilization methods, type of embryo, stage of embryo transfer, parameters of the sperm and status of subfertility do not significantly affect the SSR. SSR is affected by the seasonality, maternal age, and BMI.
    2019(2):45-55, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.254645
    Abstract:
    Pyometra is one of the most important and common disorders in canine. The disease results in life threatening condition associated with septicemia and toxemia. The condition commonly occurs during luteal phase of estrous cycle, generally 4 weeks to 4 months of estrous cycle. The age, parity, breeds, administration of hormones are some predisposing factors of the condition. However, interaction between potentially pathogenic bacteria and hormonally primed uterus is believed to result in pyometra. The disease is initiated in the form of cystic endometrial hyperplasia, which later progresses into purulent uterine content following bacterial infection resulting in pyometra. The disturbance in antioxidant and pro-oxidant balance succeeding bacterial infection results in oxidative stress. The resultant stress further induces endometrial degeneration, immunosuppression and additionally aggravates the condition. An important clinical sign is malodorous, sanguineous or mucopurulent vaginal discharge with general symptoms such as vomiting, polyuria, polydipsia, depression, anorexia and occasionally fever. Till date, ultrasonography is the best diagnostic method while radiology and serological test are also helpful. Recently, the estimation of inflammatory mediators (acute phase proteins and prostaglandin metabolites) has appeared as marker for diagnosis of the pyometra. Determination of levels of inflammatory mediators has emerged as an important diagnostic method because it can be helpful in prognosis of the condition. The pyometra can be best treated by surgical manipulation (ovariohysterectomy); however, hormonal treatment can be given in less severe cases which aimed at reducing the effect of progesterone on the reproductive tract. Together, provision of antioxidants could be helpful in disease recovery along with the determined treatment. In this review, incidence, predisposing factors, etio-pathogenesis, oxidative stress associated with condition, diagnostic methods and treatment are discussed.
    2016(3):240-246, DOI: 10.1016/j.apjr.2016.03.002
    Abstract:
    ObjectiveTo determine the effects of the water quality of Manila Bay on allometric parameters and histological biomarkers of selected organs of P. viridis. Methods Green mussels were collected from two coastal sites of Manila Bay, Las Piñas – Parañaque (LPP) and Bacoor, Cavite (BC). Twenty-four green mussels from each site were used for the assessment of allometric parameters, and six green mussels from LPP and eight from BC were used for the assessment of histological structures of gonads, gut, and digestive glands. Gonad development was categorized into five stages, whereas gut and digestive glands were scored into four categories. Results Allometric parameters that include shell height, weight, and total wet and dry soft tissue weight were significantly different between LPP and BC. It was also observed that exposure to the pollutants in Manila Bay resulted to delays in gonadal development, and detrimental changes and lesions in the histostructure of digestive gland and gut. Conclusions Pollutants in Manila Bay have detrimental effects to the growth, reproductive development, and histological structure of digestive organs of P. viridis.
    2017(2):77-80, DOI: 10.12980/apjr.6.20170205
    Abstract:
    Objective: To explore the effect of BHT on cattle spermatozoa during cooling and cryopreservation. Methods: Pooled bull semen were diluted by Tris-Citrate-Fructose egg yolk (TCFY) diluent considered as control (0 BHT) and different concentrations of BHT (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 mM were prepared in ethanol in prewarmed (37°C) test tubes. The ethanol was allowed to evaporate so that, a thin crystallized layer of BHT was deposited on the inner surface of the tubes. Then extended semen was added into the tubes and incubated at 37°C for 5 min to allow uptake of BHT by spermatozoa. The tubes were cooled slowly (approximately for 2 h) up to 5 and equilibrated for 4 h. After equilibration, semen freezing process was carried out. Extended semen was subjected to evaluation (motility, alive sperm, intact sperm membrane (HOST) % and acrosome integrity) in both cooled and cryopreserved semen. Results: The result revealed that sperm motility of post-cooled spermatozoa improved (P<0.05) by the use of BHT concentrations (1, 2 and 3 mM) in Tris semen extender if compared to the control (85.00±1.09), (83.33± 0.63), (81.67± 0.63) and (78.33± 0.63), respectively. Alive sperm percent was significantly higher in all concentrations of BHT. Sperm abnormalities percent were significantly lower in concentrations of BHT 1 and 2 (11.2±0.2), (11.8±0.2)and (13.4±0.4), respectively. Sperm membrane integrity were significantly higher in BHT concentrations (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mM). It is exhibited that improved sperm motility in post-thawed frozen semen in the concentrations of BHT (1, 2, 3 and 4 mM) if compared to the control. The sperm membrane integrity were significantly improved at all concentrations of BHT. Acrosome integrity was significantly higher at BHT concentration 1 mM (81.80±0.57) and (76.00±2.05), respectively. Conclusions: It could be concluded that some concentrations of BHT improved bull semen quality post-cooling and post-freezing.
    2017(3):97-103, DOI: 10.12980/apjr.6.20170301
    Abstract:
    This article presents a review pertains the laser irradiation effects and its possible mechanisms of action on spermatozoa functions in domestic animals. To improve artificial insemination, laser is sensitive and cost effective technique, when compared to other conventional methods. Laser may have both positive and negative effects on spermatozoa functions. Since the effects of light are mediated by reactive oxygen species, and the levels of these reactive oxygen species following irradiating spermatozoa with laser may be responsible for determining the effects of laser on sperm. Dose of laser may be regarded as of great significance and this dosage of laser may be responsible for determining its effects on spermatozoa. Optimum dosage of laser for improving seminal attributes may vary among various species and this need to be standardized in each of them. The beneficial effects include improving sperm livability, acrosomal integrity, hypo-osmotic swelling response, mitochondrial function and computer-aided sperm analysis parameters. The increase in cytochrome c oxidase activity, ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential, in laser irradiated cells may be responsible for enhanced sperm quality parameters. Improving fertility with laser irradiated spermatozoa has been reported in few species like boar and need to be elaborated in other species. In conclusion laser may be regarded as an easy, cheap and time saving technology for improving artificial insemination; in addition, laser may have various potential applications in the field of reproductive biotechnology as well as in livestock farms and veterinary polyclinics.
    2019(3):102-111, DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.259167
    Abstract:
    Objective: To determine the effect of preparation to play a maternal role in mothers fertilized through in vitro fertilization on maternal anxiety. Methods: A total of 60 mothers undergoing in vitro fertilization were assigned into intervention group and control group. Pregnancy concerns and stress questionnaires were research tools. Questionnaires were completed in both groups before organizing preparation program. Then, the preparation program was held for four sessions for the mothers in the intervention group, and the subjects in both groups were immediately investigated again after completion of preparation program and one month later. Data analyses about pregnancy stress and concerns of mothers and its dimensions were performed by repeated measure (analysis of variance), Mann-Whitney, Friedman and Wilcoxon tests. Analysis of demographic variables was performed by using independent t-test and Chi-square test in SPSS 21. Results: The score of pregnancy stress and concerns before the intervention was not significantly different between the two groups. There was a significant difference in the intervention group in the score of pregnancy stress and concerns before and after the intervention (P<0.001), before and one month after the intervention (P<0.001), immediately after and one month after the intervention (P<0.001) which was not significant in the control group. Conclusions: Maternal preparation program can be effective in reducing maternal stress and concerns.

Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction, a publication of Hainan Medical University, is a peer-reviewed print + online Bimonthly journal.

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