Soheila Pourmasumi

Bio: Soheila Pourmasumi is an academic researcher from Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences. The author has contributed to research in topics: Sperm & Infertility. The author has an hindex of 9, co-authored 24 publications receiving 306 citations. Previous affiliations of Soheila Pourmasumi include Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services.

Etiologies of sperm oxidative stress.

Abstract: Sperm is particularly susceptible to reactive oxygen species (ROS) during critical phases of spermiogenesis. However, the level of seminal ROS is restricted by seminal antioxidants which have beneficial effects on sperm parameters and developmental potentials. Mitochondria and sperm plasma membrane are two major sites of ROS generation in sperm cells. Besides, leukocytes including polymer phonuclear (PMN) leukocytes and macrophages produce broad category of molecules including oxygen free radicals, non-radical species and reactive nitrogen species. Physiological role of ROS increase the intracellular cAMP which then activate protein kinase in male reproductive system. This indicates that spermatozoa need small amounts of ROS to acquire the ability of nuclear maturation regulation and condensation to fertilize the oocyte. There is a long list of intrinsic and extrinsic factors which can induce oxidative stress to interact with lipids, proteins and DNA molecules. As a result, we have lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, axonemal damage, denaturation of the enzymes, over generation of superoxide in the mitochondria, lower antioxidant activity and finally abnormal spermatogenesis. If oxidative stress is considered as one of the main cause of DNA damage in the germ cells, then there should be good reason for antioxidant therapy in these conditions.

The etiologies of sperm DNA abnormalities in male infertility: An assessment and review

Abstract: The sperm DNA damage may occur in testis, genital ducts, and also after ejaculation. Mechanisms altering chromatin remodeling are abortive apoptosis and oxidative stress resulting from reactive oxygen species. Three classifications of intratesticular, post-testicular, and external factors have been correlated with increased levels of human sperm DNA damage which can affect the potential of fertility. Lifestyle, environment, medical, and iatrogenic factors might be considered to cause dysmetabolism to make distracting interactions and endocrine disrupting compounds. As a result, these may induce chromatin/DNA alteration in germ cells, which may be transmitted across generations with phenotypic consequences. Alcohol consumption may not increase the rate of sperm residual histones and protamine deficiency; however, it causes an increase in the percentage of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. In a medical problem as spinal cord injury, poor semen parameters and sperm DNA damage were reported. Infection induces reactive oxygen species production, decreases the total antioxidant capacity and sperm DNA fragmentation or antigen production that lead to sperm dysfunctions and DNA fragmentation. While reactive oxygen species generation increases with age, oxidative stress may be responsible for the age-dependent sperm DNA damage. The exposing of reproductive organs in older men to oxidative stress for a long time may produce more DNA-damaged spermatozoa than youngers. Examining the sperm chromatin quality in testicular cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma patients prior to chemotherapy demonstrated the high incidence of DNA damage and low compaction in spermatozoa at the time of the diagnosis. In chemotherapy cycle with genotoxic agents in cancer patients, an increase in sperm DNA damage was shown after treatment. In overall, those factors occurring during the prenatal or the adult life alter the distribution of proteins associated with sperm chromatin induce changes in germ cells which can be detected in infertile patients.

Evaluation of Sperm Chromatin Integrity Using Aniline Blue and Toluidine Blue Staining in Infertile and Normozoospermic Men.

Abstract: Background Male infertility is defined as a man lost his ability to fertilize a fertile female naturally. Diagnosis of male infertility cannot be made just according to basic semen analysis. It is necessity to have specific tests for evaluation of chromatin integrity. In this study, an attempt was made to evaluate the sperm chromatin quality in fertile men and infertile subgroup. Methods Among 1386 couples, 342 men were categorized into normospermia and 1044 were infertile and they were referred to Yazd Research and Clinical Center for infertility treatment. Standard semen analysis and sperm nuclear maturity tests including aniline blue (AB) and toluidine blue (TB) staining were done. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. The p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean value of TB staining was significantly higher in infertile group compared to normospermic group (p=0.005). Mean of sperm normal morphology was lower in idiopathic infertile men in comparison with normozoospermic men (p= 0.001). The highest negative correlation was obtained between sperm count and AB staining. Progressive motility was negatively correlated with AB and TB staining in both groups but there was no significant difference between AB staining and progressive motility in men normospermia group. Conclusion Sperm chromatin staining using AB and TB showed a negative association between sperm chromatin condensation with sperm count, normal morphology and progressive motility. It seems that the AB and TB test may be useful for the assessment of male fertility potential.

Evaluation of clinical factors influencing pregnancy rate in frozen embryo transfer

Abstract: Background: Frozen embryo transfer (FET) is one of the most important supplementary procedures in the treatment of infertile couples. While general information concerning the outcome of fresh embryo transfer has been documented, paucity of investigations has addressed the clinical factors influenced on pregnancy rates in FET. Objective: In this study, we performed a retrospective analysis of clinical factors that potentially influence the outcome of FET. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the data from 372 women who were subjected to FET registered from April 2009-2011 at the Research and clinical center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. Baseline data and pregnancy rate were collected. The data were analyzed statistically using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: The clinical pregnancy rate was 57.7 and 29.2% in women 35 years old, respectively (p 10 IU/ml were 56.3% and 17.5 %, respectively (p 0.05). Conclusion: Female age and basal FSH level are the most important factors influencing the clinical pregnancy rate following FET.

Platelet-rich plasma in the management of Asherman's syndrome; An RCT

Abstract: Background: Asherman’s syndrome (AS) is a rare reproductive abnormality, resulting in endometrial collapse due to aggressive or recurrent endometritis and/or curettage. Objective: We aimed to assess the effectiveness of using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to lower the recurrence rate of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) following postlysis hysteroscopy. Materials and Methods: In a nonrandomized controlled study, women aged 20-45 years with AS diagnosed by sonohysterography, 3D sonography, hysteroscopy, or uterosalpingography between May 2018 and September 2018 were included. Patients (n = 30) were divided into case and control groups. Following hysteroscopic adhesiolysis, a Foley catheter was placed into the uterine cavity in all women. After two days, the catheter was removed, and 1-mL PRP was injected into the uterine cavity of women in the PRP (case) group, while the control received no PRP. All controls and subjects underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy 8-10 weeks following the intervention to assess the IUAs according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine scoring system. Result: Our results did not reveal any significant difference in the menstrual pattern of either the control or test groups before or after treatment (p = 0.2). Moreover, the IUA stage in both studied groups before and after treatment was similar (p = 0.2). The duration of menstrual bleeding in both studied groups before and after treatment was also similar. Conclusion: PRP cannot decrease the menstrual pattern or development of postsurgical IUAs, as evaluated by follow-up hysteroscopy. Key words: Asherman’s syndrome, Platelet-rich plasma, Pregnancy rate.

Oxidative stress and sperm function: A systematic review on evaluation and management

Abstract: Objective: To review and present the most distinct concepts on the association of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with male reproduction. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to search PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane electronic databases for studies investigating the role of oxidative stress (OS) on sperm function. Results: The literature search yielded 1857 studies, of which 1791 articles were excluded because of irrelevance of data, non-English language, non-human nature or because they were case reports or commentaries. All included studies were reviews (46), meta-analyses (one), original research studies (18) and guideline articles (one). The studies were published between 1984 and 2018. Under normal physiological conditions, ROS are vital for sperm maturation, hyperactivation, capacitation, acrosome reaction, as well as fertilisation. However, a number of endogenous and exogenous causes may induce supra-physiological levels of ROS resulting in lipid peroxidation, sperm DNA fragmentation and apoptosis, and consequently infertility. Several laboratory testing methods can be used in infertile men to diagnose OS. Treatment usually involves antioxidant supplementation and, when possible, elimination of the causative factor. Conclusion: OS is an important cause of male factor infertility. Its assessment provides essential information that can guide treatment strategies aimed at improving the male's reproductive potential. Abbreviations: bp: base-pair; CAT: catalase; LPO: lipid peroxidation; MDA: malondialdehyde; MiOXSYS: Male Infertility Oxidative System; mtDNA: mitochondrial DNA; NAD(PH): nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate); NO: nitric oxide; 8-OHdG: 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine; ORP: oxidation-reduction potential; OS: oxidative stress; PKA: protein kinase A; PLA2: phospholipase A2; PRISMA: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; PUFA: poly-unsaturated fatty acid; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SOD: superoxide dismutase; TAC: total antioxidant capacity; TBA: thiobarbituric acid.

Oxidative stress and male infertility: current knowledge of pathophysiology and role of antioxidant therapy in disease management

Abstract: Infertility is a global health problem involving about 15% of couples. Approximately half of the infertility cases are related to male factors. The oxidative stress, which refers to an imbalance in levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, is one of the main causes of infertility in men. A small amount of ROS is necessary for the physiological function of sperm including the capacitation, hyperactivation and acrosomal reaction. However, high levels of ROS can cause infertility through not only by lipid peroxidation or DNA damage but inactivation of enzymes and oxidation of proteins in spermatozoa. Oxidative stress (OS) is mainly caused by factors associated with lifestyle. Besides, immature spermatozoa, inflammatory factors, genetic mutations and altering levels of sex hormones are other main source of ROS. Since OS occurs due to the lack of antioxidants and its side effects in semen, lifestyle changes and antioxidant regimens can be helpful therapeutic approaches to overcome this problem. The present study aimed to describe physiological ROS production, roles of genetic and epigenetic factors on the OS and male infertility with various mechanisms such as lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and disorder of male hormone profile, inflammation, and varicocele. Finally, the roles of oral antioxidants and herbs were explained in coping with OS in male infertility.

Role of oxidative stress, infection and inflammation in male infertility.

Abstract: Oxidative stress (OS), defined as an overabundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or a deficiency of antioxidants, has been linked to sperm damage and male infertility. There are many sources of OS and inflammation including varicocele, tobacco usage, alcohol, obesity/metabolic syndrome, leukocytospermia, sexually transmitted disease (i.e., Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Treponema pallidum), bacterial prostatitis, microorganism mutations leading to more OS, and viral infections (i.e., human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis). This review is focusing on infection and inflammation-mediated OS, the inflammatory markers underlying pathology, clinical significance in male infertility, and a brief description of the recommended treatment modalities.