mohammadamin behmanesh

The global COVID-19 outbreak has posed significant challenges to public health. Social capital has emerged as a crucial social factor in mitigating the effects of COVID-19.

This study aimed to assess the social capital levels of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and compare these levels between inpatient and outpatient cases.

In 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted at Ganjavaian Hospital in Dezful city, Iran, involving 428 COVID-19 patients. The participants were selected through a stratified random sampling method and divided into two groups: Inpatients and outpatients. Data were collected using a standardized social capital instrument, along with demographic information on variables such as age, gender, education level, marital status, and the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.

Among the COVID-19 patients, the social capital components of individual trust, cohesion/social support, and social trust/associative relations were measured at 3.24 ± 0.25, 3.15 ± 0.28, and 2.49 ± 0.41, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed significant associations between patient status and age (OR = 1.47, CI 95%: 1.21 - 1.80), education level (OR = 2.64, CI 95%: 1.50 - 4.71), individual trust (OR = 3.40, CI 95%: 1.55 - 7.47), and cohesion/social support (OR = 3.03, CI 95%: 1.49 - 6.28).

Outpatients demonstrated higher levels of social capital compared to inpatients, highlighting the critical role social capital plays in coping with illness. This disparity suggests that outpatients benefit from stronger social networks and support systems. Enhancing social capital for hospitalized patients could significantly improve their health outcomes.

Sperm cryopreservation can reduce the quality of sperm. Antioxidants can improve sperm parameters by decreasing oxidative stress.

This study was performed to determine the effect of supplementing sperm freezing media with cysteamine on the quality of sperm after freezing.

This descriptive-analytical research was conducted at Omolbanin Center for Infertility Treatment in Dezful, Iran, in 2022. The samples included 60 men with normosperm based on the World Health Organization standards. Each sample was divided into three parts: 1. fresh semen group, 2. semen frozen with 10 mmol cysteamine supplementation, and 3. semen frozen without cysteamine supplementation. Viability, motility, morphology, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were evaluated. The results were described using SPSS version 22, and the significance level was considered P  0.05.

The mean of progressive motility was significantly higher in the fresh semen group (48.3 ± 4.74) compared to the two other groups. The mean progressive motility was significantly lower in the group without cysteamine supplementation (24.4 ± 3.38) than in the group with cysteamine supplementation (35.3 ± 4.9). Moreover, TAC was significantly higher in the group with cysteamine supplementation (816.6 ± 4.36) than in the other groups.We found that theMDAlevel was significantly higher in the group without cysteamine supplementation than in the other groups (36.5 ± 2.51).

According to the results of the present study, appropriate conditions for preserving the sperm parameters after cryopreservation could be created by adding cysteamine to the sperm cryopreservation media as an antioxidant effective on sperm parameters.

Along with the expansion of embryo freezing methods, there have been studies comparing the fertility outcomes in two methods of fresh and frozen embryo transfer, which had conflicting results, so the present study was conducted with aim to compare the fertility outcomes between these two techniques.

This retrospective study was performed in 2020 on 1247 infertile couples referring to Dezful Om-Albanin infertility center. A total of 716 couples were studied in the fresh embryo transfer group and 531 couples in the frozen embryo transfer group within ten years. The two groups were compared in terms of age of women and men, history of fertility failure, endometrium thickness, duration of infertility, age of transferred embryos, number of transferred embryos, cause of infertility and fertility outcomes. Data analysis was done by SPSS software (version 21) and chi-square, Fisher’s exact and Mann-Whitney tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

In demographic findings, age of women and men, duration of infertility, number of transferred embryos and cause of infertility were not significantly different in two groups (P< 0.05), but history of fertility failure, endometrium thickness and age of transferred embryos showed a significant difference in the two groups (P<0.05). Pregnancy outcomes including chemical and clinical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, chemical and clinical abortion, live birth and multiple  did not show significant difference in the two groups (P<0.05).

The results of this study showed that in terms of pregnancy outcomes, there is no significant difference between the two groups of frozen and fresh embryo transfer.

One of the most important factors in the success of assisted reproductive techniques is the quality of the embryo generated in the laboratory. Whether to transfer only one high-quality embryo or a combination of high- and low-quality embryos is a dilemma.

The present study reviewed the embryo transfer records of IVF/intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) patients in Dezful Infertility Center, Iran, to evaluate the impact of the simultaneous transfer of a low-quality embryo on the growth and implantation of a high-quality embryo and live birth.

This cross-sectional study evaluated the files and records of 802 patients undergoing IVF/ICSI at Dezful Infertility Treatment Center from 2013 to September 2020. The patients were classified into group 1: Patients with the transfer of only one grade A (equal blastomeres without fragmentation) embryo, group 2: Patients with the transfer of two grade A and B (equal blastomeres with slight fragmentation) embryos, group 3: Patients with the transfer of two grade A and C (unequal blastomeres with or without fragmentation) embryos, and group 4: Patients with the transfer of two grade C and B embryos.

The mean age of women and men was 32.52 ± 5.10 and 37.59 ± 6.60 years, respectively. Age, duration of infertility, cause of infertility, endometrial diameter, estradiol level, oocyte number, and embryo number had no significant differences between the groups (P> 0.05). Also, the findings indicated no significant differences between the groups in terms of implantation rate, live birth rate, fertility rate, multiple pregnancies rate, and chemical and clinical abortions (P > 0.05).

It seems that the simultaneous transfer of embryos with different qualities does not affect the success rateandfertility outcomes in IVF/ICSI candidates.

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the possible effect of follicular fluid paraoxonase 3 (PON 3) on oocyte quality and sex hormones.

This descriptive-analytical study was performed on totally 90 enrolled women including fifty infertile women presenting with polycystic ovaries and uni- lateral tubal factor and forty fertile women with male factor infertility referring to Umm-al-Banin Infertility Clinic in Dezful, Iran for in vitro fertilization during Octo- ber 2018 to November 2019. Oocyte removal was carried out under transvaginal ul- trasound guidance, and follicular fluid (FF) was removed and preserved to detect PON3, estrogen, and progesterone levels. In addition, oocyte number and quality were assessed and its association with PON3 activity in the FF was evaluated. One- way ANOVA and Fisher's least significant difference (LSD) were used for data analysis and p≤0.05 were considered statistically significant.

A significant increase was observed in the total number of the oocytes and mature metaphase II oocytes with ≥20 pg/ml of PON3 concentration in the FF (p≤0.05). Moreover, a positive relationship was shown between the increased estra- diol level in follicular fluid and PON3, so that the highest estradiol level was ob- served in the amount of 31-40 pg/ml of PON3 (p≤0.05).

According to the results, as the number of the mature oocytes in- creased, the amount of PON3 as well as estradiol levels in the FF increased. This re- search displays an increase in the level of PON3 with mature oocytes, thus support- ing the indirect evidence for the function of PON3 in follicle development.

Hyperhomocysteinemia plays an important role in the anovulation in infertile women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, long-term metformin therapy elevated homocysteine (Hcy) concentration in these individuals. Inositol increases serum insulin levels and improves ovulation. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of metformin and inofolic on the level of serum Hcy and oxidative markers in the infertile patients with PCOS.

Eighty PCOS infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization in the Umm-al-Banin clinical center, Dezful, Iran from December 2018 to September 2019 were invited to participate in this double blind randomized clinical trial. They were divided into two groups; group A who received metformin (1000 mg twice/day) and folic acid (400 μg /day) and group B who used inofolic (inositol+ olic acid 200 μg twice/day) for 3 months. 

The mean Hcy levels increased significantly by metformin (P=0.02), but not by inofolic. There was a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) after metformin administration (P=0.01). In both groups, a significant increase in folic acid levels was observed after treatment (P=0.04). Also, no significant change in vitamin B12 and malondialdehyde levels was observed in both groups (P=0.08).

These findings indicate an increase in the serum Hcy levels as well as a remarkable decrease in TAC following metformin treatment. Given the rise in blood Hcy in PCOS patients, inofolic and other medications containing inositol can be prescribed instead of metformin (registration number: IRCT20190508043516N1).

Infertility and its individual and social problems are considered as one of the important problems of couples. About half of all infertility is due to male factors. Based on various studies, air temperature can affect male fertility, so the present study was conducted aimed to determine the amount of sperm DNA fragmentation of men referring to Umm Al-Banin Infertility Center in Dezful by different seasons.

In this retrospective study, the statistical population included all men who referred to the infertility center in Dezful for semen analysis between 2013 and the first half of 2020. Information about the variables including age, number of children, job, education, diseases, addiction, different seasons and sperm DNA fragmentation was collected by the researcher using a checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (version 24) and Chi-square and one-way ANOVA tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

No significant relationship was found between sperm DNA fragmentation and different age groups, number of children, types of occupations, level of education, underlying diseases, addiction and finally different seasons and months of the year (P> 0.05).

According to the results, there is no relationship between different seasons and sperm DNA fragmentation in men.

A high level of free radicals and oxidative substances in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect the ovaries through oxidative stress. Antioxidants such as selenium, a vital trace element in human health, can improve the prognosis of PCOS by reducing oxidative stress.

This study was performed due to the lack of comprehensive information about selenium concentration in follicular fluid and its effect on the oocyte count and quality in infertile women with PCOS.

In this cross-sectional study, 78 women with PCOS referred to Umm-al-Banin Infertility Clinic Center, Ganjavian Hospital, Dezful, Iran for in-vitro fertilization from March to November 2019 were enrolled. After ovarian stimulation with the antagonist protocol, the oocytes were retrieved under transvaginal ultrasound in in-vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles, and selenium concentrations were measured in the follicular fluid using an atomic absorption method by spectrophotometer device. Oocyte count and morphology were evaluated using inverted optical microscopy.

There were no significant differences between follicular fluid selenium concentrations in terms of the total number of oocytes and immature oocytes in the metaphase I and germinal vesicle stages. However, a significantly reduced number of metaphase II oocytes was observed at selenium levels < 40 μg/dL (p = 0.001).

Based on our results, low levels of follicular selenium concentration in infertile women with PCOS can reduce the quality and potency of oocyte maturation.

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug broadly used to avoid rejection of tissue transplantation. Some studies suggest that tacrolimus has destructive effects on the male reproductive system due to activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and inflammation.

The present study aimed at determining the toxic effects of tacrolimus on testis and evaluating the blocking effects of captopril and losartan on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin receptors, respectively, in rats.

The present experimental study was conducted on 36 adultmaleWistar rats (weighing 200±20 g) randomly divided into six groups and treated based on the experimental design for 30 days. At the end of the intervention, the rats were anesthetized and their blood samples were obtained to measure the serum levels of testosterone and ACE2 enzyme. Also, both testes were removed for histopathological examinations after scarifying.

Tacrolimus decreased testosterone and ACE2 levels significantly. The ACE2 levels were lower in the groups treated with a combination of tacrolimus and losartan or captopril compared to the control group while testosterone level significantly increased in the groups receiving a combination of tacrolimus and captopril. The epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubules and the number of primary spermatocytes significantly decreased in the rats only receiving tacrolimus compared to the groups that received captopril and losartan, along with tacrolimus.

According to the findings, the administration of captopril or losartan, along with tacrolimus, can decrease its testicular toxicity. Captopril and losartan act through blocking RAS but cannot improve ACE2 level; therefore, the recovery of testicle tissue might not be attributed to the ACE2 approach but to the anti-inflammatory effect.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered to be one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. Zinc, a vital trace element in the body, plays a key role in maintaining health, especially due to its antioxidant role. On the other hand, lack of antioxidants and oxidative stress can adversely affect oocytes quality and consequently fertility rate. The available studiesthat report the effect of follicular fluid (FF) zinc in terms of the number and quality of the oocytes in infertile women with PCOS, are few and not consistent. We decided to investigate this issue.

In this cross-sectional study, from the women with PCOS referring to Omolbanin Hospital, Dezful, Iran (February to December 2019), a total of 90 samples (follicular fluid, oocytes, and embryos) were collected from those who had undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF). To measure zinc level in follicular fluid, high performance liquid chromatograpy (HPLC) was utilized. Also, oocytes maturity and embryos quality evaluation was performed using inverted optical microscopy. One-way ANOVA and Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) were used for data analysis.

The amount of FF zinc was not associated with any significant differences in the number of oocytes and metaphase I (MI) and germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes, but a significant decrease was observed in the number of metaphase II (MII) oocytes at zinc values lessthan 35 μg/dL. The FF zinc levels lessthan 35 μg/dL were also significantlyassociated with decreased embryo quality.

A significant relationship was found between the level of FF zinc and the quality and the number of oocytes taken from the ovaries of infertile patients with PCOS history who were candidates for IVF treatment as well as the number of high quality embryos.

This study evaluated the effects of the maternal immune system stimulation or suppression during the pregnancy on the development of the neonate’s immune system.

A total of 20 female rats were divided into four groups. The groups were treated using Leishmania major, Salmonella typhimurium, Tacrolimus, and sterilized normal saline. The animals were mated after 3-time treatments. The neonate’s humoral immune response, total body, thymus, liver, spleen weight, and histology were determined in this study.

The spleen’s mean weight of the two-month-old samples showed a significant reduction in the Salmonella group; in addition, the Tacrolimus group had a significant reduction in liver mean weight. The Salmonella and Tacrolimus groups showed a significant reduction (P≤0.05) in the anti-sheep red blood cells antibody titer.

Stimulation or suppression of the immune responses during the pregnancy has significant effects on the neonate’s immune responses, spleen, liver, and thymus development.

 Iron is a key element in different aspects of life, with a remarkable role in the formation of cell structures. Iron is a hazardous substance with potential toxicity due to involvement in oxidation-reduction reactions, causing oxidative stress.  The present study aimed to evaluate the protection induced by Spirulina platensis against the toxicity caused by iron in Wistar rats.  This experimental research was conducted on 32 adult male rats of the Wistar breed (mean weight: 200 ± 20 g). The animals were divided into four groups of control (group one), iron oxide intraperitoneal administration (group two; 15 mg/kg bw/day), oral S. platensis and iron oxide administration (group three; 400 mg/kg bw/day), and daily S. platensis (group four). Treatments continued for 16 days. In addition, serum, renal, and hepatic tissue examinations were carried out.  According to the biomechanical tests, liver and kidney biomarkers significantly increased in group two (P ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, total antioxidant capacity and thiol protein reduced, while malondialdehyde increased in this group. According to the results of histopathology in group two, there were congested and dilated portal and central veins, while inflammatory areas were also observed in the liver. In addition, casts and acute tubular necrosis were detected in the urinary tubules in the renal examination. In group three, S. platensis and iron oxide-enhanced anti-oxidative properties, resulting in the treatment of liver and kidney functions and tissues.  According to the results, Spirulina platensis can overcome the damaging effects of iron on the hepatorenal system of rats and protects rats’ liver and kidneys against iron-induced toxicity.

 Bisphenol A (BPA) is a hazardous environmental pollutant, which is known to cause ovarian toxicity. The present study aimed to assess the protective effects of Aloe vera herbal extract against ovarian toxicity caused by BPA in Wistar rats.  The sample population of this experimental study consisted of 40 adult female Wistar rats with a mean weight of 200±20 grams. The test animals were investigated in five groups after synchronizing, including one control group and one vehicle group (olive oil 5 ml/kg b.wt./day). Rats in the experimental groups were administered with various oral doses of BPA and Aloe vera extract daily for eight consecutive weeks (400 mg Aloe vera gel/kg b.wt./day, 10 mg BPA/kg b.wt./day dissolved in 5 ml/kg of olive oil, and BPA + Aloe vera). Blood samples (2 ml) were obtained from anesthetized rats after the intervention in order to measure the levels of oxidative stress markers and sex hormones. Moreover, the researchers collected both ovaries for histological examinations.  BPA decreased estradiol levels significantly (P<0.05). In addition, while thiol protein (G-SH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) decreased, malondialdehyde (MDA) showed an increase. Fewer corpus luteum and antral follicles, more atretic follicles and several cysts were observed in histopathological results of BPA group. But total antioxidant capacity and ovarian tissue healing structure were accelerated by co-administration of Aloe vera with BPA.  According to the results, the use of herbal extract of Aloe vera could significantly inhibit the debilitating effects of BPA on the reproduction of female rats. Moreover, Aloe Vera gel exerted protective effects against folliculogenesis, stimulating the production of hormones to prevent the toxicity caused by BPA.

Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, has been considered as a possible risk factor for fertility because it induces testicular toxicity. Thus, we sought to analyze the effect of Aloe vera as plant with antioxidant properties on tissues and oxidative stress parameters in male rats.
In this experimental study, 50 adult male Wistar rats (200 ± 20 g) have been used in this 56 day study. Animals were completely randomized and divided into five groups: A1 (control), A2 (vehicle control), A3 (Aloe vera gel 300 mg/kg), B1 (BPA 20 μg/kg bw) and B2 (Aloe vera gel BPA). At the end of the study, the rats were anesthetized and 2 ml blood samples were obtained for evaluation of oxidative stress markers. Also, both testes were collected for histological examinations.
BPA significantly decreased (P According to our findings, Aloe vera gel extract can overcome the damaging effects of BPA on the reproductive system of rats and protects rats’ testes against BPA-induced toxicity.

Iron is one of the most essential elements of life that plays a major role in structure of the most cells of body and is potentially toxic and dangerous, because it easily participates in oxidation-reduction reactions and produces reactive oxygen species, which leads to oxidative stress; nanomaterials such as iron nanoparticles found in environmental pollution and can also be dangerous.
The current study aimed at evaluating and comparing the effects of accumulation of conventional iron oxide and iron oxide nanoparticles in rat ovary and its relationship with serum oxidative stress.
The current experimental study was conducted on 5 groups of female rats, control, iron oxide (15 mg/kg), and iron oxide nanoparticles (5, 15, and 45 mg/kg). All rats were treated intraperitoneally for 16 days. Then, they were euthanized and their ovarian tissue was removed, and iron accumulation in the ovaries was measured by atomic absorption. Malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl protein, thiol protein, and total antioxidant activity were also measured in rats serum samples.
According to the current study findings, iron accumulation increased significantly (P = 0.046) in the group that received conventional iron oxide, as compared with the control group. Also, the mean of total antioxidant activity (4.4 ± 294.31 µM/L) and thiol protein (3.3 ± 381.09 µm/mL) showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences in group that received conventional iron oxide, compared with the other groups, MDA and protein carbonyl had no significant (P ≥ 0.05) difference.
According to the findings, conventional iron oxide particle induced more accumulation and more oxidative stress than nanoparticles.

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that is associated with hyperglycemia and infertility. Previous studies indicate that aloe vera may positively affect the blood glucose and fertility.
the present study was carried out to evaluate effect of aloe vera on serum oxidant/antioxidant activity and reproductive hormones following experimental diabetes.
sixty adults male wistar rats were divided to 5 groups. control group(A) was kept without treatment. Group(E) only received aloe vera gel(400 mg/kg-orally). Experimental diabete mellitus was induced in 3 groups of rats by streptozotocin( 65 mg/kg-Ip). One diabetic group was kept without treatment(B). Another diabetic group received aloe vera gel(400 mg/kg-orally)(C) and another received insulin(10 units)(D). Aloe vera gel and insulin was administration for 30 days then, the rats were anesthetized and blood collected. The amount of malondialdehid(MDA), anti oxidant activity(AOA), glutathion peroxidase activity(GPX), thiol protein(TSH), testosterone, LH and FSH was determined in serum.
level of testosterone was significantly decreased while amount of MDA, TSH, GPX and AOA was significantly increased in non-treated diabetic rats. Aloe vera increased antioxidant defense.
Aloe vera improves antioxidant activity and reduces diabetic complications.

The leukotrienes and prostaglandins are biologically active metabolites derived from arachidonic acid. The leukotrienes have a role in inflammatory diseases such as allergic rhinitis, inflammatory bowel disease and asthma. Montelukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, is claimed to be effective in asthma. The present study aimed to assess the role of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist on peripheral inflammation and whether montelukast treatment enhances the anti-inflammatory effect of indomethacin. Anti-inflammatory response was measured using a plethysmometer. Histopathologic examination for leukocyte accumulation was done. Montelukast (0.5–2mg/kg, i.p.) produced a significant anti-inflammatory effect in dose dependent manner against formalin-induced rat paw oedema at 1h but not in 3 and 5 h. When indomethacin (5 mg/kg, i.p) was co-administered with montelukast (1 mg/kg, i.p), the anti-inflammatory effects of indomethacin were significantly increased as compared to the per se effect at 3 and 5 hour after formalin challenge. In histopathology it has been found that combination therapy significantly decreased migration of leucocytes into the site of inflammation. These results show that montelukast has anti-inflammatory properties in peripheral tissue and markedly potentiates the anti-inflammatory activity of indomethacin at 3 and 5 h. It is expected that combination of montelukast with cyclooxygenase inhibitor would prove to be a novel approach to manage complex inflammatory conditions.