DR Alex C Varghese, PhD (original) (raw)
Papers by DR Alex C Varghese, PhD
Background: Emerging worldwide evidences in support of adverse effects of cannabis smoke indicate... more Background: Emerging worldwide evidences in support of adverse effects of cannabis smoke indicate its significant role in declining male fertility. The aim of the present study was to compare the percentage of damaged sperm cells and the expression profiles of cell survival protein p-Akt and pro-apoptotic protein Bax in non-smoker, tobacco smoke addicted and cannabis smoke addicted subfertile subjects.
Indian journal of experimental biology, 2005
With increasing medical utilization of assisted reproductive technology (ART), scientists and cli... more With increasing medical utilization of assisted reproductive technology (ART), scientists and clinicians have been able to study extensively multiple cell functions operating synchronously and flawlessly during the events preceding, before and after fertilization. Critical evaluation of the functional status of spermatozoa for in vitro techniques such as sperm-mucus interaction, acrosome reaction status, sperm-zona pellucida binding and penetration tests, hyaluronic acid binding assay, and computer assisted semen analysis etc. can direct a male partner of an infertile couple to more aggressive forms of treatments. In vitro selection of functionally competent sperm cells is a pre-requisite for successful outcome in in vitro fertilization or in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Direct injections of acrosome-intact spermatozoa into oocyte during ICSI bypassing the normal events of sperm oocyte interaction and fusion events have raised concerns with regard to fertilization abnorm...
Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports, 2012
Advances in early diagnosis and cancer treatment have allowed the quality of life postcancer trea... more Advances in early diagnosis and cancer treatment have allowed the quality of life postcancer treatment as a recognized issue, and efforts have been made to preserve the fertility potential. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy have detrimental effects on ovarian reserve. Well-established methods against radiotherapy-induced gonadotoxicity are pelvic shielding or removal of the ovaries from the radiation field. Gonadal toxicity of chemotherapy depends mainly on the type of treatment and patient's age. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo cryopreservation are the most commonly used procedures for females undergoing chemotherapy. Oocyte cryopreservation is a promising method and has the advantage of eliminating the contribution of a partner. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is experimental and the only method for prepubertal girls. The trend toward delaying child-bearing results in increased prevalence of age-related infertility and has raised debates on social egg freezing in many countries. Fertility preservations options for different indications are discussed in the light of recent literature.
Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, 2012
![Research paper thumbnail of The in vitro effect of benzo[a]pyrene on human sperm hyperactivation and acrosome reaction](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/47010553/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Fertility and Sterility, Jul 31, 2010
Objective: To evaluate the in vitro effect of benzo[a]pyrene on sperm hyperactivation and acrosom... more Objective: To evaluate the in vitro effect of benzo[a]pyrene on sperm hyperactivation and acrosome status in normozoospermic semen samples of nonsmokers analyzed by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Design: Experimental in vitro study. Setting: Andrology laboratory. Patient(s): Thirteen proven fertile, normozoospermic, and nonsmoking men. Intervention(s): Spermatozoa were washed free of seminal plasma and were treated with different concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene and compared with controls treated with medium alone. The benzo[a]pyrene concentrations were: 100, 50, 25, and 12.5 mg/mL. Main Outcome Measure(s): Effect of varying concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene on sperm hyperactivation and acrosomal reaction. Result(s): A statistically significant increase in sperm hyperactivation was observed in presence of benzo[a]pyrene at concentrations of R50 mg/mL. The result of the acrosome halo test showed that concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene R25 mg/mL statistically significantly decreased the percentage of halo formation, indicating an inappropriate (false) acrosome reaction. Conclusion(s): Benzo[a]pyrene statistically significantly affected sperm functional competence as evidenced by increased hyperactivation as well as premature acrosomal reaction. (Fertil Steril Ò 2010;94:595-8.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a novel technique rapidly gaining popularity among infer... more Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a novel technique rapidly gaining popularity among infertile couples, alleviates the burdens posed by male factor infertility by offering infertile couples a chance to conceive. Although numerous studies suggest success rates comparable to traditional in vitro fertilization, ICSI is not without fault. Potential associated risks include, but certainly are not limited to, birth defects, DNA fragmentation,
Fert Steril, 2006
Objective: Optimum cryosurvival is dependent not only on freezing methodologies, but also on the ... more Objective: Optimum cryosurvival is dependent not only on freezing methodologies, but also on the type of cryopreservatives used. It seems reasonable to speculate that removing the seminal plasma and selecting highly motile spermatozoa by an optimal sperm processing technique, before freezing, may reduce the loss of viability, motility and acrosome integrity during cryopreservation. Moreover, this method can remove those cells that produce free radicals thereby minimizing peroxidative damage during freeze-thaw procedure. It has been shown that pre-freezing of sperm before their preparation does not impair the ability of thawed spermatozoa binding to zona pellucida. The objective of the present study was to compare the efficacy of TEST-Yolk buffer (TYB) and Human Sperm Preservation Medium (HSPM) during freeze-thaw process on pre-freeze prepared human sperm. Design: Prospective study. Materials and Methods: Semen samples (n = 22) were obtained from healthy volunteers and preliminary analysis were done after liquefaction using Makler sperm counting chamber and morphology using Papanicolaou staining. Samples were prepared using density gradient method and the final sperm pellet suspended in Quinn's sperm washing media and divided into two aliquots. The aliquots were frozen with TYB medium (Irvine Scientific, Santa Ana, CA) and HSPM medium (Sperm Freeze™, FertiPro, Belgium) respectively and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Post thaw motility characteristics and morphology were analyzed both after thawing and following removal of cryoprotectants by density gradient preparation. Results: Though there were significant changes in various motility characteristics and morphology between prefreeze samples and samples frozen with either TYB or HSPM as given in table 1, there were no statistically significant changes in the post-thaw sperm between the two groups. Moreover the sperm characteristics following post thaw preparation showed no significant changes between the two groups . Conclusion: TYB and HSPM mediums are effective in cryopreservation protocols when pre-freeze semen samples are used for sperm preparation. Although there was a lack of statistically significant difference between the two groups, the post thaw motility patterns showed better values in samples frozen in TYB medium. Financial Support: None.
Syst Biol Reprod Med, Nov 25, 2009
Metallothioneins (MTs) belong to the family of stress proteins that are present in the majority o... more Metallothioneins (MTs) belong to the family of stress proteins that are present in the majority of living organisms. The MTs play an important task in detoxifying heavy metals. The mammalian scrotal testis is known to be susceptible to cadmium (Cd) exposure. The present work focuses on the MT-1 isoform and aims to ascertain and confirm previous findings to answer whether rodent testes indeed contain MT-1 mRNA, whether its level is increased with Cd injection in liver and testes, and lastly what is the relative difference in the expression of MT-1 mRNA in liver and testes both with and without Cd injection. Adult male Wistar rats weighing 270-290 g received a subcutaneous injection of 4.0 mumol Cd/kg and were sacrificed by cervical dislocation 6 h later. RNA was isolated from testes as well as the liver. There were 2 replicates per treatment for RNA analyses. MT-1 mRNA levels were determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and then assessed by densitometry scanning. The results of RT-PCR clearly demonstrated that the rodent testes express MT-1 mRNA. The densitometry data shows that the expression of MT-1 mRNA increases with Cd treatment in testes. The relative level of MT1-mRNA is greater in the control-liver than in the control-testes. However, upon Cd injection, the level of testes MT-1 mRNA increases 2.16 fold. These results suggest that the testes respond to Cd for at least 6 h post injection through a transcriptional mechanism.
In vitro fertilization is one of the newest approaches to infertility. Opportunities for nurses i... more In vitro fertilization is one of the newest approaches to infertility. Opportunities for nurses in IVF involve teaching couples about physiology, providing technical assistance and care, and counseling about the medical and emotional aspects of the program. Many times the nurse serves as the primary support person for couples and as their advocate with other team members.
Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue and in vitro follicle maturation are two emerging techniques f... more Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue and in vitro follicle maturation are two emerging techniques for fertility preservation, especially in cancer patients. These treatment regimes are opening up more options and allow for more suitable choices to preserve fertility according to the patient's specific circumstances. If these technologies are to become widely accepted, they need to be safe, easy to perform and must obtain favorable results. The generation of healthy eggs with the normal genetic complement and the ability to develop into viable and healthy embryos requires tight regulation of oocyte development and maturation. Novel freezing techniques such as vitrification, along with whole ovary cryopreservation and three-dimensional follicle cultures, have shown favorable outcomes. The scope of this article is to take a comprehensively look at the challenges still faced in order for these novel technologies to be routinely employed with the aim of successful fertility preservation.
Human sperm cryopreservation has become widely accepted in our society. It has been proven to be ... more Human sperm cryopreservation has become widely accepted in our society. It has been proven to be a very successful method to keep the hope of a family alive for many men.
Practical Manual of In Vitro Fertilization, 2012
Antioxidants in Male Infertility, 2013
Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine, 2009
Metallothioneins (MTs) belong to the family of stress proteins that are present in the majority o... more Metallothioneins (MTs) belong to the family of stress proteins that are present in the majority of living organisms. The MTs play an important task in detoxifying heavy metals. The mammalian scrotal testis is known to be susceptible to cadmium (Cd) exposure. The present work focuses on the MT-1 isoform and aims to ascertain and confirm previous findings to answer whether rodent testes indeed contain MT-1 mRNA, whether its level is increased with Cd injection in liver and testes, and lastly what is the relative difference in the expression of MT-1 mRNA in liver and testes both with and without Cd injection. Adult male Wistar rats weighing 270-290 g received a subcutaneous injection of 4.0 mumol Cd/kg and were sacrificed by cervical dislocation 6 h later. RNA was isolated from testes as well as the liver. There were 2 replicates per treatment for RNA analyses. MT-1 mRNA levels were determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and then assessed by densitometry scanning. The results of RT-PCR clearly demonstrated that the rodent testes express MT-1 mRNA. The densitometry data shows that the expression of MT-1 mRNA increases with Cd treatment in testes. The relative level of MT1-mRNA is greater in the control-liver than in the control-testes. However, upon Cd injection, the level of testes MT-1 mRNA increases 2.16 fold. These results suggest that the testes respond to Cd for at least 6 h post injection through a transcriptional mechanism.
Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2011
A Agarwal).
Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2007
He has published over 300 scientific articles, reviews and book chapters in different areas of an... more He has published over 300 scientific articles, reviews and book chapters in different areas of andrology and reproductive biology. His long-term research interests include studies on the role of oxidative stress, DNA integrity, and apoptosis in the pathophysiology of male and female reproduction.
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 2008
Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue and in vitro follicle maturation are two emerging techniques f... more Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue and in vitro follicle maturation are two emerging techniques for fertility preservation, especially in cancer patients. These treatment regimes are opening up more options and allow for more suitable choices to preserve fertility according to the patient's specific circumstances. If these technologies are to become widely accepted, they need to be safe, easy to perform and must obtain favorable results. The generation of healthy eggs with the normal genetic complement and the ability to develop into viable and healthy embryos requires tight regulation of oocyte development and maturation. Novel freezing techniques such as vitrification, along with whole ovary cryopreservation and three-dimensional follicle cultures, have shown favorable outcomes. The scope of this article is to take a comprehensively look at the challenges still faced in order for these novel technologies to be routinely employed with the aim of successful fertility preservation.
International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 2009
Introduction: The presence of a high level of ROS is linked with lipid peroxidation of the sperma... more Introduction: The presence of a high level of ROS is linked with lipid peroxidation of the spermatozoal outer membrane, which leads to loss of motility, decreased sperm-oocyte fusion capacity and increased chromatin damage. Oxidative stress, characterized by an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can also decrease a sperm's life span. Up to 40% of men with unexplained male infertility have higher levels of free radical activity in their body systems. Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether there exists a relationship between the antioxidant system with clinical parameters in seminal plasma of infertile men. Materials and Methods: For the present study 50 semen samples of clinical infertile men were collected and the same was used for the biochemical investigation. They were analyzed by WHO method and categorized into Normospermic (n-12), Asthenospermic and Oligospermic subjects. The semen antioxidant parameters such as G-6-PDH, catalase, GPX, GSH, SOD and MDA were analyzed by established spectrophotometrical methods. The results were analyzed using Sigma Stat 3.5 Version Software. Results: Antioxidant parameters such as G-6-PDH (18.99±0.58 vs 24.62±0.73 P < 0.001), GPX (60.88±0.99 vs. 72.07±0.67 P < 0.001) and SOD (0.21±6.43 vs. 0.33±6.57 P < 0.001) were decreased in asthenospermic subjects compared to the normozoospermics. The activity of GSH was decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in semen of asthenospermic subjects compared to normospermic subjects. In oligospermic subjects all the antioxidant parameters were found to be increased than normospermic subjects, except GSH. The concentration of MDA was increased significantly (p < 0.001) in semen of asthenospermic and oligospermics compared to normospermics. Conclusion: G-6-PDH is present in cytoplasm of human spermatozoa. Its decreased activity causes increased ROS generation which induces the damage of cell membrane and leads to decreased sperm motility. The decrease in the activity of GPX and SOD results in sperm cell membrane fragility by the action of ROS and it affects ion exchanges essential for maintaining normal motility. Thus, this study reveals that there exists a strong relationship between the antioxidant system in the seminal plasma of asthenospermic subjects and clinical semen parameters. These findings substantiate the use of oral antioxidant therapy in infertile men with subnormal seminal parameters especially those undergoing assisted conception procedures.
Background: Emerging worldwide evidences in support of adverse effects of cannabis smoke indicate... more Background: Emerging worldwide evidences in support of adverse effects of cannabis smoke indicate its significant role in declining male fertility. The aim of the present study was to compare the percentage of damaged sperm cells and the expression profiles of cell survival protein p-Akt and pro-apoptotic protein Bax in non-smoker, tobacco smoke addicted and cannabis smoke addicted subfertile subjects.
Indian journal of experimental biology, 2005
With increasing medical utilization of assisted reproductive technology (ART), scientists and cli... more With increasing medical utilization of assisted reproductive technology (ART), scientists and clinicians have been able to study extensively multiple cell functions operating synchronously and flawlessly during the events preceding, before and after fertilization. Critical evaluation of the functional status of spermatozoa for in vitro techniques such as sperm-mucus interaction, acrosome reaction status, sperm-zona pellucida binding and penetration tests, hyaluronic acid binding assay, and computer assisted semen analysis etc. can direct a male partner of an infertile couple to more aggressive forms of treatments. In vitro selection of functionally competent sperm cells is a pre-requisite for successful outcome in in vitro fertilization or in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Direct injections of acrosome-intact spermatozoa into oocyte during ICSI bypassing the normal events of sperm oocyte interaction and fusion events have raised concerns with regard to fertilization abnorm...
Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports, 2012
Advances in early diagnosis and cancer treatment have allowed the quality of life postcancer trea... more Advances in early diagnosis and cancer treatment have allowed the quality of life postcancer treatment as a recognized issue, and efforts have been made to preserve the fertility potential. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy have detrimental effects on ovarian reserve. Well-established methods against radiotherapy-induced gonadotoxicity are pelvic shielding or removal of the ovaries from the radiation field. Gonadal toxicity of chemotherapy depends mainly on the type of treatment and patient's age. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo cryopreservation are the most commonly used procedures for females undergoing chemotherapy. Oocyte cryopreservation is a promising method and has the advantage of eliminating the contribution of a partner. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is experimental and the only method for prepubertal girls. The trend toward delaying child-bearing results in increased prevalence of age-related infertility and has raised debates on social egg freezing in many countries. Fertility preservations options for different indications are discussed in the light of recent literature.
Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, 2012
Fertility and Sterility, Jul 31, 2010
Objective: To evaluate the in vitro effect of benzo[a]pyrene on sperm hyperactivation and acrosom... more Objective: To evaluate the in vitro effect of benzo[a]pyrene on sperm hyperactivation and acrosome status in normozoospermic semen samples of nonsmokers analyzed by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Design: Experimental in vitro study. Setting: Andrology laboratory. Patient(s): Thirteen proven fertile, normozoospermic, and nonsmoking men. Intervention(s): Spermatozoa were washed free of seminal plasma and were treated with different concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene and compared with controls treated with medium alone. The benzo[a]pyrene concentrations were: 100, 50, 25, and 12.5 mg/mL. Main Outcome Measure(s): Effect of varying concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene on sperm hyperactivation and acrosomal reaction. Result(s): A statistically significant increase in sperm hyperactivation was observed in presence of benzo[a]pyrene at concentrations of R50 mg/mL. The result of the acrosome halo test showed that concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene R25 mg/mL statistically significantly decreased the percentage of halo formation, indicating an inappropriate (false) acrosome reaction. Conclusion(s): Benzo[a]pyrene statistically significantly affected sperm functional competence as evidenced by increased hyperactivation as well as premature acrosomal reaction. (Fertil Steril Ò 2010;94:595-8.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a novel technique rapidly gaining popularity among infer... more Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a novel technique rapidly gaining popularity among infertile couples, alleviates the burdens posed by male factor infertility by offering infertile couples a chance to conceive. Although numerous studies suggest success rates comparable to traditional in vitro fertilization, ICSI is not without fault. Potential associated risks include, but certainly are not limited to, birth defects, DNA fragmentation,
Fert Steril, 2006
Objective: Optimum cryosurvival is dependent not only on freezing methodologies, but also on the ... more Objective: Optimum cryosurvival is dependent not only on freezing methodologies, but also on the type of cryopreservatives used. It seems reasonable to speculate that removing the seminal plasma and selecting highly motile spermatozoa by an optimal sperm processing technique, before freezing, may reduce the loss of viability, motility and acrosome integrity during cryopreservation. Moreover, this method can remove those cells that produce free radicals thereby minimizing peroxidative damage during freeze-thaw procedure. It has been shown that pre-freezing of sperm before their preparation does not impair the ability of thawed spermatozoa binding to zona pellucida. The objective of the present study was to compare the efficacy of TEST-Yolk buffer (TYB) and Human Sperm Preservation Medium (HSPM) during freeze-thaw process on pre-freeze prepared human sperm. Design: Prospective study. Materials and Methods: Semen samples (n = 22) were obtained from healthy volunteers and preliminary analysis were done after liquefaction using Makler sperm counting chamber and morphology using Papanicolaou staining. Samples were prepared using density gradient method and the final sperm pellet suspended in Quinn's sperm washing media and divided into two aliquots. The aliquots were frozen with TYB medium (Irvine Scientific, Santa Ana, CA) and HSPM medium (Sperm Freeze™, FertiPro, Belgium) respectively and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Post thaw motility characteristics and morphology were analyzed both after thawing and following removal of cryoprotectants by density gradient preparation. Results: Though there were significant changes in various motility characteristics and morphology between prefreeze samples and samples frozen with either TYB or HSPM as given in table 1, there were no statistically significant changes in the post-thaw sperm between the two groups. Moreover the sperm characteristics following post thaw preparation showed no significant changes between the two groups . Conclusion: TYB and HSPM mediums are effective in cryopreservation protocols when pre-freeze semen samples are used for sperm preparation. Although there was a lack of statistically significant difference between the two groups, the post thaw motility patterns showed better values in samples frozen in TYB medium. Financial Support: None.
Syst Biol Reprod Med, Nov 25, 2009
Metallothioneins (MTs) belong to the family of stress proteins that are present in the majority o... more Metallothioneins (MTs) belong to the family of stress proteins that are present in the majority of living organisms. The MTs play an important task in detoxifying heavy metals. The mammalian scrotal testis is known to be susceptible to cadmium (Cd) exposure. The present work focuses on the MT-1 isoform and aims to ascertain and confirm previous findings to answer whether rodent testes indeed contain MT-1 mRNA, whether its level is increased with Cd injection in liver and testes, and lastly what is the relative difference in the expression of MT-1 mRNA in liver and testes both with and without Cd injection. Adult male Wistar rats weighing 270-290 g received a subcutaneous injection of 4.0 mumol Cd/kg and were sacrificed by cervical dislocation 6 h later. RNA was isolated from testes as well as the liver. There were 2 replicates per treatment for RNA analyses. MT-1 mRNA levels were determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and then assessed by densitometry scanning. The results of RT-PCR clearly demonstrated that the rodent testes express MT-1 mRNA. The densitometry data shows that the expression of MT-1 mRNA increases with Cd treatment in testes. The relative level of MT1-mRNA is greater in the control-liver than in the control-testes. However, upon Cd injection, the level of testes MT-1 mRNA increases 2.16 fold. These results suggest that the testes respond to Cd for at least 6 h post injection through a transcriptional mechanism.
In vitro fertilization is one of the newest approaches to infertility. Opportunities for nurses i... more In vitro fertilization is one of the newest approaches to infertility. Opportunities for nurses in IVF involve teaching couples about physiology, providing technical assistance and care, and counseling about the medical and emotional aspects of the program. Many times the nurse serves as the primary support person for couples and as their advocate with other team members.
Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue and in vitro follicle maturation are two emerging techniques f... more Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue and in vitro follicle maturation are two emerging techniques for fertility preservation, especially in cancer patients. These treatment regimes are opening up more options and allow for more suitable choices to preserve fertility according to the patient's specific circumstances. If these technologies are to become widely accepted, they need to be safe, easy to perform and must obtain favorable results. The generation of healthy eggs with the normal genetic complement and the ability to develop into viable and healthy embryos requires tight regulation of oocyte development and maturation. Novel freezing techniques such as vitrification, along with whole ovary cryopreservation and three-dimensional follicle cultures, have shown favorable outcomes. The scope of this article is to take a comprehensively look at the challenges still faced in order for these novel technologies to be routinely employed with the aim of successful fertility preservation.
Human sperm cryopreservation has become widely accepted in our society. It has been proven to be ... more Human sperm cryopreservation has become widely accepted in our society. It has been proven to be a very successful method to keep the hope of a family alive for many men.
Practical Manual of In Vitro Fertilization, 2012
Antioxidants in Male Infertility, 2013
Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine, 2009
Metallothioneins (MTs) belong to the family of stress proteins that are present in the majority o... more Metallothioneins (MTs) belong to the family of stress proteins that are present in the majority of living organisms. The MTs play an important task in detoxifying heavy metals. The mammalian scrotal testis is known to be susceptible to cadmium (Cd) exposure. The present work focuses on the MT-1 isoform and aims to ascertain and confirm previous findings to answer whether rodent testes indeed contain MT-1 mRNA, whether its level is increased with Cd injection in liver and testes, and lastly what is the relative difference in the expression of MT-1 mRNA in liver and testes both with and without Cd injection. Adult male Wistar rats weighing 270-290 g received a subcutaneous injection of 4.0 mumol Cd/kg and were sacrificed by cervical dislocation 6 h later. RNA was isolated from testes as well as the liver. There were 2 replicates per treatment for RNA analyses. MT-1 mRNA levels were determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and then assessed by densitometry scanning. The results of RT-PCR clearly demonstrated that the rodent testes express MT-1 mRNA. The densitometry data shows that the expression of MT-1 mRNA increases with Cd treatment in testes. The relative level of MT1-mRNA is greater in the control-liver than in the control-testes. However, upon Cd injection, the level of testes MT-1 mRNA increases 2.16 fold. These results suggest that the testes respond to Cd for at least 6 h post injection through a transcriptional mechanism.
Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2011
A Agarwal).
Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2007
He has published over 300 scientific articles, reviews and book chapters in different areas of an... more He has published over 300 scientific articles, reviews and book chapters in different areas of andrology and reproductive biology. His long-term research interests include studies on the role of oxidative stress, DNA integrity, and apoptosis in the pathophysiology of male and female reproduction.
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 2008
Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue and in vitro follicle maturation are two emerging techniques f... more Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue and in vitro follicle maturation are two emerging techniques for fertility preservation, especially in cancer patients. These treatment regimes are opening up more options and allow for more suitable choices to preserve fertility according to the patient's specific circumstances. If these technologies are to become widely accepted, they need to be safe, easy to perform and must obtain favorable results. The generation of healthy eggs with the normal genetic complement and the ability to develop into viable and healthy embryos requires tight regulation of oocyte development and maturation. Novel freezing techniques such as vitrification, along with whole ovary cryopreservation and three-dimensional follicle cultures, have shown favorable outcomes. The scope of this article is to take a comprehensively look at the challenges still faced in order for these novel technologies to be routinely employed with the aim of successful fertility preservation.
International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 2009
Introduction: The presence of a high level of ROS is linked with lipid peroxidation of the sperma... more Introduction: The presence of a high level of ROS is linked with lipid peroxidation of the spermatozoal outer membrane, which leads to loss of motility, decreased sperm-oocyte fusion capacity and increased chromatin damage. Oxidative stress, characterized by an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can also decrease a sperm's life span. Up to 40% of men with unexplained male infertility have higher levels of free radical activity in their body systems. Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether there exists a relationship between the antioxidant system with clinical parameters in seminal plasma of infertile men. Materials and Methods: For the present study 50 semen samples of clinical infertile men were collected and the same was used for the biochemical investigation. They were analyzed by WHO method and categorized into Normospermic (n-12), Asthenospermic and Oligospermic subjects. The semen antioxidant parameters such as G-6-PDH, catalase, GPX, GSH, SOD and MDA were analyzed by established spectrophotometrical methods. The results were analyzed using Sigma Stat 3.5 Version Software. Results: Antioxidant parameters such as G-6-PDH (18.99±0.58 vs 24.62±0.73 P < 0.001), GPX (60.88±0.99 vs. 72.07±0.67 P < 0.001) and SOD (0.21±6.43 vs. 0.33±6.57 P < 0.001) were decreased in asthenospermic subjects compared to the normozoospermics. The activity of GSH was decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in semen of asthenospermic subjects compared to normospermic subjects. In oligospermic subjects all the antioxidant parameters were found to be increased than normospermic subjects, except GSH. The concentration of MDA was increased significantly (p < 0.001) in semen of asthenospermic and oligospermics compared to normospermics. Conclusion: G-6-PDH is present in cytoplasm of human spermatozoa. Its decreased activity causes increased ROS generation which induces the damage of cell membrane and leads to decreased sperm motility. The decrease in the activity of GPX and SOD results in sperm cell membrane fragility by the action of ROS and it affects ion exchanges essential for maintaining normal motility. Thus, this study reveals that there exists a strong relationship between the antioxidant system in the seminal plasma of asthenospermic subjects and clinical semen parameters. These findings substantiate the use of oral antioxidant therapy in infertile men with subnormal seminal parameters especially those undergoing assisted conception procedures.
This volume provides a comprehensive and technical presentation of numerous aspects of reproducti... more This volume provides a comprehensive and technical presentation of numerous aspects of reproductive cell tissue cryopreservation, and presents readers with current procedures and detailed discussions of novel techniques and the latest innovations. The chapters in this book are divided into five parts and cover subjects such as: immature oocyte cryopreservation, human sperm vitrification and slow-freezing, directional freezing of ovarian tissue, automated vitrification systems, and detailed protocols on popular and commercially available cryopreservation/vitrification systems. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.
Cutting-edge and practical, Cryopreservation of Mammalian Gametes and Embryos: Methods and Protocols includes chapters written by leading experts in the field and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field of cryopreservation.
Unique, practical manual for day-to-day use in clinic and laboratory Written by a team of intern... more Unique, practical manual for day-to-day use in clinic and laboratory
Written by a team of international experts in the field of human reproduction
Discusses all current and commonly used techniques as well as the majority of novel, promising procedures
Provides overview of novel technologies still in the developmental stage
The Practical Manual of In Vitro Fertilization: Advanced Methods and Novel Devices is a unique, accessible title that provides a complete review of the most well-established and current diagnostic and treatment techniques comprising in vitro fertilization. Throughout the chapters, a uniform structure is employed, including a brief abstract, a keyword glossary, a step-by-step protocol of the laboratory procedures, several pages of expert commentary, key issues of clinical concern, and a list of references. The result is a readily accessible, high quality reference guide for reproductive endocrinologists, urologists, embryologists, biologists and research scientists. The Manual also offers an excellent description of novel procedures that will likely be employed in the near future. An indispensable resource for physicians and basic scientists, the Practical Manual of In Vitro Fertilization: Advanced Methods and Novel Devices is an invaluable reference and addition to the literature.