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Obesity is associated with polymorphisms of the fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO). This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association of the rs9930506 FTO gene polymorphism and obesity. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first meta-analysis to evaluate the relation between FTO rs9930506 polymorphism and obesity.We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase to identify studies investigating the relations between the rs9930506 FTO gene polymorphism and obesity risk. We pooled adjusted odds ratios (OR) as overall and in continent subgroups. A Fixed-effects model was used to analyze the results of these studies in dominant and recessive models.By examining 3337 obesity cases and 3159 healthy controls, we identified 8 eligible case-control studies. Considering the dominant model of inheritance, there was a relationship between the rs9939506 polymorphism and obesity (OR=1.34 [1.03- 1.74]). The association remained significant in the European subgroup (OR=1.68 [1.2-2.36]), but not in the Asian subgroup. Using the recessive model, we also found a significant relationship when the overall association was investigated (OR=2.47; 95% CI 1.56-3.91). In conclusion, this study identified that the carriers of the risk allele of FTO rs9930506 polymorphism are at higher risk for obesity.

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Increasing our knowledge about energy metabolism-related molecules including Aco2 affected by neurodegenerative disorders might be useful to find an efficient therapeutic strategy for those central nervous system-related diseases. Accordingly, in this review, we have focused on the events and processes that occur in neurodegeneration, leading to the inactivation of Aco2 in the brain.

Purpose The aim was to assess the correlation of sperm apoptotic transcript levels with cleavage stage embryokinetic and pregnancy outcomes of intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) and ICSI methods in patients with male factor infertility. Material and methods Eighty male factor cases were divided into ICSI and IMSI groups. ICSI was done routinely, and for IMSI, sperm was selected at high magnification and injected. On day 3, time-lapse parameters were evaluated, and the best embryos were transferred and followed to delivery. In addition, sperm DNA fragmentation and apoptotic transcript levels were quantified using reverse transcription Q-PCR between the groups. Results IMSI selected spermatozoa had lower DNA fragmentation and apoptotic transcript levels compared with ICSI (p < 0.0001). Moreover, all cytokinetic variables and cleavage abnormalities were noticeably different between groups (p < 0.0001); the rates of clinical outcomes were higher in the IMSI group. The transcript levels of Caspase 3 showed a moderate negative correlation with s2 and s3 (rs = − 0.57, P = 0.008 and rs = − 0.51, p = 0.021, respectively) in the IMSI group. However, there was no relationship between sperm apoptotic transcript levels and clinical outcomes in two groups.Conclusions Sperms selected at high magnification showed lower DNA fragmentation and apoptosis genes transcript. Also, better embryo kinetics and clinical outcomes were confirmed in IMSI than ICSI groups. Some time-lapse parameters may be associated with transcript levels of apoptosis genes. Therefore, these noninvasive techniques may be unique in assisting couples with male factor infertility. Trial registration This trial retrospectively registered on 4 July 2020 (IRCT20180130038561N1).

Objective: Since sperm abnormalities are known to be a major reason for recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), any defects in DNA structure and chromatin condensation can place embryos at risk in the early stage of development and implantation. As antioxidants such as vitamin C may play a protective role against the destruction of protamine genes in sperm chromatin, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of vitamin C on chromatin and the expression of protamine genes in the male partners of couples with RPL. Methods: Twenty male partners of couples with RPL were selected as the intervention group and received vitamin C supplementation (250 mg daily for 3 months). Healthy fertile men (n = 20) were included as controls. Sperm chromatin, DNA integrity, and the expression levels of protamine genes were evaluated before and after treatment. Results: Significant differences were found in sperm morphology, protamine deficiency, and apoptosis between the two groups and before and after vitamin C administration. A significant change was found in mRNA levels of PRM1, PRM2, and the PRM1/PRM2 ratio after treatment. Conclusion: Daily oral administration of vitamin C may improve human sperm parameters and DNA integrity by increasing protamine gene expression levels in the male partners of couples with RPL. The beneficial effects of vitamin C supplementation as an antioxidant for the male partners of couples with RPL could lead to improved pregnancy outcomes in these cases. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons AttributionNon-Commercial License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. www.eCERM.org S Hamidian et al. The effect of vitamin C on sperm gene expression

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