SummaryCumulus cells (CCs) play an important role in the regulation of female gamete development, meiotic maturation, oocyte-sperm interaction, capacitation and acrosome reaction. However, their role in maintaining oocyte competence after vitrification is unclear as controversial data on their protecting action against oocyte cryoinjuries are available. Here we described the effects of vitrification on the ultrastructure of human CCs collected from women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). In total, 50 patches of CCs, sampled from high-quality human cumulus-oocyte complexes, were randomly allocated into two groups after patient informed consent: 1, fresh CCs (controls, n = 25); 2, vitrified CCs (n = 25). Samples were then prepared and observed by transmission electron microscopy. In fresh CCs, in which small cell clusters were visible, cell membranes were joined by focal gap junctions. Microvilli were rare and short. Nuclei, mitochondria, smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), Golgi apparatus and lipid droplets appeared well preserved; vacuoles were scarce. After vitrification, we observed two populations of CCs: light CCs, with a smooth appearance and few short microvilli; and dark CCs, with numerous and long microvilli. In both, most of the organelles appeared similar to those of fresh CCs. Lipid droplets were denser and more numerous, with respect to fresh CCs. They were mainly located in the peri-nuclear and sub-plasmalemmal regions. Numerous packed electron-negative vacuoles were visible. The vitrification procedure did not cause alterations in the fine structure of major organelles, except for an increased amount of lipid droplets and vacuoles. This specific sensitivity of human CCs to vitrification should be considered during ARTs.

Summary Stable ovarian function is a key factor in the performance of the reproductive system. In contrast, some ovarian function-related diseases, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, premature ovarian failure (POF), and ovarian cancer, are the main cause of infertility and death of women around the world. Despite multiple attempts, there are no effective tools against these conditions; however, mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy, especially using adipose tissue, has attracted much attention in medicine in light of its advantages such as easy isolation and accessibility. Conversely, it has been suggested that MSC-conditioned medium (CM) can restore injured tissues and has high immunocompatibility. So, here, we will summarize the effects of administration of MSCs and CM derived from adipose tissue on ovarian functions and related diseases.

Background: Evaluating the significance and the effects of plant-derived drugs on laboratory animal's fertility was recognized. There was antioxidant activity reported from Heracleum persicum (Golpar). Objective: Current study aims to study the antioxidant effect of Golpar extracts on sperm parameters and chromatin quality in mice. Materials and Methods: Eighteen adult male mice were divided to 3 groups (10 wk old, 35 gr weight): group1 received hydro alcoholic extract (1000 mg/kg, ip), group 2 received oil extract (200 mg/kg, ip) and group 3 serving as the sham control group that received sterile water. Finally, left cauda epididymis of each animal was dissected and sperm analysis was done accordingly. To asses sperm chromatin and DNA quality, we used aniline blue (AB), toluidine blue (TB), chromomycin A3 (CMA3) and acridine orange (AO) staining. Results: Progressive and non-progressive sperm motility were significantly increased in group 1 in comparison with group 3 (p=0.032). There was an increasing trend in progressive sperm motility and decreasing trend in non-progressive sperm motility in group 2 in comparison with group 3, but the differences were not significant (p=0.221 and p=0.144, respectively). According to the sperm chromatin quality, the results of TB and AO tests revealed significant differences (p=0.004, p=0.000, respectively) between those groups and showed that the extracts of Golpar cause DNA damage, but no differences can be observed between them in AB and CMA3 staining (p>0.05). Conclusion:The results showed that Heracleum persicum extracts may improve sperm motility. Also, it has harmful effects on sperm chromatin condensation and DNA integrity in mice.

Seminal infections were considered to be an etiologic factor of male infertility. Semen washing is used as an appropriate technique in artificial reproductive technology (ART) for serodiscordant couples when the partner of male is contaminated. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of semen washing methods in reducing the transmission of viral infections in ART. In this narrative review we investigated accessible information from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IranMedex, Irandoc, Magiran, SID, MEDLIB and Scientific Information Database until 2019. The MeSH terms of semen washing, HIV, assisted reproduction, serodiscordant, and virus transmission were used. According to the search strategy, 89 articles were discovered. After checking the titles, abstracts and manuscripts, a collection of 45 papers were chosen pursuant to the suitability indexes. The studies were performed around different categories of semen washing (swim up, density gradient) in serodiscordant couples. Some studies highlighted that semen washings can completely prevent viral transmission, but a few do not believe this claim. However, scientific researchers have revealed that sperm washing may diminish the possibility of infection in serodiscordant couples where the male partner is infected. Swim up in combination with density gradient is a suitable method to diminish the transmission of infections.

Several factors are necessary for the growth and survival of healthy follicles in the folliculogenesis process, including endocrine and paracrine glands, and a regulated ratio of granulosa cells to oocytes. One of the most powerful methods for studying folliculogenesis is the culture of ovarian follicles and oogenesis within a completely controlled environment. Follicle culture systems are highly developed and are rapidly evolving. However, the methods for separating the follicles, the cultivation techniques, the culture medium, and the dietary and hormonal supplements vary depending on the species studied. This study made a literature review of follicular culture techniques, and we investigated the heterogeneity among these key variables in follicular culture.