Purpose Motility of spermatozoa helps not only in planning the type of infertility treatment but also directly reflects the success rate in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Previously, biotin, a water-soluble vitamin, has been shown to increase the motility and longevity of cryopreserved human spermatozoa. The present study was designed to understand the molecular basis of the beneficial effects of presence of biotin in sperm wash medium on early embryo development. Methods The effect biotin supplementation to sperm wash medium on the sperm parameters were assessed in swim-up fraction of normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic ejaculates collected from infertile men. Fertilization and early embryo development was studied using Swiss albino mice. Results Even though both biotin and pentoxifylline (PTX) enhanced the motility of spermatozoa from normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic samples, biotin group exhibited higher in vitro survival. Using mouse model, we observed that presence of biotin or PTX in sperm wash medium improved the fertilization rate and blastocyst rate compared to control. Blastocysts from these groups had significantly higher total cell number (P < 0.01) and lower apoptotic index. In silico target prediction revealed that GTPase HRas (HRas), tyrosine-protein phosphatase nonreceptor type 1 (PTP1B), and glucokinase are the probable targets for biotin. Solution-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) studies confirmed that biotin interacts both with human HRas and PTP1B. Conclusion Our results indicate that presence of biotin in sperm wash medium can improve the fertilization potential and preimplantation embryo development and can be considered as a safe alternate to PTX.

Background: Therapeutic drugs have been observed to cause a wide spectrum of adverse oral effects such as dry mouth, gingival enlargement, taste disturbance, oral mucosal ulceration, halitosis, etc. Observations:A rare case of intra-oral fixed drug eruption (FDE) induced by ornidazole presenting on the hard palate, an extremely rare site for FDE, in a 40-yearold male is reported. Conclusions:Ornidazole is a relatively newer 5-nitroimidazole derivative commonly prescribed for Amoebic dysentery in developing countries. FDE is a rare adverse drug effect characterized by onset of round/oval, erythematous macules on the skin or mucosa that can be associated with itching and burning sensation. The exact mechanism causing FDE is unknown. (J Dermatol Case Rep. 2012; 6(1): 21-24)

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