Effects of astaxanthin supplementation during vitrification and liquid nitrogen vapor freezing on motility, morphology, survival, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and DNA fragmentation of post-cryopreserved human sperm.

Objective: To investigate the effect of astaxanthin supplementation in cryopreservation media on post-thawed sperm motility, viability, morphology, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and DNA fragmentation in two cryopreservation techniques using vitrification and liquid nitrogen vapor freezing.

Methods: Thirty normozoospermic semen samples were used in the study. Post-prepared semen samples were divided into 1) non-cryopreserved control, 2) and 3) vitrified without (V) and with astaxanthin 0.

Effects of crocin supplementation during in vitro culture of intact and half-destroyed four-cell mouse embryos.

Objective: We evaluated the effects of crocin supplementation during culture of intact and half-destroyed four-cell mouse embryos. Outcomes measured included rate of cleavage arrest, blastocyst formation, and blastocyst cell number.

Methods: We used laser to create two zonal holes without blastomere destruction in Groups 1 (n=100) and 2 (n=100), and to destroy two of the four blastomeres in Groups 3 (n=150) and 4 (n=150).

The relationship between reactive oxygen species, DNA fragmentation, and sperm parameters in human sperm using simplified sucrose vitrification with or without triple antioxidant supplementation.

Objective: This study examined whether the addition of triple antioxidants (3A)-10 μM acetyl-L-carnitine, 10 μM N-acetyl-L-cysteine, and 5 μM α-lipoic acid-in freezing-thawing medium during human sperm cryopreservation using the sucrose vitrification (SuV) and liquid nitrogen vapor (Vapor) techniques could improve post-thaw survival of spermatozoa.

Methods: We analyzed 30 samples from healthy human sperm donors. Each sample was allocated into one of five groups: fresh control, SuV, SuV+3A, Vapor, and Vapor+3A.

Vitrification of mouse two-cell and blastocyst stage embryos in simplified closed system using either a hemi-straw or a hollow fiber device.

Two-cell stage and blastocyst stage mouse embryos were equilibrated in a medium containing 7.5% ethylene glycol (EG) and 7.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for 8-15 min.

Developmental competence of -matured human oocytes obtained from pregnant and non-pregnant women.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the rate of maturation, fertilization, and embryo development of -matured human oocytes derived from pregnant and non-pregnant women.

Methods: Immature oocytes were obtained by needle aspiration from 49 pregnant women (group 1) who underwent a cesarean section at term and 77 non-pregnant women (group 2) who underwent a gynecological operation during the same period (8 months). Healthy immature oocytes (530 in group 1 and 539 in group 2) were cultured and assessed for maturation 36 hours later.

Rapid freezing versus Cryotop vitrification of mouse two-cell embryos.

Objective: To compare our in-house method of embryo freezing with Cryotop vitrification in terms of immediate survival, subsequent cleavage and blastocyst formation, and cell numbers in blastocysts.

Methods: Two-cell mouse embryos were randomly allocated into three groups: a non-frozen control group (group 1, n=300), a group that underwent Cryotop vitrification (group 2, n=300), and a group that underwent our in-house freezing method (group 3, n=300).

Results: There were no significant differences between groups 2 and 3 in the immediate survival rate (96.

The effect of the site of laser zona opening on the complete hatching of mouse blastocysts and their cell numbers.

Objective: We studied the effect of the site of laser zona opening on the complete hatching of mouse blastocysts and the cell numbers of the completely hatched blastocysts.

Methods: Mouse blastocysts were randomly allocated to the inner cell mass (ICM) group (zona opening performed at the site of the ICM, n=125), the trophectoderm (TE) group (zona opening performed opposite to the ICM, n=125) and the control group (no zona opening, n=125).

Results: The rate of complete hatching of the blastocysts was not significantly different in the ICM and the TE group (84.

Antimullerian hormone changes after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for endometrioma compared with the nonovarian conditions.

Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is recommended for surgical procedure of endometrioma. The negative impact on ovarian reserve following removal had been documented. Little evidence had been reported for nonovarian originated effects.

Impact of hemostasis methods, electrocoagulation versus suture, in laparoscopic endometriotic cystectomy on the ovarian reserve: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To evaluate the impact on ovarian reserve between two different methods ofhemostasis after laparoscopic ovarian endometrioma excision.

Material And Method: A randomized controlled study was conducted from January to December 2013 in Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand. Reproductive women, age 18-45years who underwent laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy were randomized in electrocoagulation and suture groups.

Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene polymorphism in chronic anovulatory women, with or without polycystic ovary syndrome: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Polymorphisms at codons 307 and 680 are the most commonly encountered allelic variants of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene. Studies in Caucasians suggest that certain FSHR variants are more common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) than normal women. The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of FSHR gene polymorphisms at codons 307 and 680 in Thai women with chronic anovulation, without (121 women) and with PCOS (133 women), using 132 known fertile women as controls.

Relaxation for perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms.

Background: Since the time of publication of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, menopausal symptom management has become more complex because of increased awareness of the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Currently, a wide range of management options is available. Some women take prescription drugs, and others use self care strategies, including lifestyle modifications, over-the-counter preparations and complementary and alternative therapies, such as herbal preparations, exercise programmes and relaxation techniques.

Comparison of blastocyst and Sage media for in vitro maturation of human immature oocytes.

In vitro maturation (IVM) of human oocytes is an attractive alternative to conventional assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment, as it involves no or minimal ovarian stimulation. Currently, commercialized media specifically designed for IVM are often used. These media are expensive, have limited shelf life, and must be ordered in advance.

Effectiveness of a modified version of the applied relaxation technique in treatment of perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms.

Background: Awareness of the risks associated with hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms has sparked a global decline in this treatment. Alternative treatments to relieve menopausal symptoms are therefore required. The applied relaxation (AR) technique has proven to be successful for symptom amelioration, but requires participation in 12 weekly classes.

Modified relaxation technique for treating hypertension in Thai postmenopausal women.

Aim: To examine the effectiveness of a modified relaxation (MR) technique in reducing blood pressure levels in Thai postmenopausal women with mild hypertension, compared with a control group who received health education.

Methods: This is a 16-week, randomized, parallel, open-label, controlled trial in a menopausal clinic in a tertiary health care center in Northeastern Thailand. The intervention group received a 60-minute session of MR training and were encouraged to practice 15-20 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week.

Developmental competence of human embryos derived from in vitro maturation of immature oocytes retrieved during cesarean section.

Aim: To investigate the developmental competence of human embryos that originated from in vitro matured oocytes retrieved during cesarean section.

Methods: Immature oocytes were collected from 95 pregnant women, who underwent cesarean section at Buddhachinaraj Hospital Medical School and consented to participate in the study. Retrieved oocytes were cultured in blastocyst medium supplemented with 75 IU/L of human menopausal gonadotropin.

Effects of partial or complete laser-assisted hatching on the hatching of mouse blastocysts and their cell numbers.

Background: It is still debatable whether a full-thickness assisted hatching (AH) is better than the partial zona thinning. In this research, we used a mouse model to study the effect of partial and complete laser-AH on the rate of completely hatched blastocyst and their cell numbers.

Methods: In experiment 1, mouse morulae had 0, 1, 2 or 3 full-thickness openings of 10 microns created in the zona pellucida with an infrared laser beam.

No difference in high-magnification morphology and hyaluronic acid binding in the selection of euploid spermatozoa with intact DNA.

In this study, we compared conventional sperm selection with high-magnification morphology based on the motile sperm organellar morphology examination (MSOME) criteria, and hyaluronic acid (HA) binding for sperm chromosome aneuploidy and DNA fragmentation rates. Semen from 50 severe male factor cases was processed through density gradient centrifugation, and subjected to sperm selection by using the conventional method (control), high magnification at ×6650 or HA binding. Aneuploidy was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization with probes for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y, and DNA fragmentation by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) method.

Factors affecting pregnancy rates after microsurgical reversal of tubal sterilization.

The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic factors and pregnancy rates after microsurgical reversal of tubal sterilization. Patients undergoing tubal anastomosis from 2001 to 2008 were included. Relevant data were extracted from their medical records.

Effects of ovarian endometriotic fluid exposure on fertilization rate of mouse oocytes and subsequent embryo development.

Background: Accidental exposure of oocyte/cumulus complex to endometriotic fluid is not uncommon during oocyte retrieval. Only two studies were available on this subject and they gave conflicting results. In this study, we used a mouse model to evaluate the effect of controlled exposure of oocytes to ovarian endometriotic fluid.

Repeated vitrification/warming of human sperm gives better results than repeated slow programmable freezing.

In this study, we compared the effects of repeated freezing/thawing of human sperm by our in-house method of rapid freezing with slow programmable freezing. Sperm samples from 11 normozoospermic subjects were processed through density gradients and divided into three aliquots: non-frozen, rapid freezing and slow programmable freezing. Sperm in the rapid freezing group had better motility and viability than those in the slow freezing group (P<0.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis of alpha-thalassemia-SEA using novel multiplex fluorescent PCR.

Purpose: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is an alternative to prenatal diagnosis (PND) giving couples at risk a chance to start a pregnancy with a disease-free baby. This study aimed to develop a new PGD protocol for alpha-thalassemia(-SEA) mutation, the commonest Mendelian disorder.

Patients And Methods: Multiplex fluorescent PCR was employed for mutation, contamination and linkage analysis.

Assisted reproductive technologies in Thailand: 2001-2007 results generated from the ART Registry, Royal Thai College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Aim: To present the results of assisted reproductive technology (ART) performed in Thailand during 2001-2007.

Methods: All licensed ART centers are obliged to submit annual reports on the number of patients, cycles, ART techniques and treatment outcomes to the Reproductive Medicine Subcommittee of the Royal Thai College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Data from all centers were aggregated and analyzed retrospectively.

Follicular flushing during oocyte retrieval in assisted reproductive techniques.

Background: Ultrasound guided transvaginal aspiration of oocytes has replaced other methods of oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). However, there is controversy over whether flushing yields a larger number of oocytes and a higher potential for pregnancy than aspiration only.

Objectives: To determine whether follicular aspiration and flushing increases live birth or ongoing pregnancy rates and the number of oocytes over aspiration alone in women undergoing IVF and ICSI.

Effect of embryo density and microdrop volume on the blastocyst development of mouse two-cell embryos.

Objective: To study the effect of embryo density and microdrop volume on mouse two-cell embryo development.

Design: Experimental study.

Setting: Assisted conception laboratory.

Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in Thai women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in Thai women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Material And Method: Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed in 70 PCOS women. Blood was taken for the measurement of fasting insulin, 2-hr postprandial insulin, lipid profiles, testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin

Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance was 24.