Aims We aimed to investigate fertilization rates, quality of embryo, pregnancy and live birth rates, endocrine, sexual function, psychological status and quality of life of cases diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). Methods Clinical findings, hormone values ​​and semen analyses in patients with nonmosaic KS (Group 1, n=121) and those with non‐genetic nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) (Group 2, n=178) were retrospectively analyzed. Sperm retrieval outcomes with microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro‐TESE), fertilization rates and embryo quality, pregnancy, abortion, and live birth rates were compared. Sexual functions were assessed using IIEF‐15, quality of life was evaluated, and psychological status was assessed. Results There was no difference in terms of age between groups. Sperm retrieval rates was 38% and 55.6% in Group 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.012). Sperm retrieval rates were higher in Group 1 before 31.5 years than in Group 2 (AUC=0.620, 0.578). Compared to Group 2, the fertilization rate was low in Group 1, whereas embryo quality was similar. Live birth rates were 12.5% and 23% in Group 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.392). The education level, libido, erectile functions, and general health satisfaction were lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p<0.005). Depression and anxiety levels were higher in Group 2 than Group 1 (p<0.001). Conclusion Higher sperm retrieval rate has been achieved in Group 1 younger than 31.5 years. Similar embryo quality is provided between groups. Sexual dysfunction and psychiatric problems were higher in Group 1, with lower satisfaction and general health than Group 2. Patients with KS should be monitored not only with their reproductive functions but also with their general health status.

Background: Epigenetic mechanisms influencing sperm production and function are closely linked to male infertility. Among these, tRNA-derived fragments have recently been identified as important modulators of cellular stress responses and gene expression. The purpose of this study was evaluate the potential role of 5'tRF-Glu-CTC in the context of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) outcomes by comparing its differential expression in the seminal plasma of oligozoospermic and normozoospermic infertile men. Results: Total RNA was extracted from seminal plasma, and 5'tRF-Glu-CTC expression was measured by qRT-PCR. Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was assessed via the TUNEL assay. The results revealed significantly elevated 5'tRF-Glu-CTC expression in the oligozoospermic group compared to the normozoospermic group (15.58 ± 4.34 vs. 12.53 ± 4.99; fold change: 1.692; P = 0.024). Sperm DFI showed a significant negative correlation with both the progressive motile sperm (ρ = -0.537, P = 0.015) and the total progressive motile sperm count (ρ = -0.509, P = 0.026). However no significant differences in DFI was observed between the oligozoospermic and control groups (P > 0.05). Analysis of ART outcomes revealed that male partners of couples who achieved pregnancy had lower mean 5'tRF-Glu-CTC expression and DFI, although these differences did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that 5'tRF-Glu-CTC might be serve as a potential biomarker and could play a role in the pathophysiology of oligozoospermia.

Objective: Levetiracetam is a new generation antiepileptic drug used in treatment of patients with epilepsy and has adverse effects on different tissues. We aimed to evaluate the apoptotic effects of levetiracetam exposure during pregnancy on liver and kidney tissues of rat pups. Methods: We analyzed the newborn rat pups exposed to levetiracetam during prenatal period. Fifteen pregnant female rats were divided into three groups. The group 1 and 2 rats were treated with different doses of levetiracetam (25 mg/kg/d and 50 mg/kg/d, respectively) from gestational days 1–22 during pregnancy. Group 3 (control group) was treated with the same volume of saline. Apoptosis was evaluated by the terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method. Liver and kidney tissues from rat pups were used for investigation. Results: The percent of TUNEL positive apoptotic cells in group 1 were 22 and 17.5 for kidney and liver, respectively. The percent of TUNEL positive apoptotic cells in group 2 were 20.9 and 20.9 for kidney and liver, respectively. The percent of TUNEL positive apoptotic cells in group 3 were 18.4 and 17.1, respectively, for kidney and liver. The apoptotic index was the same in kidney and liver tissues of all groups. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the prenatal exposure of levetiracetam has no apoptotic effects on liver and kidney of rat pups and, it has biosafety in pregnancy in terms of apoptosis. The first study evaluating the apoptotic effects on liver and kidney tissues following administration of levetiracetam during prenatal period.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of metformin treatment at different dosage levels on the ovaries and uteruses of rat offspring in the course of the intrauterine period. Saline,...