Re: Sperm Deoxyribonucleic Acid Fragmentation Assessment in Normozoospermic Male Partners of Couples with Unexplained Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Prospective Study

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 <i>PRM1, PRM2</i>, and the <i>PRM1/PRM2</i> 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.

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Hyperhomocysteinemia in recurrent pregnancy loss and the effect of folic acid and vitamin B12 on homocysteine levels: a prospective analysis

International Journal of Reproduction Contraception Obstetrics and Gynecology ◽

10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20172013 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (6) ◽

pp. 2258 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Indrani Mukhopadhyay ◽

V. Pruthviraj ◽

Rao P. S. ◽

Manash Biswas

Keyword(s):

Folic Acid ◽

Vitamin B12 ◽

Pregnancy Loss ◽

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss ◽

Recurrent Miscarriage ◽

The Body ◽

Vitamin Supplementation ◽

Vitamin B ◽

History Of ◽

A Prospective Study

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects about 5% of women. High levels of homocysteine, termed hyperhomocysteinemia, have been implicated in a number of pathologic processes in the venous and arterial vascular systems. Hyperhomocysteinemia in pregnant women has been associated with deep venous thrombosis, recurrent miscarriage, abruption placentae, preeclampsia, neural tube defects, and fetal growth restriction. This study aims at determining association between hyperhomocysteinemia and recurrent pregnancy loss and also association of folic acid (vitamin B 9) and vitamin B 12 with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY), in reducing its levels in the body and thus preventing obstetric complications.Methods: A prospective study of pregnant mothers booked at our hospital over a period of two years with history of unexplained RPL were included in the study and their serum homocysteine levels were assessed. Hyperhomocysteinemia (>12 micromol/l) patients were treated with folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements and homocysteine levels were assessed again, post treatment.Results: Out of the 100 patients who were assessed, 32% of RPL patients had hyperhomocysteinemia. Folic acid and VitB12 supplementation reduced homocysteine levels and this was found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with RPL. Vitamin supplementation to those with hyperhomocysteinemia, decreases homocysteine levels.

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