P–710 The possible relation between kisspeptin and apoptosis on granulosa cells of PCOS patients

Study question

Does kisspeptin administration affect the apoptotic factors of granulosa cells of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) patients?

Summary answer

Kisspeptin administration significantly increased apoptosis related factors.

What is known already

Kisspeptin plays a critical role in central gonadotropin secretion by acting on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus. Kisspeptin receptors are also expressed on the ovaries. Kisspeptin–54 has recently been known as a prominent agent in oocyte maturation. Although there are many studies on the possible roles of kisspeptin administration in vivo on hypothalamic gonadotropin secretion and ovarian function and the possible roles of these effects in the pathogenesis of PCOS, there is not enough information about the effect of in vitro application of kisspeptin on ovarian function and conditions that lead to the development of PCOS.

Study design, size, duration

This basic research study was an in vitro experimental approach involving the use of granulosa cell from a PCOS and normal cases between July to December in 2020. 32 women were included in both control and PCOS groups.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Women with (n = 16) and without (n = 16) PCOS were included in the study. Granulosa cells, follicular fluids and blood samples were collected on oocyte pick-up day. Cells were isolated from follicular fluids. Kisspeptin–54 levels were determined by ELISA in serum and follicle fluids. Also, FSH and LH levels were determined in serum. Kisspeptin–54 administrated in vitro to the half of the samples. Fluorescence spectrophotometer and laser scanning confocal microscope were used to evaluate calcium concentrations

Main results and the role of chance

The serum kisspeptin level was found significantly higher in PCOS patients compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Also, the level of kisspeptin in follicular fluid was statistically significantly higher in PCOS patients compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The mean serum FSH level of PCOS patients was found to be significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the mean serum LH level of PCOS patients was significantly higher than control groups (p < 0.05). The intracellular calcium concentration in granulosa cells obtained from PCOS patients was significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05).

Limitations, reasons for caution

The KISS1, KISS1R, BCL–2, CASPASE–3, FSHR, LHCGR, STAR, ESR1, ESR2, INHBA gene expression levels of apoptotic process is still under analyses. The protein expression analyses of these genes may strength the results.

Wider implications of the findings: Using kisspeptin antagonists may be supposed as an additional treatment for patients with PCOS.

Trial registration number

OMU KAEK 2019 /724

O-152 Investigation of the relationship of sperm motility and Kisspeptin in subfertile men

Study question

Does kisspeptin administration affect the motility parameters in sperm samples of subfertile cases?

Summary answer

Kisspeptin administration significantly increased gene expression levels related with sperm motility as well as intracellular calcium concentrations.

What is known already

Sperm motility problems are among the most important causes of male infertility. In recent years, a peptide named kisspeptin has been discovered that may have effects on sperm motility. Kisspeptin is known to trigger calcium release in hypothalamic neurons. In addition, kisspeptin administration increased sperm progressive motility in studies conducted on normozoospermic individuals. Furthermore, it is suggested that kisspeptin protein in seminal plasma is positively associated with semen quality. However, there is no evidence that how kisspeptin can affect sperm in men with infertility problems.

Study design, size, duration

This basic research study was an in vitro experimental approach involving the use of semen samples from an infertil cases between September to December in 2020. 40 men were included in both control and experimental groups.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

All analyses were performed on semen samples from 10 normozoospermic (NZ), 10 asthenozoospermic (AZ), 10 oligoasthenozoospermic (OAZ) and 10 oligoastenoteratozoospermic (OATZ) men, aging between (21-40) years. Basal serum and seminal kisspeptin levels were analyzed by ELISA. Sperm were divided into two groups. Kisspeptin-13 administered in vitro. KISS1, KISS1R, CATSPER1, AKAP4 gene expressions analyzed by qRT-PCR using 2−ΔΔCt algorithm. Intracellular calcium concentration was determined with floresence spectroflurometer and laser scanning confocal microscope.

Main results and the role of chance

The serum kisspeptin level of NZ was significantly higher than other groups (p < 0.05). The semen kisspeptin level was significantly higher than OAZ and OATZ (p < 0.05), but not in NZ (p > 0.05). Also, KISS1 gene expression was higher in AZ compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Biochemical and gene expression analysis of kisspeptin were consistent with each other. There was a significant increase in the expression of CATSPER1 gene in AZ compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Also, AKAP4 gene expression was significantly higher in OATZ compared to other groups (p < 0.05). No significant difference was documented for the expression of KISS1R (p > 0.05). Intracellular calcium was significantly increased in AZ and NZ after kisspeptin administration. The intracellular calcium increase is consistent with increased CATSPER1 gene expression levels in AZ. Kisspeptin administration may have a significant effect on sperm motility parameters.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The biochemical and gene expression levels of KISS1 were consistent. However, gene expression was explored at the mRNA level for CATSPER1 and AKAP4. The protein expression analyses of these genes may confirm the results. Also, using kisspeptin antagonists may strength the results of intracellular calcium analysis.

Wider implications of the findings

Kisspeptin treatment for individuals diagnosed with asthenozoospermia may have therapeutic results. KISS1 quantitation may be a determining factor for the subfertility in routine semen analysis.

Trial registration number

OMU KAEK 2019/462

P–036 Investigation of the 2100 MHz electromagnetic field effects on sperm CatSper calcium channel

Study question

Does electromagnetic field (EMF) effect sperm motility through CatSper calcium channels in rat?

Summary answer

2100 MHz EMF may reduce sperm motility by acting on CatSper calcium channels.

What is known already

EMF exposure has become a serious concern in infertility patients. The effects of EMF through by using mobile phone and laptop have been explored previously, mostly focusing on sperm motility and DNA fragmentation. EMF activates the voltage gated calcium channels and increases calcium concentration. As a result of the EMA exposure, the sperm motility may increase. However, if this happens while sperms are in non-progressive motile phase in the epididymis, it may result with the depletion of limited energy stores. Sperms may become immotile and they can’t move forward in the progressive motile phase in the female reproductive system.

Study design, size, duration

This basic research study was an in vivo experimental approach involving the use of 50 male rats. Wistar-Albino rats (n = 10) weighing ∼320 –350g were included in each groups. The duration of EMF exposure was 1 hour per day for 28 days. Amlodipine (1 mg/kg, 28 days) was used as a calcium channel blocker. The experiment was held between July to December in 2020. 20 female rats were recruited for mating test.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

50 rats were divided into five groups. Group 1; Pure control. Group 2; Sham. Group 3; EMF exposure, Group 4: EMF+Amlodipine, Group 5: Amlodipine positive control. After four weeks of exposure, rats were sacrificed and sperm were collected from cauda epididymis. Sperm motility parameters were analyzed. Intracellular calcium levels were determined with two different method, fluorescence spectrophotometer and laser scanning confocal microscope. Before sacrifice, rats were mated with female rats to evaluate mating ratios.

Main results and the role of chance

The mating score and live birth rates did not vary significantly among the groups (p > 0.05). The sperm motility (A+B, 47.62±16.92 versus 34.19±14.62) and intracellular calcium levels (2.46±0.20 versus 1.85±0.18) were significantly decreased in the EMF group (p < 0.05). The results of fluorescence spectrophotometer and laser scanning confocal microscopy with fluorescent attachment were consistent with each other. There were no significant differences found among the other groups in terms of investigated parameters. Statistical analysis was performed with Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Dunn-Bonferroni’s test.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The Catsper 1, 2, 3, 4 gene expression levels are still under analyses. These gene expression levels will be helpful to understand possible changes of the sperm motility. The determination of other motility related gene expressions may strength the results.

Wider implications of the findings: EMF exposure may have a significant effect on sperm motility parameters. Mobile phones carried very close to the reproductive organs may adversely affect the motility of sperm cells due to its emitted radiation levels

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Efficacy of tibolone and transdermal estrogen therapy on psychological symptoms in women following surgical menopause

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the efficacy of tibolone and transdermal estradiol therapy on menopausal and psychological symptoms in women following surgical menopause.

METHOD

Seventy-five women who had undergone surgical menopause were randomized to a 6-month double-blind interventional study treatment with oral 2.5 mg/day tibolone, transdermal 3.9 mg/week estradiol or oral placebo. The patients were assessed using Kupperman's Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) before and at the end of the 6 months of treatment.

RESULT

Sixty-five subjects completed the study: 23 on tibolone, 21 on transdermal estradiol and 21 on placebo. At the end of the 6 months of therapy, highly significant improvements in menopausal symptoms, depression and anxiety scores were observed in both groups (tibolone and transdermal estradiol groups) as compared with baseline values (p<0.001). However, in the placebo group, there were no significant differences on changes from baseline to the end of treatment (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that tibolone and transdermal estradiol therapy significantly improve menopausal and psychological symptoms in women following surgical menopause.