Men's Health Journal

Introduction: N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), an acetylated form of the amino acid cysteine and precursor of reduced glutathione, plays important roles in a multitude of cellular processes, such as oxidative damage and detoxification of many electrophiles. Considering the pathophysiology of oxidative stress induced infertility in varicocele, we aimed to investigate the effect of NAC on semen analysis parameters (light microscopy), chromatin structure (aniline blue and acridine orange staining), and lipid peroxidation (BODIPY probe) in varicocelized rats.

Methods: In this experimental study, varicocelizing surgery was carried out on 30 Wistar rats. Ten of them were sacrificed after two months (one round spermatogenesis), together with control rats (n=10) and sham operated rats (n=10), to verify the varicocele model. Out of the remaining twenty varicocelized rats, ten received NAC while ten were treated with water (control group) for two months.

Results: All the investigational parameters (sperm parameters, chromatin integrity, and lipid peroxidation) severely worsened 2 and 4 months after surgical varicocele. The administration of NAC for two months significantly improved all the investigational parameters as compared to control rats at four months (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The supplementation of varicocelized rats with NAC was effective in antagonizing the damage as well as in preserving testicular structure and spermatogenetic function. These effects are likely to occur also in clinical varicocele.

Introduction: One of the key aspects of mental health is one’s overall health and lifestyle. Longitudinal studies have shown that dissatisfaction with life causes long-term health damage and increases mortality, suicide tendency, unintentional injuries, disability at work, and diseases such as those of cardiovascular nature. Amongst all forms of satisfaction, that of marital is of utmost importance. On a separate note, inhalation of cigarette smoke exposes passive smokers to many chemical and toxic carcinogens, and it can negatively affect the non-smokers present. Furthermore, in psychiatric counseling sessions, many women report that they hate smoking. If we can show that inhaling cigarette smoke in men can have an impact on marital satisfaction, it can increase the consistency of family foundations and have positive effects on the health and spirit of family members by informing families. Methods: In this study, 200 housewives, who had smoking husbands that smoked at home, were subjected to pre-determined conditions, alongside 200 housewives who had non-smoking husbands and were therefore not exposed to smoking by their husbands at home. They were divided into two groups and were assessed by Marital Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ). For a closer look at the level of marital satisfaction, the questionnaire results were divided into three subgroups which were marked as low, moderate, and good. Results: After calculating the total score of the questionnaire and statistical analysis, the results showed a higher rate of marital satisfaction in women who had non-smoking husbands compared to those who had smoking husbands and this difference was considered significant at P-value <0.001. Conclusion: Inhaling cigarette smoke in men in the family environment may seem to make a good impression on the smokers, but as the results of our study suggest, it also has adverse effects on marital satisfaction.

Background: Prostate Cancer is recognized as the second cause of death due to cancers among men worldwide. Due to the lack of local evidence on the survival rate of patients with prostate cancer, this study aimed to estimate the 5-year survival rate of patients afflicted with this condition in Iran. Materials and Methods:  This study made use of information on 9,772 prostate cancer cases who were registered in the National Cancer Registry during 2010-15. A telephone survey, with a response rate of 35%, was conducted to gather additional information such as death status, demographic characteristics, and clinical profile. Kaplan-Meier estimates was used to estimate five-year survival rates. Results: The overall five-year survival rate of prostate cancer was 82% (95% CI: 80-83%).  Significantly higher five-year survival rates were observed among retired patients (rate: 94%,95%CI: 92-96), patients receiving a combination of radiotherapy and surgery (rate: 92%,95%CI: 89-94), and patients residing in rural areas (rate: 92%, 95%CI: 90-93). Conclusion: We found that various factors such as occupation, area of residence, and the type of medication, may influence on survival rate of prostate cancer. Careful evaluation and understanding of effective factors are required to adopt proper health policies and treatment options. Due to the importance of etiologic and epidemiological data, inclusion of such data into the national registry system for Prostate Cancer is strongly recommended.

Introduction: One of the changes in the movement patterns that can be seen in upper limb swing is the excessive increase in upper limb movement and swing during walking. As temporal parameters such as cadence and speed in stationary and mobile environments can be equally used to determine early fall potentials, Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of excessive arm swing on speed and cadence of walking. Material and Methods: 30 healthy subjects were exposed to Vicon 10 motion capture system analysis and were asked to first walk normally at normal speeds and then move their hands excessively while walking at the same speed. The temporal data were extracted and analyzed by Matlab software. Descriptive (mean, SD) and Shapiro-Wilk test for normality of data distribution, and paired sample t-test were used to compare the patterns. Results: there was a significant difference in cadence and speed variables, between the means of natural arm swing and excessive arm swing modes (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Given these results, it should be considered that the effects of upper limb pattern changes on the lower limbs and gait can compensate for the lack of attention to movement and pattern of upper extremity positioning during walking.

Introduction: It is very important to prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs) as they cause many other health problems with serious complications. In fact, prevention is the most effective mean of dealing with STIs. In saying that, the basic requirements of prevention include appropriate health education on the subject. This study compares the effectiveness of two health education programs regarding bacterial STIs among male students at Nursing and Medical Schools of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services in Tehran. Materials and Methods: The quasi-experimental study included 430 male students aged between 18 and 30 who were majoring in nursing and medical field. Two faculties were selected through purposeful non-random sampling.  A valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaire was filled out in two steps (before and one month after the training). The training interventions in direct education group included a lecture along with a session of questions and answers (Q&As) for one and a half hours. On the other hand, the indirect education only included a weblog on the topic of STIs. The statistical tests were employed to analyze the collected data in SPSS 22. Results: Generally, students’ knowledge and attitudes toward this subject were at a moderate level before the intervention, and only %18.4 of them were well-aware of bacterial STIs. In fact, %44 of the respondents had positive attitudes toward those diseases. The research results indicated that the educational intervention managed to increase the awareness and attitudes of the students in relation to STIs in the two case groups in comparison with the control group. However, the different methods of education produced similar results and had no significant differences. Moreover, attitudes increased in the weblog group slightly more than the lecture group. Conclusion: According to the findings of this research, The weblog intervention had more effects on their attitudes than the lecture intervention. Therefore, the modern training method based on the use of the internet (weblog) can be used effectively as an alternative or supplement to traditional training methods.

Introduction: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the prevalence and the risk factors of urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy in Iranian population. This study is conducted based on the available data from the National Cancer Registry. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, we extracted the information of all the patients with organ-confined prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy from 2010 to 2014. All the patients were interviewed face to face or via telephone to collect additional data. Urinary incontinence was evaluated by a questionnaire using the definition based on pads use. The effects of risk factors were evaluated using logistic regression models. Results: The details of 13,583 registered patients with prostate cancer were collected. Overall, the prevalence of urinary incontinence was estimated as 10.5% (n=1424). It is important to mention that the highest proportion of cases with urinary incontinence belonged to the age group of 71-80 years old (n=502, 35.2%), as well as patients with elementary education (n=458, 32%) or no education at all (n=333,23.5%). Furthermore, more cases lived in urban settings (n=1159,81.7%), one-fourth of them (n=365) smoked tobacco, and nearly 11% of them reported having been diagnosed with diabetes (n=152). The odds of having urinary incontinence increased by 20% in patients who had undergone radiotherapy as part of their treatment for prostate cancer (AOR=1.20, 95%CI: 1.07,1.36). Conclusion: We estimated the prevalence of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy as 10.5% among prostate cancer patients. We found that having been exposed to education, having been diagnosed with diabetes, and receiving radiotherapy, are amongst the significant risk factors for urinary incontinence. We also suggested that more predictor variables should be recorded in the National Cancer Registry.

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a specific gestational syndrome that reduces organ perfusion due to vascular spasm and endothelial activation. Despite the use of magnesium sulfate, the patient's blood pressure sometimes remains uncontrolled, and therefore, it is necessary to use other medications, especially diuretics and Methyldopa. Hence, the aim of this study was to compare Lasix and Methyldopa in controlling postpartum hypertension in preeclampsia patients after magnesium sulfate treatment. Material and Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was carried out on 100 women with preeclampsia referred to Akbar Abadi Hospital-Iran. In the first 24 hours after the termination of pregnancy, the participants’ blood pressure was measured and those with a blood pressure of 140/90 to 160/100 were divided into two groups. In the first and second 24 hours, and then one week after the intervention, systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as diuresis and drug complications in the two groups were assessed and compared.  The present study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) under the ID of IRCT20180114038349N1. Results: The mean age of individuals was 29.93 ± 6.65 in the Methyldopa group, and 32.35 ± 4.85 in the Lasix group (P = 0.479). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure had a substantial reduction in both groups, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P> 0.05). Systolic blood pressure was reduced by 31 mmHg (reduction from 146 to 115) in the methyldopa group and 30 mmHg (reduction from 145 to 114) in the Lasix group. Furthermore, the reduction in diastolic blood pressure was 25 mmHg (from 95 to 70) in the methyldopa group, and 21 mmHg in the Lasix one (from 91 to 70). Conclusion: The present study showed that using Lasix and methyldopa was effective enough in changing blood pressure in patients with preeclampsia, and the effects observed in the two groups were the same. Therefore, it could have a great impact on the wellbeing of couples.

Background: We study different aspect of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (LP) in patients with large renal pelvis stone regarding success rate, complications as well as the recurrence free status.

Material and methods: From July 2015 to January 2019, 32 patients underwent LP for single large renal pelvis stone ($\ge$2 cm). Patient characteristics, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin, creatinine as well as possible complications based on Clavien classification were recorded. Stone free status was evaluated using computed tomography scan one month after the surgery. Any particle bigger than 4 mm was considered as significant residual stone. During the next one years after the operation, renal ultrasonography was performed for all patients every six month to find any stone recurrence.

Results: Mean operation time was 134.55$\pm$31.41 minutes. Patients were hospitalized 3.36$\pm$1.13 days in the LP group. Patients showed hemoglobin decrease of 1.50$\pm$1.05 (P=0.2). Stone free rate was 93.75\% and Mean overall stone free status estimated to be 32 months.

Conclusion: PCNL has been the treatment of choice for large renal pelvis stones; however, in expert hands, LP is an appropriate substitute with superior stone free rate, less bleeding and remarkably less stone recurrence.

Introduction: It has been reported that patients with diabetes have a decreased risk for developing prostate cancer. The study aimed to measure Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels among diabetic men who had not previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in public hospitals among diabetic men in Aden, Yemen. A predesigned structured questionnaire, including the personal data as well as physical and clinical characteristics of the study population, such as height, weight, smoking status, the duration of diabetes, and the type of treatment, was included. Blood samples were collected from the respondents, and the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and PSA were measured. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: A total of 145 diabetic male patients were included in this study. The mean PSA level of the respondents was 2.56 ng/ml. There were significant differences in PSA levels according to patient age (p=0.000). The elderly patients exhibited significantly higher PSA levels than the younger groups. The PSA levels of smokers (2.60±0.48 ng/ml) were significantly higher (p=0.035) than those of nonsmokers (2.45±0.65 ng/ml). However, no significant difference was found in PSA levels according to body mass index (BMI) category, the type of treatment, or the duration of diabetes. Additionally, our results showed that PSA levels were not significantly correlated with FBG levels. Conclusion: PSA levels were associated with age and smoking status, but not with BMI, the type of diabetic treatment, the duration of diabetes, or with FBG levels.

Introduction: Marital satisfaction affected mental and physical health, life satisfaction, career success, and social communications, and is one the most important indices of life satisfaction. Among all the factors relating to the marriage, the marital adjustment has a special place in the study of marriage and family relationships. Identity development is conceptualized as a process beginning in adolescence and peaking in the early adulthood period during which one explores and commits to possibilities in interpersonal relationship. During this time, young adults are determining the importance of parental, marital, and career life roles. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between identity styles with marital satisfaction and identification of predicting factors on marital satisfaction centers of city councils of Tehran, Iran.

Methods: This was a correlational cross-sectional study. The population includes all couples referring to city councils in the 10th and 11th zones. Participants' duration of marriage was between 1 and 10 years. In this study, a total of 200 couples were selected using convenience cluster sampling, and the questionnaires were given and distributed to them in health homes, cultural centers of Tehran municipal. Tools of study were Enrich marital satisfaction questionnaire and Identity Style questionnaire. Questionnaires were collected and data were entered in SPSS software ver. 18 and analyzed. Descriptive tests, Pearson correlation test, and Multivariate Regression Test were used for description and analysis of data.

Results: The mean age of samples in this study was 31.60 years old with standard deviation of 5.12 years (Ranged between 20- 44 years). Demographic data had normal distribution (P<0.05). One-way ANOVA analysis showed that there was significant relationship between the age of men and marital satisfaction (P= 0.01). Univariate Linear Model showed that there was no significant correlation between literacy (P=0.908) and occupation (P=0.629) with marital satisfaction. There was a significant relationship between marital satisfaction with normative and commitment styles (P<0.05) but there was no significant relation between this and informative and diffuse/avoidant styles (P>0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that only commitment style of identity can predict the marital satisfaction significantly.

Background: Due to the importance of social distancing in reducing the risk of transmission in Covid-19, contributing factors on success or failure of these rules are still unknown in Iran. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of the public about this rule and its requirements during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 400 citizens over 18 years of age in Tehran city. Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding social distancing were assessed using a questionnaire and collected using electronic method (online). Data were analyzed using STATA software version 14 and descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: 371 (response rate: 92.5%) residents completed the questionnaire. 24% (n=27) knew the social distancing well. The mean ± SD of attitude score was 2.4±4 and 72% of the respondents was against the recommendation to observe intelligent distance. The mean knowledge and attitude scores were slightly higher in men than in women (3.69 vs. 3.55 and 2.51 vs. 2.20, respectively), but the mean practice score was lower in men (3.44 vs. 3.77) and all were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The respondents' knowledge of the rule of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic was good, although people do not have a positive attitude towards this law. Although in some cases, such as in-person shopping, it was necessary to comply with this law, in most cases, such as keeping a distance of at least 1.5 meters with other people, avoiding handshakes, kissing and traveling was observed by a small percentage of people.

Background: During the pandemic, Iranian healthcare system had faced many challenges including the continuation of medical education. In this time, almost all elective surgeries have been suspended, outpatient visits have been limited to seriously ill patients, and academic meeting have been cancelled. This process has caused a significant decrease in clinical and surgical practice in the field of urology. In this article, we assess as to what extent and how this pandemic has impacted the urology residency training in Iran. Material and Methods: a 15-item-long questionnaire was designed and sent to all Iranian urology residents via social network and/or email from the 10^th of MAY to the 10^th of Jun 2020. This questionnaire assessed different training activities, including on-call duty, outpatient visits, diagnostic procedures such as cystoscopy, endoscopic procedures, and open major surgeries, prior and during the pandemic. The results were evaluated using t-test and ANOVA. Results: the percentage of urology resident’s involvement in each training activity, including on-call duty, outpatient visits, diagnostic procedures such as cystoscopy, endoscopic procedures, and open major surgeries, demonstrated a significant decline (p<0.001) during this time compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Conclusion: urology residency training significantly decreased during the COVID-19 period. In order to address the second and third waves of COVID-19 outbreak, long-term action plans, such as telemedicine and stimulation, can help prepare training programs and residents during these unprecedented times.

Introduction: Mental health services in Australia have faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in adopting the new changes to reach service users. The rapid changes in the situation and surge in the number of people seeking help or in crisis have led services to use many strategies which they would not have considered in normal situations. The services working with men were especially experiencing the difficulty in fulfilling the needs of their clients as the evidence shows that Australian men’s help seeking behaviour is lower than women. Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted online to ascertain the level of impact on their services, their client groups and the lessons learned during online service delivery. The survey was conducted by Australian Men’s Health Forum with 20 questions, both with multiple choice and narrative answer options.  Results: In total, 53 male-specific services have responded. 81% made changes to their services; 43% enabled their staff and volunteers to work from home; 84% adopted strategies to conduct their meeting virtually with clients. Conclusion: Most services made significant changes such as phone/video counselling, but felt that this cannot be the norm post-pandemic as it lacks the empathic human touch to service delivery. Innovative strategies were developed to reach men living in remote/rural areas with no cost or travel time. However, there are many concerns about vulnerable groups such as older adults, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and men living in remote areas, who have limited access to electronic devices and reliable internet access. Implications: These findings have implications for reorienting frontline health services, particularly in times of widespread crisis when service delivery models need to change. There is, therefore, a direct consequence for building healthy public policy in relation to the health of men and boys from marginalised/vulnerable groups that incorporates healthy environments and positive social connections.

Introduction: With the obsoletion of the paternalistic model of the doctor-patient relationship, considering public opinion regarding healthcare policymaking seems to be of great necessity. The present study was conducted to determine the educational priorities of male urology specialists and the general male population concerning urological diseases.

Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional survey study, 400 male urologists and 400 men from the general population were assessed. Our investigation was carried out using a seven-item questionnaire covering the most important urological conditions. Respondents gathered from all over Iran through the 22nd Congress of Iranian Urological Association (IUA) and street surveys. Results: The mean age of the participants was 40.69 ± 13.23. The mean age for the general population and urologists was 35.8 ± 13.7 and 45.6 ± 10.6 years, respectively (P=0.0001). 56.8% of the respondents from the general population had a university degree. Overall, erectile dysfunction and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were the most mentioned diseases as an educational priority (40.1%). Chronic prostatitis was also the least mentioned condition as an educational priority in both groups and overall among all the participants ‎ (20.9%). A significant difference was observed between the general population and urologists in all the examined conditions (P<0.05).  Conclusion: This study indicated the differences among the educational priorities of the general male population and male urologists, and the necessity to make these two points of view closer and to involve the opinion of general population in decision making for men’s health week educational topics.

In December  2019, a new form of respiratory infection associated with coronavirus appeared in Wuhan, China. As of today, COVID-19 has spread all around the world. There have been 9.24 million confirmed cases and 477,000 deaths globally. Fever, cough, and coexistence chest or back pain are some of the most reported symptoms of COVID-19. Although syncope is not a primary symptoms, we see patients passing out in the street after coronavirus pandemic. Up to now, syncope due to COVID-19 has only been reported by CHANTAL and coauthor in a 79 year-old patient. ⁽¹⁾ There is no available data on syncope in COVID-19 patients. This is while some patients have been referred to us purely for their symptoms of fainting. Etiology of fainting in COVID-19 may be the product of orthostatic hypotension and vasovagal syncope due to dehydration. Increasing pressure in thoracic cavity during sequential cough may induce “cough syncope”

The pandemic of coronavirus, known as COVID-19, has swept the world during the past several months. The exponential growth of this outbreak led World Health Organization to announce it as the sixth public health emergency of international concern on 30 January 2020 (1). Coronavirus is transmitted through direct contact with the patient (coughing, sneezing, respiratory droplets). Respiratory droplets spread through close contact from person to person (hugging, kissing, and patient care) can transmit coronavirus (2). There is also evidence of oral-fecal transmission (3-5). Despite the presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) as receptor of coronavirus in testicles, there is very little evidence of transmission through sexual contact with male patients (6). A study detected Coronavirus in seminal fluid of 34 recovered male patients with mild symptoms (7), but it has not been observed in semen of active COVID-19 patients. The lack of observation; undoubtedly, does not rule out the possibility of sexual transmission of coronavirus. On the other hand, there is no evidence of COVID-19 transmission by vaginal secretions through sexual contact or from mother to child (vertical transmission) (8-10).

The coronavirus has spread rapidly all over the world and has become a worldwide crisis. On 11^th March, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) described the coronavirus disease as a global pandemic. Following the mortality due to COVID-19 infection, many healthcare systems have been affected in many countries. On July 11^th, 2020, 12322395 confirmed cases of coronavirus were reported, of which 556335 led to death (1) .

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with multiple microvascular and macrovascular complications. Some of the complications of diabetes such as erectile dysfunction are a result of an interplay of both microvascular and macrovascular complications. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection adequate for satisfactory sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction is relatively common in men with diabetes yet there is a paucity of information on erectile dysfunction among Nigerian men with diabetes. Materials and Methods: Twelve studies on erectile dysfunction in Nigerian men with diabetes with a total sample size of 1777 fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were recruited into the systematic review. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was used to assess erectile dysfunction in all the studies. Results: The prevalence of erectile dysfunction among Nigerian men with diabetes is 48.4-98.0%. The factors significantly associated with the presence of erectile dysfunction among Nigerian men with diabetes are longer duration of diabetes, poor glycaemic control, older age, peripheral arterial disease, autonomic neuropathy and obesity. Conclusion: The prevalence of erectile dysfunction among Nigerian men with diabetes is high. Close attention needs to be paid to glycaemic control in these patients to reduce the complications.

Introduction: Waterpipe as a traditional method of tobacco consumption is a public health challenge. Considering the growing trend of waterpipe (hookah) use in Iran, this systematic review aimed to measure the pooled prevalence of waterpipe current use among Iranian men. Materials and Methods: The present systematic review was conducted on the published cross-sectional studies during 2009-2019 aiming at estimating the prevalence of waterpipe current use among Iranian men. Current use of waterpipe was defined as using waterpipe within the preceding 30 days. Random Effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence by STATA v.14. Results: Ten cross-sectional epidemiologic studies with a total sample size of of 6,263 were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of waterpipe current use among Iranian men was estimated at 25% (95% Confidence Interval: 30-20%).  Conclusions: There are a variety of definitions for current use of waterpipe across studies. The results of this study suggest a high prevalence of current use of waterpipe among Iranian men during 2009-2019. Increased use of waterpipe in communities should be considered as a public health concern and a matter of priority by health policymakers. Preventive programs should take into account the acceptability and appealing nature of waterpipe among Iranian population and consider them as important modifiable factors.

Male circumcision (MC) is a minimal procedure to remove penile foreskin and is one of the oldest and most frequent surgical procedures in Iran, where the majority of the population identify themselves as Muslim. Despite numerous health benefits, MC is an issue of debate among pediatricians, urologists, and other medical professionals. Much of the debate stems from the lack of national guidelines and the incidence of minor or serious clinical complications. This study performed a systematic review on the current literature on male circumcision in Iran and summarized the major clinical complications reported by the studies.

Since its inception on December 2019, COVID-19 epidemic now has been titled a global emergency. Rich literature on the global descriptive epidemiology of the cases has shown that the burden of COVID-19 epidemic in terms of both morbidity and mortality is more pronounced among men. Physiological and genetic traits along with numerous differences in social and cultural profile of men are attributed to this discrepancy. This review attempted to delineate various proposed explanations for the observed gender-differences in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.

Introduction: Regarding the financial and psychological effects of micro-TESE on patients with NOA, it is important to determine the parameters by which the sperm retrieval with micro-TESE can be predicted. Methods: The key words used for conducting a search in the PubMed database included nonobstructive azoospermia and TESE. The abstracts of the articles were reviewed, and the articles which reported the parameters’ influence on sperm retrieval with micro TESE were included. All non-English papers, case reports, and case series, were excluded from the review. Eventually, 25 articles were selected to be included. Results:  It is recommended that diagnostic test is biopsy should be performed at the time of micro-TESE. The histopathology of testis, testicular volume, hormone profile, aging, and genetic factors, are parameters that might influence the results of sperm retrieval with micro-TESE. Heterogeneous histopathological pattern and report of hypospermatogenesis on pathology, lower serum FSH level, normal testis volume, and varicocelectomy, increase the chance of sperm retrieval with micro-TESE. In terms of sperm retrieval, some genetic factors such as AZFa, AZFb, and chromosome Y micro deletion provide poor prognosis. Conclusion: Testis histopathology is the most important factor which predicts sperm retrieval with micro-TESE. Other factors that influence the sperm retrieval rate are testis volume, genetic factor, serum FSH level, and history of varicocelectomy.

Chlorination is the most common disinfectant in the water treatment process. The reaction between Natural Organic Matter (NOM) in water and chlorine lead to the formation of harmful disinfectant by-products (DBPs). The most common DBPs (HAAs and THMs) impose risks on human health. The data acquired from human samples on the relationship of men's infertility with DBPs exposure are limited and epidemiological studies have reported various results about the association between long-term exposure to DBPs and the adverse effect on the man's infertility (sperm concentration, semen quality and sperm motility). Previous cellular studies show that HAAs and THM damaged DNA by their effect on the ROS generation and Oxidative stress, respectively. Moreover, CDBM can lead to decreased litter sizes and pup viability. Bromodichloromethane (BDCM) cause the production of sperm abnormalities. In addition, Trichloromethane (TCM) led to increase the degeneration of epididymis ductal epithelium. Dibromoacetic acid (DBAA) and Bromochloroacetic acid (BCAA) led to synergistical decrease in the levels of SP₂₂ sperm membrane protein. Likewise, BCAA and DBAA resulted in testicular damage. It should be noted that synergistic effect between Br THMs and TCAA in relation to below-reference sperm count was demonstrated. It has been reported that mixture of THMs and HAAs lead to increase sperm motility in adult male rats.

Today, obesity is one of the leading causes of death. It also causes other diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and various types of cancer. Obesity is a multifactorial disease caused by factors such as genetics and lifestyle. However, scientists imagine that about 40-70% of the disease originates from genetics. In this review, we examined the role of different genes in obesity by examining 30 articles published on the role of genetics in the obesity of Iranian men, according to their BMI, comorbidities and family history. We concluded that most of the research has been done on the FTO, Hind III and S447 genes. We also showed an apparent relationship between these genes and obesity. Finally, according to studies, FTO can be considered as the most important and strongest contributor to obesity.

Abstract

Despite advances in knowledge and information on the causes of cancers, prevention, the excellence of diagnostic systems, and the great achievements of oncology, the incidence of cancer still seems to be on the rise. The used chemical medications, in turn, have shown numerous side effects and cellular toxicity. That is why researchers have always been looking for anti-cancer drugs without adverse effects on the patient. Hence, herbal medicines have received special attention. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) has been used as a spice in many countries around the world, including Iran, for centuries. Countless properties of this substance, which is obtained from the plant's root, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, anti-cancer, anti-fungal have been reported. This substance is able to affect cell signaling through multiple biochemical pathways, proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. The purpose of writing this review was to examine curcumin and its anti-cancer properties in a general view for its use in practical medicine.

Curcumin, with its epigenetic changes in the level of chromatin, is effective in regulating the expression of major and regulatory genes and can play a cancer-preventing role in the cell. Also, this substance and its compounds with inhibition activity of viral protein ACE-2 and Spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2, and regulation of innate immune response have shown several roles in the fight against diseases.

To better understand the mechanism of action of turmeric metabolites with stimulant or inhibitory properties, it is necessary to do more research on the particular effects of Curcumin on various diseases, including cancer, effective dose and how to use it alone or in combination with other drugs.