·AIM: To evaluate correlation of cystatin-C (Cys-C) with severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and acute phase reactants, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP). ·METHODS: All diabetic patients who were referred for diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening during 1mo were enrolled. Demographic data were recorded. All patients have undergone full ophthalmic exam. At the same day, all patients were tested for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), ESR,hs-CRP,and Cys-C serum levels. · RESULTS: Sixty seven diabetics were enrolled, including 19 (28.3%) without retinopathy, 22 (32.8%) non - proliferative retinopathy, and 26 ( 38. 8%) proliferative retinopathy patients. The mean age, sex distribution, mean duration of diabetes, prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia, smoking status and HbA1c levels were not significantly different among the three groups. The mean levels of Cys - C increase significantly as retinopathy progress [1.1 ± 0. 48; 1. 22 ± 0.38;1.71 ± 0.92 (P=0.007), respectively]. In multiple regression analysis, just Cys - C was significantly associated with severity of DR (P=0.025). ·CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that serum levels of Cys-C increase while DR progress independently of acute phase reactants. Therefore, it could be used as an associated marker by primary care physicians to distinguish patients at higher risk of severe DR. Larger randomized studies are warranted to confirm findings. Reviewing physiological role of the Cys-C, we proposed that the Cys-C may be a protective response to catalytic stress rather than being a pathogenic factor in microangiopathies.

INTRODUCTIONThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of a high-fat diet (HFD) on oocyte maturation and quality in a mouse model.

METHODSFemale BALB/c mice were allocated to one of the following groups: (a) control group (n = 40), which received a controlled diet; or (b) HFD group (n = 40), which received an HFD for 12 weeks. Sections of the ovary were examined histologically. The number of follicles and corpora lutea were counted. In vitro maturation and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) were assessed in germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase II (MII) oocytes, respectively. The expression of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and leptin receptor genes in GV and MII oocytes was evaluated using reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reactions.

RESULTSIn the HFD group, there was a decreased number of primordial and Graafian follicles, as well as corpora lutea (p < 0.05). The rate of oocyte development to the MII stage was also reduced (p < 0.001). Cumulus expansion was observed more frequently in the control group than the HFD group (p < 0.05). The IVF rate in the HFD group was lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). In the HFD group, BMP15 and leptin receptor genes were upregulated in the GV stage (p > 0.05) and MII stage (p < 0.05), compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONAn HFD reduces folliculogenesis in the primordial and Graafian stages, in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilisation rates, as well as oocyte quality in mice.

Animals ; Body Weight ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 ; metabolism ; Corpus Luteum ; pathology ; Diet, High-Fat ; Female ; Fertility ; Fertilization in Vitro ; methods ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Metaphase ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Obesity ; complications ; Oocytes ; cytology ; pathology ; Ovarian Follicle ; pathology ; Ovary ; metabolism ; pathology ; Photography ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Receptors, Leptin ; metabolism

Introduction: Sexual satisfaction is one of the important factors in marital satisfaction that affects couples' health and quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine sexual satisfaction and its related factors among married women in Shahroud, northeast of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 and 500 married women were evaluated using Larson Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using chi-square, one-way ANOVA and a multiple regression model. Results: The mean age of the participants was 32.8 (SD= 8.7) years, and the length of the marriage was 11.05 (SD= 9.1). Among the participants, 4.4% (N=22) had low sexual satisfaction; 37.8% (N=189) had moderate satisfaction. The bivariate analysis showed significant relationships between sexual satisfaction and variables including age, husband's age, length of marriage, number of children, education, husband's education and income (p<0.001). The regression analysis also indicated significant relationships between sexual satisfaction and education (P=0.006), length of the marriage (P<0.001) and income (P=0.005). Conclusion: Socio-economic variables such as education and income are among the main factors related to sexual satisfaction. However, counseling couples on sexual issues after marriage can help improve their sexual satisfaction.