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 PRM1, PRM2, and the PRM1/PRM2 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.

OBJECTIVETo estimate and outline the frequency and etiology of lymphadenopathy in HIV/AIDS patients.

METHODSThis study was conducted on 178 consecutive HIV/AIDS patient files for etiologies (categorized into three sub-groups: definite, probable and possible) and associated factors of local and generalized lymphadenopathy.

RESULTSSeventy-two (40.45%) patients including 63 male patients (87.5%) developed lymphadenopathy. HIV in lymphadenopathy(+) patients was most commonly transmitted intravenously (n=49). Generalized and localized lymphadenopathy respectively occurred in 27 (37.50%) and 45 (62.50%) patients, mainly in the cervical region (28.9% for local and 63% for generalized lymphadenopathy). The most common causes of lymphadenopathy were tuberculosis (n=24, 33.3%) and lymphoma (n=12, 16.6%). The frequency of lymphadenopathy was non-significantly higher in patients with AIDS (CD4 count <200 cell/µL) vs. HIV(+) patients (CD4 count >200 cell/µL).

CONCLUSIONSLymphadenopathy in HIV/AIDS patients may reflect a serious condition, most likely tuberculosis and lymphoma. Since patients might underestimate lymphadenopathy, physicians would rather list these entities for diagnosis.