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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Thoracic hyperkyphosis may adversely influence physical function in older adults, but the literature is mixed and confounded by possible sex differences. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the association between hyperkyphosis and physical function in older females. METHODS: Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, and PEDro databases were searched through 2021 for studies that included measures of thoracic hyperkyphosis and physical function with extractable data for women older than 60 years. Studies were excluded if they were qualitative, case reports, case series, ecological studies, reviews, or were not published in English. The study quality and risk of bias were assessed using checklists from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Data were synthesized using Cohen's d effect size and 95% confidence interval (CI), and random-effects models were used for the meta-analyses. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Three cohort and 22 cross-sectional studies of fair to good quality met the inclusion criteria. Eight studies reporting single-group data showed a moderate association between greater kyphosis angles and lower physical function ( d = -0.57; 95% CI -0.73, -0.40). Fourteen studies reporting 2-group data showed a large negative effect on physical function for groups with greater kyphosis angles ( d = -1.16; 95% CI -1.53, -0.78). Three studies that reported multivariate data also tended to show negative associations between physical function and hyperkyphosis. Limitations include a relative lack of causal evidence; confirming causation requires additional longitudinal studies. Studies have assessed various physical function categories, including strength, gait, and balance. Future studies could determine the categories of function most affected so that preventive interventions could target hyperkyphosis appropriately. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperkyphosis was associated with lower physical function in older women. Three cohort studies suggest that greater kyphosis angles may predict greater loss of physical function over time. These results imply that therapies that help to minimize hyperkyphosis may help preserve function in older women.

Asunto(s)

Cifosis , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , Anciano , Estudios Transversales , Estudios de Cohortes

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is common among athletes and it has been shown that postural control is altered in the general population with nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP). Psychological factors may also predispose individuals to risk of altered postural control. Dynamic postural control is essential to the performance of athletes. This study aimed to compare the dynamic postural control between women athletes with and without NSLBP with high and low pain-related anxiety. METHODS: Forty-five female athletes (15 NSLBP with high pain-related anxiety, 15 NSLBP with low pain-related anxiety, and 15 healthy (control)) were included. Pain-related anxiety was assessed using the Pain Anxiety Symptom Scale-20 (PASS-20). Based on the cut-off score of 30 for the total score of PASS-20, NSLBP patients were classified into two groups of low and high pain-related anxiety. Participants performed double-leg vertical drop jump (DVJ) and single-leg vertical jump (SVJ) tests on a Kistler force plate (type 9260AA6, Kistler Instruments Inc, Switzerland). The total root mean square (RMS) of the center of pressure (COP), COP displacement in the anteroposterior (AP), and mediolateral (ML) directions, COP mean velocity, and time to stabilization (TTS) in vertical, AP, and total directions were extracted from COP and ground reaction force data using MATLAB software. One-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Welch's ANOVA were employed to compare the groups. In case of significant findings, post hoc tests were performed. RESULTS: The results showed that during DJV, athletes with high pain-related anxiety had significantly greater TTS in all total, AP, and ML directions than other groups (P < 0.05). Also, the control group showed greater total RMS distance during DJV than either NSLBP group. However, no significant differences in TTS and COP parameters were found between the groups during SVJ (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that pain-related anxiety may contribute to athletes' postural control strategies. Therefore, it is important to consider the level of pain-related anxiety during planning postural control exercises for women athletes with NSLBP.

RESUMEN

Identifying factors that impact physical function in older populations is important for the maintenance of good health with aging. Age-related hyperkyphosis, an excessive curvature in the thoracic spine, affects up to 40% of the older adults and is more common in older females than males. An association of age-related hyperkyphosis with impaired physical function has been reported in numerous studies, however, other studies have reported that a greater magnitude of kyphosis did not associate with impaired physical function. Given the inconsistencies regarding the impact of hyperkyphosis on physical function, the purpose of our study is to perform a systematic review of the existing studies in order to better describe the association between hyperkyphosis and physical function. Prospective and retrospective cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies which measure physical function by valid functional tests and questionnaires in older females will be included. We will search Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and PEDro databases. Studies will be searched and then selected by two independent reviewers based on quality assessment tools from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). A meta-analysis will be conducted if data reported for individual studies allow. Specifically, if two or more individual studies provide measures of central tendency and variability from any of the categories of physical function measures, data will be gathered for meta-analysis. If a meta-analysis is not possible, data will be synthesized and described in a narrative form by size and variability of effect, direction of effect, and association with hyperkyphosis.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The knee outcome survey-activities of daily living (KOS-ADL) scale is a self-reported measure to determine knee function and symptoms in individuals suffering from a variety of knee disorders. The present study aimed to assess the validity, reliability, and cross-cultural adaptation of the Persian version of the KOS-ADL scale. METHODS: In this cross-sectional and psychometric study, 130 patients (14 men and 116 women) with different grades of knee osteoarthritis were recruited. The construct validity of the scale was examined through the correlation between the domains of KOS-ADL and the subclasses of the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS). To assess the test-retest reliability, 40 of the participants were requested to fill in the questionnaire again with an 8-day interval. The internal consistency of the questionnaire and its subclasses was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha coefficient. To evaluate construct validity, concurrent construct validity was examined with a correlation matrix using Pearson's correlation coefficients between the KOS-ADL domains and KOOS total score and subclasses. The test-retest reliability was analyzed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). The Kappa coefficient was used to determine the intra-rater agreement. RESULTS: The Persian version of the KOS-ADL scale had good reliability (ICC=0.79) and internal consistency (α=0.92). There was a good correlation between the KOS-ADL total score and KOOS subclasses (r≥0.71, P≤0.001). CONCLUSION: The Persian version of the KOS-ADL scale is a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate the symptoms and functional status of people suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

RESUMEN

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common musculoskeletal disorder, especially in middle up to old age. KOA also results in many complications like changes in gait. Nowadays, changes in lifestyle and the reduced physical activity make people more vulnerable to KOA. Therefore, considering the increasing prevalence of KOA in many societies and the costs imposed on the afflicted people and their governments, providing conservative management approaches with a view to saving time and money is important. There are an assortment of conservative strategies in the management of KOA including low level laser therapy (LLLT). Since the introduction of lasers in the medical field in 1960, various types of lasers with widespread administration programs are used for medical conditions from cosmetics to surgery. However, there are conflicting findings on the application of lasers in osteoarthritis. To discuss the basis of the highest level of evidence, only systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses published up to January 2019 were included in the present work. In this regard, Scopus, PEDro, Medline, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane, PubMed, Irandoc, Iran Medex, Magiran, and SID were searched to retrieve articles in English or Persian. A total of 22 systematic reviews and meta-analyses were found, 14 of which were included in this study. The accepted articles were published between 1991 and up to 2019. The purpose of this narrative review was to investigate the effect of LLLT on pain and function in subjects with KOA. The result of the present review may help clinicians in making evidence-based decisions on optimal care in relation to administering LLLT.

Asunto(s)

Terapia por Luz de Baja Intensidad/métodos , Osteoartritis de la Rodilla/terapia , Manejo del Dolor/métodos , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad

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Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during semen cryopreservation can induce structural and functional changes in spermatozoa. It is well known that antioxidants can mitigate the effect of ROS. Moreover, the application of antioxidants in freezing media is an appropriate strategy for protecting spermatozoa against deleterious effects of ROS during the cryopreservation process. As an example, oregano is a medicinal plant with important activities, with antiseptic, antibacterial, antithrombotic, and antioxidant properties. This study aimed at evaluating the antioxidant effects of oregano extract on cryopreserved human spermatozoa. In the first phase, 13 semen samples with different concentrations of oregano extract (0.0, 50, 100, 150, 300, and 500 µg/mL) were cryopreserved to achieve an optimal dose of oregano extract. Then, motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity were evaluated. In the second phase, 20 samples were cryopreserved in freezing media supplemented with or without the optimal concentration of oregano (100 µg/mL). After thawing, motility, the levels of ROS, lipid peroxidation, and translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS) were evaluated. The results showed that 100 µg/mL oregano extract significantly increased the total motility in frozen-thawed spermatozoa in comparison with the control group (28.2 ± 4.3 vs. 42.4 ± 1.6, p < 0.05). This concentration significantly decreased the percentage of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein-positive cells (25.53 ± 1.2 vs. 21.48 ± 1.2) and the malondialdehyde level (4.25 ± 0.7 vs. 0.82 ± 0.4 µM) (p < 0.05). In the oregano group, the percentage of vital spermatozoa without PS externalization was significantly higher than that in the control group (25.88 ± 1.6 vs. 16.8 ± 1.9, p < 0.001), while the percentage of dead spermatozoa with PS externalization spermatozoa was significantly lower than that in the control group (51.65 ± 1.4 vs. 60.36 ± 1.9, p < 0.05). In general, the addition of oregano extract to sperm freezing extender has protective effects against oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Asunto(s)

Antioxidantes/farmacología , Criopreservación/métodos , Origanum/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Espermatozoides/fisiología , Adulto , Antioxidantes/química , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Humanos , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Extractos Vegetales/química , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Preservación de Semen , Motilidad Espermática/efectos de los fármacos , Espermatozoides/efectos de los fármacos , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that cognitive loading affects postural control in different populations. However, there is limited and conflicting information about dual task challenges on postural control in chronic ankle instability (CAI). RESEARCH QUESTION: Does cognitive task performance change standing postural control in individuals with CAI, copers and healthy subjects? METHODS: A descriptive, analytic, and controlled cross-sectional study was conducted on 75 individuals. They were assigned into three matched groups, including CAI, copers, and healthy controls. Postural control variables were collected during single leg standing on a force plate with and without vision and cognition. Parameters of center of pressure (COP), including mean COP area, range, sway index and velocity, were measured. Additionally, cognitive task performance by auditory stroop was assessed by calculating the reaction time and error ratio. Mixed model ANOVAs were used to determine the effects of group and testing conditions. RESULTS: The CAI group demonstrated greater COP sway parameters compared to other groups under all testing conditions. The main significant effect of vision was observed for all COP parameters with greater COP sway during eyes closed compared to eyes open (P < 0.05). The main effect of a cognitive task was significant with reduced COP sway while performing the secondary cognitive compared to a single task in all three groups (P < 0.05). The cognitive task results revealed significantly longer reaction times in the CAI group compared to copers and healthy individuals (p < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: Considering postural control deficits in CAI, especially in eye-closed condition and effects of cognitive loading, may guide us to improve postural control in those with CAI with neurocognitive training. Furthermore, no difference between coper and healthy groups may imply a successful compensatory postural control mechanism in copers.

Asunto(s)

Articulación del Tobillo , Inestabilidad de la Articulación/fisiopatología , Equilibrio Postural , Adulto , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Cognición , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Inestabilidad de la Articulación/rehabilitación , Masculino , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Análisis y Desempeño de Tareas

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: Over the past decades, the preparation of antibacterial restorative dental adhesives has obtained increasing attention in order to prevent secondary caries. In the present study, a novel essential oil-based antibacterial resin adhesive was prepared and evaluated for dental applications. In this regards, thymol, which is a major phenolic component of thyme essential oil, was incorporated into methacrylate resin matrix and its effect on the physico-mechanical and biological properties of the experimental bonding agent was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mechanical properties were evaluated via measuring flexural strength, flexural modulus and fracture toughness. Degree of conversion (DC%) of monomers was measured using FTIR spectroscopy. Viscoelastic properties of the samples were also determined by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The bactericidal activity of composite specimens against Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 35668) was determined based on ASTM E 2180-07.MTT assay was performed to investigate the cytocompatibility of samples. Furthermore, the bonding strength of the adhesives was evaluated through microshear bond test on the caries-free extracted human premolar teeth and the mode of failure was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Thymol-doped resin adhesive exhibited comparable degree of conversion to the control resin adhesive. The plasticizing behavior of thymol slightly decreased the flexural modulus and glass transition temperature of the thymol containing specimens, even though; it caused significant increases in fracture toughness of adhesive. The results represented appropriate antibacterial activity as well as suitable cytocompatibility. Furthermore, the thymol-doped resin adhesive showed comparable adhesive strength to the control. CONCLUSION: The thymol is extremely compatible with the methacrylate resin restorative system and completely fulfills all requirements of a good bactericidal component in construction of an ideal enamel bonding system.

Asunto(s)

Grabado Ácido Dental/métodos , Diente Premolar/fisiología , Recubrimientos Dentinarios/química , Metacrilatos/química , Cementos de Resina/química , Resinas Sintéticas/química , Timol/química , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Colorimetría , Resinas Compuestas/química , Elasticidad , Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Humanos , Ensayo de Materiales , Microscopía Electrónica de Rastreo , Resistencia al Corte , Espectroscopía Infrarroja por Transformada de Fourier , Streptococcus mutans , Estrés Mecánico , Resistencia a la Tracción , Sales de Tetrazolio/química , Tiazoles/química , Viscosidad

RESUMEN

[Purpose] The purpose of this review was to summarize available methods and equipment which are administered to evaluate the balance in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. [Subjects and Methods] A literature search was performed and reviewed using the narrative approach. This study reviewed English articles concerning balance assessment methods in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction subjects from 1985 to 2015 using the following key words: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Postural Control, Equilibrium, Balance and Stability. [Results] This review included 44 studies out of 117 initially retrieved articles. These articles were discussed in balance measurement procedure without comparing the effect of various surgical, medical or rehabilitation approaches. [Conclusion] Biodex and EquiTest, functional dynamic tests are of choice in the evaluation and tracking of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction subjects. Force plate parameters provide information regarding strategies of static postural control and is not sensitive enough to challenge postural control system in physical activities.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: There are different methods in endometrial preparation for frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the live birth rate in the artificial FET protocol (estradiol/ progesterone with GnRH-agonist) with stimulated cycle FET protocol (letrozole plus HMG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial included 100 women (18-42 years) randomly assigned to two groups based on Bernoulli distribution. Group I received GnRH agonist [Bucerelin, 500µg subcutaneously] from the previous midlutea lcycle, Then estradiol valerat [2 mg/ daily orally] was started on the second day and was increased until the observation of 8mm endometrial thickness. Finally progesterone [Cyclogest, 800 mg, vaginally] was started. Group II received letrozole on the second day of the cycle for five days, then HMG 75 IU was injected on the7th day. After observing [18 mm folliclhCG10000 IU was injected for ovulation induction. Trans cervical embryo transfer was performed in two groups. The main outcome was the live birth rate. The rate of live birth, implantation, chemical, and clinical pregnancy, abortion, cancellation and endometrial thickness were compared between two groups. RESULTS: Implantation rate was significantly higher in group I. Live birth rate was slightly increased in group I without significant difference (30% vs. 26%). The rate of chemical and clinical pregnancy was similar in two groups. The abortion rate was lower in letrozole protocol but the difference was not statistically significant. The mean endometrial thickness was not different between two groups. CONCLUSION: Letrozole plus HMG method cannot improve pregnancy outcomes in frozen-thawed embryo transfer but it has only one injection compare to daily injections in artificial method.

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire for Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS) in patients with urinary tract dysfunction. METHODS: After gaining permission from the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire (ICIQ) advisory board, the English Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (FLUTS) questionnaire was translated into Persian and then translated back into English. One hundred fourteen women with pelvic floor dysfunction were asked to complete the Persian FLUTS and International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (ICIQ-OAB). The Persian FLUTS questionnaire was also readministered to 20 patients 2 weeks after their initial visit. Study data were analyzed using SPSS V16.0. To validate the translated questionnaire, we assayed content/face validity, internal consistency/reliability, and construct validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed using Cronbach's alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) respectively. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 48.8 years old, 84% were married, and 59% had at least one Caesarean. Except for very few missing data, there is no any ambiguity in the Persian version of the FLUTS questionnaire. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.83, indicating a high internal consistency. Concerning criterion validity, correlation between the Persian FLUTS and the OAB was 0.77 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The initial testing of the Persian version of the FLUTS questionnaire demonstrates good internal consistency, content validity, and reliability.

Asunto(s)

Síntomas del Sistema Urinario Inferior/diagnóstico , Encuestas y Cuestionarios/normas , Evaluación de Síntomas/normas , Femenino , Humanos , Irán , Lingüística , Persona de Mediana Edad , Psicometría , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Evaluación de Síntomas/psicología , Traducciones

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Realignment therapies, including knee braces, foot orthoses and shoes are prescribed to patients with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) with the goal of unloading the medial tibiofemoral (TF) compartment. It is uncertain whether realignment therapies have different effects in those with knee malalignment. We studied whether the efficacy of realignment therapy for pain and function in persons with medial TF OA is predicted by the severity of the baseline knee malalignment. METHODS: The baseline characteristics of 48 participants with moderate to severe medial knee OA were collected. Participants' pain and function were measured using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale before and after 12 weeks of realignment therapy using a valgus unloader knee brace plus bilateral neutral foot orthoses and motion control shoes. Anatomical axis (AA) was measured on weight-bearing knee radiographs by a blinded reader and knee malalignment was categorized as either varus malaligned (moderate or severe) or neutral according to the AA angle. We assessed for differences in response to treatment according to alignment category. General linear statistical models were generated to determine which of the measured alignment variables and covariates predicted change in the pain outcome. RESULTS: Anatomical axis knee alignment was not a significant predictor of pain or function change with active treatment. Baseline WOMAC scores were the best predictor of change in WOMAC (P < 0.01 and P = 0.06 for pain and function, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline knee alignment did not predict the efficacy of 12 weeks realignment therapy in participants with medial tibiofemoral OA. [Correction added on 27 August 2015, after first online publication: 'did predict' has been corrected to 'did not predict' in the conclusions of the abstract section.].

Asunto(s)

Artralgia/terapia , Desviación Ósea/terapia , Articulación de la Rodilla/fisiopatología , Aparatos Ortopédicos , Osteoartritis de la Rodilla/terapia , Anciano , Artralgia/diagnóstico por imagen , Artralgia/fisiopatología , Fenómenos Biomecánicos , Desviación Ósea/diagnóstico por imagen , Desviación Ósea/fisiopatología , Tirantes , Distribución de Chi-Cuadrado , Estudios Cruzados , Método Doble Ciego , Diseño de Equipo , Femenino , Ortesis del Pié , Humanos , Modelos Lineales , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Análisis Multivariante , Osteoartritis de la Rodilla/diagnóstico por imagen , Osteoartritis de la Rodilla/fisiopatología , Dimensión del Dolor , Recuperación de la Función , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Zapatos , Factores de Tiempo , Resultado del Tratamiento , Soporte de Peso

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to translate and evaluate the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the 11-item Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) measure in Iranian subjects with Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ICOAP questionnaire was translated according to the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) protocol. The procedure consisted of forward and backward translation, as well as the assessment of the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the questionnaire. A sample of 230 subjects with KOA was asked to complete the Persian versions of ICOAP and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). The ICOAP was readministered to forty subjects five days after the first visit. Test-retest reliability was assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlation. The correlation between ICOAP and KOOS was determined using Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULT: Subjects found the Persian-version of the ICOAP to be clear, simple, and unambiguous, confirming its face validity. Spearman correlations between ICOAP total and subscale scores with KOOS scores were between 0.5 and 0.7, confirming construct validity. Cronbach's alpha, used to assess internal consistency, was 0.89, 0.93, and 0.92 for constant pain, intermittent pain, and total pain scores, respectively. The ICC was 0.90 for constant pain and 0.91 for the intermittent pain and total pain score. CONCLUSION: The Persian version of the ICOAP is a reliable and valid outcome measure that can be used in Iranian subjects with KOA.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Disk herniation is the most common cause of radiating low back pain (LBP) in subjects under 60 years of age. The present study aims to compare the effect of dry needling (DN) and a standard conservative approach on the pain and function in subjects with discogenic radiating LBP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight subjects with discogenic radicular LBP were screened and randomized into control (Standard physical therapy, n = 29) and experimental group (Standard physical therapy and DN, n = 29). Radiating pain intensity and disability were measured using visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability indices at baseline, at the end of treatment and 2 months after the last intervention session. The changes in pain intensity and disability were studied using a 3 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance considering time as the within-subject factor and group as the between-subject. RESULTS: Pain intensity and disability scores decreased significantly in both experimental and control groups (experimental group: VAS = 37.24, Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] =28.48, control group: VAS = 45.5, ODI = 32.96), following the intervention. The change continued during the follow-up period (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Pain and disability improvement, however, were more significant in experimental group, both in post intervention (experimental group: VAS = 25.17, ODI = 22.17, control group: VAS = 42.4, ODI = 30.27) (P = 0.05 and P = 0.03, respectively) and follow-up measures (P = 0.006 and P = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: Both intervention strategies seem to significantly improve pain and disability immediately following intervention, where the improvement continued during 2 months after the last active intervention. Therefore, supplementary DN application may enhance the effect of the standard intervention considerably.

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BACKGROUND: Irradiation is one of the major causes of induced sperm DNA damage. Various studies suggested a relation between sperm DNA damage and fertilization rate after intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). OBJECTIVE: In this study, fertilization rate and premature chromosome condensation (PCC) formation after ICSI of hamster oocytes with irradiated sperms from normal and oligosperm individuals was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human sperms were classified according to counts to normal and oligosperm. Ten samples were used for each group. Golden hamster oocytes were retrieved after super ovulation by PMSG and HCG injection. From retrieved oocytes, 468 were in metaphase II. Control and 4 Gy gamma irradiated sperms were then injected into oocytes. After pronuclei formation in injected oocytes and formation of 8 cells embryos, slides were prepared using Tarkowskie's standard air-drying technique. The frequency of embryos and PCC were analyzed using 1000× microscope after staining in 5% Giemsa. RESULTS: The extent of embryo development in oocytes injected by irradiated sperms was lower than those injected by non-irradiated sperms (p=0.0001). The frequency of PCC in failed fertilized oocytes was significantly higher in oligosperms (46%) compared with normal ones (0%), but there was no significant difference between irradiated and non-irradiated samples in each group (p=0.12). CONCLUSION: The results showed that irradiation of sperms might influence the fertilization outcome possibly due to sperm DNA damage. One possible cause of precluding oocytes from fertilization in oligosperm individuals might be the formation of PCC.