CALCIUM (Ca) is a significant element that acts as an intracellular second messenger. It is necessary for many physiological processes in spermatozoa including spermatogenesis, sperm motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction and fertilization. Although influences of Ca DEFICIENCY on sperm function and male infertility have been widely studied, mechanisms for these abnormalities are not well considered. Poor sperm motility, impairment of chemotaxis, capacitation, acrosome reaction and steroidogenesis are the major mechanisms by which Ca DEFICIENCY induces male infertility. Therefore, an optimal seminal Ca concentration is required to strengthen sperm function and all steps leading to successful fertilization. Furthermore, identification of these mechanisms provides valuable information regarding the mechanisms of Ca DEFICIENCY on male reproductive system and the way for developing a better clinical approach. In this review, we aim to discuss the proposed cellular and molecular mechanisms of Ca DEFICIENCY on male reproductive system, sperm function and male fertility. Also we will discuss the valuable information currently available for the roles of Ca in male reproduction.

Previous studies in pediatric populations have demonstrated that vitamin D DEFICIENCY is common in patients with large burns. The aim of the current comparative study was to investigate the serum level of vitamin D in patients with large burns [>20% total body surface area (TBSA)] after 6 months of therapy. METHODS This case control study was conducted during 6-month period from 2017 to 2018 in Amiralmomenin Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. Forty two patients with large burns (>20% TBSA) and at least 6 months’,post-burn period were enrolled. Also, 42 healthy and age and sex matched controls from those referring for routine check-ups were included for comparison. None of the patients and controls received vitamin D supplements. The serum level of CALCIUM (Ca), parathormone (PTH) and vitamin D were compared between the groups. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the two study groups regarding the baseline characteristics including the age (p=0. 085), gender (p=0. 275) and duration of sun exposure (p=0. 894). We found that those with major burns had significantly higher serum levels of PTH (50. 48±, 26. 49 vs. 33. 64±, 15. 80,p=0. 001). In addition, the serum levels of vitamin D were significantly lower in burn patients compared to healthy controls (18. 15±, 9. 18 vs. 31. 43±, 16. 27,p<0. 001). CONCLUSION Major burns (≥, 20% TBSA) are associated with increased serum levels of PTH and decreased serum levels of vitamin D. However, serum levels of CALCIUM are not affected by major burns.

BACKGROUND: Ca is the most important minerals in the body that plays a key rols in the physiological activities, anzymatic reaction and the regulation of myocardial contraction and relaxation.Ca DEFICIENCY causes the heart failure and decrease cardiac contractility. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of long-term dietary CALCIUM DEFICIENCY on the heart function of layer hens based on the electro- and echocardiography. METHODS: Ninety Hyline W36 hens were kept for 21 weeks and fed by rations with different amounts of CALCIUM. At 20, 28 and 36 weeks of age, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and post-mortem left ventricular parameters were assessed.RESULTS: S wave amplitude was significantly (p<0.05) increased in the Ca-deficient group II (in lead II) at 36 weeks of age in compared to control. There were also elevations of the QRS wave amplitudes in 28 and 36 weeks of age at two Ca-deficient groups (leads II, III, aVR, aVL and aVF) but were only significant (p<0.05) in Ca-deficient group II (leads II and aVF) in compared to control. Left ventricular free wall diameter at end-systole were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the Cadeficient group II at 28 and 36 weeks of age compared to the control group. Inter-ventricular septal diameters at end-systole were decreased in two Ca-deficient groups at 28 and 36 weeks (p<0.05).Left ventricular free wall diameter at post-mortem were significantly (p<0.05) increased in two Ca-deficient groups at 36 weeks of age compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: From these results, it can be suggested that long-term dietary CALCIUM DEFICIENCY alters in electro- and echocardiographic parameters, which could reflect pathological left ventricular hypertrophy in the laying hens.

Introduction: Heart disease is the main cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with beta thalassemia. Vitamin D and CALCIUM DEFICIENCY also is common in these patients. We studied and compared vitamin D and CALCIUM levels and other parameters with echocardiographic findings in patients with beta thalassemia. Method: A cross-sectional study in patients with Transfusion-dependent thalassemia was conducted. 169 patients with Transfusion-dependent thalassemia were enrolled. Ejection fraction, valvular insufficiency and aortic diameter were determined. The aortic diameter of patients was measured using Mindray DC60 echo model. All of these patients were tested for levels of vitamin D, CALCIUM (Ca), parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), platelet (PLT), and ferritin, Finally, the effect of these factors on aortic root (AR), aortic valve area (AVA) and ejection fraction (EF) was evaluated. One-way ANOVA was used to compare quantitative variables, and chi-square test with 95% confidence level was used to estimate relationships and compare ratios in groups. Results: There was a statistically significant relationship between vitamin D DEFICIENCY and Serum Ca (P-value = 0.009). Our results showed that with the increase in the level of vitamin D, the EF also increased and the probability that the aortic root will have a normal size will be higher. Furthermore, disorder in PTH and PLT level causes a decrease in the EF. Conclusion: This study did show an association between Vitamin D DEFICIENCY and cardiac function in patients with Transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Vitamin D can be considered as a supplement in thalassemia patients.