Reproductive Biology

Article Endocrinology & Metabolism

25(OH)D3 improves granulosa cell proliferation and IVF pregnancy outcomes in patients with endometriosis by increasing G2M+S phase cells

Rui Hu, Leilei Li, Lanlan Liang, Yuxin Qi, Xiaoling Ma, Yuan Yang

Summary: This study suggests that low levels of 25 (OH) D3 may lead to poor pregnancy outcomes in patients with endometriosis undergoing IVF. 25 (OH) D3 enhances the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells and accelerates cell cycle progression by regulating gene expressions.

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY (2023)

Article Obstetrics & Gynecology

Genome-wide association study meta-analysis of dizygotic twinning illuminates genetic regulation of female fecundity

Hamdi Mbarek, Scott D. Gordon, David L. Duffy, Nikki Hubers, Sally Mortlock, Jeffrey J. Beck, Jouke-Jan Hottenga, Rene Pool, Conor Dolan, Ky'Era Actkins, Zachary F. Gerring, Jenny Van Dongen, Erik A. Ehli, William G. Iacono, Matt Mcgue, Daniel Chasman, C. Scott Gallagher, Samantha L. P. Schilit, Cynthia C. Morton, Guillaume Pare, Gonneke Willemsen, David C. Whiteman, Catherine M. Olsen, Catherine Derom, Robert Vlietinck, Daniel Gudbjartsson, Lisa Cannon-Albright, Eva Krapohl, Robert Plomin, Patrik K. E. Magnusson, Nancy L. Pedersen, Pirro Hysi, Massimo Mangino, Timothy D. Spector, Teemu Palviainen, Yuri Milaneschi, Brenda W. Penninnx, Adrian Campos, Ken K. Ong, John R. B. Perry, Cornelis B. Lambalk, Jaakko Kaprio, Isleifur Olafsson, Karine Duroure, Celine Revenu, Miguel E. Renteria, Loic Yengo, Lea Davis, Eske M. Derks, Sarah E. Medland, Hreinn Stefansson, Kari Stefansson, Filippo Del Bene, Bruno Reversade, Grant W. Montgomery, Dorret Boomsma, Nicholas G. Martin

Summary: This study identified four new loci associated with female propensity for giving birth to spontaneous dizygotic twins. The novel loci, GNRH1 and FSHR, have established roles in female reproduction, while ZFPM1 and IPO8 were not previously linked to female fertility. The study also found significant genetic correlations with multiple aspects of female reproduction and body size, suggesting important roles in human evolution.

HUMAN REPRODUCTION (2023)

Article Obstetrics & Gynecology

Breaking Boundaries: Toward Consistent Gender-Sensitive Language in Sexual and Reproductive Health Guidelines

Rhonda M. Garad, Mahnaz Bahri-Khomami, Maureen Busby, Tania S. Burgert, Jacky Boivin, Helena J. Teede

Summary: This review examines gender-sensitive language in sexual and reproductive health guidelines and highlights significant gaps in its usage. Recognizing the importance of gender diversity in research, clinical practices, and societal norms, it emphasizes the need to balance inclusivity and biological accuracy. Future research should focus on systemic approaches in the field of sexual and reproductive health.

SEMINARS IN REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE (2023)

Article Genetics & Heredity

The lncRNA LINC00339-encoded peptide promotes trophoblast adhesion to endometrial cells via MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways

Bo Zhou, Guo Yu, Mingqi Zhao, Yan Li, Jing Li, Yungai Xiang, Lili Tong, Xiying Chu, Caiyi Wang, Yuxia Song

Summary: The study identified a previously uncharacterized peptide encoded by lncRNA LINC00339, which has the ability to enhance the adhesion of JAR trophoblast spheroids to Ishikawa endometrial cells, providing a new opportunity for drug development to improve endometrial receptivity.

JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS (2023)

Article Cell Biology

Application of Raman spectroscopy to the evaluation of F-actin changes in sea urchin eggs at fertilization

Maria Mangini, Nunzia Limatola, Maria Antonietta Ferrara, Giuseppe Coppola, Jong Tai Chun, Anna Chiara De Luca, Luigia Santella

Summary: In this study, the structural changes in actin filaments in fertilized eggs were investigated using Raman spectroscopy, which was consistent with live cell imaging results. The study suggests that Raman spectroscopy can serve as an alternative or advantageous method in revealing rapid subtle changes in the subplasmalemmal actin cytoskeleton.

ZYGOTE (2023)

Review Obstetrics & Gynecology

Bridging the Information Gap in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Narrative Review with Systematic Approach

Chau Thien Tay, Fleur Williams, Aya Mousa, Helena Teede, Tania S. Burgert

Summary: This narrative review examines the unmet information needs in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) care for both patients and healthcare professionals. The findings suggest that patients desire wide ranging health information, particularly in relation to weight management. Healthcare professionals should provide comprehensive evidence-based resources and should understand the psychosocial complexity of PCOS to meet the needs of patients.

SEMINARS IN REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE (2023)

Article Endocrinology & Metabolism

Y chromosome microdeletions in Chinese men with infertility: prevalence, phenotypes, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes

Dongjia Chen, Guoqing Fan, Xianqing Zhu, Qinyun Chen, Xuren Chen, Feng Gao, Zexin Guo, Peng Luo, Yong Gao

Summary: This study is the largest epidemiological study on Y chromosome microdeletions in Chinese men with infertility. The study results highlight the necessity of detecting Y chromosome microdeletions in men with infertility, particularly those with severe sperm count abnormalities, especially in patients with cryptozoospermia. Among patients with AZFcd deletion and using ejaculated sperm for ICSI treatment, pregnancy outcomes are similar to those without AZFcd deletion.

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY (2023)

Article Cell Biology

CRMP5 participates in oocyte meiosis by regulating spastin to correct microtubule-kinetochore misconnection

Zhen Jin, Zhi-Cai Zhang, Chen-Yu Xiao, Mei-Qi Li, Qian-Ru Li, Lei-Lei Gao

Summary: This study found that knocking down CRMP5 in oocytes shifts the distribution of spastin and leads to errors in microtubule-kinetochore attachment in oocyte spindles. It is speculated that this is due to the reduction of spastin distribution on chromosomes after knocking down CRMP5.

ZYGOTE (2023)

Review Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Sexual, reproductive and mental health among young men (10-24) in low-and-middle income countries: a scoping review

Siphiwe Mhlongo, Amanda J. Mason-Jones, Keith Ford

Summary: This scoping review investigates the association between sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and mental health among young men (10-24) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The findings suggest a reciprocal relationship between mental health and SRH, with poor mental health being associated with negative SRH outcomes and vice versa.

FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (2023)

Article Cell Biology

The effect of Coenzyme Q10 on mitochondrial biogenesis in mouse ovarian follicles during in vitro culture

Roya Harsini, Saeed Zavareh, Meysam Nasiri, Sara Seyfi

Summary: This research investigated the effects of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on the expression of the Transcription Factor A Mitochondrial (Tfam) gene and mtDNA copy number in preantral follicles (PFs) during in vitro culture. The results showed that CoQ10 significantly improved the developmental rate of PFs, as well as the survival rate and maturity of oocytes. Furthermore, CoQ10 enhanced Tfam gene expression and increased mtDNA copy number in granulosa cells and oocytes.

ZYGOTE (2023)

Article Cell Biology

Cytoplasmic granules in bovine oocytes do not affect embryonic or fetal development

Paola Maria da Silva Rosa, Pedro Henrique Evagelista Guedes, Joaquim Mansano Garcia, Clara Slade Oliveira

Summary: This study investigated the effects of granular cytoplasm on oocyte competence in bovine. The results showed that oocytes with granulated cytoplasm had similar efficiency for in vitro fertilization and calf production compared to oocytes with homogeneous cytoplasm.

ZYGOTE (2023)

Review Obstetrics & Gynecology

Chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage and protective strategies

Peikun Zhao, Chenxi Guo, Huijia Du, Yuan Xiao, Jiaping Su, Xiaohui Wang, Willian S. B. Yeung, Guangxin Li, Tianren Wang

Summary: More than 9.2 million women worldwide suffer from cancer, and about 5% of them are at reproductive age. Chemotherapy-induced impairment of fertility affects the quality of life of these women. Although many studies have explored the mechanisms involved in chemotherapy-induced reproductive toxicity, the exact molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated. Understanding the mechanisms of ovarian damage is essential for developing potential protective treatments to preserve fertility.

HUMAN FERTILITY (2023)

Article Genetics & Heredity

Does cleavage stage morphology increase the discriminatory power of prediction in blastocyst transfer outcome?

Zhenfang Liu, Jiali Cai, Lanlan Liu, Ling Ouyang, Jinghua Chen, Chao Yang, Kaijie Chen, Xiaolian Yang, Jianzhi Ren, Xiaoming Jiang

Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of cleavage stage morphological parameters on the outcomes of single blastocyst transfer. Four models were developed using different algorithms, and it was found that cleavage stage morphology was moderately associated with successful live birth.

JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS (2023)

Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Qualitative perspectives on COVID-19, interpersonal violence, and interventions to improve well-being from adolescent girls and young women in Kisumu, Kenya

Ruby E. Reed, Mevis Omollo, Isdorah Odero, Eucabeth Awuonda, Peter Ochere, Ken Ondeng'e, Jennifer L. Kang, Jonathan Altamirano, Hellen C. Barsosio, Clea Sarnquist

Summary: ADYW reported increases in almost all forms of GBV during the pandemic, with related exacerbation in mental health. The AGYW believed that interventions focused on improving mental health as well as economic empowerment would be the most feasible and acceptable in mitigating the negative effects of COVID-19 and related exacerbations in violence.

FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (2023)

Article Obstetrics & Gynecology

Interleukin-6 Concentration in Single-Embryo Medium Is Associated with Blastocyst Formation

Hao Zha, Xiaolin Yang, Fangjie Jiang, Yabin Chen, Yu Liang, Zhaoqin Zhang, Jie Yang

Summary: IL-6 plays a role in embryo development during the preimplantation stage, and its concentration in single-embryo culture media is significantly associated with blastocyst formation.

REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES (2023)

Article Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science

Effects of long-acting injectable progesterone supplementation at early dioestrus on pregnancy maintenance in beef and dairy recipient cattle

Adomar Laurindo Neto, Felipe Lopes Ruas, Bruno Silva Espirito Santo, Ana Clara Degan Mattos, Junior Borges Silva, Marcos Flavio Diniz Jr, Danilo Fonseca Cardoso Pereira, Izabelle Pereira Lacerda, Jose Oliveira Carvalho, Guilherme Pugliesi

Summary: This study tested the impact of supplementing long-acting P4 at different times during the initial dioestrus on the pregnancy rates of dairy and beef recipients undergoing fixed-time embryo transfer. The results showed that using iP4 during FTET can enhance the pregnancy rates of beef recipients, although the effectiveness of iP4 supplementation on pregnancy maintenance may vary under different experimental conditions.

REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS (2023)

Article Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science

Reduction of cryopreservation-induced structural, functional and molecular damages in ram sperm by hydrated C60 fullerene

Ibrahim Halil Gungor, Gaffari Turk, Serap Dayan Cinkara, Tutku Can Acisu, Ahmet Tektemur, Deniz Yeni, Fatih Avdatek, Gozde Arkali, Recep Hakki Koca, Seyma Ozer Kaya, Meltem Sagiroglu, Ebru Etem Onalan, Mustafa Sonmez, Seyfettin Gur, Abdurrauf Yuce

Summary: This study investigated the effects of adding different concentrations of hydrated carbon 60 fullerene (C(60)HyFn) to a sperm extender on the morphology, function, and molecular changes in frozen-thawed ram sperm. The results showed that C(60)HyFn supplementation significantly improved sperm motility, antioxidant capacity, and mitochondrial activity, while reducing sperm death, abnormalities, and DNA fragmentation levels. It also regulated the expression of specific genes. These findings suggest that the addition of C(60)HyFn to ram semen extenders can help reduce the damages caused by the freeze-thawing process.

REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS (2023)

Article Plant Sciences

The Arabidopsis SNARE complex genes regulate the early stages of pollen-stigma interactions

Stuart R. Macgregor, Paula K. S. Beronilla, Daphne R. Goring

Summary: In Brassicaceae, the Arabidopsis SNARE complex plays a crucial role in secretion in the stigma, which supports the pollen responses and reinforces the significance of secretion in pollen-stigma interactions.

PLANT REPRODUCTION (2023)

Review Obstetrics & Gynecology

Do sperm and lubricants gel well with each other? A systematic review

E. Gumerova, M. P. Rimmer, S. A. Gellatly

Summary: Vaginal lubricants are commonly used for sexual pleasure and to combat vaginal dryness and dyspareunia. While studies have reported the impact of lubricants on sperm function, there is currently a lack of guidelines to assist healthcare professionals and couples in selecting a "sperm-safe" lubricant. Further research and data analysis are needed.

HUMAN FERTILITY (2023)

Article Immunology

What's with the boys? Lower birth weight in boys from HPA-1a alloimmunized pregnancies - New insights from a large prospective screening study in Poland

Tina Coucheron, Malgorzata Uhrynowska, Katarzyna Guz, Agnieszka Orzinska, Marzena Debska, Agnieszka Gierszon, Maria Therese Ahlen, Eirin Listau Bertelsen, Gerd Berge, Anne Husebekk, Ewa Brojer, Heidi Tiller

Summary: Fetomaternal incompatibility in human platelet antigens (HPAs) can lead to maternal alloimmunization, which increases the risk of thrombocytopenia and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in the fetus or newborn. This study found that HPA-1a alloimmunization in pregnant women with male fetuses is associated with a higher risk of small for gestational age (SGA) and lower birth weight. The severity of these effects is correlated with the level of anti-HPA-1a antibodies. Therefore, the sex of the fetus may serve as a clinical predictor for the outcome of fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT).

JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY (2023)