Reproduction, Fertility, And Development[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
The impact of GnRH immunocastration on colonic microbiota and metabolites in male sheep.
Mustafa SB, Long H, Song T … +9 more , Zhang X, Zhaxi Y, Wu J, Chen X, Shahzad K, Jiang X, Liu G, Zeng X, Zhao W
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Jun · PMID 40472136 · Publisher ↗
Context Castration of lambs is an old practice for managing reproduction and improving meat quality. However, the traditional method raises welfare concerns. To overcome these limitations, immunocastration has gained att...
Context Castration of lambs is an old practice for managing reproduction and improving meat quality. However, the traditional method raises welfare concerns. To overcome these limitations, immunocastration has gained attention as an ethical andeffective solution to the welfare challenges associated with surgical castration by targeting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Aims In this investigation, we study the impact of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunocastration by analysing its influence on testosterone levels, colon microorganisms, and metabolomics. Methods The experiment is divided into immunocastrated (IMCF), surgically castrated (ORCCF), and control (EMCF) groups of male sheep. Blood and fecal samples were collected for testosterone measurement, metabolomics and microbiota analysis. Metabolomics was analysed by LC-MS/MS, while microbiota analysis was performed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Key results The testosterone level in both IMCF and ORCCF groups significantly declined compared to the EMCF. Furthermore, the relative abundance of bacteroidota to Firmicutes was higher in the IMCF and ORCCF groups compared to the EMCF group. The IMCF group showed increased levels of beneficial genera, Bacteroides , compared to the ORCCF and EMCF groups. Furthermore, metabolomics analysis revealed that GnRH immunocastration significantly affected some metabolites, such as methyl stearate and 23-nordeoxycholic acid, which were significantly upregulated in the IMCF group relative to the ORCCF group. In contrast, N'-formylkynurenine and 6-aminonicotinamide showed marked downregulation. Conclusions GnRH immunocastration is an effective alternative to surgical castration with added benefits for health and metabolic efficiency, highlighting its potential advantages in animal welfare and productivity. Implications The study highlights the potential of GnRH immunocastration, which contributes to advancing modern techniques. This approach offers ethical livestock management practices.
Advancements in microfluidic and electrophoretic techniques for stallion sperm isolation.
Medica A, Aitken RJ, Swegen A … +1 more , Gibb Z
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Jun · PMID 40455936 · Publisher ↗
Context Equine reproductive technologies are crucial for overcoming challenges in natural fertilisation, particularly in sub-fertile stallions and breeding programs focused on genetic conservation and performance enhance...
Context Equine reproductive technologies are crucial for overcoming challenges in natural fertilisation, particularly in sub-fertile stallions and breeding programs focused on genetic conservation and performance enhancement. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), such as artificial insemination (AI), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and in vitro fertilisation (IVF), improve fertility outcomes and enable breeding across geographical distances. Aims This review examines sperm isolation techniques used in ART, evaluating their efficacy, limitations, and potential to enhance reproductive success in equine breeding. Methods Traditional sperm isolation methods, including sperm washing and single-layer centrifugation (SLC), are compared with emerging techniques such as microfluidic-based technologies and electrophoretic separation to assess their ability to improve sperm quality while minimising DNA damage. Key results While conventional methods are widely used, they present limitations, such as reduced motility, cost, and potential DNA damage. Novel approaches, including the VetMotl™ and Samson™, replicate natural sperm selection to enhance motility while preserving DNA integrity, and the electrophoretic sperm isolation device, Felix™, separates sperm based on surface charge and motility, benefiting cryopreserved samples. These innovations offer promising improvements in ART outcomes, though challenges remain, including high costs and limited sperm yields. Conclusions Emerging sperm isolation techniques have the potential to improve ART success, but further research is required to optimise these methods and validate their efficacy in fertility trials. Implications Advancements in sperm isolation could modernise equine reproductive practices by improving sperm quality and fertility outcomes, though accessibility and practical applications require continued investigation.
Obesity induced by a high-fat diet is associated with changes in the expression levels of Dnmt3b and Dnmt3l proteins in mouse testes.
Bozdemir N, Sukur G, Kablan T … +2 more , Cinar O, Uysal F
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 May · PMID 40440461 · Publisher ↗
Context Obesity, a metabolic syndrome that results in excess fat accumulation in the body, is one of the most common diseases today, and its molecular background remains unclear. Studies have shown that a high-fat diet-i...
Context Obesity, a metabolic syndrome that results in excess fat accumulation in the body, is one of the most common diseases today, and its molecular background remains unclear. Studies have shown that a high-fat diet-induced obesity can cause changes in gene expression by affecting epigenetics in germ cells. Aims Our study aims to show the changes in DNA methyltransferase 3b (Dnmt3b) and DNA methyltransferase 3l (Dnmt3l) in the testes of obese C57BL/6 mice fed with a high-fat diet. Methods The presence and quantitative differences of Dnmt3b and Dnmt3l enzymes in the testes of C57BL/6 mice fed with a high-fat diet were demonstrated using the immunohistochemistry and Western blotting method. Key results Our findings showed that high-fat diet-induced obesity led to a significant upregulation of Dnmt3b expression levels in the mice testes. In contrast, Dnmt3l expression was dramatically downregulated in the testes of high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Specifically, a significant increase in the expression level of Dnmt3b was observed in the all testicular cells of high-fat diet group compared with the control group, whereas on the contrary, a decrease in the expression level of Dnmt3l was observed only in spermatogonium and spermatocytes. Conclusions High-fat diets altered the expression levels of Dnmt3b and Dnmt3l proteins in the testes of mice. Implications We think that our results have important value in showing the effects of obesity on spermatogenesis and may bring a new perspective to obesity-related male infertility treatments.
The influence of CCN family proteins on ovarian physiology and pathology.
Abulghasem EA, Price CA
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 May · PMID 40359309 · Publisher ↗
The CCN family of proteins is comprised of six matricellular proteins known to regulate multiple cellular processes such as adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. CCN proteins are known to function thro...
The CCN family of proteins is comprised of six matricellular proteins known to regulate multiple cellular processes such as adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. CCN proteins are known to function through the binding of integrin receptors and through the regulation of growth factors and cytokines in the context of cardiovascular and skeletal development, injury repair, fibrosis, inflammation and cancer. The expression and roles of several CCNs, particularly CCN1 and CCN2, have been investigated in the ovary as they are effectors of the Hippo signaling pathway, and their role in the development of ovarian fibrosis has been described. Here we review the patterns of expression of CCN1-6 in the ovarian follicle, and the role of CCN2 in follicle development and steroidogenesis, and the expression and potential actions of CCN1-6 in ovarian cancers. We highlight the roles CCNs may play in inflammatory processes, and put forth a case for CCN involvement in the process of ovulation.
Is preovulatory follicle selection influenced by the production of oocyte-secreted factors?
Anderson NJ, Pankhurst MW
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 May · PMID 40324059 · Publisher ↗
The mammalian ovary ovulates only a fraction of the oocytes it produces, as more than 99% are discarded during development. Females devote a large amount of energy to pregnancy, lactation and subsequent parental care, he...
The mammalian ovary ovulates only a fraction of the oocytes it produces, as more than 99% are discarded during development. Females devote a large amount of energy to pregnancy, lactation and subsequent parental care, hence there is strong imperative to produce highly competitive offspring. It would be evolutionarily advantageous if the mammalian ovary had developed a method to detect which developing ovarian follicles contain good-quality oocytes, and preferentially select them for ovulation. No such mechanism has been clearly identified to date. Oocyte-secreted factors (OSFs) such as BMP15 and GDF9, represent one form of communication from oocyte to follicle somatic cells. Herein we discuss the hypothesis that OSFs can increase the growth rate of ovarian follicles, which provides the follicle with a greater ability to compete for follicle dominance and selection for ovulation. Some limited evidence suggests that oocytes with higher OSF secretion produce higher quality embryos but further investigation is needed to firmly link the two concepts of OSFs providing an indication of oocyte quality, and OSFs increasing the chances of follicle selection for ovulation.
Histomorphometric comparison of the gravid and non-gravid uterus at the time of birth in the tammar wallaby (): insights into the embryo-maternal interface.
Muenzenberger MK, Klisch K, Menzies BR … +3 more , Rieger J, Kaessmeyer S, Drews B
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 May · PMID 40324058 · Publisher ↗
Context Tammar wallabies have a very short gestation which does not exceed the length of the estrus cycle. Direct contact between embryo and mother is established via a short-lived yolk sac placenta only in the last thir...
Context Tammar wallabies have a very short gestation which does not exceed the length of the estrus cycle. Direct contact between embryo and mother is established via a short-lived yolk sac placenta only in the last third of gestation. Therefore, an efficient embryo-maternal interface is required to ensure rapid embryonic growth. However, the morphology of the placenta at the time of birth is not well described in marsupials. Aims To study the morphology of the embryo-maternal interface, to compare the gravid and the non-gravid uterus at the time of birth and to examine the presence of polyploid trophoblast cells. Methods Histomorphometrical analysis of the uteri from light microscopic images. Quantification of the endometrial vascularization in samples stained with CD31 using AI machine learning. DNA content estimations of the giant trophoblast cell nuclei by Feulgen Image Analysis Densitometry. Key results In histological sections of the gravid endometrium, more tissue area was occupied by blood vessels than in the non-gravid endometrium, with subepithelial capillaries making up one-fourth of the vessel area in the gravid endometrium. The gravid uterus exhibited a 2.75-fold increase in surface area due to winding folds. Polyploidy of the giant trophoblast cells was confirmed. Giant trophoblast cells showed signs of degeneration. Conclusions The adaptations of the gravid uterus and the polyploidy of the trophoblast cells ensure sufficient embryo-maternal exchange. However, they seem to be self-limiting. Implications Morphology of the tammar wallaby trophoblast and endometrium prior birth is optimized for rapid embryonic growth during the brief interaction between maternal and fetal cells but the placenta seemingly cannot persist after the designated due time.
Spermatogenic cell apoptosis and impaired spermatogenesis in prepubertal mice: time- and dose-dependent toxicity of silver nanoparticles.
Maowa Z, Rahman MS, Hoque MN … +2 more , Mahmud MAA, Alam MS
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Apr · PMID 40300040 · Publisher ↗
Context The increasing use of nanoparticles (NPs) in various consumer, agricultural, and pharmaceutical applications has raised considerable concern about their potential risks to human health and the environment. Aims T...
Context The increasing use of nanoparticles (NPs) in various consumer, agricultural, and pharmaceutical applications has raised considerable concern about their potential risks to human health and the environment. Aims This study investigated the progressive toxic effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in mouse testes after single and repeated exposure. Methods Prepubertal male mice were exposed to AgNPs by gavage at 50, 200, and 500mg/kg body weight. Testis, epididymis, and serum were collected and subjected to histopathological analysis. Key results Daily exposure to AgNPs for 7 and 15days (n =8) decreased sperm count, while increasing abnormal sperm count and testicular atrophy in a dose- and exposure-time-dependent manner. A single exposure to AgNPs at a dose of 200mg/kg body weight (n =8) resulted in testicular histopathological changes and spermatogenic cell apoptosis in a time-dependent manner. The highest number of apoptotic cells was detected 24h after exposure, whereas testicular testosterone (TT) concentrations decreased at 12 and 24h. To explore whether AgNPs suppress TT concentrations by affecting the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis, we analyzed serum LH concentrations; however, no significant changes in LH levels were found. Conclusion This study showed that AgNPs cause potential adverse effects on the testis, specifically, spermatogenic cell apoptosis, and impaired spermatogenesis in an exposure time- and dose-dependent manner. The testicular toxicity was not associated with suppression of the HPT axis, possibly involving other mechanisms. Implications These findings contribute to the broader discussion on NP safety and regulatory considerations, particularly regarding their reproductive toxicity.
Expression of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) ligands and receptors in the ovine ovary and effects of PDGFBB on granulosa cell function.
Smith P, Reader KL, French MC … +2 more , Hurst PR, Juengel JL
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Apr · PMID 40294218 · Publisher ↗
Context While platelet derived growth factors (PDGF) are expressed in the ovary of some species, relatively little is known regarding the potential role that PDGF play in regulating ovarian follicular development. Aims T...
Context While platelet derived growth factors (PDGF) are expressed in the ovary of some species, relatively little is known regarding the potential role that PDGF play in regulating ovarian follicular development. Aims To determine the effects of PDGF on granulosa cell function from ovine antral follicles and characterise the expression of PDGF ligands and receptors in developing follicles. Methods The effects of the PDGF ligand PDGFBB on thymidine incorporation and progesterone production of granulosa cells were determined with established bioassays. Expression patterns of PDGF ligands, PDGFA , B , C , D , and receptors, PDGFRA and B , were determined using in situ hybridisation. The more sensitive technique of RT-PCR was used to confirm expression of PDGFRA and B in granulosa cells of antral follicles. Key results Thymidine incorporation was increased, and progesterone production decreased, from granulosa cells in response to PDGFBB. Oocytes, granulosa cells, thecal layers and corpora lutea expressed at least one PDGF family member. Granulosa cells had faint expression of PDGF receptors, with thecal and luteal tissue also expressing PDGF receptors. Expression of both ligands and receptors was observed in stroma around the follicle. Conclusions In sheep, ovarian follicles express both PDGF ligands and receptors, and PDGFBB regulated both thymidine incorporation and progesterone production. Implications In sheep, PDGF was identified as an additional locally produced growth factor that regulates follicular function, stimulating granulosa cell proliferation and inhibiting progesterone production. Future work to better understand the role of the different ligands and receptors at different stages of ovarian follicular development seems warranted.
Environmental interference and declining male fertility.
Lea RG
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Apr · PMID 40215335 · Publisher ↗
Declining human male 'fertility' has been equated with a temporal decline in sperm counts, with reports collectively spanning the period between 1934 and 2018. Although sperm quality is impacted by adult male lifestyle c...
Declining human male 'fertility' has been equated with a temporal decline in sperm counts, with reports collectively spanning the period between 1934 and 2018. Although sperm quality is impacted by adult male lifestyle choices, e.g. diet, stress and exposure to heat, environmental factors are thought to be central to this alarming observation. Since the decline in sperm counts reflects the outputs of meta-analytical studies, and thus the combination of data from different laboratories, statistical models have had to control for potential confounders, including differences in laboratory methodologies, changes in quality assurance standards, age, fertility group and exclusion criteria indicators. Sperm analyses arising from a population of stud dogs, where all analyses were carried out in a single laboratory, demonstrated a 30% decline in sperm motility over 26years. Since these dogs resided in normal homes and were therefore exposed to the same household environment as human cohabitees, it has been postulated that the temporal decline in both dog and human sperm quality reflects environmental interference. This viewpoint article explores this contention and its implications for male 'fertility'.
Sperm morphology of the Australasian hydromyine rodents and the interactions between the spermatozoon and oocyte at the time of fertilisation.
Breed WG, Leigh CM, Roycroft E … +1 more , Ahmer I
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Apr · PMID 40193578 · Publisher ↗
Context This paper explores the morphology of spermatozoa in Australian hydromyine rodents, specifically focusing on the plains mouse (Pseudomys australis ), and examines the interactions between sperm and eggs at time o...
Context This paper explores the morphology of spermatozoa in Australian hydromyine rodents, specifically focusing on the plains mouse (Pseudomys australis ), and examines the interactions between sperm and eggs at time of fertilisation. Aims The aim of this study is to provide an overview of sperm morphology of hydromyine rodents, comparing its morphology across the different species and to investigate the interactions between the gametes at fertilisation in the plains mouse. Methods We summarise the sperm head morphology of the hydromyine rodents across the six divisions, with emphasis on the structure in the plains mouse and its interactions with the zona pellucida during fertilisation. Key results Most hydromyine rodents, including the plains mouse, exhibit a highly complex sperm head morphology with two prominent ventral processes in addition to the apical hook. These processes primarily contain filamentous actin with some species of the New Guinea Pogonomys Division having a nuclear extension into the lower process. Nevertheless three species in the Pogonomys Division and a few in the Pseudomys Division have derived sperm heads which lack the ventral processes which in the plains mouse bind the sperm to the zona pellucida around the ovulated oocyte. This may stabilise the sperm head at this time and facilitate zona pellucida penetration and fusion with the oolemma at this time. Conclusion The complex sperm head morphology in most of the hydromyine rodents is likely to date back over one million years with, in the plains mouse, interaction between sperm and egg during fertilisation involving sperm head stabilisation and zona pellucida attachment. Implications These findings suggest in hydromyine rodents valuable insights into the evolutionary development of sperm morphology and sperm-egg interactions during fertilisation, and in particular that the role of the ventral processes may be critical for successful fertilisation in this group. Understanding these processes could give insight into broader studies on reproductive strategies and evolutionary biology in rodents.
Accuracy and errors about the human ovary; the good, bad and the ugly.
Rodgers RJ, Kerr JB
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Apr · PMID 40168278 · Publisher ↗
This collection is dedicated to the memory of Professor Ken McNatty and Professor Rex Scaramuzzi, both of whom made outstanding contributions to the understanding of reproductive, and particularly ovarian, biology. In fa...
This collection is dedicated to the memory of Professor Ken McNatty and Professor Rex Scaramuzzi, both of whom made outstanding contributions to the understanding of reproductive, and particularly ovarian, biology. In fact, the impetus for this commentary began when the authors questioned why some textbooks continued to print an earlier theory of ovarian development by Haward Sawyer and Ken McNatty (Sawyer et al . 2002 ), when important additional findings were published in 2013 (Hummitzsch et al . 2013 ). The authors question why textbooks, websites and YouTube videos continue to present misinformation about the ovary with statements and illustrations that are patently inaccurate or incorrect. We are aware that medical and science textbook publishers may take no responsibility for the accuracy of content by printing a disclaimer to this effect. Webpages and YouTube videos, in the main, exist with no such caveat. Do authors of textbooks accept responsibility to publish up-to-date factual material and avoid demonstrably incorrect information? In some cases, apparently not. Here we will show examples from the ovarian biology that we encounter regularly, that authors often do not check nor update content for the multiple book editions published over decades. If original sources are not consulted by authors, where are they getting their information? Erroneous statements and dogma continue to be represented in scientific literature as established facts. Textbooks, in particular, are supposed to be reliable sources of information. Unfortunately, too many mislead students and scholars and promulgate misinformation. If the contributions of Professor Ken McNatty, Professor Rex Scaramuzzi and others are to be truly valuable, then knowledge amplified by textbooks and the web must at least be accurate.
The role of extracellular vesicles in embryo development: implications for reproductive health and therapeutic potential.
Lee SH
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Mar · PMID 40153376 · Publisher ↗
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain various biological molecules, such as proteins, lipids, and diverse nucleic acids, which alter various physiological and pathological processes in recipient cells. This review focuses...
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain various biological molecules, such as proteins, lipids, and diverse nucleic acids, which alter various physiological and pathological processes in recipient cells. This review focuses on the current understanding of the biological characteristics of EVs on embryo development and their potential therapeutic value in treating reproductive disorders. EVs play a crucial role in early embryo development, from fertilization to the pre-implantation stage, gastrulation, cell differentiation, and organogenesis. During the pre-implantation period, EVs interact with maternal reproductive tissue and promote implantation receptivity. In gastrulation, EVs regulate cell differentiation, contributing to tissue formation and maintenance. Abnormal bioactive molecules in EVs are closely related to developmental disorders. Thus, EVs have the potential to serve as biomarkers. Moreover, EVs can serve as therapeutic agents, delivering genetic material for targeted tissue/organs. The findings of this review highlight the potential role of EVs in intercellular signaling during embryo development. This can help advance assisted reproductive technologies and therapies to overcome infertility issues and developmental disorders.
Seminal fluid effects on uterine receptivity to embryo implantation: transcriptomic strategies to define molecular mechanisms.
Chan HY, Robertson SA
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Mar · PMID 40100824 · Publisher ↗
Embryo implantation requires both a developmentally competent embryo and a receptive uterus. Impaired uterine receptivity is a common constraint on implantation success and reproductive outcome. Ovarian steroid hormones...
Embryo implantation requires both a developmentally competent embryo and a receptive uterus. Impaired uterine receptivity is a common constraint on implantation success and reproductive outcome. Ovarian steroid hormones oestrogen and progesterone play a central role in establishing uterine receptivity, but other factors also contribute. One additional regulating factor is male partner seminal fluid. However, the full physiological impacts of seminal fluid on uterine receptivity and the specific molecular pathways involved are not yet completely defined. New advances in RNA-sequencing technologies provide a powerful means to examine how uterine tissues and cells respond to seminal fluid contact. Findings utilising sequencing technology provide strong cellular and molecular evidence in humans and mice that seminal fluid contact around the time of ovulation drives immune and vascular changes with potential to affect endometrial receptivity in the peri-implantation phase. This approach has led to the discovery of novel mediators and regulatory factors subsequently shown to facilitate embryo implantation in genetic mouse models, enabling functional validation. Here, we summarise the evidence from recent microarray and RNA-sequencing findings that seminal fluid contact can directly and indirectly impact the transcriptional state of endometrial tissue during the implantation window in mice and also in humans. Progress in elucidating the female reproductive tract response to seminal fluid will improve understanding of male partner effects on endometrial receptivity, and the knowledge gained will have practical applications for achieving healthy pregnancy and offspring outcomes.
Maternal aging reduces female fecundity and alters offspring phenotype in a sex-specific manner.
Gonzalez MB, Andreas E, Winstanley YE … +4 more , Connaughton HS, Loring KE, Shoubridge C, Robker RL
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Mar · PMID 40048313 · Publisher ↗
Context The age of childbearing in women has increased, with more babies born to women over 30years old than to those in their 20s. However, increasing maternal age is associated with a range of pregnancy and perinatal c...
Context The age of childbearing in women has increased, with more babies born to women over 30years old than to those in their 20s. However, increasing maternal age is associated with a range of pregnancy and perinatal complications, such as reduced chance of conception, and higher risk of miscarriage or fetal death. Further, epidemiological studies indicate that advanced maternal age is also linked to a higher incidence of metabolic and neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, such as Type 1 diabetes and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Aims Mature female mice recapitulate many of the fertility characteristics seen in older women, such as reduced egg number and quality, providing a robust experimental model. This study examined fertility and offspring phenotypes in female mice at the onset of reproductive aging. Methods Firstly, fecundity in mice was measured from 3 to 18months of age. Secondly, reproductive outcomes in aged female mice (12months old) were compared to those of young females (3months of age). Growth of the offspring was assessed, as well as metabolism, behaviour, and immune function in adulthood. Key results Female aging reduced pregnancy rate, litter size and pup survival to weaning. Maternal age did not affect adult offspring immune function; however, female offspring had higher body weights, and male littermates presented dysregulated glucose tolerance and hyperactivity. Conclusions Maternal age affects offspring survival and health in a sex-specific manner. Implications These findings expand our understanding of maternal programming of offspring health, particularly the effects of increased age at pregnancy.
Sodium alginate and bovine serum albumin co-combined improved the cryopreservation quality of boar sperm through the PI3K-AKT pathway.
Wang J, Rao Y, Du C … +5 more , Wang A, Wu Y, Lin R, Xiao T, Lin W
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Feb · PMID 39998932 · Publisher ↗
Context The occurrence of apoptosis due to transient oxidative damage to spermatozoa presents a significant challenge in semen preservation. At present, the addition of protective agents is the primary method for mitigat...
Context The occurrence of apoptosis due to transient oxidative damage to spermatozoa presents a significant challenge in semen preservation. At present, the addition of protective agents is the primary method for mitigating this damage and involves the addition of protective agents. Aims This study aims to elucidate the mechanism of action of cryopreservation and to identify high-quality combinatorial cryopreservation dilutions. Methods In this study, two protective agents, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and sodium alginate (SA), were combined to evaluate the effectiveness of these novel additives in protecting porcine sperm from damage during cryopreservation. The mechanism of action of the SA and BSA combination was further elucidated at the molecular level, with key proteins being identified through proteomic analysis. Key results The findings indicated that sperm treated with 2mg/mL SA and 5mg/mL BSA exhibited optimal motility parameters, superior functional integrity and the most effective ability to alleviate oxidative stress. Combined with proteomic data, the results suggested that these additives regulate improvements in sperm quality by mediating the activity of the PI3K-AKT pathway. Conclusions This study found that the combination of SA and BSA provides an effective protective effect for frozen sperm preservation. Implications The findings offer theoretical and technical support for the use of composite additive to protect sperm from damage, which is crucial for enhancing the quality of pig semen and improving reproductive outcomes.
Lower expression of colony-stimulating factor 2, an embryokine, in the endometrial epithelium of old cows.
Wanjiru DK, Niyonzima YB, Kadokawa H
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Feb · PMID 39951370 · Publisher ↗
Context Infertility increases with age in various animals, including cows, owing to unknown mechanisms. The glandular and luminal epithelia of the bovine uterus synthesise and secrete colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2),...
Context Infertility increases with age in various animals, including cows, owing to unknown mechanisms. The glandular and luminal epithelia of the bovine uterus synthesise and secrete colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2), which is a well-studied embryokine. We recently reported the possibility of fibrosis in the uteri of old cows. However, the relationship between CSF2 expression and fibrosis has not yet been clarified. Aims We tested the hypothesis that the endometrial epithelia of old cows have lower CSF2 expression compared to in heifers, and that myofibroblasts [alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive fibroblasts] increase near the epithelium of old cows. Methods We collected caruncle and intercaruncle samples from post-pubertal, growing, nulliparous heifers (n =6; 24.7±1.3months old) and old multiparous cows (n =6; 128.5±15.4months old). We analysed mRNA and protein expression, along with fluorescent immunohistochemistry for CSF2, anti-collagen type IV, anti-Müllerian hormone type 2 receptor, and anti-αSMA. Key results Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis revealed lower CSF2 expression in the caruncle and intercaruncle of old cows than in young heifers. Fluorescence microscopy using the same antibodies and anti-collagen type IV, anti-Müllerian hormone type 2 receptor, and anti-αSMA antibodies showed increased fibroblasts and αSMA signals near the epithelium of old cows compared to young heifers. Conclusion CSF2 expression was lower in endometrial epithelia of old cows compared to those in heifers, and myofibroblasts increased near the epithelia of old cows. Implications Lower CSF2 may play an important role in age-related infertility.
Developing flow cytometry for precise evaluation of amphibian sperm viability: technical report.
Jacobs L, Hammond T, Calatayud N … +2 more , Byrne P, Jensen T
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Feb · PMID 39951369 · Publisher ↗
Context In the past decade, flow cytometry has become a useful tool for evaluating cellular viability characteristics for non-domestic animals such as non-human primates, marine animals, and birds. This technology has th...
Context In the past decade, flow cytometry has become a useful tool for evaluating cellular viability characteristics for non-domestic animals such as non-human primates, marine animals, and birds. This technology has the potential to vastly improve sperm-quality assessments, concentration counts and cell sorting in a more time-efficient and reliable manner. Aims The study aimed to validate the efficacy of using flow cytometry for amphibian sperm by comparing its results with those obtained through traditional means of sperm-quality assessment. Methods Sperm samples were collected from testes macerates of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis ) and subjected to both flow cytometry and microscopy analyses. Flow cytometry allowed for the simultaneous assessment of sperm viability and concentration by using fluorescent probes, whereas microscopy provided a traditional means of assessing sperm characteristics. Key results Sperm concentrations measured by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy were highly correlated, although flow cytometry methods estimated higher concentrations. Sperm viability measured by flow cytometry and that measured by fluorescent microscopy were not significantly correlated and were significantly different, varying by only ~8% in viability, on average. Conclusions Although flow cytometry overestimated concentration and live/dead assessments, the discrepancies were slight enough to indicate that flow cytometry can still be a valuable method for assessing amphibian sperm. Implications These results validated the utility of flow cytometry as a reliable tool for assessing amphibian sperm viability and concentration, offering a promising alternative to traditional, time-consuming methods.
Physical activity and male reproductive function.
Hamim FM, Durairajanayagam D, Daud SB … +1 more , Singh HJ
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Feb · PMID 39903601 · Publisher ↗
Fecundity is declining in humans, which is partly due to male infertility. Poor sperm parameters, the main contributors to male infertility, are associated with sedentary, unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits. Lon...
Fecundity is declining in humans, which is partly due to male infertility. Poor sperm parameters, the main contributors to male infertility, are associated with sedentary, unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits. Long periods of sedentary work lead to visceral adiposity and persistently elevated scrotal temperatures, which adversely affect spermatogenesis. Apart from increasing scrotal temperatures, excessive visceral adiposity exacerbates adipocyte dysfunction with increased pro-inflammatory adipokine release, like leptin. These, together with the increased scrotal temperature, are responsible for the poor sperm quality. The importance of regular physical activity in male fertility remains a matter of debate, as not all forms of exercises have been found to benefit sperm function. Sperm parameters are, nevertheless, somewhat better in active than in sedentary men. It now appears that low-to-moderate intensity exercises are more beneficial for male reproductive health than high-intensity exercises, which have a negative effect on spermatozoa. Low-to-moderate intensity exercises, in general, improve the overall organ-system function in the body, improve the management of body weight and oxidative stress, consequently improving sperm parameters. The detrimental effects of high-intensity exercises on spermatozoa result from disruption in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal-axis, raised testicular temperature and increased oxidative stress. It, therefore, seems that not all types of exercises are beneficial for male reproductive health. Although some low-to-moderate intensity exercises improve male reproductive function, there remains a need to identify the best form of low-to-moderate intensity exercises, particularly those that do not increase testicular temperature or oxidative stress, to help maintain normal body weight and male reproductive health.
Folicular dynamics, endocrine profiles and endometrial gene expression in fertile and subfertile cows.
Viñoles C, Álvez A, González X … +1 more , Meikle A
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Feb · PMID 39899422 · Publisher ↗
Context Subfertility has a negative impact on the productivity of beef cow herds; thus, it is relevant to unravel the mechanisms. Aims To study follicular development, body composition, concentrations of progesterone and...
Context Subfertility has a negative impact on the productivity of beef cow herds; thus, it is relevant to unravel the mechanisms. Aims To study follicular development, body composition, concentrations of progesterone and metabolic hormones and their gene expression in the endometrium during the oestrus cycle. Methods Fertile and subfertile Hereford cows were classified at 25 (n =84) and 60 (n =25) months old, as (1) fertile, pregnant at first insemination at 25months, that became pregnantmore than three of five times at 60months (n =5), or (2) subfertile, i.e. failed to became pregnant during three inseminations at 25months, that became pregnant at fewer than two of the five opportunities at 60months (n =6). Key results Fertile cows had greater concentrations of insuling-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), leptin and adiponectin (P P P P P Conclusions Differences in progesterone and metabolic hormones in plasma and follicular fluid and their endometrial expression are associated with the success of pregnancy in beef cows. Implications Strategies to improve the follicle and endometrial microenvironments are needed to improve the productivity of beef herds.
Could metabolic imaging and artificial intelligence provide a novel path to non-invasive aneuploidy assessments? A certain clinical need.
Horta F, Sakkas D, Ledger W … +2 more , Goldys EM, Gilchrist RB
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Jan · PMID 39874158 · Publisher ↗
Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) via embryo biopsy helps in embryo selection by assessing embryo ploidy. However, clinical practice needs to consider the invasive nature of embryo biopsy, potential...
Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) via embryo biopsy helps in embryo selection by assessing embryo ploidy. However, clinical practice needs to consider the invasive nature of embryo biopsy, potential mosaicism, and inaccurate representation of the entire embryo. This creates a significant clinical need for improved diagnostic practices that do not harm embryos or raise treatment costs. Consequently, there has been an increasing focus on developing non-invasive technologies to enhance embryo selection. Such innovations include non-invasive PGT-A, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, and non-invasive metabolic imaging. The latter measures cellular metabolism through autofluorescence of metabolic cofactors. Notably, hyperspectral microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) have revealed unique metabolic activity signatures in aneuploid embryos and human fibroblasts. These methods have demonstrated high accuracy in distinguishing between euploid and aneuploid embryos. Thus, this review discusses the clinical challenges associated with PGT-A and emphasizes the need for novel solutions such as metabolic imaging. Additionally, it explores how aneuploidy affects cell behaviour and metabolism, offering an opinion perspective on future research directions in this field of research.
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