Reproduction, Fertility, And Development[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Selected plant extracts and female fertility: role in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian axis in normal and pathological conditions.
Niama W, Ben Said S, Rame C … +3 more , Froment P, Mahouachi M, Dupont J
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Jan · PMID 39874157 · Publisher ↗
Female infertility, which affects 10-20% of couples worldwide, is a growing health concern in developing countries. It can be caused by multiple factors, including reproductive disorders, hormonal dysfunctions, congenita...
Female infertility, which affects 10-20% of couples worldwide, is a growing health concern in developing countries. It can be caused by multiple factors, including reproductive disorders, hormonal dysfunctions, congenital malformations and infections. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that plant extracts regulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone, kisspeptin, and gonadotropin expression and/or secretion at the hypothalamic-pituitary level and modulate somatic and germ cells, such as steroidogenesis, proliferation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress at the ovarian level. In this review, we report evidence for the role of certain plant extracts or plant bioactive compounds in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis and, consequently, for the treatment of female infertility. We will also summarize their possible involvement in ovarian disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POF) and ovarian cancers.
Role of resistin in the porcine uterus: effects on endometrial steroidogenesis.
Gudelska M, Dobrzyn K, Kiezun M … +6 more , Rytelewska E, Zaobidna E, Kisielewska K, Kopij G, Kaminski T, Smolinska N
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2025 Jan · PMID 39786988 · Publisher ↗
Context The adipose tissue produces adipokines - hormones essential to many biological functions, including reproduction. Aims We hypothesised that resistin, one of the adipokines, is present in the blood plasma, uterine...
Context The adipose tissue produces adipokines - hormones essential to many biological functions, including reproduction. Aims We hypothesised that resistin, one of the adipokines, is present in the blood plasma, uterine luminal flushings (ULF) and uterus of pigs during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy, and that resistin influences uterine steroidogenesis. Methods This study aimed to determine the expression of resistin in the porcine endometrium and myometrium during the cycle and pregnancy by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot (WB). The adipokine concentrations in blood plasma and ULF were defined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The impact of resistin on progesterone (P4 ) and oestradiol (E2 ) secretion and steroidogenic enzyme proteins' expression were determined by radioimmunoassay and WB, respectively. The effect of resistin on protein kinase B (Akt) protein phosphorylation was determined by WB. Key results The study's results identified the resistin gene and protein expression in the porcine endometrium and myometrium. Moreover, the expression of adipokine in the uterus, its concentrations in the blood plasma and ULF, and its impact on the endometrial P4 and E2 production, are dependent on the hormonal milieu related to the phase of the cycle and/or period of pregnancy. Furthermore, resistin enhances the phosphorylation of the Akt signaling pathway. Conclusions The current findings suggest that resistin may control the steroidogenesis process in the porcine endometrium and could be an important regulator of pig reproduction. Implications In the long-term perspective, the results obtained in this study may help improve farm animal breeding.
Maternal swimming with overload allied to postnatal high-fat, high-sugar diet induce subtle impairment on rat offspring's ovarian redox homeostasis.
Mariño Dal Magro B, Dos Santos BG, August PM … +3 more , Menegotto MZ, Driemeier D, Matté C
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Dec · PMID 39699999 · Publisher ↗
Context The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) concept suggests that early-life interventions significantly influence the long-term health outcomes of offspring. Emerging evidence supports that maternal...
Context The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) concept suggests that early-life interventions significantly influence the long-term health outcomes of offspring. Emerging evidence supports that maternal physical exercise and balanced nutrition can positively impact the health of the next generation. Aims This study investigated the effects of maternal swimming combined with postnatal high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diet on the ovarian health of adult female Wistar rat offspring. Methods Adult female Wistar rats performed swimming exercise in a controlled temperature environment (32°C, 2% bodyweight overload adjusted daily) during 4weeks, starting 1week prior mating. The female offspring received a control or HFHS diet from postnatal day (PND) 21 to PND 90. We analyzed offspring's body weight, ovarian histomorphology, redox status, and associated molecular pathways 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPKα), forkhead box O3 (FoxO3), and mitofusin 1 (Mfn-1). Key results Our findings reveal that maternal swimming exerted an effect on offspring body weight gain, delaying it. Individually, maternal exercise reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and mitofusin-1 levels, while the postnatal HFHS diet alone decreased both SOD and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and increased the pFOXO3a/FOXO3a ratio in the ovaries. Conclusions We showed that combination of maternal swimming with a 2% overload and a postnatal HFHS diet can negatively affect the ovarian redox balance in offspring. Implications Prenatal and postnatal lifestyle might affect reproductive function in females.
Identifying the composition of large vesicles in the cytoplasm of oocytes.
Reader KL, Pratt IG, Lawson GL … +1 more , Woolley RJ
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Dec · PMID 39688945 · Publisher ↗
Context Oocyte vesicles, or vacuoles, have been described using transmission electron microscopy in most species. In sheep and cow oocytes, vesicles constitute up to 30% of the cytoplasm, their volume decreases during ma...
Context Oocyte vesicles, or vacuoles, have been described using transmission electron microscopy in most species. In sheep and cow oocytes, vesicles constitute up to 30% of the cytoplasm, their volume decreases during maturation and is lower in poorer quality oocytes, suggesting they are important for oocyte competence. However, the composition and function of these organelles is unknown. Aim This study aimed to ascertain the content of oocyte vesicles and examine the effect of different fixation methods on the size and preservation of these organelles. Methods Sheep oocytes were centrifuged to segregate organelles then stained with organelle-specific fluorescent dyes (Nile Red, LysoTracker, Fluo-4-AM and TMRM) and imaged by live cell confocal microscopy. The oocytes were fixed with either glutaraldehyde or paraformaldehyde and prepared for electron microscopy to confirm the distribution of organelles and compare ultrastructure and organelle size. Key results Nile Red staining has identified that vesicles contain lipid that is different to that in the osmium-stained lipid droplets observed by electron microscopy. Lipid droplets and vesicles were significantly smaller when prepared for electron microscopy compared to live cell imaging. Organelles were less likely to be fully segregated following centrifugation in oocytes prior to maturation (20%) compared to oocytes after maturation (77%; P Conclusions Oocyte vesicles are lipid storing organelles that may be important for oocyte quality. Implications This study highlights the importance of lipid for oocyte quality and the need for further research to identify the optimal fatty acid content for in vitro maturation media and oocyte competence.
A tale of two endothelins: the rise and fall of the corpus luteum.
Szymanska M, Basavaraja R, Meidan R
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Dec · PMID 39680472 · Publisher ↗
Endothelins are small 21 amino acid peptides that interact with G-protein-coupled receptors. They are highly conserved across species and play important roles in vascular biology as well as in disease development and pro...
Endothelins are small 21 amino acid peptides that interact with G-protein-coupled receptors. They are highly conserved across species and play important roles in vascular biology as well as in disease development and progression. Endothelins, mainly endothelin-1 and endothelin-2, are intricately involved in ovarian function and metabolism. These two peptides differ only in two amino acids but are encoded by different genes, which suggests an independent regulation and a cell-specific mode of expression. This review aims to comprehensively discuss the distinct regulation and roles of endothelin-1 and endothelin-2 regarding corpus luteum function throughout its life span.
A corollary study to substantiate the therapeutic role of receptor from in mitigating the sperm immobilization factor-mediated negative influences on mouse spermatozoa: a molecular mimicry-based approach.
Soni T, Jawanda IK, Kumari S … +1 more , Prabha V
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Dec · PMID 39680471 · Publisher ↗
Context Sperm immobilization factor (SIF) isolated from Staphylococcus aureus has been implicated earlier in the laboratory in infertility due to its negative impact on sperm function. Moreover, SIF was found to bind not...
Context Sperm immobilization factor (SIF) isolated from Staphylococcus aureus has been implicated earlier in the laboratory in infertility due to its negative impact on sperm function. Moreover, SIF was found to bind not only to human and mouse spermatozoa but also to several bacteria. Among the array of bacteria, we selected Shigella flexneri to investigate if it shares antigenic determinants with spermatozoa. Aim The study aimed to delineate receptors from S. flexneri that imitate the sperm receptor in binding SIF, to assess its therapeutic role in SIF-mediated sperm impairment. Methods Sperm immobilization binding receptor (SBR) from S. flexneri (SF-SBR) was isolated via ultrasonication and 4M NaCl treatment, purified via chromatography and its molecular weight was estimated. The ability of SF-SBR to counteract SIF-induced sperm impairment was assessed in vitro . Further analysis included isothermal titration calorimetry and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to quantify the interaction of SIF and SF-SBR. Key results SF-SBR ameliorated the sperm parameters adversely affected by SIF. It also interfered with the binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled SIF to spermatozoa and bacteria. The SIF and SF-SBR interaction showed favourable thermodynamics with an entropy of 28.12J/molK and free energy of -18.48kJ/mol, supporting the concept of mimicry. Conclusions The study confirmed that SF-SBR shares an epitope with the receptor on mouse spermatozoa, affirming the presence of molecular mimicry between spermatozoa and S. flexneri . Implications These findings indicate that SF-SBR can potentially be used to counteract the effects of SIF on spermatozoa, hinting at novel therapeutic approaches for treating infertility caused by microbial sperm immobilization factors.
Reproductive mechanisms, pathologies, and health inclusivity: insights from the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Society for Reproductive Biology.
Houston BJ, Chan HY, Clark Z … +3 more , Swegen A, Wooldridge AL, Green ES
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Dec · PMID 39642043 · Publisher ↗
In 2023, the Society for Reproductive Biology met in Brisbane to deliver its largest scientific program to date. Herein, we detail key areas of notable discovery across the reproductive biology and fertility landscapes,...
In 2023, the Society for Reproductive Biology met in Brisbane to deliver its largest scientific program to date. Herein, we detail key areas of notable discovery across the reproductive biology and fertility landscapes, as well as pressing areas that require further research. Specifically, we focus on five key themes: the cellular basis of reproduction; environmental impacts on reproduction; inclusivity in reproductive health; reproductive cancers; and evolution of reproduction mechanisms. Highlights included the utility of organism models, such as using fruit flies to model human genetic disease, and the development of new blastocyst models; the impact of elevated temperature and endocrine-disrupting chemicals on the germline, sex organ development, and fertility in mammals; how we can improve the inclusivity of transgender and Pacific Rainbow+ people in reproductive health; novel insights in reproductive cancer pathogenesis and inhibitor treatments; and the evolution of the sex chromosomes and sex determination across animals. The breadth of topics covered underscores the far-reaching impacts of reproduction and its related processes across life, health, and wellbeing, as well as for food production and the economy.
Transcriptomic analysis of luteal tissue supports the earlier onset of luteolysis in heifers with diminished ovarian reserve.
Kaps M, Snider AP, Quail LK … +3 more , Miles JR, Perry GA, Cushman RA
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Dec · PMID 39642042 · Publisher ↗
Context Antral follicle count (AFC) is reflective of ovarian reserve and linked to reproductive performance in mammalian females. We previously demonstrated earlier upregulation of endometrial oxytocin receptor transcrip...
Context Antral follicle count (AFC) is reflective of ovarian reserve and linked to reproductive performance in mammalian females. We previously demonstrated earlier upregulation of endometrial oxytocin receptor transcription in heifers with low AFC, indicating an earlier onset of luteolysis. Aims We aimed to support the earlier onset of luteolysis in non-pregnant heifers with a low number of antral ovarian follicles (Open Low AFC) and hypothesized a reduced abundance of luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LH/CG-R ) and increased abundance of thrombospondin-1 (THBS1 ) in luteal tissue of those heifers. We further investigated if classical interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) are already upregulated in response to conceptus-derived interferon tau. Methods For 4years, 10 heifers with the highest (High AFC) and 10 heifers with the lowest AFC (Low AFC) of the population (n =120/year) were selected, synchronized and inseminated. On day 15 or 16 after insemination, reproductive tracts were collected, and pregnancy status was determined. Corpora lutea were isolated, weighed and underwent transcriptomic analysis. Key results Transcript abundance of LH/CG-R was lower in Open Low AFC heifers compared to all other subgroups. Transcript abundance of THBS1 was upregulated in Open vs Pregnant heifers and showed greater abundance in Low vs High AFC heifers. Luteal weights and abundance of ISGs did not differ between heifers of differing AFC groups or pregnancy status. Conclusions The patterns of luteal LH /CG-R and THBS1 abundance support the concept of earlier onset of luteolysis in Open heifers with diminished AFC. Implications This may result in a shorter window for maternal recognition of pregnancy and contribute to inferior reproductive performance.
Effect of melatonin treatment of pregnant Sarda ewes on lactation and lamb development.
Luridiana S, Ouadday M, Mura MC … +3 more , Ben Smida B, Cosso G, Carcangiu V
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Dec · PMID 39642041 · Publisher ↗
Context Melatonin administration during pregnancy can influence fetal development and lactation. Aims This study aimed to verify whether melatonin treatment of pregnant Sarda ewes in spring improved lamb weight at birth,...
Context Melatonin administration during pregnancy can influence fetal development and lactation. Aims This study aimed to verify whether melatonin treatment of pregnant Sarda ewes in spring improved lamb weight at birth, 7 and 21days of age, time to first colostrum intake, birth behavior and survival. Additionally, we examined melatonin's effect on milk yield and composition. Methods On 18 April, 200 ewes were assigned to two groups of 100 each, based on lambing date, body condition score, parity, age and milk yield. One group received melatonin implants on 20 April, 4 July and 17 September; the other served as control. Rams (12 per group) were introduced on 25 May and removed after 40days. Lamb weight was recorded at birth, 7 and 21days, while milk yield and composition were assessed bi-weekly from day 30 of lactation. Key results Lambs born to melatonin-treated ewes were heavier at birth (3.54 vs 2.89kg), and at 7(5.21 vs 4.40kg) and 21days of age (11.3 vs 10.1kg) and reached colostrum intake sooner than lambs from untreated ewes (55.5±5.3 vs 69.4±5.6min). Milk yield was higher in melatonin-treated ewes, with somatic cell counts decreasing in treated animals and increasing in controls over the five samplings. Milk fat was higher in treated ewes than controls during early lactation, although protein and lactose levels remained similar between groups. Conclusion Melatonin treatment throughout pregnancy improved lamb growth and milk production and quality, suggesting a potential management advantage for sheep.
Polycomb in female reproductive health: patterning the present and programming the future.
Jarred EG, Western PS
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Dec · PMID 39636716 · Publisher ↗
Epigenetic modifications regulate chromatin accessibility, gene expression, cell differentiation and tissue development. As epigenetic modifications can be inherited via mitotic and meiotic cell divisions, they enable a...
Epigenetic modifications regulate chromatin accessibility, gene expression, cell differentiation and tissue development. As epigenetic modifications can be inherited via mitotic and meiotic cell divisions, they enable a heritable memory of cell identity and function and can alter inherited characteristics in the next generation. Tight regulation of epigenetic information is critical for normal cell function and is often disrupted in diseases including cancer, metabolic, neurological and inherited congenital conditions. The ovary performs critical functions in female reproductive health and fertility, including oocyte and sex-hormone production. Oocytes undergo extensive epigenetic programming including the establishment of maternal genomic imprints, which are critical for offspring health and development. Epigenetic modifiers also regulate ovarian somatic cells, such as granulosa and theca cells which support oocytes and produce hormones. While ovarian dysfunction contributes to serious ovarian conditions such as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian cancers, the roles of epigenetic modifications in the ovary and their contribution to ovarian dysfunction are not properly understood. Here we review recent advancements in understanding Polycomb proteins, important epigenetic modifiers that have emerging roles in ovarian development and maternal epigenetic inheritance. Polycomb group proteins (PcGs) contribute to the faithful establishment of epigenetic information in oocytes, a process essential for normal offspring development in mice. Emerging evidence also indicates that PcGs regulate ovarian function and female fertility. Understanding these and similar mechanisms will provide greater insight into the epigenetic regulation of ovarian and oocyte function, and how its disruption can impact reproductive health and maternal inheritance.
Ovarian follicular flushing as a means of increasing oocyte yield and embryo production in cattle.
Simmons RJ, Tutt DAR, Kwong WY … +10 more , Baroni JI, Lim LN, Cimpeanu R, Castrejon-Pita AA, Vatish M, Svensson P, Piegsa R, Hagby U, Sinclair KD, Georgiou EX
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Nov · PMID 39576728 · Publisher ↗
Context The number of developmentally competent cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) retrieved during Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) determines success in both bovine and human assisted reproduction. Follicular flushing for COC retrieval...
Context The number of developmentally competent cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) retrieved during Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) determines success in both bovine and human assisted reproduction. Follicular flushing for COC retrieval is practicsed widely in humans but not in cattle. Aims To determine the benefits of follicular flushing in cattle and assess the merits of a novel 16G double-lumen needle ('OxIVF') that flushes laterally to the needle shaft. Methods Experiment 1 flushed 655 antral follicles (≥7mm) from 255 abattoir-derived cattle ovaries. In Experiment 2, 12 Holstein heifers underwent two cycles of OPU in a cross-over design comparing both needle types. In Experiment 3, 11 Holstein heifers underwent two cycles of OPU using the OxIVF needle in a cross-over design: flushing (≥7mm follicles) vs a 'Hybrid' approach of flushing (≥7mm follicles) and aspiration (5-7mm follicles); followed by two cycles of standard follicle aspiration (>5mm follicles). Key results In Experiment 1, COC recovery was greater (P =0.034) for the OxIVF vs Standard needle (mean±s.e.; 74.1±2.10% vs 67.0±2.23%); yield of Grade 1 COCs was also greater (20.1±1.97% vs 8.2±1.38%; P P =0.045) for the OxIVF vs Standard needle (89.1±2.98% vs 79.6±3.47%). Day 6 embryo yield was also greater (P =0.017) for the OxIVF vs Standard needle (87.2±4.38% vs 67.6±6.73%). In Experiment 3, recovery of COCs was greater (P =0.033) for 'Flush' vs 'Aspirate' groups (82.1±5.06% vs 66.2±3.48%). However, number of Day 8 blastocysts for the 'Hybrid' vs 'Flush' approach (9.2±1.39vs 6.5±1.05 per cycle) did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Follicular flushing using the OxIVF needle, embracing the 'Hybrid' approach, has the potential to increase oocyte retrieval and blastocyst number per donor cycle in cattle but requires further validation. Implications Larger scale studies will seek to confirm benefits of follicular flushing using the OxIVF needle in cattle. Future studies should consider applications in both equine and human assisted reproduction.
Chronic psychosocial stress affects insulin-like growth factor 1 and its receptors in mouse ovaries.
Igonina T, Lebedeva D, Tsybko A … +4 more , Rozhkova I, Babochkina T, Levinson A, Amstislavsky S
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Oct · PMID 39466740 · Publisher ↗
Context Chronic psychosocial stress negatively affects folliculogenesis and oogenesis. Intraovarian mechanisms mediating these effects are poorly understood. Aims This work aimed to find out how chronic psychosocial stre...
Context Chronic psychosocial stress negatively affects folliculogenesis and oogenesis. Intraovarian mechanisms mediating these effects are poorly understood. Aims This work aimed to find out how chronic psychosocial stress affects ovarian IGF1 and its receptor (IGF1R), as well as Igf1 and Igf1r gene expression in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). It also aimed to address possible protective effects of gonadotropin stimulation on IGF1 ovarian signalling. Methods Female CD1 mice experienced chronic psychosocial stress of 11-day isolation followed by overcrowding for 10days. To verify the model, blood corticosterone levels and the quality of oocytes were evaluated in stressed females. The levels of IGF1/IGF1R, blood IGF1 concentration, and expression of Igf1 /Igf1r in the ovaries were compared in stressed and unstressed females. Key results Psychosocial stress caused an elevation of corticosterone level, which was alleviated by gonadotropin treatment. The stressed mice showed a decreased IGF1 level in the ovaries and a decreased expression of Igf1 and Igf1r in COCs. In the unstressed females, gonadotropin injection decreased the expression of Igf1 and Igf1r ; in the stressed females, the same treatment increased Igf1r expression. Neither stress nor ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins affected the serum IGF1 level. Conclusions Psychosocial stress suppresses IGF1 signalling in the ovaries. Gonadotropin treatment modulates these effects differently in stressed and unstressed animals. Implications The results may have translational value for human reproduction. Ovarian IGF1 can be considered a candidate for further improvement of IVF results in women under conditions of chronic stress.
Alpha-synuclein expression in GnRH neurons of young and old bovine hypothalami.
Niyonzima YB, Asato Y, Murakami T … +1 more , Kadokawa H
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Sep · PMID 39283977 · Publisher ↗
Context Understanding of central nervous system mechanisms related to age-related infertility remains limited. Fibril α-synuclein, distinct from its monomer form, is implicated in age-related diseases and propagates amon...
Context Understanding of central nervous system mechanisms related to age-related infertility remains limited. Fibril α-synuclein, distinct from its monomer form, is implicated in age-related diseases and propagates among neurons akin to prions. Aims We compared α-synuclein expression in gonadotropin-releasing hormone-expressing neurons (GnRH neurons) in the pre-optic area, arcuate nucleus, and median eminence of healthy heifers and aged cows to determine its role in age-related infertility. Methods We analysed mRNA and protein expression, along with fluorescent immunohistochemistry for GnRH and α-synuclein, followed by Congo red staining to detect amyloid deposits, and confocal microscopy. Key results Both mRNA and protein expressions of α-synuclein were confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blots in bovine cortex, hippocampus, and anterior and posterior hypothalamus tissues. Significant differences in α-synuclein mRNA expression were observed in the cortex and hippocampus between young and old cows. Western blots showed five bands of α-synuclein, probably reflecting monomer, dimer, and oligomers, in the cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus tissues, and there were significant differences in some bands between young and old cows. Bright-field and polarised light microscopy did not detect obvious amyloid deposition in aged hypothalami; however, higher-sensitive confocal microscopy unveiled strong positive signal of Congo red and α-synuclein in GnRH neurons in aged hypothalami. Additionally, α-synuclein expression was detected in immortalised GnRH neurons, GT1-7 cells. Conclusion Alpha-synuclein was expressed in GnRH neurons, and some differences were observed between young and old hypothalami. Implications Alpha-synuclein may play an important role in aging-related infertility.
Efficiency of the zinc chelator 1,10-phenanthroline for assisted oocyte activation following ICSI in pigs.
Briski O, Cabeza JP, Salamone DF … +2 more , Fernández-Martin R, Gambini A
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Sep · PMID 39270059 · Publisher ↗
Context In vitro embryo production in pigs is an important tool for advancing biomedical research. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) circumvents the polyspermy problems associated with conventional IVF in porcine....
Context In vitro embryo production in pigs is an important tool for advancing biomedical research. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) circumvents the polyspermy problems associated with conventional IVF in porcine. However, the suboptimal efficiency for ICSI in pigs requires new strategies to increase blastocyst formation rates. Aim To investigate novel methods for assisted activation using the zinc chelator 1,10-phenanthroline (PHEN), and to improve embryo developmental competence and quality of ICSI porcine blastocyst. Methods ICSI embryos were treated with PHEN after or before sperm injection, recording pronuclear formation, blastocyst rate and the expression of SMARCA4, OCT4, SOX2 and CDX2. Key results Neither electrical nor PHEN significantly improves pronuclear formation rates before or after ICSI. Following in vitro culture to the blastocyst stage, no significant differences were observed in developmental rates among the groups. Moreover, the use of PHEN did not alter the total cell number or the expression of OCT4, SOX2 and CDX2 in pig ICSI blastocysts. Conclusions Assisted oocyte activation with PHEN does not affect the preimplantation development of ICSI-derived pig embryos. Implications These results hold significance in refining and advancing the application of assisted oocyte activation techniques. They offer insights into addressing fertility issues and propelling advancements in human and animal reproductive medicine.
Spermatology and testis biology - honouring the contributions of James M. Cummins.
Yeste M, Martin GB
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Sep · PMID 39265061 · Publisher ↗
sion="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> RD Reproduction, Fertility and Development Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 1031-3613 1448-5990 CSIRO Publishing 36 Gardiner Road Clayton 3168 Victoria Australia RD24134 10.1071/RD24134 Foreword Dedicat...
sion="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> RD Reproduction, Fertility and Development Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 1031-3613 1448-5990 CSIRO Publishing 36 Gardiner Road Clayton 3168 Victoria Australia RD24134 10.1071/RD24134 Foreword Dedication to Jim Cummins Spermatology and testis biology - honouring the contributions of James M. Cummins M. Yeste and G. B. Martin https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2209-340X Yeste Marc A * https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1905-7934 Martin Graeme B. B Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona , Girona , Spain . Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Western Australia , Stirling Highway , Crawley , WA , Australia . * Correspondence to: Marc Yeste Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain Email: marc.yeste@udg.edu 12 September 2024 36 15 Collection: Dedication to Jim Cummins RD24134 17 August 2024 Received: 17 August 2024 20 August 2024 Accepted: 20 August 2024 12 September 2024 Published: 12 September 2024 © 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). This collection celebrates the important contributions James (Jim) Michael Cummins made to the field of reproductive biology. It covers a variety of topics but with a clear focus on spermatology where Jim's impact, as a scientist and teacher, was most profound. As a core member of the Editorial Board of Reproduction, Fertility and Development , for a series of Editors-in-Chief, he was a font of wisdom for all aspects of the field, including reproductive technology in humans, and acted as a guardian of editorial principles and ethics. This article belongs to the Collection Dedication to Jim Cummins.
High and low performing sires differ in their contributions to early embryonic stress in the bovine.
Fallon L, Lockhart KN, Spencer TE … +1 more , Ortega MS
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Sep · PMID 39265060 · Publisher ↗
Context Sires differ in their ability to produce viable blastocysts, yet our understanding of the cellular mechanisms regulated by the sire during early embryo development is limited. Aims The first aim was to characteri...
Context Sires differ in their ability to produce viable blastocysts, yet our understanding of the cellular mechanisms regulated by the sire during early embryo development is limited. Aims The first aim was to characterise autophagy and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in embryos produced by high and low performing sires under normal and stress culture conditions. The second aim was to evaluate DNA damage and lipid peroxidation as mechanisms that may be impacted by increased cellular stress, specifically oxidative stress. Methods Embryos were produced using four high and four low performing sires based on their ability to produce embryos. Autophagy and ROS were measured throughout development. To evaluate oxidative stress response, autophagy, and ROS were measured in 2-6 cell embryos exposed to heat stress. To understand how cellular stress impacts development, DNA damage and lipid peroxidation were assessed. Key results Under normal conditions, embryos from low performing sires had increased ROS and autophagy. Under heat stress, embryos from low performing sires had increased ROS, yet those from high performing sires had increased autophagy. There was no difference in DNA damage or lipid peroxidation. Conclusions Results suggest that embryos from low performing sires may begin development under increased cellular stress, and autophagy potentially increases to mitigate the impacts of stress. Implications There is potential for improving embryonic competence through selection of sires with lower stress-related markers.
Exploring the impact of seminal anti-PSA antibodies on semen parameters: a comparative study.
Kumar N, Kole L, Deepthi KN … +2 more , Ghose S, Narang R
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Sep · PMID 41121736 · Publisher ↗
CONTEXT: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is important for semen liquefaction and sperm motility. Anti-PSA antibodies may lead to immune infertility. AIMS: The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of seminal...
CONTEXT: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is important for semen liquefaction and sperm motility. Anti-PSA antibodies may lead to immune infertility. AIMS: The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of seminal anti-PSA antibodies on semen parameters in fertile and infertile men. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted on 105 fertile men (≥21-50 years) having biological children (within last 2 years) with normal semen analysis as controls and 105 infertile men with abnormal semen analysis as cases. All semen samples were cryopreserved till 210 samples were collected, followed by estimation of anti-PSA antibodies using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. KEY RESULTS: Mean ± standard deviation (s.d.) age of 210 participants was 30.0 ± 4.65 years. Mean ± s.d. levels of seminal anti-PSA antibodies in infertile men were 27.82 ± 102.19 ng/mL and in fertile men -30.45 ± 49.49 ng/mL (P = 0.001). A significant negative correlation was observed between anti-PSA antibody levels and sperm concentration (P = 0.013), rapid progressive motility (P = 0.001), slow progressive motility (P = 0.006), progressive sperm motility (P = 0.001), and normal morphology (P = 0.001), and significant positive correlation was observed with immotile sperms (P = 0.001). The overall accuracy of anti-PSA antibody for differentiating infertile from fertile men was 63.33%. CONCLUSIONS: Seminal anti-PSA antibodies were significantly correlated with semen parameters in fertile and infertile men with an accuracy of 63.33%. A negative correlation was observed between antibody levels and progressive sperm motility. IMPLICATIONS: Seminal anti-PSA antibodies can be used as a biomarker for male infertility assessment.
Genetic regulation of ovulation rate and multiple births.
Montgomery GW
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Sep · PMID 39222471 · Publisher ↗
Ovulation rate in many mammalian species is controlled to regulate the numbers of offspring and maximise reproductive success. Pathways that regulate ovulation rate still respond to genetic and environmental factors and...
Ovulation rate in many mammalian species is controlled to regulate the numbers of offspring and maximise reproductive success. Pathways that regulate ovulation rate still respond to genetic and environmental factors and show considerable variation within and between species. Genetic segregation, positional cloning, and association studies have discovered numerous mutations and genetic risk factors that contribute to this variation. Notable among the discoveries has been the role of mutations in bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15 ), growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9 ) and bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1B (BMPR1B ) from the intra-ovarian signalling pathway contributing to the evidence that signalling from the oocyte is the key driver in follicle regulation rather than circulating gonadotrophin concentrations. Multiple variants in different domains of BMP15 and GDF9 result in partial or complete loss of function of the proteins providing insights into their functional roles and differential regulation contributing to species differences in ovulation rate. Early success encouraged many more studies in prolific strains of sheep, cattle and goats providing a valuable catalogue of genetic variants of large effect increasing ovulation rate and litter size. More recently, genetic association studies are beginning to identify genetic risk factors with smaller effects. Most genes implicated are from pathways with defined roles in regulation of the ovarian function. However, some genomic regions suggest regulation by novel genes. Continuing genetic and related functional studies will add further to our understanding of the detailed regulation of ovulation rate and litter size with implications for health and animal production systems.
Punicalagin increases follicular activation, development and activity of superoxide dismutase 1, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase 1 in cultured bovine ovarian tissues.
Bezerra VS, Costa FC, Caetano Filho FF … +6 more , Costa JJN, de Lima Neto MF, Furtado CLM, Ceccatto VM, Araújo VR, Silva JRV
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Aug · PMID 39133816 · Publisher ↗
Context The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during in vitro culture of ovarian tissues impairs follicular development and survival. Aims To evaluate the effects of punicalagin on the development and survi...
Context The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during in vitro culture of ovarian tissues impairs follicular development and survival. Aims To evaluate the effects of punicalagin on the development and survival of primordial follicles, stromal cell and collagen fibres, as well as on the levels of mRNA for nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2 ), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1 ), catalase (CAT ), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1 ) and perirredoxin 6 (PRDX6 ), and activity of antioxidant enzymes in cultured bovine ovarian tissues. Methods Bovine ovarian cortical tissues were cultured for 6days in α-MEM+ alone or with 1.0, 10.0, or 100.0μM punicalagin at 38.5°C with 5% CO2 . Follicle morphology and growth, stromal cell density, and collagen fibres were evaluated by classical histology, while the expression of mRNA was evaluated by real-time PCR. The activity of enzymes was analysed by the Bradford method. Key results Punicalagin improved follicle survival and development, reduced mRNA expression for SOD1 and CAT , but did not influence stromal cells or collagen fibres. Punicalagin (10.0μM) increased the levels of thiol and activity of SOD1, CAT , and GPX1 enzymes. Conclusions Punicalagin (10.0μM) promotes follicle survival and development and activates SOD1, CAT , and GPX1 enzymes in bovine ovarian tissues. Implications Punicalagin improves follicle development and survival in cultured ovarian tissues.
Pathogenetic role of a number of factors in the development and progression of preeclampsia with varying severity in pregnant women.
Ismailova I, Zame Y, Akhmedzhanova M … +2 more , Sultanov K, Tanzharykova G
Reprod Fertil Dev · 2024 Aug · PMID 39094012 · Publisher ↗
Context Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy complication, posing significant risks to both the mother and fetus. Predicting and determining the risks of this disease is crucial. Aims This research aims to understand the p...
Context Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy complication, posing significant risks to both the mother and fetus. Predicting and determining the risks of this disease is crucial. Aims This research aims to understand the pathogenetic role of several factors in the development and progression of preeclampsia, particularly in relation to its severity in pregnant patients. Methods The study included 60 pregnant women diagnosed with either mild or severe preeclampsia and 40 healthy pregnant women for comparison. Blood plasma was analysed using biochemical methods, and blood microcirculation parameters were determined to identify homeostatic abnormalities in early preeclampsia. Key results A molecular genetic study revealed the frequency of the endothelial nitric oxide gene eNOSC774T . Homeostatic abnormalities were statistically correlated with polymorphic genotypes of the eNOSC774T gene. Conclusions The research found a correlation between the T774T eNOS genotype mutation and the severity of preeclampsia, alongside significant homeostasis abnormalities in patients. Implications The T774T mutant genotype of the eNOS gene and higher levels of lipid peroxidation products are strongly linked to the severity and progression of preeclampsia. This highlights a significant connection between genetic predisposition and biochemical abnormalities in the disease's development.
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