Reproduction & fertility最新文献

{"title":"GRAPTOPHYLLUM PICTUM (ACANTHACAEA) RELIEVES THE HALLMARKS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS IN AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF WISTAR RAT.","authors":"P M Atsama, S Djiogue, C F Awounfack, D Njamen","doi":"10.1530/RAF-24-0084","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1530/RAF-24-0084","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Current treatments for endometriosis are unsuitable for women who wish to conceive. To verify the supposed beneficial effects of Graptophyllum pictum (G. pictum) on reproductive diseases and inflammation, endometriosis was induced in female Wistar rats using a slightly modified protocol of Mvondo et al. (2017). After verification of successful transplantation (42 days), the animals were co-treated for 7 days with estradiol valerate (E2V; 0.5 mg/kg and the aqueous (GPC) or methanolic (GPM) extracts of G. pictum at doses of 50 and 275 mg/kg. Positive controls received aspirin (3 mg/kg) or letrozole (10 mg/kg). Normal and negative controls received vehicle (distilled water, 10 mL/kg). On day 7, animals were injected with oxytocin 30 minutes before sacrifice to evaluate some dysmenorrhoea-like model parameters. Five animals per group were then sacrificed and the remaining 5 animals were mated with males of proven fertility for 25 days. G. pictum extracts at all doses, significantly (p < 0.001) increased the time of writhing latency, and decreased its frequency and the volume of implant (p < 0.05) at the GPM 50 mg/kg dose. Levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and vascular angiogenic growth factor were reduced (p < 0.001) with all treatments. They also increased (p < 0.05) the serum superoxide dismutase and Glutathione levels and decreased serum nitrite and Malondialdehyde levels. Additionally, the number of Graafian follicles (p < 0.05) and, fertility as well as pregnancy rates were increased with the treatments. G. pictum extracts showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and fertilising effects in Wistar rats with endometriosis.</p><p><strong>Lay summary: </strong>Asymptomatic in some individuals, endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease that causes infertility and severe pelvic pain especially during menstrual periods and sexual intercourse. Higher caesarean rates worldwide, have led to more cases of endometriosis (scars endometriosis). The delay of diagnosis (between 2-13 years), leads to increased misdiagnosis among patients and healthcare costs. There is no cure, but current treatments aim to alleviate spasms and pain by inhibiting estrogen production, and they are therefore unsuitable for women wishing to conceive, since they affect ovulation. Hence, the need to seek medical treatments that do not prevent pregnancy. Apart from its ornamental worth, Graptophyllum pictum also called caricature plant, is traditionally used to relieve pain and treat reproductive disorders. After abdominal auto-transplantation of uterine fragments in rats, water-based and alcohol-based extracts of Graptophyllum pictum promoted fertility by improving menstrual pain, egg development; and reducing cell damage and inflammation, which contribute to the progression of endometriosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":101312,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction & fertility","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144762966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Filamin A in the ovary: a mediator of granulosa cell functions.","authors":"Jiang Yuhao, Karolina M Caban, Jan B Stöckl, Thomas Fröhlich, Gregory A Dissen, Dieter Berg, Ulrike Berg, Artur Mayerhofer, Annette Müller-Taubenberger, Harald Welter","doi":"10.1530/RAF-25-0013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1530/RAF-25-0013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Filamin A (FLNA) regulates the mechanical properties and shape of cells by cross-linking actin filaments orthogonally. It also serves as a scaffold for numerous interacting proteins, thereby coordinating cell differentiation and morphogenesis. The role of FLNA in the human ovary is unknown. Immunohistochemistry indicated its expression in granulosa cells (GC) and oocytes in human and nonhuman primate ovaries. Studies in cultured human GC and KGN granulosa tumor cells showed that FLNA colocalizes with actin filaments, as expected. Forskolin decreased FLNA transcript and protein levels, and caused a loss of filamentous FLNA and actin staining. In GC, this was accompanied by a pronounced change in cell shape and a massive mRNA increase in steroidogenic enzymes. Further putative interaction partners of FLNA were identified by immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry. Cytoskeleton-associated proteins (e.g. FLNB and plectin), but also unexpected proteins (e.g. major vault protein and mitochondrial stress-70 protein) were found in both cellular models, while e.g. cholesterol monooxygenase and gap junction α-1 were exclusively enriched in GC. Immunofluorescence revealed that plectin, one of the interaction partners identified in KGN cells, colocalized with FLNA. A siRNA-mediated knockdown of FLNA in KGN cells led to an increase in cell size, supporting a role in the regulation of the cytoskeleton. These studies demonstrate the widespread expression of FLNA in human ovarian cells in situ, provide insight into its regulation, and identify its potential interaction partners. Our data indicate that FLNA has specific roles in GC in regulating cytoskeletal activities including cell size and steroidogenic competence.</p><p><strong>Lay summary: </strong>The ovary produces hormones and egg cells. Eggs are enclosed in cellular spheres, called follicles, and are nursed by the cells around them (granulosa cells). Follicles increase in size and then acquire the ability to produce hormones. How this is regulated in an orderly way in women is not fully known and involves the interaction of many players. We describe an as yet unknown player, filamin A. While many roles for filamin A have been described in other organs, such roles in the ovary were unknown. We therefore studied isolated human granulosa cells and granulosa tumor cells. We examined how filamin A is regulated and found that filamin A has specific roles in granulosa cell maturation and initiation of their hormone-producing function.</p>","PeriodicalId":101312,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction & fertility","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144755579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Future Use of AI to Improve Accessibility of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.","authors":"Gerardo Mendizabal-Ruiz, Omar Paredes, Ernesto Borrayo, Alejandro Chavez-Badiola","doi":"10.1530/RAF-24-0077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1530/RAF-24-0077","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Abstract: &lt;/strong&gt;People in low- and middle-income countries face many obstacles when trying to access fertility treatments. These challenges include high costs, the need for specialized medical facilities, and cultural beliefs that may discourage seeking help. This paper explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation could help overcome some of these barriers and make fertility treatments more widely available. It examines how AI may improve the accuracy, efficiency, and consistency of different steps in fertility treatments, such as choosing the healthiest embryos, analyzing sperm, evaluating eggs, and planning treatment. The paper also discusses how automation could simplify laboratory procedures, from growing embryos and freezing them for future use to the possibility of fully automating the IVF process, which could help lower costs and make these treatments more accessible. Finally, this paper addresses the ethical and practical challenges associated with using these technologies, including potential biases in AI, equitable access, quality control, data privacy, job implications, and cultural sensitivities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Lay summary: &lt;/strong&gt;This paper explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation could help make fertility treatments more accessible in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Many individuals and couples face difficulties conceiving, and assisted reproductive technology (ART)-which includes procedures like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF)-offers them a chance to build a family. However, ART is often out of reach in LMICs due to high costs, the need for specialized medical facilities, and cultural barriers. AI and automation have the potential to improve accuracy, efficiency, and consistency in ART procedures, such as embryo selection, sperm and egg assessment, and treatment planning. Automation could also streamline laboratory processes, including embryo culture and freezing, which may eventually lead to more affordable and scalable fertility treatments. By reducing human error and dependence on highly trained specialists, AI-driven technologies could help lower costs and make ART available to more people. This paper also considers the ethical and practical challenges of using AI in reproductive medicine, including potential biases in AI algorithms, fairness in access to treatment, data privacy, workforce impact, and cultural sensitivities. Fertility treatments can be life-changing for those struggling with infertility due to medical conditions, age, or personal circumstances. They also provide opportunities for same-sex couples and individuals who want to start a family. However, in LMICs, infertility is often surrounded by social stigma, economic hardship, and limited medical resources, making access to ART even more difficult. By integrating AI and automation into reproductive medicine, it may be possible to break down these barriers, reduce costs, and cre","PeriodicalId":101312,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction & fertility","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144746727","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of organotypic or three-dimensional systems with basic fibroblast growth factor for in vitro culture of immature collared peccary testicle.","authors":"Ana Glória Pereira, Andréia Maria da Silva, Luana Grasiele Pereira Bezerra, Joana Letícia Cottin de Albuquerque, Gabriel Santos Costa Bezerra, Alexsandra Fernandes Pereira, Carlos Eduardo Bezerra de Moura, Pierre Comizzoli, Alexandre Rodrigues Silva","doi":"10.1530/RAF-25-0026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1530/RAF-25-0026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>The objective was to evaluate the effects of different culture systems and the addition of Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) during in vitro culture (IVC) of testicular tissue fragments from prepubertal collared peccaries. Testes from 5 individuals were collected, dissected, and cultured for up to 56 days (34°C and 5% CO2) in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented or not with FGF at 10 ng/mL, in organotypic (ORG) or 3D system culture. Samples were evaluated every 14 days for histomorphology, cell viability, DNA integrity, and proliferative activity. Overall, the ORG system without FGF addition was the best to preserve testicular fragment histomorphology, viability, and DNA integrity during in vitro culture. However, the 3D system, regardless of the presence of FGF, impaired the DNA integrity of testicular cells in all culture periods analyzed. Regarding cell proliferation, at 14 days the ORG group without addition of FGF showed a percentage of ki-67 positive cells indicative of proliferation similar to the non-cultured group, while the other treatments reduced proliferation. However, at 28 days a reduction in proliferation was observed in this same group and an increase in proliferation in the others. Cell proliferation was reduced in all groups at 42 days (P < 0.05). In summary, we suggest the use of the organotypic system for long-term culture of testicular fragments of prepubertal collared peccaries. Additionally, FGF supplementation to the culture medium does not seem to be essential.</p><p><strong>Lay summary: </strong>Animals do not produce sperm cells before puberty. However, in case of unexpected death of young individuals carrying critical genes for the diversity and sustainability of an animal population, sperm cells can be obtained by recovering and culturing tissue from the testes in proper laboratory conditions. Resulting sperm cells can then be used to produce embryos using IVF methods. The goal of the present work was to find the best culture conditions to keep pieces of testicular tissue alive for extended periods of time using the collard peccary as a model. Two different methods were tested. The first approach was to place a piece of tissue on the top of a gel which was rich in nutrients similar to the natural supply to the tissue. This method is called organotypic culture. The second approach was to recreate a more natural environment by embedding the tissue inside the gel, which is known as 3D culture. Overall, the organotypic culture was the best way to keep the tissues alive for 56 days. This is a major step forward to allow the production of sperm cells from peccaries in the laboratory.</p>","PeriodicalId":101312,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction & fertility","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144755580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The stem bark decoction of Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv. (Cecropiaceae) shows anti-uterine leiomyoma effects in Wistar rat.","authors":"Sylvin Benjamin Ateba, Lauriane Francoise Chantal Engome Mbella, Judith Caroline Ngo Nyobe, Charline Florence Awounfack, Chelsa Jolivette Nanfah Voutsop, Perpetue Mbede Atsama, Christine Benderli Nana, Gisèle Etame-Loé, Alain Bertrand Dongmo, Dieudonné Njamen","doi":"10.1530/RAF-25-0037","DOIUrl":"10.1530/RAF-25-0037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Graphical abstract: </strong></p><p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Over the past 30 years, the number of new cases of uterine leiomyomas (UL) in women of reproductive age has increased by 67.14% worldwide. The limitations of the current therapeutic options have led to the search for alternatives. Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv., used for infertility and tumors, has never been tested for UL. In the present study, the decoction of its stem bark was evaluated in a model of UL induced in female Wistar rats. Animals were treated once daily by gavage for 30 days. Normal control and model groups received distilled water, positive groups received mifepristone (5.2 mg/kg) and the remaining three groups were treated with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg M. arboreus extract, respectively. Compared to the model group, the extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg reduced the E2B- and progesterone-induced uterine horn asymmetry and thickening, and the relative uterine weight and diameter; myometrial thickness; and collagen density (at 100 and 200 mg/kg). Regarding cytokines, the extract decreased the uterine levels of TGF-β1 and VEGF (at 100 and 200 mg/kg) and TNF-α (at all doses tested). It also decreased the serum levels of estradiol (at 100 and 200 mg/kg). Despite positive trend in reducing oxidative damage (decreased MDA at 50 mg/kg, increased catalase activity at all tested doses, and increased GSH at 100 mg/kg), the level of oxidative stress is still elevated. By attenuating key cellular events involved in the growth and development of UL, such as inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis, Myrianthus arboreus may be a promising option for UL treatment and management.</p><p><strong>Lay summary: </strong>Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that originate from the smooth muscular wall of the uterus. They may cause severe symptoms, such as chronic pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, painful intercourse, frequent urination, back pain and obstetric complications (embryo implantation failure, fetal growth restriction, miscarriages, preterm delivery, and fertility impairment). The exact cause is not known, but hormonal changes may play an important role. Treatment options depend on the symptoms and desire to preserve the uterus, and may include medication, minimally invasive procedures and surgery. Their associated risks and limitations fuel searching for conservative alternatives. This study investigates the anti-uterine fibroid potential of the giant yellow mulberry (Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv.) in rat. Consuming boiled M. arboreus stem bark in water reduced uterine wall thickness, inflammation, and collagen deposition, and increased the ability of the uterus to fight cell damage. Thus, this extract may prevent or shrink uterine fibroids by reducing uterine swelling, fibrosis and excessive cell growth.</p>","PeriodicalId":101312,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction & fertility","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12308640/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144586057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Regulatory mechanism of ghrelin on testosterone secretion in type 1 diabetic rats.","authors":"Chien-Chen Lu, Chia-Hsin Chang, Jou-Chun Chou, Po-Ling Yu, Paulus S Wang","doi":"10.1530/RAF-24-0087","DOIUrl":"10.1530/RAF-24-0087","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Ghrelin, which is a hormone composed of 28 amino acids that is mainly produced in the stomach, is also secreted by Leydig cells in the testes of rats and humans. The hypothalamus regulates testosterone secretion by releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH). LH then prompts the testes to produce testosterone via the activity of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). Consequently, ghrelin may play a regulatory role in gonadal function. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: the control, ghrelin-treated, diabetic, and diabetic plus ghrelin treatment groups. After the rats were sacrificed, plasma samples were collected. Leydig cells were isolated and cultured with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, which is similar to LH and is used to stimulate Leydig cells to synthesize testosterone), 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP, which is an activator of cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase), or forskolin (an activator of adenylyl cyclase in a wide variety of cell types). Compared with normal treatment, ghrelin treatment in diabetic rats markedly increased plasma testosterone levels by 3.75-fold (P < 0.05), Leydig cell testosterone secretion by 2.8-fold (P < 0.05), GnRH-mediated LH release from the anterior pituitary by 2.95-fold (P < 0.05), and StAR expression by 1.96-fold (P < 0.05) in testicular Leydig cells. These findings indicated that ghrelin enhanced testosterone production in diabetic rats, which was partially achieved by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and StAR. This study emphasized the potential use of ghrelin as a treatment for improving testosterone levels and gonadal function in individuals with diabetes.</p><p><strong>Lay summary: </strong>This study explored how a hormone known as ghrelin (which is mainly produced in the stomach) may help in regulating testosterone levels. Researchers examined male rats in four groups, including diabetic rats treated with ghrelin, and discovered that ghrelin increased testosterone production in diabetic rats by improving the communication between the brain, pituitary gland, and testes. This hormone also helped specific cells in the testes to function more effectively. The diabetic rats treated with ghrelin exhibited notable increases in testosterone levels and improved hormone function. These findings suggest that ghrelin could potentially help to address hormonal imbalances related to diabetes and improve reproductive health. This research highlights the potential benefits of ghrelin in addressing hormonal imbalances.</p>","PeriodicalId":101312,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction & fertility","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12281626/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144556371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Live birth rates in natural compared to artificial frozen blastocyst transfer cycles.","authors":"Romana Dmitrovic, Maja Banovic, Karolina Poljak Panic, Sanja Vujisic","doi":"10.1530/RAF-24-0104","DOIUrl":"10.1530/RAF-24-0104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Debate persists regarding the optimal endometrial preparation model for frozen embryo transfer (FET). Among the various approaches, the natural cycle and artificially programmed cycles are commonly employed. However, no established guidelines currently recommend a preferred method. The aim of the present study was to compare live birth rates after FET in natural cycle versus artificial cycle endometrial preparation in a non-selected, real-life population. This retrospective study included patients from a single centre who underwent vitrified-thawed blastocyst transfer between January 2016 and April 2023. In the natural cycle FET group, no medication was used, and the transfer date was determined by luteinising hormone ovulation test results. In the artificial cycle FET group, patients received oestradiol and progesterone tablets. A total of 905 cycles were analysed, which included 164 NC-FET cycles and 741 AC-FET cycles. From the 295 live births, there were a total of 320 neonates, with multiple gestations occurring in 8% of cases. The live birth rates were significantly higher in the NC-FET group at 43%, compared to 30% in the AC-FET group (P = 0.001). The AC-FET group also experienced higher rates of biochemical pregnancies and spontaneous abortions. However, when adjusting for confounding variables in multivariate analysis, the type of FET was not found to be an independent predictor of live birth.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings suggest that while NC-FET is associated with higher live birth rates, other factors such as patient characteristics also play a significant role in these differences. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these results.</p>","PeriodicalId":101312,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction & fertility","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12257601/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144556370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"FERTILITY CARE IN LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES: Public sector access to medically assisted reproduction in South Africa: a case study.","authors":"Gerhardus Marthinus Boshoff, Willem Ombelet, Carin Huyser","doi":"10.1530/RAF-24-0072","DOIUrl":"10.1530/RAF-24-0072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>In South Africa, approximately 10% of the calculated need for medically assisted reproduction is being met due to limited access and unequal availability of these services. To facilitate understanding of challenges associated with access to assisted reproduction, a retrospective case study spanning 6 years was performed at one public sector hospital in South Africa offering these services. Demographic profiles, including income, region of residency and access to medical insurance, of patients seeking assistance to become pregnant were investigated. Patients were categorised as those who underwent diagnostic investigations only vs those who returned for therapeutic procedures, and the difference in demographic profiles between the two groups was determined. This investigation showed that patients from the lower-income classification group, without medical insurance, tend to return for therapeutic procedures less often than those with a higher income and medical insurance, even though these low-income patients qualify for a therapeutic procedure subsidy. An inverse relationship existed where patient numbers decreased as their travel distance increased, but patients who were required to travel further for assisted reproductive therapy tended to return for these procedures more often than patients who resided closer to the medical facility. In conclusion, access to medically assisted reproduction facilities is critically undersupplied and limited in the region. In order to ease the travel distance of patients, alternative primary diagnostic routes with accessible clinics are needed. In addition, costs of therapeutic procedures in the public sector should be re-evaluated to be offered at affordable rates for marginalised patients.</p><p><strong>Lay summary: </strong>In South Africa, about 10% of patients who need assistance to become pregnant are being helped. To better understand this phenomenon, researchers considered information about patients from a public sector hospital in South Africa. This includes how much money the patients earned, how far they travelled to the hospital and whether they had medical insurance. The patients were grouped into those who requested initial investigations but never returned for treatments, and those who returned for medical treatment. The differences between these groups were then evaluated. The research showed that people with less money tend to abandon further treatment more often, or take longer to return, than those with more money. The conclusion drawn is that assisted reproductive therapy is too expensive and that more IVF clinics are needed, using cheaper and simpler procedures of the same quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":101312,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction & fertility","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12257605/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144334765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Key biochemical pathways during pregnancy in livestock: mechanisms regulating uterine and placental development and function.","authors":"Katherine M Halloran, Claire Stenhouse","doi":"10.1530/RAF-25-0056","DOIUrl":"10.1530/RAF-25-0056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Development and function of the uterus and placenta are essential for a successful pregnancy, particularly in livestock species where reproductive efficiency is economically important. Several metabolic pathways play critical roles in uterine and placental function during pregnancy by supporting processes important for cellular function and proliferation, as well as conceptus growth and development. Among these, one-carbon metabolism, the pentose cycle, serine biosynthesis (serinogenesis), and polyamine metabolism have emerged as key metabolic pathways contributing to uterine and placental function that enhance conceptus growth. These pathways are not only regulated by maternal plane of nutrition but also by stage of the estrous cycle or day of gestation, implying that circulating steroid hormones may influence metabolism through these pathways. This review first discusses the development of the female reproductive system and the placenta, focusing on sheep, cattle, and pigs. We then highlight what is currently known regarding key metabolic pathways in the uterus and placenta of these species and where knowledge gaps still exist. Improving our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate the metabolism of key nutrients provides a basis for nutritional or hormonal interventions that can potentially improve pregnancy success and conceptus development in livestock species.</p><p><strong>Lay summary: </strong>Key nutrients are essential for a successful pregnancy. These nutrients are processed through several important pathways that support the growth and function of the uterus and placenta. Understanding the impacts of these pathways may help improve pregnancy outcomes in farm animals. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the impact of maternal nutrition and hormonal status on key pathways for the development and function of the uterus and placenta.</p>","PeriodicalId":101312,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction & fertility","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12243100/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144500029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Endocrine profile and OPU-ICSI outcomes in mares: a comparative study.","authors":"Dragos Scarlet, Gerhard Schuler, Eleni Malama, Heinrich Bollwein, Carlotta Bocci, Silvia Colleoni, Giovanna Lazzari, Cesare Galli, Mariusz Pawel Kowalewski","doi":"10.1530/RAF-25-0027","DOIUrl":"10.1530/RAF-25-0027","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Despite recent improvements in equine ovum pick-up (OPU) combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), there is still significant inter-individual variability. In this study, serum concentrations of the oocyte-secreted factors growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), as well as the GDF9/BMP15 complex, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), progesterone (P4), and free and conjugated estradiol-17β (E2), were determined in 59 mares (3-24 years) at the time of OPU. Mares were classified retrospectively, based on the number of embryos obtained, into low or high outcome groups, using two or three embryos as the threshold values. Results of OPU-ICSI were not affected by the mare's age, body condition score, cycle stage, number of aspirated follicles, number of recovered oocytes, or the recovery rate (P > 0.05 in all cases). Mares with <2 or ≥2 embryos had similar hormone levels (P > 0.05 in all cases), but there was a >90% likelihood of obtaining ≥2 embryos per session when P4 and E2 concentrations were considered simultaneously. Mares with ≥3 embryos/session had lower P4 and higher AMH (P < 0.05 in both cases). GDF9 and BMP15 were detectable in 14 and 12% of mares, respectively, while the GDF9/BMP15 complex was detected in 93% of mares, with no correlation to other factors. In conclusion, these preliminary findings suggest a negative correlation between high P4 levels and OPU-ICSI outcome in horses.</p><p><strong>Lay summary: </strong>We analyzed the relationship between the hormone profiles of mares at the time of egg collection and the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), as ICSI success often varies significantly between individuals. There were no differences in the hormone profiles of mares producing fewer than two or two or more embryos. However, mares with three or more embryos/session showed significant differences in their hormone profiles compared to those producing fewer than three embryos/session. These changes were mainly related to steroid hormones produced by the ovary, such as progesterone and estradiol, and to the concentration of AMH. Our results suggest a possible influence of the hormone profile of the mare on the number of embryos obtained.</p>","PeriodicalId":101312,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction & fertility","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12231760/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144334764","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}