Journal of Ovarian Research最新文献

{"title":"The impact of COVID-19 infection on ART outcomes: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Ruiqi Wang, Yaqi Lin, Lixue Chen, Tian Tian, Hongping Wu, Rui Yang, Rong Li, Ping Liu, Jie Qiao","doi":"10.1186/s13048-025-01749-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13048-025-01749-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This multicenter retrospective study examines the impact of female COVID-19 infection on assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes, including clinical pregnancy rates, miscarriage rates, and live birth rates, and further evaluated potential influencing factors associated with these outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Our multicenter retrospective cohort study analyzed 10,140 cycles (2021-2023) from 10 Beijing ART centers, comparing 4,099 cycles from COVID-19-positive women with 6,041 age-matched (1:1.5) COVID-negative controls (pre-pandemic). Outcomes included pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth rates, analyzed via logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In our study, maternal COVID-19 infection showed no significant association with ART outcomes, including clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth. However, subtle differences were still observed. Among women with prior COVID-19 infection, compared to those with transfers ≥ 90 days post-infection (16.1%), miscarriage rates were significantly higher in the < 30 days (20.5%, p = 0.055) and 30-60 days (20.4%, p = 0.032) groups, whereas no increase was observed in the 60-90 days group (15.3%, p = 0.912). Additionally, advanced maternal age and elevated FSH levels (> 10 mIU/mL) were associated with diminished clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. What's more, maternal COVID-19 symptoms and medication use did not significantly affect ART treatment outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our results suggest that while maternal COVID-19 infection does not clearly affect overall ART outcomes, embryo transfer within 60 days may increase miscarriage risk. This provides useful guidance for timing treatment during COVID-19 and future public health emergencies.</p><p><strong>In brief: </strong>Our study found that while a history of the female partner's COVID-19 infection does not significantly impact ART outcomes, miscarriage rates are higher when embryo transfer occurs within 60 days post-infection. We recommend waiting at least 60 days after infection to minimize miscarriage risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":16610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ovarian Research","volume":"18 1","pages":"156"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12272987/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144667820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spontaneous ovulation, hormonal profiles, and the impact of progesterone timing variation on outcomes in natural proliferative phase frozen embryo transfer cycles with single euploid blastocyst transfer.","authors":"Ting-Chi Huang, William Hao-Yu Lee, Mei-Zen Huang, Kuan-Hao Tsui, Chuang-Yen Huang, Gwo-Jang Wu, Mei-Jou Chen, Jehm-Hsiahn Yang, Shee-Uan Chen, Jiann-Loung Hwang, Fung-Wei Chang","doi":"10.1186/s13048-025-01742-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13048-025-01742-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Natural cycle frozen embryo transfer (NC-FET) lowers obstetric risks by preserving ovulation and corpus luteum but limits scheduling flexibility. Natural proliferative phase FET (NPP-FET) offers a scheduling-friendly alternative, assuming ovulation is maintained after flexible progesterone (P4) initiation during the follicular phase. Only three peer-reviewed studies have investigated NPP-FET protocols, yet none verified spontaneous ovulation, characterized hormonal dynamics, or evaluated whether variation in P4 initiation timing influences clinical outcomes. Preserving spontaneous ovulation is essential for NPP-FET to replicate the physiologic benefits of NC-FET; confirming its consistency is critical to validating NPP-FET as a viable protocol. To our knowledge, this is the first study to comprehensively address these gaps, providing novel evidence to support NPP-FET's clinical feasibility.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study included 196 first-time NPP-FET cycles with single euploid blastocyst transfers between January 2023 and October 2024. Dydrogesterone (40 mg/day) was initiated upon meeting the following criteria: leading follicle ≥ 14 mm, endometrial thickness ≥ 7 mm, serum estradiol > 150 pg/mL, and P4 < 1.5 ng/mL. Ultrasound and hormonal monitoring continued until ultrasound-documented ovulation (UDO), followed by three days of hormone assessments. Ovulation was confirmed by UDO and serum P4 > 3.0 ng/mL. Embryo transfer occurred on day 6 of dydrogesterone exposure. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated associations between pregnancy outcomes and P4 timing-related variables, including follicular phase duration, estradiol and follicular diameter at P4 initiation, P4 start-to-UDO interval, UDO-to-FET interval, and serum P4 on FET day.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Spontaneous ovulation was confirmed in all participants. Median follicular diameter one day before UDO was 18.6 mm. UDO occurred within 1-2 days in 96.4% and 92.2% of cases based on two LH surge criteria. Peri-ovulatory hormone profiles resembled natural cycles. Clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, and clinical loss rates were 66.3%, 58.7%, and 11.5%, respectively. Embryo morphology and biopsy day predicted pregnancy outcomes, while P4 timing-related variables showed no association.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Flexible dydrogesterone initiation at follicular diameters ≥ 14 mm, based on predefined criteria, preserves spontaneous ovulation and natural hormonal dynamics. Pregnancy outcomes were consistent across P4 initiation timings, supporting NPP-FET as a clinically viable, physiologically grounded, and scheduling-friendly protocol.</p>","PeriodicalId":16610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ovarian Research","volume":"18 1","pages":"154"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12273475/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144659473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"circVEGFA inhibits apoptosis in porcine ovarian granulosa cells by binding to miR-21-3p and up-regulating TMX4 expression.","authors":"Xinxin Qin, Jinbi Zhang, Chao Yin, Fan Li, Wenjie Li, Xiaolong Cheng, Xing Du, Qifa Li, Zengxiang Pan","doi":"10.1186/s13048-025-01738-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13048-025-01738-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Follicular atresia is a major determinant of ovarian failure in multiparous sows. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play an important role in the regulatory mechanisms controlling apoptosis within ovarian granulosa cells (GCs).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The circular structure of circVEGFA was validated by RNase R and actinomycin D treatments. The function of circVEGFA during apoptosis in GCs was investigated by si-RNA transfection. Furthermore, competitive binding of circVEGFA and TMX4 to miR-21-3p was confirmed by a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and co-transfection with their inhibitors or siRNA.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, we present a novel circular RNA (circRNA), circVEGFA, which shows significantly reduced expression in atretic follicles (AFs) compared to healthy follicles (HFs).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study demonstrates that circVEGFA increases TMX4 expression and inhibits apoptosis in GCs through competitive binding to miR-21-3p. This study contributes to the understanding of circRNA regulation after follicular atresia.</p>","PeriodicalId":16610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ovarian Research","volume":"18 1","pages":"155"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12273050/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144659472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The roles of MAPK signaling pathway in ovarian folliculogenesis.","authors":"Hong Zhao, Trang Huyen Dinh, Yifu Wang, Yihua Yang","doi":"10.1186/s13048-025-01737-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13048-025-01737-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ovarian folliculogenesis is a complex biological process critical for female fertility, intricately regulated by various signaling pathways, among which the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological functions of MAPK signaling in key stages of folliculogenesis, including primordial follicle formation and activation, dominant follicle selection, cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) expansion, ovulation, and luteinization. The orchestrating roles of MAPK on steroidogenesis and ovarian cell death are also delineated, highlighting its essential contributions to normal reproductive function. Furthermore, we explore the implications of dysregulated MAPK signaling in ovarian aging, primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). By elucidating the multifaceted roles of MAPK signaling in ovarian biology, this review aims to enhance our understanding of folliculogenesis and its associated pathologies, paving the way for future research and therapeutic interventions targeting MAPK pathways in reproductive health. Clinical trial number Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":16610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ovarian Research","volume":"18 1","pages":"152"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12257798/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144637318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Targeting the oncoprotein RLIP as novel therapy for ovarian cancer.","authors":"B Madhu Krishna, Pankaj Garg, Prakash Kulkarni, David Horne, Ravi Salgia, Sharad S Singhal","doi":"10.1186/s13048-025-01740-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13048-025-01740-0","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ovarian Research","volume":"18 1","pages":"150"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255007/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144618554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"BFGF mitigates CTX-induced ovarian cytotoxicity via SERPINE1/HIF-1 and Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathways.","authors":"Yao Li, Lin Zhang, Hongqing Lv, Chenxuan Mei, Min Hu","doi":"10.1186/s13048-025-01736-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13048-025-01736-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage is a significant concern for female cancer patients, often resulting in infertility, hormonal imbalance, and premature ovarian failure. Cyclophosphamide (CTX), a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, is highly effective against tumors but causes severe ovarian cytotoxicity. This study explores the protective effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF) and its underlying mechanisms in mitigating CTX-induced ovarian damage. BFGF treatment significantly enhanced cell viability, reduced apoptosis, and restored mitochondrial membrane potential in CTX-treated ovarian cells. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that BFGF activated the SERPINE1/HIF-1 signaling pathway, promoting angiogenesis, reducing apoptotic signaling, and enhancing cell cycle progression by upregulating Cyclin D1 and CDK4. Additionally, BFGF activated the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway, boosting cellular defenses against oxidative stress and mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction. Functional studies confirmed that the inhibition of SERPINE1 or BFGF abrogated these protective effects, underscoring the critical roles of these pathways. These findings demonstrate that BFGF protects ovarian cells from CTX-induced damage by modulating the Serpin Family E Member 1 (SERPINE1)/Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) and Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2)/Heme Oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathways, reducing apoptosis, and enhancing cell survival, providing a promising foundation for developing BFGF-based therapies to preserve ovarian function and fertility in female cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":16610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ovarian Research","volume":"18 1","pages":"151"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255075/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144618642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Late bedtime was associated with increased androgen and reduced lean mass in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Yuqin Zhang, Min Zhang, Meili Cai, Xiaowen Shao, Diliqingna Dilimulati, Jiayi Lu, Cuiling Zhu, Haibing Chen, Changbin Li, Shen Qu, Manna Zhang","doi":"10.1186/s13048-025-01730-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13048-025-01730-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>While the specific effects of bedtime on androgen levels and lean muscle mass remain understudied, circadian misalignment and sleep disturbances have been well-established as risk factors for various metabolic disorders. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between bedtime, androgen-associated traits, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)-based lean mass (LM) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study recruited 899 reproductive-aged women with PCOS from the PCOS subspecialty clinic at Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and finally, 636 women were included in the study. Anthropometric, metabolic, sex and reproductive hormonal characteristics, and body fat and lean composition measured by DEXA were collected. The information on bedtime was adapted from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and bedtime was categorized into three aspects: early bedtime (≤ 23:00), intermediate bedtime (> 23:00 to 24:00), and late bedtime (> 24:00) according to the time of falling asleep.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 636 women with PCOS (mean age 27.50 ± 4.93 years; mean body mass index [BMI] 25.00 ± 5.46 kg/m²), with 24.4% having early bedtime (≤ 23:00), 36.8% intermediate bedtime (> 23:00 to 24:00), and 38.8% late bedtime (> 24:00). After adjusting for age in covariance analysis, the late bedtime group had fewer annual menstrual cycles and higher total testosterone (TT), and the intermediate bedtime group had higher anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) than the early bedtime group. Compared with the early and intermediate bedtime groups, those with late bedtime had higher androstenedione (AD) levels. After controlling possible confounding factors (age, BMI, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, alanine aminotransferase, triglyceride, and serum uric acid), multiple liner regression analysis found that compared with early bedtime, late bedtime was independently associated with higher levels of TT and AD, meanwhile, intermediate bedtime was independently associated with higher levels of AMH. Following further adjustment for the above confounders and TT, late bedtime was independently correlated to reduced muscle mass index and appendicular muscle mass index compared with early bedtime.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provided novel insight that late bedtime (after 24:00) was independently related to elevated androgenic hormones and reduced LM in individuals with PCOS.</p>","PeriodicalId":16610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ovarian Research","volume":"18 1","pages":"148"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12247343/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144618552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Salvia miltiorrhiza extract ameliorated ovarian damage induced by cyclophosphamide in mice by multidimensional mechanisms.","authors":"Lin Zhou, Hua-Lin Bai, Ling-Juan Wang, Juan Xiao, Yi Liu, Ji-Hui Ai, Ke-Zhen Li, Ding Ma, Yingyan Han","doi":"10.1186/s13048-025-01727-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13048-025-01727-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Cyclophosphamide (CTX) can result in particularly severe ovarian damage by the broad range of damaging mechanisms, yet now single compounds struggle to provide comprehensive protection against CTX-induced ovarian damage. Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (SM), as the traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) with multi-component nature, offers hope for prevention and treatment against multi-mechanistic drugs causing ovarian damage. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of SM on ovarian hypofunction induced by CTX and explore its underlying mechanisms in mice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge with a final concentration of 1.33 g/mL was administrated daily by gavage in mice with tumor xenografts and/or CTX intraperitoneal intervention. The subcutaneous xenograft tumor volume of each mouse was recorded and calculated every 3 days by measuring its width and length. After drug administration, estrous cycle was monitored and follicle counting was performed by H&E staining, as well as ELISA assays for serum hormone and mating experiment for fertility assessment. The apoptosis inhibition, antioxidant capacity, vascular protective and anti-fibrotic effects of SM was respectively evaluated by TUNEL staining, ROS, DPPH scavenging and antioxidant enzymes assays, vascular morphological observation, masson staining, as well as immunofluorescence staining and western blotting for the related-protein expression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SM didn't affect the anti-cancer efficacy of CTX and tumor growth rate in vivo. After SM administration for 41 days, the dropped body weight and decreased ovarian index caused by CTX gained obviously, the disturbed estrus cycle was markedly restored, a significant increase emerged in the levels of AMH and E₂ and a significant decrease appeared synchronously in FSH levels, a significant increase in primordial follicles and a corresponding decrease in atretic follicles was showed with the same increasing trend in the primary follicles, secondary follicles and antral follicles. Our results also showed that CTX could lead to pregnancy rate decreased, especially the average stillbirth rate raised obviously, both of which could be improved by SM, but without effect on the average litter size and body weight of alive pups. In-depth research showed that SM could effectively attenuate CTX-induced granulosa cells apoptosis to a certain extent by blocking the activation of the apoptotic proteins, also alleviate oxidative stress damage caused by CTX through its anti-oxidative stress ability, even reverse CTX-induced ovarian vascular occlusion and alleviate ovarian tissue fibrosis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings verified that SM could significantly reduce primordial follicle (PMF) loss and follicular atresia, and ameliorate CTX-induced ovarian dysfunction and poor fertility, but didn't affect the anti-tumor effect of CTX an","PeriodicalId":16610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ovarian Research","volume":"18 1","pages":"149"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12247317/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144618553","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular, cellular, biochemical, and rehabilitative insights into exercise interventions for gynecological cancer prevention and survivorship: a narrative review.","authors":"Yubing Wang, Melika Malek","doi":"10.1186/s13048-025-01725-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13048-025-01725-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review paper investigated existing literature on the relationship between physical activity, exercise, and gynecological cancers, focusing on ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. Epidemiological studies consistently demonstrate an inverse association between physical activity levels and the risk of developing gynecological cancers, as well as improved survival outcomes among cancer survivors engaging in regular exercise. Mechanistic insights suggest that physical activity and exercise may modulate key pathways involved in carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and treatment response, offering promising avenues for preventive and adjunctive therapeutic interventions. However, despite a growing body of research in exercise oncology, there is a lack of disease-specific synthesis addressing how exercise can be tailored to the distinct pathophysiological, treatment-related, and psychosocial challenges of gynecological cancers. Current guidelines often generalize exercise recommendations across all cancer types, overlooking the unique symptom burdens, such as pelvic floor dysfunction, sarcopenia, and menopausal symptoms, specific to gynecologic malignancies. This review addresses this gap by examining the evidence base for exercise in ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers, with an emphasis on mechanistic, clinical, and rehabilitative dimensions. By integrating epidemiological findings with preclinical and intervention data, this work aims to establish a gynecologic-specific framework for exercise prescription. This review underscores the importance of multidisciplinary research efforts to optimize lifestyle interventions, inform evidence-based guidelines, and improve outcomes for individuals affected by gynecological cancers.</p>","PeriodicalId":16610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ovarian Research","volume":"18 1","pages":"147"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12228313/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144567492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of aqueous Stevia rebaudiana extract and clomiphene citrate on the expression of GDF9, PTEN, BMP15 genes, and antioxidant levels in a letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome model in Wistar rats.","authors":"Alireza Saedi, Mehdi Mahmoodi, Reza Hosseiniara, Mahboubeh Vatanparast, Amir Hossein Fatehi Marj, Javad Paran Nejad, Moein Moradi, Sadegh Zarei","doi":"10.1186/s13048-025-01719-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13048-025-01719-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigates the individual and combined effects of aqueous Stevia rebaudiana extract (SAE) and clomiphene citrate (Clom) on the expression of key ovarian regulatory genes -growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15)- as well as on antioxidant enzyme activities in a letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) model in adult female Wistar rats. The estrous cycles of 50 rats were monitored and randomly divided into five groups of 10 rats each. The control group received carboxymethyl cellulose, while the remaining groups were administered letrozole (1 mg/kg) for 21 days to induce PCOS. From day 22 onward, the treatment groups received SAE (400 mg/kg), Clom (100 mg/kg), or their combination for 28 days. Gene expression levels of GDF9, BMP15, and PTEN were analyzed using real-time PCR, and antioxidant levels were assessed using diagnostic kits. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 21) with one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Treatments with SAE and Clom restored normal estrous cycles. Significant differences in gene expression were observed: PTEN levels were higher in the control group compared to SAE and combined groups, while GDF9 and BMP15 were elevated in the PCOS group compared to controls. SAE and Clom treatments also significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in ovarian tissues. The combined SAE and Clom therapy demonstrate potential as an effective strategy to manage PCOS by regulating ovarian gene expression and oxidative stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":16610,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Ovarian Research","volume":"18 1","pages":"144"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12232178/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144564900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}