Reproductive Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Fertility in the Digital Age: A Survey-Based Evaluation of Fertility App Users' Quality of Life.","authors":"Emily Allard-Phillips, Gregory M Christman, Robert Stanford Williams, Stephanie L Filipp, Danielle Snyder, Peter Chang, Alice Rhoton-Vlasak","doi":"10.1007/s43032-024-01650-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s43032-024-01650-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study sought to characterize fertility app use among women seen for infertility care and to investigate the association between fertility app use and quality of life. This survey-based study was conducted at an academic infertility clinic. Surveys were administered to patients who presented for a new infertility visit. One survey collected information regarding app use and the second survey was FertiQoL, an internationally validated instrument measuring quality of life in those with infertility. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the patient population regarding app use and FertiQoL scores. Comparisons between those who did and didn't use an app were evaluated using t-tests and Cochran Armitage test for trend. 149 surveys were collected. Most (75.5%) participants reported using a fertility app. Most participants (85.1%) used a free app and nearly all (97.2%) found their app helpful. There was a significant difference (p = 0.0034) in satisfaction with one's quality of life between app users and non-app users with app users demonstrating higher satisfaction. There were no significant differences between app users and non-app users with their overall FertiQoL scores however there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.031) in Relational sub-scores with app users displaying higher scores. While overall quality of life, measured by standardized measures, did not differ, self-perceived satisfaction with quality of life improved with more satisfaction reported in those using an app. This self-perceived satisfaction and increased quality of life surrounding relationships carries important implications, especially when one may face the stress of infertility and its treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":20920,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141620814","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ovarian Puncture Triggers an Inflammatory Response that did not Affect Late Folliculogenesis, Ovulation Rate, and Fertility.","authors":"Luiza Aparecida Ansaloni Chagas Pereira, Camila Stefane Ferreira, Karine Sthéfany Serpa Amaral Dias, Júlia Meireles Nogueira, Flávia Carmo Horta Pinto, Erika Cristina Jorge, Paulo Henrique Almeida Campos-Junior","doi":"10.1007/s43032-024-01654-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s43032-024-01654-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ovarian puncture has been widely used in assisted reproduction, but there are still gaps about its effects on ovarian morphophysiology, as well as the relationship between inflammation caused by this procedure and the follicular growth and fertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ovarian puncture on folliculogenesis and fertility. Mice (n = 24) were divided into two groups: (1) SHAM-both ovaries were exposed and repositioned and (2) Punctured-ovaries were exposed, punctured, and repositioned. After 96 h of surgery, ovaries were collected for morphofunctional analysis. New females were used for the superovulation (n = 10) and fertility assays (n = 10). Increased volumetric density of inflammatory cells-p = 0.0005, p = 0.0013; hemorrhagic foci-p < 0.0001; and inflammatory exudate-p < 0.0001 could be noticed on the punctured group, compared to SHAM. The percentage of primordial follicles was lower on the punctured ovaries (p = 0.00294). Ovarian puncture has also induced an increase in the proliferation of granulosa cells of primary (p = 0.0321) and antral follicles (p = 0.0395), and an increased apoptotic index of antral follicles (p = 0.0100). There was no influence on expression of some genes related to inflammation, collagen deposition and folliculogenesis progression. The reproductive aspects (oocyte retrieval and number of fetuses per female) were not altered (p > 0.05). Taken together, our findings strongly suggest that ovarian puncture results in a local inflammation that affects follicular growth and atresia. However, it does not affect female fertility, which strengthens the safety of this procedure.</p>","PeriodicalId":20920,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141752523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Common OXTR Risk Variant Alters Regulation of Gene Expression by DNA Hydroxymethylation in Pregnant Human Myometrium.","authors":"Joshua S Danoff, Travis S Lillard, Leslie Myatt, Jessica J Connelly, Elise N Erickson","doi":"10.1007/s43032-024-01621-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s43032-024-01621-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Postpartum hemorrhage, or excessive bleeding after birth, is a leading cause of maternal morbidity. A major cause of postpartum hemorrhage is uterine atony, tiring of the uterus which leads to ineffective contractions. Uterine contractions depend on oxytocin signaling in the myometrium, which in turn depends on expression of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR). Both genetic and epigenetic factors related to the oxytocin receptor are associated with risk of postpartum hemorrhage, but a mechanism relating these factors to oxytocin receptor activity in myometrium remains unclear. We report a genetic by epigenetic interaction whereby the relationship between DNA hydroxymethylation and OXTR gene expression depends on a common OXTR gene variant (rs53576). We also provide evidence that a similar genetic by epigenetic interaction using blood-derived DNA methylation is associated with relevant clinical outcomes: quantity of oxytocin administration and odds for postpartum hemorrhage. These results provide new avenues for predicting how women will respond to pharmacological agents in the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.</p>","PeriodicalId":20920,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11438727/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141306709","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":"Maternal Body Mass Index, Myometrium Contractility and Uterotonic Receptor Expression in Pregnancy.","authors":"Sydney M Lammers, Kyra K Peczkowski, Niharika Patel, Mahmoud Abdelwahab, Taryn L Summerfield, Maged M Costantine, Paul M L Janssen, Douglas A Kniss, Heather A Frey","doi":"10.1007/s43032-024-01661-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s43032-024-01661-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pregnant individuals with obesity (body mass index, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) are more likely to experience prolonged labor and have double the risk of cesarean compared with individuals with normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m²). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether obesity in pregnancy is associated with reduced spontaneous and oxytocin-stimulated myometrial contractile activity using ex vivo preparations. We also assessed the relationship between maternal BMI and the expression of oxytocin (OXTR) and prostaglandin (FP) receptors in the myometrial tissue. We enrolled 73 individuals with a singleton gestation undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery at term in a prospective cohort study. This included 49 individuals with a pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² and 24 with BMI < 25.0 kg/m². After delivery, a small strip of myometrium was excised from the upper edge of the hysterotomy. Baseline spontaneous and oxytocin stimulated myometrial contractile activity was measured using ex vivo preparations. Additionally, expression of oxytocin and prostaglandin receptors from myometrial samples were compared using qRT-PCR and western blot techniques. Spontaneous and oxytocin-stimulated contraction frequency, duration, and force were not significantly different in myometrial samples from the obese and normal-weight individuals. Myometrial OXTR gene and protein expression was also similar in the two groups. While FP gene expression was lower in the myometrial samples from the obese group, protein expression did not differ. These data help to address an important knowledge gap related to the biological mechanisms underlying the association between maternal obesity and dysfunctional labor.</p>","PeriodicalId":20920,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11438831/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141767151","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":"SPEM1 Gene Mutation in a Case with Sperm Morphological Defects Leading to Male Infertility.","authors":"Shruti Sethi, Poonam Mehta, Waseem Andrabi, Kalyan Mitra, Singh Rajender","doi":"10.1007/s43032-024-01612-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s43032-024-01612-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The present study aimed at identifying the genetic mutation responsible for teratozoospermic infertility in a case with coiled sperm tails. A 33-year-old infertile male was diagnosed with teratozoospermic infertility, with sperm head in coiled (HIC) tail as the most common deformity. We employed whole exome sequencing to identify the genetic cause in this case. Exome sequencing data was filtered using the following criteria: MAF (< 0.003), ALFA project (< 0.001), 1000 Genomes (< 0.003), Granthem (> 50), Polyphen-2 (> 0.70), SIFT (< 0.03), and PhyloP (> = 0) scores. Shortlisted variants were looked in the in-house 29 exomes data available with us, and the variants that affected conserved amino acid residues or led to insertion/deletion or to protein-truncation with a Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion (CADD) score ≥ 10 were shortlisted. The variants thus populated were prioritized according to their roles in spermiogenesis. The study identified a heterozygous mutation c.826C > T (Arg276Trp) in the SPEM1 gene as a potential pathogenic variant that led to teratozoospermic infertility in the case under investigation. The mutation had a minor allele frequency of 0.00008176 in the gnomAd database and was absent in the Indian Genome Variations database. This is the first human study reporting a mutation in the SPEM1 gene as a cause of coiled sperm tails.</p>","PeriodicalId":20920,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141420648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effects of Low Concentrations of Pravastatin on Placental Cells.","authors":"Masako Kanda, Keiichi Kumasawa, Kazunari Nemoto, Risa Miyatake, Kei Inaba, Seisuke Sayama, Takahiro Seyama, Takayuki Iriyama, Takeshi Nagamatsu, Tomoyuki Fujii, Yasushi Hirota, Yutaka Osuga, Tadashi Kimura","doi":"10.1007/s43032-024-01611-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s43032-024-01611-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pravastatin is a promising medication to treat preeclampsia. However, the appropriate dose of pravastatin for managing preeclampsia has not been established. In this in vitro study, we examined the effects of low concentrations of pravastatin (0.01 to 10 µM) under hypoxic conditions on two types of placental cells and found that pravastatin decreased sFlt-1 levels up to 34% in cytotrophoblast cells isolated from human term placentas. Furthermore, we showed that sFlt-1 levels in HTR-8/SVneo cells, a cell line derived from first trimester trophoblast cells, decreased after exposure to very low concentrations of pravastatin (0.01, 0.1 µM). We also examined the effects of pravastatin on uterine spiral artery remodeling-related events and showed in wound healing and tube formation assays that low concentrations of pravastatin upregulated cell migration and invasion in HTR-8/SVneo cells. These results demonstrated that a low dose of pravastatin has in vitro effects that suggest a potential for anti-preeclamptic effects in vivo.</p>","PeriodicalId":20920,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11438613/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141248526","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":"Unveiling the Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Diagnosis: A Comprehensive Review.","authors":"Pulkit Verma, Pratibha Maan, Rohit Gautam, Taruna Arora","doi":"10.1007/s43032-024-01615-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s43032-024-01615-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most widespread endocrine and metabolic disorders affecting women of reproductive age. Major symptoms include hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovary, irregular menstruation cycle, excessive hair growth, etc., which sometimes may lead to more severe complications like infertility, pregnancy complications and other co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, etc. Early detection and effective management of PCOS are essential to enhance patients' quality of life and reduce the chances of associated health complications. Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have recently emerged as a popular methodology in the healthcare industry for diagnosing and managing complex diseases such as PCOS. AI utilizes machine learning algorithms to analyze ultrasound images and anthropometric and biochemical test result data to diagnose PCOS quickly and accurately. AI can assist in integrating different data sources, such as patient histories, lab findings, and medical records, to present a clear and complete picture of an individual's health. This information can help the physician make more informed and efficient diagnostic decisions. This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolving role of AI in various aspects of the management of PCOS, with a major focus on AI-based diagnosis tools.</p>","PeriodicalId":20920,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141437416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High Carbohydrate, Fat, and Protein Diets Have a Critical Role in Folliculogenesis and Oocyte Development in Rats.","authors":"Semir Gül, Mehmet Gül, Barış Otlu, Mehmet Erman Erdemli, Harika Gözde Gözükara Bağ","doi":"10.1007/s43032-024-01629-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s43032-024-01629-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To date, there is no comparative data on the effects of carbohydrates, fat, and proteins, which are macronutrients, on female reproductive functions. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of diets enriched with carbohydrates, fats, and proteins on folliculogenesis and oocyte development in female rats. 21-day-old rats that were just weaned were divided into 4 groups: control, carbohydrate, fat, and protein. The control group was fed with standard chow and the carbohydrate, fat, and protein groups were fed diets enriched with 75% carbohydrate, 60% fat, and 50% protein for 11 weeks, respectively. It was found that high-fat and high-protein diets caused an increase in the estrous cycle length compared to carbohydrate group (p < 0.05). Graafian follicle number decreased in the protein group compared to the control (p < 0.05). However, the atretic follicle number was higher in the fat group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In the carbohydrate group, Zp1 was found to be lower than the control and protein groups, Zp2 was found to be lower than the control, and Zp3 was found to be lower than the fat group (p < 0.05). While BMP15 was similar between groups (p > 0.05), GDF9 was lower in all diet groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). Foxo3a was lower in the protein group compared to carbohydrate and control (p < 0.05). GAS2 was found to be higher in the control group than the fat group, and higher in the carbohydrate group than the fat and protein groups (p < 0.05). FSH, LH, Progesterone, and E2 levels were higher in all three diet groups than in the control (p < 0.05). Also, significant differences were observed between the groups regarding adiponectin, resistin, and leptin levels. Taken together, high carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake are associated with impairment of the menstrual cycle, depletion of the developing follicle types, and altered expression of folliculogenesis-specific genes and hormones. Therefore, long-term macronutrient diets may result in shortened reproductive periods and reduced fertilization potential in females in the long run.</p>","PeriodicalId":20920,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11438621/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141470431","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":"Inducers and Inhibitors of Pyroptotic Death of Granulosa Cells in Models of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.","authors":"Caglar Berkel","doi":"10.1007/s43032-024-01643-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s43032-024-01643-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Granulosa cells (GCs), the largest cell population and primary source of steroid hormones in the ovary, are the important somatic ovarian components. They have critical roles in folliculogenesis by supporting oocyte, facilitating its growth, and providing a microenvironment suitable for follicular development and oocyte maturation, thus having essential functions in maintaining female fertility and in reproductive health in general. Pyroptotic death of GCs and associated inflammation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several reproductive disorders in females including Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Here, I reviewed factors, either intrinsic or extrinsic, that induce or inhibit pyroptosis in GCs in various models of these disorders, both in vitro and in vivo, and also covered associated molecular mechanisms. Most of these studied factors influence NLRP3 inflammasome- and GSDMD (Gasdermin D)-mediated pyroptosis in GCs, compared to other inflammasomes and gasdermins (GSDMs). I conclude that a more complete mechanistic understanding of these factors in terms of GC pyroptosis is required to be able to develop novel strategies targeting inflammatory cell death in the ovary.</p>","PeriodicalId":20920,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11438836/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141724319","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":"A Novel Stem Cell Model to Study Preeclampsia Endothelial Dysfunction.","authors":"Yanming Wu, Tianyanxin Sun, Pedro Medina, Purnima Narasimhan, David K Stevenson, Frauke Von Versen-Höynck, Jennifer Armstrong, Joseph C Wu, Nazish Sayed, Virginia D Winn","doi":"10.1007/s43032-024-01590-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s43032-024-01590-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy complication affecting 5% to 7% of all pregnancies worldwide annually. While the pathogenesis is not fully understood, maternal endothelium dysfunction is thought to be a central component to preeclampsia development. Studies to dissect maternal endothelial dysfunction, particularly on a patient-specific basis, are hampered by limited access to systemic primary endothelial cells (ECs). The objective of this study was to establish a replenishable, patient-specific in vitro EC model to allow robust mechanistic studies to dissect endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from three women with a history of normotensive pregnancies were differentiated into ECs. The established ECs were exposed to pooled sera from normotensive pregnancies, preeclamptic pregnancies, normotensive postpartum for non-pregnant comparison and controls. Endothelial functions including nitric oxide (NO) release, cell migration, tube formation and viability were evaluated. Levels of NO release were significantly lower after incubation with preeclamptic sera compared to the fetal bovine serum (FBS) control, and normotensive and non-pregnant (postpartum) sera treatments were also lower than FBS but higher than preeclamptic sera treatments. Tube formation and cell migration were also impaired with preeclamptic sera compared to FBS controls. Cell viabilities remained unaffected by any sera treatment. Consistent outcomes were obtained across all three patient-specific lines treated with the same pooled sera. Establishment of patient-derived iPSC-ECs treated with pregnancy sera serves as a novel model to explore the interplay between individual maternal endothelial health and circulating factors that lead to endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia.</p>","PeriodicalId":20920,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive Sciences","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11438721/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142047064","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}