Costanza Cimini, Angela Taraschi, Marina Ramal-Sanchez, Alessia Colosimo, Carlo Di Carlo, Ramses Belda-Perez, Luca Valbonetti, Giulia Capacchietti, Nicola Bernabò, Barbara Barboni
{"title":"Unveiling the role of miRNAs in Diminished Ovarian Reserve: an in silico network approach.","authors":"Costanza Cimini, Angela Taraschi, Marina Ramal-Sanchez, Alessia Colosimo, Carlo Di Carlo, Ramses Belda-Perez, Luca Valbonetti, Giulia Capacchietti, Nicola Bernabò, Barbara Barboni","doi":"10.1080/19396368.2024.2434268","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19396368.2024.2434268","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have acquired an increased recognition to unravel the complex molecular mechanisms underlying Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR), one of the main responsible for infertility. To investigate the impact of miRNA profiles in granulosa cells and follicular fluid, crucial players in follicle development, this study employed a computational network theory approach to reconstruct potential pathways regulated by miRNAs in granulosa cells and follicular fluid of women suffering from DOR. Available data from published research were collected to create the FGC_MiRNome_MC, a representation of miRNA target genes and their interactions. 365 hubs were identified within the network, representing potential key regulators, and 210 nodes that act as both hubs and bottlenecks (H&BN nodes), suggesting that they may control the information flow within the network. GO enrichment analysis of the 210 H&BN nodes revealed their involvement in fundamental cellular processes relevant to ovarian function. In particular, the cluster analysis identified several shared pathways between cluster 1 and cluster 2 involved in the RAS/MAPK pathway, which plays a critical role in cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. These findings suggest that miRNAs play a significant role in DOR and highlight the potential of the RAS/MAPK pathway as a target for further investigation. Additionally, the genes identified as both hubs and bottlenecks revealed interesting connections to reproductive health in KO mice models. This <i>in silico</i> approach provides valuable insights into potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for age-related reproductive disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":22184,"journal":{"name":"Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine","volume":"71 1","pages":"2-12"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143041896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparative assisted reproductive technologies in human and veterinary medicine: implications for reproductive success.","authors":"Sabine Kölle","doi":"10.1080/19396368.2025.2564146","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19396368.2025.2564146","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have been widely and successfully used in both humans and livestock. However, only in humans and cattle have <i>in vitro</i> fertilization (IVF), <i>in vitro</i> embryo culture (IVC), and embryo transfer (ET) developed into large commercial sectors. The major differences between human and animal ART include the rationale of the treatment and the patient groups. While ART is used to treat infertility in humans, veterinary ART aims to maximize genetic gain and minimize generation intervals. Human ART is filled with societal, cultural, and emotional challenges, whereas veterinary ART aims to optimize economic success. While human ART deals with selected patients, including older individuals, veterinary ART focuses on young animals and a wide variety of species with different reproductive traits. Both human and veterinary ART face the shared challenge of establishing reliable tools to assess sperm fertilizing ability, evaluate oocyte developmental capacity, and support early embryo-maternal communication, which is pivotal for successful pregnancy. A holistic approach and comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms and technologies across species could provide valuable insights for increasing ART success rates in both humans and animals.</p>","PeriodicalId":22184,"journal":{"name":"Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine","volume":"71 1","pages":"485-503"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145213589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of male contraceptive efficacy of <i>Caesalpinia pulcherrima</i> (L.) sw. in human and rat: an <i>ex-vivo</i> study.","authors":"Pampa Lohar, Dibya Pal, Tanusree Mondal, Shibani Das, Puja Das, Debidas Ghosh","doi":"10.1080/19396368.2025.2455059","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19396368.2025.2455059","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study focused on the spermicidal and anti-androgenic effects of aqueous-ethanolic (60:40) extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima leaves (AEECPL) in human and rat samples from the viewpoint of its contraceptive efficacy through ex-vivo study. Six fertile adult males were selected randomly for semen collection. Parallelly sperm samples were collected by epididymal washing from six rats. Testes, epididymis, and liver were dissected from rats. Biological samples were divided into control, 1, 2, and 4 mg/ml of AEECPL exposed groups. Relevant spermiological, steroidogenic enzymes, oxidative stress, and metabolic toxicity sensors were evaluated. All the spermiological sensors were decreased significantly in dose and duration-dependent manners, and the number of comet positive spermatozoa were increased in dose-dependent mode in AEECPL exposed groups against the control both in human and rat. Activities of Δ5,3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 17β-HSD in testis, kinetics of superoxide dismutase both in testis and epididymis were significantly decreased along with the elevation in the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in AEECPL exposed groups. Activities of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase in above mentioned tissues showed no significant difference among the control and AEECPL exposed groups, indicating its non-toxic effects on reproductive and metabolic tissues. The results presenting the prominent contraceptive preventing potentiality of the said extract both in human and rat. The optimal effect was noted at 2 mg/ml dose. In-depth investigations are required through in-vivo studies on animal model to know the genomic mode of action for the execution of male contraceptive activity.</p>","PeriodicalId":22184,"journal":{"name":"Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine","volume":"71 1","pages":"43-53"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143450031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rebecca Poole, Dallas Soffa, Kyle Hickman, Olivia Ognibene, Matthew Stuehr
{"title":"Reproductive microbiota in humans: characterization and role in infertility.","authors":"Rebecca Poole, Dallas Soffa, Kyle Hickman, Olivia Ognibene, Matthew Stuehr","doi":"10.1080/19396368.2025.2511323","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19396368.2025.2511323","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Advancements in next generation sequencing technologies, including 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, have vastly expanded our understanding of reproductive microbiota and its role in fertility. For example, in humans, the bacterial genus of <i>Lactobacillus</i> is the overwhelmingly dominant commensal bacterium within reproductive tissues and fluids, such as the vagina, and is an indicator of fertility in women. Shifts away from <i>Lactobacillus</i> allow for opportunistic pathogenic bacteria to inhabit the reproductive tract and result in dysbiosis and infertility. The goal of this review is to explore human reproductive microbiota including bacteria that commensally inhabit reproductive tissues and fluids as well as opportunistic pathogenic bacteria that can result in dysbiosis, infertility, and disease. Continued exploration of the microbiome and its association with reproductive health will aid in the development of targeted therapeutic strategies to positively modulate bacteria and improve fertility.</p>","PeriodicalId":22184,"journal":{"name":"Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine","volume":"71 1","pages":"229-245"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Navigating male infertility through testicular biopsy: outcomes, predictive parameters, and surgical innovation.","authors":"Maria Filiponi, Athanasios Zachariou","doi":"10.1080/19396368.2025.2551006","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19396368.2025.2551006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Advancements in the management of male infertility, particularly azoospermia, have significantly improved with the evolution of testicular biopsy techniques. This review explores the clinical applications and outcomes of three primary methods: testicular sperm aspiration (TESA), testicular sperm extraction (TESE), and microdissection TESE (mTESE). TESA remains a practical, minimally invasive solution for obstructive azoospermia, offering high success rates. However, its limited effectiveness in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) highlights the need for more refined approaches. mTESE has emerged as the preferred method in NOA cases due to its microsurgical precision, higher sperm retrieval rates, and reduced damage to testicular tissue. Multiple factors influence the success of these procedures, including patient age, testicular volume, hormone levels, and underlying histopathology. The identification of reliable predictive biomarkers such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), inhibin B, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and TEX101 has enhanced patient selection and procedural planning. Additionally, imaging techniques and metabolite profiling are emerging as valuable non-invasive tools for predicting outcomes. The integration of AI and machine learning into clinical practice further supports individualized treatment strategies by improving predictive accuracy and intraoperative decision-making. Despite clinical success, ethical and psychosocial considerations remain central to the comprehensive care of affected individuals. Financial constraints and unequal access to specialized reproductive services also pose challenges. Future efforts should prioritize the development of validated predictive models, the expansion of biomarker research, and the implementation of standardized clinical protocols. A multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach will be essential in optimizing outcomes for men facing infertility due to azoospermia.</p>","PeriodicalId":22184,"journal":{"name":"Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine","volume":"71 1","pages":"402-415"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Prediction of polycystic ovary syndrome using machine learning with SFS and Boruta feature selection: an explainable AI approach.","authors":"Monali Ramteke, Shital Raut","doi":"10.1080/19396368.2025.2560839","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19396368.2025.2560839","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder affecting numerous women of reproductive age, characterized by a variety of clinical and biochemical features. Accurate classification and diagnosis of PCOS remains challenging due to the heterogeneous nature of its manifestations. This study introduces a robust machine learning framework that combines a voting ensemble model with two distinct feature selection techniques, Sequential Forward Selection (SFS) and Boruta, to enhance the accuracy in classifying PCOS. We also utilized Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) techniques, such as Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP), Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME), Partial Dependence Plot (PDP), AnchorTabular, and Permutation Importance, to interpret the ensemble model. These methods provide essential insights into the significance of key features for predicting PCOS patients. Results show that the proposed ensemble learning model achieved optimal performance with the feature selection technique used. Specifically, the proposed voting ensemble classifier and features picked by SFS had the highest accuracy among all models. This method can help in PCOS diagnosis and support early intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":22184,"journal":{"name":"Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine","volume":"71 1","pages":"439-460"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145114087","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sanaa Badr, Meryem Tahri, Mohamed Maanan, Jan Kašpar, Noura Yousfi
{"title":"An intelligent decision-making system for embryo transfer in reproductive technology: a machine learning-based approach.","authors":"Sanaa Badr, Meryem Tahri, Mohamed Maanan, Jan Kašpar, Noura Yousfi","doi":"10.1080/19396368.2024.2445831","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19396368.2024.2445831","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Infertility has emerged as a significant public health concern, with assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a last-resort treatment option. However, ART's efficacy is limited by significant financial cost and physical discomfort. The aim of this study is to build Machine learning (ML) decision-support models to predict the optimal range of embryo numbers to transfer, using data from infertile couples identified through literature reviews. Binary classification models were developed to classify cases into two groups: those transferring two or fewer embryos and those transferring three or four. Four popular ML algorithms were used, including random forest (RF), logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), and artificial neural network (ANN), considering seven criteria: the woman's age, sperm origin, the developmental qualities of four potential embryos, infertility duration, assessment of the woman, morphological qualities of the four best embryos on the day of transfer, and number of oocytes extracted. The stratified 3-fold cross-validation results show that the SVM model obtained the highest average accuracy (95.83%) and demonstrated the best overall performance, closely followed by the ANN and LR models with an average accuracy equal to 91.67%. The RF model achieved a slightly lower average accuracy (88.89%), which demonstrated the lowest variability. Testing on a new dataset revealed all models performed well, with ANN and SVM models classified all test set instances correctly, while the RF and LR models achieved 91.68% accuracy. These results highlight the superior generalization and effectiveness of the ANN and SVM models in guiding ART decisions.</p>","PeriodicalId":22184,"journal":{"name":"Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine","volume":"71 1","pages":"13-28"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143053595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Animal models of polycystic ovary syndrome.","authors":"Swanand Kulkarni, Dnyanesh Dahake, Khushi Gupta, Ketan Rathod, Urmila Aswar, Suresh Thareja","doi":"10.1080/19396368.2025.2551005","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19396368.2025.2551005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has an endocrine pathophysiology that needs immediate clinical attention for effective mitigation, as a significant portion of the reproductive population is affected globally. Current treatment options for PCOS are symptom-specific, and more extensive research is imperative to meet the therapeutic needs of the disease. Besides <i>in vitro</i> studies, the assessment of novel anti-PCOS drugs can be more effectively carried out through <i>in vivo</i> experimentation, for which the choice of appropriate animal models based on parameters and pathways to be evaluated is crucial. For a good preclinical evaluation, the animal model must ensure disease reproducibility and predictive validity. The present review provides insights into the animal models reported in the literature for PCOS studies and the aspects in which various therapeutics under study can be evaluated using these models. These animal models are also classified based on the mode of induction, duration essential for induction, and species. Besides, mammalian, non-mammalian and transgenic models are also included. This review will provide a detailed analysis to the researchers working in the domain of PCOS to facilitate an easy choice of appropriate animal model for their study and to identify the scope of developing newer animal models for PCOS study.</p>","PeriodicalId":22184,"journal":{"name":"Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine","volume":"71 1","pages":"371-401"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145055604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Katerina Chatzimeletiou, Konstantina Pappa, Nikos Petrogiannis, George Anifandis, Kalliopi Chatzovoulou, Elias Tsakos, Efstratios Kolibianakis, Grigoris Grimbizis, Antonia Sioga
{"title":"In vitro maturation of oocytes (IVM): historical landmarks, current status and future perspectives.","authors":"Katerina Chatzimeletiou, Konstantina Pappa, Nikos Petrogiannis, George Anifandis, Kalliopi Chatzovoulou, Elias Tsakos, Efstratios Kolibianakis, Grigoris Grimbizis, Antonia Sioga","doi":"10.1080/19396368.2025.2469574","DOIUrl":"10.1080/19396368.2025.2469574","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>One of the major advancements in <i>in vitro</i> fertilization (IVF) has been the development of culture media that enhance gamete maturation <i>in vitro</i> and sustain embryo development up to the blastocyst stage. The deep understanding of the mechanisms involved in gametogenesis and the complex sequence of events surrounding nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation has also enabled the development of efficient <i>in vitro</i> maturation (IVM) protocols. This review outlines the major landmarks in the history of <i>in vitro</i> maturation of oocytes, the advantages and importance of its clinical application in human, especially in patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Resistant Ovary Syndrome, high antral follicle count or oncology patients, as well as the safety and efficacy of the technique. IVM has not been shown yet to be as effective as controlled ovarian stimulation in terms of maturation rates, fertilization rates, and clinical outcome, possibly owing to a dysfunctional or asynchronous nuclear/cytoplasmic maturation process. A confusing set of IVM clinical protocols may also have contributed to the slow incorporation of the technology into routine IVF practice. However, recent improvements have led to comparable live birth rates between IVM and IVF, in women with high antral follicle count. The current status of IVM in the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) laboratory and its future perspectives, aiming to provide maximum fertility care to patients will be discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":22184,"journal":{"name":"Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine","volume":"71 1","pages":"102-115"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143616672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The genetic basis of male and female infertility.","authors":"Dimitrios Ioannou, Helen G Tempest","doi":"10.1080/19396368.2025.2493621","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/19396368.2025.2493621","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review provides a comprehensive overview of the genetic factors underlying male and female infertility. Infertility affects an estimated one in six couples worldwide, with both male and female factors contributing equally to its prevalence. Approximately, 50% of infertility cases are attributed to genetic causes. We explore three main categories of genetic causes: chromosomal abnormalities, monogenic disorders, and syndromic conditions. Chromosomal causes, including numerical and structural aberrations, are discussed with a focus on their impact on gametogenesis and reproductive outcomes. We review key monogenic causes of infertility, highlighting recent discoveries in genes critical for gonadal development, gametogenesis, and hormonal regulation. Syndromic conditions affecting fertility are examined, highlighting their impact on reproductive function. Throughout the review, we address the challenges in identifying genetic mechanisms of infertility, particularly focusing on the intricate processes involved in oogenesis and spermatogenesis. We also discuss how advancements in genetic testing, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have significantly enhanced our understanding of idiopathic infertility and promise further insights in the future. We also discuss the clinical implications of genetic diagnoses, including the role of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and genetic counseling in reproductive medicine. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the genetic basis of infertility, providing a comprehensive overview of chromosomal, monogenic, and syndromic causes. It aims to offer readers a solid foundation for understanding the complex genetic factors underlying reproductive disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":22184,"journal":{"name":"Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine","volume":"71 1","pages":"143-169"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144054889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}