Reproduction, fertility, and development最新文献

{"title":"Markers for early pregnancy prediction in Zebu cows subjected to timed artificial insemination.","authors":"Mariana Alves de Andrade Silva, Artur Azevedo Menezes, Endrigo Adonis Braga de Araujo, Marcos Chalhoub Coelho Lima, Rodrigo Freitas Bittencourt, Marcos Vinícius Galvão Loiola, Antonio de Lisboa Ribeiro Filho","doi":"10.1071/RD25042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD25042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context To increase the number of cows pregnant in the early breeding season, strategies have been developed that seek to reduce the interval for pregnancy diagnosis. Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate markers for the early detection of pregnancy in Zebu cows. Methods A total of 175 Zebu cows were assessed at the time of insemination for the follicle diameter (FOLD), follicular wall area (FOLA) and follicle blood flow (FOLV). Twenty days after fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI), the corpus luteum was evaluated for diameter (CLD), area (CLA), vascularized area (CLV), and percentage of vascularization (%CLV). Blood samples were also collected to measure progesterone levels 20 days after insemination (P4D20). On the basis of FOLD, FOLV, CLD, CLV, and P4D20 as potential early pregnancy markers, the animals were categorized into two groups: negative predictive diagnosis of pregnancy (NPD) and positive predictive diagnosis (PPD). A definitive pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30days post-TAI. Key results Pregnant cows exhibited higher FOLD, FOLA, FOLV, CLD, CLA, CLV, %CLV, and P4D20 levels compared to non-pregnant cows. Significant correlations were found between FOLD and FOLA, FOLV, percentage of follicular vascularization (FOLV%), CLD, CLA, CLV, %CLV, and P4D20. FOLA was also significantly correlated with FOLV, CLD, CLA, CLV, %CLV, and P4D20. Similarly, FOLV was significantly correlated with FOLV%, CLD, CLA, CLV, %CLV, and P4D20. CLD correlated significantly with CLA, CLV, %CLV, and P4D20, while CLV showed significant correlations with %CLV and P4D20. Conclusions The follicular and luteal morphofunctional characteristics are intricately linked to pregnancy establishment. Implications The CLV emerged as a promising marker for achieving earlier pregnancy diagnoses.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145116006","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":"Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) impairs sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and induces sperm apoptosis in infertile men.","authors":"Sana Sahnoun, Afifa Sellami, Hela Menif, Nour Louati, Salima Daoud, Hanen Sellami, Saloua Lassoued","doi":"10.1071/RD25069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD25069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major component of Gram-negative bacteria membrane, is widely implicated in the pathogenesis of male reproductive system infections. Aims This study aims to elucidate the LPS effect on sperm motility, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and apoptosis in human sperms. Methods Our experimental study was conducted on 34 sperm samples from male partners of infertile couples divided into fertile group (n =8) and infertile group (n =26). For each sample, two sperm suspensions were prepared, namely, a control suspension (non-treated with LPS) and an LPS-treated suspension (200ng/mL). The two suspensions were incubated for 18h at room temperature. Sperm motility was evaluated by microscopic observation, whereas sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis were assessed using flow cytometry after JC-10 and 7-AAD staining. Key results In fertile group, no significant differences in sperm motility, sperm ΔΨm and apoptotic sperm rates were detected after incubation with LPS. However, in infertile group, the LPS reduced sperm motility significantly and induced significant decrease in the rates of sperm with high ΔΨm. Furthermore, a significant decrease in viable sperm rates was detected concomitantly with a significant increase of apoptotic sperm rates. Conclusions This study showed that LPS may impair sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and lead to the activation of some pathways responsible for sperm apoptosis in infertile men. Implications This study has contributed to better understanding of the mechanisms underlying sperm disorders induced by bacterial endotoxins, in particular LPS, especially in infertile men.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145116018","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 impact of GnRH immunocastration on colonic microbiota and metabolites in male sheep.","authors":"Shehr Bano Mustafa, Hua Long, Tianzeng Song, Xiaoming Zhang, Yangzong Zhaxi, Jing Wu, Xiaoying Chen, Khuram Shahzad, Xunping Jiang, Guiqiong Liu, Xianyin Zeng, Wangsheng Zhao","doi":"10.1071/RD24191","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD24191","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context Castration of lambs is an old practice for managing reproduction and improving meat quality. However, the traditional method raises welfare concerns. To overcome these limitations, immunocastration has gained attention as an ethical andeffective solution to the welfare challenges associated with surgical castration by targeting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Aims In this investigation, we study the impact of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunocastration by analysing its influence on testosterone levels, colon microorganisms, and metabolomics. Methods The experiment is divided into immunocastrated (IMCF), surgically castrated (ORCCF), and control (EMCF) groups of male sheep. Blood and fecal samples were collected for testosterone measurement, metabolomics and microbiota analysis. Metabolomics was analysed by LC-MS/MS, while microbiota analysis was performed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Key results The testosterone level in both IMCF and ORCCF groups significantly declined compared to the EMCF. Furthermore, the relative abundance of bacteroidota to Firmicutes was higher in the IMCF and ORCCF groups compared to the EMCF group. The IMCF group showed increased levels of beneficial genera, Bacteroides , compared to the ORCCF and EMCF groups. Furthermore, metabolomics analysis revealed that GnRH immunocastration significantly affected some metabolites, such as methyl stearate and 23-nordeoxycholic acid, which were significantly upregulated in the IMCF group relative to the ORCCF group. In contrast, N'-formylkynurenine and 6-aminonicotinamide showed marked downregulation. Conclusions GnRH immunocastration is an effective alternative to surgical castration with added benefits for health and metabolic efficiency, highlighting its potential advantages in animal welfare and productivity. Implications The study highlights the potential of GnRH immunocastration, which contributes to advancing modern techniques. This approach offers ethical livestock management practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144236436","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":"Advancements in microfluidic and electrophoretic techniques for stallion sperm isolation.","authors":"Ashlee Medica, R John Aitken, Aleona Swegen, Zamira Gibb","doi":"10.1071/RD25045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD25045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context Equine reproductive technologies are crucial for overcoming challenges in natural fertilisation, particularly in sub-fertile stallions and breeding programs focused on genetic conservation and performance enhancement. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), such as artificial insemination (AI), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and in vitro fertilisation (IVF), improve fertility outcomes and enable breeding across geographical distances. Aims This review examines sperm isolation techniques used in ART, evaluating their efficacy, limitations, and potential to enhance reproductive success in equine breeding. Methods Traditional sperm isolation methods, including sperm washing and single-layer centrifugation (SLC), are compared with emerging techniques such as microfluidic-based technologies and electrophoretic separation to assess their ability to improve sperm quality while minimising DNA damage. Key results While conventional methods are widely used, they present limitations, such as reduced motility, cost, and potential DNA damage. Novel approaches, including the VetMotl™ and Samson™, replicate natural sperm selection to enhance motility while preserving DNA integrity, and the electrophoretic sperm isolation device, Felix™, separates sperm based on surface charge and motility, benefiting cryopreserved samples. These innovations offer promising improvements in ART outcomes, though challenges remain, including high costs and limited sperm yields. Conclusions Emerging sperm isolation techniques have the potential to improve ART success, but further research is required to optimise these methods and validate their efficacy in fertility trials. Implications Advancements in sperm isolation could modernise equine reproductive practices by improving sperm quality and fertility outcomes, though accessibility and practical applications require continued investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144210657","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":"Ovarian culture with mouse serum improves follicle development compared with fetal bovine serum, showing the importance of as yet unidentified factors in follicle growth.","authors":"Nilay Kuscu, Sabriya Abdul Kader, Eleanor R Stephens, Babatomisin V Adeniran, Omar F Ammar, Ava S Harrison, Belinda Km Lo, Suzannah A Williams","doi":"10.1071/RD24178","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD24178","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context For survivors of childhood blood cancer, fertility preservation through ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) and reimplantation is not recommended because of the risk of reintroducing malignant cells. Since a robust in vitro ovarian tissue culture system does not exist for humans, new approaches are needed. Aims To investigate new approaches to in vitro follicle growth, our aim was to determine whether mouse serum (MS) could support follicle development better in mouse ovaries in vitro compared to fetal bovine serum (FBS). Methods Neonatal ovaries were cultured for 14days in either MS or FBS. Follicle development and health were assessed by histological and molecular analyses. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and laminin were analysed using immunohistochemistry. Key results MS supported the development of primordial follicles to preantral follicles, whereas those in FBS did not develop beyond primary. Ovaries cultured in MS had fewer atretic follicles than those in FBS. There were more AMH-positive follicles in MS-cultured than in FBS-cultured ovaries, more primary follicles that were AMH-positive and, AMH-positive primary follicles contained more AMH-positive granulosa cells than those cultured in FBS. Finally, ovaries cultured in either MS or FBS contained laminin; however, the follicle basal lamina (FBL) in MS ovaries were more defined. Conclusions MS better supported follicle development, health, and function than did BS, indicating that MS contains additional factors important for follicle development in mice. Implications These findings demonstrated that as-yet-unknown factors exist that are important for in vitro follicle development, and we need to define them, and explore the role of these molecules in human studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144512970","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":"Hormonal and cytomorphological influences on the primary and secondary sex ratio in mammals.","authors":"Ana Martins-Bessa, Laura Haig, Angus D Macaulay, Winnie Chen, Salma Askar, Pawel M Bartlewski","doi":"10.1071/RD24193","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD24193","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The main purpose of this review article was to examine the existing and potential ways to predict and manipulate the sex of mammalian offspring using hormonal cues and treatments. We focused on the theories and research surrounding the potential endocrine and paracrine determinants of primary and secondary sex ratios in mammals; the primary sex ratio refers to sex distribution after fertilization and the secondary sex ratio refers to offspring sex. Several structural and functional differences between Y and X spermatozoa can impinge on their migration and fertilizing ability in different hormonal milieux. A variety of hormonal cues, including those acting on gamete formation, transport, and sperm-oocyte interactions, can also affect the primary sex ratio. Secondary sex ratios may be altered during the entire period leading up to birth by pre-implantation and post-implantation factors. Hormones such as estradiol, testosterone, cortisol, progesterone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone/gonadotropins, exert an effect on offspring sex ratios, as evidenced by both in vitro and in vivo studies. The application of exogenous hormones at specific times during the female reproductive cycle/early gestation or during normal sperm production/storage in males to manipulate sex ratios would be more sustainable than currently used sex selection methods. However, hormonal interventions are still less efficacious and predictable than using sex sorted semen or prenatal diagnostics preceding embryo transfers or elective abortions.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144268378","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":"Maintenance of developmental competence in feline oocytes following 24 h of meiotic arrest with physiological agents.","authors":"Shelley E S Sandmaier, Jason R Herrick","doi":"10.1071/RD25049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD25049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context In vitro matured (IVM) feline oocytes exhibit reduced developmental competence compared to in vivo matured oocytes. Aims Arresting meiosis prior to IVM (pre-IVM) has been shown to improve oocyte quality in other species. Methods Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from domestic cats were matured in vitro immediately after collection or following 24h of pre-IVM. Following IVF, embryonic development was evaluated. Key results Embryonic cleavage, development to blastocyst, and hatching were not different (P >0.05) for oocytes subjected to meiotic arrest compared to control oocytes. Gene expression of pluripotency markers and blastocyst cell numbers were also unchanged by the various pre-IVM supplements. Conclusions It is possible to maintain feline oocytes in culture for up to 24h without compromising developmental competence. Implications Further manipulation of the culture environment during this period of meiotic arrest could be a novel means of improving the quality of feline oocytes.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144319139","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 influence of CCN family proteins on ovarian physiology and pathology.","authors":"El Arbi Abulghasem, Christopher A Price","doi":"10.1071/RD24199","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD24199","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The CCN family of proteins is comprised of six matricellular proteins known to regulate multiple cellular processes such as adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. CCN proteins are known to function through the binding of integrin receptors and through the regulation of growth factors and cytokines in the context of cardiovascular and skeletal development, injury repair, fibrosis, inflammation and cancer. The expression and roles of several CCNs, particularly CCN1 and CCN2, have been investigated in the ovary as they are effectors of the Hippo signaling pathway, and their role in the development of ovarian fibrosis has been described. Here we review the patterns of expression of CCN1-6 in the ovarian follicle, and the role of CCN2 in follicle development and steroidogenesis, and the expression and potential actions of CCN1-6 in ovarian cancers. We highlight the roles CCNs may play in inflammatory processes, and put forth a case for CCN involvement in the process of ovulation.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144056962","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":"Is preovulatory follicle selection influenced by the production of oocyte-secreted factors?","authors":"Nicholas J Anderson, Michael W Pankhurst","doi":"10.1071/RD24149","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD24149","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The mammalian ovary ovulates only a fraction of the oocytes it produces, as more than 99% are discarded during development. Females devote a large amount of energy to pregnancy, lactation and subsequent parental care, hence there is strong imperative to produce highly competitive offspring. It would be evolutionarily advantageous if the mammalian ovary had developed a method to detect which developing ovarian follicles contain good-quality oocytes, and preferentially select them for ovulation. No such mechanism has been clearly identified to date. Oocyte-secreted factors (OSFs) such as BMP15 and GDF9, represent one form of communication from oocyte to follicle somatic cells. Herein we discuss the hypothesis that OSFs can increase the growth rate of ovarian follicles, which provides the follicle with a greater ability to compete for follicle dominance and selection for ovulation. Some limited evidence suggests that oocytes with higher OSF secretion produce higher quality embryos but further investigation is needed to firmly link the two concepts of OSFs providing an indication of oocyte quality, and OSFs increasing the chances of follicle selection for ovulation.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144055708","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":"Obesity induced by a high-fat diet is associated with changes in the expression levels of Dnmt3b and Dnmt3l proteins in mouse testes.","authors":"Nazlican Bozdemir, Gozde Sukur, Tuba Kablan, Ozgur Cinar, Fatma Uysal","doi":"10.1071/RD24194","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD24194","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context Obesity, a metabolic syndrome that results in excess fat accumulation in the body, is one of the most common diseases today, and its molecular background remains unclear. Studies have shown that a high-fat diet-induced obesity can cause changes in gene expression by affecting epigenetics in germ cells. Aims Our study aims to show the changes in DNA methyltransferase 3b (Dnmt3b) and DNA methyltransferase 3l (Dnmt3l) in the testes of obese C57BL/6 mice fed with a high-fat diet. Methods The presence and quantitative differences of Dnmt3b and Dnmt3l enzymes in the testes of C57BL/6 mice fed with a high-fat diet were demonstrated using the immunohistochemistry and Western blotting method. Key results Our findings showed that high-fat diet-induced obesity led to a significant upregulation of Dnmt3b expression levels in the mice testes. In contrast, Dnmt3l expression was dramatically downregulated in the testes of high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Specifically, a significant increase in the expression level of Dnmt3b was observed in the all testicular cells of high-fat diet group compared with the control group, whereas on the contrary, a decrease in the expression level of Dnmt3l was observed only in spermatogonium and spermatocytes. Conclusions High-fat diets altered the expression levels of Dnmt3b and Dnmt3l proteins in the testes of mice. Implications We think that our results have important value in showing the effects of obesity on spermatogenesis and may bring a new perspective to obesity-related male infertility treatments.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144183392","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}