Reproduction, fertility, and development最新文献

{"title":"Histomorphometric comparison of the gravid and non-gravid uterus at the time of birth in the tammar wallaby (<i>Macropus eugenii</i>): insights into the embryo-maternal interface.","authors":"Marie K Muenzenberger, Karl Klisch, Brandon R Menzies, Juliane Rieger, Sabine Kaessmeyer, Barbara Drews","doi":"10.1071/RD24118","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD24118","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context Tammar wallabies have a very short gestation which does not exceed the length of the estrus cycle. Direct contact between embryo and mother is established via a short-lived yolk sac placenta only in the last third of gestation. Therefore, an efficient embryo-maternal interface is required to ensure rapid embryonic growth. However, the morphology of the placenta at the time of birth is not well described in marsupials. Aims To study the morphology of the embryo-maternal interface, to compare the gravid and the non-gravid uterus at the time of birth and to examine the presence of polyploid trophoblast cells. Methods Histomorphometrical analysis of the uteri from light microscopic images. Quantification of the endometrial vascularization in samples stained with CD31 using AI machine learning. DNA content estimations of the giant trophoblast cell nuclei by Feulgen Image Analysis Densitometry. Key results In histological sections of the gravid endometrium, more tissue area was occupied by blood vessels than in the non-gravid endometrium, with subepithelial capillaries making up one-fourth of the vessel area in the gravid endometrium. The gravid uterus exhibited a 2.75-fold increase in surface area due to winding folds. Polyploidy of the giant trophoblast cells was confirmed. Giant trophoblast cells showed signs of degeneration. Conclusions The adaptations of the gravid uterus and the polyploidy of the trophoblast cells ensure sufficient embryo-maternal exchange. However, they seem to be self-limiting. Implications Morphology of the tammar wallaby trophoblast and endometrium prior birth is optimized for rapid embryonic growth during the brief interaction between maternal and fetal cells but the placenta seemingly cannot persist after the designated due time.</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":"144049739","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":"Spermatogenic cell apoptosis and impaired spermatogenesis in prepubertal mice: time- and dose-dependent toxicity of silver nanoparticles.","authors":"Zannatul Maowa, Md Sharifur Rahman, M Nazmul Hoque, Md Abdullah Al Mahmud, Mohammad Shah Alam","doi":"10.1071/RD24161","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD24161","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context The increasing use of nanoparticles (NPs) in various consumer, agricultural, and pharmaceutical applications has raised considerable concern about their potential risks to human health and the environment. Aims This study investigated the progressive toxic effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in mouse testes after single and repeated exposure. Methods Prepubertal male mice were exposed to AgNPs by gavage at 50, 200, and 500mg/kg body weight. Testis, epididymis, and serum were collected and subjected to histopathological analysis. Key results Daily exposure to AgNPs for 7 and 15days (n =8) decreased sperm count, while increasing abnormal sperm count and testicular atrophy in a dose- and exposure-time-dependent manner. A single exposure to AgNPs at a dose of 200mg/kg body weight (n =8) resulted in testicular histopathological changes and spermatogenic cell apoptosis in a time-dependent manner. The highest number of apoptotic cells was detected 24h after exposure, whereas testicular testosterone (TT) concentrations decreased at 12 and 24h. To explore whether AgNPs suppress TT concentrations by affecting the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis, we analyzed serum LH concentrations; however, no significant changes in LH levels were found. Conclusion This study showed that AgNPs cause potential adverse effects on the testis, specifically, spermatogenic cell apoptosis, and impaired spermatogenesis in an exposure time- and dose-dependent manner. The testicular toxicity was not associated with suppression of the HPT axis, possibly involving other mechanisms. Implications These findings contribute to the broader discussion on NP safety and regulatory considerations, particularly regarding their reproductive toxicity.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144060144","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":"Accuracy and errors about the human ovary; the good, bad and the ugly.","authors":"Raymond J Rodgers, Jeffrey B Kerr","doi":"10.1071/RD25023","DOIUrl":"10.1071/RD25023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This collection is dedicated to the memory of Professor Ken McNatty and Professor Rex Scaramuzzi, both of whom made outstanding contributions to the understanding of reproductive, and particularly ovarian, biology. In fact, the impetus for this commentary began when the authors questioned why some textbooks continued to print an earlier theory of ovarian development by Haward Sawyer and Ken McNatty (Sawyer et al . 2002 ), when important additional findings were published in 2013 (Hummitzsch et al . 2013 ). The authors question why textbooks, websites and YouTube videos continue to present misinformation about the ovary with statements and illustrations that are patently inaccurate or incorrect. We are aware that medical and science textbook publishers may take no responsibility for the accuracy of content by printing a disclaimer to this effect. Webpages and YouTube videos, in the main, exist with no such caveat. Do authors of textbooks accept responsibility to publish up-to-date factual material and avoid demonstrably incorrect information? In some cases, apparently not. Here we will show examples from the ovarian biology that we encounter regularly, that authors often do not check nor update content for the multiple book editions published over decades. If original sources are not consulted by authors, where are they getting their information? Erroneous statements and dogma continue to be represented in scientific literature as established facts. Textbooks, in particular, are supposed to be reliable sources of information. Unfortunately, too many mislead students and scholars and promulgate misinformation. If the contributions of Professor Ken McNatty, Professor Rex Scaramuzzi and others are to be truly valuable, then knowledge amplified by textbooks and the web must at least be accurate.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143766301","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":"Environmental interference and declining male fertility.","authors":"Richard G Lea","doi":"10.1071/RD25047","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD25047","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Declining human male 'fertility' has been equated with a temporal decline in sperm counts, with reports collectively spanning the period between 1934 and 2018. Although sperm quality is impacted by adult male lifestyle choices, e.g. diet, stress and exposure to heat, environmental factors are thought to be central to this alarming observation. Since the decline in sperm counts reflects the outputs of meta-analytical studies, and thus the combination of data from different laboratories, statistical models have had to control for potential confounders, including differences in laboratory methodologies, changes in quality assurance standards, age, fertility group and exclusion criteria indicators. Sperm analyses arising from a population of stud dogs, where all analyses were carried out in a single laboratory, demonstrated a 30% decline in sperm motility over 26years. Since these dogs resided in normal homes and were therefore exposed to the same household environment as human cohabitees, it has been postulated that the temporal decline in both dog and human sperm quality reflects environmental interference. This viewpoint article explores this contention and its implications for male 'fertility'.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144061474","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":"Expression of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) ligands and receptors in the ovine ovary and effects of PDGFBB on granulosa cell function.","authors":"Peter Smith, Karen L Reader, Michelle C French, Peter R Hurst, Jennifer L Juengel","doi":"10.1071/RD24174","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD24174","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context While platelet derived growth factors (PDGF) are expressed in the ovary of some species, relatively little is known regarding the potential role that PDGF play in regulating ovarian follicular development. Aims To determine the effects of PDGF on granulosa cell function from ovine antral follicles and characterise the expression of PDGF ligands and receptors in developing follicles. Methods The effects of the PDGF ligand PDGFBB on thymidine incorporation and progesterone production of granulosa cells were determined with established bioassays. Expression patterns of PDGF ligands, PDGFA , B , C , D , and receptors, PDGFRA and B , were determined using in situ hybridisation. The more sensitive technique of RT-PCR was used to confirm expression of PDGFRA and B in granulosa cells of antral follicles. Key results Thymidine incorporation was increased, and progesterone production decreased, from granulosa cells in response to PDGFBB. Oocytes, granulosa cells, thecal layers and corpora lutea expressed at least one PDGF family member. Granulosa cells had faint expression of PDGF receptors, with thecal and luteal tissue also expressing PDGF receptors. Expression of both ligands and receptors was observed in stroma around the follicle. Conclusions In sheep, ovarian follicles express both PDGF ligands and receptors, and PDGFBB regulated both thymidine incorporation and progesterone production. Implications In sheep, PDGF was identified as an additional locally produced growth factor that regulates follicular function, stimulating granulosa cell proliferation and inhibiting progesterone production. Future work to better understand the role of the different ligands and receptors at different stages of ovarian follicular development seems warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144061087","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":"Sperm morphology of the Australasian hydromyine rodents and the interactions between the spermatozoon and oocyte at the time of fertilisation.","authors":"William G Breed, Chris M Leigh, Emily Roycroft, Ingrid Ahmer","doi":"10.1071/RD25012","DOIUrl":"10.1071/RD25012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context This paper explores the morphology of spermatozoa in Australian hydromyine rodents, specifically focusing on the plains mouse (Pseudomys australis ), and examines the interactions between sperm and eggs at time of fertilisation. Aims The aim of this study is to provide an overview of sperm morphology of hydromyine rodents, comparing its morphology across the different species and to investigate the interactions between the gametes at fertilisation in the plains mouse. Methods We summarise the sperm head morphology of the hydromyine rodents across the six divisions, with emphasis on the structure in the plains mouse and its interactions with the zona pellucida during fertilisation. Key results Most hydromyine rodents, including the plains mouse, exhibit a highly complex sperm head morphology with two prominent ventral processes in addition to the apical hook. These processes primarily contain filamentous actin with some species of the New Guinea Pogonomys Division having a nuclear extension into the lower process. Nevertheless three species in the Pogonomys Division and a few in the Pseudomys Division have derived sperm heads which lack the ventral processes which in the plains mouse bind the sperm to the zona pellucida around the ovulated oocyte. This may stabilise the sperm head at this time and facilitate zona pellucida penetration and fusion with the oolemma at this time. Conclusion The complex sperm head morphology in most of the hydromyine rodents is likely to date back over one million years with, in the plains mouse, interaction between sperm and egg during fertilisation involving sperm head stabilisation and zona pellucida attachment. Implications These findings suggest in hydromyine rodents valuable insights into the evolutionary development of sperm morphology and sperm-egg interactions during fertilisation, and in particular that the role of the ventral processes may be critical for successful fertilisation in this group. Understanding these processes could give insight into broader studies on reproductive strategies and evolutionary biology in rodents.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143805030","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 role of extracellular vesicles in embryo development: implications for reproductive health and therapeutic potential.","authors":"Seok Hee Lee","doi":"10.1071/RD24151","DOIUrl":"10.1071/RD24151","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain various biological molecules, such as proteins, lipids, and diverse nucleic acids, which alter various physiological and pathological processes in recipient cells. This review focuses on the current understanding of the biological characteristics of EVs on embryo development and their potential therapeutic value in treating reproductive disorders. EVs play a crucial role in early embryo development, from fertilization to the pre-implantation stage, gastrulation, cell differentiation, and organogenesis. During the pre-implantation period, EVs interact with maternal reproductive tissue and promote implantation receptivity. In gastrulation, EVs regulate cell differentiation, contributing to tissue formation and maintenance. Abnormal bioactive molecules in EVs are closely related to developmental disorders. Thus, EVs have the potential to serve as biomarkers. Moreover, EVs can serve as therapeutic agents, delivering genetic material for targeted tissue/organs. The findings of this review highlight the potential role of EVs in intercellular signaling during embryo development. This can help advance assisted reproductive technologies and therapies to overcome infertility issues and developmental disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143736325","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":"Seminal fluid effects on uterine receptivity to embryo implantation: transcriptomic strategies to define molecular mechanisms.","authors":"Hon Y Chan, Sarah A Robertson","doi":"10.1071/RD24162","DOIUrl":"10.1071/RD24162","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Embryo implantation requires both a developmentally competent embryo and a receptive uterus. Impaired uterine receptivity is a common constraint on implantation success and reproductive outcome. Ovarian steroid hormones oestrogen and progesterone play a central role in establishing uterine receptivity, but other factors also contribute. One additional regulating factor is male partner seminal fluid. However, the full physiological impacts of seminal fluid on uterine receptivity and the specific molecular pathways involved are not yet completely defined. New advances in RNA-sequencing technologies provide a powerful means to examine how uterine tissues and cells respond to seminal fluid contact. Findings utilising sequencing technology provide strong cellular and molecular evidence in humans and mice that seminal fluid contact around the time of ovulation drives immune and vascular changes with potential to affect endometrial receptivity in the peri-implantation phase. This approach has led to the discovery of novel mediators and regulatory factors subsequently shown to facilitate embryo implantation in genetic mouse models, enabling functional validation. Here, we summarise the evidence from recent microarray and RNA-sequencing findings that seminal fluid contact can directly and indirectly impact the transcriptional state of endometrial tissue during the implantation window in mice and also in humans. Progress in elucidating the female reproductive tract response to seminal fluid will improve understanding of male partner effects on endometrial receptivity, and the knowledge gained will have practical applications for achieving healthy pregnancy and offspring outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143660213","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":"Maternal aging reduces female fecundity and alters offspring phenotype in a sex-specific manner.","authors":"Macarena B Gonzalez, Eryk Andreas, Yasmyn E Winstanley, Haley S Connaughton, Karagh E Loring, Cheryl Shoubridge, Rebecca L Robker","doi":"10.1071/RD24164","DOIUrl":"10.1071/RD24164","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context The age of childbearing in women has increased, with more babies born to women over 30years old than to those in their 20s. However, increasing maternal age is associated with a range of pregnancy and perinatal complications, such as reduced chance of conception, and higher risk of miscarriage or fetal death. Further, epidemiological studies indicate that advanced maternal age is also linked to a higher incidence of metabolic and neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, such as Type 1 diabetes and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Aims Mature female mice recapitulate many of the fertility characteristics seen in older women, such as reduced egg number and quality, providing a robust experimental model. This study examined fertility and offspring phenotypes in female mice at the onset of reproductive aging. Methods Firstly, fecundity in mice was measured from 3 to 18months of age. Secondly, reproductive outcomes in aged female mice (12months old) were compared to those of young females (3months of age). Growth of the offspring was assessed, as well as metabolism, behaviour, and immune function in adulthood. Key results Female aging reduced pregnancy rate, litter size and pup survival to weaning. Maternal age did not affect adult offspring immune function; however, female offspring had higher body weights, and male littermates presented dysregulated glucose tolerance and hyperactivity. Conclusions Maternal age affects offspring survival and health in a sex-specific manner. Implications These findings expand our understanding of maternal programming of offspring health, particularly the effects of increased age at pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143575053","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":"Sodium alginate and bovine serum albumin co-combined improved the cryopreservation quality of boar sperm through the PI3K-AKT pathway.","authors":"Jing Wang, Yongyong Rao, Chongfan Du, Ao Wang, Yanling Wu, Ruiyi Lin, Tianfang Xiao, Weimin Lin","doi":"10.1071/RD24127","DOIUrl":"10.1071/RD24127","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context The occurrence of apoptosis due to transient oxidative damage to spermatozoa presents a significant challenge in semen preservation. At present, the addition of protective agents is the primary method for mitigating this damage and involves the addition of protective agents. Aims This study aims to elucidate the mechanism of action of cryopreservation and to identify high-quality combinatorial cryopreservation dilutions. Methods In this study, two protective agents, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and sodium alginate (SA), were combined to evaluate the effectiveness of these novel additives in protecting porcine sperm from damage during cryopreservation. The mechanism of action of the SA and BSA combination was further elucidated at the molecular level, with key proteins being identified through proteomic analysis. Key results The findings indicated that sperm treated with 2mg/mL SA and 5mg/mL BSA exhibited optimal motility parameters, superior functional integrity and the most effective ability to alleviate oxidative stress. Combined with proteomic data, the results suggested that these additives regulate improvements in sperm quality by mediating the activity of the PI3K-AKT pathway. Conclusions This study found that the combination of SA and BSA provides an effective protective effect for frozen sperm preservation. Implications The findings offer theoretical and technical support for the use of composite additive to protect sperm from damage, which is crucial for enhancing the quality of pig semen and improving reproductive outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143506704","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}