{"title":"Folicular dynamics, endocrine profiles and endometrial gene expression in fertile and subfertile cows.","authors":"C Viñoles, A Álvez, X González, A Meikle","doi":"10.1071/RD24160","DOIUrl":"10.1071/RD24160","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context Subfertility has a negative impact on the productivity of beef cow herds; thus, it is relevant to unravel the mechanisms. Aims To study follicular development, body composition, concentrations of progesterone and metabolic hormones and their gene expression in the endometrium during the oestrus cycle. Methods Fertile and subfertile Hereford cows were classified at 25 (n =84) and 60 (n =25) months old, as (1) fertile, pregnant at first insemination at 25months, that became pregnantmore than three of five times at 60months (n =5), or (2) subfertile, i.e. failed to became pregnant during three inseminations at 25months, that became pregnant at fewer than two of the five opportunities at 60months (n =6). Key results Fertile cows had greater concentrations of insuling-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), leptin and adiponectin (P P P P P Conclusions Differences in progesterone and metabolic hormones in plasma and follicular fluid and their endometrial expression are associated with the success of pregnancy in beef cows. Implications Strategies to improve the follicle and endometrial microenvironments are needed to improve the productivity of beef herds.</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":"143124292","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":"Lower expression of colony-stimulating factor 2, an embryokine, in the endometrial epithelium of old cows.","authors":"Denis Karani Wanjiru, Yvan Bienvenu Niyonzima, Hiroya Kadokawa","doi":"10.1071/RD24163","DOIUrl":"10.1071/RD24163","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context Infertility increases with age in various animals, including cows, owing to unknown mechanisms. The glandular and luminal epithelia of the bovine uterus synthesise and secrete colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2), which is a well-studied embryokine. We recently reported the possibility of fibrosis in the uteri of old cows. However, the relationship between CSF2 expression and fibrosis has not yet been clarified. Aims We tested the hypothesis that the endometrial epithelia of old cows have lower CSF2 expression compared to in heifers, and that myofibroblasts [alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive fibroblasts] increase near the epithelium of old cows. Methods We collected caruncle and intercaruncle samples from post-pubertal, growing, nulliparous heifers (n =6; 24.7±1.3months old) and old multiparous cows (n =6; 128.5±15.4months old). We analysed mRNA and protein expression, along with fluorescent immunohistochemistry for CSF2, anti-collagen type IV, anti-Müllerian hormone type 2 receptor, and anti-αSMA. Key results Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis revealed lower CSF2 expression in the caruncle and intercaruncle of old cows than in young heifers. Fluorescence microscopy using the same antibodies and anti-collagen type IV, anti-Müllerian hormone type 2 receptor, and anti-αSMA antibodies showed increased fibroblasts and αSMA signals near the epithelium of old cows compared to young heifers. Conclusion CSF2 expression was lower in endometrial epithelia of old cows compared to those in heifers, and myofibroblasts increased near the epithelia of old cows. Implications Lower CSF2 may play an important role in age-related infertility.</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":"143417137","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}
Leah Jacobs, Talisin Hammond, Natalie Calatayud, Patricia Byrne, Thomas Jensen
{"title":"Developing flow cytometry for precise evaluation of amphibian sperm viability: technical report.","authors":"Leah Jacobs, Talisin Hammond, Natalie Calatayud, Patricia Byrne, Thomas Jensen","doi":"10.1071/RD24117","DOIUrl":"10.1071/RD24117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context In the past decade, flow cytometry has become a useful tool for evaluating cellular viability characteristics for non-domestic animals such as non-human primates, marine animals, and birds. This technology has the potential to vastly improve sperm-quality assessments, concentration counts and cell sorting in a more time-efficient and reliable manner. Aims The study aimed to validate the efficacy of using flow cytometry for amphibian sperm by comparing its results with those obtained through traditional means of sperm-quality assessment. Methods Sperm samples were collected from testes macerates of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis ) and subjected to both flow cytometry and microscopy analyses. Flow cytometry allowed for the simultaneous assessment of sperm viability and concentration by using fluorescent probes, whereas microscopy provided a traditional means of assessing sperm characteristics. Key results Sperm concentrations measured by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy were highly correlated, although flow cytometry methods estimated higher concentrations. Sperm viability measured by flow cytometry and that measured by fluorescent microscopy were not significantly correlated and were significantly different, varying by only ~8% in viability, on average. Conclusions Although flow cytometry overestimated concentration and live/dead assessments, the discrepancies were slight enough to indicate that flow cytometry can still be a valuable method for assessing amphibian sperm. Implications These results validated the utility of flow cytometry as a reliable tool for assessing amphibian sperm viability and concentration, offering a promising alternative to traditional, time-consuming methods.</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":"143417132","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":"Physical activity and male reproductive function.","authors":"Farhanah Mohd Hamim, Damayanthi Durairajanayagam, Suzanna Binti Daud, Harbindar Jeet Singh","doi":"10.1071/RD24196","DOIUrl":"10.1071/RD24196","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fecundity is declining in humans, which is partly due to male infertility. Poor sperm parameters, the main contributors to male infertility, are associated with sedentary, unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits. Long periods of sedentary work lead to visceral adiposity and persistently elevated scrotal temperatures, which adversely affect spermatogenesis. Apart from increasing scrotal temperatures, excessive visceral adiposity exacerbates adipocyte dysfunction with increased pro-inflammatory adipokine release, like leptin. These, together with the increased scrotal temperature, are responsible for the poor sperm quality. The importance of regular physical activity in male fertility remains a matter of debate, as not all forms of exercises have been found to benefit sperm function. Sperm parameters are, nevertheless, somewhat better in active than in sedentary men. It now appears that low-to-moderate intensity exercises are more beneficial for male reproductive health than high-intensity exercises, which have a negative effect on spermatozoa. Low-to-moderate intensity exercises, in general, improve the overall organ-system function in the body, improve the management of body weight and oxidative stress, consequently improving sperm parameters. The detrimental effects of high-intensity exercises on spermatozoa result from disruption in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal-axis, raised testicular temperature and increased oxidative stress. It, therefore, seems that not all types of exercises are beneficial for male reproductive health. Although some low-to-moderate intensity exercises improve male reproductive function, there remains a need to identify the best form of low-to-moderate intensity exercises, particularly those that do not increase testicular temperature or oxidative stress, to help maintain normal body weight and male reproductive health.</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":"143191658","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":"Selected plant extracts and female fertility: role in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian axis in normal and pathological conditions.","authors":"Wijden Niama, Samia Ben Said, Christelle Rame, Pascal Froment, Mokhtar Mahouachi, Joëlle Dupont","doi":"10.1071/RD24120","DOIUrl":"10.1071/RD24120","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Female infertility, which affects 10-20% of couples worldwide, is a growing health concern in developing countries. It can be caused by multiple factors, including reproductive disorders, hormonal dysfunctions, congenital malformations and infections. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that plant extracts regulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone, kisspeptin, and gonadotropin expression and/or secretion at the hypothalamic-pituitary level and modulate somatic and germ cells, such as steroidogenesis, proliferation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress at the ovarian level. In this review, we report evidence for the role of certain plant extracts or plant bioactive compounds in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis and, consequently, for the treatment of female infertility. We will also summarize their possible involvement in ovarian disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POF) and ovarian cancers.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143061706","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}
Fabrizzio Horta, Denny Sakkas, William Ledger, Ewa M Goldys, Robert B Gilchrist
{"title":"Could metabolic imaging and artificial intelligence provide a novel path to non-invasive aneuploidy assessments? A certain clinical need.","authors":"Fabrizzio Horta, Denny Sakkas, William Ledger, Ewa M Goldys, Robert B Gilchrist","doi":"10.1071/RD24122","DOIUrl":"10.1071/RD24122","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) via embryo biopsy helps in embryo selection by assessing embryo ploidy. However, clinical practice needs to consider the invasive nature of embryo biopsy, potential mosaicism, and inaccurate representation of the entire embryo. This creates a significant clinical need for improved diagnostic practices that do not harm embryos or raise treatment costs. Consequently, there has been an increasing focus on developing non-invasive technologies to enhance embryo selection. Such innovations include non-invasive PGT-A, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, and non-invasive metabolic imaging. The latter measures cellular metabolism through autofluorescence of metabolic cofactors. Notably, hyperspectral microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) have revealed unique metabolic activity signatures in aneuploid embryos and human fibroblasts. These methods have demonstrated high accuracy in distinguishing between euploid and aneuploid embryos. Thus, this review discusses the clinical challenges associated with PGT-A and emphasizes the need for novel solutions such as metabolic imaging. Additionally, it explores how aneuploidy affects cell behaviour and metabolism, offering an opinion perspective on future research directions in this field of research.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143061704","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}
Marlena Gudelska, Kamil Dobrzyn, Marta Kiezun, Edyta Rytelewska, Ewa Zaobidna, Katarzyna Kisielewska, Grzegorz Kopij, Tadeusz Kaminski, Nina Smolinska
{"title":"Role of resistin in the porcine uterus: effects on endometrial steroidogenesis.","authors":"Marlena Gudelska, Kamil Dobrzyn, Marta Kiezun, Edyta Rytelewska, Ewa Zaobidna, Katarzyna Kisielewska, Grzegorz Kopij, Tadeusz Kaminski, Nina Smolinska","doi":"10.1071/RD24097","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD24097","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context The adipose tissue produces adipokines - hormones essential to many biological functions, including reproduction. Aims We hypothesised that resistin, one of the adipokines, is present in the blood plasma, uterine luminal flushings (ULF) and uterus of pigs during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy, and that resistin influences uterine steroidogenesis. Methods This study aimed to determine the expression of resistin in the porcine endometrium and myometrium during the cycle and pregnancy by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot (WB). The adipokine concentrations in blood plasma and ULF were defined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The impact of resistin on progesterone (P4 ) and oestradiol (E2 ) secretion and steroidogenic enzyme proteins' expression were determined by radioimmunoassay and WB, respectively. The effect of resistin on protein kinase B (Akt) protein phosphorylation was determined by WB. Key results The study's results identified the resistin gene and protein expression in the porcine endometrium and myometrium. Moreover, the expression of adipokine in the uterus, its concentrations in the blood plasma and ULF, and its impact on the endometrial P4 and E2 production, are dependent on the hormonal milieu related to the phase of the cycle and/or period of pregnancy. Furthermore, resistin enhances the phosphorylation of the Akt signaling pathway. Conclusions The current findings suggest that resistin may control the steroidogenesis process in the porcine endometrium and could be an important regulator of pig reproduction. Implications In the long-term perspective, the results obtained in this study may help improve farm animal breeding.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142961054","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":"Polycomb in female reproductive health: patterning the present and programming the future.","authors":"Ellen G Jarred, Patrick S Western","doi":"10.1071/RD24152","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD24152","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Epigenetic modifications regulate chromatin accessibility, gene expression, cell differentiation and tissue development. As epigenetic modifications can be inherited via mitotic and meiotic cell divisions, they enable a heritable memory of cell identity and function and can alter inherited characteristics in the next generation. Tight regulation of epigenetic information is critical for normal cell function and is often disrupted in diseases including cancer, metabolic, neurological and inherited congenital conditions. The ovary performs critical functions in female reproductive health and fertility, including oocyte and sex-hormone production. Oocytes undergo extensive epigenetic programming including the establishment of maternal genomic imprints, which are critical for offspring health and development. Epigenetic modifiers also regulate ovarian somatic cells, such as granulosa and theca cells which support oocytes and produce hormones. While ovarian dysfunction contributes to serious ovarian conditions such as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian cancers, the roles of epigenetic modifications in the ovary and their contribution to ovarian dysfunction are not properly understood. Here we review recent advancements in understanding Polycomb proteins, important epigenetic modifiers that have emerging roles in ovarian development and maternal epigenetic inheritance. Polycomb group proteins (PcGs) contribute to the faithful establishment of epigenetic information in oocytes, a process essential for normal offspring development in mice. Emerging evidence also indicates that PcGs regulate ovarian function and female fertility. Understanding these and similar mechanisms will provide greater insight into the epigenetic regulation of ovarian and oocyte function, and how its disruption can impact reproductive health and maternal inheritance.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"36 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142786971","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}
Bárbara Mariño Dal Magro, Bernardo Gindri Dos Santos, Pauline Maciel August, Manuela Zeferino Menegotto, David Driemeier, Cristiane Matté
{"title":"Maternal swimming with overload allied to postnatal high-fat, high-sugar diet induce subtle impairment on rat offspring's ovarian redox homeostasis.","authors":"Bárbara Mariño Dal Magro, Bernardo Gindri Dos Santos, Pauline Maciel August, Manuela Zeferino Menegotto, David Driemeier, Cristiane Matté","doi":"10.1071/RD24132","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD24132","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) concept suggests that early-life interventions significantly influence the long-term health outcomes of offspring. Emerging evidence supports that maternal physical exercise and balanced nutrition can positively impact the health of the next generation. Aims This study investigated the effects of maternal swimming combined with postnatal high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diet on the ovarian health of adult female Wistar rat offspring. Methods Adult female Wistar rats performed swimming exercise in a controlled temperature environment (32°C, 2% bodyweight overload adjusted daily) during 4weeks, starting 1week prior mating. The female offspring received a control or HFHS diet from postnatal day (PND) 21 to PND 90. We analyzed offspring's body weight, ovarian histomorphology, redox status, and associated molecular pathways 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPKα), forkhead box O3 (FoxO3), and mitofusin 1 (Mfn-1). Key results Our findings reveal that maternal swimming exerted an effect on offspring body weight gain, delaying it. Individually, maternal exercise reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and mitofusin-1 levels, while the postnatal HFHS diet alone decreased both SOD and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and increased the pFOXO3a/FOXO3a ratio in the ovaries. Conclusions We showed that combination of maternal swimming with a 2% overload and a postnatal HFHS diet can negatively affect the ovarian redox balance in offspring. Implications Prenatal and postnatal lifestyle might affect reproductive function in females.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"37 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142866761","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}
S Luridiana, M Ouadday, M C Mura, B Ben Smida, G Cosso, V Carcangiu
{"title":"Effect of melatonin treatment of pregnant Sarda ewes on lactation and lamb development.","authors":"S Luridiana, M Ouadday, M C Mura, B Ben Smida, G Cosso, V Carcangiu","doi":"10.1071/RD24048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/RD24048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Context Melatonin administration during pregnancy can influence fetal development and lactation. Aims This study aimed to verify whether melatonin treatment of pregnant Sarda ewes in spring improved lamb weight at birth, 7 and 21days of age, time to first colostrum intake, birth behavior and survival. Additionally, we examined melatonin's effect on milk yield and composition. Methods On 18 April, 200 ewes were assigned to two groups of 100 each, based on lambing date, body condition score, parity, age and milk yield. One group received melatonin implants on 20 April, 4 July and 17 September; the other served as control. Rams (12 per group) were introduced on 25 May and removed after 40days. Lamb weight was recorded at birth, 7 and 21days, while milk yield and composition were assessed bi-weekly from day 30 of lactation. Key results Lambs born to melatonin-treated ewes were heavier at birth (3.54 vs 2.89kg), and at 7(5.21 vs 4.40kg) and 21days of age (11.3 vs 10.1kg) and reached colostrum intake sooner than lambs from untreated ewes (55.5±5.3 vs 69.4±5.6min). Milk yield was higher in melatonin-treated ewes, with somatic cell counts decreasing in treated animals and increasing in controls over the five samplings. Milk fat was higher in treated ewes than controls during early lactation, although protein and lactose levels remained similar between groups. Conclusion Melatonin treatment throughout pregnancy improved lamb growth and milk production and quality, suggesting a potential management advantage for sheep.</p>","PeriodicalId":516117,"journal":{"name":"Reproduction, fertility, and development","volume":"36 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142789679","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}