F&S science最新文献

{"title":"Spatiotemporal deep learning with visualization predicts fertilization for early rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection.","authors":"Masato Saito, Hirofumi Haraguchi, Naoko Yamamoto, Shinya Fukuda, Kaori Shinya, Norio Masuya, Kazunori Matsumoto, Tomoki Tanaka, Yuya Yoshikawa, Satoshi Kishigami, Leona Matsumoto","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.10.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xfss.2026.10.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To determine whether a deep learning (DL) model trained on time-lapse videos predicts fertilization following short-term insemination more accurately than senior embryologists, particularly in morphologically difficult cases, to visualize classification regions, and to evaluate whether a shortened observation window could still support accurate classification before early rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (r-ICSI).</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Single-center retrospective study.</p><p><strong>Subjects: </strong>A total of 1,331 embryos from 250 short-term insemination cycles were identified. After excluding immature and degenerated oocytes, 1,016 embryos (770 fertilized, 246 unfertilized) were analyzed and split at the patient level into training and validation (n = 925) and test (n = 91) sets.</p><p><strong>Exposure: </strong>Time-lapse videos recorded from 4.5 to 8 h post-insemination were input into a spatiotemporal convolutional neural network trained with 5-fold cross-validation and compared with independent classification by 5 senior embryologists (>5 years' experience). Holdout embryos were stratified by embryologist accuracy, and classification regions were visualized. Model performance was also assessed using progressively truncated videos.</p><p><strong>Main outcome measures: </strong>Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC), accuracy, recall, specificity, precision, negative predictive value (NPV), and F1 score on the holdout test set, and stratum-specific accuracy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The DL model achieved a mean ROC-AUC of 0.938 (ensemble model, 0.968) and significantly higher accuracy (0.884 versus 0.802), recall (0.946 versus 0.837), NPV (0.802 versus 0.557), and F1 score (0.927 versus 0.867) than senior embryologists. In moderate- and low-accuracy cases (≤3 of 5 embryologists correct), the DL model classified fertilized embryos significantly more accurately than embryologists (P < 0.05). Even when trained on videos truncated at 6 h, recall and NPV remained significantly higher than embryologists using the full 4.5-8.0 h videos. Visualization showed cytoplasmic highlighting in fertilized embryos and polar body and perivitelline space highlighting in unfertilized embryos.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A DL model with region visualization achieved significantly higher predictive accuracy than senior embryologists, including for fertilized embryos in cases prone to human misclassification, and retained higher recall and NPV even when trained on videos truncated at 6 h. This suggests potential utility for early r-ICSI, although multicenter prospective validation is required.</p>","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149208183","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":"Shrimp-derived peptides restore spermatogenesis by activating the GDNF/GFRα1/c-RET pathway in a rat model of NAFLD.","authors":"Shirzad Mohammadi Bavani, Ebrahim Najdegerami, Mazdak Razi, Mehdi Nikoo","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.10.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xfss.2026.10.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The present study was carried out to investigate the protective effects of peptides derived from Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) by-products on spermatogenesis and spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) self-renewal in a rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD).</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Experimental study.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.</p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats (8 weeks old, average weight 230.2 ± 23 g).</p><p><strong>Exposure: </strong>Rats were divided into four groups (n=6): control (standard chow), high-fat diet (HFD), HFD + 20 mg peptide/kg body weight (BW), and HFD + 300 mg peptide/kg BW. Peptides were enzymatically hydrolyzed at 50°C, yielding 70-75% low molecular weight peptides (<500 Da), and administered via oral gavage for 10 weeks.</p><p><strong>Main outcome measures: </strong>The expressions of Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), GDNF family receptor alpha-1 (GFRα1), c-RET and BCL6b were evaluated by qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Spermatogenesis and tubular differentiation indices, tubular differentiation index (TDI), spermiogenesis index (SPI), histological alterations, oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde [MDA], reduced glutathione [GSH], oxidized glutathione [GSSG], and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), were assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>HFD markedly reduced SSC self-renewal markers, impaired spermatogenesis, increased oxidative stress and HOMA-IR, compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Peptide supplementation, especially at 300 mg/kg, upregulated the expression of GDNF, GFRα1, c-RET and BCL6B, improved spermatogenic indices, partially restored redox balance, reduced HOMA-IR, and ameliorated histological damage in the testes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In conclusion, these findings provide new evidence that shrimp-derived peptide supplementation was associated with reduced oxidative-stress markers, enhanced GDNF/GFRα1/c-RET-related measures, and improved spermatogenic indices and support SSC self-renewal in NAFLD-induced male reproductive dysfunction.</p>","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149198192","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":"Co-administration of atorvastatin and piperine disrupts Leydig cell histoarchitecture and compromises sperm structural integrity in male Wistar rats.","authors":"Sanjib Ghosh, Sweata Sarkar, Maharaj Biswas","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.10.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xfss.2026.10.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the individual and combined effects of atorvastatin and piperine on Leydig cell histoarchitecture and sperm structural integrity in adult male Wistar rats.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A randomized controlled experimental animal study.</p><p><strong>Subjects: </strong>Twenty healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 5 per group).</p><p><strong>Exposure: </strong>Animals received oral administration of atorvastatin (8 mg/kg), piperine (10 mg/kg), a combination of atorvastatin and piperine, or vehicle (control) once daily for 28 days.</p><p><strong>Main outcome measures: </strong>Leydig cell histoarchitecture was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin, Sudan Black B, and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Epididymal spermatozoa were evaluated for morphological, morphometric, and ultrastructural alterations using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Treatment with atorvastatin and piperine, individually and in combination, significantly reduced Leydig cell number and cluster area while increasing intracellular lipid accumulation and decreasing glycogen content compared with controls (p < 0.05). Sperm abnormalities involving the head, mid-piece, and tail were significantly increased, accompanied by marked reductions in sperm morphometric parameters. Scanning electron microscopy revealed pronounced ultrastructural defects, including acrosomal distortion, plasma membrane constriction, sub-acrosomal swelling, and basal plate abnormalities. The combined treatment group exhibited the most severe histological and sperm ultrastructural alterations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Co-administration of atorvastatin and piperine exerts pronounced adverse effects on Leydig cell morphology and sperm structural integrity, suggesting impaired steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis that may compromise male reproductive function. These findings highlight the need for caution regarding the concurrent use of atorvastatin and piperine-containing supplements, particularly among men of reproductive age.</p>","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149149054","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":"Prior cesarean delivery and live birth after frozen-thawed embryo transfer without hydrometra: a retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Shogo Nishii, Shoko Katsumata, Yuko Takayanagi, Yurie Nako, Makiko Tajima, Tatsuyuki Ogawa, Kiyotaka Kawai","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.10.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xfss.2026.10.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess whether prior cesarean delivery was associated with live birth after the first subsequent frozen-thawed embryo transfer among women with a previous assisted reproductive technology-conceived live birth and no apparent hydrometra.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Single-center retrospective cohort study.</p><p><strong>Subjects: </strong>A total of 450 women treated from 2018 to 2025, including 159 with a previous cesarean delivery and 291 with a previous vaginal delivery.</p><p><strong>Exposure: </strong>Previous cesarean delivery compared with previous vaginal delivery.</p><p><strong>Main outcome measures: </strong>Live birth per embryo transfer was the primary outcome. Multivariable logistic regression, propensity score matching with conditional logistic regression, and analyses restricted to single embryo transfer and blastocyst transfer were performed. Cesarean scar characteristics and obstetric outcomes were also examined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Live birth rates were 40.3% after cesarean delivery and 41.2% after vaginal delivery (crude odds ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-1.42). The adjusted odds ratio was 1.18 (95% confidence interval, 0.77-1.81). After 155 pairs were matched, the conditional odds ratio was 1.10 (95% confidence interval, 0.67-1.80; exact McNemar P = 0.801). Intracavitary fluid was detected in 10 of 170 women with a previous cesarean delivery (5.9%) and in none of the 307 women with a previous vaginal delivery. A cesarean scar niche, defined as an indentation of at least 2 mm in depth, was present in 66 of 159 women (41.5%), and live birth rates were similar irrespective of niche status. Across the primary and sensitivity analyses, no clear association was observed between prior cesarean delivery and live birth.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Among women with no apparent hydrometra, a history of cesarean delivery alone was not predictive of live birth after the first subsequent frozen-thawed embryo transfer. The confidence intervals remained compatible with potentially lower or higher odds of live birth; therefore, the findings do not establish equivalence or the absence of an effect. Delivery history should be interpreted alongside imaging findings of scar-related pathology.</p>","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149139545","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":"Pregnancy Outcomes, Placenta Histopathology and Immunohistochemistry in Patients with a History of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss or Implantation Failure Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization.","authors":"SiWon Lee, SuYun Ling, Jade Rechtzigel, Chandra C Paff Shenoy, Sylvie Girard","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.09.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xfss.2026.09.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate pregnancy outcomes, placental histopathology, and placental immune markers in pregnancies after in vitro fertilization (IVF) with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) or recurrent implantation failure (RIF).</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Retrospective cohort study.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Single academic center.</p><p><strong>Subjects: </strong>Patients who underwent IVF with a history of RPL or RIF and age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched spontaneous pregnancies and IVF patients without a history of RPL or RIF between 2018 and 2023.</p><p><strong>Exposure: </strong>IVF with a history of RPL or RIF.</p><p><strong>Main outcome measures: </strong>Placental histopathology, placental immunohistochemical markers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 2,215 IVF cycles, 407 resulted in live births within our hospital system. We analyzed 325 IVF patients (52 with RPL, 30 with RIF and 243 without RPL/RIF) and 197 patients with spontaneous pregnancies as a reference group. Placental histopathology was available for 283 patients and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was conducted on 133 samples. After adjusting for maternal age and BMI, and correcting for multiple comparisons, pregnancies in the IVF-no RPL/RIF group had statistically increased incidence of postpartum hemorrhage, and a trend towards preeclampsia was observed in the IVF-RPL group. In placental histopathology, increased incidence of fetal vascular malperfusion, inflammatory lesions such as chronic villitis, and intervillous thrombi was noted in IVF pregnancies, especially in IVF-RPL group. IHC analysis showed significantly higher numbers of CD163+ and CD68+ placental macrophages in all IVF groups, and markedly high CD163+ cells in IVF-RIF group. IL-6 levels did not differ between groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>IVF pregnancies, especially in patients with a history of RPL or RIF, are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and distinct placental histopathology, and elevated placental macrophages. These findings highlight the importance of individualized counseling and prenatal/postnatal surveillance although additional work is needed in larger multicenter cohorts to fully establish the pathophysiological association.</p>","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149139455","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":"Disrupted Sperm Chromatin Integrity and DNA Fragmentation in Idiopathic Oligospermia: Assessing the Impact of LIG4 and RAG1 Polymorphisms.","authors":"Mert İpekçi, Gülbahar Güzel Erdal, Mahmut Balkan","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.09.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xfss.2026.09.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the association of genetic variants in the DNA repair genes LIG4 (rs1805388) and RAG1 (rs2227973) with sperm DNA damage and chromatin integrity in men with idiopathic oligospermia.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Case-control study.</p><p><strong>Subjects: </strong>Forty infertile men with idiopathic oligospermia and 40 fertile controls.</p><p><strong>Exposure: </strong>Assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) by the TUNEL assay, chromatin packaging by aniline blue staining, and genotyping of LIG4 and RAG1 polymorphisms by real-time PCR.</p><p><strong>Main outcome measures: </strong>Genotype and allele frequencies of LIG4 (rs1805388) and RAG1 (rs2227973), SDF, and chromatin protamination status.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Men with idiopathic oligospermia had significantly higher SDF levels than controls (p < 0.001). Although histone-rich spermatozoa were more frequent in the patient group, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.122). The allele frequencies of LIG4 rs1805388 differed significantly between groups (p = 0.033), whereas genotype distribution did not (p = 0.067). No significant differences were observed in the genotype or allele frequencies of RAG1 rs2227973. Neither polymorphism was associated with SDF levels or chromatin protamination.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Idiopathic oligospermia was associated with increased SDF, whereas alterations in chromatin packaging did not reach statistical significance. Although the allele frequencies of LIG4 rs1805388 differed between groups, these findings do not support an association of the LIG4 rs1805388 and RAG1 rs2227973 polymorphisms with SDF or chromatin protamination in this cohort.</p>","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149119358","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":"Synergistic Effects of L-Carnitine and Moderate-Intensity Exercise on Testicular Damage Induced by Varicocele: Implications for miR-570, Irisin, Hsp70-2a, and Hsp90 Crosstalk.","authors":"Negin Zehtab, Javad Tolouei Azar, Mazdak Razi, Seyed Mohammad Hashemi-Asl","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.09.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xfss.2026.09.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To study the effects of L-carnitine and moderate-intensity continuous exercise on varicocele-induced testicular damage, with emphasis on spermatogenesis, expression of stress-related proteins and microRNA, and hormonal changes in a rat model.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Randomized, controlled laboratory animal study.</p><p><strong>Subjects: </strong>Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats (200 ± 20 g) were randomly assigned to experimental groups.</p><p><strong>Exposure: </strong>Animals were assigned to a sedentary control group, two untreated varicocele groups evaluated at 3 and 5 months, a varicocele group receiving oral L-carnitine (100 mg/kg) for 2 months, a varicocele group undergoing moderate-intensity continuous exercise, and a varicocele group receiving both treatments. Varicocele was induced surgically and confirmed by Doppler sonography and histopathological examination.</p><p><strong>Main outcome measures: </strong>Testicular histopathology, expression levels of heat shock protein 70-2a, heat shock protein 90, and microRNA-570 assessed by molecular and immunohistochemical methods, and serum concentrations of testosterone and irisin.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Varicocele induction resulted in vascular enlargement/congestion together with impaired dynamic testicular perfusion, degeneration of the germinal epithelium, and disrupted spermatogenesis. These alterations were accompanied by increased microRNA-570 expression and reduced heat shock protein 70-2a and heat shock protein 90 expression. L-carnitine and exercise improved testicular structure and spermatogenesis, reduced microRNA-570 expression, and restored heat shock protein levels, with the greatest overall improvement observed after the combined treatment. Serum testosterone and irisin concentrations increased after treatment; however, testosterone recovery was partial and did not exceed the level detected in the 3-month untreated varicocele group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>L-carnitine and moderate-intensity continuous exercise attenuated varicocele-induced testicular damage, with improvements in spermatogenesis accompanied by reduced miR-570 expression, restored Hsp70-2a/Hsp90 expression, and increased serum irisin and testosterone concentrations. The combined treatment produced the most consistent protective pattern; however, these preclinical findings do not establish causal relationships between the molecular or hormonal changes and testicular protection.</p>","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149076153","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 effects of microplastics on sperm motility: an in vitro experimental study.","authors":"Meaghan Jain, Ashanta Lopez, Alva Jacobs, Sangita Jindal, Kelvin Davies","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.08.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.08.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Although microplastics such as polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) have been identified in human semen, their clinical impact is still under investigation; this study evaluates the in vitro effect of PE and PS microplastics on sperm motility parameters and deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation in human semen samples.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Experimental study.</p><p><strong>Subjects: </strong>Postejaculate semen samples from men evaluated at a New York fertility center (October 2024-September 2025) were collected. Samples with normal sperm concentration and morphology were included; those with baseline total motility below 2% were excluded.</p><p><strong>Exposure: </strong>Each sample was divided into 200 μL aliquots and exposed to 0 (control), 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 μL of 10% PE (34-50 μm) or PS (10 μm) microbead solutions and incubated for 2 hours at 20°C-22°C.</p><p><strong>Main outcome measures: </strong>Total motility, progressive motility, average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL) RESULTS: Thirty-two semen samples were analyzed for motility changes. Within each exposure group, 20 samples had normal baseline motility and 10 had low baseline motility according to World Health Organization 5th edition criteria. Exposure to both PS and PE in both groups resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of greater than 10% in VAP and VSL from baseline compared with controls. Total and progressive motility were not significantly impacted.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In vitro exposure to PS and PE microplastics significantly impaired sperm kinematic parameters (VAP, VCL, and VSL) without affecting overall motility. These findings raise concern about environmental exposure and support the need for further research on their reproductive impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148882612","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":"Deoxyribonucleic acid methylation abnormalities at imprinted loci in oligospermic and azoospermic men","authors":"Richard Ng M.Sc.,&nbsp;Kenny Louie M.Sc.,&nbsp;Sanuja Pitigalaarachchige B.Sc.,&nbsp;Abhisek Pradhan B.Sc.,&nbsp;Kenneth Poon M.D.,&nbsp;Victor Chow M.D.,&nbsp;Sai Ma Ph.D.","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.05.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.05.006","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;To assess deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation at imprinted and repetitive genomic regions in ejaculated and testicular sperm from men with oligospermia, azoospermia, and those undergoing vasectomy reversal (VR), compared with fertile controls.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;To assess deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation at imprinted and repetitive genomic regions in ejaculated and testicular sperm from men with oligospermia, azoospermia, and those undergoing vasectomy reversal (VR), compared with fertile controls.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Design&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Observational case-control study.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Observational case-control study.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Subjects&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Samples were obtained from 68 men, including 29 infertile men (18 oligospermic [5–15 million/mL], 11 severely oligospermic [&lt;5 million/mL]) and 20 fertile controls with confirmed natural conceptions. Testicular tissue was collected from 11 azoospermic men (7 obstructive azoospermia [OA], 4 nonobstructive azoospermia [NOA]) and 8 men with prior paternity undergoing VR.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Samples were obtained from 68 men, including 29 infertile men (18 oligospermic [5–15 million/mL], 11 severely oligospermic [&lt;5 million/mL]) and 20 fertile controls with confirmed natural conceptions. Testicular tissue was collected from 11 azoospermic men (7 obstructive azoospermia [OA], 4 nonobstructive azoospermia [NOA]) and 8 men with prior paternity undergoing VR.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Exposure&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Sperm DNA methylation at four imprinted genes (&lt;em&gt;H19, GTL2, MEST,&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;LIT1&lt;/em&gt;) and one repetitive element (LINE1).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Sperm DNA methylation at four imprinted genes (&lt;em&gt;H19, GTL2, MEST,&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;LIT1&lt;/em&gt;) and one repetitive element (LINE1).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Main Outcome Measures&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Methylation levels at CpG sites determined by bisulfite pyrosequencing.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Methylation levels at CpG sites determined by bisulfite pyrosequencing.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The &lt;em&gt;H19&lt;/em&gt; was significantly hypomethylated only in severe oligospermia compared with fertile controls, whereas other groups showed nonsignificant trends with overlapping distributions. In contrast, &lt;em&gt;MEST&lt;/em&gt; was significantly hypermethylated in oligospermic, azoospermic, and VR groups compared with fertile controls. No significant differences were observed for &lt;em&gt;GTL2, LIT1&lt;/em&gt;, or LINE1.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;The &lt;em&gt;H19&lt;/em&gt; was significantly hypomethylated only in severe oligospermia compared with fertile controls, whereas other groups showed nonsignificant trends with overlapping distributions. In contrast, &lt;em&gt;MEST&lt;/em&gt; was significantly hypermethylated in oligospermic, azoospermic, and VR groups compared with fertile controls. No significant differences were observed for &lt;em&gt;GTL2, LIT1&lt;/em&gt;, or LINE1.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The DNA methylation abnormalities in sperm are locus-specific and vary across infertility phenotypes. &lt;em&gt;MEST&lt;/em&gt; alterations were consistent across","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"7 5","pages":"Pages 420-427"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148165776","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":"Follicle survival and oxidative stress in human ovarian tissue xenografts after oral antioxidant treatment: N-acetylcysteine and FERTILIX","authors":"Cristina Subiran Adrados Ph.D.,&nbsp;Hanna Ørnes Olesen Ph.D.,&nbsp;Sophie Vernimmen Olesen M.Sc.,&nbsp;Mette Christa Zeuthen M.Sc.,&nbsp;Susanne Elisabeth Pors Ph.D.,&nbsp;Anette Tønnes Pedersen Ph.D., M.D.,&nbsp;Stine Gry Kristensen Ph.D","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.06.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2026.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;To improve ovarian tissue transplantation effectiveness by limiting oxidative stress after transplantation, thus increasing follicle survival.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;To improve ovarian tissue transplantation effectiveness by limiting oxidative stress after transplantation, thus increasing follicle survival.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Design&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Experimental laboratory-controlled study. Immunodeficient mice were transplanted with frozen–thawed human ovarian cortex pieces, and received 7 days of oral treatment. The grafts were recovered 7 days and 4 weeks after transplantation.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Experimental laboratory-controlled study. Immunodeficient mice were transplanted with frozen–thawed human ovarian cortex pieces, and received 7 days of oral treatment. The grafts were recovered 7 days and 4 weeks after transplantation.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Subjects&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A total of 2–4 ovarian tissue fragments per patient were donated by the patients (n = 26) undergoing ovarian tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation and transplanted to immunodeficient mice.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;A total of 2–4 ovarian tissue fragments per patient were donated by the patients (n = 26) undergoing ovarian tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation and transplanted to immunodeficient mice.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Exposure&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Xenotransplanted mice received 7 days of oral treatment with either 150 mg/kg N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (NAC 150), 300 mg/kg NAC (NAC 300), FERTILIX, or Control (vehicle).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Xenotransplanted mice received 7 days of oral treatment with either 150 mg/kg N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (NAC 150), 300 mg/kg NAC (NAC 300), FERTILIX, or Control (vehicle).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Main Outcome Measured&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Follicle density 1 and 4 weeks after transplantation, malondialdehyde (MDA) immunohistochemistry assay and expression of antioxidant, mitochondrial, and apoptotic key genes.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Follicle density 1 and 4 weeks after transplantation, malondialdehyde (MDA) immunohistochemistry assay and expression of antioxidant, mitochondrial, and apoptotic key genes.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;After 7 days of transplantation, ovarian xenografts showed no significant differences in antioxidant genes (&lt;em&gt;HMOX&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;CATALASE&lt;/em&gt;), mitochondrial stress genes (&lt;em&gt;TFAM&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;HSP10&lt;/em&gt;), oxidative stress gene (&lt;em&gt;ALDH3A2&lt;/em&gt;), &lt;em&gt;BAX&lt;/em&gt;/&lt;em&gt;BCL2&lt;/em&gt; ratio, or malondialdehyde-positive areas (Control: 7.54% ± 2.23%; NAC 150: 4.99% ± 1.23%; NAC 300: 5.91% ± 1.19%; and FERTILIX: 10.30% ± 2.63%). However, follicle densities (follicles/mm&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt;, mean ± SEM) showed a modest, nonsignificant increase in the NAC 150 (13.2 ± 2.85) and FERTILIX (20 ± 7.79) groups compared with controls (8.5 ± 2.85) after 4 weeks of grafting.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;After 7 days of transplantation, ovarian xenografts showed no significant differences in antioxidant genes (&lt;em&gt;HMOX&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;CATALASE&lt;/em&gt;), mitochondrial stress genes (&lt;em&gt;TFAM&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;HSP10&lt;/","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"7 5","pages":"Pages 371-381"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148273937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}