Biology of Reproduction最新文献

{"title":"Establishing the baseline: understanding follicle activation morphometrics in multiple mammalian species.","authors":"Hana Kubo, Christopher J McCauley, Mary B Zelinski, Monica M Laronda","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioaf059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioaf059","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Folliculogenesis encompasses many stages as the somatic granulosa and theca cells support oocytes through growth and maturation. A novel follicle stage, between primordial and transitional stages, was identified in mice and defined as \"zip\". Like all other follicle stages, the \"zip\" stage is characterized by its granulosa cell morphology. The \"wedge\" GC morphology in zip follicles is predicted to be the first granulosa cell division, marking the transition from squamous to cuboidal morphology. Here, zip and transitional stages were identified in histological sections of porcine, bovine, rhesus monkey, and human ovaries. Several growth dynamics characterized at these follicle stages were conserved between species. Oocyte diameter and area increased between the primordial and transitional stages in the porcine ovary and between the primordial and primary stages in the rhesus monkey ovary but appeared unchanged in bovine and human ovaries. In all species except for pigs, granulosa cell number and height increased at stages earlier than observed changes in the oocyte. Furthermore, there were differences in the percentage of zip and transitional follicle stages present in the cortical region across species. This implies that there may be species-dependent activation and growth mechanisms that require further study. The parameters defined here for identifying and characterizing the zip and transitional follicle stages across species can act as a tool for measuring factors that perturb or induce primordial follicle activation or effect follicle morphometric parameters in support of future innovations for fertility preservation and restoration.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143690936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Delayed Blastocyst Development is Associated with Altered Metabolism and Proteome in Male and Female Bovine Embryos.","authors":"Kyle J Fresa, Ming-Hao Cheng, Keira Y Larson, Alexandra A Crook, Anthony J Saviola, Raul A Gonzalez-Castro, Thomas W Chen, Elaine M Carnevale","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioaf058","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioaf058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Developmentally delayed embryos are associated with reduced implantation potential and live birth rates; however, inherent causes of delayed development are not well understood. Metabolism during preimplantation development is responsible for the production of energy and biosynthetic material to support growth, and disturbances to these pathways can reduce embryo viability. The present study utilized electrochemical microsensors to determine differences in rates for oxygen consumption, extracellular acidification, and hydrogen peroxide production between normal and slow-growing, male and female bovine blastocysts. In addition, pooled samples of blastocysts were subjected to proteomic analysis to determine differences in the abundance of proteins associated with metabolism between the sexes and developmental timing status. In comparison to blastocysts developing over a normal timespan, blastocysts forming 1 to 2 days later had a higher oxygen consumption rate, differences in abundance of electron transport complex proteins, and reduced abundance of biosynthetic enzymes when compared to blastocysts developing during a normal timeline. Embryo sex resulted in unique differences in metabolic enzyme abundance with potentially different contributions to delayed development. In addition, male and female blastocysts had differential protein abundances indicating differences in metabolic pathway activity. Therefore, embryos that took longer to reach the blastocyst stage of development appeared to have an imbalance between energy production and biosynthetic activity, which could differentially impact male and female embryos.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143668655","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microplastics and Impaired Male Reproductive Health - Exploring Biological Pathways of Harm: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Naina Kumar, Mishu Mangla","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioaf054","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioaf054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Microplastics (MPs), pervasive environmental pollutants, have emerged as significant health hazards with growing evidence linking them to impaired male reproductive health. MPs can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption, and once internalized, can induce oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine disruption, and cellular damage leading to impaired male reproductive health. The present narrative review explores the biological pathways through which MPs impair male reproductive health, focusing on their direct and systemic effects.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A comprehensive literature search spanning up to February 2025 was conducted across electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Search terms such as \"microplastic exposure,\" \"male infertility,\" \"male reproductive health\", \"oxidative stress,\" \"endocrine disruption,\" \"spermatogenesis,\" \"inflammation,\" and \"reproductive toxicity\" were employed to identify relevant studies published in peer-reviewed journals, books, and reputable conference proceedings. Inclusion criteria were limited to articles written in English that focused on the biological pathways linking MP exposure to impaired male reproductive health. Priority was given to review articles, original research papers, and meta-analyses. Extracted information was systematically organized to provide a narrative synthesis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Current evidence suggests that MPs may impair male reproductive health through mechanisms like oxidative stress, hormonal disruption, inflammation, and cellular damage. However, the lack of human studies highlights the urgent need for robust research to clarify their impact on human male infertility. Furthermore, this review underscores the necessity for continued research to elucidate molecular mechanisms, inform preventative strategies, and guide regulatory policies addressing MP pollution and its health implications.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143668747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diverse roles of stress-responsive RNP granules in oogenesis and infertility.","authors":"M Rebecca Glineburg, Carolee Nguyen","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioaf057","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioaf057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Effectively responding to cellular stress (e.g. nutrient deprivation, oxidative stress) is essential for cell and organismal survival. A protective mechanism is especially critical in developing oocytes, where a prolonged quiescent state and the inability to divide render oocytes highly susceptible to accumulating stress that can result in cell death if unaddressed. Despite the common view that stress granules are the primary stress-responsive ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granule, accumulating evidence shows that in ovaries, other RNP granules also uniquely mediate gene regulation in response to stress. Here we review recent insights into RNP granule dynamics and RNP granule protein function during stress in the context of oogenesis among both invertebrates and vertebrates, with an emphasis on insights from Drosophila and mice. We also discuss roles for stress-responsive RNPs in maintaining stem cell populations, and complicating fertility treatments. By exploring how stress-induced RNP dynamics can impact oogenesis, both positively and negatively, we can better understand how stress contributes to reduced fecundity and infertility. We conclude by offering key research questions that can drive the next generation of insights.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143668733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exposure of Bovine Granulosa Cells to Lipopolysaccharide Reduces Progesterone Secretion During Luteinization.","authors":"Zachary K Seekford, Stephanie E Wohlgemuth, I Martin Sheldon, John J Bromfield","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioaf055","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioaf055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Uterine disease reduces fertility in dairy cows and is caused by pathogenic bacteria. During disease, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) accumulates in follicular fluid and triggers granulosa cell inflammation via the Toll-like receptor 4 pathway. Follicle growth and plasma estradiol are reduced in cows with uterine disease, and treatment of bovine granulosa cells with LPS reduces CYP19A1 expression and estradiol synthesis. It is unclear if the effects of LPS on the steroidogenic capacity of granulosa cells persist in cells during luteinization. We hypothesized that acute exposure of granulosa cells to LPS would alter progesterone synthesis during luteinization. Here, we demonstrate that acute exposure of granulosa cells to LPS reduces progesterone synthesis during a 9-day period of luteinization after LPS treatment. We show that exposure of granulosa cells to LPS does not alter the gene expression of STAR, HSD3B1 or CYP11A1, or cellular respiration during luteinization. However, acute exposure of granulosa cells to LPS reduces the abundance of intracellular lipid, mitochondria density and cholesterol uptake during luteinization, suggesting a potential mechanism of altered steroidogenesis after acute inflammation. Collectively, these findings show that exposure of granulosa cells to LPS reduces progesterone synthesis during luteinization which is associated with altered lipid droplets and mitochondria accumulation required for steroidogenesis. Perturbations to granulosa cell physiology during uterine disease may have prolonged effects on ovarian function that contribute to reduced fertility of cows. Understanding the effects of uterine disease on corpus luteum function after disease resolution can help explain disease associated subfertility in cattle.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143662105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Review: Placental physiology and fetal programming in ruminants under heat stress.","authors":"Leticia T Casarotto, Helen N Jones, Pascale Chavatte-Palmer, Geoffrey E Dahl","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioaf047","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioaf047","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The placenta plays a crucial role in transferring nutrients and oxygen between the dam and fetus during pregnancy. It is highly influenced by environmental conditions, especially stressors such as heat and nutritional deficiencies, which can significantly impact the fetus's long-term health and development. Cattle, especially dairy cows, commonly experience stress during late gestation, which can lead to changes in behavior and physiology, affecting both subsequent milk production and fetal development. Heat stress is one of the most common stressors experienced by mammals, and recent evidence suggests a role in the programming of the dam and fetus. This review explores different hypotheses of fetal programming, including the Barker Hypothesis, which connects early-life malnutrition to metabolic diseases in adulthood, and the Silver-Spoon Hypothesis, which highlights the long-term benefits of optimal prenatal conditions. Furthermore, we consider heat stress programming as it relates to the concept of developmental origins of health and diseases (DOHaD). The DOHaD hypothesis suggests that epigenetic adaptations occur in fetal DNA as a response to environmental influences. The review also emphasizes the role of the mechanism associated with possible epigenetic effects in the placenta, mediating the effects of maternal stress on the fetus, impacting gene expression, placental structure, and nutrient transfer. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for enhancing dairy cattle management and minimizing the adverse effects of environmental stressors on animal health and productivity.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143633416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unraveling the elongating bovine conceptus microenvironment: identification of gene transcripts and proteins along the conceptus-maternal interface in cattle†.","authors":"Katheryn D Peterson, Trevor F Freeman, Shankar P Poudel, Susanta K Behura, D Kakhniashvili, Daniel L Johnson, Tulio M Prado, Lew G Strickland, Jonathan E Beever, Thomas E Spencer, Daniel J Mathew","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioaf002","DOIUrl":"10.1093/biolre/ioaf002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The bovine conceptus elongates near Day 16 of development and releases interferon-tau, disrupting the endometrial luteolytic mechanism to sustain luteal P4 and pregnancy. Conceptus factors other than interferon tau modify local endometrial activities to support pregnancy; however, the microenvironment is largely uncharacterized. We utilized a bovine conceptus-endometrial culture system to elucidate the microenvironment in the form of gene transcripts and protein. Estrus synchronized heifers remained cyclic (13) or were inseminated (9) to produce Day 16 cyclic endometrium and elongating conceptuses, respectively. Conceptus sections and endometrium were then used to generate tissue cultures in 1 ml of medium: (i) no tissue (control med; n = 7), (ii) mono-cultured conceptus (conceptus; n = 9) (iii) mono-cultured endometrium (endo; n = 13), or (iv) endo-conceptus co-culture (n = 15). After 12 h, tissue gene transcripts were sequenced (RNA-Seq) and media underwent proteomic analysis (LC-MS/MS). Compared to conceptus and endo, co-cultured conceptus and endometrial tissue contained 3400 and 4575 differentially expressed genes, respectively (P ≤ 0.01). More abundantly expressed endometrial differentially expressed genes were associated with interferon signaling whereas more abundantly expressed conceptus differentially expressed genes were associated with protein homeostasis and metabolism (FDR < 0.001). When co-culture media where compared to endo media, 288 more abundant proteins were identified (P < 0.05). Biological processes related to these proteins included antigen presentation via MHC Class Ib and keratinization (FDR < 0.001). Within the mono-cultured conceptus and endometrial media, folate receptor alpha (FOLR1; P < 0.001) was identified as the most abundant secreted protein suggesting the reproductive tissues elicit a microenvironment supportive of conceptus growth involving folate metabolism.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":"513-529"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142944083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The interleukin-6 signal transducer receptor subunit is required for optimal in vitro bovine embryo development†.","authors":"Savannah L Speckhart, Abigayle B Pollock, Kayla J Alward, Kayla Farrell, Mary A Oliver, Kiho Lee, Fernando H Biase, Alan D Ealy","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioaf006","DOIUrl":"10.1093/biolre/ioaf006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This work explored whether bovine embryo development relies on signaling from the interleukin-6 (IL6) cytokine family. This was accomplished by interrupting IL6 signal transducer (IL6ST), the common beta-subunit receptor used by the IL6 family. One series of studies cultured in vitro-produced embryos with SC144, a pharmacological IL6ST inhibitor. Providing the inhibitor at a concentration that partially diminished IL6ST signaling reduced development to the 16-cell and blastocyst stages and reduced inner-cell-mass cell numbers. Inhibitor concentrations that completely blocked IL6ST signaling prevented blastocyst development. Another series of studies used CRISPR-Cas9 to disrupt IL6ST. Two electroporation approaches were used to introduce guide RNAs and Cas9 protein into one-cell in vitro-produced embryos. Editing efficiency was ≥82%. Targeting IL6ST did not affect cleavage but reduced development to the 16-cell and blastocyst stages. A reduction in inner-cell-mass cell numbers was detected, and disorganization of the inner cell mass was observed in approximately one-half of the IL6ST-targeted blastocysts. These observations indicate that embryo-derived IL6 family members that signal through IL6ST are needed to support normal in vitro bovine embryo development. These signals are needed by the 16-cell stage and for inner-cell-mass cell development at the blastocyst stage. There is also evidence that these signals support the overall cellular organization of the blastocyst.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":"434-446"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11911555/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142930644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oxidation of thiol groups in membrane proteins inhibits the fertilization ability and motility of sperm by suppressing calcium influx†.","authors":"Satohiro Nakao, Kazuki Shirakado, Kana Tamura, Reiri Koga, Mayumi Ikeda-Imafuku, Yu Ishima, Naomi Nakagata, Toru Takeo","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioae183","DOIUrl":"10.1093/biolre/ioae183","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The redox state of thiol groups derived from cysteine residues in proteins regulates cellular functions. Changes in the redox state of thiol groups in the epididymis are involved in sperm maturation. Furthermore, the redox state of thiol groups in proteins changes during the process of sperm capacitation. However, the effect of the redox state of thiol groups in sperm membrane proteins on the fertilization ability of sperm has not been studied. Therefore, in this study, we oxidized thiol groups in sperm membrane proteins using 5,5-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), which is a thiol-selective oxidizing agent, and examined the effect of oxidation of these thiol groups on the fertilization ability of sperm. Oocytes and sperm were obtained from C57BL/6 J mice, and Jcl:ICR mice were used as recipients for embryo transfer. Oxidation of the thiol groups by DTNB decreased the in vitro fertilization rate, and removal of the zona pellucida recovered the fertilization rate. DTNB treatment decreased the amplitude of the lateral head, which is an indicator of hyperactivation, and suppressed an increase in the intracellular calcium ion concentration, which is essential for hyperactivation. These findings suggest that oxidation of thiol groups in sperm membrane proteins can decrease the fertility of sperm by suppressing calcium ion influx and hyperactivation.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":"563-571"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142845787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Inflammation during oocyte maturation reduces developmental competence and increases apoptosis in blastocysts†.","authors":"Arslan Tariq, Zachary K Seekford, John J Bromfield","doi":"10.1093/biolre/ioae180","DOIUrl":"10.1093/biolre/ioae180","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Uterine infections cause ovarian dysfunction and infertility. The bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide, accumulates in the follicular fluid of dominant follicles of cows with uterine infections. Granulosa cells produce an innate inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide, altering the follicular microenvironment of the oocyte. We hypothesized that developmental competence and embryo quality would be reduced when oocytes are matured in an inflammatory environment. Bovine mural granulosa cells were exposed to either 1 μg/mL of lipopolysaccharide or medium alone for 24 h to produce a conditioned medium. Inflammatory responses of mural granulosa cells were confirmed by increased expression of CXCL8, IL1B, IL6, and TNF. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes were matured for 22 ± 1 h in a medium supplemented with either 1 μg/mL of lipopolysaccharide, 10% v/v conditioned medium of granulosa cells treated with either lipopolysaccharide (LCM) or medium alone, or no supplementation. In addition, polymyxin B (20 μg/mL) was added to the maturation medium to sequester LPS. Following maturation, cumulus-oocyte complexes were fertilized and cultured for 7.5 days with no further treatment. Oocyte maturation using lipopolysaccharide or LCM impaired development to the blastocysts stage, reduced the number of total and CDX2-negative blastomeres, and increased TUNEL-positive cells in blastocysts. Polymyxin B could rescue these effects in the lipopolysaccharide group but not in the LCM group, indicating factors produced by granulosa cells and not lipopolysaccharide alone compromised oocyte development. These findings suggest that the inflammatory milieu produced by granulosa cells in response to lipopolysaccharide impairs oocyte competence and the quality of resultant blastocyst-stage embryos.</p>","PeriodicalId":8965,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Reproduction","volume":" ","pages":"420-433"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142811999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}