The gap between life expectancy and reproductive lifespan has brought female reproductive senescence into sharp scientific focus.Reproductive aging impacts fertility and general health in women.Prolonging the female r...The gap between life expectancy and reproductive lifespan has brought female reproductive senescence into sharp scientific focus.Reproductive aging impacts fertility and general health in women.Prolonging the female reproductive lifespan and improving the postmenopausal quality of life have become imperative.Mitochondria,the powerhouse of the cell,are crucial for cellular nutrient metabolism,redox reactions,calcium balance,apoptosis,and other physiological processes.However,mitochondria are highly susceptible to external stress factors,which produce excessive reactive oxygen species capable of damaging their structures.Therefore,cells have developed an intrinsic mechanism for maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis,including mitochondrial biogenesis,mitochondrial dynamics(fission and fusion),mitophagy,and mitochondrial unfolded protein response(mtUPR).Reportedly,dysregulated mitochondrial homeostasis is closely related to multiple metabolic and degenerative diseases and tumors.Particularly,its effect on the aging of the female reproductive system has drawn extensive attention.Here,we provide organ-level insights into the aging of the female reproductive system by systematically delineating aging phenotypes across the ovary,uterus,and vagina and elucidating the mechanism underlying mitochondrial homeostasis maintenance during these processes.Considering its relevance,we propose targeting mitochondrial homeostasis as a potentially effective antiaging strategy.展开更多
Nanoparticles(NPs)are increasingly recognized for their dual roles in both advancing and posing risks to female reproductive health.Owing to their small size and large surface area,NPs can interact with biological sys...Nanoparticles(NPs)are increasingly recognized for their dual roles in both advancing and posing risks to female reproductive health.Owing to their small size and large surface area,NPs can interact with biological systems in ways that may lead to both therapeutic innovations and toxicological concerns.The impact of NPs on the female reproductive system highlights their potential to disrupt hormone signaling pathways and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis,which are crucial for reproductive health.NPs have shown promise in targeted drug delivery systems,improving therapeutic outcomes for conditions such as endometriosis,polycystic ovary syndrome,and uterine leiomyoma.Advances in nanotechnology have facilitated the development of more sensitive diagnostic tools and innovative treatments,including NP-mediated drug delivery and hyperthermia.However,the accumulation of NPs in reproductive organs raises concerns about their potential toxicity,particularly in terms of oxidative stress,inflammation,and DNA damage.This review underscores the need for further research to fully understand the long-term effects of NPs on female reproductive health and to establish safe exposure limits.Additionally,the potential of NPs in gene therapy and tissue-targeted treatment offers a promising avenue for future clinical applications,with the possibility of revolutionizing the diagnosis and management of reproductive disorders.展开更多
Nitric oxide (NO), synthesized from L-arginine and oxygen by a family of enzymes known as nitric oxide synthase (NOS), is an effective and intercellular signal transduction molecule, and is ubiquitously present in ver...Nitric oxide (NO), synthesized from L-arginine and oxygen by a family of enzymes known as nitric oxide synthase (NOS), is an effective and intercellular signal transduction molecule, and is ubiquitously present in vertebrates. To date, there are three distinct isoforms of NOS: neural NOS (nNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), and endo-thelial NOS (eNOS). Among them, eNOS and nNOS, also called constitutive isoforms (cNOS), require calcium for activity, and are expressed constitutively in the physiological condition. The third isoforms, iNOS, whose activity is not dependent on calcium, are produced only in response to some stimulus, including cytokines and immune stimulating factors, etc.展开更多
Neovascularization, i.e. new blood vessels formation, can be divided into two different processes: vasculogene-sis, whereby a primitive vascular network is established during embryogenesis from multipotential mesenchy...Neovascularization, i.e. new blood vessels formation, can be divided into two different processes: vasculogene-sis, whereby a primitive vascular network is established during embryogenesis from multipotential mesenchymal progenitors; and angiogenesis, which refers to the new blood vessels formation from pre-existing vessels[1,2].Angiogenesis contributes to the most process throughout the whole life span from embryonic development to adult growth’21. In this meaning, neovascularization is usually used to imply angiogenesis. Under physiological conditions, angiogenesis is a strictly regulated event and rarely happens in most adult tissues except for fracture or healing of wounds[2,3]. However, a notable phenomenon is that the tissues of ovary and uterine endometnum are unique in the cycle-specific changes in vascularity that occur in each estrous/menstrual cycle. Active angiogenesis occurs in placenta to satisfy the needs of embryonic implantation and development. Defects in angiogenesis are associated展开更多
Citrus,which has been consumed internationally for a long time,is widely used as a health food.Citrus and its active components exert significant effects on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism,which are closely asso...Citrus,which has been consumed internationally for a long time,is widely used as a health food.Citrus and its active components exert significant effects on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism,which are closely associated with female reproductive health.Studies suggest that citrus-derived compounds may alleviate oxidative stress by activating signaling pathways such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)and Sirtuin 1(SIRT1),and improve lipid metabolism through the activation of pathways such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorα(PPARα).This review focuses on the effects of Citrus on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism,aiming to provide new insights for promoting female reproductive health;however,further work is needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved and validate the therapeutic potential of Citrus’s bioactive components in clinical settings.展开更多
To study the effect of endocrine disruptor chemicals in cow milk on female reproductive system. Methods A two-generation reproduction was conducted according to U. S. FDA standard. Milk was fed in special bottle to Wi...To study the effect of endocrine disruptor chemicals in cow milk on female reproductive system. Methods A two-generation reproduction was conducted according to U. S. FDA standard. Milk was fed in special bottle to Wistar rats of both sexes through two successive generations （F0 and F1） in the milk group while artificial milk was fed to rats in the control group. Twenty-four rats of each sex were mated in each group. Measurements were made according to this guideline. Results Reproductive parameters in the milk group such as fertility index, gestation index, weights of uterus and ovary, days of vaginal opening, estrous cycles, histological morphological changes were comparable to those in the control group. However, the means of body weight had some differences. The body weight gains increased significantly in the milk-treated group in F1 and F2 generation compared with those in the control group. The concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1） in blood in the milk group was comparable to that in the control group, but the standard deviation changed greatly in the milk-treated rats. Conclusion Endocrine disruptor chemicals in milk have no severe effects on the female reproductive system.展开更多
Ontogeny and metamorphic. development of female reproductive organs in Ephedra sinica Stapf were surveyed. At the end of April, female cones began to initialize from the vegetative buds. Pollination occurred in mid-Ma...Ontogeny and metamorphic. development of female reproductive organs in Ephedra sinica Stapf were surveyed. At the end of April, female cones began to initialize from the vegetative buds. Pollination occurred in mid-May and seeds matured at the beginning of July. The ontogenetic pattern of female reproductive organs of E. sin ca is basically similar to that of E. distachya L. The foliar nature of the outer envelope of the ovule in Ephedra is corroborated. Reduction of ovule number as a tendency of speciation in the genus is substantiated by the occurrence of tri-ovulate cones coupled with comprehensive characters of the genus. The metamorphic patterns as well as the leaf nature of the outer envelope indicate that female cones of Ephedra are compound while the female reproductive units of the ovulate cone have been reduced from secondary reproductive shoots similar to those of cordaites by phylogenetic transformation, fusion and reduction. Each fertile bract together with its axillary female reproductive unit composed the Bract Scale and Seed Scale Complex of Ephedra.展开更多
The prophylactic effects of Chinese propolis against cypermethrin toxicity were evaluated by performing ovary and uterus histopathology, as well as by characterizing ovarian function, embryos, and litters. Cypermethri...The prophylactic effects of Chinese propolis against cypermethrin toxicity were evaluated by performing ovary and uterus histopathology, as well as by characterizing ovarian function, embryos, and litters. Cypermethrin induced atypia in the ovary and uterus, and decreased the ovulation sites and the number of embryos. Cypermethrin-induced oxidative stress during pregnancy, decreased the parturition rate as well as the number and weight of offspring and increased the incidence of morphological malformations in the offspring. Administration of propolis to cypermethrin-treated animals mitigated cypermethrin-induced reproductive toxicity.展开更多
BACKGROUND The overall incidence of gastric cancer is higher in men than women worldwide.However,gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma(GSRC)is more frequently observed in younger female patients.AIM To analyze clinicopat...BACKGROUND The overall incidence of gastric cancer is higher in men than women worldwide.However,gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma(GSRC)is more frequently observed in younger female patients.AIM To analyze clinicopathological differences between sexes in GSRC,because of the limited evidence regarding association between sex-specific differences and survival.METHODS We reviewed medical records for 1431 patients who received treatment for GSRC at the Cancer Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between January 2011 and December 2018 and surveyed reproductive factors.Clinicopathological characteristics were compared between female and male patients.Cox multivariable model was used to compare the mortality risks of GSRC among men,menstrual women,and menopausal women.RESULTS Of 1431 patients,935 patients were male and 496 were female(181 menstrual and 315 menopausal).The 5-year overall survival in male,menstrual female and menopausal female groups was 65.6%,76.5% and 65%,respectively(P<0.01).Menstruation was found to be a protective factor(hazard ratio=0.58,95% confidence interval:0.42–0.82).CONCLUSION The mortality risk of GSRC in menstrual women was lower than that in men.This study identified the protective effects of female reproductive factors in GSRC.展开更多
In 1956, my former Head and Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology KT LIM, asked me to take the initiative to establish a reproductive endocrinology unit. As China is a developing country, we wer... In 1956, my former Head and Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology KT LIM, asked me to take the initiative to establish a reproductive endocrinology unit. As China is a developing country, we were then short of diagnostic facilities and therapeutic agents. We can learn basic knowledge and clinical experiences from the literature, but hormonal preparations were expensive and generally most of our patients were poor. We needed to find simpler, inexpensive and yet effective ways to treat our patients. In a word, we had to develop our own way.……展开更多
Female primary pelvic retroperitoneal tumours(PPRTs)refer to a heterogeneous group of tumours originating from the retroperitoneal space of the female pelvis,located predominantly or entirely within the true pelvis.Th...Female primary pelvic retroperitoneal tumours(PPRTs)refer to a heterogeneous group of tumours originating from the retroperitoneal space of the female pelvis,located predominantly or entirely within the true pelvis.This group excludes metastatic tumours,bone-derived tumours,extragastrointestinal stromal tumours,broad ligament myomas,endometriosis,tumours originating from the lymphoreticular system and tumours originating from pelvic visceral organs(such as those of the female reproductive tract,intestines and urinary system).PPRTs,also known as pelvic extraperitoneal tumours,have an incidence rate of less than 0.01%.The upper boundary of the pelvic retroperitoneal space is defined by a line consisting of the superior border of the symphysis pubis,the pubic tubercle and the superior border of the sacral promontory,whereas the inferior boundary extends to the pelvic diaphragm or below.Most female PPRTs are diagnosed during reproductive age,with approximately 80%of the tumours being benign.1 The management of PPRTs poses challenges for general clinicians due to their limited clinical experience,which leads to a high rate of missed cases and misdiagnoses.Compared with abdominal retroperitoneal tumours,the anatomical structure of PPRTs is deeper and more complex,resulting in greater surgical difficulty.展开更多
Sexual size dimorphism （SSD） has long attracted the attention of biologists, and life-history variation is thought to play an important role in the evolution of SSD. Here we quantified SSD and female reproductive tr...Sexual size dimorphism （SSD） has long attracted the attention of biologists, and life-history variation is thought to play an important role in the evolution of SSD. Here we quantified SSD and female reproductive traits to identify potential asso- ciations between SSD and female reproduction in the white-striped grass lizard Takydromus wolteri. In a population from Chuzhou, China, the largest male and female were 53.0 mm and 57.5 mm in snout-vent length （SVL）, respectively. Females were larger in SVL and abdomen length, whereas males were larger in head size and tail length. Females produced up to five clutches of eggs during the breeding season, with large females producing more clutches and more eggs per clutch than small ones. As a result, large females had a higher annual fecundity and reproductive output. Egg size was positively correlated with matemal SVL in the first clutch, but not in subsequent clutches. These results suggest that T. wolteri is a species with female-biased SSD, and that fectmdity selection, in which large females have higher fecundity due to their higher capacity for laying eggs, is likely correlated with the evolution of SSD in this species展开更多
The female reproductive system consists of the ovaries,the female gonads,and the reproductive tract organs of the fallopian tubes,uterus,cervix,and vagina.It functions to provide hormonal support and anatomical struct...The female reproductive system consists of the ovaries,the female gonads,and the reproductive tract organs of the fallopian tubes,uterus,cervix,and vagina.It functions to provide hormonal support and anatomical structure for the production of new offspring.A number of endogenous and exogenous factors can impact female reproductive health and fertility,including genetic vulnerability,medications,environmental exposures,age,nutrition,and diseases.To date,due to the ethical concerns of using human subjects in biomedical research,the majority of studies use in vivo animal models and 2D cell/tissue culture models to study female reproduction.However,the complexity and species difference of the female reproductive system in humans make it difficult to compare to those of animals.Moreover,the monolayered cells cultured on flat plastics or glass lose their 3D architecture as well as the physical and/or biochemical contacts with other cells in vivo.Further,all reproductive organs do not work alone but interconnect with each other and also with non-reproductive organs to support female reproductive,endocrine,and systemic health.These facts suggest that there is an urgent and unmet need to develop representative,effective,and efficient in vitro models for studying human female reproduction.The prodigious advancements of bioengineering(e.g.,biomaterials,3D printing,and organ-on-a-chip)allow us to study female reproduction in an entirely new way.Here,we review recent advances that use bioengineering methods to study female reproduction,including the bioengineering models of the ovary,fallopian tube,uterus,embryo implantation,placenta,and reproductive disease.展开更多
We maintained gravid Chinese skinks(Plestiodon chinensis) at three constant temperatures(25, 28 and 31 °C) during gestation, and randomly assigned eggs from each female to one of the same three temperatures for i...We maintained gravid Chinese skinks(Plestiodon chinensis) at three constant temperatures(25, 28 and 31 °C) during gestation, and randomly assigned eggs from each female to one of the same three temperatures for incubation to determine maternal thermal effects on female reproduction and hatchling phenotype. Maternal temperature affected egg-laying date, hatching success and hatchling linear size(snout-vent length, SVL) but not clutch size, egg size, egg component, and embryonic stage at laying. More specifically, females at higher temperatures laid eggs earlier than did those at low temperatures, eggs laid at 31 °C were less likely to hatch than those laid at 25 °C or 28 °C, and hatchlings from eggs laid at 31 °C were smaller in SVL. Our finding that maternal temperature(pre-ovipositional thermal condition) rather than incubation temperature(post-ovipositional thermal condition) affected hatching success indicated that embryos at early stages were more vulnerable to temperature than those at late stages. Our data provide an inference that moderate maternal temperatures enhance reproductive fitness in P. chinensis.展开更多
Background： Dietary saturated（SFAs） and polyunsaturated（PUFAs） fatty acids can highly affect reproductive functions by providing additional energy, modulating the biochemical properties of tissues, and hormone se...Background： Dietary saturated（SFAs） and polyunsaturated（PUFAs） fatty acids can highly affect reproductive functions by providing additional energy, modulating the biochemical properties of tissues, and hormone secretions. In precocial mammals such as domestic guinea pigs the offspring is born highly developed. Gestation might be the most critical reproductive period in this species and dietary fatty acids may profoundly influence the gestational effort. We therefore determined the hormonal status at conception, the reproductive success, and body mass changes during gestation in guinea pigs maintained on diets high in PUFAs or SFAs, or a control diet.Results： The diets significantly affected the females＇ plasma fatty acid status at conception, while cortisol and estrogen levels did not differ among groups. SFA females exhibited a significantly lower body mass and litter size, while the individual birth mass of pups did not differ among groups and a general higher pup mortality rate in larger litters was diminished by PUFAs and SFAs. The gestational effort, determined by a mother＇s body mass gain during gestation, increased with total litter mass, whereas this increase was lowest in SFA and highest in PUFA individuals. The mother＇s body mass after parturition did not differ among groups and was positively affected by the total litter mass in PUFA females.Conclusions： While SFAs reduce the litter size, but also the gestational effort as a consequence, PUFA supplementation may contribute to an adjustment of energy accumulations to the total litter mass, which may both favor a mother＇s body condition at parturition and perhaps increase the offspring survival at birth.展开更多
Microtubule-severing proteins(MTSPs),are a family of proteins which use adenosine triphosphate to sever microtubules.MTSPs have been shown to play an important role in multiple microtubule-involved cellular processes....Microtubule-severing proteins(MTSPs),are a family of proteins which use adenosine triphosphate to sever microtubules.MTSPs have been shown to play an important role in multiple microtubule-involved cellular processes.One member of this family,fidgetin(FIGN),is also involved in male fertility;however,no studies have explored its roles in female fertility.In this study,we found mouse fidgetin is rich within oocyte zona pellucida(ZP)and is the only MTSP member to do so.Fidgetin also appears to interact with all three ZP proteins.These findings prompted us to propose that fidgetin might prevent polyspermy.Results from in vitro maturation oocytes analysis showed that fidgetin knockdown did cause polyspermy.We then deleted all three fidgetin isoforms with CRISPR/Cas9 technologies;however,female mice remained healthy and with normal fertility.Of all mouse MTSPs,only the mRNA level of fidgetin-like 1(FIGNL1)significantly increased.Therefore,we assert that fidgetin-like 1 compensates fidgetin's roles in fidgetin knockout female mice.展开更多
Female infertility after occupational exposure to inhaled anesthetic agents has attracted critical attention,but systematic studies focusing on the impact of inhaled anesthetics on the female reproductive system have ...Female infertility after occupational exposure to inhaled anesthetic agents has attracted critical attention,but systematic studies focusing on the impact of inhaled anesthetics on the female reproductive system have not been well-established.We used a murine model to study the effect of isoflurane exposure on infertility in female adult mice and investigated the potential underlying mechanism.One hundred adult female C57 mice were randomly allocated into 5 groups exposed in air containing 0,2500,5000,10000 or 20000 ppm isoflurane for 15 consecutive days.Estrous cycle length was measured based on vaginal smear examination,ovarian histopathologic enumeration of follicles,and serum estradiol(E2),anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),and luteinizing hormone(LH)levels to assess the effect of isoflurane on ovarian reserve.Compared to the control group,significant prolongation of the estrous cycle of the adult female mice was observed in the 20000 ppm isoflurane exposure group.Serum AMH was significantly decreased,and FSH and LH levels profoundly increased in the 5000,10000,and 20000 ppm isoflurane exposure groups compared to the control group.The histopathologic examination revealed a reduced number of developing follicles and an increased number of atretic follicles after isoflurane exposure,but the difference was not statistically significant.Thus,exposure to a higher concentration of isoflurane might have an adverse effect on ovarian reserve in sexually-mature female mice.展开更多
Body size and female reproduction in the water adult females larger than 500 mm SVL and 32 adult males Ledong, Hainan under permit to our laboratory in Hainan monitor lizard （Varanus salvator） were studied. Forty-tw...Body size and female reproduction in the water adult females larger than 500 mm SVL and 32 adult males Ledong, Hainan under permit to our laboratory in Hainan monitor lizard （Varanus salvator） were studied. Forty-two larger than 400 mm SVL were donated by local people in in 2013 and 2014. The largest male and female measured 745 and 755 mm SVL, respectively. The mean SVL was greater in adult females than in adult males. Males had larger heads （head width） than females of the same SVL. The smallest reproductive female in our sample was 565 mm SVL. Females produced a single clutch of 17.1 （10-23） pliable-shelled eggs per breeding season stretching from mid-June and mid-September. Clutch size and clutch mass were all positively related to female SVL. However, there was no significant linear relationship between egg mass and female SVL. Larger females generally produced more eggs, and thus heavier clutches than did smaller ones. There was no significant linear relationship between relative clutch mass and female SVL. Phylogenetic generalized least squares （PGLS） analysis, accounting for phylogenetic relationships, showed that clutch size was positively correlated with mean maternal SVL in varanid lizards. PGLS analysis showed that phylogenetic relationships did not affect clutch （or/and egg） mass and the SVL although there were significant linear relationship between clutch （or/and egg） mass and mean maternal SVL. Therefore, we could draw some general conclusions about the body size and reproductive tactics in varanid lizards that larger females generally produced more eggs, larger eggs and thus heavier clutches than did smaller ones.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the legacy and novel per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS)exposure in women of reproductive age,and to explore the effects on female reproductive hormones.Methods:We used cross-sectional data ...Objective:To evaluate the legacy and novel per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS)exposure in women of reproductive age,and to explore the effects on female reproductive hormones.Methods:We used cross-sectional data of 433 normal women of reproductive age from 2013 to 2015.Data of age,age at menarche,parity,BMI,education,and income were collected through questionnaires,serum samples were collected for reproductive hormones,and plasma samples for PFAS measurement by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer(UPLC-MS/MS).Multiple linear regression and quantile g-computation were adopted to analyze the association between PFAS and reproductive hormones.Results:The detection rates of 6:2 Cl-PFESA,8:2 Cl-PFESA and HFPO-DA in the plasma were 100%,99.8%and 99.9%,respectively.The median concentrations of these chemicals were 2.27 ng/mL,0.07 ng/mL and 0.03 ng/mL,respectively.Multiple linear regression analysis showed a positive association between branched PFOS[1m-PFOS(β=0.131,95%CI:0.021,0.242),br-PFOS(β=0.119,95%CI:0.005,0.234)]and progesterone.In addition,mixed exposure model suggested that PFAS had a positive association with progesterone(β=0.549,95%CI:0.323,0.774).Conclusion:In this study,a mixed exposure model was used to evaluate the combined effects of PFAS mixtures,reflecting the association between multiple environmental PFAS exposure and reproductive hormones,and a higher concentration of novel PFAS was found in women of reproductive age,confirming that PFAS exposure may be related to reproductive hormone disorders in women of reproductive age.展开更多
The insect fat body is comparable to the liver and adipose tissue in vertebrates,and plays a pivotal role in energy metabolism,nutrient storage,and reproduction.During metamorphosis,the fat body is disassembled via pr...The insect fat body is comparable to the liver and adipose tissue in vertebrates,and plays a pivotal role in energy metabolism,nutrient storage,and reproduction.During metamorphosis,the fat body is disassembled via programmed cell death and cell dissociation.After adult eclosion,the fat body is reconstructed either by repopulation from the remaining juvenile fat body cells or by differentiation from adult progenitor cells.This reconstruction is a prerequisite for initiating the extensive synthesis of vitellogenin(Vg),which is necessary for the maturation of eggs.Despite its significance,the underlying mechanisms of this reconstruction remain inadequately understood.Transcriptome analysis of the fat bodies from migratory locusts at 0-5 days post adult emergence revealed 79 genes associated with chromatin remodeling.Weighted gene co-expression network analysis indicated a positive correlation between chromatin remodeling and fat body reconstitution.Protein-protein interaction analysis revealed that brahma,which encodes the catalytic subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex,is crucial for post-adult-eclosion fat body development.qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the levels of brahma mRNA in the fat body are progressively increased during the previtellogenic stage,then reach the peak and remain elevated in the vitellogenic phase.Furthermore,brahma is expressed in response to gonadotropic juvenile hormone(JH).Knockdown of brahma led to a marked reduction in Vg expression within the fat body,along with arrested ovarian growth.These findings shed light on the involvement of brahmamediated chromatin remodeling in JH-stimulated fat body reconstruction and reproduction of adult female locusts.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82171620 and 82271656)the Peking Union Medical College Hospital Talent Cultivation Program(Category C,UBJ12052)the National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFC2706001).
文摘The gap between life expectancy and reproductive lifespan has brought female reproductive senescence into sharp scientific focus.Reproductive aging impacts fertility and general health in women.Prolonging the female reproductive lifespan and improving the postmenopausal quality of life have become imperative.Mitochondria,the powerhouse of the cell,are crucial for cellular nutrient metabolism,redox reactions,calcium balance,apoptosis,and other physiological processes.However,mitochondria are highly susceptible to external stress factors,which produce excessive reactive oxygen species capable of damaging their structures.Therefore,cells have developed an intrinsic mechanism for maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis,including mitochondrial biogenesis,mitochondrial dynamics(fission and fusion),mitophagy,and mitochondrial unfolded protein response(mtUPR).Reportedly,dysregulated mitochondrial homeostasis is closely related to multiple metabolic and degenerative diseases and tumors.Particularly,its effect on the aging of the female reproductive system has drawn extensive attention.Here,we provide organ-level insights into the aging of the female reproductive system by systematically delineating aging phenotypes across the ovary,uterus,and vagina and elucidating the mechanism underlying mitochondrial homeostasis maintenance during these processes.Considering its relevance,we propose targeting mitochondrial homeostasis as a potentially effective antiaging strategy.
文摘Nanoparticles(NPs)are increasingly recognized for their dual roles in both advancing and posing risks to female reproductive health.Owing to their small size and large surface area,NPs can interact with biological systems in ways that may lead to both therapeutic innovations and toxicological concerns.The impact of NPs on the female reproductive system highlights their potential to disrupt hormone signaling pathways and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis,which are crucial for reproductive health.NPs have shown promise in targeted drug delivery systems,improving therapeutic outcomes for conditions such as endometriosis,polycystic ovary syndrome,and uterine leiomyoma.Advances in nanotechnology have facilitated the development of more sensitive diagnostic tools and innovative treatments,including NP-mediated drug delivery and hyperthermia.However,the accumulation of NPs in reproductive organs raises concerns about their potential toxicity,particularly in terms of oxidative stress,inflammation,and DNA damage.This review underscores the need for further research to fully understand the long-term effects of NPs on female reproductive health and to establish safe exposure limits.Additionally,the potential of NPs in gene therapy and tissue-targeted treatment offers a promising avenue for future clinical applications,with the possibility of revolutionizing the diagnosis and management of reproductive disorders.
基金This work was supported by the State Major Basic Research Project (Grant No. 1999055903)the Knowledge Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Science.
文摘Nitric oxide (NO), synthesized from L-arginine and oxygen by a family of enzymes known as nitric oxide synthase (NOS), is an effective and intercellular signal transduction molecule, and is ubiquitously present in vertebrates. To date, there are three distinct isoforms of NOS: neural NOS (nNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), and endo-thelial NOS (eNOS). Among them, eNOS and nNOS, also called constitutive isoforms (cNOS), require calcium for activity, and are expressed constitutively in the physiological condition. The third isoforms, iNOS, whose activity is not dependent on calcium, are produced only in response to some stimulus, including cytokines and immune stimulating factors, etc.
基金This work was supported by the State Major Basic Research Project (Grant No. 1999055903)and the Knowledge Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
文摘Neovascularization, i.e. new blood vessels formation, can be divided into two different processes: vasculogene-sis, whereby a primitive vascular network is established during embryogenesis from multipotential mesenchymal progenitors; and angiogenesis, which refers to the new blood vessels formation from pre-existing vessels[1,2].Angiogenesis contributes to the most process throughout the whole life span from embryonic development to adult growth’21. In this meaning, neovascularization is usually used to imply angiogenesis. Under physiological conditions, angiogenesis is a strictly regulated event and rarely happens in most adult tissues except for fracture or healing of wounds[2,3]. However, a notable phenomenon is that the tissues of ovary and uterine endometnum are unique in the cycle-specific changes in vascularity that occur in each estrous/menstrual cycle. Active angiogenesis occurs in placenta to satisfy the needs of embryonic implantation and development. Defects in angiogenesis are associated
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82374510)the General Scientific Research Project of the Education Department of Zhejiang Province(No.Y202455593),China.
文摘Citrus,which has been consumed internationally for a long time,is widely used as a health food.Citrus and its active components exert significant effects on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism,which are closely associated with female reproductive health.Studies suggest that citrus-derived compounds may alleviate oxidative stress by activating signaling pathways such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)and Sirtuin 1(SIRT1),and improve lipid metabolism through the activation of pathways such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorα(PPARα).This review focuses on the effects of Citrus on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism,aiming to provide new insights for promoting female reproductive health;however,further work is needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved and validate the therapeutic potential of Citrus’s bioactive components in clinical settings.
文摘To study the effect of endocrine disruptor chemicals in cow milk on female reproductive system. Methods A two-generation reproduction was conducted according to U. S. FDA standard. Milk was fed in special bottle to Wistar rats of both sexes through two successive generations （F0 and F1） in the milk group while artificial milk was fed to rats in the control group. Twenty-four rats of each sex were mated in each group. Measurements were made according to this guideline. Results Reproductive parameters in the milk group such as fertility index, gestation index, weights of uterus and ovary, days of vaginal opening, estrous cycles, histological morphological changes were comparable to those in the control group. However, the means of body weight had some differences. The body weight gains increased significantly in the milk-treated group in F1 and F2 generation compared with those in the control group. The concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1） in blood in the milk group was comparable to that in the control group, but the standard deviation changed greatly in the milk-treated rats. Conclusion Endocrine disruptor chemicals in milk have no severe effects on the female reproductive system.
文摘Ontogeny and metamorphic. development of female reproductive organs in Ephedra sinica Stapf were surveyed. At the end of April, female cones began to initialize from the vegetative buds. Pollination occurred in mid-May and seeds matured at the beginning of July. The ontogenetic pattern of female reproductive organs of E. sin ca is basically similar to that of E. distachya L. The foliar nature of the outer envelope of the ovule in Ephedra is corroborated. Reduction of ovule number as a tendency of speciation in the genus is substantiated by the occurrence of tri-ovulate cones coupled with comprehensive characters of the genus. The metamorphic patterns as well as the leaf nature of the outer envelope indicate that female cones of Ephedra are compound while the female reproductive units of the ovulate cone have been reduced from secondary reproductive shoots similar to those of cordaites by phylogenetic transformation, fusion and reduction. Each fertile bract together with its axillary female reproductive unit composed the Bract Scale and Seed Scale Complex of Ephedra.
文摘The prophylactic effects of Chinese propolis against cypermethrin toxicity were evaluated by performing ovary and uterus histopathology, as well as by characterizing ovarian function, embryos, and litters. Cypermethrin induced atypia in the ovary and uterus, and decreased the ovulation sites and the number of embryos. Cypermethrin-induced oxidative stress during pregnancy, decreased the parturition rate as well as the number and weight of offspring and increased the incidence of morphological malformations in the offspring. Administration of propolis to cypermethrin-treated animals mitigated cypermethrin-induced reproductive toxicity.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82072734.
文摘BACKGROUND The overall incidence of gastric cancer is higher in men than women worldwide.However,gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma(GSRC)is more frequently observed in younger female patients.AIM To analyze clinicopathological differences between sexes in GSRC,because of the limited evidence regarding association between sex-specific differences and survival.METHODS We reviewed medical records for 1431 patients who received treatment for GSRC at the Cancer Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between January 2011 and December 2018 and surveyed reproductive factors.Clinicopathological characteristics were compared between female and male patients.Cox multivariable model was used to compare the mortality risks of GSRC among men,menstrual women,and menopausal women.RESULTS Of 1431 patients,935 patients were male and 496 were female(181 menstrual and 315 menopausal).The 5-year overall survival in male,menstrual female and menopausal female groups was 65.6%,76.5% and 65%,respectively(P<0.01).Menstruation was found to be a protective factor(hazard ratio=0.58,95% confidence interval:0.42–0.82).CONCLUSION The mortality risk of GSRC in menstrual women was lower than that in men.This study identified the protective effects of female reproductive factors in GSRC.
文摘 In 1956, my former Head and Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology KT LIM, asked me to take the initiative to establish a reproductive endocrinology unit. As China is a developing country, we were then short of diagnostic facilities and therapeutic agents. We can learn basic knowledge and clinical experiences from the literature, but hormonal preparations were expensive and generally most of our patients were poor. We needed to find simpler, inexpensive and yet effective ways to treat our patients. In a word, we had to develop our own way.……
基金supported by the Henan Provincial Health Commission Key Project of Science and Technology Research (SBGJ202302074)the Henan Provincial Key Support Discipline Project for 2024-Gynaecological and Obstetric Surgery。
文摘Female primary pelvic retroperitoneal tumours(PPRTs)refer to a heterogeneous group of tumours originating from the retroperitoneal space of the female pelvis,located predominantly or entirely within the true pelvis.This group excludes metastatic tumours,bone-derived tumours,extragastrointestinal stromal tumours,broad ligament myomas,endometriosis,tumours originating from the lymphoreticular system and tumours originating from pelvic visceral organs(such as those of the female reproductive tract,intestines and urinary system).PPRTs,also known as pelvic extraperitoneal tumours,have an incidence rate of less than 0.01%.The upper boundary of the pelvic retroperitoneal space is defined by a line consisting of the superior border of the symphysis pubis,the pubic tubercle and the superior border of the sacral promontory,whereas the inferior boundary extends to the pelvic diaphragm or below.Most female PPRTs are diagnosed during reproductive age,with approximately 80%of the tumours being benign.1 The management of PPRTs poses challenges for general clinicians due to their limited clinical experience,which leads to a high rate of missed cases and misdiagnoses.Compared with abdominal retroperitoneal tumours,the anatomical structure of PPRTs is deeper and more complex,resulting in greater surgical difficulty.
基金Acknowledgements The work was carried out in compli- ance with laws of China. Financial support for this research was provided by the local government of Anhui Province to XF Xu （KJ2010A249） and Anhui Province Natural Science Foundation to LG Luo （10040606Q46）. Thanks to Cheng- Feng Tang, Li Ma, Yong-Long Chert, Xian-Yu Tian and Yong Jin for help with this research.
文摘Sexual size dimorphism （SSD） has long attracted the attention of biologists, and life-history variation is thought to play an important role in the evolution of SSD. Here we quantified SSD and female reproductive traits to identify potential asso- ciations between SSD and female reproduction in the white-striped grass lizard Takydromus wolteri. In a population from Chuzhou, China, the largest male and female were 53.0 mm and 57.5 mm in snout-vent length （SVL）, respectively. Females were larger in SVL and abdomen length, whereas males were larger in head size and tail length. Females produced up to five clutches of eggs during the breeding season, with large females producing more clutches and more eggs per clutch than small ones. As a result, large females had a higher annual fecundity and reproductive output. Egg size was positively correlated with matemal SVL in the first clutch, but not in subsequent clutches. These results suggest that T. wolteri is a species with female-biased SSD, and that fectmdity selection, in which large females have higher fecundity due to their higher capacity for laying eggs, is likely correlated with the evolution of SSD in this species
基金This work is supported by the National Institutes of Health(NIH K01ES030014 and P01ES028942)National Science Foundation(NSF 183291)。
文摘The female reproductive system consists of the ovaries,the female gonads,and the reproductive tract organs of the fallopian tubes,uterus,cervix,and vagina.It functions to provide hormonal support and anatomical structure for the production of new offspring.A number of endogenous and exogenous factors can impact female reproductive health and fertility,including genetic vulnerability,medications,environmental exposures,age,nutrition,and diseases.To date,due to the ethical concerns of using human subjects in biomedical research,the majority of studies use in vivo animal models and 2D cell/tissue culture models to study female reproduction.However,the complexity and species difference of the female reproductive system in humans make it difficult to compare to those of animals.Moreover,the monolayered cells cultured on flat plastics or glass lose their 3D architecture as well as the physical and/or biochemical contacts with other cells in vivo.Further,all reproductive organs do not work alone but interconnect with each other and also with non-reproductive organs to support female reproductive,endocrine,and systemic health.These facts suggest that there is an urgent and unmet need to develop representative,effective,and efficient in vitro models for studying human female reproduction.The prodigious advancements of bioengineering(e.g.,biomaterials,3D printing,and organ-on-a-chip)allow us to study female reproduction in an entirely new way.Here,we review recent advances that use bioengineering methods to study female reproduction,including the bioengineering models of the ovary,fallopian tube,uterus,embryo implantation,placenta,and reproductive disease.
基金the National Science Foundation of China (31670399 and 31670422)
文摘We maintained gravid Chinese skinks(Plestiodon chinensis) at three constant temperatures(25, 28 and 31 °C) during gestation, and randomly assigned eggs from each female to one of the same three temperatures for incubation to determine maternal thermal effects on female reproduction and hatchling phenotype. Maternal temperature affected egg-laying date, hatching success and hatchling linear size(snout-vent length, SVL) but not clutch size, egg size, egg component, and embryonic stage at laying. More specifically, females at higher temperatures laid eggs earlier than did those at low temperatures, eggs laid at 31 °C were less likely to hatch than those laid at 25 °C or 28 °C, and hatchlings from eggs laid at 31 °C were smaller in SVL. Our finding that maternal temperature(pre-ovipositional thermal condition) rather than incubation temperature(post-ovipositional thermal condition) affected hatching success indicated that embryos at early stages were more vulnerable to temperature than those at late stages. Our data provide an inference that moderate maternal temperatures enhance reproductive fitness in P. chinensis.
基金supported by a PhD completion grant of the University of Vienna during the preparation of the manuscript
文摘Background： Dietary saturated（SFAs） and polyunsaturated（PUFAs） fatty acids can highly affect reproductive functions by providing additional energy, modulating the biochemical properties of tissues, and hormone secretions. In precocial mammals such as domestic guinea pigs the offspring is born highly developed. Gestation might be the most critical reproductive period in this species and dietary fatty acids may profoundly influence the gestational effort. We therefore determined the hormonal status at conception, the reproductive success, and body mass changes during gestation in guinea pigs maintained on diets high in PUFAs or SFAs, or a control diet.Results： The diets significantly affected the females＇ plasma fatty acid status at conception, while cortisol and estrogen levels did not differ among groups. SFA females exhibited a significantly lower body mass and litter size, while the individual birth mass of pups did not differ among groups and a general higher pup mortality rate in larger litters was diminished by PUFAs and SFAs. The gestational effort, determined by a mother＇s body mass gain during gestation, increased with total litter mass, whereas this increase was lowest in SFA and highest in PUFA individuals. The mother＇s body mass after parturition did not differ among groups and was positively affected by the total litter mass in PUFA females.Conclusions： While SFAs reduce the litter size, but also the gestational effort as a consequence, PUFA supplementation may contribute to an adjustment of energy accumulations to the total litter mass, which may both favor a mother＇s body condition at parturition and perhaps increase the offspring survival at birth.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.31671561)to Dong Zhang.
文摘Microtubule-severing proteins(MTSPs),are a family of proteins which use adenosine triphosphate to sever microtubules.MTSPs have been shown to play an important role in multiple microtubule-involved cellular processes.One member of this family,fidgetin(FIGN),is also involved in male fertility;however,no studies have explored its roles in female fertility.In this study,we found mouse fidgetin is rich within oocyte zona pellucida(ZP)and is the only MTSP member to do so.Fidgetin also appears to interact with all three ZP proteins.These findings prompted us to propose that fidgetin might prevent polyspermy.Results from in vitro maturation oocytes analysis showed that fidgetin knockdown did cause polyspermy.We then deleted all three fidgetin isoforms with CRISPR/Cas9 technologies;however,female mice remained healthy and with normal fertility.Of all mouse MTSPs,only the mRNA level of fidgetin-like 1(FIGNL1)significantly increased.Therefore,we assert that fidgetin-like 1 compensates fidgetin's roles in fidgetin knockout female mice.
基金This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program(No.2018YFC1002103).
文摘Female infertility after occupational exposure to inhaled anesthetic agents has attracted critical attention,but systematic studies focusing on the impact of inhaled anesthetics on the female reproductive system have not been well-established.We used a murine model to study the effect of isoflurane exposure on infertility in female adult mice and investigated the potential underlying mechanism.One hundred adult female C57 mice were randomly allocated into 5 groups exposed in air containing 0,2500,5000,10000 or 20000 ppm isoflurane for 15 consecutive days.Estrous cycle length was measured based on vaginal smear examination,ovarian histopathologic enumeration of follicles,and serum estradiol(E2),anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),and luteinizing hormone(LH)levels to assess the effect of isoflurane on ovarian reserve.Compared to the control group,significant prolongation of the estrous cycle of the adult female mice was observed in the 20000 ppm isoflurane exposure group.Serum AMH was significantly decreased,and FSH and LH levels profoundly increased in the 5000,10000,and 20000 ppm isoflurane exposure groups compared to the control group.The histopathologic examination revealed a reduced number of developing follicles and an increased number of atretic follicles after isoflurane exposure,but the difference was not statistically significant.Thus,exposure to a higher concentration of isoflurane might have an adverse effect on ovarian reserve in sexually-mature female mice.
基金Financial supports were provided by grants from Natural Science Foundation of China (31270571)Hainan Key Program of Science and Technology (ZDXM20110008)131 Talent Project of Hangzhou City
文摘Body size and female reproduction in the water adult females larger than 500 mm SVL and 32 adult males Ledong, Hainan under permit to our laboratory in Hainan monitor lizard （Varanus salvator） were studied. Forty-two larger than 400 mm SVL were donated by local people in in 2013 and 2014. The largest male and female measured 745 and 755 mm SVL, respectively. The mean SVL was greater in adult females than in adult males. Males had larger heads （head width） than females of the same SVL. The smallest reproductive female in our sample was 565 mm SVL. Females produced a single clutch of 17.1 （10-23） pliable-shelled eggs per breeding season stretching from mid-June and mid-September. Clutch size and clutch mass were all positively related to female SVL. However, there was no significant linear relationship between egg mass and female SVL. Larger females generally produced more eggs, and thus heavier clutches than did smaller ones. There was no significant linear relationship between relative clutch mass and female SVL. Phylogenetic generalized least squares （PGLS） analysis, accounting for phylogenetic relationships, showed that clutch size was positively correlated with mean maternal SVL in varanid lizards. PGLS analysis showed that phylogenetic relationships did not affect clutch （or/and egg） mass and the SVL although there were significant linear relationship between clutch （or/and egg） mass and mean maternal SVL. Therefore, we could draw some general conclusions about the body size and reproductive tactics in varanid lizards that larger females generally produced more eggs, larger eggs and thus heavier clutches than did smaller ones.
基金Hainan Clinical Medical Center Construction Project(Qiongwei Yihan[2021]No.75)。
文摘Objective:To evaluate the legacy and novel per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS)exposure in women of reproductive age,and to explore the effects on female reproductive hormones.Methods:We used cross-sectional data of 433 normal women of reproductive age from 2013 to 2015.Data of age,age at menarche,parity,BMI,education,and income were collected through questionnaires,serum samples were collected for reproductive hormones,and plasma samples for PFAS measurement by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer(UPLC-MS/MS).Multiple linear regression and quantile g-computation were adopted to analyze the association between PFAS and reproductive hormones.Results:The detection rates of 6:2 Cl-PFESA,8:2 Cl-PFESA and HFPO-DA in the plasma were 100%,99.8%and 99.9%,respectively.The median concentrations of these chemicals were 2.27 ng/mL,0.07 ng/mL and 0.03 ng/mL,respectively.Multiple linear regression analysis showed a positive association between branched PFOS[1m-PFOS(β=0.131,95%CI:0.021,0.242),br-PFOS(β=0.119,95%CI:0.005,0.234)]and progesterone.In addition,mixed exposure model suggested that PFAS had a positive association with progesterone(β=0.549,95%CI:0.323,0.774).Conclusion:In this study,a mixed exposure model was used to evaluate the combined effects of PFAS mixtures,reflecting the association between multiple environmental PFAS exposure and reproductive hormones,and a higher concentration of novel PFAS was found in women of reproductive age,confirming that PFAS exposure may be related to reproductive hormone disorders in women of reproductive age.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32172389)the Excellent Youth Foundation of Henan Province,China(232300421029)the Key Research and Development Project of Henan Province,China(221111112200)。
文摘The insect fat body is comparable to the liver and adipose tissue in vertebrates,and plays a pivotal role in energy metabolism,nutrient storage,and reproduction.During metamorphosis,the fat body is disassembled via programmed cell death and cell dissociation.After adult eclosion,the fat body is reconstructed either by repopulation from the remaining juvenile fat body cells or by differentiation from adult progenitor cells.This reconstruction is a prerequisite for initiating the extensive synthesis of vitellogenin(Vg),which is necessary for the maturation of eggs.Despite its significance,the underlying mechanisms of this reconstruction remain inadequately understood.Transcriptome analysis of the fat bodies from migratory locusts at 0-5 days post adult emergence revealed 79 genes associated with chromatin remodeling.Weighted gene co-expression network analysis indicated a positive correlation between chromatin remodeling and fat body reconstitution.Protein-protein interaction analysis revealed that brahma,which encodes the catalytic subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex,is crucial for post-adult-eclosion fat body development.qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the levels of brahma mRNA in the fat body are progressively increased during the previtellogenic stage,then reach the peak and remain elevated in the vitellogenic phase.Furthermore,brahma is expressed in response to gonadotropic juvenile hormone(JH).Knockdown of brahma led to a marked reduction in Vg expression within the fat body,along with arrested ovarian growth.These findings shed light on the involvement of brahmamediated chromatin remodeling in JH-stimulated fat body reconstruction and reproduction of adult female locusts.
