Compounds isolated from Epimedium include the total flavonoids of Epimedium,icariin,and its metabolites(icaritin,icariside Ⅰ,and icariside Ⅱ),which have similar molecular structures.Modern pharmacological research a...Compounds isolated from Epimedium include the total flavonoids of Epimedium,icariin,and its metabolites(icaritin,icariside Ⅰ,and icariside Ⅱ),which have similar molecular structures.Modern pharmacological research and clinical practice have proved that Epimedium and its active components have a wide range of pharmacological effects,especially in improving sexual function,hormone regulation,anti-osteoporosis,immune function regulation,anti-oxidation,and anti-tumor activity.To date,we still need a comprehensive source of knowledge about the pharmacological effects of Epimedium and its bioactive compounds on the male reproductive system.However,their actions in other tissues have been reviewed in recent years.This review critically focuses on the Epimedium,its bioactive compounds,and the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the male reproductive system.Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on the Epimedium and its bioactive compounds that protect the male reproductive system and provide some guidances for clinical treatment of related male reproductive disorders.展开更多
Morphology of the male reproductive system, chromosome behaviors during meiosis and spem tail structures in Homoptera and Heteroptera are compared in this paper. The sheathed testis is found in Fulgoroidea and Heterop...Morphology of the male reproductive system, chromosome behaviors during meiosis and spem tail structures in Homoptera and Heteroptera are compared in this paper. The sheathed testis is found in Fulgoroidea and Heteroptera, and unsheathed testis occurs in Cicadoidea, Cicadelloidea, Cercopoidea, Membracoidea, Psyloidea, Aphidoidea, Aleyrodoidea and Coccoidea. The testis also can be divide into three types by the shape of testicular follicles. The sphere-shaped type is found in Cicadoidea, Cicadelloidea, Cercopoidea, Membracoidea, Aphidoidea and Aleyrodoidea, the tube-shaped type observed in Fulgoroidea, Psyloidea and Coccoidea, and the lamella-shaped type represented by Heteroptera. It is suggested the unsheathed testis may be the primitive type in Homoptera. Meiosis can be divided into 6 type at least, i.e. 1） Cicadoid type; 2） Fulgoroid type; 3） Psyloid type; 4） Aphidoid type; 5） Aleyrodoid type; and 6） Coccoid type. At least four groups exhibit a diffuse stage during meiosis prophase l, they are Psyloidea, Fulgoroidea, Coccoidea and Heteroptera. Sperm tail structures are similar to those reported from other insects with a typical 9＋9＋2 axoneme except that in Aleyrodoidea and Coccoidea whose sperm tail is degenerated.展开更多
This review focuses on estrogen role on human male physiology. Biological estrogen actions on male reproductive system are summarized with particular regard to the effects of congenital estrogen deprivation in men. ...This review focuses on estrogen role on human male physiology. Biological estrogen actions on male reproductive system are summarized with particular regard to the effects of congenital estrogen deprivation in men. The effects of estrogen on spermatogenesis, hormonal secretion and gonadotropin feedback and on sexual behavior are discussed. It is remarked that the role of estrogens in male reproduction is a very recent acquisition in reproductive endocrinology, but it promises new future fields of research to be investigated as well as the possible disclosure of new strategies in clinical practice.展开更多
In the last two decades,the issue on exposure to air pollution,especially fine particulate matter(PM_(2.5)),and its health effects has been a global concern.PM2.5 can enter the bronchi,lung cells,and subsequently the ...In the last two decades,the issue on exposure to air pollution,especially fine particulate matter(PM_(2.5)),and its health effects has been a global concern.PM2.5 can enter the bronchi,lung cells,and subsequently the body,thus causing adverse health effects.One of these health effects include damage to the reproductive system.However,this has not gained much attention.In addition,PM_(2.5) contain toxic compounds,such as heavy metals or PAHs,which can cross various barriers,including epithelial barrier and blood-testis barrier,causing hormonal disorders in both,men and women,thus resulting in infertility.In this review,an attempt was made to provide useful information about effects of PM_(2.5) on the reproductive system.展开更多
Objective This study was designed to evaluate the toxic effects of Atrazine （ATZ） on the reproductive system of male rats. 〈br〉 Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to ATZ by gavage at dosages of 0, 38.5,...Objective This study was designed to evaluate the toxic effects of Atrazine （ATZ） on the reproductive system of male rats. 〈br〉 Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to ATZ by gavage at dosages of 0, 38.5, 77, and 154 mg/kg bw/day for 30 d. The toxic effects of ATZ to rats were assessed through histopathologcal observation, spermatozoa quality evaluation, testicular marker enzyme indicators, antioxidant capacity and reproductive hormone levels. Results Significant adverse effects on reproductive system were observed in rats exposed to ATZ at different dosages compared with 0 mg/kg group, including an irregular and disordered arrangement of the seminiferous epithelium in 154 mg/kg group;a decreased spermatozoa number and an increased spermatozoa abnormality rate in 77 and 154 mg/kg groups;decreased levels of acid phosphatase （ACP）, alkaline phosphatase （AKP）, lactic dehydrogenase （LDH）, and succinate dehydrogenase （SDH） with the increasing of ATZ concentration; a decreased level of total antioxidant capacity （TAC） in a dose-dependent manner, and a decreased reduced glutathione （GSH） level and an increased malondialdehyde （MDA） content in 154 mg/kg group;and decreased serum levels of testosterone （T） and inhibin-B （INH-B） and an increased serum level of follicle stimulating hormone （FSH） in 77 and 154 mg/kg groups, and an increased serum level of luteinizing hormone （LH） in 154 mg/kg group. Conclusion These results suggested that relatively high doses of ATZ could exert reproductive toxicity of male rats.展开更多
Acetamiprid has a wide range of influence on physiological functions in mammals.The objective of this study was to examine the effect of acetamiprid on the reproductive function of male mice,and to study the role of o...Acetamiprid has a wide range of influence on physiological functions in mammals.The objective of this study was to examine the effect of acetamiprid on the reproductive function of male mice,and to study the role of oxidative stress in acetamiprid-induced damage to the testes.Fifty adult Kunmin male mice （25-30 g） were divided into five groups （n=10 per group）,i.e.,control,blank,acetamiprid alone,acetamiprid and vitamin E,and vitamin E alone.All groups were treated for 35 d.The results showed that acetamiprid significantly decreased the body weight and the weight of testosterone-responsive organs,such as the testis,epididymis,seminal vesicle,and prostate.Furthermore,acetamiprid also significantly reduced the serum testosterone concentration,and decreased sperm count,viability,motility,and the intactness of the acrosome （P〈0.05 for each parameter）.The mice treated with acetamiprid had damaged seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells based on the histological structure of testes;there was degeneration of the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum of Leydig cells.These deleterious effects of acetamiprid may be mediated by increasing oxidative stress,as acetamiprid increased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in the testes,reduced the activity of catalase,glutathione peroxidase,superoxide dismutase,and activated p38.The concentration of acetamiprid in the testes was lower than that in liver,so did the concentrations of liver function tests,including aspartate transaminase （AST）,alanine transaminase （ALT） and alkaline phosphatase （ALP）,which suggest that male reproductive function may be affected through the indirect action of its metabolites.Vitamin E significantly ameliorated the effects of acetamiprid.We conclude that acetamiprid damages male reproductive function through inducing oxidative stress in the testes.展开更多
This study assessed the effects of a simulated high-altitude environment on the reproductive system of prepubertal male rats and the reversibility of these effects upon return to a normal environment.Three-week-old ma...This study assessed the effects of a simulated high-altitude environment on the reproductive system of prepubertal male rats and the reversibility of these effects upon return to a normal environment.Three-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups that were exposed to different conditions:a normal environment for 6 weeks and 12 weeks,respectively,hypobaric hypoxia for 6 weeks,and hypobaric hypoxia for 6 weeks followed by a normal environment for 6 weeks.Multiple pathophysiological parameters were evaluated at the histological,endocrine,and molecular levels.Hypobaric hypoxia exposure for 6 weeks during the prepubertal phase significantly altered physiological parameters,body functions,blood indices,and reproductive potential.Six weeks after returning to a normal environment,the damaged reproductive functions partially recovered due to compensatory mechanisms.However,several changes were not reversed after returning to a normal environment for 6 weeks,including disorders of body development and metabolism,increased red blood cells,increased fasting blood glucose,abnormal blood lipid metabolism,decreased testicular and epididymis weights,abnormal reproductive hormone levels,excessive apoptosis of reproductive cells,and decreased sperm concentration.In summary,a hypobaric hypoxic environment significantly impaired the reproductive function of prepubertal male rats,and a return to normal conditions during the postpubertal phase did not fully recover these impairments.展开更多
It is not well known how low temperatures, like a subarctic steppe–tundra climate, influence reproductive traits of ectothermic vertebrates. To begin answering this question, we studied male and female reproductive s...It is not well known how low temperatures, like a subarctic steppe–tundra climate, influence reproductive traits of ectothermic vertebrates. To begin answering this question, we studied male and female reproductive systems of Salamandrella keyserlingii inhabiting a Tomsk population（southeast of Western Siberia）, Russia, in ecological and physiological terms. In males, before spermiation, the testicular size and weight in late April–early May were greatest of all. Spermiation occurred during breeding immigration in spring when mean air temperature was above 10°С, and at the same time rain fell. After spermiation, the testicular size and weight decreased sharply, and the diameter of the vasa deferentia increased. ＂Spawning＂（i.e., simultaneous extrusion of sperm and oviposition） occurred from late April to late May, and this duration fluctuated in temperature and humidity. The testicular size and weight increased in summer. Sperm mass was detected in the testes by the smear method in April–September, except in June when single fragmented unrealized sperm was detected and in July when spermatids were detected. In females, ovarian weight was greatest in spring before ovulation. From late June, vitellogenesis began in ovarian follicles, in which mint green yolks accumulated. Melanin deposited in the surface of the ovary from July when oviducts were hypertrophying. In contrast, some large-sized females did not show any sexual maturity shortly before hibernation（although these females may be subadults）. These results suggest that low temperatures in Siberia induce early timing of gamete maturation in females, but the females＇ reproductive cycle might also be biennial. A reproductive cycle in males was annual with the completion of the gamete maturation process in August.展开更多
Objective To evaluate the health effects of parental dietary exposure to GM rice TT52 on the male reproductive system of rat offspring. Methods Rice-based diets, containing 60% ordinary grocery rice, MingHui63, or TT5...Objective To evaluate the health effects of parental dietary exposure to GM rice TT52 on the male reproductive system of rat offspring. Methods Rice-based diets, containing 60% ordinary grocery rice, MingHui63, or TT51 by weight, were given to parental rats （15 males/30 females each group） for 70 days prior mating and throughout pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, eight male offspring rats were randomly selected at each group and fed with diets correspondent to their parents＇ for 70 days. The effects of exposure to TT52 on male reproductive system of offspring rats were assessed through sperm parameters, testicular function enzyme activities, serum hormones （FSH, LH, and testosterone levels）, testis histopathological examination, and the relative expression levels of selected genes along the hypothalamic-pituitary- testicular （HPT） axis. Results No significant differences were observed in body weight, food intake, organ/body weights, serum hormone, sperm parameters, testis function enzyme ACP, LDH, and SDH activities, testis histopathological changes, and relative mRNA expression levels of GnRH-R, FSH-R, LH-R, and AR along the HPT axis. Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that parental dietary exposure to TT51 reveals no significant differences on the reproductive system of male offspring rats compared with MingHui63 and control.展开更多
Bothrops envenomation is complex and provokes prominent local tissue damage and systemic disturbances,but little is known about their effects on the male reproductive system.After intratesticular injection,the bioacti...Bothrops envenomation is complex and provokes prominent local tissue damage and systemic disturbances,but little is known about their effects on the male reproductive system.After intratesticular injection,the bioactive peptide fraction(Bj-PF)obtained from Bothrops jararaca snake venom changes the structure of different stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle in adult mice.For the first time,we investigated whether local envenomation of Bj-PF induces toxicological effects on the male reproductive system,particularly on the seminiferous epithelium and Sertoli cells.Male adult mice were treated with 0.24 mg.kg^(-1) by intramuscular(i.m.)injection for 24 h.The testes samples were collected for morphological and morphometric evaluation.The toxicological effects of Bj-PF were also analyzed on mitochondrial metabolism and nitrite(NO2)production in 15P-1 Sertoli cell culture.Bj-PF changed the structure and function of the seminiferous epithelium,particularly the disruption of the epithelium and the presence of degenerated germ cells in the adluminal compartment,but there were no alterations in the basal compartment.Bj-PF increased the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium and decreased the lumen diameter of the tubule.Semiquantitative histological assessment of the degree of tubule degeneration revealed that Bj-PF also increased the number of hypospermatogenic tubules compared to control.Bj-PF reduced NO2 levels in 15P-1 Sertoli cells without changing the mitochondrial metabolism.Overall,the fact that Bj-PF alters the structure and function of the seminiferous epithelium suggests that bioactive peptides found in B.jararaca snake venom can have toxicological effects on the reproductive systems of affected male mice,providing new insight into the biological characteristics of snake venom and therapeutic strategies for envenomation inflammation.展开更多
Pyrethroid esters are widely used as insecticides worldwide. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the harmful effect of deltamethrin on the male reproductive system through the assessment of reproductive hormones, infl...Pyrethroid esters are widely used as insecticides worldwide. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the harmful effect of deltamethrin on the male reproductive system through the assessment of reproductive hormones, inflammatorymarkers, and testicular function. To achieve our aim, eighty male 7-9-week-old, Wistar rats were taken, weighed, and divided into four experimental groups. The first group was kept as a control group, and the other three groups were given deltamethrin orally at different concentrations (0.87, 8.7, and 17.4 mg/kg body weight) for nine weeks. The resultsindicated that deltamethrin administration associated with a significant decrease in reproductive hormones, especially FSH, LH, and significant elevation in the interleukin 2 (IL2), interleukin 6 (IL6), histamine, and cortisol levels. Also, thesignificance of inhibition of sperm motility and viability, decreased testis weights, sperm count, and fructose in semen were noted. These findings clarify the harmful effect of deltamethrin on the male reproductive system by producing a significant alteration in reproductive hormones, inflammatory markers as well as testicular function.展开更多
Objective To review and explore the advantages and disadvantages of the teaching of the reproductive system in Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,in order to provide a feasible scheme for the subsequent ...Objective To review and explore the advantages and disadvantages of the teaching of the reproductive system in Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,in order to provide a feasible scheme for the subsequent reform of the teaching system,including the syllabus design and the optimization of the teaching method,etc.Methods With the one-year practice in the teaching of the reproductive system,this paper has explored the achievements in the implementation of this teaching system from three aspects,including the teaching experience and feelings of teachers,student questionnaires and test scores.Meanwhile,this paper has also deeply analyzed some problems that may exist or be derived from the teaching practice in that teaching model.Results The new teaching method has huge differences from the traditional"discipline-oriented"teaching method in the curricular design,teachers’lecture form,students’learning skills and examination types,etc.What is more important,the new teaching method will significantly renew the concepts of both teaching and learning.Conclusion The method of the systemic teaching is one of the critical ways to realize the reform of the medical education,and can also provide the necessary basis for the cultivation of professional high-quality teachers required in the medical education.展开更多
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) used as flame retardants are widely used in a variety of consumer products, like textiles, foam and building materials. They are persistent in the environment, and increasing lev...Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) used as flame retardants are widely used in a variety of consumer products, like textiles, foam and building materials. They are persistent in the environment, and increasing levels of PBDEs have been found both biota and human tissue samples. In the present study we examined the dose-dependent effects of pentabrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE-99) on the serum hormone and histology of reproductive system in male rats. 40 health 4-week-old SD rats were divided into 4 groups randomly. The treated rats were orally administered with BDE-99 at the dose of 60,120 or 180 mg/kg, while controls received equal volume of corn oil. We examined the changes of serum hormone levels, histopathology, and PCNA after 30 days exposure to BDE-99. With increasing doses of BDE-99, testis organ coefficient increased, serum hormone levels lower, PCNA positive expression reduced, and the degeneration of seminiferous epithelium were revealed in treated group. These indicators with significant dose-effect relationship showed that BDE-99 can reduce the serum sex hormone levels and cause severe degeneration of seminiferous epithelium.展开更多
Agrobacterium-mediated transformation through floral dip and rapid selection process after transgenic event had become a preference as it will overcome the difficulties faced in tissue culturing procedures and lengthy...Agrobacterium-mediated transformation through floral dip and rapid selection process after transgenic event had become a preference as it will overcome the difficulties faced in tissue culturing procedures and lengthy time for screening transformed progenies. Therefore, in this study, three constructs, p5b5 (14,289 bp), p5d9 (15,330 bp) and p5f7 (15,380 bp) in pDRB6b vector which has hygromycin as a selectable marker gene were introduced individually into Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain (AGL1). The cell suspension was applied to Amaranthus inflorescence by drop-by-drop technique and was left to produce seeds (T1). The T1 seeds were germinated and grown to produce seedlings under non-sterile condition. Hygromycin selection on seedling cotyledon leaves results in identification of 12 putative transformants, three from p5b5, four from p5d9 and five from p5f7. All positive putative transformants that were selected at the first stage through hygromycin spraying showed positive result in leaf disk hygromycin assay and in a construct specific polymerase chain reaction-based assay. A ~750 bp amplified hygromycin gene was further verified through sequencing. Our results suggest that Amaranthus inflorescences were able to be transformed and the transformed progenies could be verified through a combination of simple and rapid methods .展开更多
This study investigated the effects on the reproductive system of balb-c mice exposed to water collected from different sources near to a deactivated fertilizer waste depositary. Eighty male mice were separated in fou...This study investigated the effects on the reproductive system of balb-c mice exposed to water collected from different sources near to a deactivated fertilizer waste depositary. Eighty male mice were separated in four groups: Group A (mineral water);Group B (water from the water treatment station);Group C (water from Cubatao city);Group D (water from the waste depositary region). They were exposed to water since they were weaned until they reached sexual maturity, then they were coupled with females in reproductive age and after this mating time they were sacrificed. The evaluated parameters were testicle weight, sperm analysis, pregnancy rate, sex ratio of the offspring and Sertoli cell count. The analysis of the water did not show presence of pollutants in the Group “A” and Group “C” water. Group “B” showed low level of cadmium, 3.58 ± 0.50 μg/L. Group “D” showed the presence of PAH’s and high levels of lead (221 ± 16 μg/L), cadmiun (12.6 ± 1.2 μg/L) and mercury (5.3 ± 1.1 μg/L). The tests of Levene and Kolmogorov-Smirnov were employed to verify the homogeneity of the variances and the tack to the normal curve, respectively. ANOVA was used for parametric tests and Kruskall-Wallis was used for non-parametric tests, while Turkey tests were employed for multiple comparisons. There were no differences between groups in testicle weight, sperm analysis, pregnancy rate and Sertoli cell count. There was a significant reduction in sex-ratio of the offspring in Group B. This alteration cannot be explained by the cadmium levels in Group B water. In the present study we cannot associate the exposition to contaminated water from the waste depositary and reproductive alterations.展开更多
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
Objective:Although numerous observational studies have revealed a correlation between leukocyte telomere length(LTL)and female reproductive system diseases(RSDs),the findings of these studies have tended to be consist...Objective:Although numerous observational studies have revealed a correlation between leukocyte telomere length(LTL)and female reproductive system diseases(RSDs),the findings of these studies have tended to be consistent.In this study,we accordingly sought to clarify the causal relationships between LTL and RSDs.Methods:We performed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis using pooled statistics from genome-wide association studies of LTL and nine female RSDs.The final results were analyzed using five MR methods,with the inverse variance weighted(IVW)method used as the primary outcome.We applied MR-PRESSO to exclude outliers.Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy.Results:In the forward MR analysis,a genetic prediction of longer LTLs was found to be causally associated with higher risks of endometriosis(IVW:odds ratio[OR]=1.25,95%confidence interval[CI]=1.06-1.46,P=0.008),leiomyoma of the uterus(IVW:OR=1.73,95%CI=1.52-1.98,P=4.9E-16),and ovarian cysts(IVW:OR=1.31,95%CI:1.19-1.45,P=1.5E-07).In the reverse MR results,female RSDs were shown to have no significant effect on LTLs(allP values>0.05).Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of these results.Conclusions:Our findings substantiate the assumption that a genetically predicted longer LTL elevates the risk of endometriosis,leiomyoma of the uterus,and ovarian cysts,with no influence of RSDs on LTL.These findings contribute to establishing a causal link between LTL and RSDs,overcoming the constraints of earlier observational studies.They also imply that LTL could potentially serve as a biomarker for the occurrence of endometriosis,leiomyoma of the uterus,and ovarian cysts.展开更多
Studying the reproductive system of the pine wood nematode,Bursaphelenchus xylophilus(Steiner&Buhrer)Nickle,will identify its characteristics and life cycle.This is crucial for developing more targeted control str...Studying the reproductive system of the pine wood nematode,Bursaphelenchus xylophilus(Steiner&Buhrer)Nickle,will identify its characteristics and life cycle.This is crucial for developing more targeted control strategies.In this study,the development of the gonads and reproductive organs were observed using microscopy,gonad dissection,and DAPI staining techniques.Second-stage juveniles(J2)had gonads composed of four primordial germ cells(Z1,Z2,Z3,and Z4)that form the adult gonads by proliferation within 72 h at 25℃.There were subtle differences in somatic gonad cell morphology between males and females,which developed from Z1 and Z4 in third-stage juveniles(J3).These differences became more pronounced at fourth-stage juveniles(J4)and adult stages.Z2 and Z3 germ cells underwent mitosis and two rounds of meiosis,ultimately developing into male and female gametes.Female vulval precursor cells and male cloacal cells developed rapidly during the J4 stage.These results provide a basis for identifying the expression sites and biological functions of key genes regulating reproductive system development.Based on this,in situ hybridization and RNA interference(RNAi)were used to determine the function of the Bxy-glp-1 gene to show that it is involved in vulval formation and spermatogenesis.The results of this study will lay the foundation for disrupting critical stages in the reproduction of B.xylophilus.展开更多
Background Sow longevity and reproductivity are essential in the modern swine industry.Although many studies have focused on the genetic and genomic factors for selection,little is known about the associations between...Background Sow longevity and reproductivity are essential in the modern swine industry.Although many studies have focused on the genetic and genomic factors for selection,little is known about the associations between the microbiome and sows with longevity in reproduction.Results In this study,we collected and sequenced rectal and vaginal swabs from 48 sows,nine of which completed up to four parities(U4P group),exhibiting reproductive longevity.We first identified predictors of sow longevity in the rectum(e.g.,Akkermansia)and vagina(e.g.,Lactobacillus)of the U4P group using RandomForest in the early breeding stage of the first parity.Interestingly,these bacteria in the U4P group showed decreased predicted KEGG gene abundance involved in the biosynthesis of amino acids.Then,we tracked the longitudinal changes of the micro-biome over four parities in the U4P sows.LEfSe analysis revealed parity-associated bacteria that existed in both the rectum and vagina(e.g.,Streptococcus in Parity 1,Lactobacillus in Parity 2,Veillonella in Parity 4).We also identi-fied patterns of bacterial change between the early breeding stage(d 0)and d 110,such as Streptococcus,which was decreased in all four parties.Furthermore,sows in the U4P group with longevity potential also showed better reproductive performance.Finally,we discovered bacterial predictors(e.g.,Prevotellaceae NK3B31 group)for the total number of piglets born throughout the four parities in both the rectum and vagina.Conclusions This study highlights how the rectal and vaginal microbiome in sows with longevity in reproduc-tion changes within four parities.The identification of parity-associated,pregnancy-related,and reproductive performance-correlated bacteria provides the foundation for targeted microbiome modulation to improve animal production.展开更多
基金supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(NSFC,No.31960156,No.31660338,No.31760627,and No.32270848)Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Ministry of Education(2020-39),Science and Technology Support Program of Guizhou Province(QKH[2021]111,QKH[2020]4Y192,QKH[2018]5772-006,and QKH[2019]5406)Science and Technology Fund of Guizhou Provincial Health Commission(gzwkj2022-019).
文摘Compounds isolated from Epimedium include the total flavonoids of Epimedium,icariin,and its metabolites(icaritin,icariside Ⅰ,and icariside Ⅱ),which have similar molecular structures.Modern pharmacological research and clinical practice have proved that Epimedium and its active components have a wide range of pharmacological effects,especially in improving sexual function,hormone regulation,anti-osteoporosis,immune function regulation,anti-oxidation,and anti-tumor activity.To date,we still need a comprehensive source of knowledge about the pharmacological effects of Epimedium and its bioactive compounds on the male reproductive system.However,their actions in other tissues have been reviewed in recent years.This review critically focuses on the Epimedium,its bioactive compounds,and the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the male reproductive system.Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on the Epimedium and its bioactive compounds that protect the male reproductive system and provide some guidances for clinical treatment of related male reproductive disorders.
文摘Morphology of the male reproductive system, chromosome behaviors during meiosis and spem tail structures in Homoptera and Heteroptera are compared in this paper. The sheathed testis is found in Fulgoroidea and Heteroptera, and unsheathed testis occurs in Cicadoidea, Cicadelloidea, Cercopoidea, Membracoidea, Psyloidea, Aphidoidea, Aleyrodoidea and Coccoidea. The testis also can be divide into three types by the shape of testicular follicles. The sphere-shaped type is found in Cicadoidea, Cicadelloidea, Cercopoidea, Membracoidea, Aphidoidea and Aleyrodoidea, the tube-shaped type observed in Fulgoroidea, Psyloidea and Coccoidea, and the lamella-shaped type represented by Heteroptera. It is suggested the unsheathed testis may be the primitive type in Homoptera. Meiosis can be divided into 6 type at least, i.e. 1） Cicadoid type; 2） Fulgoroid type; 3） Psyloid type; 4） Aphidoid type; 5） Aleyrodoid type; and 6） Coccoid type. At least four groups exhibit a diffuse stage during meiosis prophase l, they are Psyloidea, Fulgoroidea, Coccoidea and Heteroptera. Sperm tail structures are similar to those reported from other insects with a typical 9＋9＋2 axoneme except that in Aleyrodoidea and Coccoidea whose sperm tail is degenerated.
文摘This review focuses on estrogen role on human male physiology. Biological estrogen actions on male reproductive system are summarized with particular regard to the effects of congenital estrogen deprivation in men. The effects of estrogen on spermatogenesis, hormonal secretion and gonadotropin feedback and on sexual behavior are discussed. It is remarked that the role of estrogens in male reproduction is a very recent acquisition in reproductive endocrinology, but it promises new future fields of research to be investigated as well as the possible disclosure of new strategies in clinical practice.
文摘In the last two decades,the issue on exposure to air pollution,especially fine particulate matter(PM_(2.5)),and its health effects has been a global concern.PM2.5 can enter the bronchi,lung cells,and subsequently the body,thus causing adverse health effects.One of these health effects include damage to the reproductive system.However,this has not gained much attention.In addition,PM_(2.5) contain toxic compounds,such as heavy metals or PAHs,which can cross various barriers,including epithelial barrier and blood-testis barrier,causing hormonal disorders in both,men and women,thus resulting in infertility.In this review,an attempt was made to provide useful information about effects of PM_(2.5) on the reproductive system.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(81030053)National High-technology Research and Development Program(‘863’program)of China(2010AA023001)
文摘Objective This study was designed to evaluate the toxic effects of Atrazine （ATZ） on the reproductive system of male rats. 〈br〉 Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to ATZ by gavage at dosages of 0, 38.5, 77, and 154 mg/kg bw/day for 30 d. The toxic effects of ATZ to rats were assessed through histopathologcal observation, spermatozoa quality evaluation, testicular marker enzyme indicators, antioxidant capacity and reproductive hormone levels. Results Significant adverse effects on reproductive system were observed in rats exposed to ATZ at different dosages compared with 0 mg/kg group, including an irregular and disordered arrangement of the seminiferous epithelium in 154 mg/kg group;a decreased spermatozoa number and an increased spermatozoa abnormality rate in 77 and 154 mg/kg groups;decreased levels of acid phosphatase （ACP）, alkaline phosphatase （AKP）, lactic dehydrogenase （LDH）, and succinate dehydrogenase （SDH） with the increasing of ATZ concentration; a decreased level of total antioxidant capacity （TAC） in a dose-dependent manner, and a decreased reduced glutathione （GSH） level and an increased malondialdehyde （MDA） content in 154 mg/kg group;and decreased serum levels of testosterone （T） and inhibin-B （INH-B） and an increased serum level of follicle stimulating hormone （FSH） in 77 and 154 mg/kg groups, and an increased serum level of luteinizing hormone （LH） in 154 mg/kg group. Conclusion These results suggested that relatively high doses of ATZ could exert reproductive toxicity of male rats.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation Project of CQ CSTC,China(2010BB1138)the National Innovation Experiment Program for Undergraduate,China (091063530)
文摘Acetamiprid has a wide range of influence on physiological functions in mammals.The objective of this study was to examine the effect of acetamiprid on the reproductive function of male mice,and to study the role of oxidative stress in acetamiprid-induced damage to the testes.Fifty adult Kunmin male mice （25-30 g） were divided into five groups （n=10 per group）,i.e.,control,blank,acetamiprid alone,acetamiprid and vitamin E,and vitamin E alone.All groups were treated for 35 d.The results showed that acetamiprid significantly decreased the body weight and the weight of testosterone-responsive organs,such as the testis,epididymis,seminal vesicle,and prostate.Furthermore,acetamiprid also significantly reduced the serum testosterone concentration,and decreased sperm count,viability,motility,and the intactness of the acrosome （P〈0.05 for each parameter）.The mice treated with acetamiprid had damaged seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells based on the histological structure of testes;there was degeneration of the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum of Leydig cells.These deleterious effects of acetamiprid may be mediated by increasing oxidative stress,as acetamiprid increased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in the testes,reduced the activity of catalase,glutathione peroxidase,superoxide dismutase,and activated p38.The concentration of acetamiprid in the testes was lower than that in liver,so did the concentrations of liver function tests,including aspartate transaminase （AST）,alanine transaminase （ALT） and alkaline phosphatase （ALP）,which suggest that male reproductive function may be affected through the indirect action of its metabolites.Vitamin E significantly ameliorated the effects of acetamiprid.We conclude that acetamiprid damages male reproductive function through inducing oxidative stress in the testes.
基金This work was supported by the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation(grant No.ZR2020QH365)the Hospital Level Project of Shandong Province Maternal and Child Health Hospital(grant No.2021SFF062)+1 种基金Shandong Province Medical and Health Science and Technology Development Plan(grant No.202006021519 and 202004050054)Open project of Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China(grant No.2021005)。
文摘This study assessed the effects of a simulated high-altitude environment on the reproductive system of prepubertal male rats and the reversibility of these effects upon return to a normal environment.Three-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups that were exposed to different conditions:a normal environment for 6 weeks and 12 weeks,respectively,hypobaric hypoxia for 6 weeks,and hypobaric hypoxia for 6 weeks followed by a normal environment for 6 weeks.Multiple pathophysiological parameters were evaluated at the histological,endocrine,and molecular levels.Hypobaric hypoxia exposure for 6 weeks during the prepubertal phase significantly altered physiological parameters,body functions,blood indices,and reproductive potential.Six weeks after returning to a normal environment,the damaged reproductive functions partially recovered due to compensatory mechanisms.However,several changes were not reversed after returning to a normal environment for 6 weeks,including disorders of body development and metabolism,increased red blood cells,increased fasting blood glucose,abnormal blood lipid metabolism,decreased testicular and epididymis weights,abnormal reproductive hormone levels,excessive apoptosis of reproductive cells,and decreased sperm concentration.In summary,a hypobaric hypoxic environment significantly impaired the reproductive function of prepubertal male rats,and a return to normal conditions during the postpubertal phase did not fully recover these impairments.
文摘It is not well known how low temperatures, like a subarctic steppe–tundra climate, influence reproductive traits of ectothermic vertebrates. To begin answering this question, we studied male and female reproductive systems of Salamandrella keyserlingii inhabiting a Tomsk population（southeast of Western Siberia）, Russia, in ecological and physiological terms. In males, before spermiation, the testicular size and weight in late April–early May were greatest of all. Spermiation occurred during breeding immigration in spring when mean air temperature was above 10°С, and at the same time rain fell. After spermiation, the testicular size and weight decreased sharply, and the diameter of the vasa deferentia increased. ＂Spawning＂（i.e., simultaneous extrusion of sperm and oviposition） occurred from late April to late May, and this duration fluctuated in temperature and humidity. The testicular size and weight increased in summer. Sperm mass was detected in the testes by the smear method in April–September, except in June when single fragmented unrealized sperm was detected and in July when spermatids were detected. In females, ovarian weight was greatest in spring before ovulation. From late June, vitellogenesis began in ovarian follicles, in which mint green yolks accumulated. Melanin deposited in the surface of the ovary from July when oviducts were hypertrophying. In contrast, some large-sized females did not show any sexual maturity shortly before hibernation（although these females may be subadults）. These results suggest that low temperatures in Siberia induce early timing of gamete maturation in females, but the females＇ reproductive cycle might also be biennial. A reproductive cycle in males was annual with the completion of the gamete maturation process in August.
基金supported by the National GMO Cultivation Major Project of New Varieties(2012ZX08011001-002)
文摘Objective To evaluate the health effects of parental dietary exposure to GM rice TT52 on the male reproductive system of rat offspring. Methods Rice-based diets, containing 60% ordinary grocery rice, MingHui63, or TT51 by weight, were given to parental rats （15 males/30 females each group） for 70 days prior mating and throughout pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, eight male offspring rats were randomly selected at each group and fed with diets correspondent to their parents＇ for 70 days. The effects of exposure to TT52 on male reproductive system of offspring rats were assessed through sperm parameters, testicular function enzyme activities, serum hormones （FSH, LH, and testosterone levels）, testis histopathological examination, and the relative expression levels of selected genes along the hypothalamic-pituitary- testicular （HPT） axis. Results No significant differences were observed in body weight, food intake, organ/body weights, serum hormone, sperm parameters, testis function enzyme ACP, LDH, and SDH activities, testis histopathological changes, and relative mRNA expression levels of GnRH-R, FSH-R, LH-R, and AR along the HPT axis. Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that parental dietary exposure to TT51 reveals no significant differences on the reproductive system of male offspring rats compared with MingHui63 and control.
基金supported by the State of São Paulo Research Foundation(FAPESP)the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel(CAPES)(Finance Code 001).
文摘Bothrops envenomation is complex and provokes prominent local tissue damage and systemic disturbances,but little is known about their effects on the male reproductive system.After intratesticular injection,the bioactive peptide fraction(Bj-PF)obtained from Bothrops jararaca snake venom changes the structure of different stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle in adult mice.For the first time,we investigated whether local envenomation of Bj-PF induces toxicological effects on the male reproductive system,particularly on the seminiferous epithelium and Sertoli cells.Male adult mice were treated with 0.24 mg.kg^(-1) by intramuscular(i.m.)injection for 24 h.The testes samples were collected for morphological and morphometric evaluation.The toxicological effects of Bj-PF were also analyzed on mitochondrial metabolism and nitrite(NO2)production in 15P-1 Sertoli cell culture.Bj-PF changed the structure and function of the seminiferous epithelium,particularly the disruption of the epithelium and the presence of degenerated germ cells in the adluminal compartment,but there were no alterations in the basal compartment.Bj-PF increased the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium and decreased the lumen diameter of the tubule.Semiquantitative histological assessment of the degree of tubule degeneration revealed that Bj-PF also increased the number of hypospermatogenic tubules compared to control.Bj-PF reduced NO2 levels in 15P-1 Sertoli cells without changing the mitochondrial metabolism.Overall,the fact that Bj-PF alters the structure and function of the seminiferous epithelium suggests that bioactive peptides found in B.jararaca snake venom can have toxicological effects on the reproductive systems of affected male mice,providing new insight into the biological characteristics of snake venom and therapeutic strategies for envenomation inflammation.
文摘Pyrethroid esters are widely used as insecticides worldwide. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the harmful effect of deltamethrin on the male reproductive system through the assessment of reproductive hormones, inflammatorymarkers, and testicular function. To achieve our aim, eighty male 7-9-week-old, Wistar rats were taken, weighed, and divided into four experimental groups. The first group was kept as a control group, and the other three groups were given deltamethrin orally at different concentrations (0.87, 8.7, and 17.4 mg/kg body weight) for nine weeks. The resultsindicated that deltamethrin administration associated with a significant decrease in reproductive hormones, especially FSH, LH, and significant elevation in the interleukin 2 (IL2), interleukin 6 (IL6), histamine, and cortisol levels. Also, thesignificance of inhibition of sperm motility and viability, decreased testis weights, sperm count, and fructose in semen were noted. These findings clarify the harmful effect of deltamethrin on the male reproductive system by producing a significant alteration in reproductive hormones, inflammatory markers as well as testicular function.
文摘Objective To review and explore the advantages and disadvantages of the teaching of the reproductive system in Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,in order to provide a feasible scheme for the subsequent reform of the teaching system,including the syllabus design and the optimization of the teaching method,etc.Methods With the one-year practice in the teaching of the reproductive system,this paper has explored the achievements in the implementation of this teaching system from three aspects,including the teaching experience and feelings of teachers,student questionnaires and test scores.Meanwhile,this paper has also deeply analyzed some problems that may exist or be derived from the teaching practice in that teaching model.Results The new teaching method has huge differences from the traditional"discipline-oriented"teaching method in the curricular design,teachers’lecture form,students’learning skills and examination types,etc.What is more important,the new teaching method will significantly renew the concepts of both teaching and learning.Conclusion The method of the systemic teaching is one of the critical ways to realize the reform of the medical education,and can also provide the necessary basis for the cultivation of professional high-quality teachers required in the medical education.
文摘Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) used as flame retardants are widely used in a variety of consumer products, like textiles, foam and building materials. They are persistent in the environment, and increasing levels of PBDEs have been found both biota and human tissue samples. In the present study we examined the dose-dependent effects of pentabrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE-99) on the serum hormone and histology of reproductive system in male rats. 40 health 4-week-old SD rats were divided into 4 groups randomly. The treated rats were orally administered with BDE-99 at the dose of 60,120 or 180 mg/kg, while controls received equal volume of corn oil. We examined the changes of serum hormone levels, histopathology, and PCNA after 30 days exposure to BDE-99. With increasing doses of BDE-99, testis organ coefficient increased, serum hormone levels lower, PCNA positive expression reduced, and the degeneration of seminiferous epithelium were revealed in treated group. These indicators with significant dose-effect relationship showed that BDE-99 can reduce the serum sex hormone levels and cause severe degeneration of seminiferous epithelium.
文摘Agrobacterium-mediated transformation through floral dip and rapid selection process after transgenic event had become a preference as it will overcome the difficulties faced in tissue culturing procedures and lengthy time for screening transformed progenies. Therefore, in this study, three constructs, p5b5 (14,289 bp), p5d9 (15,330 bp) and p5f7 (15,380 bp) in pDRB6b vector which has hygromycin as a selectable marker gene were introduced individually into Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain (AGL1). The cell suspension was applied to Amaranthus inflorescence by drop-by-drop technique and was left to produce seeds (T1). The T1 seeds were germinated and grown to produce seedlings under non-sterile condition. Hygromycin selection on seedling cotyledon leaves results in identification of 12 putative transformants, three from p5b5, four from p5d9 and five from p5f7. All positive putative transformants that were selected at the first stage through hygromycin spraying showed positive result in leaf disk hygromycin assay and in a construct specific polymerase chain reaction-based assay. A ~750 bp amplified hygromycin gene was further verified through sequencing. Our results suggest that Amaranthus inflorescences were able to be transformed and the transformed progenies could be verified through a combination of simple and rapid methods .
文摘This study investigated the effects on the reproductive system of balb-c mice exposed to water collected from different sources near to a deactivated fertilizer waste depositary. Eighty male mice were separated in four groups: Group A (mineral water);Group B (water from the water treatment station);Group C (water from Cubatao city);Group D (water from the waste depositary region). They were exposed to water since they were weaned until they reached sexual maturity, then they were coupled with females in reproductive age and after this mating time they were sacrificed. The evaluated parameters were testicle weight, sperm analysis, pregnancy rate, sex ratio of the offspring and Sertoli cell count. The analysis of the water did not show presence of pollutants in the Group “A” and Group “C” water. Group “B” showed low level of cadmium, 3.58 ± 0.50 μg/L. Group “D” showed the presence of PAH’s and high levels of lead (221 ± 16 μg/L), cadmiun (12.6 ± 1.2 μg/L) and mercury (5.3 ± 1.1 μg/L). The tests of Levene and Kolmogorov-Smirnov were employed to verify the homogeneity of the variances and the tack to the normal curve, respectively. ANOVA was used for parametric tests and Kruskall-Wallis was used for non-parametric tests, while Turkey tests were employed for multiple comparisons. There were no differences between groups in testicle weight, sperm analysis, pregnancy rate and Sertoli cell count. There was a significant reduction in sex-ratio of the offspring in Group B. This alteration cannot be explained by the cadmium levels in Group B water. In the present study we cannot associate the exposition to contaminated water from the waste depositary and reproductive alterations.
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National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFC2700701,2022YFC2703803,2022YFC2703001)National Natural Science Foundation of China(82088102,82071731,82171613,8227034,81601238)+9 种基金Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(2019-I2M-5-064)Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(21Y11907600)Shanghai Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning(20215Y0216)Collaborative Innovation Program of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission(2020CXJQ01)Clinical Research Plan of Shanghai Hospital Development Center(SHDC2020CR1008A)Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Gynecological Diseases(22MC1940200)Shanghai Urogenital System Diseases Research Center(2022ZZ01012)Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Reproduction and Development,The Science and Technology Commission of Quzhou Municipality(2022K54)Open Fund Project of Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics,Ministry of Education,Zhejiang University(KY2022035)Open Fund Project of Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences(YKY-KF202202)。
文摘Objective:Although numerous observational studies have revealed a correlation between leukocyte telomere length(LTL)and female reproductive system diseases(RSDs),the findings of these studies have tended to be consistent.In this study,we accordingly sought to clarify the causal relationships between LTL and RSDs.Methods:We performed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis using pooled statistics from genome-wide association studies of LTL and nine female RSDs.The final results were analyzed using five MR methods,with the inverse variance weighted(IVW)method used as the primary outcome.We applied MR-PRESSO to exclude outliers.Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy.Results:In the forward MR analysis,a genetic prediction of longer LTLs was found to be causally associated with higher risks of endometriosis(IVW:odds ratio[OR]=1.25,95%confidence interval[CI]=1.06-1.46,P=0.008),leiomyoma of the uterus(IVW:OR=1.73,95%CI=1.52-1.98,P=4.9E-16),and ovarian cysts(IVW:OR=1.31,95%CI:1.19-1.45,P=1.5E-07).In the reverse MR results,female RSDs were shown to have no significant effect on LTLs(allP values>0.05).Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of these results.Conclusions:Our findings substantiate the assumption that a genetically predicted longer LTL elevates the risk of endometriosis,leiomyoma of the uterus,and ovarian cysts,with no influence of RSDs on LTL.These findings contribute to establishing a causal link between LTL and RSDs,overcoming the constraints of earlier observational studies.They also imply that LTL could potentially serve as a biomarker for the occurrence of endometriosis,leiomyoma of the uterus,and ovarian cysts.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)to Jiafu Hu(grant no.32371892,31670652,and 31870633)Hudie Shao(grant no.32401591).
文摘Studying the reproductive system of the pine wood nematode,Bursaphelenchus xylophilus(Steiner&Buhrer)Nickle,will identify its characteristics and life cycle.This is crucial for developing more targeted control strategies.In this study,the development of the gonads and reproductive organs were observed using microscopy,gonad dissection,and DAPI staining techniques.Second-stage juveniles(J2)had gonads composed of four primordial germ cells(Z1,Z2,Z3,and Z4)that form the adult gonads by proliferation within 72 h at 25℃.There were subtle differences in somatic gonad cell morphology between males and females,which developed from Z1 and Z4 in third-stage juveniles(J3).These differences became more pronounced at fourth-stage juveniles(J4)and adult stages.Z2 and Z3 germ cells underwent mitosis and two rounds of meiosis,ultimately developing into male and female gametes.Female vulval precursor cells and male cloacal cells developed rapidly during the J4 stage.These results provide a basis for identifying the expression sites and biological functions of key genes regulating reproductive system development.Based on this,in situ hybridization and RNA interference(RNAi)were used to determine the function of the Bxy-glp-1 gene to show that it is involved in vulval formation and spermatogenesis.The results of this study will lay the foundation for disrupting critical stages in the reproduction of B.xylophilus.
基金funded by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2023YFE0124400)the Specific university discipline construction project (2023B10564001)+1 种基金grants administered by the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and the USDAa core grant (P20GM121293, proteogenomics core)。
文摘Background Sow longevity and reproductivity are essential in the modern swine industry.Although many studies have focused on the genetic and genomic factors for selection,little is known about the associations between the microbiome and sows with longevity in reproduction.Results In this study,we collected and sequenced rectal and vaginal swabs from 48 sows,nine of which completed up to four parities(U4P group),exhibiting reproductive longevity.We first identified predictors of sow longevity in the rectum(e.g.,Akkermansia)and vagina(e.g.,Lactobacillus)of the U4P group using RandomForest in the early breeding stage of the first parity.Interestingly,these bacteria in the U4P group showed decreased predicted KEGG gene abundance involved in the biosynthesis of amino acids.Then,we tracked the longitudinal changes of the micro-biome over four parities in the U4P sows.LEfSe analysis revealed parity-associated bacteria that existed in both the rectum and vagina(e.g.,Streptococcus in Parity 1,Lactobacillus in Parity 2,Veillonella in Parity 4).We also identi-fied patterns of bacterial change between the early breeding stage(d 0)and d 110,such as Streptococcus,which was decreased in all four parties.Furthermore,sows in the U4P group with longevity potential also showed better reproductive performance.Finally,we discovered bacterial predictors(e.g.,Prevotellaceae NK3B31 group)for the total number of piglets born throughout the four parities in both the rectum and vagina.Conclusions This study highlights how the rectal and vaginal microbiome in sows with longevity in reproduc-tion changes within four parities.The identification of parity-associated,pregnancy-related,and reproductive performance-correlated bacteria provides the foundation for targeted microbiome modulation to improve animal production.
