Evolutionary transitions from sexual to asexual reproduction should have significant influences on genetic divergence and polymorphism at the genome level.Plant lineages with diverse reproductive systems provide oppor...Evolutionary transitions from sexual to asexual reproduction should have significant influences on genetic divergence and polymorphism at the genome level.Plant lineages with diverse reproductive systems provide opportunities to investigate this question using comparative approaches and studies of molecular evolution.We investigated evidence for differences among the transcriptomes of 19 Dioscorea species(wild yams)with diverse reproductive systems.These included sexual species,those that propagate primarily by bulbils,and those with mixed sexual and asexual reproductive modes.We examined how transitions between these reproductive systems affected between-species divergence and within-species polymorphism.Primarily asexual species exhibited a reduced efficacy of natural selection and accumulation of deleterious mutations for both divergence and polymorphism.In contrast,species with mixed reproductive strategies involving both seed and clonal reproduction showed no evidence of an increased fixation of harmful mutations at the divergence level,while an accumulation of genetic load present in polymorphism was evident.Our study indicates that the genetic consequences of evolutionary transitions from sexual to predominantly clonal reproduction is likely to depend on both the duration and extent of asexuality occurring in populations.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the effect of daily consumption of bamboo shoots (BS) on the morphological features and functional status of the female reproductive system in adult with respect to thyroid.Methods: Adult female ...Objective:To evaluate the effect of daily consumption of bamboo shoots (BS) on the morphological features and functional status of the female reproductive system in adult with respect to thyroid.Methods: Adult female rats were divided into control and experimental groups of six each. Control group was given normal diet while experimental group was fed BS by 1/3rd replacement of 180 g of their foodi.e.60 g of BS containing 35 g of goitrogens of cyanogenic origin such that each rat likely consumed 6 mg/100 g of body weight per day for a period of 45 d. Morphological features like changes in body weight and organ weight were noted. Key steroidogenic enzyme levels viz?53β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) and 17β HSD along with serum estradiol, estriol and progesterone levels were measured. Estrous cyclicity of the animals monitored regularly followed by histological analysis of thyroid, ovary and uterus at the end of experimentation.Results:Increase in body weight, thyroid gland weight and thyroid stimulating hormone, decrease in serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine, a decrease in ovarian as well as uterine weight and the activity of steroidogenic enzymes?53β HSD andβ17β HSD along with diminished serum estradiol, estriol and progesterone levels were noted;while histological plates showed prominent degenerative changes in both the ovary and uterus. Estrous cyclicity of the treated animals were irregular and almost stopped at diestrous stage of the cycle in the latter stage of the treatment as compared to control.Conclusions: Overall results indicates that BS rich in cyanogenic constituents induces biochemical hypothyroidism in the experimental animals that acts in corroboration to cause morphological and functional alteration of reproductive organs indicating its likely impact in fertility on continued use.展开更多
Purpose: To evaluate age related ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy rates beyond 20 weeks in women undergoing assisted reproduction treatment (ART) with a...Purpose: To evaluate age related ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy rates beyond 20 weeks in women undergoing assisted reproduction treatment (ART) with antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels of <5 pmol/l. Methods: Retrospective analysis of data from 63 women with AMH of In-vitro?fertilization, IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, ICSI) cycle. Results were analyzed after dividing patients in two groups, group 1 included women of ≤38 years and group 2 > 38 years of age. Non parametric variables were expressed as median (Interquartile range) and compared by Kruskal-Wallis test. Categorical variables were expressed as numbers with proportions (%) and compared by Fisher’s exact test. Results: There was no statistical difference in body max index, level of antimullerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), dose of gonadotrophins used and cycles cancellation rate in two groups. Although number of oocytes retrieved (median 5), clinical pregnancy (18.4%) and ongoing pregnancy rate beyond 20 weeks (18.4%) was higher in group 1, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. There was one miscarriage in group 2. Conclusion: Women with extremely low-serum AMH levels can still have clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancies beyond 20 weeks after ART, though chances will be lower than women with normal ovarian reserve.展开更多
The expression of Attractin mRNA and protein in testis and semen of human and male mice was investigated. Human testis and semen samples were all collected from Reproductive Center of Reumin Hospital, Wuhan University...The expression of Attractin mRNA and protein in testis and semen of human and male mice was investigated. Human testis and semen samples were all collected from Reproductive Center of Reumin Hospital, Wuhan University in December, 2012. Testis samples were collected from 7 cases of obstructive azoospermias when they were subjected to diagnosed testis biopsy, and 30 nor- mal human semen samples were obtained from those cases of semen analysis. Adult mice testis tis- sues were obtained from 10 2-month-old male BALB/c mice, and 60 male mice at different ages were classified into 10 groups （day 1, 5, 10, 15, 21, 28, 35, 42, 56, and 120 respectively, n=6 each）. The expression of Attractin mRNA and protein in testis was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting re- spectively. Human semen samples were centrifuged into sperm plasma （SP） and sperm extract （SE）, and mice sperm samples were collected from the epididymis of 10 adult male BALB/c mice. Western blotting was used to determine the Attractin protein expression level. Attractin mRNA and protein were expressed in the testis of both patients with obstructive azoospermias and adult Bcl/B mice. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that no Attractin mRNA was detectable in day 1 male BALB/c mice group. The Attractin mRNA and protein levels were low on the day 10, and increased with age until day 56. On the day 120, the expression levels of Attractin were decreased. As for human semen sam- pies, Attractin protein was expressed in both SP and SE, but didn＇t exist in samples from the epidi- dymis of male BALB/c mice. It was suggested that Attractin acted as a novel active substance and was involved in male reproduction in both human and BALB/c mice, but it exerted a different ex- pression profile in different mammal species.展开更多
There continues to be an increase in utilization of assisted reproductive technology(ART), including the use of third party gametes. Specifically, the use of third party oocytes, most recently reported in 2010 by the ...There continues to be an increase in utilization of assisted reproductive technology(ART), including the use of third party gametes. Specifically, the use of third party oocytes, most recently reported in 2010 by the United States(US) Center for Disease Control and Society of Reproductive Medicine, accounted for 15 504 cycles and 7334 live births. This translates into approximately 11% of all the in vitro fertilization cases performed in the US. As utilization increases and the technological tools advance, they have created underappreciated and unforeseen ethical quandaries. As such, many practitioners think they "have heard it all". However, each ART scenario is novel with the potential to pose complex unforeseen issues, potentially creating global challenges that could impact broad social and legal questions and test the moral consciousness' of practitioners, policymakers and patients. While there are published US national guidelines to assist practitioners, we have identified new complex issues in assisted reproduction that present unique challenges, and we give a perspective from oureyes in the Western Hemisphere looking out to a global level. Specifically, this review focuses on some of the more recent and evolving issues that currently are and will be confronting us in the upcoming years. Particular attention focuses on discrepancies between third party legal contracts and ART consents regarding level of information sharing, and oocyte and embryo directives and management; dilemmas and obligations surrounding disclosure of medical outcomes especially in the context of growing access to Direct to Consumer genetic testing and Reproductive Tourism-Exile. Given the complexity of these and other ethical questions, finding answers may be achieved by ending the isolation of reproductive professionals and instead promoting increased and consistent communication among physicians, embryologists, therapists and reproductive attorneys to confront these evolving ethical quandaries.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
The mitochondrion is the major energy provider to power sperm motility. In mammals, aside from the nuclear genome, mitochondrial DNA （mtDNA） also contributes to oxidative phosphorylation to impact production of ATP ...The mitochondrion is the major energy provider to power sperm motility. In mammals, aside from the nuclear genome, mitochondrial DNA （mtDNA） also contributes to oxidative phosphorylation to impact production of ATP by coding 13 polypeptides. However, the role of sperm mitochondria in fertilization and its final fate after fertilization are still controversial. The viewpoints that sperm bearing more mtDNA will have a better fertilizing capability and that sperm mtDNA is actively eliminated during early embryogenesis are widely accepted. However, this may be not true for several mammalian species, including mice and humans. Here, we review the sperm mitochondria and their mtDNA in sperm functions, and the mechanisms of maternal mitochondrial inheritance in mammals.展开更多
Since its discovery nearly thirty years ago, platelet-activating factor has emerged as one of the more important lipidmediators known. Platelet-activating factor (PAF; 1-O-alkyl-2-O-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholi...Since its discovery nearly thirty years ago, platelet-activating factor has emerged as one of the more important lipidmediators known. Platelet-activating factor (PAF; 1-O-alkyl-2-O-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine) exists en-dogenously as a mixture of molecular species with structural variants of the alkyl moiety. PAF is a novel potent signal-ing phospholipid that has unique pleiotropic biological properties in addition to platelet activation. PAF also plays a sig-nificant role in reproduction. PAF content in squirrel monkey sperm is significantly higher during the breeding seasonthan the non-breeding season. PAF content in human sperm has a positive correlation with seminal parameters and preg-nancy outcomes. High-fertility boars have significantly more PAF in their sperm than low-fertility boars. The enzymes(lyso-PAF-acetyltransferase and PAF-acetylhydrolase) necessary for PAF activation and deactivation are present insperm. PAF-acetylhydrolase may act as a 'decapacitation factor'. Removal of this enzyme during capacitation maypromote PAF synthesis increasing motility and fertilization. PAF also plays a significant role in the fertilization process,enhancing the fertilization rates of oocytes. Enhanced embryo development has also been reported in oocytes fertilizedwith PAF-treated sperm. PAF antagonists inhibit sperm motility, acrosome reaction, and fertilization, thus suggestingthe presence of receptors for PAF. The PAF-receptor is present on sperm, with altered transcript levels and distributionpatterns on abnormal cells. Whereas the exact mechanism of PAF in sperm function and reproduction is uncertain, itsimportance in normal fertility is substantial. The reproductive significance of PAF activity in sperm and fertility plus therole of PAF in the establishment of pregnancy requires further study.展开更多
Aim: To identify the antifertility effect of intermittent oral administration of tamoxifen in male rat. Methods:Tamoxifen was administered orally at a dose of 0.4 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1) with an intermittent regim...Aim: To identify the antifertility effect of intermittent oral administration of tamoxifen in male rat. Methods:Tamoxifen was administered orally at a dose of 0.4 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1) with an intermittent regime for 120 days. Treatedand control rats were mated with cycling female rats on days 60, 90 and 120 of treatment. The mated males were sacri-ficed and the weights of reproductive organs were recorded, and the serum levels of LH, FSH, testosterone and estradi-ol estimated by radioimmunoassay. In the female rats, the numbers of implantation sites, corpora lutea, and numbersof normal and resorbed foetuses were recorded on d 21 of gestation. The potency, fecundity, fertility index, litter sizeand post-implantation loss were then calculated. Results; The fecundity of male rats was completely suppressed bytamoxifen while the potency was maintained at the control level. The fertility index was significantly decreased. No vi-able litters were sired. Post implantation loss, indicative of non-viable embryos, was observed but was not significantlyincreased above the control level. The weights of the testes, epididymides, ventral prostate and seminal vesicles weresignificantly reduced. The blood LH and testosterone levels were significantly decreased, but not FSH and estradiol.Conclusion; Intermittent oral tamoxifen administration completely suppressed the fecundity of adult male rats withreserved potency.展开更多
Di-n-butyl phthalate （DBP） is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that has the potential to affect male reproduction. However, the reproductive effects of low-dose DBP are still not well known, especially at the molecu...Di-n-butyl phthalate （DBP） is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that has the potential to affect male reproduction. However, the reproductive effects of low-dose DBP are still not well known, especially at the molecular level. In the present study, pubertal male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered DBP at a wide range of doses （0.1, 1.0, 10, 100 and 500 mg kg^-1 day^-1） for 30 days. The selected end points included reproductive organ weights, testicular histopathology and serum hormonal levels. Additionally, proteomic analysis was performed to identify proteins that are differentially expressed as a result of exposure to DBP at low doses （0.1, 1.0 and 10 mg kg^-1 day^-1）. Toxic effects were observed in the high-dose groups, including anomalous development of testes and epididymides, severe atrophy of seminiferous tubules, loss of spermatogenesis and abnormal levels of serum hormones. Treatment with low doses of DBP seemed to exert a ＇stimulative effect＇ on the serum hormones. Proteomics analysis of rat testes showed 20 differentially expressed proteins. Among these proteins, alterations in the expression of HnRNPA2/B1, vimentin and superoxide dismutase 1 （SOD1） were further confirmed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Taken together, we conclude that high doses of DBP led to testicular toxicity, and low doses of DBP led to changes in the expression of proteins involved in spermatogenesis as well as changes in the number and function of Sertoli and Leydig cells, although no obvious morphological changes appeared. The identification of these differentially expressed proteins provides important information about the mechanisms underlying the effects of DBP on male rat reproduction.展开更多
Postcopulatory sexual selection through sperm competition may be an important evolutionary force affecting many reproductive traits, including sperm morphometrics. Environmental factors such as pollutants, pesticides,...Postcopulatory sexual selection through sperm competition may be an important evolutionary force affecting many reproductive traits, including sperm morphometrics. Environmental factors such as pollutants, pesticides, and climate change may affect different sperm traits, and thus reproduction, in sensitive bird species. Many sperm-handling processes used in assisted reproductive techniques may also affect the size of sperm cells. The accurately measured dimensions of sperm cell structures （especially the head） can thus be used as indicators of environmental influences, in improving our understanding of reproductive and evolutionary strategies, and for optimizing assisted reproductive techniques （e.g., sperm cryopreservation） for use with birds. Computer-assisted sperm morphometry analysis （CASA-Morph） provides an accurate and reliable method for assessing sperm morphometry, reducing the problem of subjectivity associated with human visual assessment. Computerized systems have been standardized for use with semen from different mammalian species. Avian spermatozoa, however, are filiform, limiting their analysis with such systems, which were developed to examine the approximately spherical heads of mammalian sperm cells. To help overcome this, the standardization of staining techniques to be used in compute^-assessed light microscopical methods is a priority. The present review discusses these points and describes the sperm morphometric characteristics of several wild and domestic bird species.展开更多
Objective To investigate the reproduction-assisting effects of laparoscopic ＂corepulling＂ salpingectomy for patients with hydrosalpinx on ovarian reserve,responsiveness to stimuli and outcomes of in vitro fertilizat...Objective To investigate the reproduction-assisting effects of laparoscopic ＂corepulling＂ salpingectomy for patients with hydrosalpinx on ovarian reserve,responsiveness to stimuli and outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer（IVF-ET）.Methods Infertile females receiving treatment in Reproductive Medicine Center of Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital due to fallopian tube disorders（n=214） were enrolled from July 2006 to December 2007 and further divided into three groups.＂Core-pulling＂ procedure group（group A） consisted of patients receiving pretreatment with ＂corepulling＂ salpingectomy due to hydrosalpinx in our center（n=31）,wherein 16 patients received IVF-ET.Conventional procedure group（group B） consisted of patients receiving conventional salpingectomy for hydrosalpinx or ectopic pregnancy in our center or other institutes prior to IVF-ET（n=59）.Control group（group C） consisted of patients receiving IVF-ET without the history of previous hydrosalpinx or salpingectomy（n=124）.Results At baseline,the antral follicle count of group B was significantly less than that of groups A and C（8.6±2.5 vs 8.3±2.0 vs 9.8±2.4）.The mature oocytes retrieved numbered less than the other two groups,in a statistically significant manner compared with group C（13.1±5.7 vs 10.6±5.0 vs 12.0±6.2）.Patients of groups A and B received more gonadotropin while the dosage of group B differed significantly from group C（31.0±17.7 vs 37.6±8.3 vs 30.0±4.6）.E2 level on hCG injection day was slightly lower in group B than in the other two groups,statistically significant compared with that of group C,but not compared with that of group A.After receiving IVF-ET,patients of group A showed significantly higher conception rate than groups B and C（62.5% vs 43.6% vs 39.2%）.Conclusion Compared with the conventional procedure,laparoscopic ＂core-pulling＂ salpingectomy should be recommended for patients with hydrosalpinx intending to receive IVF-ET,which did not interfere with the ovarian reserve or responsiveness but improve the conception rate in clinical practice.展开更多
In couples with infertility, abnormal strict morphology of 0% normal forms （NF） is a criterion to proceed rapidly to in vitro fertilization （IVF）. Since no data currently exist, we investigated the outcomes for me...In couples with infertility, abnormal strict morphology of 0% normal forms （NF） is a criterion to proceed rapidly to in vitro fertilization （IVF）. Since no data currently exist, we investigated the outcomes for men with 0% NF to determine reproductive success without the use of assisted reproductive technologies （ART）. A cohort of 24 men with 0% NF were identified （2010-2013） with 27 randomly selected men with 〉4% NF as controls. Patient charts were reviewed with men contacted and administered an Institutional Review Board （IRB）-approved telephone questionnaire to ascertain outcomes. After a median follow-up time of 2.5 years, 29.2% of men with 0% NF did not require ART for their first pregnancy （controls = 55.6%, P〈 0.05）. When all pregnancies were analyzed together, men with 0% NF achieved twenty pregnancies of which 75% did not require IVF （controls - thirty pregnancies; 76.7% did not require IVF）. The average age of men and female partners was similar between men with 0% NF and 〉4% NF. All men had normal follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）, testosterone, prolactin, sex hormone-binding globulin （SHBG）, and estradiol. Although, global semen parameters were worse in men with 0% NF, when a first pregnancy was a natural conception （NC）, 100% of men with 0% NF （n = 7/7） and 37.5% of controls in = 3/8） went on to have a subsequent pregnancy via NC. Men with 0% NF conceived without IVF in 29.2% of cases compared to 55.6% of controls. Strict morphology should not be used to predict fertilization, pregnancy, or live birth potential. In men with 0% NF, alternative modalities should be considered before immediate IVF.展开更多
It is well-documented that male overweight and obesity causes endocrine disorders that might diminish the male reproductive capacity; however, reports have been conflicting regarding the influence of male body mass in...It is well-documented that male overweight and obesity causes endocrine disorders that might diminish the male reproductive capacity; however, reports have been conflicting regarding the influence of male body mass index （BMI） on semen quality and the outcome of assisted reproductive technology （ART）. The aim of this study was to investigate whether increased male BMI affects sperm quality and the outcome of assisted reproduction in couples with an overweight or obese man and a non-obese partner. Data was prospectively collected from 612 infertile couples undergoing ART at a Danish fertility center. Self-reported information on paternal height and weight were recorded and BMI was calculated. The men were divided into four BMI categories： underweight BMI 〈 20 kgm^-2, normal BMI 20-24.9 kg m^-2, overweight BMI 25-29.9 kgm^-2 and obese BMI 〉 30 kgm^-2. Conventional semen analysis was performed according to the World Health Organization guideline and sperm DNA integrity was analyzed by the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay （SCSA）. No statistically significant effect of male BMI was seen on conventional semen parameters （sperm concentration, total sperm count, seminal volume and motility） or on SCSA-results. Furthermore, the outcome of ART regarding fertilization rate, number of good quality embryos （GQE）, implantation and pregnancy outcome was not influenced by the increasing male BMIo展开更多
Objective: Prokineticin-1 (PROK1) is a recently described protein with a wide range of functions including tissue specific angiogenesis, modulation of inflammatory responses and regulation of haematopoiesis. PROK1 has...Objective: Prokineticin-1 (PROK1) is a recently described protein with a wide range of functions including tissue specific angiogenesis, modulation of inflammatory responses and regulation of haematopoiesis. PROK1 has been found in the steroidogenic organs like ovary, testis, adrenal and specially placenta and they have been found to have a role in development of the olfactory system and GnRH system. The aim was to update the role of PROK1 and PROK2 inhuman reproduction since the review was provided by Maldono-Perez (2007) on the potentials of prokineticins in reproduction. Design: A review of international scientific literature by a search of Pubmed and the authors files was done for citation of articles relevant to prokineticins in reproduction, be it its role in ovary, testis, uterus with special emphasis on implantation, normal pregnancy, in labour, pathophysiological states like tubal pregnancy, pcos, various genital tumours, and cases of isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with mutations with PROK2/ PROKR2 and studies detailing functional mechanisms. Results: In the normal cycle, PROK1 has been found to have important roles in implantation, regulating several genes like COX-2, IL-8, IL-11, CTGF related to implantation. Initially murine studies revealed a critical role of PROK2 pathway on olfactory bulb morphogenesis and GnRH secretion which was accidentally discovered and since then several studies on mutations in PROK2/PROKR2 showed that they underlie some case of KS in humans. Although in mouse heterozygote state is not associated with clinical phenotype, most of human mutations are heterozygous. Conclusions: Role of PROK-1 in the process of implantation, with a deeper understanding of the process success rates in IVF and ART can be improved, besides understanding the pathophysiology of tubal pregnancy. Further presence in ovarian follicles of PROK1 can be used to plan a strategy for treating pcos. Development of antagonism of PROK’S may be a helpful strategy in treating preterm labour.展开更多
Colloid centrifugation can be used to separate heterogeneous populations of cells particularly semen samples, which typically contain mixtures of spermatozoa at different stage of maturity together with dead and dying...Colloid centrifugation can be used to separate heterogeneous populations of cells particularly semen samples, which typically contain mixtures of spermatozoa at different stage of maturity together with dead and dying spermatozoa and also non-sperm cells. Colloids can be used to enrich the population of spermatozoa that are viable and functional;these are the spermatozoa that are needed for fertilization in Assisted Reproduction. Sperm samples obtained after colloid centrifugation may be enriched for motile, morphologically normal spermatozoa with intact chromatin. Insemination of mares with stallion sperm samples prepared by colloid centrifugation resulted in a higher pregnancy rate per cycle than controls, confirming that the good sperm attributes observed in the laboratory were indicative of functional spermatozoa. The method does not simply enrich for viable spermatozoa by inhibiting dead or dying spermatozoa from passing through the colloid since emerging evidence shows that colloid centrifugation can select for spermatozoa with certain properties such as metabolic activity. Other reproductive cells, such as spermatids or progenitor cells, may also be purified by colloid centrifugation. This review describes the history of colloid centrifugation for selecting spermatozoa, compares colloid centrifugation with alternative techniques, and finally describes some of the applications of the technique within the animal breeding industry.展开更多
Proteins synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum （ER） are properly folded with the assistance of ER chaperones. Accumulation of misfolded protein in the ER triggers an adaptive ER stress （ERS） response termed the...Proteins synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum （ER） are properly folded with the assistance of ER chaperones. Accumulation of misfolded protein in the ER triggers an adaptive ER stress （ERS） response termed the unfolded protein response. Recent interest has focused on the possibility that the accumulation of misfolded proteins can also contribute to reproductive response, including preimplantation embryos, testicular germ cell, placenta, and unexplained intrauterine growth restriction （IUGR）. The major ERS pathway constituents are present at all stages of preimplantation development and that the activation of ERS pathways can be induced at the 8-cell, morula and blastocyst stage. This review mainly introduced the research progress of ERS induced apoptosis of reproductive cells, providing a new direction for the research of reproductive disease therapy.展开更多
Exosomes,a type of extracellular vesicles(EVs),were first discovered in sheep reticulocytes in 1983[1],and after four years,the name‘exosome’was officially given to them.A variety of cells secrete exosomes under bot...Exosomes,a type of extracellular vesicles(EVs),were first discovered in sheep reticulocytes in 1983[1],and after four years,the name‘exosome’was officially given to them.A variety of cells secrete exosomes under both normal and pathological conditions.Exosomes are mainly products of themultivesicular body formed by intracellular lysosomal invagi nation,and released into the extracellular space by fusion of the outer membrane of the multivesicular body with the cell membrane.展开更多
This review described origination, biosynthesis and functions of platelet-activating factor （PAF） in the reproductive system of mammals and human beings. The article mainly focused on biological roles of the phospho...This review described origination, biosynthesis and functions of platelet-activating factor （PAF） in the reproductive system of mammals and human beings. The article mainly focused on biological roles of the phospholipid mediator in sperm fertilization and embryonic implantation. As an autocrine product of sperm and embryos, PAF markedly stimulates sperm motility and fertilization and serves as a capacitation factor in a ligand-receptor manner, After fertilization, embryo-derived PAF improves its own development, especially from fertilized ova to blastocyst stage and is thought to act as an embryo growth factor in the same manner as on sperm. Its mechanism of action was also clarified. At the end, it was presented some advances in its clinical application, followed by discussion of some issues possibly concerning in its current application.展开更多
The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic is the biggest pandemic of its kind in modern times,and has been running for over two years.It has grown exponentially from a cluster of unexplained cases of pneumonia in...The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic is the biggest pandemic of its kind in modern times,and has been running for over two years.It has grown exponentially from a cluster of unexplained cases of pneumonia in December 2019 to a full-grown pandemic[1].With a sharp ascending limb in its initial stages,it was announced by the World Health Organization as public health emergency of international concern on January 30,2020,subsequently acquiring the definition of a pandemic on March 11,2020.展开更多
基金supported by the Top-notch Young Talents Project of Yunnan Province(YNWR-QNBJ-2019-203)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32470394)the Key Basic Research Programof Yunnan Province(202201AS070057,202101BC070003,and 202103AC100003).
文摘Evolutionary transitions from sexual to asexual reproduction should have significant influences on genetic divergence and polymorphism at the genome level.Plant lineages with diverse reproductive systems provide opportunities to investigate this question using comparative approaches and studies of molecular evolution.We investigated evidence for differences among the transcriptomes of 19 Dioscorea species(wild yams)with diverse reproductive systems.These included sexual species,those that propagate primarily by bulbils,and those with mixed sexual and asexual reproductive modes.We examined how transitions between these reproductive systems affected between-species divergence and within-species polymorphism.Primarily asexual species exhibited a reduced efficacy of natural selection and accumulation of deleterious mutations for both divergence and polymorphism.In contrast,species with mixed reproductive strategies involving both seed and clonal reproduction showed no evidence of an increased fixation of harmful mutations at the divergence level,while an accumulation of genetic load present in polymorphism was evident.Our study indicates that the genetic consequences of evolutionary transitions from sexual to predominantly clonal reproduction is likely to depend on both the duration and extent of asexuality occurring in populations.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the effect of daily consumption of bamboo shoots (BS) on the morphological features and functional status of the female reproductive system in adult with respect to thyroid.Methods: Adult female rats were divided into control and experimental groups of six each. Control group was given normal diet while experimental group was fed BS by 1/3rd replacement of 180 g of their foodi.e.60 g of BS containing 35 g of goitrogens of cyanogenic origin such that each rat likely consumed 6 mg/100 g of body weight per day for a period of 45 d. Morphological features like changes in body weight and organ weight were noted. Key steroidogenic enzyme levels viz?53β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) and 17β HSD along with serum estradiol, estriol and progesterone levels were measured. Estrous cyclicity of the animals monitored regularly followed by histological analysis of thyroid, ovary and uterus at the end of experimentation.Results:Increase in body weight, thyroid gland weight and thyroid stimulating hormone, decrease in serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine, a decrease in ovarian as well as uterine weight and the activity of steroidogenic enzymes?53β HSD andβ17β HSD along with diminished serum estradiol, estriol and progesterone levels were noted;while histological plates showed prominent degenerative changes in both the ovary and uterus. Estrous cyclicity of the treated animals were irregular and almost stopped at diestrous stage of the cycle in the latter stage of the treatment as compared to control.Conclusions: Overall results indicates that BS rich in cyanogenic constituents induces biochemical hypothyroidism in the experimental animals that acts in corroboration to cause morphological and functional alteration of reproductive organs indicating its likely impact in fertility on continued use.
文摘Purpose: To evaluate age related ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy rates beyond 20 weeks in women undergoing assisted reproduction treatment (ART) with antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels of <5 pmol/l. Methods: Retrospective analysis of data from 63 women with AMH of In-vitro?fertilization, IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, ICSI) cycle. Results were analyzed after dividing patients in two groups, group 1 included women of ≤38 years and group 2 > 38 years of age. Non parametric variables were expressed as median (Interquartile range) and compared by Kruskal-Wallis test. Categorical variables were expressed as numbers with proportions (%) and compared by Fisher’s exact test. Results: There was no statistical difference in body max index, level of antimullerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), dose of gonadotrophins used and cycles cancellation rate in two groups. Although number of oocytes retrieved (median 5), clinical pregnancy (18.4%) and ongoing pregnancy rate beyond 20 weeks (18.4%) was higher in group 1, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. There was one miscarriage in group 2. Conclusion: Women with extremely low-serum AMH levels can still have clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancies beyond 20 weeks after ART, though chances will be lower than women with normal ovarian reserve.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30570769)Funds of Health and Family Planning Commission of Hubei Province(No.JS2013009)the Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities(No.2042014kf0120)
文摘The expression of Attractin mRNA and protein in testis and semen of human and male mice was investigated. Human testis and semen samples were all collected from Reproductive Center of Reumin Hospital, Wuhan University in December, 2012. Testis samples were collected from 7 cases of obstructive azoospermias when they were subjected to diagnosed testis biopsy, and 30 nor- mal human semen samples were obtained from those cases of semen analysis. Adult mice testis tis- sues were obtained from 10 2-month-old male BALB/c mice, and 60 male mice at different ages were classified into 10 groups （day 1, 5, 10, 15, 21, 28, 35, 42, 56, and 120 respectively, n=6 each）. The expression of Attractin mRNA and protein in testis was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting re- spectively. Human semen samples were centrifuged into sperm plasma （SP） and sperm extract （SE）, and mice sperm samples were collected from the epididymis of 10 adult male BALB/c mice. Western blotting was used to determine the Attractin protein expression level. Attractin mRNA and protein were expressed in the testis of both patients with obstructive azoospermias and adult Bcl/B mice. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that no Attractin mRNA was detectable in day 1 male BALB/c mice group. The Attractin mRNA and protein levels were low on the day 10, and increased with age until day 56. On the day 120, the expression levels of Attractin were decreased. As for human semen sam- pies, Attractin protein was expressed in both SP and SE, but didn＇t exist in samples from the epidi- dymis of male BALB/c mice. It was suggested that Attractin acted as a novel active substance and was involved in male reproduction in both human and BALB/c mice, but it exerted a different ex- pression profile in different mammal species.
文摘There continues to be an increase in utilization of assisted reproductive technology(ART), including the use of third party gametes. Specifically, the use of third party oocytes, most recently reported in 2010 by the United States(US) Center for Disease Control and Society of Reproductive Medicine, accounted for 15 504 cycles and 7334 live births. This translates into approximately 11% of all the in vitro fertilization cases performed in the US. As utilization increases and the technological tools advance, they have created underappreciated and unforeseen ethical quandaries. As such, many practitioners think they "have heard it all". However, each ART scenario is novel with the potential to pose complex unforeseen issues, potentially creating global challenges that could impact broad social and legal questions and test the moral consciousness' of practitioners, policymakers and patients. While there are published US national guidelines to assist practitioners, we have identified new complex issues in assisted reproduction that present unique challenges, and we give a perspective from oureyes in the Western Hemisphere looking out to a global level. Specifically, this review focuses on some of the more recent and evolving issues that currently are and will be confronting us in the upcoming years. Particular attention focuses on discrepancies between third party legal contracts and ART consents regarding level of information sharing, and oocyte and embryo directives and management; dilemmas and obligations surrounding disclosure of medical outcomes especially in the context of growing access to Direct to Consumer genetic testing and Reproductive Tourism-Exile. Given the complexity of these and other ethical questions, finding answers may be achieved by ending the isolation of reproductive professionals and instead promoting increased and consistent communication among physicians, embryologists, therapists and reproductive attorneys to confront these evolving ethical quandaries.
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supported by the Major Basic Research Program(Nos.2012CB944404 and 2011CB944501)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30930065)to Q.Y.S
文摘The mitochondrion is the major energy provider to power sperm motility. In mammals, aside from the nuclear genome, mitochondrial DNA （mtDNA） also contributes to oxidative phosphorylation to impact production of ATP by coding 13 polypeptides. However, the role of sperm mitochondria in fertilization and its final fate after fertilization are still controversial. The viewpoints that sperm bearing more mtDNA will have a better fertilizing capability and that sperm mtDNA is actively eliminated during early embryogenesis are widely accepted. However, this may be not true for several mammalian species, including mice and humans. Here, we review the sperm mitochondria and their mtDNA in sperm functions, and the mechanisms of maternal mitochondrial inheritance in mammals.
文摘Since its discovery nearly thirty years ago, platelet-activating factor has emerged as one of the more important lipidmediators known. Platelet-activating factor (PAF; 1-O-alkyl-2-O-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine) exists en-dogenously as a mixture of molecular species with structural variants of the alkyl moiety. PAF is a novel potent signal-ing phospholipid that has unique pleiotropic biological properties in addition to platelet activation. PAF also plays a sig-nificant role in reproduction. PAF content in squirrel monkey sperm is significantly higher during the breeding seasonthan the non-breeding season. PAF content in human sperm has a positive correlation with seminal parameters and preg-nancy outcomes. High-fertility boars have significantly more PAF in their sperm than low-fertility boars. The enzymes(lyso-PAF-acetyltransferase and PAF-acetylhydrolase) necessary for PAF activation and deactivation are present insperm. PAF-acetylhydrolase may act as a 'decapacitation factor'. Removal of this enzyme during capacitation maypromote PAF synthesis increasing motility and fertilization. PAF also plays a significant role in the fertilization process,enhancing the fertilization rates of oocytes. Enhanced embryo development has also been reported in oocytes fertilizedwith PAF-treated sperm. PAF antagonists inhibit sperm motility, acrosome reaction, and fertilization, thus suggestingthe presence of receptors for PAF. The PAF-receptor is present on sperm, with altered transcript levels and distributionpatterns on abnormal cells. Whereas the exact mechanism of PAF in sperm function and reproduction is uncertain, itsimportance in normal fertility is substantial. The reproductive significance of PAF activity in sperm and fertility plus therole of PAF in the establishment of pregnancy requires further study.
文摘Aim: To identify the antifertility effect of intermittent oral administration of tamoxifen in male rat. Methods:Tamoxifen was administered orally at a dose of 0.4 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1) with an intermittent regime for 120 days. Treatedand control rats were mated with cycling female rats on days 60, 90 and 120 of treatment. The mated males were sacri-ficed and the weights of reproductive organs were recorded, and the serum levels of LH, FSH, testosterone and estradi-ol estimated by radioimmunoassay. In the female rats, the numbers of implantation sites, corpora lutea, and numbersof normal and resorbed foetuses were recorded on d 21 of gestation. The potency, fecundity, fertility index, litter sizeand post-implantation loss were then calculated. Results; The fecundity of male rats was completely suppressed bytamoxifen while the potency was maintained at the control level. The fertility index was significantly decreased. No vi-able litters were sired. Post implantation loss, indicative of non-viable embryos, was observed but was not significantlyincreased above the control level. The weights of the testes, epididymides, ventral prostate and seminal vesicles weresignificantly reduced. The blood LH and testosterone levels were significantly decreased, but not FSH and estradiol.Conclusion; Intermittent oral tamoxifen administration completely suppressed the fecundity of adult male rats withreserved potency.
基金ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Feng Chen with the statistical analysis. The study was supported by grants from the National Basic Research Program of China （973 Program） （No. 2009CB941703）, Jiangsu Provincial Natural Science Funds （No. BK2007235） and the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 30901222）.
文摘Di-n-butyl phthalate （DBP） is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that has the potential to affect male reproduction. However, the reproductive effects of low-dose DBP are still not well known, especially at the molecular level. In the present study, pubertal male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered DBP at a wide range of doses （0.1, 1.0, 10, 100 and 500 mg kg^-1 day^-1） for 30 days. The selected end points included reproductive organ weights, testicular histopathology and serum hormonal levels. Additionally, proteomic analysis was performed to identify proteins that are differentially expressed as a result of exposure to DBP at low doses （0.1, 1.0 and 10 mg kg^-1 day^-1）. Toxic effects were observed in the high-dose groups, including anomalous development of testes and epididymides, severe atrophy of seminiferous tubules, loss of spermatogenesis and abnormal levels of serum hormones. Treatment with low doses of DBP seemed to exert a ＇stimulative effect＇ on the serum hormones. Proteomics analysis of rat testes showed 20 differentially expressed proteins. Among these proteins, alterations in the expression of HnRNPA2/B1, vimentin and superoxide dismutase 1 （SOD1） were further confirmed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Taken together, we conclude that high doses of DBP led to testicular toxicity, and low doses of DBP led to changes in the expression of proteins involved in spermatogenesis as well as changes in the number and function of Sertoli and Leydig cells, although no obvious morphological changes appeared. The identification of these differentially expressed proteins provides important information about the mechanisms underlying the effects of DBP on male rat reproduction.
文摘Postcopulatory sexual selection through sperm competition may be an important evolutionary force affecting many reproductive traits, including sperm morphometrics. Environmental factors such as pollutants, pesticides, and climate change may affect different sperm traits, and thus reproduction, in sensitive bird species. Many sperm-handling processes used in assisted reproductive techniques may also affect the size of sperm cells. The accurately measured dimensions of sperm cell structures （especially the head） can thus be used as indicators of environmental influences, in improving our understanding of reproductive and evolutionary strategies, and for optimizing assisted reproductive techniques （e.g., sperm cryopreservation） for use with birds. Computer-assisted sperm morphometry analysis （CASA-Morph） provides an accurate and reliable method for assessing sperm morphometry, reducing the problem of subjectivity associated with human visual assessment. Computerized systems have been standardized for use with semen from different mammalian species. Avian spermatozoa, however, are filiform, limiting their analysis with such systems, which were developed to examine the approximately spherical heads of mammalian sperm cells. To help overcome this, the standardization of staining techniques to be used in compute^-assessed light microscopical methods is a priority. The present review discusses these points and describes the sperm morphometric characteristics of several wild and domestic bird species.
文摘Objective To investigate the reproduction-assisting effects of laparoscopic ＂corepulling＂ salpingectomy for patients with hydrosalpinx on ovarian reserve,responsiveness to stimuli and outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer（IVF-ET）.Methods Infertile females receiving treatment in Reproductive Medicine Center of Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital due to fallopian tube disorders（n=214） were enrolled from July 2006 to December 2007 and further divided into three groups.＂Core-pulling＂ procedure group（group A） consisted of patients receiving pretreatment with ＂corepulling＂ salpingectomy due to hydrosalpinx in our center（n=31）,wherein 16 patients received IVF-ET.Conventional procedure group（group B） consisted of patients receiving conventional salpingectomy for hydrosalpinx or ectopic pregnancy in our center or other institutes prior to IVF-ET（n=59）.Control group（group C） consisted of patients receiving IVF-ET without the history of previous hydrosalpinx or salpingectomy（n=124）.Results At baseline,the antral follicle count of group B was significantly less than that of groups A and C（8.6±2.5 vs 8.3±2.0 vs 9.8±2.4）.The mature oocytes retrieved numbered less than the other two groups,in a statistically significant manner compared with group C（13.1±5.7 vs 10.6±5.0 vs 12.0±6.2）.Patients of groups A and B received more gonadotropin while the dosage of group B differed significantly from group C（31.0±17.7 vs 37.6±8.3 vs 30.0±4.6）.E2 level on hCG injection day was slightly lower in group B than in the other two groups,statistically significant compared with that of group C,but not compared with that of group A.After receiving IVF-ET,patients of group A showed significantly higher conception rate than groups B and C（62.5% vs 43.6% vs 39.2%）.Conclusion Compared with the conventional procedure,laparoscopic ＂core-pulling＂ salpingectomy should be recommended for patients with hydrosalpinx intending to receive IVF-ET,which did not interfere with the ovarian reserve or responsiveness but improve the conception rate in clinical practice.
文摘In couples with infertility, abnormal strict morphology of 0% normal forms （NF） is a criterion to proceed rapidly to in vitro fertilization （IVF）. Since no data currently exist, we investigated the outcomes for men with 0% NF to determine reproductive success without the use of assisted reproductive technologies （ART）. A cohort of 24 men with 0% NF were identified （2010-2013） with 27 randomly selected men with 〉4% NF as controls. Patient charts were reviewed with men contacted and administered an Institutional Review Board （IRB）-approved telephone questionnaire to ascertain outcomes. After a median follow-up time of 2.5 years, 29.2% of men with 0% NF did not require ART for their first pregnancy （controls = 55.6%, P〈 0.05）. When all pregnancies were analyzed together, men with 0% NF achieved twenty pregnancies of which 75% did not require IVF （controls - thirty pregnancies; 76.7% did not require IVF）. The average age of men and female partners was similar between men with 0% NF and 〉4% NF. All men had normal follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）, testosterone, prolactin, sex hormone-binding globulin （SHBG）, and estradiol. Although, global semen parameters were worse in men with 0% NF, when a first pregnancy was a natural conception （NC）, 100% of men with 0% NF （n = 7/7） and 37.5% of controls in = 3/8） went on to have a subsequent pregnancy via NC. Men with 0% NF conceived without IVF in 29.2% of cases compared to 55.6% of controls. Strict morphology should not be used to predict fertilization, pregnancy, or live birth potential. In men with 0% NF, alternative modalities should be considered before immediate IVF.
文摘It is well-documented that male overweight and obesity causes endocrine disorders that might diminish the male reproductive capacity; however, reports have been conflicting regarding the influence of male body mass index （BMI） on semen quality and the outcome of assisted reproductive technology （ART）. The aim of this study was to investigate whether increased male BMI affects sperm quality and the outcome of assisted reproduction in couples with an overweight or obese man and a non-obese partner. Data was prospectively collected from 612 infertile couples undergoing ART at a Danish fertility center. Self-reported information on paternal height and weight were recorded and BMI was calculated. The men were divided into four BMI categories： underweight BMI 〈 20 kgm^-2, normal BMI 20-24.9 kg m^-2, overweight BMI 25-29.9 kgm^-2 and obese BMI 〉 30 kgm^-2. Conventional semen analysis was performed according to the World Health Organization guideline and sperm DNA integrity was analyzed by the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay （SCSA）. No statistically significant effect of male BMI was seen on conventional semen parameters （sperm concentration, total sperm count, seminal volume and motility） or on SCSA-results. Furthermore, the outcome of ART regarding fertilization rate, number of good quality embryos （GQE）, implantation and pregnancy outcome was not influenced by the increasing male BMIo
文摘Objective: Prokineticin-1 (PROK1) is a recently described protein with a wide range of functions including tissue specific angiogenesis, modulation of inflammatory responses and regulation of haematopoiesis. PROK1 has been found in the steroidogenic organs like ovary, testis, adrenal and specially placenta and they have been found to have a role in development of the olfactory system and GnRH system. The aim was to update the role of PROK1 and PROK2 inhuman reproduction since the review was provided by Maldono-Perez (2007) on the potentials of prokineticins in reproduction. Design: A review of international scientific literature by a search of Pubmed and the authors files was done for citation of articles relevant to prokineticins in reproduction, be it its role in ovary, testis, uterus with special emphasis on implantation, normal pregnancy, in labour, pathophysiological states like tubal pregnancy, pcos, various genital tumours, and cases of isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with mutations with PROK2/ PROKR2 and studies detailing functional mechanisms. Results: In the normal cycle, PROK1 has been found to have important roles in implantation, regulating several genes like COX-2, IL-8, IL-11, CTGF related to implantation. Initially murine studies revealed a critical role of PROK2 pathway on olfactory bulb morphogenesis and GnRH secretion which was accidentally discovered and since then several studies on mutations in PROK2/PROKR2 showed that they underlie some case of KS in humans. Although in mouse heterozygote state is not associated with clinical phenotype, most of human mutations are heterozygous. Conclusions: Role of PROK-1 in the process of implantation, with a deeper understanding of the process success rates in IVF and ART can be improved, besides understanding the pathophysiology of tubal pregnancy. Further presence in ovarian follicles of PROK1 can be used to plan a strategy for treating pcos. Development of antagonism of PROK’S may be a helpful strategy in treating preterm labour.
文摘Colloid centrifugation can be used to separate heterogeneous populations of cells particularly semen samples, which typically contain mixtures of spermatozoa at different stage of maturity together with dead and dying spermatozoa and also non-sperm cells. Colloids can be used to enrich the population of spermatozoa that are viable and functional;these are the spermatozoa that are needed for fertilization in Assisted Reproduction. Sperm samples obtained after colloid centrifugation may be enriched for motile, morphologically normal spermatozoa with intact chromatin. Insemination of mares with stallion sperm samples prepared by colloid centrifugation resulted in a higher pregnancy rate per cycle than controls, confirming that the good sperm attributes observed in the laboratory were indicative of functional spermatozoa. The method does not simply enrich for viable spermatozoa by inhibiting dead or dying spermatozoa from passing through the colloid since emerging evidence shows that colloid centrifugation can select for spermatozoa with certain properties such as metabolic activity. Other reproductive cells, such as spermatids or progenitor cells, may also be purified by colloid centrifugation. This review describes the history of colloid centrifugation for selecting spermatozoa, compares colloid centrifugation with alternative techniques, and finally describes some of the applications of the technique within the animal breeding industry.
文摘Proteins synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum （ER） are properly folded with the assistance of ER chaperones. Accumulation of misfolded protein in the ER triggers an adaptive ER stress （ERS） response termed the unfolded protein response. Recent interest has focused on the possibility that the accumulation of misfolded proteins can also contribute to reproductive response, including preimplantation embryos, testicular germ cell, placenta, and unexplained intrauterine growth restriction （IUGR）. The major ERS pathway constituents are present at all stages of preimplantation development and that the activation of ERS pathways can be induced at the 8-cell, morula and blastocyst stage. This review mainly introduced the research progress of ERS induced apoptosis of reproductive cells, providing a new direction for the research of reproductive disease therapy.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China[No.81970739,81471071,and 81270948]Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars,State Education Ministry[SRF for ROCS,SEM][No.2013-693]。
文摘Exosomes,a type of extracellular vesicles(EVs),were first discovered in sheep reticulocytes in 1983[1],and after four years,the name‘exosome’was officially given to them.A variety of cells secrete exosomes under both normal and pathological conditions.Exosomes are mainly products of themultivesicular body formed by intracellular lysosomal invagi nation,and released into the extracellular space by fusion of the outer membrane of the multivesicular body with the cell membrane.
文摘This review described origination, biosynthesis and functions of platelet-activating factor （PAF） in the reproductive system of mammals and human beings. The article mainly focused on biological roles of the phospholipid mediator in sperm fertilization and embryonic implantation. As an autocrine product of sperm and embryos, PAF markedly stimulates sperm motility and fertilization and serves as a capacitation factor in a ligand-receptor manner, After fertilization, embryo-derived PAF improves its own development, especially from fertilized ova to blastocyst stage and is thought to act as an embryo growth factor in the same manner as on sperm. Its mechanism of action was also clarified. At the end, it was presented some advances in its clinical application, followed by discussion of some issues possibly concerning in its current application.
文摘The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic is the biggest pandemic of its kind in modern times,and has been running for over two years.It has grown exponentially from a cluster of unexplained cases of pneumonia in December 2019 to a full-grown pandemic[1].With a sharp ascending limb in its initial stages,it was announced by the World Health Organization as public health emergency of international concern on January 30,2020,subsequently acquiring the definition of a pandemic on March 11,2020.
