Stromal vascular fraction(SVF)is a complex mixture derived from adipose tissue,consisting of a variety of cells.Due to its potential for tissue repair,immunomod-ulation,and support of angiogenesis,SVF represents a pro...Stromal vascular fraction(SVF)is a complex mixture derived from adipose tissue,consisting of a variety of cells.Due to its potential for tissue repair,immunomod-ulation,and support of angiogenesis,SVF represents a promising frontier in regenerative medicine and offers potential therapy for a range of disease condi-tions.In this article,we delve into the mechanisms through which SVF exerts its effects and explore its potential applications in treating both male and female reproductive disorders,including erectile dysfunction,testicular injury,stress urinary incontinence and intrauterine adhesion.展开更多
Ovarian aging is characterized by a progressive decline in oocyte quality and quantity with age.Icariin(ICA),a flavonoid compound derived from Epimedium species,has demonstrated potential as an agent for ovarian resto...Ovarian aging is characterized by a progressive decline in oocyte quality and quantity with age.Icariin(ICA),a flavonoid compound derived from Epimedium species,has demonstrated potential as an agent for ovarian restoration.In this study,a subcutaneous implantation system using gelatin methacryloyl(GelMA)hydrogel embedded with ICA was developed to restore ovarian function in aged female mice.Mice were assigned to receive subcutaneous implantation of GelMA alone(GelMA group),GelMA containing ICA(GelMA/ICA group),or a sham operation.Ovarian morphology,serum hormone levels,follicle counts across developmental stages,and reproductive outcomes were evaluated.In vitro fertilization(IVF)and embryo culture assays were performed to assess oocyte developmental potential,while a 10 day natural mating trial was conducted to determine fertility restoration.RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)and RT-qPCR were performed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.Results showed that GelMA/ICA treatment significantly increased ovarian index(0.19±0.01 vs.0.13±0.01,P<0.0001)and follicle numbers at all developmental stages,including primordial(383.33±151.65 vs.107.14±32.26,P<0.0001),primary(203.33±83.22 vs.91.43±27.04,P=0.003),and secondary follicles(154.17±52.00 vs.59.28±20.50,P=0.029)compared to the sham controls.Hormonal analyses revealed a significant reduction in serum follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH,11.97±3.53 vs.53.10±17.89 ng/mL,P=0.0008),accompanied by elevated anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH,22.97±2.26 vs.5.54±1.56 ng/mL,P<0.0001)and estradiol(E2,315.30±37.62 vs.168.5±14.78 pg/mL,P<0.0001).Oocyte yield and developmental potential improved significantly,as reflected by the increased number of superovulated MII oocytes(17.83±5.15 vs.4.83±4.79,P=0.0002),and higher proportions of two-cell(85.90%±6.16%vs.50.00%±10.00%,P=0.0009),four-cell(81.67%±9.76%vs.50.00%±10.00%,P=0.0061),and blastocyst stage embryos(64.25%±10.55%vs.23.33%±15.28%,P=0.0067).Live birth numbers were significantly increased following GelMA/ICA treatment(6.90±3.21 vs.1.72±2.05,P=0.0001).Transcriptomic analysis revealed up-regulation of genes associated with cytoskeletal organization(Vil1,Tubb3),lipid storage(Soat2,Plin4),oocyte maturation(Oosp2),and cytokine secretion(Cxcl12).Collectively,these findings suggest that GelMA/ICA hydrogels effectively reverse key hallmarks of ovarian aging and restore reproductive function in aged mice,offering a promising platform for fertility preservation and a novel therapeutic for future investigations into ovarian aging.展开更多
A progressive decline in fertility is a well-documented aspect of female aging and is associated with a range of cellular and molecular alterations,including genomic instability and modifications in epigenetic regulat...A progressive decline in fertility is a well-documented aspect of female aging and is associated with a range of cellular and molecular alterations,including genomic instability and modifications in epigenetic regulation.Epigenetic clocks,which estimate biological age based on DNA methylation patterns,have been extensively utilized to evaluate general health status and the risk of various diseases.Despite their broad application,the utility of epigenetic clocks in assessing female reproductive health remains only partially characterized.This minireview consolidates recent advancements in the application of epigenetic clocks to evaluate the functional status of the female reproductive system.The objective is to investigate their potential for quantifying and predicting the biological age of reproductive tissues,thereby establishing a theoretical basis for clinical applications in reproductive medicine.To date,no comprehensive minireview has systematically examined multi-tissue epigenetic clock models in the context of female reproductive aging,positioning this minireview as a novel contribution to the field.展开更多
The livestock sector is a vital component of India's agricultural economy,providing essential support to rural communities and ensuring food security.Efficient reproductive performance is critical to sustaining li...The livestock sector is a vital component of India's agricultural economy,providing essential support to rural communities and ensuring food security.Efficient reproductive performance is critical to sustaining livestock productivity,yet age-related declines in both male and female fertility pose significant challenges.The current review highlights that male reproductive efficiency is closely tied to semen quality,which deteriorates with age due to oxidative stress,leading to reduced fertilizing capacity and embryonic developmental potential.Similarly,female reproductive longevity is predominantly influenced by ovarian health,which declines with age due to diminished oocyte quality and quantity.This decline is exacerbated by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction,leading to reproductive senescence and reduced offspring viability.Understanding the mechanisms of reproductive aging and developing strategies to mitigate its effects are crucial for enhancing livestock productivity and sustaining the agrarian economy.展开更多
Icariin is a pure compound derived from Epimedium brevicornu Maxim,and it helps the regulation of male reproduction.Nevertheless,the role and underlying mechanisms of Icariin in mediating male germ cell development re...Icariin is a pure compound derived from Epimedium brevicornu Maxim,and it helps the regulation of male reproduction.Nevertheless,the role and underlying mechanisms of Icariin in mediating male germ cell development remain to be clarified.Here,we have demonstrated that Icariin promoted proliferation and DNA synthesis of mouse spermatogonial stem cells(SSCs).Furthermore,surface plasmon resonance iron(SPRi)and molecular docking(MOE)assays revealed that phosphodiesterase 5A(PDE5A)was an important target of Icariin in mouse SSCs.Mechanically,Icariin decreased the expression level of PDE5A.Interestingly,hydrogen peroxides(H2O2)enhanced the expression level of phosphorylation H2A.X(p-H2A.X),whereas Icariin diminished the expression level of p-H2A.X and DNA damage caused by H2O2 in mouse SSCs.Finally,our in vivo animal study indicated that Icariin protected male reproduction.Collectively,these results implicate that Icariin targets PDE5A to regulate mouse SSC viability and DNA damage and improves male reproductive capacity.This study thus sheds new insights into molecular mechanisms underlying the fate decisions of mammalian SSCs and offers a scientific basis for the clinical application of Icariin in male reproduction.展开更多
Microplastics(MPs)and nanoplastics(NPs)have become hazardous materials due to the massive amount of plastic waste and disposable masks,but their specific health effects remain uncertain.In this study,fluorescence-labe...Microplastics(MPs)and nanoplastics(NPs)have become hazardous materials due to the massive amount of plastic waste and disposable masks,but their specific health effects remain uncertain.In this study,fluorescence-labeled polystyrene NPs(PS-NPs)were injected into the circulatory systems of mice to determine the distribution and potential toxic effects of NPs in vivo.Interestingly,whole-body imaging found that PS-NPs accumulated in the testes of mice.Therefore,the toxic effects of PS-NPs on the reproduction systems and the spermatocytes cell line of male mice,and their mechanisms,were investigated.After oral exposure to PS-NPs,their spermatogenesis was affected and the spermatogenic cells were damaged.The spermatocyte cell line GC-2 was exposed to PS-NPs and analyzed using RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)to determine the toxic mechanisms;a ferroptosis pathway was found after PS-NP exposure.The phenomena and indicators of ferroptosis were then determined and verified by ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1(Fer-1),and it was also found that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)played an important role in spermatogenic cell ferroptosis induced by PS-NPs.Finally,it was confirmed in vivo that this mechanism of Nrf2 played a protective role in PS-NPs-induced male reproductive toxicity.This study demonstrated that PS-NPs induce male reproductive dysfunction in mice by causing spermatogenic cell ferroptosis dependent on Nrf2.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the influence of season on live birth and clinical pregnancy rates,as well as assisted reproductive technology(ART)outcomes,in the Hainan region.Methods:Patients were categorized into four gro...Objective:To investigate the influence of season on live birth and clinical pregnancy rates,as well as assisted reproductive technology(ART)outcomes,in the Hainan region.Methods:Patients were categorized into four groups based on the dates of artificial insemination and transplantation:spring,summer,autumn,or winter.The main outcome measures were clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates.Secondary outcomes included body mass index(BMI),oocyte number,two pronuclei(2PN)cleavage rate,total gonadotropin(Gn)dosage and days,age,2PN fertilization rate,sperm concentration,sperm PR rate,anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH),and endometrial thickness.Outpatient semen quality indicators included sperm PR rate,total sperm count,sperm concentration,and total sperm motility.Results:This retrospective cohort study analyzed 2,016 artificial insemination cycles and 1,783 ovarian retrieval cycles from January 2017 to October 2022,and assessed the semen quality of 6,651 outpatients from May 2017 to October 2022.In artificial insemination cycles,sperm PR rate and clinical pregnancy rate were highest in winter,with a statistically significant difference between groups(P<0.05).Clinical pregnancy rate was influenced by both age and sperm PR rate(P<0.05).In ovarian retrieval cycles,the winter group had significantly higher clinical pregnancy,2PN fertilization,and 2PN cleavage rates than the other groups.The autumn group had higher live birth rates,though not significantly different.Additionally,winter months showed higher total sperm concentration and total sperm number compared to other seasons.Conclusion:Seasonality affected clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in artificial insemination cycles but not in ovarian retrieval cycles in the Hainan region.These findings suggest that while there is no need to choose a specific season for ovarian retrieval cycles,artificial insemination in winter may be preferable for patients.展开更多
Background In the modern sheep production systems,the reproductive performance of ewes determines the economic profitability of farming.Revealing the genetic mechanisms underlying differences in the litter size is imp...Background In the modern sheep production systems,the reproductive performance of ewes determines the economic profitability of farming.Revealing the genetic mechanisms underlying differences in the litter size is important for the selection and breeding of highly prolific ewes.Hu sheep,a high-quality Chinese sheep breed,is known for its high fecundity and is often used as a model to study prolificacy traits.In the current study,animals were divided into two groups according to their delivery rates in three consecutive lambing seasons(namely,the high and low reproductive groups with≥3 lambs and one lamb per season,n=3,respectively).The ewes were slaughtered within 12 h of estrus,and unilateral ovarian tissues were collected and analyzed by 10×Genomics single-cell RNA sequencing.Results A total of 5 types of somatic cells were identified and corresponding expression profiles were mapped in the ovaries of each group.Noticeably,the differences in the ovary somatic cell expression profiles between the high and low reproductive groups were mainly clustered in the granulosa cells.Furthermore,four granulosa cell subtypes were identified.GeneSwitches analysis revealed that the abundance of JPH1 expression and the reduction of LOC101112291 expression could lead to different evolutionary directions of the granulosa cells.Additionally,the expression levels of FTH1 and FTL in mural granulosa cells of the highly reproductive group were significantly higher.These genes inhibit necroptosis and ferroptosis of mural granulosa cells,which helps prevent follicular atresia.Conclusions This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the high fecundity of Hu sheep.The differences in gene expression profiles,particularly in the granulosa cells,suggest that these cells play a critical role in female prolificacy.The findings also highlight the importance of genes such as JPH1,LOC101112291,FTH1,and FTL in regulating granulosa cell function and follicular development.展开更多
At the end of 2022,the adjustment of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic control policy in China resulted in alarge-scale increase in public infection.To compare the fertility parameters of male patients be...At the end of 2022,the adjustment of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic control policy in China resulted in alarge-scale increase in public infection.To compare the fertility parameters of male patients before and after the adjustments ofthe COVID-19 pandemic control policy in China,we collected data on patients’medical histories and laboratory examinations ontheir first visits between June 2022 and March 2023 in five different hospitals.Data were divided into five groups according tothe timeline of the policy adjustment.The data we collected from male patients included semen quality and serum reproductivehormone levels,and intergroup comparisons were made using the Mann–Whitney U and Chi-square tests.In total,16784 casesunderwent regular semen analysis,11180 had sperm morphology assessments,and 7200 had reproductive hormone analyses.Thedata showed declining trends in semen volume,sperm motility,and the progressive sperm motility rate after the policy adjustment.Subgroup comparison revealed an initial decrease and gradual recovery in progressive motility rate.Sperm morphology analysisshowed increased neck and tail abnormalities after the policy adjustment.No significant change in hormone levels was observed.Following the adjustment of the COVID-19 prevention policy in China,a decline in sperm motility and morphology was observed.This trend may gradually recover over 2 months.After the policy adjustment,reproductive hormone levels were relatively stablethroughout,except for an increase in luteinizing hormone(LH).These changes in semen parameters suggest that the policyadjustment had a short-to medium-term impact on male reproductive function.展开更多
Objective:To determine the effects of textile dyeing industrial wastewater on the hematological parameters and reproductive health including histoarchitecture of male gonad(testes)of mice.Methods:Twenty-four Swiss alb...Objective:To determine the effects of textile dyeing industrial wastewater on the hematological parameters and reproductive health including histoarchitecture of male gonad(testes)of mice.Methods:Twenty-four Swiss albino mice at 4-weeks old were divided into four groups(n=6 per group).Mice of group 1 supplied with normal drinking water were served as the control group.Mice of group 2,3 and 4 were supplied normal drinking water mixed with textile dyeing wastewater at 5%,10% and 20% concentration,respectively.After completing 24 weeks of treatment,different hematological profile,weight of testes,gonadosomatic index(GSI),sperm concentration and morphology were measured.Moreover,histopathological changes in testes were examined.Results:Hematocrit value and hemoglobin concentrations were decreased in all groups of wastewater-treated mice compared to the control group.Likewise,weight of testes,GSI and sperm concentration were decreased significantly in wastewater-treated mice in comparison to the control group.The percentage of morphologically healthy epididymal sperm was significantly reduced in wastewater-treated mice.Histopathological examination revealed degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules,a smaller number of spermatogenic cells,elongation of seminiferous tubules and degenerative changes of seminiferous tubules in wastewater-treated mice.Conclusions:Textile dyeing wastewater has harmful effects on hematological profile and reproductive health of male mice.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the protective effects of probiotic microorganisms on the reproductive and nervous systems of male rats treated with acrylamide.Methods:Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and rec...Objective:To evaluate the protective effects of probiotic microorganisms on the reproductive and nervous systems of male rats treated with acrylamide.Methods:Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and received normal saline through gavage(control),acrylamide 20 mg/kg body weight,acrylamide plus probiotic microorganisms(Lactobacillus acidophilus,Lactobacillus casei,Lactobacillus bulgaricus,Lactobacillus rhamnosus,Bifidobacterium breve,Bifidobacterium infantis,Streptococcus thermophilus and fructooligosaccharides,all mixed in sachets)20 or 200 mg/kg body weight,respectively.After 30 days,the testis,prostate,seminal vesicle and cerebellum were removed,fixed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin(H&E).The Johnsen score was used to classify spermatogenesis.Cavalieri's principle method was used to evaluate the total volume(in mm3)of the testes.The number of each intratubular cell type as well as intertubular Leydig cells in whole samples was measured using the physical dissector counting techniques.Stereological analysis and the grids were used to determine the volume of cerebellar layers as well as the Purkinje cell number.Results:The testis weight decreased significantly in the acrylamide-treated group compared to the other groups(P<0.001).The number of spermatogonia,spermatocytes,spermatids and Leydig cells in the acrylamide-treated group were significantly less compared to the control group(P<0.05),while they were increased significantly in the acrylamide+200 mg/kg probiotic group(P<0.05;P<0.01).The mean Johnsen score in the acrylamide-treated group was lower than in the control group(P<0.001).Acrylamide-induced changes including congestion,vacuolization in the secretory epithelial cells,and epithelial rupture were observed in the prostate and seminal vesicle.The volumes of cerebellar layers were decreased in the acrylamide group compared to the control group while recovered in both probiotic treated groups.Conclusions:Probiotic microorganisms alleviate acrylamide-induced toxicities against the reproductive and cerebellar tissues in rats.展开更多
Background: In Vitro Fertilization/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (IVF/ICSI) represents the final step in the management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Our objective was to study the association between PCOS...Background: In Vitro Fertilization/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (IVF/ICSI) represents the final step in the management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Our objective was to study the association between PCOS phenotypes and IVF/ICSI results in women admitted to Gynaecological Endoscopic Surgery and Human Reproductive Teaching Hospital (CHRACERH). Material and Method: We carried out a cohort study with historical-prospective data collection over a period of seven years (January 2016 to March 2023) at Chracerh. PCOS patients were subdivided into 4 subgroups A, B, C and D. Results: We recruited 128 patients including 64 PCOS patients divided into four phenotypes and 64 non-PCOS patients constituting the control group. Phenotype D without hyperandrogenism had used the lowest dose of gonadotropins, i.e. 1939.7 ± 454.3 IU, and had produced a greater quantity of estradiol on the day ovulation was triggered (6529.8 ± 4324.8 ng/ml). The average number of punctured follicles and mature oocytes were higher in the phenotype D group. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurred mainly in phenotype D (3/35), with an estimated prevalence of 2.3%. The fertilization rate seemed lower in the hyperandrogenic phenotypes A, B, C compared to the group without hyperandrogenism without significant difference (p = 0.461). The biological pregnancy rate and live birth rate were comparable between the different groups. Conclusion: Phenotype D used less dose of gonadotropins. Biological pregnancy and live birth rates were comparable between the different phenotypes.展开更多
Reproductive aging involves a progressive decline in fertility,particularly in females(Duncan et al.,2018;Gruhn et al.,2019),which is characterized by the decline in the number of follicles and the deterioration of oo...Reproductive aging involves a progressive decline in fertility,particularly in females(Duncan et al.,2018;Gruhn et al.,2019),which is characterized by the decline in the number of follicles and the deterioration of oocyte quality with age(Broekmans et al.,2004).It occurs in mammals and other organisms,including mice,flies,and worms(Tasnin et al.,2021;Toraason et al.,2022;Isola et al.,2024).Multiple factors contribute to reproductive aging,with chromosomal segregation errors among the most important ones.Accurate chromosome segregation requires the completion of chromatin remodeling events during meiotic prophase(Yang et al.,2024).展开更多
Aim： To promote the provision of reproductive health services to young people by exploring the attitudes and perceptions of university students in Shanghai, China, toward reproductive health. Methods： From July 2004...Aim： To promote the provision of reproductive health services to young people by exploring the attitudes and perceptions of university students in Shanghai, China, toward reproductive health. Methods： From July 2004 to May 2006, 5 243 students from 14 universities in Shanghai took part in our survey. Topics covered the demands of reproductive health-care services, attitudes towards and experience with sex, exposure to pornographic material, and knowledge on sexual health and sexually transmitted infections （STIs）/AIDS. Results： Of the 5 067 students who provided valid answer sheets, 50.05% were female and 49.95% were male, 14.86% were medical students, and 85.14% had non-medical backgrounds. A total of 38.4% of respondents had received reproductive health education previously. The majority of students supported school-based reproductive health education, and also acquired information about sex predominantly from books, schoolmates, and the Internet. Premarital sexual behavior was opposed by 17.7% of survey participants, and 37.5% could identify all the three types of STIs listed in the questionnaire. Although 83.7% knew how HIV is transmitted, only 55.7% knew when to use a condom and 57.8% knew that the use of condoms could reduce the risk of HIV infection. Conclusion： The reproductive health service is lagging behind current attitudes and demands of university students. Although students＇ attitudes towards sexual matters are liberal, their knowledge about reproductive health and STIs/AIDS is still limited. It is therefore necessary to provide effective and confidential reproductive health services to young people.展开更多
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)are a typical class of persistent organic pollutants that is ubiquitous worldwide.Previous animal studies suggested that PAHs had adverse effects on female reproduction.However,th...Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)are a typical class of persistent organic pollutants that is ubiquitous worldwide.Previous animal studies suggested that PAHs had adverse effects on female reproduction.However,the human data regarding relationship of PAHs exposure with women reproductive health,such as ovarian dysfunction,are scarce.In this case-control study,the associations of serum levels of PAHs with the risk of premature ovarian failure(POF)and reproductive hormones in Chinese women were investigated,with recruiting 157 POF patients and 217 healthy women.The serum levels of 12 types of PAHs,as well as reproductive hormones,including follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone and anti-mullerian hormone,were determined.In the logistic regression models,most individual PAH congeners showed significantly positive correlations with the risk of POF(p<0.05),except for fluorine and pyrene.Benzo(a)pyrene(BaP),as the most carcinogenic PAH congener,was observed to be significantly positively associated with the risk of POF.After adjustment for age,body mass index,educational levels and household income,per one-unit increase in the log-transformed BaP concentration was significantly correlated with 2.191-fold increased risk of POF(OR=2.191,95%CI:1.634-2.938,p<0.05).To the best of our knowledge,this is the first study to report an association between internal exposure levels of PAHs and the increased risk of POF in women.展开更多
Emerging evidence suggests that dietary fats may influence testicular function. However, most of the published literature on this field has used semen quality parameters as the only proxy for testicular function. We e...Emerging evidence suggests that dietary fats may influence testicular function. However, most of the published literature on this field has used semen quality parameters as the only proxy for testicular function. We examined the association of fat intake with circulating reproductive hormone levels and testicular volume among healthy young Spanish men. This is a cross-sectional study among 209 healthy male volunteers conducted between October 2010 and November 2011 in Murcia Region of Spain. Participants completed questionnaires on lifestyle, diet, and smoking, and each underwent a physical examination, and provided a blood sample. Linear regression was used to examine the association between each fatty acid type and reproductive hormone levels and testicular volumes. Monounsaturated fatty acids intake was inversely associated with serum blood levels of calculated free testosterone, total testosterone, and inhibin B. A positive association was observed between the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and luteinizing hormone concentrations. In addition, the intake of trans fatty acids was associated with lower total testosterone and calculated free testosterone concentrations （Ptrend = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively）. The intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids was positively related to testicular volume while the intake of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids was inversely related to testicular volume. These data suggest that fat intake, and particularly intake of omega 3, omega 6, and trans fatty acids, may influence testicular function.展开更多
Abstract： With the rapid development of assisted reproductive technology, various reproductive disorders have been effectively addressed. Acupuncture-like therapies, including electroacupuncture （EA） and transcutan...Abstract： With the rapid development of assisted reproductive technology, various reproductive disorders have been effectively addressed. Acupuncture-like therapies, including electroacupuncture （EA） and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation （TEAS）, become more popular world-wide. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that EA and TEAS are effective in treating gynecological disorders, especially infertility. This present paper describes how to select acupoints for the treatment of infertility from the view of theories of traditional Chinese medicine and how to determine critical parameters of electric pulses of ENTEAS based on results from animal and clinical studies. It summarizes the principles of clinical application of EA/rEAS in treating various kinds of reproductive disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS）, pain induced by oocyte retrieval, diminished ovarian reserve, embryo transfer, and oligosperrnia/ asthenospermia. The possible underlying mechanisms mediating the therapeutic effects of EA/TEAS in reproductive medicine are also examined.展开更多
Varicocele affects approximately 35%-40% of men presenting for an infertility evaluation. There is fair evidence indicating that surgical repair of clinical varicocele improves semen parameters, decreases seminal oxid...Varicocele affects approximately 35%-40% of men presenting for an infertility evaluation. There is fair evidence indicating that surgical repair of clinical varicocele improves semen parameters, decreases seminal oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation, and increases the chances of natural conception. However, it is unclear whether performing varicocelectomy in men with clinical varicocele prior to assisted reproductive technology （ART） improve treatment outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of varicocelectomy on ART pregnancy outcomes in nonazoospermic infertile men with clinical varicocele. An electronic search was performed to collect all evidence that fitted our eligibility criteria using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases until April 2015. Four retrospective studies were included, all of which involved intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI）, and accounted for 870 cycles （438 subjected to ICSI with prior varicocelectomy, and 432 without prior varicocelectomy）. There was a significant increase in the clinical pregnancy rates （OR = 1.59, 95% CI. 1.19-2.12, 12 = 25%） and live birth rates （OR = 2.17, 95% CI： 1,55-3.06, I^2 = 0%） in the varicocelectomy group compared to the group subjected to ICSI without previous varicocelectomy. Our results indicate that performing varicocelectomy in patients with clinical varicocele prior to ICSI is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes.展开更多
Over the course of the past 35 years,assisted reproductive technologies(ARTs)have been increasingly used worldwide,while debates on their safety have been generated.Birth defects and imprinting disorders were reported...Over the course of the past 35 years,assisted reproductive technologies(ARTs)have been increasingly used worldwide,while debates on their safety have been generated.Birth defects and imprinting disorders were reported in previous research.Thus,the psychological development of children born following ARTs has become a major concern nowadays.This review gives a systematic view of psychological well-being of children conceived by different types of ART,including in vitro fertilization,intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI),preimplantation genetic diagnosis/screening,and in vitro maturation.The previous studies are analyzed in three sections:(1)cognitive,motor,and language developments,(2)behavior problems and socio-emotional development,and(3)parent-child relationship.We conclude that although the majority of the studies on cognitive,motor,and language developments reported comparable achievements in the ART group vs.the naturally conceived group,lower intelligence quotient(IQ)scores,worse visual-motor ability or locomotor development,and delayed receptive language competence were found in the ART group.The results on the socio-emotional development were reassuring.As for the behavior problems,a higher prevalence of behavior problems existed in ART children;moreover,ICSI children were found to be at a higher risk of autism than the general population.Meanwhile,ART parents tended to have positive parental attitudes and be more protective of their children.Some suggestions for further research are also given in this review.展开更多
Recent research indicates that the human infertility rate is increasing. Although various reasons have been hypothesized for the growing infertility rate, environmental contaminants are potentially important causal ag...Recent research indicates that the human infertility rate is increasing. Although various reasons have been hypothesized for the growing infertility rate, environmental contaminants are potentially important causal agents associated with this change.Chemical contaminants are widespread throughout our environment and human exposure is virtually unavoidable. The overall contribution of environmental exposure to infertility is unknown, but studies involving occupational exposure, together with results from animal experiments, suggest that environmental contaminants may adversely affect fertility. We reviewed the adverse effects of environmental exposure on fertility and related reproductive outcomes. Environmental contaminants covered in this review include heavy metals, organic solvents, pesticides and endocrine disrupting chemicals. It is hoped that this review will highlight the need for further research in this area.展开更多
文摘Stromal vascular fraction(SVF)is a complex mixture derived from adipose tissue,consisting of a variety of cells.Due to its potential for tissue repair,immunomod-ulation,and support of angiogenesis,SVF represents a promising frontier in regenerative medicine and offers potential therapy for a range of disease condi-tions.In this article,we delve into the mechanisms through which SVF exerts its effects and explore its potential applications in treating both male and female reproductive disorders,including erectile dysfunction,testicular injury,stress urinary incontinence and intrauterine adhesion.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82271671)Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Academic Innovation Peak Fund(2024-DF-02)+4 种基金Clinical Trials from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital(2023-LCYJ-MS-05)Nanjing International Science and Technology Cooperation Program(202201027)to L.D.Research Project of State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health(SKLRM-2022D2)Changzhou Medical Center of Nanjing Medical University(CMCM202203)Clinical Trials from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital(2022-LCYJ-ZD-02)to H.S.
文摘Ovarian aging is characterized by a progressive decline in oocyte quality and quantity with age.Icariin(ICA),a flavonoid compound derived from Epimedium species,has demonstrated potential as an agent for ovarian restoration.In this study,a subcutaneous implantation system using gelatin methacryloyl(GelMA)hydrogel embedded with ICA was developed to restore ovarian function in aged female mice.Mice were assigned to receive subcutaneous implantation of GelMA alone(GelMA group),GelMA containing ICA(GelMA/ICA group),or a sham operation.Ovarian morphology,serum hormone levels,follicle counts across developmental stages,and reproductive outcomes were evaluated.In vitro fertilization(IVF)and embryo culture assays were performed to assess oocyte developmental potential,while a 10 day natural mating trial was conducted to determine fertility restoration.RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)and RT-qPCR were performed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.Results showed that GelMA/ICA treatment significantly increased ovarian index(0.19±0.01 vs.0.13±0.01,P<0.0001)and follicle numbers at all developmental stages,including primordial(383.33±151.65 vs.107.14±32.26,P<0.0001),primary(203.33±83.22 vs.91.43±27.04,P=0.003),and secondary follicles(154.17±52.00 vs.59.28±20.50,P=0.029)compared to the sham controls.Hormonal analyses revealed a significant reduction in serum follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH,11.97±3.53 vs.53.10±17.89 ng/mL,P=0.0008),accompanied by elevated anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH,22.97±2.26 vs.5.54±1.56 ng/mL,P<0.0001)and estradiol(E2,315.30±37.62 vs.168.5±14.78 pg/mL,P<0.0001).Oocyte yield and developmental potential improved significantly,as reflected by the increased number of superovulated MII oocytes(17.83±5.15 vs.4.83±4.79,P=0.0002),and higher proportions of two-cell(85.90%±6.16%vs.50.00%±10.00%,P=0.0009),four-cell(81.67%±9.76%vs.50.00%±10.00%,P=0.0061),and blastocyst stage embryos(64.25%±10.55%vs.23.33%±15.28%,P=0.0067).Live birth numbers were significantly increased following GelMA/ICA treatment(6.90±3.21 vs.1.72±2.05,P=0.0001).Transcriptomic analysis revealed up-regulation of genes associated with cytoskeletal organization(Vil1,Tubb3),lipid storage(Soat2,Plin4),oocyte maturation(Oosp2),and cytokine secretion(Cxcl12).Collectively,these findings suggest that GelMA/ICA hydrogels effectively reverse key hallmarks of ovarian aging and restore reproductive function in aged mice,offering a promising platform for fertility preservation and a novel therapeutic for future investigations into ovarian aging.
文摘A progressive decline in fertility is a well-documented aspect of female aging and is associated with a range of cellular and molecular alterations,including genomic instability and modifications in epigenetic regulation.Epigenetic clocks,which estimate biological age based on DNA methylation patterns,have been extensively utilized to evaluate general health status and the risk of various diseases.Despite their broad application,the utility of epigenetic clocks in assessing female reproductive health remains only partially characterized.This minireview consolidates recent advancements in the application of epigenetic clocks to evaluate the functional status of the female reproductive system.The objective is to investigate their potential for quantifying and predicting the biological age of reproductive tissues,thereby establishing a theoretical basis for clinical applications in reproductive medicine.To date,no comprehensive minireview has systematically examined multi-tissue epigenetic clock models in the context of female reproductive aging,positioning this minireview as a novel contribution to the field.
文摘The livestock sector is a vital component of India's agricultural economy,providing essential support to rural communities and ensuring food security.Efficient reproductive performance is critical to sustaining livestock productivity,yet age-related declines in both male and female fertility pose significant challenges.The current review highlights that male reproductive efficiency is closely tied to semen quality,which deteriorates with age due to oxidative stress,leading to reduced fertilizing capacity and embryonic developmental potential.Similarly,female reproductive longevity is predominantly influenced by ovarian health,which declines with age due to diminished oocyte quality and quantity.This decline is exacerbated by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction,leading to reproductive senescence and reduced offspring viability.Understanding the mechanisms of reproductive aging and developing strategies to mitigate its effects are crucial for enhancing livestock productivity and sustaining the agrarian economy.
基金supported by the grants from the National Nature Science Foundation of China(No.32170862)Developmental Biology and Breeding(No.2022XKQ0205)+2 种基金the Research Team for Reproduction Health and Translational Medicine of Hunan Normal University(No.2023JC101)Graduate Scientific Research Innovation Project of Hunan Province(No.CX2022520)Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine(2022SKLRM01).
文摘Icariin is a pure compound derived from Epimedium brevicornu Maxim,and it helps the regulation of male reproduction.Nevertheless,the role and underlying mechanisms of Icariin in mediating male germ cell development remain to be clarified.Here,we have demonstrated that Icariin promoted proliferation and DNA synthesis of mouse spermatogonial stem cells(SSCs).Furthermore,surface plasmon resonance iron(SPRi)and molecular docking(MOE)assays revealed that phosphodiesterase 5A(PDE5A)was an important target of Icariin in mouse SSCs.Mechanically,Icariin decreased the expression level of PDE5A.Interestingly,hydrogen peroxides(H2O2)enhanced the expression level of phosphorylation H2A.X(p-H2A.X),whereas Icariin diminished the expression level of p-H2A.X and DNA damage caused by H2O2 in mouse SSCs.Finally,our in vivo animal study indicated that Icariin protected male reproduction.Collectively,these results implicate that Icariin targets PDE5A to regulate mouse SSC viability and DNA damage and improves male reproductive capacity.This study thus sheds new insights into molecular mechanisms underlying the fate decisions of mammalian SSCs and offers a scientific basis for the clinical application of Icariin in male reproduction.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82204094)the Key Research and Development Program of Ningxia(No.2022BEG03084)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2018YFC1004202)。
文摘Microplastics(MPs)and nanoplastics(NPs)have become hazardous materials due to the massive amount of plastic waste and disposable masks,but their specific health effects remain uncertain.In this study,fluorescence-labeled polystyrene NPs(PS-NPs)were injected into the circulatory systems of mice to determine the distribution and potential toxic effects of NPs in vivo.Interestingly,whole-body imaging found that PS-NPs accumulated in the testes of mice.Therefore,the toxic effects of PS-NPs on the reproduction systems and the spermatocytes cell line of male mice,and their mechanisms,were investigated.After oral exposure to PS-NPs,their spermatogenesis was affected and the spermatogenic cells were damaged.The spermatocyte cell line GC-2 was exposed to PS-NPs and analyzed using RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)to determine the toxic mechanisms;a ferroptosis pathway was found after PS-NP exposure.The phenomena and indicators of ferroptosis were then determined and verified by ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1(Fer-1),and it was also found that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)played an important role in spermatogenic cell ferroptosis induced by PS-NPs.Finally,it was confirmed in vivo that this mechanism of Nrf2 played a protective role in PS-NPs-induced male reproductive toxicity.This study demonstrated that PS-NPs induce male reproductive dysfunction in mice by causing spermatogenic cell ferroptosis dependent on Nrf2.
文摘Objective:To investigate the influence of season on live birth and clinical pregnancy rates,as well as assisted reproductive technology(ART)outcomes,in the Hainan region.Methods:Patients were categorized into four groups based on the dates of artificial insemination and transplantation:spring,summer,autumn,or winter.The main outcome measures were clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates.Secondary outcomes included body mass index(BMI),oocyte number,two pronuclei(2PN)cleavage rate,total gonadotropin(Gn)dosage and days,age,2PN fertilization rate,sperm concentration,sperm PR rate,anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH),and endometrial thickness.Outpatient semen quality indicators included sperm PR rate,total sperm count,sperm concentration,and total sperm motility.Results:This retrospective cohort study analyzed 2,016 artificial insemination cycles and 1,783 ovarian retrieval cycles from January 2017 to October 2022,and assessed the semen quality of 6,651 outpatients from May 2017 to October 2022.In artificial insemination cycles,sperm PR rate and clinical pregnancy rate were highest in winter,with a statistically significant difference between groups(P<0.05).Clinical pregnancy rate was influenced by both age and sperm PR rate(P<0.05).In ovarian retrieval cycles,the winter group had significantly higher clinical pregnancy,2PN fertilization,and 2PN cleavage rates than the other groups.The autumn group had higher live birth rates,though not significantly different.Additionally,winter months showed higher total sperm concentration and total sperm number compared to other seasons.Conclusion:Seasonality affected clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in artificial insemination cycles but not in ovarian retrieval cycles in the Hainan region.These findings suggest that while there is no need to choose a specific season for ovarian retrieval cycles,artificial insemination in winter may be preferable for patients.
基金supported by the mutton sheep industry technology system construction project of Shaanxi Province(NYKJ-2021-YL(XN)43).
文摘Background In the modern sheep production systems,the reproductive performance of ewes determines the economic profitability of farming.Revealing the genetic mechanisms underlying differences in the litter size is important for the selection and breeding of highly prolific ewes.Hu sheep,a high-quality Chinese sheep breed,is known for its high fecundity and is often used as a model to study prolificacy traits.In the current study,animals were divided into two groups according to their delivery rates in three consecutive lambing seasons(namely,the high and low reproductive groups with≥3 lambs and one lamb per season,n=3,respectively).The ewes were slaughtered within 12 h of estrus,and unilateral ovarian tissues were collected and analyzed by 10×Genomics single-cell RNA sequencing.Results A total of 5 types of somatic cells were identified and corresponding expression profiles were mapped in the ovaries of each group.Noticeably,the differences in the ovary somatic cell expression profiles between the high and low reproductive groups were mainly clustered in the granulosa cells.Furthermore,four granulosa cell subtypes were identified.GeneSwitches analysis revealed that the abundance of JPH1 expression and the reduction of LOC101112291 expression could lead to different evolutionary directions of the granulosa cells.Additionally,the expression levels of FTH1 and FTL in mural granulosa cells of the highly reproductive group were significantly higher.These genes inhibit necroptosis and ferroptosis of mural granulosa cells,which helps prevent follicular atresia.Conclusions This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the high fecundity of Hu sheep.The differences in gene expression profiles,particularly in the granulosa cells,suggest that these cells play a critical role in female prolificacy.The findings also highlight the importance of genes such as JPH1,LOC101112291,FTH1,and FTL in regulating granulosa cell function and follicular development.
基金supported by a grant from the Beijing Municipal NaturalScience Foundation(No.7194332)the Shandong Province Natural ScienceFoundation(No.ZR2022ZD19).
文摘At the end of 2022,the adjustment of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic control policy in China resulted in alarge-scale increase in public infection.To compare the fertility parameters of male patients before and after the adjustments ofthe COVID-19 pandemic control policy in China,we collected data on patients’medical histories and laboratory examinations ontheir first visits between June 2022 and March 2023 in five different hospitals.Data were divided into five groups according tothe timeline of the policy adjustment.The data we collected from male patients included semen quality and serum reproductivehormone levels,and intergroup comparisons were made using the Mann–Whitney U and Chi-square tests.In total,16784 casesunderwent regular semen analysis,11180 had sperm morphology assessments,and 7200 had reproductive hormone analyses.Thedata showed declining trends in semen volume,sperm motility,and the progressive sperm motility rate after the policy adjustment.Subgroup comparison revealed an initial decrease and gradual recovery in progressive motility rate.Sperm morphology analysisshowed increased neck and tail abnormalities after the policy adjustment.No significant change in hormone levels was observed.Following the adjustment of the COVID-19 prevention policy in China,a decline in sperm motility and morphology was observed.This trend may gradually recover over 2 months.After the policy adjustment,reproductive hormone levels were relatively stablethroughout,except for an increase in luteinizing hormone(LH).These changes in semen parameters suggest that the policyadjustment had a short-to medium-term impact on male reproductive function.
基金funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh(163-BS/2020-2021).
文摘Objective:To determine the effects of textile dyeing industrial wastewater on the hematological parameters and reproductive health including histoarchitecture of male gonad(testes)of mice.Methods:Twenty-four Swiss albino mice at 4-weeks old were divided into four groups(n=6 per group).Mice of group 1 supplied with normal drinking water were served as the control group.Mice of group 2,3 and 4 were supplied normal drinking water mixed with textile dyeing wastewater at 5%,10% and 20% concentration,respectively.After completing 24 weeks of treatment,different hematological profile,weight of testes,gonadosomatic index(GSI),sperm concentration and morphology were measured.Moreover,histopathological changes in testes were examined.Results:Hematocrit value and hemoglobin concentrations were decreased in all groups of wastewater-treated mice compared to the control group.Likewise,weight of testes,GSI and sperm concentration were decreased significantly in wastewater-treated mice in comparison to the control group.The percentage of morphologically healthy epididymal sperm was significantly reduced in wastewater-treated mice.Histopathological examination revealed degenerative changes in seminiferous tubules,a smaller number of spermatogenic cells,elongation of seminiferous tubules and degenerative changes of seminiferous tubules in wastewater-treated mice.Conclusions:Textile dyeing wastewater has harmful effects on hematological profile and reproductive health of male mice.
基金Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences,Yazd,Iran(grant number 5689).
文摘Objective:To evaluate the protective effects of probiotic microorganisms on the reproductive and nervous systems of male rats treated with acrylamide.Methods:Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and received normal saline through gavage(control),acrylamide 20 mg/kg body weight,acrylamide plus probiotic microorganisms(Lactobacillus acidophilus,Lactobacillus casei,Lactobacillus bulgaricus,Lactobacillus rhamnosus,Bifidobacterium breve,Bifidobacterium infantis,Streptococcus thermophilus and fructooligosaccharides,all mixed in sachets)20 or 200 mg/kg body weight,respectively.After 30 days,the testis,prostate,seminal vesicle and cerebellum were removed,fixed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin(H&E).The Johnsen score was used to classify spermatogenesis.Cavalieri's principle method was used to evaluate the total volume(in mm3)of the testes.The number of each intratubular cell type as well as intertubular Leydig cells in whole samples was measured using the physical dissector counting techniques.Stereological analysis and the grids were used to determine the volume of cerebellar layers as well as the Purkinje cell number.Results:The testis weight decreased significantly in the acrylamide-treated group compared to the other groups(P<0.001).The number of spermatogonia,spermatocytes,spermatids and Leydig cells in the acrylamide-treated group were significantly less compared to the control group(P<0.05),while they were increased significantly in the acrylamide+200 mg/kg probiotic group(P<0.05;P<0.01).The mean Johnsen score in the acrylamide-treated group was lower than in the control group(P<0.001).Acrylamide-induced changes including congestion,vacuolization in the secretory epithelial cells,and epithelial rupture were observed in the prostate and seminal vesicle.The volumes of cerebellar layers were decreased in the acrylamide group compared to the control group while recovered in both probiotic treated groups.Conclusions:Probiotic microorganisms alleviate acrylamide-induced toxicities against the reproductive and cerebellar tissues in rats.
文摘Background: In Vitro Fertilization/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (IVF/ICSI) represents the final step in the management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Our objective was to study the association between PCOS phenotypes and IVF/ICSI results in women admitted to Gynaecological Endoscopic Surgery and Human Reproductive Teaching Hospital (CHRACERH). Material and Method: We carried out a cohort study with historical-prospective data collection over a period of seven years (January 2016 to March 2023) at Chracerh. PCOS patients were subdivided into 4 subgroups A, B, C and D. Results: We recruited 128 patients including 64 PCOS patients divided into four phenotypes and 64 non-PCOS patients constituting the control group. Phenotype D without hyperandrogenism had used the lowest dose of gonadotropins, i.e. 1939.7 ± 454.3 IU, and had produced a greater quantity of estradiol on the day ovulation was triggered (6529.8 ± 4324.8 ng/ml). The average number of punctured follicles and mature oocytes were higher in the phenotype D group. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurred mainly in phenotype D (3/35), with an estimated prevalence of 2.3%. The fertilization rate seemed lower in the hyperandrogenic phenotypes A, B, C compared to the group without hyperandrogenism without significant difference (p = 0.461). The biological pregnancy rate and live birth rate were comparable between the different groups. Conclusion: Phenotype D used less dose of gonadotropins. Biological pregnancy and live birth rates were comparable between the different phenotypes.
基金supported by Jinan Municipal Health Commission Science and Technology Project(2023-2-13 to F.Z.)the Joint Fund of the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(ZR2022LZL005 to X.L.)Postdoctoral Innovation Project of Shandong Province(SDCX-ZG-202201001 to X.L.)。
文摘Reproductive aging involves a progressive decline in fertility,particularly in females(Duncan et al.,2018;Gruhn et al.,2019),which is characterized by the decline in the number of follicles and the deterioration of oocyte quality with age(Broekmans et al.,2004).It occurs in mammals and other organisms,including mice,flies,and worms(Tasnin et al.,2021;Toraason et al.,2022;Isola et al.,2024).Multiple factors contribute to reproductive aging,with chromosomal segregation errors among the most important ones.Accurate chromosome segregation requires the completion of chromatin remodeling events during meiotic prophase(Yang et al.,2024).
文摘Aim： To promote the provision of reproductive health services to young people by exploring the attitudes and perceptions of university students in Shanghai, China, toward reproductive health. Methods： From July 2004 to May 2006, 5 243 students from 14 universities in Shanghai took part in our survey. Topics covered the demands of reproductive health-care services, attitudes towards and experience with sex, exposure to pornographic material, and knowledge on sexual health and sexually transmitted infections （STIs）/AIDS. Results： Of the 5 067 students who provided valid answer sheets, 50.05% were female and 49.95% were male, 14.86% were medical students, and 85.14% had non-medical backgrounds. A total of 38.4% of respondents had received reproductive health education previously. The majority of students supported school-based reproductive health education, and also acquired information about sex predominantly from books, schoolmates, and the Internet. Premarital sexual behavior was opposed by 17.7% of survey participants, and 37.5% could identify all the three types of STIs listed in the questionnaire. Although 83.7% knew how HIV is transmitted, only 55.7% knew when to use a condom and 57.8% knew that the use of condoms could reduce the risk of HIV infection. Conclusion： The reproductive health service is lagging behind current attitudes and demands of university students. Although students＇ attitudes towards sexual matters are liberal, their knowledge about reproductive health and STIs/AIDS is still limited. It is therefore necessary to provide effective and confidential reproductive health services to young people.
基金supported by Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science of Foundation of China(No.LQ20B070005)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Nos.2019FZJD007 and 2019QNA6008)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.21876151 and 81703236)Project for Zhejiang Medical Technology Program(Nos.2018KY437,2016KYA049 and WKJ-ZJ-1621)
文摘Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)are a typical class of persistent organic pollutants that is ubiquitous worldwide.Previous animal studies suggested that PAHs had adverse effects on female reproduction.However,the human data regarding relationship of PAHs exposure with women reproductive health,such as ovarian dysfunction,are scarce.In this case-control study,the associations of serum levels of PAHs with the risk of premature ovarian failure(POF)and reproductive hormones in Chinese women were investigated,with recruiting 157 POF patients and 217 healthy women.The serum levels of 12 types of PAHs,as well as reproductive hormones,including follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone and anti-mullerian hormone,were determined.In the logistic regression models,most individual PAH congeners showed significantly positive correlations with the risk of POF(p<0.05),except for fluorine and pyrene.Benzo(a)pyrene(BaP),as the most carcinogenic PAH congener,was observed to be significantly positively associated with the risk of POF.After adjustment for age,body mass index,educational levels and household income,per one-unit increase in the log-transformed BaP concentration was significantly correlated with 2.191-fold increased risk of POF(OR=2.191,95%CI:1.634-2.938,p<0.05).To the best of our knowledge,this is the first study to report an association between internal exposure levels of PAHs and the increased risk of POF in women.
文摘Emerging evidence suggests that dietary fats may influence testicular function. However, most of the published literature on this field has used semen quality parameters as the only proxy for testicular function. We examined the association of fat intake with circulating reproductive hormone levels and testicular volume among healthy young Spanish men. This is a cross-sectional study among 209 healthy male volunteers conducted between October 2010 and November 2011 in Murcia Region of Spain. Participants completed questionnaires on lifestyle, diet, and smoking, and each underwent a physical examination, and provided a blood sample. Linear regression was used to examine the association between each fatty acid type and reproductive hormone levels and testicular volumes. Monounsaturated fatty acids intake was inversely associated with serum blood levels of calculated free testosterone, total testosterone, and inhibin B. A positive association was observed between the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and luteinizing hormone concentrations. In addition, the intake of trans fatty acids was associated with lower total testosterone and calculated free testosterone concentrations （Ptrend = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively）. The intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids was positively related to testicular volume while the intake of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids was inversely related to testicular volume. These data suggest that fat intake, and particularly intake of omega 3, omega 6, and trans fatty acids, may influence testicular function.
基金Project supported by the Special Research Fund for the Public Welfare Industry of Health of China(No.201302013)
文摘Abstract： With the rapid development of assisted reproductive technology, various reproductive disorders have been effectively addressed. Acupuncture-like therapies, including electroacupuncture （EA） and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation （TEAS）, become more popular world-wide. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that EA and TEAS are effective in treating gynecological disorders, especially infertility. This present paper describes how to select acupoints for the treatment of infertility from the view of theories of traditional Chinese medicine and how to determine critical parameters of electric pulses of ENTEAS based on results from animal and clinical studies. It summarizes the principles of clinical application of EA/rEAS in treating various kinds of reproductive disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS）, pain induced by oocyte retrieval, diminished ovarian reserve, embryo transfer, and oligosperrnia/ asthenospermia. The possible underlying mechanisms mediating the therapeutic effects of EA/TEAS in reproductive medicine are also examined.
文摘Varicocele affects approximately 35%-40% of men presenting for an infertility evaluation. There is fair evidence indicating that surgical repair of clinical varicocele improves semen parameters, decreases seminal oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation, and increases the chances of natural conception. However, it is unclear whether performing varicocelectomy in men with clinical varicocele prior to assisted reproductive technology （ART） improve treatment outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of varicocelectomy on ART pregnancy outcomes in nonazoospermic infertile men with clinical varicocele. An electronic search was performed to collect all evidence that fitted our eligibility criteria using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases until April 2015. Four retrospective studies were included, all of which involved intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI）, and accounted for 870 cycles （438 subjected to ICSI with prior varicocelectomy, and 432 without prior varicocelectomy）. There was a significant increase in the clinical pregnancy rates （OR = 1.59, 95% CI. 1.19-2.12, 12 = 25%） and live birth rates （OR = 2.17, 95% CI： 1,55-3.06, I^2 = 0%） in the varicocelectomy group compared to the group subjected to ICSI without previous varicocelectomy. Our results indicate that performing varicocelectomy in patients with clinical varicocele prior to ICSI is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes.
基金Project supported by the National Basic Research Program(973)of China(No.2012CB944901)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.81070532 and 81070541)the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.Y2100822 andLZ13H040001)
文摘Over the course of the past 35 years,assisted reproductive technologies(ARTs)have been increasingly used worldwide,while debates on their safety have been generated.Birth defects and imprinting disorders were reported in previous research.Thus,the psychological development of children born following ARTs has become a major concern nowadays.This review gives a systematic view of psychological well-being of children conceived by different types of ART,including in vitro fertilization,intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI),preimplantation genetic diagnosis/screening,and in vitro maturation.The previous studies are analyzed in three sections:(1)cognitive,motor,and language developments,(2)behavior problems and socio-emotional development,and(3)parent-child relationship.We conclude that although the majority of the studies on cognitive,motor,and language developments reported comparable achievements in the ART group vs.the naturally conceived group,lower intelligence quotient(IQ)scores,worse visual-motor ability or locomotor development,and delayed receptive language competence were found in the ART group.The results on the socio-emotional development were reassuring.As for the behavior problems,a higher prevalence of behavior problems existed in ART children;moreover,ICSI children were found to be at a higher risk of autism than the general population.Meanwhile,ART parents tended to have positive parental attitudes and be more protective of their children.Some suggestions for further research are also given in this review.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDB14010300)the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission(No.Z151100004015167)+1 种基金the Beijing Municipal Health Technology High-level Talent Project(No.2014-3-076)the Open fund of State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology(No.KF-2017-13)
文摘Recent research indicates that the human infertility rate is increasing. Although various reasons have been hypothesized for the growing infertility rate, environmental contaminants are potentially important causal agents associated with this change.Chemical contaminants are widespread throughout our environment and human exposure is virtually unavoidable. The overall contribution of environmental exposure to infertility is unknown, but studies involving occupational exposure, together with results from animal experiments, suggest that environmental contaminants may adversely affect fertility. We reviewed the adverse effects of environmental exposure on fertility and related reproductive outcomes. Environmental contaminants covered in this review include heavy metals, organic solvents, pesticides and endocrine disrupting chemicals. It is hoped that this review will highlight the need for further research in this area.
