anti-Müllerian Hormone Research Articles

An insight into the landscape of a rare tumor-persistent Mullerian duct syndrome with testicular seminoma

ABSTRACT Persistent Mullerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is a rare form of internal male pseudohermaphroditism in phenotypically males with 46 XY karyotype. The syndrome is caused by insufficient amount of Mullerian-inhibiting substance (MIS) or due to insensitivity of the target organ to MIS. Till date, less than 300 cases of PMDS are described in English literature, and the association of testicular tumor is still rarer. We report a case of seminoma of testis with PMDS in a 22-year male who reported with intermittent pain, fullness, and dragging sensation over right-side lower abdomen for 4 years. The radiological impression was testicular mass arising from undescended testis with persistent Mullerian duct structures. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis. Association of undescended testis increases the likelihood of developing testicular tumor in PMDS. Clinicians and pathologists should be aware of the rare entity while dealing with the cryptorchidism with inguinal hernia, and necessary management should be done to reduce the complications.

PSX-1 Genomic insights into reproduction traits of Nellore cattle: A meta-analysis of genomic regions

Abstract Enhancing reproductive efficiency could lead to economic benefits for Nellore producers. However, several factors limit our understanding of the main genetic factors controlling reproduction traits in Nellore cattle, including genetic differences between populations and statistical limitations. A meta-analysis can assist in pinpointing the most likely functional candidate genes, quantitative trait loci, and biological processes simultaneously associated with several traits in a group. Hence, the goal of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of genomic regions previously associated with reproduction traits in Nellore cattle, to improve our comprehension of the main genetic mechanisms regulating these traits within the breed. This study incorporated a total of 549 genomic regions sourced from 21 scientific publications, published between 2014 to 2024. The reproduction traits included in this study are scrotal circumference at various ages (365, 450, and 550 d), early pregnancy (< 31 mo of age), early puberty (defined as pregnancy at 18 mo), age at first calving, antral follicle count, calving interval, calving ease, testicular hypoplasia, stayability, heifer rebreeding, gestation length, anti-mullerian hormone concentrations, preweaning calf mortality, and post-natal mortality. All genomic regions identified in the literature were updated to the ARS-UCD1.2 genome assembly, and the Gallo R package was used to identify positional candidate genes associated with each genomic region. A total of 8,441 positional candidate genes were annotated and used in an overrepresentation analysis performed in meshr. The significant genes (adjusted P-values < 0.05) identified in the overrepresentation analysis underwent prioritization analyses using the GUILDify and ToppGene software. Subsequently, enrichment analysis of the prioritized overrepresented candidate genes was performed using the ClusterProfiler R package. The 8,441 annotated genes generated 1,757 overrepresented genes, of which 17 candidate genes were prioritized (FDR P -value ≤ 10-3). The overrepresented candidate genes that were prioritized are: SERTAD2, RFWD3, C1QTNF9B, SLFN14, CATSPERE, GFRA4, ZNF408, NOP58, ADGRG3, KIZ, REM2, FSCN3, DCAF11, ACSM4, ANKRD34B, CMKLR2-AS, and TRV-AAC1-1. The functional enrichment analysis highlighted the following genes: FSCN3 (exhibits highly specific expression in testis), CATSPERE (has a vital role in cellular processes related to reproduction and is necessary for normal fertility), ANKRD34B (associated with cytoplasm found in oocytes or early embryos), and RFWD3 (regulates the transition between phases of the mitotic cell cycle). All other prioritized genes also have roles in regulating metabolic pathways or biological processes related to reproduction, such as sperm capacitation, sperm motility, cilium or flagellum-dependent cell motility, mitotic cell cycle phase transition, and RNA endonuclease activity. The enrichment of the functional candidate genes identified highlights that these genes have an important role in the expression of reproduction traits in Nellore cattle. Candidate genes identified in this study can be used as target genes in gene expression studies, which are necessary to validate our findings.

The Protective Effect of Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction on Ovarian Function in Rats with Cyclophosphamide-Induced Ovarian Damage

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate if adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) treatment has any protective effect on ovarian function in rats with cyclophosphamide (CP) induced ovarian damage. Design: This was an experimental animal study. Participants/Materials, Setting, Methods: 25 mature cycling Wistar-Albino rats were randomized into four groups (n = 5 per group). Rats in groups 1 and 2 received single dose of intraperitoneal (i.p.) 1 mL/kg sodium chloride 0.9% (NaCl). Groups 3 and 4 received single dose of 75 mg/kg i.p. CP. On seventh day, SVF was prepared from adipose tissues of 5 additional rats and groups 1 and 3 received 0.9% NaCl i.p. injections while groups 2 and 4 received 0.2 mL i.p. injections of SVF. On day 21 all rats were euthanized, and serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels, primordial, primary, secondary, antral, and atretic follicle counts, AMH positive staining follicle counts along with AMH staining intensity of the follicles were evaluated. Results: Among two CP induced ovarian damaged groups, SVF treated group showed significantly higher secondary and antral follicle and lower atretic follicle counts, significantly higher mean serum AMH levels, AMH positive antral follicle count and higher intensity of AMH positive follicle scores for primary, secondary, and antral follicles when compared to untreated group. Moreover, group 1 showed no significant difference for all parameters except antral follicle count and AMH positive staining intensity scores for antral follicles when compared to group 4. Limitations: This study was conducted on experimental rat model. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a significant protective effect of SVF against CP-induced ovarian damage which reveals the apparent need for further investigation of its precise mechanisms of action as it may provide a new treatment approach for women with premature ovarian failure.

Population-based anti-Müllerian hormone reference intervals help define gonadal status in the bitch.

To establish statistically valid, population-based reference intervals (RIs) for canine anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and define changes in AMH and inhibin-B in bitches during breeding cycles. A homologous canine ELISA was used to measure AMH in serum samples (collected between May 2019 and July 2024) from 102 intact and 78 reportedly ovariohysterectomized (OVH) bitches and 8 bitches before and after ovariohysterectomy, and in longitudinal samples from 24 bitches undergoing breeding management. Established 95% RIs were used in a retrospective assessment of 3,193 clinical submissions. Cyclic variation of AMH and inhibin-B (heterologous ELISA) were regressed with time and normalized to the rise in progesterone in samples from breeding bitches. Intact and OVH RIs for AMH were calculated with and without inclusion of 7 samples from reportedly OVH bitches that had AMH concentrations in the intact RI. Anti-Müllerian hormone and inhibin-B were positively correlated, and AMH was 3 times higher in proestrus than in estrus. Retrospectively, of 3,193 samples submitted for clinical AMH testing, 41% to 56% were in or above the intact AMH interval, 37% to 44% were within the OVH interval, and < 10% were inconclusive, depending on how RIs were defined. Statistically valid, population-based RIs establish a sound basis for interpreting results of clinical submissions requesting AMH to assess gonadal status in the bitch. Confirmation of cyclic variation in AMH (and, for the first time, inhibin-B) reaffirms proestrus as the optimum time to draw samples, and ≤ 10% of samples submitted for determination of gonadal status are expected to fall in an inconclusive AMH RI.

Ovarian Insufficiency in Adolescent Females with Transfusion-Dependent β-Thalassemia: Pituitary versus Ovarian Iron Overload

Introduction: Females with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) display menstrual irregularities and subfertility at certain points in their lives, even if well-chelated, representing a significant physical and psychological burden. Little is known about the effects of pituitary and ovarian iron contents on ovarian reserve and function. Hence, this study aimed to assess ovarian reserve and pituitary-gonadal axis function in adolescent females with TDT and correlate them with pituitary and ovarian volume, pituitary iron load, and serum ferritin. Methods: Fifty adolescent females with TDT were compared to 50 age-matched healthy females. Age of diagnosis of TDT, transfusion index, type of chelation therapy, age at menarche, and Tanner breast stage were assessed. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and ferritin were measured. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pituitary iron content R2* and T2* were measured, and 3-D transabdominal ovarian ultrasound performed. Results: The mean age of the studied females with TDT was 14.54 ± 2.24 years. Ovarian insufficiency was found in 20 of them (40%). Compared to controls, adolescent females with TDT had significantly delayed age of menarche, AMH, FSH, LH, antral follicle count (AFC), and ovarian volume. Upon comparing those with ovarian insufficiency and those without, adolescents with TDT having ovarian insufficiency had significantly higher serum ferritin and pituitary MRI-R2* than those without insufficiency. Multivariate-logistic regression showed that pituitary MRI-R2* was the most significant independent variable associated with ovarian insufficiency among adolescent females with TDT. Conclusion: Adolescent females with TDT have decreased ovarian reserve, AFC, and gonadotropins that are correlated with serum ferritin, pituitary iron load, and ovarian volume. Hence, regular ovarian reserve assessment should be implemented as a part of endocrinological follow-up of females with TDT advising procedures to preserve fertility to those who are likely to have ovarian insufficiency.

Anti-Müllerian hormone in feline cryptorchidism: Serum levels, tissue expression, and implications for testicular health

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has become a pivotal subject in the study of testicular descent, maturation, integrity, and male fertility. Recent studies explored its roles and implications across various domestic species. A prominent approach involved the understanding of the modulation of AMH in reproductive disorders, including cryptorchidism. While substantial findings have been reported in dogs, ruminants, swine, and horses, data on AMH in feline cryptorchidism remains limited. Here, we aimed to bridge this gap by comparing AMH serum levels among cryptorchid, healthy intact, and castrated tomcats, employing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for quantification. In addition, AMH expression in retained and descended testes was evaluated through immunohistochemistry, with positive staining quantified via pixel analysis in two distinct regions of interest: the seminiferous tubule and the interstitial space. Furthermore, tissue samples were subjected to histological evaluation and morphometric analysis, which included the calculation of seminiferous tubule areas (STA) and assessment of Johnsen scores. Thus, the relationship between AMH expression, altered testicular histology, and impaired spermatogenesis could be examined. The expression of AMH in retained and descended testes, was investigated, and the relationship between AMH expression, altered testicular histology, and impaired spermatogenesis was examined. Mean serum AMH levels differed significantly (P < 0.001) across the different groups being 15.35 ± 4.66 ng/mL (mean ± SD) in healthy intact tomcats (n = 15), 25.55 ± 2.86 ng/mL (mean ± SD) in cryptorchids (n = 10) and below 0.015 ng/mL in castrated cats (n = 10). STAs and Johnsen scores were significantly reduced in retained testes when compared to descended gonads (P < 0.01). Furthermore, serum AMH was negatively correlated with both the STA (ρ = −0.725, P < 0.001) and the Johnsen scores (ρ = −0.699, P < 0.001), suggesting its potential value for tissue integrity and spermatogenesis evaluation. In addition, positive immunostaining was significantly higher in retained testes (P < 0.05), especially in the interstitial space (P < 0.01), suggesting an involvement of the Leydig cells. Additionally, the increased interstitial expression was linked to the degree of tissue degeneration and the impaired spermatogenesis being negatively corelated with both Johnsen scores (ρ = −0.309, P < 0.01) and STA (ρ = −0.208, P < 0.05). Our findings underscore the potential of AMH in assessing testicular health and reveal possible interspecific differences, stressing the need for further investigation in cats.

Intraovarian Platelet-Rich Plasma Administration for Anovulatory Infertility: Preliminary Findings of a Prospective Cohort Study.

Background/Objectives: Infertility constitutes a significant challenge for couples around the world. Ovarian dysfunction, a major cause of infertility, can manifest with anovulatory cycles, elevated follicle-stimulating hormone levels, and diminished ovarian reserve markers such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels or the Antral Follicle Count (AFC). Blood-derived therapies including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have been used in fertility treatments in women with low ovarian reserve or premature ovarian insufficiency. This prospective clinical cohort study aims to assess the effects of intraovarian PRP therapy on ovarian function in women diagnosed with anovulatory cycles. Methods: The preliminary findings of this prospective cohort study are based on the first 32 patients enrolled. In this study, patients over 40 years old with anovulatory infertility were included. Venous blood samples were collected from each participant for the preparation of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Each participant received two courses of intraovarian PRP injections using a transvaginal ultrasound-guided approach. Serum levels of reproductive hormones before and after PRP intervention were measured. Results: This study's results demonstrate a significant improvement in ovarian physiology following transvaginal ultrasound-guided PRP infusion. A 75% increase in Antral Follicle Count (AFC) was observed, which was statistically significant. Furthermore, statistically significant reductions in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin levels were observed. Serum Vitamin D 1-25 levels were substantially increased after the injection. Conclusions: These findings highlight the beneficial impact of intraovarian PRP injection in optimizing ovarian function and other metabolic parameters. However, the published literature on this subject is limited and further clinical studies should be conducted to confirm the role of intraovarian PRP in fertility treatments.

Medically assisted reproduction (MAR) with sperm donation: Comparison of the profiles and medical pathways of unmarried women and women in heterosexual couples

Research questionThe legislation allowing unmarried women to undergo medically assisted reproduction (MAR) with sperm donation was adopted in France on August 2, 2021. This major advancement, and its impact on French society, led us to a closer examination of the requests made by unmarried women and the outcomes of ART attempts. DesignA retrospective single center cohort study was conducted in a fertility center in Paris, France. All unmarried women and women in heterosexual couple seeking for MAR using sperm donation between September 2021 and October 2022 were included. Medical and socio-demographic data, as well as details and outcomes of MAR attempts were analyzed until October 31, 2023. ResultsTwo hundred seventy-two unmarried women and 76 women in heterosexual couple were included. Results were compared between the two groups. Unmarried women were significantly older, with a significant decrease in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC). They also exhibited a higher prevalence of gynecological pathologies associated with infertility, such as endometriosis. Unmarried women were more likely to work in intermediate occupations, whereas women in heterosexual couple more often had employee status. Among unmarried women who had undergone at least one MAR attempt by October 31, 2023, significantly lower cumulative early and ongoing pregnancy rates were observed. ConclusionsFemale age appears to play a major role in the likehood of pregnancy and live birth. It is therefore crucial to inform women initiating the process of MAR with sperm donation that success is not guaranteed.

Negative effects of ethanol on ovarian reserve and endometrium thickness: An animal study.

This study aimed to assess the effect of ethanol on the ovarian reserve and endometrium of rats by evaluating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and follicle counts. We performed histological follicle counting and AMH measurements to evaluate ovarian reserve. The study included 16 Wistar albino rats evenly distributed into two groups of eight rats each. The rats in the intervention group (group 1) were administered ethanol at a daily dose of 2.5 g/kg via oral gastric lavage for 30 days, whereas the control group (group 2) received water as a placebo via oral gastric lavage for the same period. At the end of 30 days, the animals were sacrificed, and 2 mL blood samples were collected for AMH measurements. Laparotomy was performed to remove the ovaries and uterus. Despite the lack of a meaningful distinction in the quantity of primordial and primary follicles between the two groups, a substantial disparity was observed in the overall follicle count and AMH levels. Specifically, the intervention group exhibited significantly lower total follicle counts and AMH levels than the control group (p≤0.001). The researchers also found that the endometrium of ethanol-treated rats was significantly thinner than that of control rats (p≤0.001). This study concluded that ethanol consumption can negatively affect reproductive ability and the success of in vitro fertilization treatment by reducing ovarian reserve and thinning the endometrium.

Physiological Anti-Müllerian Hormone Concentrations in Male and Female Dogs and Cats before and around Puberty.

In recent years several studies established the diagnostic value of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in companion animals. However, less is known about physiological AMH concentrations in young individuals highlighting the necessity to apply the diagnostic findings to this group. The aim of this study was to determine the AMH values of healthy male and female dogs between the age of 8 and 48 weeks, tomcats under 8 weeks and up to 48 weeks of age and queens between 2 to 12 weeks of age. In total, 96 blood samples were collected. Anti-Müllerian hormone was measured in all samples and testosterone was measured in the oldest age group of the males in both species. The hormones were analyzed using a human based chemiluminescence immune assay. Overall, AMH concentrations were higher in males than in females (p < 0.001). According to the AMH concentration there was no difference in males, but queens had significant higher AMH concentrations than bitches (p < 0.001). AMH remained high in males up to week 24 and decreased significantly thereafter (tomcats: p = 0.015; male dogs: p = 0.013), which correlated with an increase in testosterone levels for male dogs only. In bitches, AMH remained below the detection limit until the week 16 and slightly increased subsequently. In queens, AMH was detectable from the beginning with a significant increase in the older age group (p = 0.003). Half of the cats in the older age group even approached the chemiluminescence immune assay's upper limit. The results show that female cats secrete AMH much earlier than female dogs in which AMH secretion begins just shortly before the start of the puberty. In the male animals, the decrease in AMH concentration around puberty was similar in dogs and cats, but a correlation with the increase of testosterone was only observed in dogs. Further research is required to determine the origin of the high AMH concentrations in female kittens and the lack of correlation between testosterone and AMH concentrations in male kittens.

History of infertility and anti-Müllerian hormone levels among participants in the Nurses' Health Study II.

To better understand whether history of infertility is associated with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels later in life, outside of reproduction. Among 1,758 premenopausal women in the Nurses' Health Study II with measured AMH, we used multivariable generalized linear models to compare log-transformed plasma AMH for women with a history of infertility compared with fertile women. We investigated AMH levels by cause of infertility and effect modification by menstrual cycle regularity. Lastly, we investigated AMH levels by history of primary and secondary infertility and age at reported infertility. Mean age at blood collection was 40 years. We observed no association between overall history of infertility and AMH levels (% difference AMH: -8.1% [CI, -19.4 to 4.8]). The association between overall infertility and AMH was strongest among women who first reported infertility at >30 years (-17.7% [CI, -32.1 to -0.3]). Overall, we observed no association between the history of infertility and AMH levels later in life. However, specific subgroups of women with a history of infertility may have lower AMH levels throughout life compared with fertile women. This association was observed among subgroups, such as those who first experienced infertility at >30 years. These findings have implications for mechanisms through which infertility may be associated with premature menopause and chronic disease risk.

Association between sleep quality and ovarian reserve in women of reproductive age: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between sleep quality and ovarian reserve among women of reproductive age. DesignCross-sectional study SettingNot applicable. PatientsA total of 1070 female participants aged 20–40 years enrolled from February 2023 to January 2024. InterventionNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresA questionnaire was administered to the participants to collect baseline information related to reproductive and lifestyle factors. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to measure sleep quality. Assessment was conducted on ovarian reserve, including total antral follicle count (AFC), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level, and basal sex hormone level. ResultsThe study sample of 1070 women had a mean age of 31.67 ± 4.41 years. A total of 314 participants (29.35%) were classified under the poor sleep group (PSQI score > 5).Significant differences were observed in the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), testosterone(T),AFC, and AMH between the two groups (P < 0.05). The poor sleep group exhibited significantly lower levels of AMH and AFC (P < 0.01). The FSH levels in the poor sleep group were higher (P < 0.01).After the adjustment for confounding factors, multivariate regression analysis results indicated that the per-unit increase in PSQI score was associated with increased odds of diminished ovarian reserve (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] of 1.28 for AMH < 1.1 ng/ml, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20– 1.37; AFC < 7, AOR: 1.34 ,95% CI: 1.25– 1.43;FSH ≥10mIU/mL,AOR:1.16 ,95%CI 1.08–1.25;AMH < 1.1 ng/ml or AFC < 7 or FSH ≥10mIU/mL, AOR: 1.29, 95%CI:1.22– 1.37). Compared with the PSQI ≤ 5 group, subjects with PSQI > 5 had increased odds of diminished ovarian reserve (odds ratio [OR]: 3.80, 95% CI: 2.82– 5.13; AOR: 4.43, 95% CI: 3.22–6.14). After stratification by age and body mass index (BMI), compared with the PSQI ≤ 5 group, all subgroups of the PSQI > 5 group had increased odds of diminished ovarian reserve, especially <35-year-old and BMI ≤ 18.4 kg/m2 subgroups. ConclusionsPoor sleep quality is associated with diminished ovarian reserve in women of reproductive age.

Oocyte yield and live birth rate after follitropin delta dosing and fresh embryo transfer: an individual patient data meta-analysis

Research questionWhat number of retrieved oocytes is associated with the optimum chance to achieve a live birth for women undergoing ovarian stimulation with individualised follitropin delta? DesignIndividual patient data meta-analysis of 1772 patients from five randomised controlled trials using individualised follitropin delta for ovarian stimulation with fixed daily dosing based on serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and body weight. Outcomes of live birth rate (LBR) and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) were evaluated in relation to the number of oocytes retrieved, including subgroup analyses based on number of oocytes retrieved, age and AMH levels. ResultsThe analysis included patients treated with follitropin delta who had ≥1 oocyte retrieved. The mean number of oocytes retrieved was 10.4 and the overall LBR was 32.1%. Predicted LBR increased with the number of oocytes retrieved, reaching above 34% in the range 8-14 oocytes, peaking at 34.9% for 11 oocytes. Beyond 14 oocytes, LBR gradually declined. By number of oocytes retrieved (grouped), the LBR was 27.8%, 33.6% and 30.9% at 1-7, 8-14 and ≥15 oocytes, respectively. LBR decreased with increasing age (32.7%, 30.7% and 23.4% at <35, 35-37 and 38-42 years, respectively). The incidence of OHSS (any grade) increased from 2.1% to 5.2% to 17.0% at 1-7, 8-14 and ≥15 oocytes retrieved. ConclusionsAfter ovarian stimulation with individualised follitropin delta, the LBR in the fresh cycle was highest in the range of 8-14 oocytes retrieved, peaking at 11 oocytes. The results support the appropriateness of the follitropin delta dosing algorithm.

Resorbable Microspheres versus Trisacryl Gelatin Microspheres for Uterine Artery Embolization: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background There are insufficient data comparing resorbable microspheres (RMs) with permanent trisacryl gelatin microspheres (TAGMs) for uterine artery embolization (UAE). Purpose To compare therapeutic efficacy and clinical outcomes in participants with symptomatic fibroids after UAE with RMs or TAGMs. Materials and Methods This randomized controlled trial included participants undergoing UAE for symptomatic fibroids at a single institution (from May 2021 to May 2023). Participants were randomized one-to-one to undergo UAE with either RMs or TAGMs. Numeric rating scale pain scores and cumulative fentanyl consumption were assessed for 24 hours after undergoing UAE. Anti-Mullerian hormone was measured to assess effects of UAE on ovarian function. MRI was performed before and 3 months after UAE to evaluate fibroid necrosis and uterine artery recanalization. Repeated variables such as pain were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test with post hoc Bonferroni correction. Results Sixty female participants (mean age, 45.7 years ± 3.6 [SD]) completed the study, with 30 in each group. No evidence of a difference in pain scores was observed between groups (P > .99). Moreover, there was no evidence of a difference in the total fentanyl consumption at 24 hours after UAE between groups (median: RMs, 423 [IQR, 330-530] vs TAGMs, 562 [IQR, 437-780]; P = .15). Serum anti-Mullerian hormone 3 months after UAE showed no evidence of a difference between groups (RMs vs TAGMs, 0.71 ng/mL ± 0.73 vs 0.49 ng/mL ± 0.45, respectively; P = .09). No evidence of a difference in the rate of complete necrosis of the dominant fibroid was observed between groups (97% [29 of 30] for both groups; P > .99). The rate of uterine artery recanalization was higher in RM versus TAGM groups (70% [21 of 30] vs 17% [five of 30], respectively; P < .001). Conclusion UAE with RMs, compared with UAE with TAGMs, showed no evidence of a difference in terms of therapeutic effectiveness or postprocedural pain scores in participants with symptomatic fibroids. Clinical trial registration no. NCT05086770 © RSNA, 2024 See also the editorial by Spies in this issue.

Urinary bladder matrix scaffold improves the impact of adipose-mesenchymal stem cells on the function and structure of transplanted rat ovaries

Ovarian transplantation presents significant advantages for the preservation of female fertility. Nonetheless, a substantial number of follicles are apoptosis during the process of ovarian tissue transplantation as a result of ischemic conditions. This study aimed to assess whether adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with urinary bladder matrix (ADSC/UBM) confer a greater therapeutic benefit compared to ADSCs alone. To achieve this, ADSC/UBM was applied during the autotransplantation of rat ovaries. Thirty rats were divided into five sets of six: the untreated control group (Normal), the oophorectomy group, the autograft group, the autograft + ADSCs group (ADSC), and the autograft + ADSC/UBM group (ADSC/UBM). After transplantation, the number of follicles in the ADSC/UBM group was significantly higher than that in the autograft group. Angiogenesis was enhanced following ADSC/UBM transplantation. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were significantly lower, and Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were significantly higher in rats in the ADSC/UBM group than in the Autograft group. The apoptosis rate in the ADSC/UBM group decreased. The estrous cycle in the ADSC/UBM group recovered more quickly than the ADSC group. The data indicate that UBM improves ADSC retention in graft ovaries and aids in permanently restoring ovarian function, making ADSC/UBM a promising option for ovarian transplantation.

Preliminary Report of the Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Ovarian Function and Oocyte Quality in Women with Ovarian Failure

This study investigated the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment on ovarian function and pregnancy outcomes in three patients with severe reduction of ovarian reserve. The patients had previously undergone multiple cycles of assisted reproductive technology (ART) without favorable results. Prior to PRP treatment, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels were assessed. PRP was administered through intraovarian injection. Hormonal assessments were performed at 6–7 months after the first PRP injection. The results showed major improvements in ovarian function, as evidenced by decreased FSH levels and increased AMH levels in all three patients. The number of mature oocytes retrieved per cycle and the ovum-to-blastocyst rate were also improved. All the patients achieved successful pregnancies and gave birth to healthy infants. These findings suggest that PRP may enhance ovarian function, oocyte quality, and pregnancy outcomes in patients with severely reduced ovarian reserve. Further research is necessary to validate these results and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Total gonadotropin dose did not affect euploid blastocyst rates: an analysis of more than 19,000 oocytes.

To evaluate whether increasing total gonadotropin (Gn) dose is associated with changes in euploid blastocyst rate in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) oocytes. This retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2017 and 2022, and 19,246 oocytes were grouped and analyzed based on tri-sectional quantiles of total Gn doses. Single reproductive medical center. All the patients who underwent PGT cycles, including PGT for aneuploidy, monogenic disorders, and structural rearrangements, were included. Next-generation sequencing platforms for chromosomal analysis. Blastocyst formation and euploid blastocyst rates. In total, 19,246 oocytes and 5375 PGT blastocysts were analyzed. There were significant differences in blastocyst formation and euploid blastocyst rates among the groups classified according to tri-sectional quantiles of total Gn doses. Significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI), proportion of primary infertility, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, number of oocytes retrieved, controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) regimen, type of Gn, and PGT category were observed among the three groups. After stratifying the analysis by age, BMI, infertility diagnosis, AMH levels, number of oocytes retrieved, PGT category, type of Gn, and COS regimen, significant differences were only seen in a small number of specific subgroups. Furthermore, the results of the multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the blastocyst formation and euploid blastocyst rates did not significantly increase or decrease with the total Gn dose, whether treated as a continuous variable or divided into three Gn groups as categorical variables. Notably, advancing age was a risk factor for blastocyst formation and euploid blastocyst rates. PGT for structural rearrangements was a risk factor for blastocyst formation and euploid blastocyst rates as compared with PGT for aneuploidy. In the total PGT cycles, advancing age, and preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements negatively affected blastocyst formation and euploid blastocyst rates; however, the total Gn dose did not affect blastocyst formation and euploid blastocyst rates.

Association between anti Mullerian hormone levels with size and bilaterality of ovarian endometrioma : a cross-sectional study

Association between anti Mullerian hormone levels with size and bilaterality of ovarian endometrioma : a cross-sectional study

Icariin inhibits cisplatin-induced ovarian toxicity via modulating NF-κB and PTEN/AKT/mTOR/AMPK axis.

Cisplatin (CP) is a highly effective broad-spectrum chemotherapeutic agent for several solid tumors. However, its clinical use is associated with ovarian toxicity. Icariin (ICA) is a bioactive flavonoid of Epimedium brevicornum with reported protective activities against inflammation, oxidative stress and ovarian failure. This study aimed to explore the protective effects of ICA against CP-associated ovarian toxicity in rats. Rats were randomized into five groups and treated for 17 days: control, ICA (10 mg/kg/day, for 17 days. p.o.), CP (6 mg/kg, i.p. on days 7 and 14), CP + ICA (CP 6 mg/kg i.p. on days 7 and 14 and ICA 5 mg/kg p.o. daily), and CP + ICA (CP 6 mg/kg i.p. on days 7 and 14 and ICA 10 mg/kg p.o. daily). Our results indicated that ICA effectively improved ovarian reserve as indicated by attenuating CP-induced histolopathological changes and enhancing serum anti-müllerian hormone (AMH). Furthermore, co-administration of ICA with CP showed restoration of the oxidant-anti-oxidant balance in ovarian tissues, evidenced by decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. Also, ICA suppressed ovarian inflammation as evidenced by down-regulation of the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). ICA inhibited ovarian apoptosis in CP-treated rats by down-regulation of CASP3 and Bax and up-regulation of Bcl-2 mRNA expression. Further, ICA enhanced PTEN, p-AKT, p-mTOR, and p-AMPKα expression. In conclusion, ICA possesses a protective activity against CP-induced ovarian toxicity in rats by exhibiting antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anti-apoptotic activities and modulating NF-κB expression and PTEN/AKT/mTOR/AMPK axis in ovarian tissues.

Ameliorative Effect of Chitosan/Spirulina platensis Ethanolic Extract Nanoformulation against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Ovarian Toxicity: Role of PPAR-γ/Nrf-2/HO-1 and NF-kB/TNF-α Signaling Pathways.

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an anticancer drug that causes infertility disorders. This study was designed to evaluate a nanoformulation of chitosan with an ethanolic extract from Spirulina platensis in terms of its protection against cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian toxicity. Nine groups of female Wistar rats were randomly assigned as follows: 1: control vehicle, 2: chitosan polymer, 3: telmisartan, 4: Spirulina platensis extract, 5: nanoformulation of the Spirulina platensis, and 6: single injection of CP; groups 7, 8, and 9 received the same treatments as those used in groups 3, 4, and 5, respectively, with a single dose of CP (200 mg/kg, I.P). The results displayed that the CP treatment decreased estradiol, progesterone, anti-mullerian hormone, and GSH content, and it downregulated PPAR-γ, Nrf-2, and HO-1 gene expression. In addition, the CP treatment caused an increase in the FSH, LH, and MDA levels. In the same manner, the protein expression of caspase-3, NF-kB, and TNF-α was upregulated in response to the CP treatment, while PPAR-γ was downregulated in comparison with the control. The rats treated with SPNPs exhibited a substantial reduction in the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and inflammation of the ovarian tissue. This study's conclusions showed that SPNPs counteracted the effects of CP, preventing the death of ovarian follicles and restoring the gonadotropin hormone balance and normal ovarian histological appearance.