Disorders Of Reproductive Function Research Articles

«Perinatal portrait», reproductive health parameters and risk factors for fat metabolism disorders in young overweight women

Overweight and obesity are one of the most serious social and medical problems today. It is appropriate to single out a special category of young women aged 18–35 years with excessive body weight, that is, the age which is capable of ensuring the reproductive potential of the future.The objective: to determine the probable factors of metabolic imbalance and the main parameters of reproductive health disorders in young overweight women.Materials and methods. Reproductive health parameters and the main predictors of its impairment were evaluated in two groups of patients – the main group (890 women with BMI > 25.0 kg/m2) and a control group (40 patients with BMI of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2).The main group was divided into two subgroups taking into account the age of formation of overweight and obesity: I subgroup – 596 women with pubertal obesity (66.9%) and II subgroup – 294 women with overweight in the postpubertal period (33.1%).Results. A high rate of pregnancy complications (86.9%), gestational diabetes (25.8%), preeclampsia (34.1%), premature birth and low birth weight fetus (20.9%), as well as the birth of a girl with a large body weight (24.4%), can become modified factors in the formation of the reproductive system according to the characteristics of the “perinatal portrait” and form the basis of screening programs. The relationship between the early introduction of complementary foods and the absence of breastfeeding and the presence of obesity in the girl in the future was established (OR=7.25; 95% CI: 2.99–17.59; χ2=23.53, p<0.0001).Attention should be paid to reproductive function disorders: amenorrhea was found 1.7 times more often in the case of postpubertal obesity, as well as abnormal uterine bleeding or metrorrhagia, infertility (24.4%), dyshormonal breast diseases (34.7%), polycystic ovary syndrome (59.8%), proliferative processes of the endometrium and myometrium (34.7%), as well as the formation of endometrial hyperplasia and polyposis with age (25.8%).A high percentage of stressogenic factors was determined in the examined cohort of patients, which could initiate the manifestation of metabolic and endocrine disorders in 569 cases – 63.9% (OR=4.14; 95% CI: 2.07–8.25; χ2=17.38, p<0.0001).Conclusions. Probable predictors of impaired fat metabolism in young women were statistically identified: heredity from the mothers of such patients regarding metabolic and endocrine disorders, body weight at birth more than 4000 g and artificial feeding, early age of menarche, pubertal paratrophy, stress factors, infectious diseases during menarche, hypodynamia and a high level of intellectual differentiation.The reproductive health of women with overweight and obesity is characterized by a high frequency of menstrual cycle disorders, increased manifestations of changes in the vaginal microbiome and dysuric symptoms, as well as infertility, hormone-dependent diseases, and impaired reproductive function.

Biochemical indicators of the infertile cows of the small farming

Diagnostics of disorders of reproductive function has certain complications and difficulties, especially in case of hidden course and subclinical manifestation, which requires laboratory tests. Therefore, the purpose of our work was to determine the biochemical parameters of the blood of infertile cows of a small farm and to interpret the obtained data regarding the effect on reproductive function.The research was carried out in the conditions of the «Horns and Hoofs firm» of the Novomoskovsk district of the Dnipropetrovsk region on cows of the black and spotted breed during the winter-stall period and the scientific research center of biosafety and ecologicalcontrol of agricultural resources "Biosafety center" in the city of Dnipro. The object of research was cows with impaired reproductive function, the subject was biochemical indicators of their blood. According to the results of the research, changes in biochemical indicators were found in the blood of infertile cows, which consisted in the deficiency of globulins (27.9 g/l), urea nitrogen (5.65 mg%), glucose (2.19 mmol/l), calcium (2.02 mmol/l), inorganic phosphorus (1.21 mmol/l), carotene (274.5 μg%) and selenium (22.14 μg/l); decrease to the limit content of urea (2.94 mmol/l), vitamins A (28.31 μg/100 ml) and E (3.84 μg/ml), copper (52.98 μg%) and cobalt (2.21 μg%); exceeding the normal content of AST (81.3 Units/l), manganese (39.44 µg%), protein coefficient (1.19 units), Ca/P (1.76 units) and total lipoproteins (1057.4 mg%). The specified changes can affect the manifestation of the reproductive capacity of animals and lead to delayed puberty and sexual maturity (deficiency of phosphorus, copper, cobalt), deterioration of the motor function of the muscles of the genital tract (deficiency of glucose, urea, vitamin E, selenium), violation of the sexual cycle anaphrodisia / anestrus (subestrus) / infertility (deficiency of urea, carotene / vitamins A and E, selenium, copper, cobalt, calcium, phosphorus, violation of the Ca:P ratio), increased insemination/fertilization index (deficiency of globulins, urea, carotene/vitamin A and E, selenium, copper, cobalt, calcium, phosphorus, violation of the Ca:P ratio), reduction of fertilization of eggs in vitro (glucose deficiency), violation of embryogenesis (deficiency of copper, cobalt, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins E and selenium) and processes fetal maturation (deficiency of globulins, copper), antenatal pathologies (deficiency of carotene/vitamin A), abortions (deficiency of urea, calcium, phosphorus, cobalt, copper), increased frequency of dystocia (deficiency of urea, carotene/vitamin A and E, selenium, copper) a violation of the Ca:P ratio), the birth of dead, weak or non-viable calves (deficiency of globulins, vitamins A and E, selenium, cobalt, copper, phosphorus), an increase in the number of postpartum diseases (deficiency of carotene/vitamin A and E, selenium, cobalt, calcium, phosphorus, violation of the Ca:P ratio), lengthening of the intercalary period (deficiency of glucose and phosphorus, violation of the Ca:P ratio). Key words: female cattle, disorders of reproductive function, nutrients, vitamins, macro- and microelements.

Возможности коррекции гормонального статуса, репродуктивной функции и нейровегетативных расстройств у пациенток с преждевременной недостаточностью яичников

Background: nowadays reproductive health condition tends to worsen. One of the problems is a decrease in the ovarian reserve, manifested in the form of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), which initiates the infertility problem on the one hand, and the issue of premature menopause with all its accompanying socio-psychological aspects on the other Aim: to study the therapeutic possibilities of the bovine epiphyseal cartilage polypeptide in POI and anovulation in female patients aged 30–45 years old. Patients and Methods: the study included 40 female patients aged 30–45 years with a BMI of 18.5–29.9 kg/m2 and POI signs, determined by the following indicators: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration ≥12 IU/L; anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) 0.2–1.2 ng/mL; antral follicle count (AFC) ≤5 during ultrasound on the 7th±2 day of the menstrual cycle; decreased serum estradiol concentration and anovulation lasting 1 to 5 years or with failed IVF. The female cohort was randomized into 2 groups of 20 persons: for two menstrual cycles, the main group received a drug for menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) containing 2 mg of estradiol and 10 mg of didrogesterone (per os 1 tablet daily in a cyclic regimen from day 1 to day 28) and the bovine epiphyseal cartilage polypeptide (lyophilizate for the preparation of a solution for intramuscular administration, 10 mg intramuscularly daily for 10 days from the 5th to the 14th day of the cycle). The control group received only MHT in the same regimen for two menstrual cycles. During the study, the changes of endometrial thickness and follicle growth, ovulation markers (corpus luteum), FSH, estradiol and AMH concentrations, the number of female patients with a normalized menstrual cycle and spontaneous conception were evaluated in both groups Results: in the main group there was a statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels relative to the baseline, an increase in estradiol concentration, an increase in the AFC and endometrial thickness, whereas the similar indicator changes were statistically insignificant in the control group. Besides, complete relief of neurovegetative symptoms was noted in the main group, and restoration of the ovulatory cycle was observed in 6 (30%) cases. There were no adverse events or complications during the drug regimen. Conclusion: the results obtained indicated the efficacy of the bovine epiphyseal cartilage polypeptide in the treatment of female patients with POI and anovulation and allowed to recommend the developed treatment regimen for practical use. KEYWORDS: premature ovarian insufficiency, follicle-stimulating hormone, anti-müllerian hormone, infertility, anovulation, menopausal disorders FOR CITATION: Khardikov A.V., Netyaga O.A. Correction of hormonal status, reproductive function and neurovegetative disorders in female patients with primary ovarian insufficiency. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2024;7(2):116–122 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2618- 8430-2024-7-2-5.

Morphological and functional blood parameters in the comorbid course of endometritis and purulent-necrotic diseases of the hoof area in highly productive cows

In veterinary medicine, there is a problem of the comorbid course of reproductive function disorders and purulent-necrotic lesions in the toe area of cows. The research was carried out on the basis of Voskresenskoye JSC, Voskresensky district, Moscow region, with a total population of 1,450 heads of cattle, including 830 cows. The material for the study was cows with endometritis (n=28), animals with orthopedic pathology (n=25) and with a comorbid course of postpartum endometritis and purulentinflammatory processes in the toe area (n=27). Indicators obtained from clinically healthy animals (n=23) were used as control. From animals in the control and experimental groups, blood was taken in the morning before feeding from the jugular vein for morphofunctional studies. In experienced cows that had lesions in the limbs before or after birth, the likelihood of gynecological diseases associated with morphological disorders in the ovaries increased. The significant spread of these types of pathology is the direct cause of prolonged anaphrodisia of cows and a decrease in the level of reproduction of the herd with a high incidence of limb diseases. It has been established that the clinical manifestation of the comorbid course of orthopedic and obstetric-gynecological pathology has a more severe clinical manifestation than in the course of individual diseases. The study was supported by the grant from the Russian Science Foundation No 24-26-00172, https://rscf.ru/project/24-26-00172/.

Herbal flavonoids in preserving testicular physiology under oxidative stress: A bibliometric analysis of systematic reviews

Herbal antioxidants have gained attention recently as possible treatments for disorders of male reproductive function linked to oxidative stress because of their ability to neutralize free radicals.The investigation into herbal flavonoids for preserving oxidative stress-impaired testicular physiology has been effectively conducted through the visualization of bibliometric analysis. Bibliometric data of published papers collected from the PubMed and Scopus databases in 2018-2023. Network visualization was performed using VOSviewer software on the set keywords that occur (n=15). The literature review was conducted according to the research trends identified by the clusters that appeared in the network visualization. The result revealed that a total of 266 records have been published based on the specified search set keywords since 2018. Through the analysis of keywords, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the relevant content of papers, 11 articles were identified as suitable for conducting a literature review. Network visualization revealed that the research falls into two general categories: (1) toxicity to the testicles caused by oxidative stress and (2) prevention of oxidative stress impact on tissue through herbal medicine. Examination of the paper's content revealed that certain antioxidant compounds from plants can stabilize free radicals in the testicles. These antioxidants include vitexin, diosmin, hesperidin, phenolic acids, naphthoquinones, fisetin, pachypodol, sciadopitysin, carvacrol, and morin. However, further research is needed to compare active antioxidant content in different herbal plants and identify optimal concentrations for therapeutic effects.

CLINICAL RESULTS IN PATIENTS WITH REDUCED OVARIAN RESERVE IN PROTOCOLS OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Introduction. The issues of infertility treatment remain relevant, even in light of significant advances in reproductive medicine. Among the primary factors contributing to reproductive function disorders in women, age stands out prominently. The trend of women delaying pregnancy planning due to their emphasis on social fulfillment and financial stability has been steadily increasing. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of protocols of controlled ovarian stimulation using pre-gravid preparation in patients with reduced ovarian reserve when using assisted reproductive technologies. Participants and methods. This study involved 112 women experiencing infertility due to reduced ovarian reserve and tubal infertility factors. These women underwent a brief ovulation stimulation protocol as part of an assisted reproductive technologies program. The participants were categorized into three groups: the first group comprised 43 women with infertility due to reduced ovarian reserve; prior to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and follicular puncture, this group received a combined treatment, which included a vitamin complex containing inositol ("FT500 plus"), a dietary supplement based on alpha-lipoic acid and magnesium ("Pelvidol"), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and growth hormone ("Zomacton"); the second group consisted of 38 women with infertility associated with reduced ovarian reserve who did not receive any pre-conception preparation; the third group, serving as the control, consisted of 31 women with infertility resulting from tubal factors, and they did not undergo any pre-conception preparation. The clinical outcomes of the women in both research groups and the control group were analyzed based on their treatment tactics within the ovulation stimulation protocols in assisted reproductive technologies programs. Results and discussion. The average number of oocytes obtained from patients with infertility under reduced ovarian reserve who underwent pre-gravid preparation with the medications "FT500 plus" and "Pelvidol" is statistically higher compared to the group of women with reduced ovarian reserve who did not undergo pre-gravid preparation for COS. Clinical results also indicate positive dynamics regarding proper fertilization, blastulation of embryos and subsequent pregnancy in women, who underwent pre-gravid preparation with an inositol-based pharmaceutical "FT500plus" and the dietary supplement "Pelvidol", dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and "Zomacton" (growth hormone).Conclusion. The results of this clinical study demonstrate the effectiveness of pre-conception preparation for patients with reduced ovarian reserve (poor response). This preparation positively impacts the number of oocytes and embryos obtained, the controlled stimulation of oocytes, and the subsequent implantation of the embryo, leading to successful pregnancies.

Cytogenetic studies in reproductive function disorders: a retrospective analysis

Aim. Fertility disorders are one of the most common problems of reproductive medicine. Chromosomal abnormalities play a crucial role in reproductive failure. The main purpose of our study was to determine the types and frequency of chromosomal aberrations in couples with history of infertility. Methods. Karyotyping was performed in 652 couples with reproductive failure between 2004 and 2022, including 203 couples with primary infertility (PI), 240 couples with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and 209 – with sporadic pregnancy loss (SPL). Results. Numerical and structural karyotype abnormalities were detected in 37 (2.84 %) of 1304 individuals with infertility, most frequently in group with PI – 3.4 % and RPL – 3.3 %. Chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 3.1 % woman and 2.6 % men. The most common cytogenetic abnormalities (26 cases of 37; 2 %) are translocations, reciprocal – 18 cases (1.4 %) and Robertsonian – 8 cases (0.6 %). Numerical and structural gonosomal abnormalities were detected in 9 individuals (0.7 %), supernumerary marker chromosome – in 2 (0.14 %). Conclusions. Karyotype abnormalities are most common in individuals with PI and RPL and a occur with the same frequency among women and men. Numerical gonosomal abnormalities were detected only as mosaic form.

Comparative characteristics of reproductive function in mentally healthy and mentally ill women with infertility

Background. Issues of the relationship and interaction of menstrual and reproductive function and the mental state of women are not sufficiently studied and need additional research.
 Aim. To conduct a comparative assessment of individual indicators of reproductive function in mentally healthy and mentally ill women with infertility.
 Materials and methods. Of the 348 women with primary and secondary infertility aged 21 to 40 included in the study, 120 had been treated for a psychiatric disorder in a psychiatric hospital before this study. Patients were clinically evaluated using a specially designed questionnaire card and subsequent statistical processing of the results obtained.
 Results. The menstrual-generative function of patients in the study groups significantly differed in several indicators. Mentally ill women with primary infertility were characterized by a later age of menarche, menstruation irregularity or absence during the disease exacerbation, scanty menstruations or heavy menstrual bleeding, inadequate emotional response to menarche, and irregularity and dissatisfaction with sexual life. Spontaneous miscarriages and stillbirths were more common in mentally ill women, especially those with endogenous diseases (schizophrenia, affective disorders), and abortions and gynecological operations were more common in mentally healthy women. Predictors of infertility related to mental health were early onset and chronic course of mental disorder, severity and duration of the disease exacerbations, short and incomplete remissions, and personality changes or a defect (schizophrenic) due to mental illness.
 Conclusion. Menstrual and reproductive functions of women depend on their mental state. In women with mental conditions, menstrual function disorders, along with psychopathological symptoms of diseases (a decrease in sexual vigor, communication, anesthesia of feelings), and decreased social and family adaptation, lead to reproductive function disorders. Improving a woman's mental state can contribute to the recovery of her reproductive function.

Repair of the reproductive function of the endometrium after hysteroscopic myomectomy

The aim. To reduce the frequency of reproductive function disorders and preserve fertility in women after conservative myomectomy by developing and implementing a complex of rehabilitation measures into clinical practice.
 Materials and Methods. The study involved 301 women of reproductive age (221 with a diagnosis of submucosal uterine fibroid (UF)), who were divided into groups: 1 Group - 121 people who used the proposed postoperative rehabilitation therapy; Group 2 - 100 women operated on for submucous uterine fibroids, but without the use of restorative therapy, Group 3 C (control) - 80 somatically and gynecologically healthy women of reproductive age. Depending on the clinical assessment of the complexity of hysteroscopic resection of the node, hysteroscopy or laparoscopy was performed (according to FIGO recommendations). Clinical, instrumental, and laboratory research methods and methods of statistical analysis were used.
 Results. The main risk factors for the development of submucosal UF are a combination of interdependent factors - genital endocrine-dependent pathological processes (64%) and chronic inflammation of the endometrium on the background of its traumatization - during abortions or directly by a submucosal node (36%). The obtained results made it possible to substantiate pathogenetically the need to improve the scheme of treatment and rehabilitation therapy for women with submucosal leiomyoma of the uterus in the postoperative period in order to preserve reproductive function, which included drugs with antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, NO-donor and angioprotective effects. The proposed scheme of treatment and rehabilitation measures is based on a pathogenetic orientation, which allows obtaining a long-term antiproliferative effect on the endometrium and makes it possible to normalize the hormonal relationships and receptor status of the endometrium without the appointment of long-term traditional progestogen-estrogen monotherapy, makes it possible to restore the processes of synchronization of proliferation /transformation of the endometrium to the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle with the formation of the window of implantation, which contributes to the onset of pregnancy. Thus, in the operated women of the 1 Group, pregnancy after hysteroscopic myomectomy occurred in 15% after 6 months, after a year - in 22%, after one and a half - in 45%, which ended in childbirth through the natural birth canal - in 48%, by cesarean section in 34.5% of people, and 18% had premature births, 10% had spontaneous termination of pregnancy. Accordingly, in the 2 Group (without the proposed therapy) the following data were observed: pregnancy after 6 months in 12%, after a year in 20%, after one and a half - in 40%, which ended in childbirth through natural birth canals - in 40%, by cesarean section in 30.5% of people, and in 17.5% there was a premature birth, in 12% - spontaneous termination of pregnancy occurred.
 Conclusions. The clinical effectiveness of using the proposed, developed, and improved scheme of treatment and rehabilitation therapy within 6 months was 35.1% in the main group compared to 15.4% in women of the comparison group (without therapy).

Хронический простатит и мужское бесплодие

One of the factors that can lead to the development of male infertility is an infection of the genitourinary tract. An infectious and inflammatory process affecting the male reproductive system can cause various disorders of reproductive function: a disorder of gametogenesis in the testicles, disorders of sperm maturation in the epididymis, and passage of sperm along the vas deferens, as well as a decrease in some parameters of the ejaculate due to inflammatory dysfunction of the male accessory glands. Prostatitis is one of the most common urological diseases in young men. Prostatitis accounts for 25% of all requests for medical help to a urologist, and from 2 to 10% of men suffer from prostatitis symptoms. The disease is polyethological, and infection, immunological reactions, urethro-prostatic reflux of urine, psychoemotional stress are mentioned as the main causes of its development today. It is obvious that a pathological process with complex pathogenetic mechanisms affecting the prostate gland can have a negative impact on male fertility. This review examines the key mechanisms of the development of male infertility in chronic prostatitis.

In vitro screening of the potential of six Cameroonian medicinal plants on male reproductive biomarkers

Background: Male infertility and erectile dysfunction are the main conditions associated with male reproductive function disorders. Testosterone is the main hormone that regulates male reproductive function, while nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator involved in the erectile process. Methods: This study was conducted to evaluate in vitro the potential of the aqueous extract of six Cameroonian medicinal plants traditionally used for male reproductive function: Palisota ambigua, Terminalia superba, Rauvolfia macrophylla, Pycnanthus angolensis, Pausynistalia yohimbe, and Shumanniophyton magnificum. Results: Their effect on testosterone and nitric oxide production was evaluated using rat interstitial and macrophage cells, respectively. Then, the antioxidant properties, flavonoids, and total phenolic content were assessed. The phytochemical screening was also performed. Conclusion: Each plant extract significantly increased (p<0.05) testosterone production. At 100 µg/mL, the extract of Schumanniophyton magnificum showed the highest level (3.730 ng/mL). Each plant extract significantly increased (p<0.05) the production of nitric oxide. The aqueous extract of Rauvolfia macrophylla showed the highest level of nitric oxide with an EC50 = 8.554 µg/mL. For antioxidant activities, Terminalia superba showed the highest antiradical activity (SC50 = 4.796 µg/mL), the highest reducing power (OD = 2.235 at 700 nm), and the highest total antioxidant capacity (276.035 mgEAA/g of plant extract) and while Pausynistalia yohimbe, showed the highest inhibition on lipid peroxidation (15.170 µg/mL). Terminalia superba also showed the highest flavonoid (13.419 mgEQ/g) and total phenolic (300.813 mgEGA/g) content. The phytochemical screening of the plant extracts showed many active secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, and glycosides. All the extracts showed androgenic effects and antioxidant activities without significant cytotoxicity, thus supporting the use of these medicinal plants by traditional healers for managing male infertility.

MENSTRUAL DISORDER IN ADOLESCENTS DURING WAR.

The aim: To investigate the peculiarities of menstrual cycle disorders in teenagers against the background of excessive stress in order to develop a scientifically based set of measures for their correction. Materials and methods: 120 girls aged 9-18 who were in the war zone or became forced migrants were examined. Examination methods included anamnesis collection, assessment of psycho-emotional state, anthropometry, laboratory and instrumental studies. Results: It was found that the frequency of menstrual cycle disorders in the subjects was 65.8% (n = 79). Among menstrual cycle disorders: dysmenorrhea - 45.6% (n = 36), excessive menstruation - 27.8% (n = 22), secondary amenorrhea - 26.6% (n = 21). 71.7% (n = 86) of the examinees noted a change in eating behavior over the past few months. Almost half of these children had dyshormonal disorders or met the criteria of metabolic syndrome - 45.3% (n = 39). Conclusion: Timely detection and adequate correction of psycho-emotional and metabolic disorders in adolescent girls in stressful conditions contributes to the prevention of disorders of menstrual and reproductive function.

Апендикулярно-генітальний синдром у структурі «гострого живота» в дітей

Inflammation of the appendages of the uterus as a separate pathology and in appendicular-genital syndrome (AGS) leads to a violation ovarian, histogematic and follicular barriers, which in the future can cause reproductive function disorders, primary infertility, menstrual cycle disorders, the development of adhesions in the pelvis, as well as pain syndrome. Purpose - to analyze the frequency of detection of ACS among the children's population; to draw the attention of medical personnel to this pathology. Materials and methods. In the period 2019-2022, to the Pediatric Surgery Clinic of the National Pirogov Memorial Medical University 310 patients with acute appendicitis and gynecological pathology were hospitalized. Of them, 227 (73.23%) girls were operated on for acute appendicitis, 70 (22.58%) patients had a gynecological problem. ACS was detected in 13 (4.19%) patients. Results. Specific weight AGS among monopathology of the appendix and uterine appendages was 4.19%. All children from AGS had abdominal pain syndrome at the time of hospitalization. Most of the patients had localization of the pain syndrome in the right pubic area and above the pubis. According to the ultrasound examination of pathological changes in the appendages of the uterus were noted in 10 (76.92%) patients, signs of inflammatory transformation of the appendix were observed in 5 (38.46%) patients. All children from AGS were operated. In 4 (30.77%) patients, surgical intervention was completed by removal of the uterine appendage due to tissue necrosis on the background of torsion. Conclusions. So, when pathology of the uterus and appendages and appendix were detected, it should be followed conductrevision of abdominal organs. According to clinical protocols and our judgment, it is necessary to remove the appendix in case of catarrhal changes in the wall of the appendix. Indications for adnexectomy are necrosis of uterine appendages, malignant neoplasms of uterine appendages. In doubtful cases, a diagnostic laparoscopy should be performed regarding the localization of the pathology focus. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The research protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the institution mentioned in the work. Informed consent of the children's parents was obtained for the research. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Lipid Polysaccharides have a Detrimental Effect on the Function of the Ovaries and Uterus in Mice through Increased Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

As the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations increases, various side effects are being reported, and menstrual abnormalities have been reported as a side effect in women. However, it is still unclear whether the COVID-19 vaccine has detrimental effects on the female reproductive system. Therefore, we investigated the effect of excessive immune response on reproductive function by administering Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) instead of the COVID-19 vaccine. The immune response in mice was induced by injection of LPS. Mice injected with saline 5 times were used as a control group, and mice injected with LPS 5 times were used as an experimental group. Repeated administration of LPS significantly reduced the number of corpus luteum (CL). On the other hand, the injection of LPS did not affect the development of follicles leading before the CL. The expression of the apoptosis-related genes Fas and Fas-L increased in the experimental group. In addition, the expression of the inflammation-related genes increased in the experimental group. In this study, we confirmed that LPS had detrimental effects on the uterus and ovaries in mice. These results suggest that injection of LPS can cause immune reactions within the uterus and ovaries and cause hormonal changes, which can have adverse effects such as abnormal operation or bleeding of the menstrual cycle. These results are expected to help determine the cause of decreased reproductive function, infertility, or physiological disorders caused by the COVID-19 vaccine.

Women have clinical aspects of infertility with thyroid pathology

The objective: to study the main clinical aspects of infertility in women with various variants of thyroid pathology.Materials and methods. A clinical screening examination of 496 women with infertility (main group), of which 238 were diagnosed the various thyroid pathologies, and 80 women with thyroid pathology without reproductive function disorders (control group) was carried out.Results. Primary infertility was diagnosed in 49.4 % of examined women, and secondary infertility – in 50.6 % of patients. Female infertility was diagnosed in 327 (65.9 %) patients, male infertility in 126 (25.4 %) women; infertility of unknown genesis was established during the examination of 43 married couples (8.7 %). In the structure of the causes of female infertility, the tubal-peritoneal factor prevailed (37 %), the frequency of external genital endometriosis was 36.4 %, the endocrine factor – 23.2 %, and the uterine factor – 3.4 %. A combination of infertility factors was determined in 23.8 % of women. The results of studying the reproductive history showed that 251 patients with secondary infertility have a history of 279 pregnancies. The positive obstetrical outcomes such as term uncomplicated childbirth was established only in 48 (19.1 %) patients; the first term birth occurred in 28 (11.1 %) women, the second birth – in 16 (6.4 %) patients. Pregnancy ended with premature birth in 27 (10.7 %) women, induced abortions – in 41 (16.3 %), spontaneous abortions – in 58 (23.1 %), 41of them (16.3 %) had one spontaneous abortion; missed abortion – in 57 (22.7 %) patients, ectopic pregnancy – in 19.1 %.A comparative evaluation of thyroid screening results in infertile and fertile women demonstrated that the prevalence of thyroid pathology in infertile patients was 3.8 times higher compared to fertile women (48 % and 12.5 %, respectively). In the structure of the thyroid gland pathology in both groups the presence of antibodies to thyroperoxidase combined with echo signs of autoimmune thyroiditis prevailed, which is 2.8 times more often diagnosed in the group of infertile women compared to fertile women (24 % and 8.7 %, respectively).Conclusions. The prevalence of thyroid pathology in patients with infertility is 3.8 times higher compared to fertile women. In women with secondary infertility pregnancy loss in the I trimester of gestation is dominated in the structure of reproductive outcomes.

Cytokine profile in seminal fluid of infertile men with concomitant pathologies

The mechanisms of formation of male infertility are increasingly becoming immune dependent. This study aims to study the role of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in seminal fluid to clarify their role in spermatogenesis. This research is carried out at rheumatology and urology departments of Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University (Ukraine). 45 infertile men aged 22–48 were examined. They were divided into 2 groups: first group – 22 men with a systemic autoimmune disease – rheumatoid arthritis; second group – 23 somatically healthy patients with idiopathic infertility. The control group included 27 fertile healthy men aged 22–48 years. Student's t-test was used to compare the significant difference in mean values between groups. Patients with autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis) had the highest rate of leukocytospermia, indicating a possible long-term inflammatory process. The TGF-β1 level was higher in men with idiopathic infertility, and in patients with autoimmune pathology was reduced compared to the control group, however these changes were not significant. At the same time in patient of both group the level a pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-18 increased approximately by 2.5 times. In patients with idiopathic infertility and patients with autoimmune pathology, a simultaneous increase in the IFN-γ level and a decrease in the IL-1β level were found. The ІL-6 level in seminal plasma of infertile men of both groups was increased. The ratio IL-10/TNF-α was decreased in seminal plasma of infertile men with rheumatoid arthritis. It was found that in autoimmune pathology, the increased level of IL-1β in blood serum compared to controls was associated with its reduced level in seminal fluid (r=-0.51, p<0.05). In idiopathic infertility, a low level of IL-1β in seminal fluid was also associated with a low concentration of this cytokine in blood serum (r=0.62, p<0.05). The functioning of the immune and reproductive systems of the male body is closely related and interdependent. Disorders of immune reactivity, which accompany the development of autoimmune pathology associated with disorders of reproductive function in men. The largest number of deviations of immune reactivity was found in infertile men with concomitant autoimmune diseases. Keywords: cytokines, male infertility, idiopathic infertility, rheumatoid arthritis.

Exploring simultaneous elimination of dimethyl phthalate and nitrogen by a novel constructed wetlands coupled with dielectric barrier discharge plasma

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) contamination, as an emerging pollutant, has posed acute health risks to humans due to its potential disruption in reproductive function and endocrine system disorders. In this study, the dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma and constructed wetlands (CWs) were coupled to explore the simultaneous enhancement of DMP and nitrogen removal. The results showed that the coupling DBD plasm and CWs obtained an efficient elimination of DMP (87.7–97.3%), and nitrogen removal was also improved simultaneously with higher removal of ammonia nitrogen (97.7–98.6%) and total nitrogen (TN, 22.6–40.6%). TN removal efficiency was promoted gradually by increasing the concentration of influent DMP due to the DMP decomposition into small molecules by DBD plasma, which could provide carbon source to promote denitrification for subsequent CWs. The DMP degradation processes in the coupling system were reflected by three-dimensional excitation emission matrix fluorescence spectrum and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer, which indicated that DMP solution was activated in the DBD plasma and more organic by-products were produced. Additionally, monomethyl phthalate and phthalic acid were main degradation intermediate products of DMP. It indicated that coupling DBD plasma and CWs broke the carbon–oxygen single bond of DMP and converted it into less toxic compounds with less-refractory substances. This study provides assistant information on the application of the coupling DBD plasma and CWs technology for treating wastewater containing toxic and non-biodegradable contaminants.

The effectiveness of the use of Aminoseleferon-B with immunodeficiency in highly productive cows under conditions of technogenic environmental load

Highly productive animals, which are characterized by a more intense metabolism and regulation of the neurohumoral system, are more sensitive to a pool of adverse environmental conditions and can often be accompanied by metabolic disorders, a decrease in the immunobiological status of the macroorganism, reproductive function disorders and the development of pathological processes of various etiology and localization. The studies were carried out in the conditions of a large dairy complex in the Voronezh region located 25 km from a chemical plant for the production of mineral fertilizers: ammonia, ammonium nitrate, nitric acid. Its total emissions to the environment are 5316.5 tons per year, including 4480.3 tons of gases. Studies have been carried out to study the effectiveness of the use of Аminoseleferon-B to correct the immune status of highly productive cows in an immunodeficient state, under conditions of technogenic environmental stress. It was established that Аminoseleferon-B contributed to the activation of humoral and cellular links of nonspecific immunity, the reduction of birth and postpartum pathology, the increase in the effectiveness of treatment, and the improvement of reproductive function.

Glycadelin in Obstetrical Practice: Past, Present, Practice

The article presents a review of the literature on one of the main proteins of the human reproductive system-glycodelin. The issues of the discovery of glycodelin, the features of synthesis, different names of the protein, its functions are covered. Depending on the place of origin, the same protein skeleton is glycosylated differently, giving rise to glycodelin isoforms with different biological effects. Glycodelin A (endometrial) and F (follicular fluid) inhibit the binding of spermatozoa and zona pellucida, thereby exhibiting contraceptive properties. In contrast, glycodelin C (cumulus) stimulates the binding of spermatozoa to the zona pellucida. Glycodelin S of seminal vesicles does not have a contraceptive effect, it affects the stability of the spermatozoa membrane, controls capacitation. The pronounced immunosuppressive activity of glycodelin A contributes to successful implantation and placentation, glycodelin S promotes the formation of antisperm immunity. The role of glycodelin in human reproductive function, the pathogenesis of reproductive losses (miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth), assessment of the functional state of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and endometrium, the maternal part of the placenta, and sperm fertility are shown. The review reflects both fundamental scientific data and the results of clinical studies of glycodelin content in menstrual blood, peripheral venous blood in women and semen in men, which made it possible to develop methods for diagnosing and predicting disorders of reproductive health and reproductive function in a married couple.

The Potential Toxic Side Effects of Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a class of phytochemical molecules abundant in many plants, fruits, vegetables, and leaves. Flavonoids possess a series of significant biological activities, including anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral, and antiinflammatory properties. They become an important source of dietary supplements and natural health products. Though many studies confirmed the safety of flavonoids, the potential toxicity of flavonoids is still a remarkable field of research to be explored. The enthusiasm for flavonoids expressed by the public has sometimes overlooked their toxicity and also consumed the flavonoids exceeding the body requirements. The current review focused on the potential toxicity of flavonoids to make the public consume flavonoids with caution. This review summarizes the current toxicity which has been reported in vivo and in vitro experiments. The toxicity involves carcinogenicity and mutation, liver and kidney toxicity, and the influence on the thyroid and reproductive function and intestinal flora disorders. The mechanism of toxicity is fully complicated, and current evidence indicates that natural flavonoid glycosides act on different targets with different doses in vivo and in vitro experiments. Though most kinds of flavonoids are considered safe, flavonoids proposed as food supplements need to be assessed their tolerable upper intake level as there have been reports of toxic flavonoids.