Female Genital Research Articles

Expression of thyroid antigens in the female reproductive system.

Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) has been linked to fertility disorders and pregnancy complications, even in euthyroid women. However, the exact pathophysiological mechanism underlying this association is not fully understood. This study seeks to investigate the expression of thyroid antigens within the human female reproductive system, potentially identifying targets for thyroid antibodies. Human biopsies of endometrium and follicular granulosa cells were collected and thyroperoxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin (TG) expression was evaluated in these tissues by immunohistochemistry. Results showed, for the first time, the expression of TG protein and confirmed the presence of thyroid TPO in human endometrium and granulosa cells. Results suggest that TPO antibodies (TPOAbs) and TG antibodies (TGAbs) could interact with TPO and TG expressed in the reproductive system in patients with positive thyroid antibodies, thereby disrupting the function of TPO and TG and generating an inflammatory response, leading to fertility disorders and pregnancy complications.

Chlamydia-driven ISG15 expression dampens the immune response of epithelial cells independently of ISGylation.

Excessive inflammation upon Chlamydia trachomatis infection can cause severe damages in the female genital tract. This obligate intracellular bacterium develops mainly in epithelial cells, whose innate response contributes to the overall inflammatory response to infection. The ubiquitin-like protein interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) stimulates interferon γ (IFNγ) production and is required for bacterial clearance in several infectious contexts. Here, we describe and investigate the consequences of the increase in ISG15 expression by epithelial cells infected with C. trachomatis. Infection of HeLa cells and primary ecto-cervical epithelial cells resulted in a transcriptional upregulation of ISG15 expression. This did not involve the canonical type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling pathway and depended instead on the activation of the STING/TBK1/IRF3 pathway. The absence or reduction of ISG15 synthesis led to increased production of several cytokines and chemokines, including interleukin (IL) 6 and IL8. This implicates that ISG15 normally dampens the immune response induced by C. trachomatis infection in epithelial cells. ISG15 exerted its control from an intracellular location, but without involving ISGylation. Finally, higher levels of inflammation and delayed bacterial clearance were observed in the genital tracts of ISG15-KO mice infected by C. trachomatis compared with wild-type animals; however, IFNγ production was unchanged. Altogether, our data show that ISG15 expression acts as a brake on the immune response to C. trachomatis infection in epithelial cells and limits bacterial burden and inflammation in mice.IMPORTANCEInfection of epithelial cells by Chlamydia trachomatis elicits an innate immune response by these cells. The signaling pathways involved, and their outcomes, are still very poorly understood. In this paper, we described how Chlamydia infection triggered the expression of ISG15, a small molecule normally associated to type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling and control of INF-γ production. ISG15 synthesis by epithelial cells attenuated their immune response to Chlamydia infection. In mice, we observed that ISG15 displayed a marginal role in modulating the production of IFN-γ, a key component of the host immune response to infection, but facilitated bacterial clearance. Overall, our study strengthens the importance of ISG15 not only in the resolution of viral but also of bacterial infection and document its role of "immune brake" in the context of Chlamydia infection.

Assessment IL-6, TGF-1, CRP, and Vit-D in Women With Uterine Fibroid

Background: Uterine fibroids, also known as UFs, are the most common type of tumor that occurs in the female reproductive system. They affect a significant majority, around 70-80%, of women during their lifetime. Various factors that increase the incidence of Uterine Fibroids (UFs) have been found, including as vitamin D deficiency, inflammation, DNA repair deficit, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment. Objective: The purpose of this study to evaluated the level of IL-6, TGF-1, CRP, and Vit-D in women with uterine fibroid and study the relation these parameter with different ages. Materials and methods: 90 blood samples were collected and divided into (50) blood samples from women with uterine fibroids who received a diagnosis from a qualified medical specialist, and (40) blood samples from healthy women, whose ages ranged from (20-50). Assessment level of IL-6, TGF-1, CRP, and Vit-D have been done by using ELISA technique. Result: The results showed that there was no significant difference at the probability level (P>0.05) in the level of IL-6 in women with uterine fibroids, as it reached (44.9±4.4 pg/ml) when compared with healthy women (42.5±4.1 pg/ml). The results of this study showed a significant increase in the levels of both β-TGF and CRP in women with uterine fibroids at the probability level (P<0.05), reaching (2.870±0.760ng/ml, 62.9±6.4 pg/ml), respectively, when compared with Healthy women: As for Vit.D3, it showed a significant decrease in women with uterine fibroids at the probability level (P≤0.05), as it reached (5.92±1.87 ng/ml). Conclusion: This result concluded no differences in the level of IL-6 in women with uterine fibroids, while increase in the levels of both β-TGF and CRP . Furthermore, decrease level of Vit.D3.

Survey on Uterus Cancer and Its Types

Abstract: The vital component of the female reproductive system is the uterus. Women are currently dealing with a number of issues pertaining to reproduction. Additionally, the prevalence of cancer is rising daily, with a higher risk of malignant tumors in women. To effectively detect the cancer, a variety of techniques are being utilized, including image processing, machine learning, and datamining. This study describes the various machine learning algorithms used in the diagnosis of uterine cancer.

Vaginal microbiome: modern approaches for correction and/or restoration

Today, women’s health is a separate issue for doctors of many specialties, including obstetricians and gynecologists, family doctors, etc. There is a wide range of treatment options for managing diseases of the reproductive system in women. But despite this, many of these strategies do not work for our patients. Therefore, we need the latest personalized approaches to therapy. One of the newest trends in women’s health is the correction or restoration of the vaginal microbiome. In our previous publications, we have covered the issue of the normal composition of the vaginal microbiome and its changes in various pathological conditions. Modification of the vaginal microbiome can be a useful strategy in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections, bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, benign, precancerous and even malignant diseases of the female reproductive system, miscarriage, preterm birth and other pregnancy complications.The concept of using exogenous microorganisms as a treatment has been known for centuries. Possible mechanisms by which exogenous strains of lactobacilli can affect vaginal microbiome include vaginal recolonization, increased production or release of lactic acid and other antimicrobial compounds, and modulation of the local mucosal immune response. From a microbiome perspective, “prebiotics” are nutraceutical compounds that induce bacterial growth or the activity of probiotics or beneficial endogenous microorganisms. One of the limitations of prebiotics is their dependence on the presence of lactobacilli, which are absent or almost absent in dysbiosis. Symbiotics are combinations of prebiotics and probiotics based on the concept that the first nutraceutical can improve the bacterial growth and function of the other. This review highlights the latest views on correction and/or restoration of the vaginal microbiome using not only probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotic, but also phage-altering agents, phage therapy, vaginal microbiome transplantation, etc. Such methods of correction and/or restoration are currently relevant in the reproductive medicine, gynecology and obstetrics all over the world. Despite the fact that these are the newest methods of correction and/or restoration, they are developing every day and require more detailed coverage of this issue.

Heat and mass transfer in tri‐layer ependymal ciliary transport with diverse viscosity

AbstractSpecialized cilia known as ependymal cilia help the cerebrospinal fluid, which is important for nutrient delivery and waste elimination, to circulate in the brain. Many species rely on cilia and flagella for fluid movement and motility. Cilia and flagella, for instance, produce propulsive forces that allow unicellular creatures like Paramecium and Euglena to move through their surroundings. Ciliary transport plays a role in the flow of egg cells, or oocytes, via the fallopian tubes in the female reproductive system. The transfer of the egg towards the uterus is facilitated by the synchronized wave‐like motion produced by the cilia lining the fallopian tubes. Like this, ciliary transport in men aids in the passage of sperm cells via the epididymis. Many scientists and researchers are studying the mechanics of cilia motion and the properties of the viscoelastic fluid layer to develop new treatments and applications in biomedical engineering and for some diseases. Motivated by a wide range of biological applications, the objective of this study is to investigate the heat and mass transfer flow of tri‐layered Newtonian fluids flowing with the help of ciliary beating in a Cartesian coordinate. The fluid is incompressible, and fluid layers are not intermixed. The fluid flow with heat and mass transfer is first modelled in wave and then transmuted into fixed. Solutions for temperature profile, velocity distribution, stresses and concentration distribution are obtained. The influence of incipient parameters is displayed with graphs and plotted with the computational software MATHEMATICA 13.0 in the results section. The key findings obtained from graphs show that the maximum magnitude for temperature and velocity is achieved in the middle layer of fluid whereas in the outer layer concentration profile is maximum. It is predicted that this approach will make an essential contribution to the progress and enhancement of various types of drug delivery systems in the biomedical industry and biomechanics.

Causal relationships between leukocyte telomere length and female reproductive system diseases: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

Objective: Although numerous observational studies have revealed a correlation between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and female reproductive system diseases (RSDs), the findings of these studies have tended to be consistent. In this study, we accordingly sought to clarify the causal relationships between LTL and RSDs. Methods: We performed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using pooled statistics from genome-wide association studies of LTL and nine female RSDs. The final results were analyzed using five MR methods, with the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method used as the primary outcome. We applied MR-PRESSO to exclude outliers. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Results: In the forward MR analysis, a genetic prediction of longer LTLs was found to be causally associated with higher risks of endometriosis (IVW: OR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.06–1.46, P = 0.008), leiomyoma of the uterus (IVW: OR = 1.73, 95%: 1.52–1.98, P = 4.9E-16) and ovarian cysts (IVW: OR = 1.31, 95%:1.19–1.45, P = 1.5E-07). In the reverse MR results, female RSDs were shown to have no significant effect on LTLs (all P-values > 0.05). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of these results. Conclusions: Our findings substantiate the assumption that a genetically predicted longer LTL elevates the risk of endometriosis, leiomyoma of the uterus, and ovarian cysts, with no influence of RSDs on LTL. These findings contribute to establishing a causal link between LTL and RSDs, overcoming the constraints of earlier observational studies. They also imply that LTL could potentially serve as a biomarker for the occurrence of endometriosis, leiomyoma of the uterus, and ovarian cysts.

Comparative study of machine learning and statistical survival models for enhancing cervical cancer prognosis and risk factor assessment using SEER data.

Cervical cancer is a common malignant tumor of the female reproductive system and the leading cause of death among women worldwide. The survival prediction method can be used to effectively analyze the time to event, which is essential in any clinical study. This study aims to bridge the gap between traditional statistical methods and machine learning in survival analysis by revealing which techniques are most effective in predicting survival, with a particular emphasis on improving prediction accuracy and identifying key risk factors for cervical cancer. Women with cervical cancer diagnosed between 2013 and 2015 were included in our study using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Using this dataset, the study assesses the performance of Weibull, Cox proportional hazards models, and Random Survival Forests in terms of predictive accuracy and risk factor identification. The findings reveal that machine learning models, particularly Random Survival Forests (RSF), outperform traditional statistical methods in both predictive accuracy and the discernment of crucial prognostic factors, underscoring the advantages of machine learning in handling complex survival data. However, for a survival dataset with a small number of predictors, statistical models should be used first. The study finds that RSF models enhance survival analysis with more accurate predictions and insights into survival risk factors but highlights the need for larger datasets and further research on model interpretability and clinical applicability.

Differential expression of HIV target cells CCR5 and α4β7 in tissue resident memory CD4 T cells in endocervix during the menstrual cycle of HIV seronegative women.

Ovarian hormones are known to modulate the immune system in the female genital tract (FGT). We sought to define the impact of the menstrual cycle on the mucosal HIV target cell levels, and tissue-resident CD4 T cells. Here, we characterized the distribution, phenotype, and function of CD4 T cells with special emphasis on HIV target cells (CCR5+ and α4β7+) as well as tissue-resident memory (TRM; CD69+ and CD103+) CD4 T cells in FGT of cycling women. Peripheral blood and Endocervical cells (EC-collected from cytobrush) were collected from 105 healthy women and performed multicolor flow cytometry to characterize the various subsets of CD4 T cells. Cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) were collected for cytokine analysis and plasma were collected for hormonal analysis. All parameters were compared between follicular and luteal phase of menstrual cycle. Our findings revealed no significant difference in the blood CD4 T cell subsets between the follicular and luteal phase. However, in EC, the proportion of several cell types was higher in the follicular phase compared to the luteal phase of menstrual cycle, including CCR5+α4β7-cells (p=0.01), CD69+CD103+ TRM (p=0.02), CCR5+CD69+CD103+ TRM (p=0.001) and FoxP3+ CD4 T cells (p=0.0005). In contrast, α4β7+ CCR5- cells were higher in the luteal phase (p=0.0004) compared to the follicular phase. In addition, we also found that hormonal levels (P4/E2 ratio) and cytokines (IL-5 and IL-6) were correlated with CCR5+ CD4 T cells subsets during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Overall, these findings suggest the difference in the expression of CCR5 and α4β7 in TRM CD4 T cell subsets in endocervix of HIV seronegative women between the follicular and luteal phase. Increase in the CCR5+ expression on TRM subsets could increase susceptibility to HIV infection during follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT IN MALE INFERTILITY W.S.R TO OLIGO ASTHENOSPERMIA: A CASE REPORT

Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse[WHO]3 . Infertility may occur due to male, female or unexplained factors[WHO].In the male reproductive system, infertility may be caused by abnormal sperm function and quality [WHO]. Oligoasthenospermia is a condition with a decrease in the concentration of the spermatozoa and the percentage of motile spermatozoa in a sperm sample. A 36-year-old male patient with no issues for six years of marital life diagnosed with oligoasthenospermia visited our OPD in July 2022. Initially advised with Nitya Virechana, followed by Chandraprabha Vati and Burundi kashaya given after that, Tablet chandraprabha vati, Tab Confido, Tab Tentex forte and Tab Rejuspermin have been provided for six months. Followup showed improvement in seminal parameters regarding sperm concentration and motility, resulting in pregnancy. The present case signifies the importance of Ayurvedic treatment in bringing successful outcomes in the field of male infertility.

Biomarkers and diagnostic significance of non-coding RNAs in extracellular vesicles of pathologic pregnancy.

Intercellular communication is an important mechanism for the development and maintenance of normal biological processes in all organs, including the female reproductive system. Extracellular vesicles, as important carriers of intercellular communication, contain a variety of biologically active molecules, such as mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, which are involved in cell-to-cell exchanges as well as in many physiological and pathological processes in the body. Compared with biomarkers found in tissues or body fluids, extracellular vesicles show better stability due to the presence of their envelope membrane which prevents the degradation of the RNA message in their vesicles. Therefore, the genomic and proteomic information contained in extracellular vesicles can serve as important markers and potential therapeutic targets for female reproductive system-related diseases or placental function. Moreover, changes in the expression of non-coding RNAs (mainly miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs) in maternal extracellular vesicles can accurately and promptly reflect the progress of female reproductive system diseases. The aim of this review is to collect information on different types of non-coding RNAs with key molecular carriers in female pathologic pregnancies (preeclampsia and recurrent spontaneous abortion), so as to explore the relevant molecular mechanisms in female pathologic pregnancies and provide a theoretical basis for clinical research on the pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches of reproductive system diseases. The current state of the art of exosome isolation and extraction is also summarized.

Intranasal immunization with CPAF combined with cyclic-di-AMP induces a memory CD4 T cell response and reduces bacterial burden following intravaginal infection with Chlamydia muridarum.

Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection globally, and a vaccine is urgently needed to stop transmission and disease. Chlamydial Protease Activity Factor (CPAF) is an immunoprevalent and immunodominant antigen for CD4 T cells and B cells, which makes it a strong vaccine candidate. Due to the tolerogenic nature of the female genital tract (FGT) and its lack of secondary lymphoid tissue, effective induction of protective cell-mediated immunity will likely require potent and safe mucosal adjuvants. To address this need, we produced CPAF in a cell-free protein synthesis platform and adjuvanted it with the TLR9-agonist CpG1826, STING (stimulator of interferon genes) agonist cyclic-di-AMP (CDA), and/or the squalene oil-in-water nanoemulsion, AddaS03. We determined that intranasal immunization with CPAF plus CDA was well tolerated in female mice, induced CD4 T cells that produced IL-17A or IFNγ, significantly reduced bacterial shedding, and shortened the duration of infection in mice intravaginally challenged with Chlamydia muridarum . These data demonstrate the potential for CDA as a mucosal adjuvant for vaccines against Chlamydia genital tract infection.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure induces ferroptosis by regulating the Nrf2-mediated signaling pathway in mouse ovaries

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an endocrine-disrupting chemical present in plasticized products, exerts strong modulation on the anatomy and function of the female reproductive system. However, the potential mechanisms underlying DEHP-induced regulation of prepubertal female reproductive toxicity have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, this study was designed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of ovarian injury induced by DEHP exposure in mice. Elevated serum mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) concentrations, decreased levels of ovarian hormones (E2 and P4), and observed ovarian injury were found after DEHP exposure. Ovarian transcriptome analysis revealed significant alterations in ferroptosis-associated gene expression, with potential regulation by Nrf2. Subsequent analysis of ferrous iron, malondialdehyde (MDA), Western blotting, and immunofluorescence of the ovaries confirmed the RNA-seq findings. Transcriptome analysis of granulosa cells revealed a direct or indirect regulatory relationship between Nrf2 and downstream ferroptosis-related proteins following MEHP exposure. Further experiments demonstrated that ferrostatin-1 attenuated MEHP-induced ferroptosis in granulosa cells. Additionally, Nrf2 stabilization and accumulation in the nucleus of granulosa cells were observed following MEHP treatment. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Nrf2 exacerbated MEHP-induced ferroptosis in granulosa cells. This evidence indicates that DEHP exposure induces ferroptosis through regulation of the Nrf2-mediated signaling pathway in mouse ovaries, laying the groundwork for future studies aiming to develop therapeutic strategies against DEHP toxicity.

Melatonin Receptors and Serotonin: Age-Related Changes in the Ovaries.

Melatonin and serotonin can influence certain aging processes in the ovaries. The main melatonin receptors are represented by types MT1 and MT2. The goal of investigation. Here, we evaluated the expression of genes and synthesis of MT1 and MT2 receptors, as well as serotonin synthesis in the ovaries during ontogenesis. We analyzed histological material obtained from the ovaries of infants, women of younger and older reproductive age, premenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal women. For the analysis of MT1 and MT2 receptors and serotonin expression and synthesis, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used. We found that the synthesis of serotonin, as well as MT1 and MT2 receptors in the ovaries significantly decrease in ontogenesis. The sharpest drop in these molecules was observed in samples obtained from one-year-old infants, as well as from pubescent girls and menopausal women. A statistically significant 2.3-7.6-fold decrease in the expression of MTNR1A and MTNR1B genes in the ovaries was also observed in one-year-old infants, in adolescents, and in middle-aged women. These data are crucial to understanding the fundamental mechanisms of aging of the female reproductive system and the search for molecules predicting its aging.

Resmethrin induces implantation failure by disrupting calcium homeostasis and forcing mitochondrial defects in porcine trophectoderm and uterine luminal epithelial cells

Resmethrin, a type I pyrethroid insecticide, is frequently used globally in residential and farmland areas to control pests. Owing to the repeated administration of resmethrin, and particularly because of its lipophilic nature, residues have been detected in various environments, crops, and livestock. Previous studies have shown the adverse effects of resmethrin, including neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. However, the toxic effects of resmethrin on the female reproductive system have rarely been investigated. In the present study, we used two cell types, porcine trophectoderm (pTr) and porcine uterine luminal epithelial (pLE) cells, to examine the toxic effects of resmethrin on implantation and its mechanisms. Our study showed that resmethrin exposure induced apoptosis and inhibited cell cycle progression, thereby reducing the viability of both cell types. In addition, calcium homeostasis was disrupted following resmethrin treatment, and disrupted calcium homeostasis impaired the mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial respiration. In addition to mitochondrial dysfunction, GRP75 and ER stress–related proteins were upregulated. Furthermore, the AKT and MAPK cascades were altered, and reactive oxygen species production and inflammation occurred after resmethrin treatment. Ultimately, through various mechanisms, resmethrin decreased the migratory abilities, and it could diminish the crosstalk between the two cell lines and lower the probability of successful implantation. Overall, we demonstrated that resmethrin interfered with the implantation process by triggering various toxic mechanisms. This study presents, for the first time, evidence regarding the mechanisms through which resmethrin exerts toxic effects on the female reproductive system, thereby raising awareness regarding the potential implications of its widespread use.

Global pattern of persistent human papillomavirus infection in female genital tract: An update system review and meta-analysis

Global pattern of persistent human papillomavirus infection in female genital tract: An update system review and meta-analysis

When an inguinal hernia is more than just a hernia with ovary and fallopian tube involvement: a case report

BackgroundFinding an ovary and/or fallopian tube within an indirect inguinal hernia is a rare occurrence that can be detected incidentally during elective surgery or present as a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Hence, it poses a difficult clinical picture in a reproductive-age woman with groin mass.Clinical presentationWe describe the case of a 45-year-old Ethiopian woman of Amhara ethnicity who presented with a left inguinal swelling that persisted for 5 years. Physical examination revealed an irreducible, non-tender lump in the left groin and an ultrasonography scan confirmed the presence of an indirect inguinal hernia. The patient was then scheduled for elective hernia repair. During the surgery, both her left ovary and fallopian tube were found within the hernial sac. The contents were released from the sac, high ligation performed, and the inguinal floor repaired with mesh.DiscussionInguinal hernias in women are rare and often present a diagnostic challenge. Although the exact pathogenesis of inguinal hernias containing female genital organs is unknown, some risk factors have been postulated. Diagnosis should start with a physical exam and imaging, but many of the cases have been intraoperative surprises. Management is primarily surgical, ranging from simple reduction and hernia repair to salpingo-oophorectomy depending on the status of the hernia contents.ConclusionThis report emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion when examining females with inguinal hernias to ensure accurate diagnosis and management of tubo-ovarian hernias. Although rare, inguinal hernias containing female genital organs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of inguinal hernias, as early detection and appropriate surgical management can prevent potential complications.

Penyuluhan Pentingnya Vaksin HPV untuk Mencegah Kanker Serviks Sedini mungkin di Kabupaten Takalar

Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the female genital organs caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), and preventive measures are highly recommended rather than curative measures. Prevention efforts are still poorly understood, so education is needed to increase vaccination coverage. The aim of this service is to increase participants' understanding of cancer vaccines. This method was used to discuss with partners at SDN Pusat No. 1 Patalasang District. Takalar, and students and teachers participate. Participants' knowledge was assessed through pre-test and post-test. The test result in front of 6 teachers and 15 students was 71.4, increasing to 98.2 at the time of the test. All service participants were satisfied with the implementation of the service because they felt the information was very useful and they needed it. All participants feel the benefits of using the services. Participants hope to continue this service in the future with free pap smears and vaccinations. It can be concluded that advice on cancer prevention and vaccination increased participants' understanding from 71.4 to 98.2 and was highly appreciated by the participants.

Nutrition affects larval survival and the development of morphological traits in male and female flour beetles, but genital size and shape remains canalised.

The caloric content and macronutrient ratio of diet consumed is a major source of phenotypic variation in most animal populations. While these nutritional effects have been well-documented for a variety of life-history and morphological traits, the effects of nutrition on male genitals are poorly understood but genitals are thought to be more canalised than general morphology and hence less susceptible to variation in nutrition. Even less is known about the effects of nutrition on female genital form, which to our knowledge, have never been investigated. Here we tested for effects of juvenile dietary macronutrients (protein and carbohydrate) on larval survival, adult morphology, including genital size and shape in male and female flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum). We found there was nutritionally induced plasticity in larval survival and morphology, although the latter effect was variable, with body size being most responsive to dietary macronutrients and genital size and shape being least responsive. Functionally equivalent morphological traits in the sexes responded similarly to nutrition. Previously, we showed that the genitalia of male and female T. castaneum are subject to strong stabilising sexual selection, and our current findings suggest that developmental mechanisms reduce the nutritional sensitivity of male and female genitals, possibly to ensure matching during mating.

Coronavirus impact on female reproductive system of fertile age: Short-term and delayed consequences

Introduction: Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has come to an end, several short-term and delayed consequences of coronavirus infection remain insufficiently studied, which determines the relevance of this study. The study aims to analyse the impact of coronavirus infection on the course of pregnancy and reproductive health of females of fertile age in different periods according to the data of medical institutions of Turkestan city.Methods: The following research methods were used in the study: bibliographic, discrete statistics, cluster, and frequency analysis.Results: In this study, 301 cases of pregnancy of females diagnosed with coronavirus infection of different severity were statistically analysed. The study examined several aspects related to the study group including duration of hospitalisation, number of previous pregnancies and deliveries, complications of pregnancy and delivery occurring on COVID-19, haematological parameters, and oxygen saturation levels of pregnant females. The main clinical features of pregnancies with COVID-19 were identified. Thus, the result of the study was an analysis of the presented statistical sample and a comprehensive review of the current literature on the short-term and delayed effects of coronavirus infection on the female reproductive system.Conclusions: The results obtained are of significant practical importance for specialists in obstetrics, gynaecology, reproductology and public health because they can serve as a basis for the development of effective clinical recommendations and strategies for managing the reproductive health of females who have undergone coronavirus infection