Female Reproductive Development Research Articles

High incidence of imperforate vagina in ADGRA3-deficient mice

BackgroundTen percent of the female population suffers from congenital abnormalities of the vagina, uterus, or oviducts, with severe consequences for reproductive and psychological health. Yet, the underlying causes of most of these malformations remain largely unknown. ADGRA3 (GPR125) is involved in WNT signaling and planar cell polarity, mechanisms vital to female reproductive tract development. Although ADGRA3 is a well-established spermatogonial stem cell marker, its role within the female urogenital system remains unclear.ResultsIn this study, we found Adgra3 to be expressed throughout the murine female urogenital system, with higher expression pre-puberty than after sexual maturation. We generated a global Adgra3−/− mouse line and observed imperforate vagina in 44% of Adgra3−/− females, resulting in distension of the reproductive tract and infertility. Ovarian morphology, plasma estradiol, ovarian Cyp19a1, and vaginal estrogen receptor α (Esr1) expression were unaffected. However, compared to controls, a significantly lower bone mineral density was found in Adgra3−/− mice. Whereas vaginal opening in mice is an estrogen-dependent process, 17β-estradiol treatment failed to induce vaginal canalization in Adgra3−/− mice. Furthermore, a marked reduction in vaginal and ovarian progesterone receptor expression was observed concomitant with an upregulation of apoptotic regulators Bcl2, Bid, and Bmf in adult Adgra3−/− females with a closed vagina.ConclusionsOur collective results shed new insights into the complex mechanisms by which the adhesion receptor ADGRA3 regulates distal vaginal tissue remodeling during vaginal canalization via altered sex hormone responsiveness and balance in apoptotic regulators. This highlights the potential of ADGRA3 as a target in diagnostic screening and/or therapy for obstructive vaginal malformations in humans.

An improved medium for in vitro studies of female reproduction and oviposition in Schistosoma japonicum

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is a disease primarily caused by eggs laid by pathogens called schistosomes. Among the schistosome species infecting humans, Schistosoma japonicum possesses the largest fecundity; each adult female produces an average of 3500 eggs per day. The lack of proper culture conditions supporting continuous oviposition in vitro has precluded detailed investigation of mechanisms regulating sexual maturation and egg production in Schistosoma japonicum.MethodsWe optimized in vitro culture conditions by replacing reagents that are part of the classical ABC169 medium. Fast Blue BB staining and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) labeling were applied to observe the sexual development status of the females. In vitro RNA interference (RNAi) technology was used to validate the capability of the modified medium. The detection of male β-alanyl-tryptamine (BATT) was conducted using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS).ResultsBoth m-AB169 (1640) and AB169 (1640) media are capable of facilitating the sexual development of paired virgin female S. japonicum, as well as sustaining the mature reproductive organs and egg production of adult S. japonicum for at least 22 days in vitro. M-AB169 (1640) provided a more stable condition for supporting the sexual maturity of female S. japonicum, as evidenced by the consistent initiation of egg production compared with AB169 (1640). Through a comparative analysis of S. japonicum and S. mansoni in diverse media, we demonstrated that these closely related species display distinct demands for their sexual development and egg production, suggesting a potential influence of nutritional factors on the observed variations in host ranges among different schistosome species. Importantly, we successfully identified the presence of the pheromone β-alanyl-tryptamine (BATT) in S. japonicum, previously identified in S. mansoni, highlighting its conserved role in schistosome reproductive development. Through the employment of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) treatment to silence two genes that are involved in either the male (gli1, glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1) or female (vf1, vitellogenic factor 1) side in male-induced female reproductive development of S. mansoni, we confirmed that the combination of m-AB169 (1640) and RNAi technology has the capacity to facilitate in vitro studies of S. japonicum’s reproductive and oviposition processes.ConclusionsWe developed a novel medium, m-AB169 (1640), that not only maintains the mature reproductive organs and continuous oviposition of adult female Schistosoma japonicum for up to 22 days but also supports the reproductive development and subsequent egg-laying of virgin females after pairing with male worms. This study provides a valuable in vitro platform for functional studies of the mechanisms underlying the fascinating biology of the female sexual development and egg production of S. japonicum, which may accelerate the development of new strategies targeting schistosome egg production.Graphical

MAP3K1 regulates female reproductive tract development.

Mitogen-activated protein 3 kinase 1 (MAP3K1) has a plethora of cell type-specific functions not yet fully understood. Herein, we describe a role for MAP3K1 in female reproductive tract (FRT) development. MAP3K1 kinase domain-deficient female mice exhibited an imperforate vagina, labor failure and infertility. These defects corresponded with shunted Müllerian ducts (MDs), the embryonic precursors of FRT, that manifested as a contorted caudal vagina and abrogated vaginal-urogenital sinus fusion in neonates. The MAP3K1 kinase domain is required for optimal activation of the Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and cell polarity in the MD epithelium, and for upregulation of WNT signaling in the mesenchyme surrounding the caudal MD. The MAP3K1-deficient epithelial cells and MD epithelium had reduced expression of WNT7B ligands. Correspondingly, conditioned media derived from MAP3K1-competent, but not -deficient, epithelial cells activated a TCF/Lef-luciferase reporter in fibroblasts. These observations indicate that MAP3K1 regulates MD caudal elongation and FRT development, in part through the induction of paracrine factors in the epithelium that trans-activate WNT signaling in the mesenchyme.

Is reproductive development adaptively calibrated to early experience? Evidence from a national sample of females.

Many developmental theories have not been sufficiently evaluated using designs that control for unobserved familial confounds. Our long-term goal is to determine the causal structure underlying associations between early environmental conditions and later psychosocial and health outcomes. Our overall objective in this study was to further evaluate predictions derived from applications of life history theory to female reproductive development, key among them that reproductive milestones translate early environmental risk into fertility, health, and behavioral outcomes. To this end, we used female data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 and structural equation modeling to conduct increasingly severe tests, beginning with covariate control and then progressing to sibling control and behavioral genetic designs. After adjusting for confounds varying between sets of siblings, we did not find evidence that age at menarche reflected components of early environment or that any focal outcomes reflected early fragmented family structure (birth to age nine). Although we detected no links between measured environment and individual differences in age at sexual debut, we did find that it reflected both shared and nonshared influences in our behavior genetic models. Interestingly, delayed sexual debut (into young adulthood) reflected identification of parents as the greatest influences and forecasted an array of fertility-related outcomes. Taken together, these findings challenge theories suggesting menarche timing is adaptively calibrated to early environment. They also highlight the need for more research using sibling control and related designs to examine the roles of environments in development. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Food and social cues modulate reproductive development but not migratory behavior in a nomadic songbird, the Pine Siskin

Abstract Many animals rely on photoperiodic and non-photoperiodic environmental cues to gather information and appropriately time life-history stages across the annual cycle, such as reproduction, molt, and migration. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that the reproductive physiology, but not migratory behavior, of captive Pine Siskins (Spinus pinus) responds to both food and social cues during the spring migratory-breeding period. Pine Siskins are a nomadic finch with a highly flexible breeding schedule and, in the spring, free-living Pine Siskins can wander large geographic areas and opportunistically breed. To understand the importance of non-photoperiodic cues to the migratory-breeding transition, we maintained individually housed birds on either a standard or enriched diet in the presence of group-housed heterospecifics or conspecifics experiencing either the standard or enriched diet type. We measured body condition and reproductive development of all Pine Siskins and, among individually housed Pine Siskins, quantified nocturnal migratory restlessness. In group-housed birds, the enriched diet caused increases in body condition and, among females, promoted reproductive development. Among individually housed birds, female reproductive development differed between treatment groups, whereas male reproductive development did not. Specifically, individually housed females showed greater reproductive development when presented with conspecifics compared to heterospecifics. The highest rate of female reproductive development, however, was observed among individually housed females provided the enriched diet and maintained with group-housed conspecifics on an enriched diet. Changes in nocturnal migratory restlessness did not vary by treatment group or sex. By manipulating both the physical and social environment, this study demonstrates how multiple environmental cues can affect the timing of transitions between life-history stages with differential responses between sexes and between migratory and reproductive systems.

Testosterone upregulates glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and promotes neuroinflammation to enhance glioma cell survival and proliferation

BackgroundTestosterone contributes to male organism development, such as bone density, muscle development, and fat repartition. Estrogen (derived from testosterone) also contributes to female reproductive system development. Here, we investigated the effect of testosterone on glioma cells and brain neuron inflammation essential for cancer development and progression.MethodsThe human astrocyte and glioma cell lines were treated with 6 ng/ml exogenous testosterone in vitro. We performed cell counting kit-8, transwell, and wound healing assays to determine the effect of testosterone on glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The glioma cells were injected into the xenograft and treated with 5 µl concentrated testosterone. Transcriptional suppression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was performed to evaluate brain neuron inflammation and survival. The tumor tissues were assessed by hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry.ResultsTestosterone upregulates GDNF to stimulate proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells. Pathologically, the augmentation of GDNF and cyclophilin A contributed to neuroprotection when treated with testosterone. Our investigation showed that testosterone contributes to brain neuron and astrocyte inflammation through the upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), and sirtuin 5 (SIRT5), resulting in pro-inflammatory macrophages recruitments into the neural microenvironment. Mechanically, testosterone treatment regulates GDNF translocation from the glioma cells and astrocyte nuclei to the cytoplasm.ConclusionTestosterone upregulates GDNF in glioma cells and astrocytes essential for microglial proliferation, migration, and invasion. Testosterone contributes to brain tumor growth via GDNF and inflammation.Graphical The contribution of testosterone, macrophages, and astrocytes, in old neuron rescue, survival, and proliferation. During brain neuron inflammation, the organism activates and stimulates the neuron rescue through the enrichment of the old neuron microenvironment with growth factors such as GDNF, BDNF, SOX1/2, and MAPK secreted by the surrounding neurons and glial cells to maintain the damaged neuron by inflammation alive even if the axon is dead. The immune response also contributes to brain cell survival through the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, resulting in inflammation maintenance. The rescued old neuron interaction with infiltrated macrophages contributes to angiogenesis to supplement the old neuron with more nutrients leading to metabolism activation and surrounding cell uncontrollable cell growth.

MADS8 is indispensable for female reproductive development at high ambient temperatures in cereal crops.

Temperature is a major factor that regulates plant growth and phenotypic diversity. To ensure reproductive success at a range of temperatures, plants must maintain developmental stability of their sexual organs when exposed to temperature fluctuations. However, the mechanisms integrating plant floral organ development and temperature responses are largely unknown. Here, we generated barley and rice loss-of-function mutants in the SEPALLATA-like MADS-box gene MADS8. The mutants in both species form multiple carpels that lack ovules at high ambient temperatures. Tissue-specific markers revealed that HvMADS8 is required to maintain floral meristem determinacy and ovule initiation at high temperatures, and transcriptome analyses confirmed that temperature-dependent differentially expressed genes in Hvmads8 mutants predominantly associate with floral organ and meristem regulation. HvMADS8 temperature-responsive activity relies on increased binding to promoters of downstream targets, as revealed by a cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) analysis. We also demonstrate that HvMADS8 directly binds to 2 orthologs of D-class floral homeotic genes to activate their expression. Overall, our findings revealed a new, conserved role for MADS8 in maintaining pistil number and ovule initiation in cereal crops, extending the known function of plant MADS-box proteins in floral organ regulation.

Reproductive Mechanisms in Ginkgo and Cycas: Sisters but not Twins

The study of reproductive mechanisms is of particular interest for a real understanding of seed plant evolution. Spermatophytes comprise angiosperms and four orders of gymnosperms (Cycadales, Ginkgoales, Coniferales, and Gnetales) whose main characteristic is the reproduction via seeds. Ginkgo and cycads form a sister clade to the other gymnosperms and occupy a key phylogenetic position in-between the extinct Paleozoic seed ferns and the other extant gymnosperms. This review focuses on the similarities and differences between the reproductive mechanisms of Ginkgo and Cycas, from the morphogenesis of the male and female organs to the pollination and fertilization events. Together with the morphological and cytological description, the latest available molecular data on the reproductive organ development of the two plant genera are discussed. This will, hopefully, pave the path for new studies aiming at filling the gaps in our understanding of the hormonal and genetic regulation of their reproductive mechanisms. The whole reproductive process is presented in detail, providing a comprehensive and organic picture together with complete illustrations and photographic material. Each phase of the reproductive process is dissected, pointing out the main similarities and differences found among the two genera. The comparison comprises the male and female reproductive organs development, with a focus on pollen ontogeny, shape, ultrastructure, and germination as well as ovule development and patterning, female gametophyte formation, and ovule integument differentiation. Particular attention is given to the pollination and fertilization events focusing on the role of reproductive fluids as well as zoogamy.

Reproductive Health of Female Patients with Connective Tissue Dysplasia

Connective tissue dysplasia is congenital anomaly manifesting as different organ's and system's alterations: locomotor, skin, visceral dysfunctions. This article presents literature review covering such topical issues as female reproductive system features affected by mesenchymal pathology (undifferentiated forms of connective tissue dysplasia) and its medicamentous management (microelements, hormonal drugs, adaptogens). The analysis of original studies on this topic has revealed that connective tissue dysplasia has significant effect on female reproductive function development and can be complicated by various menstrual dysfunctions (hypomenorrhea syndrome, oligomenorrhea, opsomenorrhea, uterine bleedings, and secondary amenorrhea) as well as by endocrine changes (anti-Mullerian hormone deficiency, hypoprolactinaemia, hypoestrogenemia, etc.). Gestation and delivery features in patients with connective tissue dysplasia (preeclampsia, premature birth, and fetal abnormalities) were also revealed.

TT-10 may elevate YAP and repair mouse uterine damage resulting from the inhibition effect of ibuprofen on COX2-PGE2 and YAP

Ibuprofen (IBU) is an emerging environmental contaminant that, in high doses, can damage reproductive organs in humans and other mammals. Recently, its effects on the uterus have been investigated. It is known that the COX2-PGE2 pathway and Yes-associated protein (YAP) are involved in female reproductive organ development and form a COX2-PGE2-EP2-Gas-β-catenin-YAP-COX2 positive feedback loop, in addition, TT-10, a pharmacological product, has been found to increase YAP. In this study, IBU was orally administrated to female mice for 7 d at doses of 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg·bw/day (control, low, medium, and high doses, respectively). In addition, 0, 50, 100, and 200 μmol/L IBU was added in vitro to cultured uterine cells for 7 d at control, low, medium, and high doses, respectively; then, 0, 5, 10, and 20 μmol/L TT-10 were given to the in vitro uterine culture containing 100 μmol/L IBU to observe the effect of YAP activation. The results showed that medium and high doses of IBU inhibited the COX2-PGE2 pathway, decreasing YAP and increasing pYAP, leading to reduced circPVT1, elevated miR-149, and increased apoptosis, ultimately damaging the uterus. Conversely, 10 μmol/L TT-10 maximally enhanced YAP, which regulated COX2-PGE2 pathway activation, increased circPVT1, and decreased miR-149, and promoted cell proliferation, preventing uterine damage. This suggests that IBU may cause uterine damage by inhibiting the COX2-PGE2 pathway and YAP, and that appropriate doses of TT-10 may repair this damage by elevating YAP and stimulating COX2 via the feedback loop.

Unique and overlapping functions for the transcriptional regulators KANADI1 and ULTRAPETALA1 in Arabidopsis gynoecium and stamen gene regulation.

Plants generate their reproductive organs, the stamens and the carpels, de novo within the flowers that form when the plant reaches maturity. The carpels comprise the female reproductive organ, the gynoecium, a complex organ that develops along several axes of polarity and is crucial for plant reproduction, fruit formation, and seed dispersal. The epigenetic trithorax group (trxG) protein ULTRAPETALA1 (ULT1) and the GARP domain transcription factor KANADI1 (KAN1) act cooperatively to regulate Arabidopsis thaliana gynoecium patterning along the apical-basal polarity axis; however, the molecular pathways through which this patterning activity is achieved remain to be explored. In this study, we used transcriptomics to identify genome-wide ULT1 and KAN1 target genes during reproductive development. We discovered 278 genes in developing flowers that are regulated by ULT1, KAN1, or both factors together. Genes involved in developmental and reproductive processes are overrepresented among ULT1 and/or KAN1 target genes, along with genes involved in biotic or abiotic stress responses. Consistent with their function in regulating gynoecium patterning, a number of the downstream target genes are expressed in the developing gynoecium, including a unique subset restricted to the stigmatic tissue. Further, we also uncovered a number of KAN1- and ULT1-induced genes that are transcribed predominantly or exclusively in developing stamens. These findings reveal a potential cooperative role for ULT1 and KAN1 in male as well as female reproductive development that can be investigated with future genetic and molecular experiments.

Single-nucleus sequencing deciphers developmental trajectories in rice pistils.

Angiosperms possess a life cycle with an alternation of sporophyte and gametophyte generations, which happens in plant organs like pistils. Rice pistils contain ovules and receive pollen for successful fertilization to produce grains. The cellular expression profile in rice pistils is largely unknown. Here, we show a cell census of rice pistils before fertilization through the use of droplet-based single-nucleus RNA sequencing. The ab initio marker identification validated by in situ hybridization assists with cell-type annotation, revealing cell heterogeneity between ovule- and carpel-originated cells. A comparison of 1N (gametophyte) and 2N (sporophyte) nuclei identifies the developmental path of germ cells in ovules with typical resetting of pluripotency before the sporophyte-gametophyte transition, while trajectory analysis of carpel-originated cells suggests previously neglected features of epidermis specification and style function. These findings gain a systems-level view of cellular differentiation and development of rice pistils before flowering and lay a foundation for understanding female reproductive development in plants.

Mutation analysis of WNT4 gene in SRY negative 46,XX DSD patients with Mullerian agenesis and/or gonadal dysgenesis- An Indian study

Developmental disruption of the Mullerian duct and gonads in females leads to Mullerian agenesis and gonadal dysgenesis, respectively. These two structural abnormalities are coming under the 46,XX DSD (Disorders of Sexual Development) classification, the majority of cases the aetiology remains elusive. Without the SRY gene, WNT4 plays a key role in female reproductive structure development. Since there are no studies that explored the involvement of the WNT4 gene in Indian 46,XX DSD patients, we analysed the role of WNT4 in Indian 46,XX DSD patients with Mullerian agenesis and/or Gonadal dysgenesis. In our study, we recruited 103 adolescent girls with primary amenorrhea. After the cytogenetic and SRY gene analysis, we included thirty-two 46,XX DSD patients with Mullerian agenesis and/or gonadal dysgenesis for WNT4 gene mutation analysis. PCR sequencing was performed for all the coding exons of the WNT4 gene. Bioinformatic tools like Mutation Taster, Human Splicing Finder, and miRDB were used. We observed single nucleotide variations in three patients. One patient showed a known synonymous polymorphism (c.861C > T; p.G287G, rs544988174). miRDB data revealed the absence of microRNA regulatory sites in this region. The other two cases carried a nucleotide substitution in intronic regions and did not affect the normal splicing mechanism. In conclusion, we could not find any indication about WNT4 involvement in the disease condition. In the future, WNT4 promoter analysis in these patients and molecular characterization of the WNT4 coding and promoter region in more patients are needed to link WNT4 variants with these structural abnormalities.

Mutation of DEFECTIVE EMBRYO SAC1 results in a low seed-setting rate in rice by regulating embryo sac development.

The seed-setting rate has a significant effect on grain yield in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Embryo sac development is essential for seed setting; however, the molecular mechanism underlying this process remains unclear. Here, we isolated defective embryo sac1 (des1), a rice mutant with a low seed-setting rate. Cytological examination showed degenerated embryo sacs and reduced fertilization capacity in des1. Map-based cloning revealed a nonsense mutation in OsDES1, a gene that encodes a putative nuclear envelope membrane protein (NEMP)-domain-containing protein that is preferentially expressed in pistils. The OsDES1 mutation disrupts the normal formation of functional megaspores, which ultimately results in a degenerated embryo sac in des1. Reciprocal crosses showed that fertilization is abnormal and that the female reproductive organ is defective in des1. OsDES1 interacts with LONELY GUY (LOG), a cytokinin-activating enzyme that acts in the final step of cytokinin synthesis; mutation of LOG led to defective female reproductive organ development. These results demonstrate that OsDES1 functions in determining the rice seed-setting rate by regulating embryo sac development and fertilization. Our study sheds light on the function of NEMP-type proteins in rice reproductive development.

Mouse vaginal development with lateral enlargement at late embryonic stages and caudal elongation after birth.

Müllerian ducts give rise to the oviducts, uterus, cervix, and vagina. During female reproductive tract development in mice, the bilateral Müllerian duct epithelium grows caudally until reaching the urogenital sinus epithelium. This is followed by further caudal growth with the reduction of the urogenital sinus epithelium. Finally, the vaginal epithelium of adult mice is entirely derived from the Müllerian duct epithelium. Here, we explored the mechanisms underlying mouse vaginal development via cell proliferation, apoptosis, and lineage analyses. We found that at the late embryonic stages, apoptosis occurred at the attachment site of bilateral Müllerian duct epithelia below the cervix, resulting in bilateral lumen traffic. The Müllerian duct epithelium was enclosed by the urogenital sinus epithelium at their boundary region on embryonic day (E) 16.5, whereas the Müllerian duct epithelium encased the urogenital sinus epithelium at postnatal day (P) 0 through lateral enlargement. Lateral Müllerian duct enlargement was accompanied by focal ERK activation within the curved epithelial tips and the specific localization of mitotic nuclei on the luminal side of the Müllerian duct epithelial layer at E17.5. Descent of the Müllerian duct epithelium and shortening of the urogenital sinus epithelium occurred rapidly after birth, accompanied by cell proliferation in the Müllerian duct epithelium and its peripheral mesenchymal tissues as well as intense apoptosis in the urogenital sinus epithelium around their boundary region. Urogenital sinus epithelium was localized at the base of the vagina at P7. In conclusion, the mouse vagina develops laterally at the late embryonic stages and caudally after birth.

Exposure to the pesticides linuron, dimethomorph and imazalil alters steroid hormone profiles and gene expression in developing rat ovaries

Inhibition of androgen signaling during critical stages of ovary development can disrupt folliculogenesis with potential consequences for reproductive function later in life. Many environmental chemicals can inhibit the androgen signaling pathway, which raises the question if developmental exposure to anti-androgenic chemicals can negatively impact female fertility. Here, we report on altered reproductive hormone profiles in prepubertal female rats following developmental exposure to three pesticides with anti-androgenic potential: linuron (25 and 50 mg/kg bw/d), dimethomorph (60 and 180 mg/kg bw/d) and imazalil (8 and 24 mg/kg bw/d). Dams were orally exposed from gestational day 7 (dimethomorph and imazalil) or 13 (linuron) until birth, then until end of dosing at early postnatal life. Linuron and dimethomorph induced dose-related reductions to plasma corticosterone levels, whereas imazalil mainly suppressed gonadotropin levels. In the ovaries, expression levels of target genes were affected by linuron and dimethomorph, suggesting impaired follicle growth. Based on our results, we propose that anti-androgenic chemicals can negatively impact female reproductive development. This highlights a need to integrate data from all levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, as well as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, when investigating the potential impact of endocrine disruptors on female reproductive development and function.

Prokinetisin 1 preeklampsi belirteci olarak kullanılabilir mi?

Abstract
 Can prokineticin 1 be used as a biomarker in preeclampsia?
 Aim:
 Prokineticins are a group of peptides which play important roles in angiogenesis, hematopoiesis and reproduction. Prokineticin 1 (PROK1) is reported to be the major subgroup affecting the female reproductive development.
 PROK1 is secreted from the syncytiotrophoblasts and it prevents extravillous trophoblastic cell migration in the first trimester which predispose to the abnormal placentation and preeclampsia (PE). Hypoxia provokes the expression of PROK1 therefore its serum levels increase in pregnants with PE. The aim of the present study was to reveal the value of PROK1 as a marker of PE.
 Materials and Method:
 A total of 84 pregnant women were admitted to the study, and 43 of them were diagnosed with preeclampsia. 41 healthy pregnant women were included in the control group. The preeclampsia group was divided into two subgroups as mild PE (n=27) and severe PE (n=16). 
 About 10 ml of venous blood was collected from each participant and dispensed into lithium heparin, and serum was obtained, which were stored at – 80 c until analyzed. Serum PROK1 measurements were performed by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELİSA). All tests were two-tailed, and p

The Effect of Age on IVF-ET Outcome in Infertile Patients with PCOS Based on Tiangui Theory in Chinese Medicine.

Objective Our aim was to investigate the effect of age on the outcome of IVF-ET and ICSI in infertile PCOS patients under the guidance of Tiangui theory in traditional Chinese medicine. Method This was a retrospective analysis of 532 infertile women with PCOS and 1,392 women with infertility due to tubal factors as the controls. All of the participants were divided into different age groups-aged 20–28 years, 29–35 years, and ≥36 years-according to the stages of female reproductive development in Tiangui theory as described in the Canon of Internal Medicine-Treatise of Ancient Natural Truth. We explored the effect of age on controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (including the initial dosage and duration of Gn and the estradiol level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration); the numbers of retrieved oocytes, 2PN zygotes, and embryos; and the rates of fertilization, clinical pregnancy, abortion, live birth, and OHSS incidence. Results Compared to controls, the maximum follicular diameter and the numbers of follicles with d ≥ 20 mm, retrieved oocytes, and 2PN zygotes were greater in the PCOS group with age >28 years (p < 0.05). The abortion rate of PCOS patients with age ≤28 years was higher than that of the controls. All PCOS groups and the control group showed reduced numbers of retrieved oocytes and live births with age. The difference in age was not significant in the PCOS groups but was significant in the control group (p < 0.05), and the trend in the PCOS groups was more gradual. Conclusion The fertility of all subjects decreased with age, but PCOS patients decreased more slowly than in controls at the same age, which verified the applicability of the guiding principles of Tiangui theory in the clinic.

Sex and reproductive development impact skin mucosal epithelium immunity, antimicrobial capacity, and up-regulation of immune-related gene of goldfish (Carassius auratus)

This study evaluated the epidermis mucosal capacity of goldfish (Carassius auratus) during different stages of reproductive development in both females and males. In this regard, the activity of mucolytic immune enzymes, i.e., lysozyme, complement and peroxidase, as well as the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were evaluated. There were five stages for females i.e., immature (f1), cortical alveoli (f2), early and late-vitellogenesis (vtg) (f3 and f4) and ripe (f5); as well as two stages for males spermatogenesis (m1) and spermiation (m2). Some stages were also examined for the mucosal antimicrobial activity against specific pathogens. The results showed that the mucosal lysozyme activity increased significantly during vitellogenesis (P < 0.05), but no lysozyme activity was detected in plasma. On the contrary, the complement activity was only observed in female plasma, and it was significantly higher at f3 compared to the other developmental stages. Both the plasma and mucosal ALP and peroxidase activities showed a significant increase by female reproductive development with the highest amounts at f4. Contrary to the female, no significant changes were observed in plasma and mucosal immune agents and biochemistry of the male. The f5-staged goldfish showed the highest antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive bacteria, i.e., Streptococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus (P < 0.05). Our results also represented the up-regulation of lysozyme (c-lys) gene expression by effects of female maturational development in ovary, liver and skin, while male goldfish showed no significant changes in c-lys expression. Moreover, there were positive correlations between c-lys expression, mucosal lysozyme activity and calcium levels in females (P < 0.01). Overall, our findings revealed that vtg process improves mucosal innate immunity that leads to activate antimicrobial components at spawning season.

Long-term role of neonatal microglia and monocytes in ovarian health.

Early life microglia are essential for brain development, and developmental disruption in microglial activity may have long-term implications for the neuroendocrine control of reproduction. We and others have previously shown that early life immune activation compromises the long-term potential for reproductive function in females. However, the supportive role of microglia in female reproductive development is still unknown. Here, we examined the long-term programming effects of transient neonatal microglial and monocyte ablation on hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis function in female rats. We employed a Cx3cr1-Dtr transgenic Wistar rat model to acutely ablate microglia and monocytes, commencing on either postnatal day (P) 7 or 14, since the development of the HPG axis in female rodents primarily occurs during the first two to three postnatal weeks. After an acutely diminished expression of microglia and monocyte genes in the brain and ovaries, respectively, microglia had repopulated the brain by P21, albeit that cellular complexity was still reduced in both groups at this time. Removal of microglia and monocytes on P7, but not P14 reduced circulating luteinising hormone levels in adulthood and ovarian gonadotropin receptors mRNA. These changes were notably associated with fewer primary and antral follicles in these rats. These data suggest that transient ablation of microglia and monocytes at the start of the second but not the third postnatal week has long-term effects on ovarian health. The findings highlight the important developmental role of a healthy immune system for female potential reproductive capacity and the importance of critical developmental periods to adult ovarian health.