Number Of Follicles Research Articles

Analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing in human oocytes with diminished ovarian reserve uncovers mitochondrial dysregulation and translation deficiency.

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is clinically characterized by a decrease in the number of available ovarian follicles and a decline in the quality of oocytes, accompanied by hormonal changes. Low quality of DOR oocyte leads to impaired embryo development, an increased risk of aneuploid pregnancies and miscarriages. However, the specific pathogenic mechanism remains unclear, posing a significant challenge for assisted reproductive technology. For the first time, our study employed single-cell RNA sequencing to reveal the altered transcriptomic landscape of DOR oocytes at GV stage after ovarian stimulation. Differentially expressed genes analysis (DEGs), functional enrichment analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein-protein interactions network analysis were performed. We found 132 up-regulated genes and 466 down-regulated genes in DOR oocytes, with the down-regulated genes primarily enriched in mitochondrial function and translation. Hub genes, identified through integrated analysis of WGCNA and DEGs, were further validated in DOR and control oocytes using RT-qPCR. By utilizing hub genes and employing transcription factor enrichment tools, it had been predicted that pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) played a crucial role as a transcriptional regulatory factor in DOR oocytes. Additionally, we conformed the PLAG1-IGF2 axis was dysregulated in DOR oocytes. Transcriptome analysis revealed that DOR oocytes exhibited mitochondrial dysfunction and translational defects, and the PLAG1-IGF2 axis might be a potential contributor for the low quality of DOR oocytes.

MGA loss-of-function variants cause premature ovarian insufficiency.

Although premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), a common cause of female infertility and subfertility, has a well-established hereditary component, the genetic factors currently implicated in POI account for only a limited proportion of cases. Here, using an exome-wide, gene-based case-control analysis in a discovery cohort comprising 1,027 POI cases and 2,733 ethnically matched women controls from China, we found that heterozygous loss-of-function (LoF) variants of MAX dimerization protein (MGA) were significantly enriched in the discovery cohort, accounting for 2.6% of POI cases, while no MGA LoF variants were found in the matched control females. Further exome screening was conducted in 4 additional POI cohorts (2 from China and 2 from the United States) for replication studies, and we identified heterozygous MGA LoF variants in 1.0%, 1.4%, 1.0%, and 1.0% of POI cases, respectively. Overall, a total of 37 distinct heterozygous MGA LoF variants were discovered in 38 POI cases, accounting for approximately 2.0% of the total 1,910 POI cases analyzed in this study. Accordingly, Mga+/- female mice were subfertile, exhibiting shorter reproductive lifespan and decreased follicle number compared with WT, mimicking the observed phenotype in humans. Our findings highlight the essential role of MGA deficiency for impaired female reproductive ability.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles harboring IGF-1 improve ovarian function of mice with premature ovarian insufficiency through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a disease with medical, psychological and reproductive implications, but its common therapies have limited efficacy and a likelihood of complications. This study delves into the therapeutic role of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (hUC-MSCs-EVs) in POI mice through the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)/nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/autophagy pathway. hUC-MSCs were transfected with lentiviral short hairpin RNA of IGF-1 before EV extraction. Cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced POI mouse models were administrated with hUC-MSCs-EVs. Mouse ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) were induced with CTX, then treated with hUC-MSCs-EVs and ML385. Ovarian histopathological changes were observed, changes in follicle number at all levels were counted and serum sex hormones were evaluated, as well as LC3II/I and Beclin-1 expression. GCs were subject to detection of proliferation, deaths, oxidative stress, and Nrf2 nuclear translocation. After CTX exposure, mice showed thinner GCs layer in the ovary, reduced number of GCs and follicles at all levels, disturbed serum sex hormones, enhanced oxidative stress and autophagy, and downregulated ovarian IGF-1; whereas, hUC-MSCs-EVs upregulated IGF-1 to improve the ovarian function. hUC-MSCs-EVs carrying IGF-1 activated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling to inhibit CTX-induced excessive autophagy of GCs, but this ameliorative effect was partially weakened by inhibiting Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. hUC-MSCs-EVs inhibited excessive autophagy of GCs and improved ovarian function of CTX-induced mice through IGF-1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. hUC-MSCs-EVs activate the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling by carrying IGF-1, which in turn inhibits excessive autophagy and damage of GCs, thus improving ovarian function in POI mice.

CART (Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript): A New Identified Intrafollicular Mediator in Ovulation Induction Protocols

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) expression, leptin, and hormone profiles—specifically progesterone, testosterone, androstenedione, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)—across four distinct ovulation induction protocols (HMG, HMG/hCG, rFSH, and rFSH/hCG). It also investigates the relationship between follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) Ser680Asn polymorphisms, CART expression, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) results, with the goal of better understanding how CART and FSHR polymorphisms affect ovarian response and oocyte quality. Methods: Data were obtained from 94 women who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) as part of their IVF therapy. Hormone levels, CART expression, and FSHR polymorphisms were measured across all four ovulation induction procedures. Statistical studies were undertaken to investigate the relationships between CART expression, hormone levels, and IVF results. Results: The study found no significant difference in body mass index (BMI) amongst the four stimulation procedures (p-values varied from 0.244 to 0.909). CART expression did not show a significant correlation with hormone levels throughout the whole cohort (progesterone, testosterone, androstenedione, FSH, hCG, and estradiol; p > 0.05). However, CART levels were adversely linked with the number of follicles > 12 mm (r = −0.251, p = 0.018), total oocyte count (r = −0.247, p = 0.019), and oocyte maturity (r = −0.212, p = 0.048). Furthermore, there was a strong negative connection between CART expression and thyroid hormone T3 (r = −0.319, p = 0.048). Among FSHR polymorphisms, the SER/SER genotype was related to greater CART levels (mean 4.198 ± 2.257) than the SER/ASN and ASN/ASN genotypes (p = 0.031). Conclusions: These data indicate that CART expression and FSHR polymorphisms may influence ovarian response and oocyte quality in IVF patients, possibly acting as biomarkers for evaluating ovarian outcomes in various ovulation induction procedures.

Concerning influences of micro/nano plastics on female reproductive health: focusing on cellular and molecular pathways from animal models to human studies.

The female reproductive system can face serious disorders and show reproductive abnormalities under the influence of environmental pollutants. Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) as emerging pollutants, by affecting different components of this system, may make female fertility a serious challenge. Animal studies have demonstrated that exposure to these substances weakens the function of ovaries and causes a decrease in ovarian reserve capacity. Also, continuous exposure to micro/nano plastics (MNPs) leads to increased levels of reactive oxygen species, induction of oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, apoptosis of granulosa cells, and reduction of the number of ovarian follicles. Furthermore, by interfering with the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, these particles disturb the normal levels of ovarian androgens and endocrine balance and delay the growth of gonads. Exposure to MNPs can accelerate carcinogenesis in the female reproductive system in humans and animal models. Animal studies have determined that these particles can accumulate in the placenta, causing metabolic changes, disrupting the development of the fetus, and endangering the health of future generations. In humans, the presence of micro/nanoplastics in placenta tissue, infant feces, and breast milk has been reported. These particles can directly affect the health of the mother and fetus, increasing the risk of premature birth and other pregnancy complications. This review aims to outline the hazardous effects of micro/nano plastics on female reproductive health and fetal growth and discuss the results of animal experiments and human research focusing on cellular and molecular pathways.

Impact of high-fructose diet and metformin on histomorphological and molecular parameters of reproductive organs and vaginal microbiota of female rat

There are limited data on the effects of a high-fructose diet on the female reproductive system. Although metformin has some functional effects on female fertility, its reproductive outcome on high fructose diet-induced metabolic syndrome is unclear. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the impact of a high fructose diet on histomorphological and molecular parameters of the reproductive organs and vaginal microbiota as well as the treatment potential of metformin. Wistar albino rats were used in the study. The metabolic syndrome model was induced by a high-fructose diet in rats for 15 weeks. Metformin was orally administered once a day for the last 6 weeks. The high-fructose diet increased blood glucose, triglycerides, insulin, and ovarian testosterone levels; however, it reduced ovarian aromatase levels and follicle numbers and caused uterine inflammation. The high-fructose diet-induced molecular abnormalities on ovarian tissue were demonstrated by the downregulation of ovarian insulin signaling pathway proteins and dysregulation of ovarian mitogenic and apoptotic pathway proteins. A high-fructose diet caused vaginal dysbiosis, metformin increased probiotic bacteria in the vaginal microbiota. Our results revealed that metformin improves ovarian impairments by modulating hormonal balance, insulin level, mapk, and apoptotic signaling molecules, as well as regulating the vaginal microbiota.

Dietary exposure to di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) for 6months alters markers of female reproductive aging in mice.

The female reproductive system ages before any other physiological system, making it a sensitive indicator of aging. Early reproductive aging is associated with the early onset of infertility and an increased risk of several diseases. During aging, systemic and reproductive oxidative stress and inflammation levels increase through inflammasome activation, leading to ovarian follicle loss. Other markers of reproductive aging include increased fibrosis and shortening of telomeres in ovarian cells. The factors that accelerate reproductive aging are unclear, but likely involve exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a widely used phthalate and humans are exposed to it daily. Several studies show that DEHP induces reproductive toxicity by affecting estrous cyclicity, follicle numbers, and hormone levels. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying DEHP-induced early onset of reproductive aging. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that dietary exposure to DEHP induces early reproductive aging by affecting inflammation, fibrosis, and the expression of telomere regulators and antioxidant enzymes. Adult CD-1 female mice were exposed to vehicle (corn oil) or DEHP (0.5, 1.5, or 1500ppm) via the chow for six months. Exposure to DEHP increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes and Casp3, increased expression of telomere-associated genes, and increased fibrosis levels in the ovary. In addition, DEHP exposure for 6months altered ovarian and systemic inflammatory status. Collectively, our novel data suggest that 6-month dietary exposure to DEHP may accelerate reproductive aging by affecting several reproductive aging markers in female mice.

The effect of different doses of estradiol benzoate on follicle development and twin birth in beef cattle with induced superovulation

Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of estradiol benzoate (EB) on inhibiting the development of non-dominant follicles and inducing twin calves in beef heifers. Beef heifers were synchronized using estradiol plus progesterone (P4), and superovulation was induced using a small-dose follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) protocol. From day 6.5 to day 7.5, every heifer was treated with 0, 0.1, 0.2, or 0.5 mg EB three times at 12 h intervals to eliminate excess dominant follicles. The diameters of the two largest follicles (F1 and F2) continually increased from day 3.5 to day 10. However, the growth rate was constrained by exogenous EB, and the degree of suppression was greatest in the 0.5 mg EB treatment compared with other treatments. As a result, the number of large follicles (≥10 mm) decreased as the EB dose increased. Compared with the control treatment, the incidence of animals experiencing triple ovulation was significantly lower in the 0.5 mg EB treatment; however, the single-ovulation rate showed the inverse. This study demonstrated that 0.2 mg EB could modulate the development of two to three co-dominant follicles after a small-dose FSH treatment. The number of twin births was higher in the 0.2 mg EB treatment.

Analysis of influencing factors of clinical pregnancy rate in second cycle intrauterine insemination.

To explore the factors influencing the clinical pregnancy rate in the Reproductive Center of the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College in the second cycle, a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 175 patients who underwent the second cycle of intrauterine insemination (175 cycles) from July 2019 to July 2022 was performed. According to whether the patients reached clinical pregnancy, they were divided into the pregnant group (32 cycles) and non-pregnant group (143 cycles). The age, infertility years, infertility factors, infertility type, number of sinus follicles, intimal thickness, intimal type, basal follicle-stimulating hormone, basal luteinizing hormone, basal estradiol, stimulation regimen, season, body mass index, and male semen quality were statistically analyzed between the 2 groups. The number of intrauterine insemination (IUI) in the second cycle was 175, and the clinical pregnancy rate was 18.3% (32/175). The age of the pregnant group was lower than that of the non-pregnant group [(26.7 ± 1.07) vs (30.56 ± 0.51), P = .05]. The clinical pregnancy rate in patients aged ≤30 years was significantly higher than that in patients aged > 30 years [28.6% vs 7.1%, P < .05]. Among infertility factors, the pregnancy rate of patients who underwent IUI due to female factors was significantly higher than that of male factors, combined factors (both male and female), and unexplained infertility, and the differences were statistically significant [37.1% vs 22.4%, 18.2%, 3.2%, P < .05]. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age and infertility factors were independent influencing factors of clinical pregnancy rate in the second cycle of IUI. In, while in artificial insemination, female age and infertility factors were important factors affecting the clinical pregnancy rate of the second cycle of IUI. If the outcome of the first cycle is not pregnant, the female age is <30 years, infertility is the female factor, and the second cycle of IUI can be considered.

Apigenin Improves Ovarian Dysfunction Induced by 4-Vinylcyclohexene Diepoxide via the AKT/FOXO3a Pathway.

Perimenopausal syndrome is a significant issue that disturbs women's metabolism, mood and quality of life. Apigenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a natural flavonoid that exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The present study aims to investigate the effect of apigenin on perimenopausal syndrome by combining bioinformatics analysis with in vivo experiments. The mouse model with perimenopausal syndrome was established using 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) treatment. Apigenin alleviated VCD-induced disorder of estrous cycle and shrinkage of ovarian tissue. The reduction of anti-Muller hormone and the increase of follicle stimulation hormone and luteinizing hormone triggered by VCD were reversed by apigenin in a dose-dependent manner. Apigenin suppressed the VCD-induced decrease of primordial, primary, secondary and antral follicle number in ovarian tissue. Oxidative stress in ovarian tissue was activated by VCD treatment through increasing the reactive oxygen species production. High concentration of apigenin significantly reversed the alteration induced by VCD. Apigenin alleviated VCD-induced cell apoptosis through regulating Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved PARP1 and caspase-3. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of AKT and FOXO3a was inhibited by VCD and activated by apigenin in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, apigenin effectively mitigates the ovarian dysfunction through suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis via the AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway.

Exosomes derived from Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell promote hair regrowth in C57BL6 mice through upregulation of the RAS/ERK signaling pathway.

Androgenetic alopecia is one of the common types of hair loss and has become a medical and social problem due to its increasingly young onset. Existing therapies, although effective, have serious side effects and therefore better treatments need to be sought. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and to investigate the mechanism of exosome regulation of hair growth. First, we randomly divided 20 C57BL/6J mice into blank group, model group, positive control group and exosomal hydrogel group, and mice were treated with hair removal on the back. The mice were injected intraperitoneally with dihydrotestosterone solution except for the blank group. At the end of the experiment, new hairs were collected and the differences in length, diameter and number of hair follicles were compared among the groups; the histopathological changes of hair follicles were observed by HE staining; the expression of androgen receptor mRNA and protein in skin tissues were compared; and the skin tissues were analyzed by real-time PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence staining and transcriptome sequencing. Finally, the results of transcriptome sequencing experiments were verified by real-time PCR, western blotting and other techniques for the corresponding genes and proteins. Compared with the blank group, mice in the model group had shorter hair length and reduced hair diameter, and pathological observation showed that the total number of hair follicles was significantly reduced and the hair follicles were miniaturized; compared with the model group, mice in the positive control and exosome groups had longer hair length, larger hair diameter and more hair follicles; the androgen receptor mRNA content and protein expression in the skin tissue of mice in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank group, and the protein expression in the exosome gel group was lower than that in the model group. Similarly, compared with the model group, the expression of stemness-related proteins K15 and CD200 in the skin tissues of mice in the exosome group increased, and the expression of PCNA, a protein related to cell proliferation, increased. The KEGG data showed that the differential genes were mainly enriched in the RAS/ERK pathway. In this study, we demonstrated the therapeutic effect of umbilical cord MSC-derived exosomes on androgenetic alopecia and verified that exosomes regulate hair follicle stem cell stemness through the RAS/ERK pathway to promote hair proliferation and thus hair growth in mice with androgenetic alopecia, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for androgenetic alopecia.

Establishment of a mouse model of ovarian oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide

IntroductionOxidative stress, resulting from environmental changes, significantly affects female fertility. Developing a mouse model to study oxidative stress lays the groundwork for research into human reproductive health and livestock fertility.Materials and methodsIn this study, we established and evaluated an oxidative stress model by administering hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to mice. ICR mice of similar age (7–8 weeks old) and average body weight (31.58 ± 1.12 g) were randomly assigned to four groups (A, B, C, and D). Group A served as the control and was injected with a saline solution, while groups B, C, and D received saline solutions containing 0.75%, 1.50%, and 3.0% H2O2, respectively, over one week. We measured the body weights of all mice before and after the experimental period.Results and discussionOur findings showed that the average body weight of mice in groups A and B increased, while groups C and D experienced weight loss. Group C showed a significantly lower average weight gain compared to groups A and B, and group D exhibited an even more pronounced reduction in weight gain. Although group D had a high mortality rate, there was no significant difference in mortality rates among groups B, C, and D. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased with higher concentrations of H2O2, with a significant difference noted between groups C and A. Catalase (CAT) activity in group B was significantly higher than in group A, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in group C was notably elevated compared to groups A and B. Conversely, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in group C was significantly lower than in both group A and group B. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining revealed changes in ovarian morphology and follicle dynamics. The percentage of atretic follicles in group C was significantly higher than in the control group, and group D had a significantly lower total number of healthy follicles compared to the untreated group. Increased H2O2 content resulted in a reduction of ovary size and an irregular appearance in group D.ConclusionBased on our findings, treatment with 1.50% H2O2 effectively established an oxidative stress model in mice within 1 week. This model serves as a valuable reference for future clinical studies on oxidative stress and reproductive disorders in female animals and humans.

High-altitude hypoxia exposure alters follicular metabolome and oocyte developmental potential in women.

To explore the effects of high-altitude hypoxia on the microenvironment of oocyte development and fertilization potential, we compared the metabolomic patterns of follicular fluid from women living in different altitude areas and traced their oocyte maturation and subsequent development. A total of 315 clinical cases were collected and divided into three groups according to their residence altitudes: 138 cases in low-altitude (< 2300m) group, 100 cases in middle-altitude (2300-2800m) group and 77 cases in high-altitude (> 2800m) group. The clinical outcomes were statistically estimated, including hormonal level, oocyte maturation, in vitro fertilization, and embryo development. Meanwhile, a metabolomic analysis was performed on the follicular fluid of women from different groups using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry and differential metabolites were analyzed through the KEGG pathway. The clinical data indicated that the physical condition and reproductive hormone secretion were similar among different groups. Although personalized gonadotropin-releasing hormone strategies were applied, the numbers of antral follicles and obtained oocytes were not impacted by the residence altitude change. In in vitro culture, the maturing rate, fertility rate and cleavage rate of high-altitude group were compared with the other groups. However, the rates of high-quality embryo, formative blastocyst, and available blastocyst were gradually decreased with the rise of residence altitude. Metabolome analysis identified 1193 metabolites in female follicular fluid. Differential analysis indicated that metabolic components in follicular fluid were remarkably changed with the elevation of residence altitude. These differential metabolites were closely related with amino acid metabolism, protein digestion and absorption, oocyte meiosis and steroid biosynthesis. The residence altitude alters the microenvironment of follicular fluid, which could damage the oocyte developmental potential. This study provides diagnostic basis and therapeutic targets for research on female oocyte and embryo development.

Thyroid hormones in female and male reproduction with special reference to dogs and cats

Thyroid hormones have an important function in numerous physiological processes in humans and animals, including the regulation of metabolism, growth and development of individual and reproductive function. The thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), have a direct effect on the reproductive organs and an indirect effect in interaction with other hormones. Thyroid hormones influence the reproductive system by regulating metabolism and tissue development of the ovaries, uterus and placenta. Changes in the serum concentrations of T3 and T4 lead to disturbances in overall body function. Thyroid dysfunction, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can lead to significant reproductive problems. The aim of this review was to describe the functions of thyroid hormones and the effects of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism on the animal reproductive system. Hypothyroidism is often caused by autoimmune diseases such as lymphocytic thyroiditis, and is associated with later puberty, reduced fertility and abnormalities in reproductive organ development. Hypothyroidism can lead to a prolonged interval, absent cycles, silent oestrus cycles, prolonged oestrus bleeding, and a lack of libido, with the occurrence of infertility, miscarriages, stillbirths and mummified foetuses. In males, hypothyroidism leads to a decrease in libido, semen quality, ejaculate volume, testicular atrophy, hypospermia and azoospermia. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, is usually the result of thyroid cancer, which produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. Increased concentrations of thyroid hormones lead to disturbances in the physiological balance of reproductive hormones, irregular oestrus cycles, anovulation and reduced fertility, as well as a decrease in the weight of the ovaries and the number of healthy follicles, with a simultaneous increase in the number of atretting follicles. The effects of hyperthyroidism on male fertility include disorders of spermatogenesis, changes in sex hormone levels and changes in sperm quality, such as hypospermia, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia. It is important to diagnose and treat thyroid disorders in time in order to prevent negative effects on fertility and reproduction in animals.

The effect of rapamycin treatment on mouse ovarian follicle development in dehydroepiandrosterone-induced polycystic ovary syndrome mouse model.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex reproductive and endocrine disorder affecting 5-10% of women of reproductive age, but the pathophysiology of PCOS still remains unknown. Here, the aim of our study was to analyze the effects of rapamycin treatment that may regulate impaired hormonal levels and folliculogenesis in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-treated PCOS mouse. We hypothesized that rapamycin may ameliorate the negative effects of PCOS in DHEA-induced PCOS mouse model. The target of rapamycin (TOR) gene product is a serine/threonine kinase that has been implicated in the control of cell growth, proliferation and autophagy, and rapamycin is a potent inhibitor of mTORC1 pathway. In this study, for the first time, mTORC1 and activation products are presented at protein and mRNA levels after rapamycin treatment in DHEA-induced PCOS mouse ovary. We showed that rapamycin treatment may regulate follicular development, hormonal levels and provide ovulation in DHEA-induced PCOS mouse. Additionally, we assessed decreased primordial follicle reserve, increased number of primary and secondary follicles, corpus luteum structure forms again after 10 days of rapamycin treatment. This study presented here suggests rapamycin treatment regulates hormonal phenotype and folliculogenesis in the ovary and also mTOR signalling pathway in granulosa cells of DHEA-induced PCOS mouse ovary which may have potential to attenuate understanding the mechanism of dominant follicle selection and anovulatory infertility.

Stimulation of Hair Growth Effect by Fermented Ginsenosides Using Levilactobacillus brevis THK-D437

Hair growth is crucial for physiological functions and psychological well-being, leading to an increasing demand for research in this area. While low-molecular ginsenosides have been shown to promote hair growth in mice, studies on their effects are limited, and there is a lack of research examining the impact of ginsenoside fermentation products derived from lactic acid bacteria. This study investigated the hair-growth-promoting effect of fermented ginsenoside by fermentation of Levilactobacillus brevis THK-D437, which was isolated from the traditional Korean fermented food kimchi and features high β-glucosidase activity. In the cell-based MTT assay, the proliferation rate was increased by 25% in the fermented ginsenoside-treated group on human hair dermal papilla cells (HHDPCs). In the alopecia mouse model study (C57BL/6 mouse model), enhanced hair growth was observed in the fermented ginsenoside-treated mouse groups. Tissue histological analyses showed that the number of hair follicles and the thickness of the epidermis, respectively, were increased in the fermented ginsenoside-treated mouse groups. These results suggested that fermented ginsenoside has a promoting effect on hair growth and a retarding effect on the catagen stage. Therefore, fermented ginseng products might be a new potential therapeutic candidate for promoting hair growth.

Ultrasound in in vitro fertilization programs

Ultrasound examination is an integral part of in vitro fertilization programs. This work shows that the antral follicle count compared to the level of antimüllerian hormone is a preferred marker for assessing the ovarian reserve, response to ovarian stimulation and the results of in vitro fertilization programs, while counting the antral follicle count can be carried out on any day of the menstrual cycle without reducing the informativeness of the study of the ovarian reserve, which is convenient for both patients and doctors. 3D transvaginal ultrasound allows automated assessment of the number of antral follicles with high accuracy and efficiency in less time than 2D transvaginal ultrasound. Using 3D transvaginal ultrasound and artificial intelligence, a threshold value of dominant follicle volume of 0.5 cm3 or greater was determined as a marker for predicting the number of mature oocytes in in vitro fertilization programs. The measurement of endometrial thickness and volume in combination with the determination of vascularization index, flow index, vascularization-flow index and systole-diastolic ratio in the uterine artery at transvaginal ultrasound allows predicting the results of in vitro fertilization programs. Modern possibilities of transabdominal oocyte aspiration using vaginal probe are presented.

Progesterone peak influences embryonic developmental morphokinetics on trigger day? A retrospective study

ObjectivePremature Progesterone Rise (PPR) is characterized by elevated serum progesterone concentrations either towards the end of the follicular phase or on the trigger day, surpassing a pre-defined threshold value. Aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of PPR exceeding 1.5 ng/ml at the time of hCG-trigger on embryo morphokinetic parameters and to identify predictive biomarkers of in IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) cycles outcomes.MethodsIt is a retrospective study including patients underwent ICSI cycles in the period 2020–2023. 58 patients were recruited in the study group showing P levels in the trigger day greater than or equal to 1.5 ng/ml. A matching control group of 58 patients with P levels below 1.5 ng/ml was after selected. The general characteristics of these patients, including age, Body Mass Index (BMI), antral follicle count (AFC), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, the type of infertility and smoking/non-smoking patients, were recorded on the day of their initial visit. Subsequently, data were collected regarding the number of eggs retrieved, mature eggs, successfully fertilized eggs, and embryos reaching the blastocyst stage. Additionally, the timing of embryonic development and the quality of obtained blastocysts, as assessed by the degree of expansion and the characteristics of the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE), were evaluated using Time-Lapse technology.ResultsElevated P levels exceeding 1.5 ng/ml on the trigger day were directly associated with a significantly larger number of antral follicles, consequently leading to a higher count of retrieved eggs, mature eggs, successfully fertilized eggs and embryos reaching the blastocyst stage. Furthermore, the analysis of morphokinetic parameters indicated faster division times and a notably greater number of high-grade blastocysts in the study group compared to the control group.ConclusionsP levels ≥ 1.5 ng/ml on the trigger day did not negatively impact embryonic morphokinetic parameters, instead resulting in faster embryo development in the initial stages.

The impact of enhanced early postnatal nutrition on the histomorphological features of the ovaries in fat-tailed Sanjabi ewe lambs.

This study aimed to investigate whether providing additional ad libitum feeding could improve reproductive characteristics in prepubertal ewe lambs. Twelve Sanjabi ewe lambs, approximately one-month-old and with an average initial weight of 11.6 ± 1.3kg, were monitored over a 3-month period, which was divided into three distinct periods of 30 days each. The first period spanned from the lambs' age of one to two months, the second period covered their age range of two to three months, and the third period encompassed their age range of three to four months. The lambs were randomly assigned to either a control group (C) or a treatment group (T). The control group received a basal diet consisting of hay and milk, whereas the treatment group received an enhanced diet comprising hay, milk, and concentrate. Live weight (LW) and average daily gain (ADG) were measured weekly, and blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at days 30, 60, and 90 of the experiment to determine the concentrations of progesterone (P4) and estrogen (E2). Following the 90-day experiment, the lambs were humanely euthanized in accordance with established protocols. Subsequently, both ovaries from each animal were removed, weighed and subjected to a comprehensive histological analysis. The ovaries underwent fixation, embedding, and sectioning procedures, followed by staining with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to facilitate microscopic examination. Ovary microscopic sections from both C and T groups were examined to assess follicles at various developmental stages, including primordial follicle number (PreFN) and diameter (PriFD), primary follicle number (PriFN) and diameter (PriFD), secondary follicle number (SFN) and diameter (SFD), antral follicle number (AFN) and diameter (AFD), and granulosa layer thickness of secondary (GLTSF) and antral follicles (GLTAF). The impact of diet and three experimental periods on ADG and LW exhibited significant variations. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in LW in the T group compared to the T group, with noticeable differences in LW fluctuations observed during distinct periods. However, ADG was more prominent in the initial and second observation periods than in the third. The impact of diet and experimental periods on P4 and E2 concentrations was found to be negligible. The T group showed significant improvements (P < 0.05) in PreFD, PriFN, and GLTAF compared to the C group. This study suggests that ad libitum concentrate feeding may promote reproductive characteristics in prepubertal ewe lambs. Further research is needed to explore its potential impact on the age of puberty.

Yougui Pills Alleviates Diminished Ovarian Reserve Through Regulating Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Rats

Objective Yougui pills (YGP) have been used clinically to treat diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), but, whether YGP could have a palliative effect in the DOR rat model and the underlying mechanisms have not been clearly elucidated. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanisms of YGP in rats with cortisol-induced DOR. Methods The cortisol-induced DOR model was used to investigate the protective effects and mechanism of YGP on DOR. The DOR model was established by intramuscular injection of 25 mg/kg cortisol for 28 consecutive days. Meanwhile, the rats were weighed and administered intragastrically YGP or progynova. To evaluate the mitigating effect of YGP on DOR, pharmacodynamic indicators were assessed including body weight, estrous cycle, H&amp;E staining, and serum levels of AMH, FSH, LH, and cortisol. Oxidative stress (OS) and apoptosis pathways were further validated using Western blotting analysis. Result YGP significantly ameliorated the symptoms of DOR. Administration of YGP improved the ovarian index, estrous cycle, and body weight. After treatment with YGP, cortisol, FSH, and LH levels declined and AMH levels elevated. YGP increased the number of primary, secondary, and antral follicles, but decreased the number of atretic follicles. Mechanically, YGPtreated cortisol-induced DOR via the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway which regulates OS. YGP also reversed the aberrant expression of apoptosis-related proteins Caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax. Conclusion YGP could reduce ovarian OS and apoptosis in cortisol-induced rats via regulating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby enhancing ovarian reserve function.