Reproductive System Research Articles

The genomic and epigenomic landscapes of hemizygous genes across crops with contrasting reproductive systems

Hemizygous genes, which are present on only one of the two homologous chromosomes of diploid organisms, have been mainly studied in the context of sex chromosomes and sex-linked genes. However, these genes can also occur on the autosomes of diploid plants due to structural variants (SVs), such as a deletion/insertion of one allele, and this phenomenon largely unexplored in plants. Here, we investigated the genomic and epigenomic landscapes of hemizygous genes across 22 genomes with varying propagation histories: eleven clonal lineages, seven outcrossed samples, and four inbred and putatively homozygous genomes. We identified SVs leading to genic hemizygosity. As expected, very few genes (0.01 to 1.2%) were hemizygous in the homozygous genomes, representing negative controls. Hemizygosity was appreciable among outcrossed lineages, averaging 8.7% of genes, but consistently elevated for the clonal samples at 13.8% genes, likely reflecting heterozygous SV accumulation during clonal propagation. Compared to diploid genes, hemizygous genes were more often situated in centromeric than telomeric regions and experienced weaker purifying selection. They also had reduced levels of expression, averaging ~20% of the expression levels of diploid genes, violating the evolutionary model of dosage compensation. We also detected higher DNA methylation levels in hemizygous genes and transposable elements, which may contribute to their reduced expression. Finally, expression profiles showed that hemizygous genes were more specifically expressed in contexts related to fruit development, organ differentiation, and stress responses. Overall, hemizygous genes accumulate in clonally propagated lineages and display distinct genetic and epigenetic features compared to diploid genes, shedding unique insights into genetic studies and breeding programs of clonal crops.

Prevalence and Determinants of Suspected Reproductive Tract Infection/Sexually Transmitted Infection among Women of a Reproductive Age Group (15–49 Years) in Rural Puducherry

Abstract Background: Reproductive tract infection (RTI) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) comprise a hidden epidemic causing significant health and economic consequences. There is a paucity of literature on RTI/STI prevalence and health seeking behavior among South Indian reproductive women. Hence, we carried out this study in rural Puducherry to ascertain the prevalence, contributing factors, and treatment-seeking behavior of suspected RTI/STI among women of a reproductive age. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural field practice area of JIPMER, Puducherry, between September 2018 and January 2020. Symptoms suggestive of RTI/STI were assessed according to the syndromic approach guidelines devised by World Health Organization for RTI/STI. Point estimates were reported as proportions with 95% confidence interval (CI). Log binomial regression was performed to identify the factors associated with suspected RTI/STI. Results: In total, 370 reproductive age group women participated in the study. The prevalence of suspected RTI/STI was 29.2% (95% CI: 24.6%–34.1%). Vaginal discharge (96.3%) was the most common RTI/STI symptom. Nearly 40% had history of similar symptoms in the past. Nearly one third (30.9%) did not seek care in any health facility. In multivariable analysis, women aged 15–19 years had higher risk of having suspected RTI/STI (aPR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.02–4.25) when compared to women aged 40–49 years. Women using copper-T had 1.69 times higher risk of having suspected RTI/STI (aPR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.13–2.52) when compared to women using other forms of contraceptives. Conclusion: Almost one in three reproductive age women had suspected RTI/STI in rural Puducherry. Almost one-third of them did not seek care from any health facility.

Complement Factor B Deficiency Is Dispensable for Female Fertility but Affects Microbiome Diversity and Complement Activity

Abstract: Complement factor B (CFB) is a crucial component for the activation of the alternative pathway due to the formation of the C3 convertase with C3b, which further produces C3b to enhance the overall complement activity. Although Cfb is expressed not only in the immune tissues, but also in the reproductive tract, the physiological role of the alternative complement pathway in reproduction remains unclear. In this study, we addressed this issue by producing Cfb-knockout (KO) mice and analyzing their phenotypes. Sperm function, number of ovulated oocytes, and litter size were normal in KO mice. In contrast, the diversity of microbiomes in the gut and vaginal tract significantly increased in KO mice. Some serine protease activity in the serum from KO mice was lower than that of wild-type mice. Since the serum from KO mice showed significantly lower activity of the alternative complement pathway, CFB was found to be essential for this pathway. Our results indicate that although the alternative pathway is dispensable for normal fertility and development, it maintains the gut and vaginal microbiomes by suppressing their diversity and activating the alternative complement pathway.

Enucleated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells regulate immune microenvironment and promote testosterone production through efferocytosis

BackgroundTestosterone deficiency (TD) occurs most frequently in older men and can cause many health problems. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is widely used to treat TD, but this regimen can lead to a series of side effects. Stem cell therapy has been wildly studied in vitro. However, due to the multidirectional differentiation potential and heterogeneity of stem cells, it is difficult to achieve the good efficiency and reproducibility in basic research and clinical applications. This study aims to identify a new strategy for the treatment of TD.MethodsBone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) were enucleated by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. The organelles and cellular functions of enucleated BMSCs were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterized. For the animal studies, enucleated BMSCs were labelled with Mitotracker and injected into ethane dimethanesulfone (EDS)-treated rats. Testosterone production and spermatogenesis were detected at different time points through various tests. To determine the mechanism of efferocytosis, we analysed the number of macrophages by immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).ResultsThe injection of enucleated BMSCs (Cargocytes) into the testes of EDS-treated rats restored the levels of serum testosterone, increased the number of Leydig cells (LCs), and improved spermatogenesis. We found that enucleated BMSCs underwent apoptosis earlier than BMSCs did. Subsequently, testicular interstitial macrophages phagocytosed apoptotic enucleated BMSCs through efferocytosis. Efferocytosis promoted macrophage polarization from the M1 to the M2 phenotype, reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and decreased the levels of inflammation and oxidative stress.ConclusionsIn summary, this study pioneered the application of stromal cell enucleation technology to repair tissue damage in the reproductive system, explored the potential of cell burial in the treatment of reproductive system diseases and provided a new approach for the clinical treatment of male infertility.

Inorganic Nanoparticles in Reproduction Biology: Opportunities and Challenges.

The development of inorganic metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) has attracted significant attention in biomedical and biotechnological fields. An emerging field in this context is the use of MNPs in reproduction biology. Here, we review the development of MNPs in the field of reproduction by focusing on their interactions with highly delicate and specialized germ cells like spermatozoa and oocytes as well as developing embryos. By their unique physicochemical properties, MNPs are good candidates for targeted imaging and delivery of biofunctional molecules to the specific sites of the gametes and reproductive cells. Furthermore, functionalized MNPs can serve as transfection vectors for the generation of transgenic animals by sperm-mediated gene transfer (SMGT) in artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization. In addition, MNPs have shown great promise in application fields such as semen collection, nano-purification, cryopreservation, and sex sorting of sperm in the livestock industry. The article includes an in-depth discussion on the uptake, translocation mechanism, and bioresponse of the MNPs to reproduction-relevant sites on the clinical, cellular, and molecular levels. Based on these promising achievements, the current challenges and prospects of the development of these functionalized MNPs for clinical research in conjunction with the reproductive system will be discussed.

Musk and Ambergris Aphrodisiacs in the Premodern Intercultural Origins of Endocrine Pharmacy.

This article explores the historical uses of two animal medicines that are understood in current biomedicine to have potential endocrine activity: deer musk and whale ambergris, which were prized as aphrodisiacs in the early-modern world. It diverges from the focus in existing scholarship on nineteenth-century gonadal organotherapy as the precursor for the modern discovery of the sex-steroid hormones, looking instead at the older examples of deer musk and whale ambergris that were commonly prescribed both in medieval Islamicate and early-modern European Christianate medical sources. The early-modern Latin, French, German and English description of these substances as fertility, aphrodisiac, and rejuvenative remedies indicates a direct exchange of pharmacological concepts and substances relating to the human sexual and reproductive systems between Europe and the Middle East from the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries. The article explores how musk and ambergris were used in early-modern Western medicine, and how knowledge of them circulated across cultures. I argue that musk and ambergris, which were both thought to have effects on vitality, fertility, and potency in medieval Middle Eastern and early-modern European traditions, trouble the view of the origins of sex-steroid hormone endocrinology as deriving purely from modern European gonadal opotherapy. The valuing of these substances as fertility, vitality, and aphrodisiac remedies in the work of early-modern European physicians was indicative of both the globalization of medical knowledge, and an increased commercial trade in pharmacological material goods, confirming the view of medical globalization as a multi-directional historical process constituted in both conceptual and material terms.

Establishing the Mechanisms Involved in the Environmental Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in the Risk of Male Infertility.

Exposure to toxic chemicals, such as plasticizers, alkylphenol compounds, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), has increased due to environmental contamination. PCBs, categorized as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), are lipophilic chemicals commonly used in lubricants, cutting oils, and electrical insulators. PCBs may have detrimental effects on hormone-producing glands, potentially contributing to male infertility. Thus, the objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the adverse effects of PCBs on the male reproductive system. Searches of three electronic databases were performed using MESH terms and 32 studies were included. Although the exact mechanism of action for PCBs remains unclear, several PCBs are regarded as potential endocrine disruptors due to their ability to interact with hormone signaling pathways. PCBs have been found to disrupt physiological functions by mimicking endogenous hormones as agonists or antagonists, altering patterns of hormone synthesis, hormone receptor affinities or numbers, and modulating enzymes involved in hormone secretion. These reports highlight the pleiotropic nature of PCB function and the susceptibility of the reproductive system. Endocrine-disrupting PCBs can mimic, alter, or block hormonal responses, inhibiting natural signaling to the testes and epididymis via various mechanisms such as binding to sex hormone-binding globulin and androgen-binding protein or blocking cell surface receptors. Furthermore, PCBs can alter the hormonal environment in the prostate or seminal vesicles by changing the affinity of androgens for their receptors. The testicles and genital organs may be susceptible to various estrogenic effects, leading to changes in the quality or quantity of their secretions and the volume of semen.

Description of Panagrolaimus hamomucronatus sp. n. (Rhabditida, Panagrolaimidae) from Spain

Summary A new species of the genus Panagrolaimus, P. hamomucronatus sp. n., is described from oak bark with lichens in the southern Iberian Peninsula. This species is characterised by having body 1.15-1.18 mm long in females and 0.91-1.16 mm long in males, habitus slightly sigmoid after fixation in females and ‘J’-shaped in males, cuticle with transverse striations, lateral fields with three longitudinal incisures, a lip region with six conoid lips ending in a setiform process, amphids rounded to oval, stoma with cheilostom bearing scarcely refringent rhabdia, a gymnostom as long as wide with very refringent rhabdia and stegostom short with well-sclerotised rhabdia, pharynx with pharyngeal corpus subcylindrical (1.6-1.9 times isthmus length) with metacorpus not swollen, nerve ring surrounding the anterior part of the isthmus, excretory pore at isthmus level, deirids at level of the isthmus, female reproductive system monodelphic-prodelphic with ovary without flexures and post-vulval uterine sac 0.6-0.7 times the corresponding body diam. long, rectum 1.3-1.5 times anal body width long, female tail conoid with fishhook-like mucron and phasmids at 73-76% of its length, male reproductive system monorchid with testis ventrally flexioned anteriorly, eight pairs of genital papillae (three precloacal and five postcloacal) with phasmids located posterior to the papilla GP6, spicules with manubrium ventrally bent and lamina with reduced dorsal hump and well-developed ventral velum, and gubernaculum slightly deltoid. Its phylogenetic position is studied based on 18S rDNA. An updated list of species is provided together with a new illustrated key to species identification.

Methanol Extract of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Root and Its Active Ingredient, Puerarin, Induce Apoptosis in HeLa Cells and Attenuates Bacterial Vaginosis in Gardnerella vaginalis-Infected Mice

Pueraria lobata (Willd.) has been used as food since ancient times, and its roots have been used mainly as a traditional herbal medicine to treat various diseases in East Asia. Puerarin is one of the major active ingredients in the roots of P. lobata. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the methanol extract of P. lobata roots (PRME) and puerarin on apoptosis in cervical cancer and inflammation-relieving effects in vaginitis. First, we prepared the PRME and confirmed the puerarin content of PRME through HPLC analysis. We performed a TUNEL assay, Hoechst 33342 staining, and western blotting using HeLa cells, a human cervical cancer cell line. Both the PRME and puerarin exhibited antiproliferative effects in HeLa cells by inducing apoptosis through the activation of the extrinsic death receptor and intrinsic mitochondrial pathways, thereby demonstrating their anticancer efficacy against human cervical cancer. Next, a mouse model of vaginitis induced by Gardnerella vaginalis (GV) infection was established by inoculating C57BL/6 mice with β-estradiol-3-benzoate and GV (1 × 108 CFU). Histological analysis and PCR confirmed that the administration of PRME or puerarin to GV-infected mice alleviated reproductive tract vaginitis symptoms. Additionally, we confirmed that PRME or puerarin treatment decreased myeloperoxidase activity and reduced inflammation by regulating cytokines through the secretion of inflammatory mediators in mouse vaginal tissue. These results demonstrate that PRME and puerarin can be used as potential adjuvants or therapeutic agents with anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties to inhibit the progression of human cervical cancer and alleviate vaginitis.

Tributyl Phosphate Induced Male Reproductive Toxicity in Mice.

Tributyl phosphate (TBP) is an emerging hazardous material that is ubiquitous in the environment. However, whether TBP affects the male reproductive system remains unknown. In this study, we exposed male ICR mice and mouse spermatocyte GC-2 cells to TBP to explore the male reproductive toxicity of TBP. The results revealed that TBP (50 and 100 mg·kg-1·day-1) decreased sperm count and motility, damaged testicular structure, and induced apoptosis in mice after 35 days of oral gavage. TBP (10, 50, and 200 μM) inhibited cell viability, induced apoptosis, and reduced the ratio of BCL2/BAX in GC-2 cells after 24 h of exposure. TBP (50 and 200 μM) triggered the buildup of reactive oxygen species and induced a reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential within GC-2 cells. In addition, TBP led to gut microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic profile alterations and increased the abundance of Prevotellaceae, which are negatively associated with sperm motility. Furthermore, TBP caused inflammation, induced the infiltration of Th17 cells into the mouse small intestine, and stimulated IL-17A signaling in mouse testes. In conclusion, TBP induced male reproductive toxicity via the gut-testis axis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, offering fresh perspectives on TBP's reproductive hazards in male mammals.

A pharmacoinformatic approach for studying Atractylodes Lancea DC’s anticancer potential and control ROS-mediated apoptosis against prostate cancer cells

IntroductionProstate cancer (PCa) is a malignancy characterized by abnormal cell proliferation in the prostate gland, a critical component of the male reproductive system. Atractylodes lancea DC. (ALD), a medicinal herb commonly used in traditional Asian medicine, is highly regarded for its antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. Virtual docking stud-ies have identified Atractylenolide II and III as active components of ALD, demonstrating strong binding potential to inhibit androgen receptor (AR) activity, with docking scores of -8.9 and -9.3, respectively. These findings suggest that ALD may exert a synergistic effect comparable to or greater than that of enzalutamide (ENZ) in inhibiting AR. How-ever, its specific anticancer and anti-metastatic mechanisms in prostate cancer remain unclear.MethodsThe cytotoxic effects of ALD were evaluated on PC3 and DU145 prostate cancer cells, as well as on the normal prostate cell line BPH-1. Cell viability was assessed using the EZ-Cytotoxic kit, while colony formation assays and TUNEL staining were used to meas-ure proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Apoptosis was further analyzed through an-nexin V-FITC/PI staining and quantified by flow cytometry (FACS). Western blotting was performed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Additionally, mito-chondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and intracellular calcium levels were measured to evaluate mitochondrial function, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was assessed with and without pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) .ResultsALD selectively reduced the viability of PC3 and DU145 prostate cancer cells while spar-ing BPH-1 normal prostate cells, demonstrating cancer-selective cytotoxicity. ALD dis-rupted mitochondrial function by reducing ΔΨm and increasing intracellular calcium lev-els. A concentration-dependent increase in ROS generation was observed in PC3 and DU145 cells, which was completely inhibited by NAC pretreatment, confirming a ROS-mediated mechanism. Colony formation assays revealed a significant reduction in prolif-eration, while TUNEL and annexin V-FITC/PI staining indicated enhanced apoptosis. Western blot analysis showed that ALD modulates critical survival pathways, leading to apoptotic cell death.DiscussionThese findings demonstrate that ALD exerts potent anticancer effects against metastatic prostate cancer cells through ROS-mediated apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction, while exhibiting minimal cytotoxicity toward normal prostate cells. The presence of ac-tive compounds such as Atractylenolide II and III suggests a synergistic interaction that enhances AR inhibition and promotes apoptosis. ALD’s ability to engage multiple path-ways highlights its therapeutic potential as a selective and multifaceted treatment for ag-gressive prostate cancer.

Anabolic androgenic steroids intake and its impact on male reproductive system - systematic review

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are a significant lifestyle factor in infertility and are often used to enhance physical performance and appearance. Endogenous AAS regulate male sex organ development and secondary characteristics. Commonly used AAS include testosterone esters like undecanoate and enanthate, as well as nandrolone esters, testosterone cypionate, and testosterone propionate—along with nandrolone esters, such as nandrolone decanoate and nandrolone phenylpropionate, stanozolol and methandrostenolone (also known as methandienone). AAS bind to androgen receptors, promoting muscle growth by increasing protein synthesis and promoting the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor 1 axis. AAS are commonly administered via intramuscular injection or oral ingestion. Injectable forms of AAS have extended half-life due to esterification, while oral AAS face reduced bioavailability because of first-pass metabolism. Adverse effects of AAS include cardiovascular, endocrine, neuropsychiatric and dermatological issues. AAS usage has a huge impact on male fertility. Anabolic androgenic steroids intake can result in suppressing gonadotropins, leading to reduced sperm concentration, testicular dysfunction and hypogonadism, which can lead to decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. While some effects on fertility may be reversible, recovery timelines vary.

Effect of Menstrual Hygiene Module on awareness, perception, and practice of menstrual hygiene among visually challenged females in selected residential schools of Uttarakhand: A quasi-experimental study

Vision disability ranks among the top 10 disabilities in people under 18 and older. Their needs are often neglected, placing them at potential risk for a wide array of problems. The right to dignified menstrual hygiene is often violated. This study aimed to assess the effect of the Menstrual Hygiene Module (MHM) on the awareness, perception, and practice of menstrual hygiene among visually challenged females in selected residential schools of Uttarakhand. A two-group pretest and posttest study was conducted among 75 visually challenged females in both the experimental and control groups, who experienced menstruation and had not attained menopause through a total enumerative sampling technique. Participants were assessed for awareness, perception, and practices for menstrual hygiene using a self-structured questionnaire followed by administration of the MHM to participants in the experimental group. The module comprised health teaching, tactile diagrams on the female reproductive system taken from As We Grow Up: A Tactile Book on Menstrual Hygiene Management, published by the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (UN organization), prototypes of menstrual products, and three-dimensional (3D) models on the female reproductive system. The intervention was followed by a posttest. The mean age of participants in the experimental and control groups was found to be 14.05 ± 2.27 and 14.48 ± 2.39 years, respectively. In the experimental group, the mean awareness score increased from 7.41 ± 1.11 to 7.92 ± 1.07 (paired t-value: 6.40), whereas the perception score increased from 22.168 ± 2.35 to 32.088 ± 2.75 (paired t-value: 33.33), tested at the .05 level of significance. The majority of the practices remain unchanged even after the intervention such as a way of recognizing the onset of menstruation in both the groups. The study concluded that there is a great need for empowering visually challenged females to achieve dignified menstrual hygiene. The module developed as part of the study can be further used to dispel information on menstrual hygiene among visually challenged females in different areas.

Effect of Antenatal Monthly Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine, Alone or with Azithromycin, on Gestational Weight Gain and Anemia during Pregnancy and One Month Postpartum in Malawi: A Randomized Controlled Trial Secondary Analysis.

Low gestational weight gain (GWG) and prenatal anemia are associated with adverse pregnancy, maternal and infant health outcomes. In a secondary analysis of a single-center, randomized, partially placebo-controlled, outcome assessor-blinded, controlled trial conducted in Malawi from 2003 to 2006, when antiretroviral treatment (ART) for HIV was not widely available, we studied whether GWG can be increased and the prevalence of maternal anemia decreased during pregnancy and at 1 month postpartum through the intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) of maternal malaria and reproductive tract infections. The participants (≥15-year-old women with uncomplicated second trimester single pregnancies) received either sulfadoxine (1,500 mg) and pyrimethamine (75 mg; SP) twice (control group, n = 433), monthly SP (n = 439), or monthly SP and azithromycin (1,000 mg) twice (AZI-SP, n = 441) during pregnancy. The mean weekly GWG in the sample was 256 g/week. The participants in the monthly SP group gained, on average (95% CI), 4 g (-13 to 20; P = 0.671), and those in the AZI-SP group gained 25 g (8-41; P = 0.003) more weight per week than control group participants. Among HIV-positive participants (12%), the differences were larger and also significant between the monthly SP group and control group. Mean hemoglobin and anemia prevalence did not differ between the groups during pregnancy or postnatally. The data support a hypothesis that IPTp with monthly SP and two doses of azithromycin can increase GWG, especially among HIV-positive women who are not on ART, possibly through the reduction of infections, inflammation, and effects on the maternal gut microbiome.

Higher oxidative balance score is associated with a decreased risk of infertility: an analysis of NHANES 2013–2020

BackgroundOxidative stress plays a crucial role in the female reproductive system. The oxidative balance score (OBS) is a new measure for assessing the balance between antioxidant and pro-oxidative factors in diet and lifestyle. However, limited studies have explored the relationship between OBS and infertility.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study including 2,664 women aged 20–45 years, based on data from the 2013–2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The OBS was derived from 16 dietary components and 4 lifestyle factors. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to examine the association between OBS and infertility.ResultsThe analysis revealed a significant negative association between higher OBS and infertility risk, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.98 (95% CI, 0.95–1.00) after full adjustment. Compared to the first quartile of OBS, the second, third, and fourth quartiles showed ORs of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.45–1.11), 0.79 (95% CI, 0.51–1.22), and 0.57 (95% CI, 0.35–0.92), respectively. Similarly, women in the highest dietary OBS and lifestyle OBS quartiles had a lower infertility risk compared to those in the lowest quartiles, with ORs of 0.60 (95% CI, 0.39–0.94) and 0.54 (95% CI, 0.32–0.93), respectively. Furthermore, subgroup analysis indicated that the association between the fourth quartile of OBS and infertility remained consistent, except among women with other ethnicities—including multi-racial, and college graduate or higher.ConclusionThese findings suggest that high dietary OBS and lifestyle OBS are associated with a lower risk of infertility.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Impact Fertility: A Review.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has become the established method of treatment for various types of cancers, consequently introducing a spectrum of side effects referred to as immune- mediated adverse events, affecting almost every organ, including the reproductive system. Moreover, very little clinical data is available that suggests the detrimental effect of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy on fertility, sexual health, or potential pregnancies. In this manuscript, we reviewed the impact of immunotherapy on male and female fertility and its effect on sexual health. Patients undergoing systemic treatment with immunotherapy often experience sexual dysfunction, decreased sexual drive, erectile dysfunction, and a decline in vaginal lubrication. Fertility-desiring patients who do not receive adequate counseling may ultimately face a higher likelihood of developing anxiety, depression, and a decreased quality of life post-treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to address the reproductive consequences of planned treatment, disseminate knowledge about novel treatments and preventive measures for reproductive side effects, and provide guidance on fertility preservation. Individuals experiencing secondary reproductive dysfunction due to the tumor or its treatment should receive proactive treatment for the underlying condition and be offered hormone replacement therapy.

Ultrasonography for sex determination of Lebranche mullet

Ultrasonography has been increasingly used in aquaculture breeding programs for non-invasive determination of sex and the gonad maturation stage in fish. For the first time, this image exam was performed on a mugilid (Lebranche mullet). Nineteen male and 12 female fish were submitted to this evaluation, which were selected because they were identified to be in the final gonad maturation stage, which was previously confirmed through spermiation by abdominal pressure and ovarian sampling biopsy (oocytes of 626 ± 12 μm), respectively. The ultrasound images were obtained after anesthesia, using a linear multifrequency probe at the frequency of 8 MHz in females and 10 MHz in males, which revealed significant differences in echogenicity between the gonads. In males, the testes presented a hypoechoic and homogeneous aspect, while in females the ovaries had a hyperechoic appearance and granular echotexture, compared to adjacent body structures. The scanning time for sexual identification and characterization of reproductive system structures in each fish was 2.58 ± 1.68 seconds for males and 2.40 ± 1.05 seconds for females, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in relation to sexing time. Thus, the identification of the sex of the Lebranche mullet (Mugil liza) through ultrasonography proved to be an effective, fast and non-invasive method when applied to fish with mature gonads during the species’ reproductive period.

Ayurvedic management of Vataja Yoni Vyapad - A Case Study

Vataja Yoni Vyapad is a disease condition of the female reproductive system that causes distressing menstrual symptoms and other complications such as prolapse of the reproductive organs, that severely affects the woman’s quality of life. Acharyas have mentioned a variety of oral medications and Sthanika Chikitsa that corrects the Dosha Dushti and imparts Bala to the Sthana that provide significant relief to the symptoms. In the present case study, a 34-year-old patient presented with premenstrual symptoms and severe dysmenorrhea and pain in the vaginal and vulval region. She was treated with oral medications and two cycles of Yoni Abhyanga Sweda and Veshavara Dharana after which her symptoms significantly reduced.

Morphological and molecular characterisation of Aculonchus fumanensis sp. nov. (Nematoda, Dorylaimida, Leptonchidae) from Iran, with a revised taxonomy of the genus

Summary A new species of the rare leptonchid genus Aculonchus collected from two natural habitats of northern Iran, is characterised, including morphological description, morphometrics and molecular (18S, 28S rDNA) study. Aculonchus fumanensis sp. nov. is distinguished by its 0.64-0.92 mm long body, cuticle tylencholaimid and with abundant radial refractive elements, lip region cap-like, 9.5-10 μm wide and offset by deep constriction, stylet 26-32 μm long, odontophore bearing distinct basal flanges, neck 145-177 μm long, pharyngeal basal bulb up to one-sixth of the total neck length and bearing a valvular chamber inside, female genital system di-ovarian with simple uterus and transverse vulva (V = 51-66), female tail conical and almost straight (25-34 μm, c = 20-27, c′ = 1.5-2.1), and male unknown. The taxonomy of Aculonchus is revised, with an updated diagnosis, list of species, key to their identification, and a compendium of their main morphometrics. Besides, the evolutionary relationships of Aculonchus are briefly discussed.

Motile cilia: Key developmental and functional roles in reproductive systems.

Cilia are specialized microtubule-based organelles that extend from the cell surface and are classified into non-motile and motile types. The assembly and function of cilia are regulated by a complex molecular network that enables motile cilia to generate fluid flow across epithelial surfaces through coordinated beating. These motile cilia are found in the respiratory, nervous, and reproductive systems. In males, motile cilia are found in the efferent ducts and facilitate the transport of sperm from the testis to the epididymis. In females, they are mainly found in the oviducts, where they help to transport, nourish and fertilize eggs, and are also present in the endometrial epithelium. This review compares the common factors that affect motile cilia in both male and female reproductive tracts, discusses the origin and development of multiciliated cell and cilia within the efferent ducts and oviducts, and enumerates the infertility or related reproductive diseases that may arise due to motile cilia defects. In males, motile cilia in the efferent ducts create turbulence through their beating, which keeps semen suspended and prevents ductal obstruction. In females, motile cilia are distributed on the epithelia of the oviducts and the endometrium. Specifically, motile cilia in the infundibulum of the oviduct aid in capturing oocytes, while cilia in the isthmus region have been found to bind to sperm heads, facilitating the formation of the sperm reservoir. Several common factors, such as miR-34b/c and miR-449, TAp73, Gemc1, and estrogen, etc., have been shown to play crucial regulatory roles in motile cilia within the efferent ducts and oviducts, thereby further influencing fertility outcomes. Pathogenic mutations that disrupt ciliary function can impair ciliogenesis or alter the structure of sperm flagella, potentially resulting in infertility. Consequently, motile cilia in both the male and female reproductive tracts are crucial for fertility. There are still numerous unresolved mysteries surrounding these cilia that merit further investigation by researchers, as they hold great significance for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of infertility and related reproductive disorders.