Female Reproductive Function Research Articles

GAMBARAN PERSEPSI REMAJA PUTRI TENTANG BAHAYA PEROKOK PASIF TERHADAP FUNGSI REPRODUKSI WANITA DI SMAN 1 GALIS PAMEKASAN

Cigarette smoke inhaled by passive smokers (not smoking) is as dangerous as cigarettes and smoke inhaled by active smokers (smoking). Therefore, the diseases suffered by passive smoking are almost the same as those suffered by active smokers. The impact of smoking on secondhand smoke can interfere with female reproductive functions such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, etc. The purpose of this study was to describe the perceptions of young women about the dangers of passive smoking on women's reproductive function.
 The research method used is descriptive. The study population was 315 girls at SMAN 1 Galis Pamekasan. The sample consisted of 176 people with stratified random sampling technique. The variable used is a single variable, namely the perception of young women. Data collection using a Likert scale questionnaire.The results showed that 176 adolescent girls (55.7%) had a positive perception of the dangers of passive smoking on female reproductive function.The conclusion of this study is that young women have positive perceptions about the dangers of passive smoking on female reproductive function. Efforts made are that young women are trying hard to avoid cigarette smoke, the school has made strict and strict rules about prohibiting smoking in the school environment by giving heavier sanctions such as calling parents of students, and the family making changes to smoking habits in the house, etc.

Characterization of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Gene in Buffaloes and Goats.

The Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily, playing a significant role in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. In females, AMH is secreted throughout their reproductive life span from ovaries, whereas in males it is secreted by gonadal cells at a very early stage of testicular development. AMH is a promising marker of ovarian reserve in women and can be used to measure the female reproductive lifespan. In the present study, we cloned and sequenced the GC rich AMH gene from Indian riverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and goat (Capra hircus). Obtained sequences were compared to the AMH sequences of other mammals, and corresponding amino acid sequences revealed that the caprine and bovine AMH sequences are more closely related to each other than to those of other mammals. Furthermore, we analyzed the chromosomal localization of AMH genes in mammalian species to understand potential syntenic relationship. The AMH gene is localized between the sequences for the SF3A and JSRP1 genes and maintains this precise location in relation to other nearby genes. The dN/dS ratio of AMH gene did not indicate any pressure for either positive or negative selection; thus, the physiological function of the AMH gene in the reproduction of these two ruminant species remains very vital. Similar to other mammals, the AMH gene may be an important indicator for regulating female reproductive biology function in bovine, cetacean, caprine, and camelidae.

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF LONG-TERM ADVERSE SIDE EFFECTS OF CYTOSTATIC DRUGS ON FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION AND PHARMACOLOGICAL WAYS TO REDUCE THEM

The purpose of the study was a comparative experimental assessment of long-term toxic effects of cytostatic drugs (epirubicin, etoposide, platidiam, carboplatin, paclitaxel) on the female reproductive function and search for pharmacological ways to reduce them.Material and Methods. Experiments were carried out on 200 outbred male rats, Wistar stock, 2.5 months old. Antitumor drugs were administered once, intravenously, in maximum tolerated dose. The reproductive status in rats was assessed 90 and 180 days after injection of cytostatic drugs. Correction of ovariotoxicity of cytostatic drugs was carried out using a recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CS F, Neupomax, FARMSTA NDA RT-UfaVITA OJSC , Russia) and liquid extract of Scutellaria Baikalsky («GNTsLS », Kharkov). The mating and fertility ability of female rats as well as pre- and post-implantation fetal mortality were determined. Ovarian reserve was evaluated using morphological analysis of the ovaries using quantitative assessments of structural damage. Concentration of anti-Muller hormone in the blood of adult rats-females receiving etoposide and rhG-CS F were evaluated by enzyme immunoassay (IFA, ELISA , Cloud clone, Corp. Wuhan). Statistical processing of obtained experimental data was performed using Mann-Whitney U-test and Fisher angular transformation.Results. The mating and fertility ability of animals was found to be persisted. However, signs of early depletion of the ovarian reserve and a decrease in reproductive potential were observed. The risk of early menopause was increased to a greater extent after using epirubicin, etoposide and paclitaxel, and to a lesser extent after platidiam and carboplatin. The reproductive potential of animals was reduced due to increased fetal death. Platinum-containing drugs were found to be the most toxic. G-CS F was the effective drug for protecting the ovarian reserve from cytostatic effects. The use of Scutellaria baicalensis extract increased the reproductive potential of animals by reducing the rate of embryonic death.

Women with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience a shorter reproductive period compared with nondiabetic women: the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC) study and the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN).

Evidence suggests that insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia may disrupt the female reproductive system's normal function, leading to delayed menarche and premature ovarian aging. We thus compared the length of the reproductive period of women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to women without diabetes. Women with childhood-onset T1D (diagnosed in 1950-80) from the prospective Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC) study and nondiabetic women from the Pittsburgh site of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) were studied. Exclusion criteria comprised not having reached natural menopause, hysterectomy/oophorectomy before menopause, and sex hormone therapy during the menopausal transition. Reproductive history was self-reported. The historical and Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation hormonal algorithms were also used to assess menopause status. Women in the T1D cohort (n = 105) were younger, more likely to be White, never smokers, with lower BMI and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (all P values < 0.05) compared with women without diabetes (n = 178). After covariate adjustment, T1D women were also older at menarche (0.5-y delay, P = 0.002) but younger at natural menopause (-2.0 y, P < 0.0001). Women with T1D thus experienced 2.5 fewer reproductive years compared to those without diabetes (P < 0.0001). These findings were restricted to the subgroup of women who were diagnosed with T1D before reaching menarche (n = 80). Women with T1D onset before menarche have a shorter reproductive period compared with nondiabetic women, exhibiting delayed menarche and earlier natural menopause. Factors that may be related to a shorter reproductive period in T1D should be investigated.

Maternal Reproductive Toxicity of Some Essential Oils and Their Constituents.

Even though several plants can improve the female reproductive function, the use of herbs, herbal preparations, or essential oils during pregnancy is questionable. This review is focused on the effects of some essential oils and their constituents on the female reproductive system during pregnancy and on the development of the fetus. The major concerns include causing abortion, reproductive hormone modulation, maternal toxicity, teratogenicity, and embryo-fetotoxicity. This work summarizes the important studies on the reproductive effects of essential oil constituents anethole, apiole, citral, camphor, thymoquinone, trans-sabinyl acetate, methyl salicylate, thujone, pulegone, β-elemene, β-eudesmol, and costus lactone, among others.

PROLACTIN AND HYPERPROLACTINAEMIA IN FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY – AN UPDATE

Hyperprolactinaemia is one of the most frequent causes of anovulation, resulting in infertility and hypoestrogenic state with consequences on overall women’s health. Recent investigations on biological actions of prolactin, especially prolactin of extrapituitary origin, expand our knowledge on prolactin role in the human organism and open new questions connected with female reproductive function and treatment of female infertility. This article represents the review of current knowledge on prolactin physiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical features, assessment , differential diagnosis ,and teatment of hyperprolactinaemia in the female patient.

The growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 axis in cattle during the peri-ovulatory period activates the synthesis and release of oviductal contraction related substances.

Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) are crucial for female reproductive functions. The cyclic regulation of the local GH/IGF1 axis in the oviduct and its involvement in oviductal contraction in cattle has not been investigated. Thus, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression for GH receptor (GHR), IGF1, IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) in the whole oviducts, as well as in cultured bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOECs) were evaluated. The GHR, IGF1, and IGF1R mRNA expression was significantly higher during postovulatory phase. The luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol-17β (E2), and LH + E2 treatments significantly increased GHR and IGF1 mRNA expression in cultured BOECs. Further, GH and combination of GH with LH and E2 upregulated IGF1 mRNA expression in the BOECs. Moreover, IGF1 + LH and combined IGF1 + LH + E2 treatments significantly increased prostaglandin synthesis cascade enzyme mRNA expression in the BOECs. An ex vivo microdialysis assay revealed that GH and IGF1 induced the release of oviductal contraction related prostaglandins, endothelin-1, and angiotensin II in follicular and postovulatory phases. Together, the findings strongly suggest that the presence of the active GH/IGF1 axis during the peri-ovulatory period, regulating the local system for the release of oviductal contraction related substances, which may provide the optimal oviductal environment for gametes and early embryo.

Repeated Dose Toxicity Study and Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Studies of a Respiratory Syncytial Virus Candidate Vaccine in Rabbits and Rats.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections, and vaccines are needed to treat young children and older adults. One of GSK's candidate vaccines for RSV contains recombinant RSVPreF3 protein maintained in the prefusion conformation. The differences in immune function of young children and older adults potentially require different vaccine approaches. For young children, anti-RSV immunity can be afforded during the first months of life by vaccinating the pregnant mother during the third trimester with unadjuvanted RSVPreF3, which results in protection of the infant due to the transplacental passage of anti-RSV maternal antibodies. For older adults with a waning immune response, the approach is to adjuvant the RSVPreF3 vaccine with AS01 to elicit a more robust immune response.The local and systemic effects of biweekly intramuscular injections of the RSVPreF3 vaccine (unadjuvanted, adjuvanted with AS01, or coadministered with a diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine) was tested in a repeated dose toxicity study in rabbits. After three intramuscular doses, the only changes observed were those commonly related to a vaccine-elicited inflammatory reaction. Subsequently, the effects of unadjuvanted RSVPreF3 vaccine on female fertility, embryo-fetal, and postnatal development of offspring were evaluated in rats and rabbits. There were no effects on pregnancy, delivery, lactation, or the pre- and postnatal development of offspring.In conclusion, the RSVPreF3 vaccine was well-tolerated locally and systemically and was not associated with any adverse effects on female reproductive function or on the pre- and postnatal growth and development of offspring.

TGF-β1 stimulates aromatase expression and estradiol production through SMAD2 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in human granulosa-lutein cells.

Estradiol (E2), one of the main steroid hormones secreted by the ovaries, plays an important rolein maintaining normal female reproductive function. Ovarian granulosa cells are the main source of E2 production because these cells express aromatase, which is encoded by the CYP19A1 gene and catalyzes the final step in E2 biosynthesis from androgens. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and its receptors are expressed in human granulosa cells, and TGF-β1 expression can be detected in human follicular fluid. To date, TGF-β1 has been shown to regulate various ovarian functions. However, whether aromatase can be regulated by TGF-β1 in human granulosa cells has not been determined. In the present study, we demonstrate that TGF-β1 stimulates aromatase expression in primary human granulosa-lutein cells and in the human ovarian granulose-like tumor cell line, KGN. We used pharmacological inhibitors and small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown approaches to reveal that the SMAD2 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways are involved in TGF-β1-induced aromatase expression and E2 production. These results not only provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms that mediate TGF-β1-induced aromatase expression and E2 production in human granulosa cells but also increase the understanding of the normal physiological roles of TGF-β1 in the ovary.

Female reproductive function after treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The aim was to evaluate self-reported reproductive characteristics and markers of ovarian function in a nationwide cohort of female survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), because prior investigations have produced conflicting data. Self-reported reproductive characteristics were assessed by questionnaire among 357 adult 5-year survivors, treated between 1964 and 2002, and 836 controls. Ovarian function was assessed by serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and inhibin B and by antral follicle count (AFC). Differences between controls and (subgroups of) survivors (total group, chemotherapy [CT]-only group, CT and radiotherapy [RT] group) were analyzed. Survivors treated with CT only do not differ from controls regarding timing of menarche, virginity status, desire for children, or pregnancy rates. Compared to controls, the CT+RT group was at significantly increased risk of a younger age at menarche (P<.01), virginity, an absent desire for children, and lower pregnancy rates (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI]: 0.3 [CI 0.1-0.6], 0.5 [0.3-0.9], and 0.4 [0.2-0.9], respectively). Survivors in the CT-only group were significantly younger at the birth of their first child. Pregnancy outcomes were not significantly different between any (sub)groups. Survivors treated with total body irradiation (TBI) or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are at increased risk of abnormal markers of ovarian function. Reproductive function of ALL survivors treated with CT only does not differ from controls. However, survivors additionally treated with RT seem to be at an increased risk of certain adverse reproductive outcomes. Providing personalized counseling about (future) reproductive health risks in this group is imperative.

Improvement Effect of Metformin on Female and Male Reproduction in Endocrine Pathologies and Its Mechanisms.

Metformin (MF), a first-line drug to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), alone and in combination with other drugs, restores the ovarian function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and improves fetal development, pregnancy outcomes and offspring health in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and T2DM. MF treatment is demonstrated to improve the efficiency of in vitro fertilization and is considered a supplementary drug in assisted reproductive technologies. MF administration shows positive effect on steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in men with metabolic disorders, thus MF treatment indicates prospective use for improvement of male reproductive functions and fertility. MF lacks teratogenic effects and has positive health effect in newborns. The review is focused on use of MF therapy for restoration of female and male reproductive functions and improvement of pregnancy outcomes in metabolic and endocrine disorders. The mechanisms of MF action are discussed, including normalization of metabolic and hormonal status in PCOS, GDM, T2DM and metabolic syndrome and restoration of functional activity and hormonal regulation of the gonadal axis.

COVID-19 Stressor: Implications for Changes in Menstruation Physiology and Mental Health

Background: Stress is a physiological reaction to awful stimuli that is regulated by neuroendocrine pathways. COVID-19 is one of the most stressful events nowadays. Female reproductive function is maintained by menstrual cycle which is negatively affected by hyperstimulation of stress response. This study evaluates the impact of COVID-19 on menstruation and mental health, and the influence of COVID-19-associated mental disorders on menstruation. Methods: Online questionnaire was conducted among Jordanian female medical students during COVID-19. The survey compared menstrual characteristics, depression, anxiety, and stress during COVID-19 with 10-months before. Data were analysed using SPSS software.Results: Significant change in menstrual cycle length and bleeding amount during COVID-19 compared with before was observed. Menstrual signs like nausea, vomiting, breast pain, and urinary urgency during menstruation were significantly increased during COVID-19 (P=0.000, P=0.008, and P=0.024, respectively). Total depression, anxiety, and stress scale 21 (DASS-21) score mean was significantly increased after COVID-19 compared with before (22.68 vs 31.10, P=0.000), and total means of depression, anxiety and stress subscale scores were significantly increased during COVID-19 (P=0.000). During COVID-19, significant positive correlation between total DASS-21 and heavy bleeding was detected. Mental disorders, and amenorrhea, urgency, nausea, and vomiting were positively correlated after COVID-19.Conclusion: This study introduces a general insight into the effect of COVID-19 on menstruation and mental health, and the relationship between them, which could serve as a baseline for planning and introducing stress mitigation interventions in similar crisis situations.Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.Declaration of Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest with regards to this study.Ethics Approval Statement: The Hashemite University Institutional Review Board Committee has reviewed and authorized this study. Additionally, informed electronic consent to attend the study and publish the data was obtained from each participant.

Theaflavin 3, 3'-Digallate Delays Ovarian Aging by Improving Oocyte Quality and Regulating Granulosa Cell Function.

Ovarian aging refers to the gradual decline of ovarian function with increasing physiological age, manifested as decreased ovarian reserve, elevated aging-related markers, and reduced oocyte quality. With a declining female fertility and a growing aging population, it is urgent to delay ovarian aging to maintain fertility and improve the life quality of women. Theaflavin 3, 3′-digallate (TF3) is a naturally bioactive polyphenol compound extracted from black tea, and its antioxidant properties play an important role in maintaining human health and delaying aging; however, the effects of TF3 on female reproduction and ovarian function are not yet clear. Here, we show that TF3 can preserve primordial follicle pool, partially restore the estrous cycle, and increase the offspring number of aged mice. Meanwhile, TF3 gavage increased the number of oocytes retrieved, decreased the level of reactive oxygen species, increased the level of glutathione, and decreased the abnormal rate of oocyte spindle after ovulation induction. Moreover, TF3 inhibited human granulosa cell apoptosis and improved their antioxidative stress ability. High-throughput sequencing and small-molecule-targeted pharmacological prediction show that TF3 affects multiple pathways and gene expression levels, mainly involved in reproductive and developmental processes. It may also affect cellular function by targeting mTOR to regulate the autophagic pathway, thereby delaying the process of ovarian aging. This study shows that TF3 can be used as a potential dietary supplement to protect ovary function from aging and thereby improving the life quality of advanced-age women.

Селен как функциональный компонент женской репродуктивной системы и его роль в генезе осложнений беременности

This paper reviews studies on selenium (Se) in human reproduction. Low Se intake is associated with the development of gestational hypertension, miscarriage, premature birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and thyroid gland dysfunction. Therefore, studies on the association between Se deficiency and impaired folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, and infertility in women are of great interest. Unfortunately, these studies are scarce, and further studies are needed. A significant antioxidant activity of Se-containing enzymes allows for minimizing risks of obstetrical complications associated with placental insufficiency. Therefore, selenium is vital for realizing female reproductive function. However, even given potential risks of insufficient Se-containing product intake, the authors find it unacceptable to recommend Se dotation in the population since toxic effects of Se excess are yet to be fully explored. Further studies on Se biological effects will extend the scope of its use in obstetrics and gynecology in terms of a preventive approach. KEYWORDS: selenium, placental insufficiency, folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, antioxidant, miscarriage, premature birth, intrauterine growth restriction. FOR CITATION: Sadykova G.K., Olina A.A. Selenium is a functional component of the female reproductive system. Its role in pregnancy complications. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2021;4(4):328–332 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2618-8430-2021-4-4- 328-332.

Variability of essential and non-essential trace elements in the follicular fluid of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)

Both essential and non-essential elements have been associated with female reproductive function in epidemiologic investigations, including among IVF populations. To date, most investigators have used blood or urine to assess biomarkers of exposure, with few employing ovarian follicular fluid (FF). FF may offer a more direct “snapshot” of the oocyte microenvironment than blood or urine, however previous studies report follicle-to-follicle variability in FF constituents that may contribute to exposure misclassification. Our objectives were to investigate sources of trace element variability, to estimate FF biomarker reliability among women undergoing IVF (n = 34), and to determine the minimum number of follicles required to estimate subject-specific mean concentrations. We measured As, Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn, Se, and Zn in FF samples using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry. Inter-subject (between-women) variability contributed most of the variability in FF element concentrations, with ovarian, follicular, and analytical as smaller sources of variability. The proportion of variability attributable to sources between-follicles differed by age, body mass index (BMI), race, and cigarette smoking for Cu, Se, and Zn, by BMI and cigarette smoking for As, by primary infertility diagnosis for Hg, Cu, Se, and Zn, and by ovarian stimulation protocol for Mn and Se. Four to five individual follicles were sufficient to estimate subject-specific mean Cu, Se, and Zn concentrations, while >14 were necessary for As, Hg, Cd, Pb, and Mn. Overall, our results suggest that FF is a suitable source of biomarkers of As and Hg exposure in ovarian follicles. Although limited in size, our study offers the most comprehensive exploration of biological variation in FF trace elements to date and may provide guidance for future studies of ovarian trace element exposures.

Effect of thymectomy on the female reproductive cycle in prepubertal and pubertal female guinea pigs

The proper function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis is essential for maintaining proper female reproductive function. In female mammals, the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis regulates reproductive changes that take place in the estrus cycle and are necessary for successful reproduction. This study aimed to investigate the influence of thymus gland on the female reproductive function in different stages of life. This present study was conducted to investigate the effect of thymectomy on the estrus cycle in prepubertal (5th week) and pubertal (7th week) thymectomized guinea pigs. In this study, 24 female guinea pigs, six thymectomized and six sham-operated in each group were studied. Gonadotropin and 17β-estradiol levels were assessed at regular intervals (days 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15) of the estrus cycle, and the length of the oestrous cycle in the thymectomized and sham-operated guinea pigs was determined. The results showed no significant difference in gonadotropin and 17β-estradiol were detected in thymectomized versus sham-operated guinea pigs at any intervals of the oestrous cycle. Thymectomy did not affect the length of the oestrous cycle of females. In conclusion, the present study results suggested that the presence of thymus during prepubertal and pubertal life was not necessary to regulate the oestrous cycle of female guinea pigs.

The association between in utero exposure to maternal psychological stress and female reproductive function in adolescence: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundExperimental studies suggest that prenatal stress affects reproductive function in female offspring, but human evidence is sparse and inconsistent. In this present study, we aim to investigate whether maternal psychological stress, quantified as stressful life events during pregnancy, affect reproductive function in the female offspring. MethodIn a large population-based pregnancy cohort study (The Raine Study) continuously followed from prenatal life through to adolescence we examined the association between the number of maternal stressful life events in both early and late gestation and subsequent ovarian and uterine function in 228 female adolescent offspring. Mothers prospectively reported stressful life events during pregnancy at 18 and 34 weeks using a standardized 10-point questionnaire. Female offspring (n ​= ​228) age 14–16 years underwent gynecological examination including transabdominal abdominal ultrasound (TAUS) to measure uterine volume and ovarian AFC. Plasma samples on day 2–6 of the spontaneous menstrual cycle measured circulating AMH and inhibin B. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to examine the associations between maternal stressful life events and reproductive function in female offspring. Adolescents taking hormonal contraception were excluded. ResultsMost adolescents (145/228, 64%) were exposed to at least one stressful life event in early gestation and around half (125/228, 55%) were exposed to at least one in later gestation. Exposure to one or more maternal stressful life events in late gestation was associated with a greater uterine volume (β ​= ​0.13, 95% CI 0.04; 0.23) and higher ovarian AFC (β ​= ​0.19, 95% CI 0.02; 0.35) at age 14–16 years. No associations between maternal stressful events in late gestation and reproductive function were identified. No associations between stressful life events in early or late gestation and circulating AMH or Inhibin B were observed. ConclusionMaternal psychological stress in late, but not early gestation was associated with a significantly greater uterine volume and ovarian antral follicle count (AFC) in adolescent offspring but did not affect ovarian production of antimullerian hormone (AMH) or Inhibin B. These findings suggest that female reproductive function is influenced by prenatal exposure to stress.

Potential impacts of COVID-19 on reproductive health: Scientific findings and social dimension.

COVID-19 virus is classified as a respiratory disease that can be mainly transmitted via respiratory droplets, however, there are recently published reports suggested its ability to transmit via sexual intercourse, assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments, pregnancy, and nursing. Although SARS‐CoV‐2 mainly attacks respiratory systems, manifestations of multiple organs have been detected. A significant concern was raised about whether COVID‐19 may affect female and male reproductive functions. These findings imposed more restrictions on social relationships between individuals even if inside the family, adding more physiologic load. In this context, there is a crucial need to identify the biological and behavioral reproductive risk factors associated with COVID­19 disease. Questions regarding the potential risks of sexual transmission during intercourse and/or application of ART, vertical transmission (throughout pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding), the health of pregnant and postpartum women, and fetal or postnatal health problems of neonates/children remain largely unanswered. The contribution of individuals to different social and economic activities depends on the maintenance of good quality life and health. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic raised on the end of December 2019 has drastically affected different aspects of human wellbeing. The pandemic not only affected the health of individuals, but also negatively affected mental health and social interaction. This review illustrates: a) scientific findings related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the reproductive process, considering gender, hormonal balance, gonad functions, pregnancy, and ART, b) the sociosexual dimension of COVID-19 disease and precautions that should be taken to avoid infection via sexual transmission or vertical transmission, which may alleviate the fear associated with continuing normal social relationships and economic activities.

Role of nuclear and membrane estrogen signaling pathways in the male and female reproductive tract

Estrogen signaling through the main estrogen receptor, estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1; also known as ERα), is essential for normal female and male reproductive function. Historically, studies of estrogen action have focused on the classical genomic pathway. Although this is clearly the major pathway for steroid hormone actions, these hormones also signal through rapid non-classical effects involving cell membrane actions. Reports of rapid effects of estrogens extend for more than half a century, but recent results have expanded understanding of the identity, structure, function and overall importance of membrane receptors in estrogen responses. Key findings in this field were the immunohistochemical detection of ESR1 in cell membranes and demonstration that a portion of newly synthesized ESR1 is routed to the membrane by palmitoylation. These receptors in the membrane can then signal through protein kinases and other mechanisms following ligand binding to alter cell function. Another crucial advance in the field was development of transgenic mice expressing normal amounts of functional nuclear ESR1 (nESR1) but lacking membrane ESR1 (mESR1). Both male and female transgenic mice lacking mESR1 were infertile as adults, and both sexes had extensive reproductive abnormalities. Transgenic mice lacking mESR1 were highly protected from deleterious effects of neonatal estrogen administration, and estrogen effects on the histone methyltransferase Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 that are mediated through mESR1 could have significant effects on epigenetic imprinting. In summary, signaling through mESR1 is essential for normal male and female reproductive function and fertility, and is a critical enabler of normal estrogen responses in vivo. Although the precise role of mESR1 in estrogen responses remains to be established, future research in this area should clarify its mechanism of action and lead to a better understanding of how mESR1 signaling works with classical genomic signaling through nESR1 to promote full estrogenic responses.

Comfortable Even Menopouse with Exercise

Menopouse is a health problem related to aging that is sure to be experienced by every woman when she reaches middle age. Menopouse is very dependent on the female reproductive function. Female reproductive function is very dependent on the performance of the ovaries which produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone which will have an impact on the performance of reproductive function. The ovaries are regulated by the hormone gonadotropins, which are produced by the pituitary and regulated by the hypothalamus. For decades, these three organs have communicated harmoniously with each other through negative feedback mechanisms.