Reproductive Span Research Articles

Impact of Antiphospholipid Syndrome on Reproductive Outcomes: Current Insights and Management Approaches.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a disease characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies, thrombosis, and obstetric complications. While patients with APS can have successful pregnancies, many important considerations exist. APS can also cooccur with other systemic autoimmune diseases which can affect pregnancy, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus. This article reviews specific considerations for pregnancy and reproductive health in patients with APS. Similar to other autoimmune diseases, stable or quiescent disease and planning with a rheumatologist and obstetrician prior to conception are vital components of a successful pregnancy. Pregnancy management for patients with aPL antibodies or diagnosis of APS with aspirin and/or anticoagulation depending on disease profile is discussed, as well as the effects of physiologic changes during pregnancy in maternal and fetal outcomes for this population. Given the reproductive span lasts beyond conception through delivery, we include discussions on safe contraception options, the use of assistive reproductive technology, pregnancy termination, menopause, and male fertility. While APS is a relatively rare condition, the effects this disease can have on maternal and fetal outcomes even with available therapies demonstrates the need for more high-quality, evidence-based research.

Exceptional longevity of mammalian ovarian and oocyte macromolecules throughout the reproductive lifespan.

The mechanisms contributing to age-related deterioration of the female reproductive system are complex, but aberrant protein homeostasis is a major contributor. We elucidated the exceptionally stable proteins, structures, and macromolecules that persist in mammalian ovaries and gametes across the reproductive lifespan. Ovaries exhibit localized structural and cell-type specific enrichment of stable macromolecules in both the follicular and extrafollicular environments. Moreover, both ovaries and oocytes harbor a panel of exceptionally long-lived proteins, including cytoskeletal components, mitochondrial, and oocyte-derived proteins. The exceptional persistence of these long-lived molecules might play a critical role in both lifelong maintenance and age-dependent deterioration of reproductive tissues.

Linking menopause-related factors, history of depression, APOE ε4, and proxies of biological aging in the UK biobank cohort

In a subset of females, postmenopausal status has been linked to accelerated aging and neurological decline. A complex interplay between reproductive-related factors, mental disorders, and genetics may influence brain function and accelerate the rate of aging in the postmenopausal phase. Using multiple regressions corrected for age, in this preregistered study we investigated the associations between menopause-related factors (i.e., menopausal status, menopause type, age at menopause, and reproductive span) and proxies of cellular aging (leukocyte telomere length, LTL) and brain aging (white and gray matter brain age gap, BAG) in 13,780 females from the UK Biobank (age range 39–82). We then determined how these proxies of aging were associated with each other, and evaluated the effects of menopause-related factors, history of depression (= lifetime broad depression), and APOE ε4 genotype on BAG and LTL, examining both additive and interactive relationships. We found that postmenopausal status and older age at natural menopause were linked to longer LTL and lower BAG. Surgical menopause and longer natural reproductive span were also associated with longer LTL. BAG and LTL were not significantly associated with each other. The greatest variance in each proxy of biological aging was most consistently explained by models with the addition of both lifetime broad depression and APOE ε4 genotype. Overall, this study demonstrates a complex interplay between menopause-related factors, lifetime broad depression, APOE ε4 genotype, and proxies of biological aging. However, results are potentially influenced by a disproportionate number of healthier participants among postmenopausal females. Future longitudinal studies incorporating heterogeneous samples are an essential step towards advancing female health.

Estimation and Projection of Fertility in Nepal

The text discusses the importance of indirect estimation techniques in understanding population dynamics, particularly in countries with limited or flawed data like Nepal. Indirect methods offer valuable insights into fertility and mortality rates when direct measures are unavailable or unreliable. Techniques like Brass P/F ratio and the logistic curve function are explored for estimating fertility trends and projecting Total Fertility Rates (TFR). These methods involve meticulous analysis and adjustment for data inconsistencies. Indirect estimation plays a crucial role in bridging data gaps and informing demographic analysis and planning, especially in regions undergoing demographic transition. Through these techniques, researchers gain valuable insights into fertility dynamics, contributing to a better understanding of population trends. The text explores fertility estimation in Nepal using Arriaga's method, analyzing data from the 2011 and 2021 censuses. It reveals disparities in lifetime fertility indices, particularly after age 20, with higher rates among women aged 20-24 and 25-34, tapering towards the end of the reproductive span. Arriaga's adjustments address issues like misreporting of children's ages, aiming to rectify discrepancies and estimate the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) for both years. Additionally, the study discusses fertility projections for 2026 and 2031, highlighting the importance of trend extrapolation models and the logistic curve for accurate estimation. The findings underscore the significance of meticulous adjustments and reliable methodologies in understanding fertility dynamics in Nepal.

Female Reproductive Factors and Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: The HUNT Study

BackgroundMore women are living with dementia than men worldwide and there is a need to investigate causes for this female preponderance. While reproductive factors have been investigated as risk factors, the results are conflicting. We aim to clarify this using a large cohort with a long observation time, adjusting for multiple health and lifestyle variables and encompassing a wider range of cognitive impairment.ObjectiveTo study the association between menopause age, menarche age and risk of and risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.SettingThe Trøndelag Health study (HUNT), a longitudinal population health study in Norway (1984–2019).ParticipantsWomen who were ≥70 years in 2017–2019 were assessed for cognitive impairment.MeasurementsData on menopause age and menarche age were obtained from questionnaires. Diagnosis of MCI or dementia was set using a standardised procedure by a diagnostic group of nine physicians. Multinomial logistic regression was used to study the association between menopause age, menarche age and risk of MCI and dementia with adjustment for birth year, education, smoking, ApoE4, number of children, diabetes, body mass index, alcohol use and physical inactivity.ResultsWe evaluated 5314 women where 900 (16.9%) had dementia, and 1747 (32.8%) had MCI. Multiple adjusted relative risk ratio (RRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dementia were: 0.96(95%CI 0.95–0.98) (p<0.001) for menopause age, 0.97(95%CI 0.94–0.99) (p=0.007) for natural menopause age (excluding hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy<55 years) and 0.97(95%CI 0.95–0.99) (p<0.001) for reproductive span (menopause age minus menarche age). Menopause age <45years was associated with a 56% higher risk compared to mean menopause age 50 years. We found no significant associations between menarche age and dementia and no associations with MCI.ConclusionsOlder menopause age and longer reproductive span corresponding to longer oestrogen exposure were associated with a lower dementia risk. Future studies should explore therapeutical options to offset this risk in women.

Incidence of pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome with advancement of parity

Background: Pregnant women are at a risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). It is the most common mononeuropathy of the median nerve which is at risk of compression due to its location. The median nerve is present in the carpal tunnel at the wrist joint level. The median nerve gets compressed which leads to its hampered conduction, affecting the conduction velocity and latency of the nerve adversely as recorded by the electrodiagnostic technique. The chances of compression of the nerve are increased with the number of pregnancies a female goes through in the reproductive span of her life. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze any positive association between parity status and incidence of pregnancy-related CTS (PRCTS) in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 75 pregnant females, recruited from the obstetrics ANC clinic JNMCH, AMU were screened for PRCTS through the electrodiagnostic technique in the neurophysiology laboratory, Department of Physiology, JNMCH, AMU. Out of these 75 pregnant females, 36 (48%) were found to be positive for PRCTS. Results: Among the 36 PRCTS-positive pregnant females, 26 were found to be multiparous, whereas 10 were primiparous. Conclusion: The study found a very strong association (statistically significant) of multiparous pregnant females with PRCTS.

Connections between reproductive health and cognitive aging among women enrolled in the HCHS/SOL and SOL-INCA.

Reproductive health history may contribute to cognitive aging and risk for Alzheimer's disease, but this is understudied among Hispanic/Latina women. Participants included 2126 Hispanic/Latina postmenopausal women (44 to 75 years) from the Study of Latinos-Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging. Survey linear regressions separately modeled the associations between reproductive health measures (age at menarche, history of oral contraceptive use, number of pregnancies, number of live births, age at menopause, female hormone use at Visit 1, and reproductive span) with cognitive outcomes at Visit 2 (performance, 7-year change, and mild cognitive impairment [MCI] prevalence). Younger age at menarche, oral contraceptive use, lower pregnancies, lower live births, and older age at menopause were associated with better cognitive performance. Older age at menarche was protective against cognitive change. Hormone use was linked to lower MCI prevalence. Several aspects of reproductive health appear to impact cognitive aging among Hispanic/Latina women.

Cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity combined with a correlation to the oogenesis process and competing endogenous RNA networks based on a Caenorhabditis elegans model

Accumulation of the heavy metal Cadmium (Cd) in the ovaries and placenta can affect the structure and function of these organs and induce female reproductive toxicity. This toxicity may be due to Cd’s similarity to estrogen and its ability to disrupt endocrine systems. However, the exact molecular mechanism by which Cd causes reproductive toxicity at the transcriptome level remains poorly understood. Hence, this study aimed to observe Cd-induced reproductive damage at the gene level, scrutinize the repercussions of Cd exposure on oogenesis, and explicate the putative pathogenesis of Cd-induced oogenesis based on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as an in vivo model. The results showed that Cd exposure significantly decreased the number of offspring and prolonged the reproductive span of C. elegans. Cd exposure also reduced the number of cells in mitosis and the pachytene and diakinesis stages of meiosis, thereby disrupting oogenesis. Combined with transcriptional sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, a total of 3167 DEmRNAs were identified. Regarding gene expression, cul-6, mum-2, and vang-1 were found to be related to Cd-induced reproductive toxicity, and their competing endogenous RNA networks were constructed. We observed that mutations of mom-2 and vang-1 in the Wnt pathway could induce susceptibility to Cd-caused meiosis injury. In conclusion, the results indicated that Cd could impair the oogenesis of C. elegans and the Wnt pathway might serve as a protective mechanism against Cd reproductive toxicity. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the damaging effects and molecular biological mechanisms of Cd on the human reproductive system.

Associations Between Sex-Specific Reproductive Factors and Risk of New-Onset Lung Cancer Among Female Patients

Several characteristics distinguish lung cancer in women from that in men, with adenocarcinoma being more prevalent in women and occurring more frequently in nonsmoking women. Uncertainty surrounds the relationship between women-specific reproductive factors and lung cancer risk. Are sex-specific reproductive factors associated with risk of lung cancer in different genetic risk groups and histological types? A Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate the association between multiple reproductive factors and the risk of developing lung cancer in a prospective cohort study involving 273,190 women from the UK Biobank. Subgroup analyses stratified by age, smoking status, body mass index, genetic risk, and histological subtype were conducted to further emphasize the modification effects. A total of 1,182 lung cancer in women were recorded over a median follow-up period of 12.0 years in the cohort study. In multivariable-adjusted models, early menarche (age≤11 years: HR 1.22, 95%CI 1.03-1.46), early menopause (age≤46 years: HR 1.49, 95%CI 1.19-1.86), a shorter reproductive span (≤32 years: HR 1.42, 95%CI 1.18-1.71; 33-35 years: HR 1.24, 95%CI 1.00-1.53), and early age at first birth (age≤20 years: HR 1.63, 95%CI 1.33-2.01) were associated with a higher risk of lung cancer. Stratified analysis revealed that several reproductive factors, including early age at menopause, shortened reproductive span, and early age at first birth, had substantially stronger relationship with an elevated risk of lung cancer, particularly of LUAD, in populations with high genetic risk and more detrimental behaviors. Early age at menopause, a shortened reproductive life span, and early age at first birth were associated with higher risks of lung cancer, particularly of LUAD in a subpopulation with higher genetic susceptibility and detrimental behaviors. The evidence provided by this study emphasize the significance of screening for multiple reproductive factors to prevent lung cancer among women.

Long-term effects of different concentrations of vinasse on growth and survival, reproductive and life span characteristics of Artemia franciscana (Kellogg, 1906) and Artemia parthenogenetica

ABSTRACT The larviculture of fish and shellfish is inevitably dependent on live feed such as Artemia, and one of the most critical issues in rearing Artemia is the food supply. Artemia franciscana and Artemia parthenogenetica were raised at two concentrations of vinasse (62.5 and 125 µl L−1). The control diet was algae + wheat bran. The results demonstrated significant differences in the survival of Artemia species grown in different concentrations of vinasse on diets (P < .05). However, no significant differences were observed in the length of 125 µl L−1 and 20% algae with the A. franciscana control (P > .05). The total length in A. parthenogenetica was significantly higher than those received in vinasse (P < .05). The percentage of encysted in A. franciscana and A. parthenogenetica that fed vinasse in any concentration showed significant differences (P < .05) but not for other reproductive and lifespan characteristics (P > .05).

Reproductive biology of the totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi), an endangered species in the Gulf of California

The totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) is an emblematic species endemic to the Gulf of California, which has been protected since the mid-70 s by Mexican and international laws. For the present study, 153 totoaba individuals were collected from 2011 to 2014, on which gonad histology analyses were carried out. We identified six ovarian phases and eleven oocyte subphases in the gonad development of females; in males, four development phases were identified. The totoaba is an iteroparous species based on the number of breeding opportunities. According to the organization of the ovary and the presence of oocyte subphases, ovarian dynamics can be considered asynchronous, as demonstrated by the multimodal distribution of oocyte diameter. The totoaba is a batch spawner that releases oocytes over several months. The reproductive period spans from February to May, with a reproductive peak in March. Likewise, the gonadosomatic index showed that the reproductive activity of totoaba peaked in March and April. The female:male sex ratio, although variable throughout the sampling period, yielded an overall value of 0.89:1, with non-significant differences between the number of females and males (P > 0.05). The length at first sexual maturity (L50%) was 1 354 mm TL for females and 1 299 mm TL for males. The average fecundity was 2 662 626 (standard error, s.e., 1 021 124) oocytes, and the average relative fecundity was 99 (s.e. 22) oocytes g−1 (ovary-free). The mean and maximum oocyte diameter showed a positive and non-significant (P > 0.05) relationship with the mean sea surface temperature.

Polymorphism of the Aromatase Enzyme Gene at the rs700519 Site and Its Relationship with Some Biochemical Variables in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is identified as one of the most common hormonal disturbances that can affect females in their reproductive period, having significant implications on fertility observable during the reproductive span and post-menopause (Hanan et al., 2020). This study was designed to decipher the relationship between PCOS and the polymorphism of the aromatase gene at the rs700519 locus along with certain biochemical variables. The research comprised 50 blood samples from women afflicted with PCOS and 25 samples from non-afflicted women, spanning an age range of 16 to 45 years. Additionally, the study involved exploring the polymorphisms of the aromatase gene (CYP19A1) concerning SNPs rs700519 in both afflicted and non-afflicted women. The electrophoretic analysis of the PCR product on a 1% agarose gel for the aromatase gene (CYP19A1) indicated the presence of three genetic patterns (GG, GA, AA). The allele frequency for the aromatase gene SNP CYP19A1 (rs700519) in women with and without PCOS revealed values of 0.49 and 0.54 for the G allele, and 0.51 and 0.46 for the A allele, respectively. The genetic patterns did not exhibit any significant predisposition, with an Odds Ratio (OR) of 0.818 for the mutant A allele at the CYP19A1 rs700519 locus

Menopause age, reproductive span and hormone therapy duration predict the volume of medial temporal lobe brain structures in postmenopausal women

Medial temporal lobe (MTL) atrophy is correlated with risk and severity of Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology and cognitive decline. Increasing evidence suggest that oestrogens affect the aging of MTL structures. Here we investigate the relationship between reproductive hormone exposure, polygenic scores for AD risk and oestradiol concentration, MTL anatomy and cognitive performance in postmenopausal women. To this end, we used data from 10,924 female participants in the UK Biobank from whom brain MRI and genetic data were available. We fitted linear regression models to test whether the volume of structures comprising the MTL were predicted by a) timing related to menopause, b) the use and timing of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and c) polygenic scores for AD risk and oestradiol concentration. Results showed that longer use of HRT was associated with larger parahippocampal volumes (2.53 mm3/year, p = 0.042). A later age of natural menopause, and a longer reproductive span, was associated with larger hippocampal (6.08 and 5.72 mm3/year, p = 0.0006 and 0.0005), parahippocampal (4.17 mm3 and 4.19 mm3/year, p = 0.00006 and 0.00001), amygdala (2.10 and 2.22 mm3/year, p = 0.028 and 0.01) and perirhinal cortical (2.56 and 2.95 mm3/year, p = 0.028 and 0.008) volumes. Superior prospective memory performance was associated with later age at natural menopause, and a longer reproductive span (ß = 0.05 and 0.05 respectively, p = 0.019 and 0.019). Polygenic scores for AD risk and for oestradiol concentration were not associated with MTL volume and did not interact with menopause-related factors to affect MTL structure. Our results suggest that HRT use did not have any detrimental effects on cognition or brain structure, whilst greater exposure to reproductive hormones across time is associated both with slightly larger volumes of specific MTL structures and marginally superior memory performance, independent of genetic risk for AD and genetic predisposition for higher oestradiol levels. However, the clinical utility of maintenance of oestrogens post-menopause for brain health and protection against cognitive decline is curtailed by the small effect sizes observed.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induces reproductive toxicity and transgenerational reproductive aging in Caenorhabditis elegans

With the large-scale production and use of plastic products, the global plastic pollution problem is becoming more and more serious. The plasticizer di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which is widely used in the production of plastics, has caused great concern for the health of the population. Exposure of organisms to DEHP can cause a variety of health damage, of which reproductive system damage is an important part. At present, there are still few studies on DEHP in reproductive aging, and it is of great significance to explore the role of DEHP in promoting reproductive aging and its underlying mechanism. In this study, the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was used to preliminarily explore the mechanism of DEHP-induced female reproductive senescence. The results showed that DEHP reduced the number of offspring and gonad area of C. elegans, resulting in shortened reproductive and life span, abnormal phenotypes in somatic gonad structure including the Emo phenotype, the BOW phenotype, a twisted gonad arm, and atrophied oocytes. Biochemical studies showed that DEHP promoted oxidative stress and autophagy in C. elegans. Further, we found the decreased number of offspring, malformed somatic gonad structure, oxidative damage and autophagy induced by DEHP in parental worms can be inheritance to the not directly exposed offspring.

Exposure to endogenous and exogenous sex hormones and reproductive history influence prognosis in women with ALS.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with a higher incidence in men suggesting an influence of sex steroids. Our objective was to investigate past exposure to endogenous and synthetic steroids in female ALS patients and controls. We administered a questionnaire to 158 postmenopausal women (75 ALS patients and 83 controls). We calculated reproductive time span (RTS), lifetime endogenous estrogen (LEE) and progesterone exposures (LPE), oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use, and reproductive history. ALS patients showed shorter LEE and LPE, a lower proportion of breast cancer, and 11% showed no history of pregnancies vs. 4% of controls. Odds ratios (ORs) showed that <17 y of LEE and a delayed menarche (>13 y) constitute risk factors for ALS [OR = 2.1 (95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.08-4.2); and OR = 2.4 (95% CI, 1.1-5.1) respectively]. According to Cox survival analysis, for each year the LEE increased over 17 y, it was independently associated with longer survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.37 (95% CI, 0.16-0.85)] after adjusting for smoking, age and site of onset. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that for each month using OCP for longer than 40 mo increased the risk of ALS [adjusted OR = 4.1 (95% CI, 1.2-13.8)]. Thus, longer exposure to endogenous female sex steroids increased survival and reduced ALS susceptibility. In contrast, longer exposure to synthetic sex steroids showed a negative impact by reducing the production of endogenous female sex steroids or due to crossover with other steroid receptors. Given the neuroprotective effects of sex steroids, we suggest that abnormalities of neuroendocrine components may alter motor function in women with ALS.

Analysis of Fatality among COVID-19 Cases in Mexican Pregnant Women: A Cross-sectional Study

This study aims to analyze the fatality of cases confirmed by COVID-19 among pregnant women in Mexico. It is a cross-sectional and analytical study. We used the registries from pregnant women available in the open database of the National Epidemiological Surveillance System from the General Directorate of Epidemiology. We showed descriptive statistics for all the variables. A suspected case of COVID-19 is any person who presented the following signs and symptoms: fever, headache, cough, and others. A confirmed case is any suspected case with a positive RT- PCR test result. We computed OR and 95% confidence intervals to estimate the effect of independent variables on dying from COVID-19. Also, it was calculated the Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) among pregnant women. The alpha value was fixed at 0.05 as a threshold to show statistical significance. The CFR was 1.09%. For confirmed cases, the average age among those who died was higher than among those who did not die (P &lt;0.05). The average time between the onset of symptoms and registration in the system was higher for those who died (P &lt;0.05). Among the deceased, 76.97% had pneumonia. For the 40-49 years age group, the effect on death was statistically significant (OR 4.97, CI95% 1.77 – 17.85). Outpatient care had a protective effect on dying (OR 0.04, CI95% 0.02 – 0.09). Pneumonia was highly associated with death (OR 8.68, CI95% 5.72 – 13.6). Co-morbidities did not affect dying while considering them in a multivariable logistic regression model. Among pregnant women, smoking has little effect on death by COVID-19. The CFR was low compared with the rest of the Mexican population. The co-morbidities had a low prevalence among pregnant women. Since the reproductive age span is young age, pregnant women have two protective factors for COVID-19 detected so far: being young and woman.

Elevated expression of immune and DNA repair genes in mated queens and kings of the Reticulitermes chinensis termites

Studies have identified that mating induces a series of physiological changes in animals. In this period, males tending to invest more energy, immune peptides, and other substances to reduce the cost of living for females. This results in lower survival rates in later life than females. Meanwhile, both males and females shorten lifespans due to reproduction. However, the reasons why termites' queens and kings are both extremely long-lived and highly fecund are unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of mating on the expression of immune and DNA repair genes for lifespan extension in termite queens and kings. Here, we reported that mated queens show relatively higher expression of immune genes (phenoloxidase, denfensin, termicin, transferrin), antioxidant genes (CAT, SOD), detoxification genes (GST, CYP450) than virgin queens in the Reticulitermes chinensis. In addition, mated kings also highly expressed these genes, except for termicin, transferrin, GST, and CYP450. After mating, both queens and kings significantly upregulated the expression of DNA repair genes (MLH1, BRCA1, XRCC3, RAD54-like). Mismatch repair genes (MMR) MSH2, MSH4, MSH6 were considerably increased in mated queens, while MSH4, MSH5, MSH6 were upregulated in mated kings. Our results suggest that mating increases the expression of immune and DNA repair genes in the termite queens and kings, and thus possibly improving their survival during reproductive span due to the omnipresent pathogens.

Association between reproductive span and albuminuria in Korean women

Menopause is a major turning point in women's health. During that time, the reproductive span comes to an end, comprehensive health condition changes dramatically depend on age at menopause which reflects hormonal exposure. Cumulative evidences have supported that women’s reproductive health status, including menopause and estrogen levels is related to albuminuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nephro-protective effect of estradiol was reported in several studies. The exact mechanism is unknown, but estradiol is thought to have a protective effect on glomerular endothelial cell damage that can occur in numerous kidney disease.

Aging-Related Ovarian Failure and Infertility: Melatonin to the Rescue

Aging has a major detrimental effect on the optimal function of the ovary with changes in this organ preceding the age-related deterioration in other tissues, with the middle-aged shutdown leading to infertility. Reduced fertility and consequent inability to conceive by women in present-day societies who choose to have children later in life leads to increased frustration. Melatonin is known to have anti-aging properties related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Its higher follicular fluid levels relative to blood concentrations and its likely synthesis in the oocyte, granulosa, and luteal cells suggest that it is optimally positioned to interfere with age-associated deterioration of the ovary. Additionally, the end of the female reproductive span coincides with a significant reduction in endogenous melatonin levels. Thus, the aims are to review the literature indicating melatonin production in mitochondria of oocytes, granulosa cells, and luteal cells, identify the multiple processes underlying changes in the ovary, especially late in the cessation of the reproductive life span, summarize the physiological and molecular actions of melatonin in the maintenance of normal ovaries and in the aging ovaries, and integrate the acquired information into an explanation for considering melatonin in the treatment of age-related infertility. Use of supplemental melatonin may help preserve fertility later in life and alleviate frustration in women delaying childbearing age, reduce the necessity of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) procedures, and help solve the progressively increasing problem of non-aging-related infertility in women throughout their reproductive life span. While additional research is needed to fully understand the effects of melatonin supplementation on potentially enhancing fertility, studies published to date suggest it may be a promising option for those struggling with infertility.

Fertility and mortality differentials among the Paundra Kshatriya community living in a peri-urban setting, West Bengal, India

Relationship between fertility and mortality is well known, which exists among different populations of the world. This is known as a genetic phenomenon that has been operating in all human populations. This study examines fertility and mortality differentials among the Paundra Kshatriya community living in a peri-urban setting of West Bengal, India. Altogether, 249 Paundra Kshatriya women were interviewed. A subsample was drawn from this sample, numbering 98, who have completed their reproductive span. Differential fertility is 0.3134 and differential mortality is 0.1393, whereas, index of total selection intensity is 0.4964 according to Crow’s (1958) formula and 0.5980 according to Johnston and Kensinger’s (1971) formula in the study population. The higher value according to Johnston and Kensinger’s (1971) formula is probably because of inclusion of embryonic deaths in the latter. Findings of the present study reveals that differential fertility (If: 0.3134) contribute more than the differential mortality (Im: 0.1393) towards the total opportunity for selection (I=0.4964) in the study population. Paundra Kshatriya is placed with other populations of West Bengal like Jale, Tili, Muslim, Kayastha, Paschtya Vaidya Brahmin, Duley Bagdi, Namasudra and Lepcha in this respect.&#x0D; &#x0D;