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The Veterinary Clinics of North... Sep 2023Canine Cesarean Section (CS) is primarily performed to increase survival of newborns and less commonly to save the life or reproductive future of the dam. Conducting... (Review)
Review
Canine Cesarean Section (CS) is primarily performed to increase survival of newborns and less commonly to save the life or reproductive future of the dam. Conducting proper ovulation timing to accurately predict the due date will allow a planned, elective CS as an excellent alternative to a high-risk natural whelping, and possible dystocia, for certain breeds and situations. Techniques for ovulation timing, anesthesia, and surgery tips are provided.
Topics: Pregnancy; Animals; Dogs; Female; Cesarean Section; Reproduction; Dystocia; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37246012
DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2023.04.007 -
Physiological Reviews Oct 2023Mammalian eggs (oocytes) are formed during fetal life and establish associations with somatic cells to form primordial follicles that create a store of germ cells (the... (Review)
Review
Mammalian eggs (oocytes) are formed during fetal life and establish associations with somatic cells to form primordial follicles that create a store of germ cells (the primordial pool). The size of this pool is influenced by key events during the formation of germ cells and by factors that influence the subsequent activation of follicle growth. These regulatory pathways must ensure that the reserve of oocytes within primordial follicles in humans lasts for up to 50 years, yet only approximately 0.1% will ever be ovulated with the rest undergoing degeneration. This review outlines the mechanisms and regulatory pathways that govern the processes of oocyte and follicle formation and later growth, within the ovarian stroma, through to ovulation with particular reference to human oocytes/follicles. In addition, the effects of aging on female reproductive capacity through changes in oocyte number and quality are emphasized, with both the cellular mechanisms and clinical implications discussed. Finally, the details of current developments in culture systems that support all stages of follicle growth to generate mature oocytes in vitro and emerging prospects for making new oocytes from stem cells are outlined.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Female; Oocytes; Ovarian Follicle; Ovary; Oogenesis; Mammals; Aging
PubMed: 37171807
DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00032.2022 -
Gynecological Endocrinology : the... Dec 2023The debate about contraception has become increasingly important as more and more people seek safe and effective contraception. More than 1 billion women of reproductive... (Review)
Review
The debate about contraception has become increasingly important as more and more people seek safe and effective contraception. More than 1 billion women of reproductive age worldwide need a method of family planning, and wellbeing, socio-economic status, culture, religion and more influence the reasons why a woman may ask for contraception. Different contraceptive methods exist, ranging from 'natural methods' (fertility awareness-based methods - FABMs) to barrier methods and hormonal contraceptives (HCs). Each method works on a different principle, with different effectiveness.FABMs and HCs are usually pitted against each other, although it's difficult to really compare them. FABMs are a valid alternative for women who cannot or do not want to use hormone therapy, although they may have a high failure rate if not used appropriately and require specific training. HCs are commonly used to address various clinical situations, although concerns about their possible side effects are still widespread. However, many data show that the appropriate use of HC has a low rate of adverse events, mainly related to personal predisposition.The aim of this review is to summarize the information on the efficacy and safety of FABMs and HCs to help clinicians and women choose the best contraceptive method for their needs.
Topics: Female; Humans; Contraception; Contraceptive Agents; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Family Planning Services; Genotype; Informed Consent; Choice Behavior; Ovulation; Natural Family Planning Methods; Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; Adolescent; Young Adult
PubMed: 37599373
DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2023.2247093 -
Indian Journal of Pediatrics Oct 2023Hyperandrogenism is a common condition encountered by pediatric and adolescent physicians. Most girls with hyperandrogenism represent physiological pubertal variation;... (Review)
Review
Hyperandrogenism is a common condition encountered by pediatric and adolescent physicians. Most girls with hyperandrogenism represent physiological pubertal variation; pathology may be present in a substantial minority. Systematic evaluation is essential to avoid unnecessary work-up in physiological causes while not missing pathological causes. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), unexplained, persistent hyperandrogenism of ovarian origin, is the most common form in adolescent girls. The high prevalence of physiological peripubertal hirsutism, anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology results in mislabeling many girls as having the polycystic ovarian syndrome, a disorder with lifelong implications. The use of strict criteria of age-specific anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and duration is essential to reduce their stigmatization. The exclusion of secondary causes by screening tests (cortisol, thyroid profile, prolactin, and 17OHP) is essential before undertaking treatment for PCOS. Lifestyle measures, estrogen-progesterone preparations, antiandrogens, and metformin are the cornerstone of managing the disorder.
Topics: Female; Adolescent; Humans; Child; Hyperandrogenism; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Anovulation; Hirsutism
PubMed: 37402107
DOI: 10.1007/s12098-023-04678-7 -
Cell Aug 2023Animal fertilization relies on hundreds of sperm racing toward the egg, whereas, in angiosperms, only two sperm cells are delivered by a pollen tube to the female...
Animal fertilization relies on hundreds of sperm racing toward the egg, whereas, in angiosperms, only two sperm cells are delivered by a pollen tube to the female gametes (egg cell and central cell) for double fertilization. However, unsuccessful fertilization under this one-pollen-tube design can be detrimental to seed production and plant survival. To mitigate this risk, unfertilized-gamete-controlled extra pollen tube entry has been evolved to bring more sperm cells and salvage fertilization. Despite its importance, the underlying molecular mechanism of this phenomenon remains unclear. In this study, we report that, in Arabidopsis, the central cell secretes peptides SALVAGER1 and SALVAGER2 in a directional manner to attract pollen tubes when the synergid-dependent attraction fails or is terminated by pollen tubes carrying infertile sperm cells. Moreover, loss of SALs impairs the fertilization recovery capacity of the ovules. Therefore, this research uncovers a female gamete-attraction system that salvages seed production for reproductive assurance.
Topics: Animals; Arabidopsis; Arabidopsis Proteins; Fertilization; Pollen Tube; Seeds; Germ Cells, Plant
PubMed: 37516107
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.06.024 -
Genetics Jan 2024Gamete development is a fundamental process that is highly conserved from early eukaryotes to mammals. As germ cells develop, they must coordinate a dynamic series of...
Gamete development is a fundamental process that is highly conserved from early eukaryotes to mammals. As germ cells develop, they must coordinate a dynamic series of cellular processes that support growth, cell specification, patterning, the loading of maternal factors (RNAs, proteins, and nutrients), differentiation of structures to enable fertilization and ensure embryonic survival, and other processes that make a functional oocyte. To achieve these goals, germ cells integrate a complex milieu of environmental and developmental signals to produce fertilizable eggs. Over the past 50 years, Drosophila oogenesis has risen to the forefront as a system to interrogate the sophisticated mechanisms that drive oocyte development. Studies in Drosophila have defined mechanisms in germ cells that control meiosis, protect genome integrity, facilitate mRNA trafficking, and support the maternal loading of nutrients. Work in this system has provided key insights into the mechanisms that establish egg chamber polarity and patterning as well as the mechanisms that drive ovulation and egg activation. Using the power of Drosophila genetics, the field has begun to define the molecular mechanisms that coordinate environmental stresses and nutrient availability with oocyte development. Importantly, the majority of these reproductive mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, and many play critical roles in the development of somatic tissues as well. In this chapter, we summarize the recent progress in several key areas that impact egg chamber development and ovulation. First, we discuss the mechanisms that drive nutrient storage and trafficking during oocyte maturation and vitellogenesis. Second, we examine the processes that regulate follicle cell patterning and how that patterning impacts the construction of the egg shell and the establishment of embryonic polarity. Finally, we examine regulatory factors that control ovulation, egg activation, and successful fertilization.
Topics: Animals; Female; Oogenesis; Oocytes; Ovulation; Ovarian Follicle; Drosophila; Mammals
PubMed: 38000906
DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad183 -
Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2023Female infertility and pregnancy maintenance are associate with various factors, including quantity and quality of oocytes, genital inflammation, endometriosis, and... (Review)
Review
Female infertility and pregnancy maintenance are associate with various factors, including quantity and quality of oocytes, genital inflammation, endometriosis, and other diseases. Women are even diagnosed as unexplained infertility or unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion when failed to achieve pregnancy with current treatment, which are urgent clinical issues need to be addressed. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a lipid-soluble electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. It is not only essential for the mitochondria to produce energy, but also function as an antioxidant to maintain redox homeostasis in the body. Recently, the capacity of CoQ10 to reduce oxidative stress (OS), enhance mitochondrial activity, regulate gene expression and inhibit inflammatory responses, has been discovered as a novel adjuvant in male reproductive performance enhancing in both animal and human studies. Furthermore, CoQ10 is also proved to regulate immune balance, antioxidant, promote glucose and lipid metabolism. These properties will bring highlight for ovarian dysfunction reversing, ovulation ameliorating, oocyte maturation/fertilization promoting, and embryonic development optimizing. In this review, we systematically discuss the pleiotropic effects of CoQ10 in female reproductive disorders to investigate the mechanism and therapeutic potential to provide a reference in subsequent studies.
Topics: Pregnancy; Animals; Female; Male; Humans; Antioxidants; Reproduction; Ovulation; Adjuvants, Immunologic
PubMed: 37667786
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S386974 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Oct 2023Menstrual cycle (MC) disorders and MC-related symptoms can have debilitating effects on the health and performance of female athletes. As the participation of women in...
BACKGROUND
Menstrual cycle (MC) disorders and MC-related symptoms can have debilitating effects on the health and performance of female athletes. As the participation of women in sports continues to increase, understanding the prevalence of a range of MC disorders and MC-related symptoms may guide preventive strategies to protect the health and optimise the performance of female athletes.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the prevalence of MC disorders and MC-related symptoms among female athletes who are not using hormonal contraceptives and evaluate the assessment methods used to identify MC disorders and MC-related symptoms.
METHODS
This systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Six databases were searched until September 2022 for all original research that reported the prevalence of MC disorders and/or MC-related symptoms in athletes not using hormonal contraceptives, which included the definitions of the MC disorders examined, and the assessment methods used. MC disorders included amenorrhoea, anovulation, dysmenorrhoea, heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), luteal phase deficiency (LPD), oligomenorrhoea, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). MC-related symptoms included any affective and physical symptoms related to the MC that do not cause significant personal, interpersonal or functional impairment. The prevalence data across eligible studies were combined, and all studies were qualitatively synthesised to evaluate the assessment methods and tools used to identify MC disorders and MC-related symptoms. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using a modified Downs and Black checklist.
RESULTS
Sixty studies involving 6380 athletes were included. A wide range of prevalence was observed for all types of MC disorders, with a dearth of data on anovulation and LPD. Based on pooled data, dysmenorrhoea (32.3%; range 7.8-85.6%) was the most prevalent MC disorder. Studies reporting MC-related symptoms mostly examined the premenstrual and menstruation phases, where affective symptoms appeared more prevalent than physical symptoms. A larger proportion of athletes reported symptoms during the initial days of menstruation compared with the premenstrual phase. MC disorders and MC-related symptoms were retrospectively assessed using self-report methods in 90.0% of studies. Most studies (76.7%) in this review were graded as moderate quality.
DISCUSSION
MC disorders and MC-related symptoms are commonplace among female athletes, warranting further research examining their impact on performance and preventive/management strategies to optimise athlete health. To increase the quality of future studies, researchers should adopt standardised definitions of MC disorders and assessment methods such as a combination of calendar counting, urinary ovulation tests and a mid-luteal phase serum progesterone measurement when assessing menstrual function. Similarly, standardised diagnostic criteria should be used when examining MC disorders such as HMB, PMS and PMDD. Practically, implementing prospective cycle monitoring that includes ovulation testing, mid-luteal blood sampling (where feasible) and symptom logging throughout the MC could support athletes and practitioners to promptly identify and manage MC disorders and/or MC-related symptoms.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This review has been registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42021268757).
Topics: Female; Humans; Dysmenorrhea; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Anovulation; Retrospective Studies; Menstrual Cycle; Premenstrual Syndrome; Menstruation Disturbances; Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder; Athletes; Contraceptive Agents
PubMed: 37389782
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01871-8