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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 -
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology... Aug 2023Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a widespread syndrome that poses unique challenges and constraints to the field of assisted reproductive technology. This condition... (Review)
Review
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a widespread syndrome that poses unique challenges and constraints to the field of assisted reproductive technology. This condition is the most common cause of anovulation among infertile couples. Debate exists over the best therapeutic course of action when patients with PCOS proceed to IVF. In this review, we evaluate the best-performing and safest methods of IVF preparation, ovarian stimulation, trigger method for maturation of stimulated egg growth, and planning for embryo transfer. Pre-IVF considerations include being aware of individual AMH and vitamin D levels as well as BMI prior to selecting an ovarian stimulation protocol. Numerous supplements such as myo-inositol complement the benefits of lifestyle change and may enhance IVF performance including oocyte yield and pregnancy rate. Concerning stimulation protocols, antagonist cycles with the judicious use of GnRH agonist trigger, pre-treatment with metformin and vitamin D repletion may help mitigate the accompanied risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Following ovarian stimulation, PCOS patients typically undergo programmed frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles which are more conducive for women with irregular cycles, but likely carry a higher risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. However, newer stimulated FET protocols using Letrozole may offer improved outcomes. Overall, patients with PCOS require careful individual tailoring of their IVF cycle to achieve optimal results.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Fertilization in Vitro; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome; Pregnancy Rate; Ovulation Induction; Infertility, Female
PubMed: 37528417
DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01120-7 -
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