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Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jun 2024: New investigations have detected an enhanced probability for women to develop menstrual cycle alterations after anti-COVID-19 vaccination. Moreover, given that the...
: New investigations have detected an enhanced probability for women to develop menstrual cycle alterations after anti-COVID-19 vaccination. Moreover, given that the protective immunity provided by anti-COVID-19 vaccination appears to wane quickly, booster vaccination has been recommended. Nonetheless, whether adverse events arise from such repeated immunization has not been studied. : We studied the incidence of menstrual cycle alterations, the quantity of menstrual cycle alterations per subject, and of altered menstrual cycles in nonpregnant women of fertile age after anti-COVID-19 vaccination in a cohort of vaccinated female subjects by the means of a standardized questionary that was applied via telephone calls each month. Subjects that received up to four doses were studied for 6 months after each dose. We calculated the odds ratio for enhanced incidence, as well as quadratic functions for the tendencies. A sensitivity analysis excluding subjects taking hormonal birth control and those with polycystic ovary syndrome was performed. : Anti-COVID-19 vaccination enhanced the probability to develop menstrual cycle alterations (OR 1.52, CI at 95% 1.2-1.8, < 0.0001) and, interestingly, such a tendency was enhanced when subjects received more doses (R = 0.91). Furthermore, the same trends repeated for the quantity of alterations per subject, and of altered cycles. Such an effect was further demonstrated to be independent upon the vaccine brand being applied, the birth control status, and the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. : Vaccination is the most cost-effective measure for primary prevention and is considered to be safe. Nonetheless, in this article, we show data that suggest that repeated vaccination of adult female subjects may lead to an enhanced incidence of menstrual cycle-related adverse events, quantity of alterations per subject, and altered cycles. We therefore think that the development of new vaccine formulations that produce longer-lasting immunity is of paramount importance to reduce the potential for dose accumulation-dependent enhanced risk.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; COVID-19 Vaccines; Menstrual Cycle; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccination; Menstruation Disturbances; Cohort Studies; Immunization, Secondary; Incidence; Young Adult
PubMed: 38929574
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060956 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2024MafB is a transcription factor that regulates macrophage differentiation. Macrophages are a traditional feature of the hamster Harderian gland (HG); however, studies...
MafB is a transcription factor that regulates macrophage differentiation. Macrophages are a traditional feature of the hamster Harderian gland (HG); however, studies pertaining to MafB expression in the HG are scant. Here, the full-length cDNA of the gene in hamsters was cloned and sequenced. Molecular characterization revealed that MafB encodes a protein containing 323 amino acids with a DNA-binding domain, a transactivation domain, and a leucine zipper domain. qPCR assays indicated that MafB was expressed in different tissues of both sexes. The highest relative expression levels in endocrine tissues were identified in the pancreas. Gonadectomy in male hamsters was associated with significantly higher mRNA levels in the HG; replacement with dihydrotestosterone restored mRNA expression. The HG in male hamsters contained twofold more MafB mRNA than the HG of female hamsters. Adrenals revealed similar mRNA relative expression levels during the estrous cycle. The estrous phase was associated with higher mRNA levels in the ovary. A significantly up-regulated expression and sexual dimorphism of MafB was found in the pancreas. Therefore, MafB in the HG may play an active role in the macrophage differentiation required for phagocytosis activity and intraocular repair. Additionally, sex steroids appear to strongly influence the MafB expression in the HG and pancreas. These studies highlight the probable biological importance of MafB in immunological defense and pancreatic β cell regulation.
PubMed: 38929347
DOI: 10.3390/ani14121728 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024The hypothesis of this randomized controlled trial was that a clinical decision support system (CDSS) would increase adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) among...
Optimizing Dietary Habits in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Personalized Mediterranean Diet Intervention via Clinical Decision Support System-A Randomized Controlled Trial.
The hypothesis of this randomized controlled trial was that a clinical decision support system (CDSS) would increase adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) among adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The objective was to assess the impact of personalized MD plans delivered via a CDSS on nutritional status and psychological well-being. Forty adolescent females (15-17 years) with PCOS were randomly assigned to the MD group (n = 20) or the Control group (n = 20). The MD group received personalized MD plans every 15 days via a CDSS, while the Control group received general nutritional advice. Assessments were conducted at baseline and after 3 months. Results showed significantly increased MD adherence in the MD group compared to the Control group ( < 0.001). The MD group exhibited lower intakes of energy, total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and higher intakes of monounsaturated fat and fiber ( < 0.05). Serum calcium and vitamin D status ( < 0.05), as well as anxiety ( < 0.05) were improved. In conclusion, tailored dietary interventions based on MD principles, delivered via a CDSS, effectively manage PCOS in adolescent females. These findings highlight the potential benefits of using technology to promote dietary adherence and improve health outcomes in this population. ClinicalTrials.gov registry: NCT06380010.
PubMed: 38929215
DOI: 10.3390/children11060635 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex-cord tumor (UTROSCT) is a rare form of uterine mesenchymal neoplasm. Although UTROSCT generally exhibits benign behavior with a... (Review)
Review
Uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex-cord tumor (UTROSCT) is a rare form of uterine mesenchymal neoplasm. Although UTROSCT generally exhibits benign behavior with a favorable prognosis, this neoplasm is nevertheless classified as being of uncertain malignant potential, given its low rate of recurrence and the fact that it rarely produces metastases (e.g., in the lymph nodes, epiploic appendix, omentum, small bowel, subcutaneous tissue, lungs). Its histogenesis is also uncertain. Typically, UTROSCT occurs in peri-menopausal or menopausal women, but it can sometimes be observed in young women. Usually, this neoplasm can be found in the uterine corpus as a nodular intramural lesion, while it is less frequently submucosal, subserosal, or polypoid/intracavitary. UTROSCT can cause abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, enlarged uterus, and mass sensation, but sometimes it is found purely by chance. This neoplasm can be considered polyphenotypic on morphological, immunohistochemical, and genetic analyses. Generally, upon microscopic examination, UTROSCT shows a predominant pattern of the cords, nests, and trabeculae typical of sex-cord tumors of the ovary, while immunohistochemically it is characterized by a coexpression of epithelial, smooth muscle, and sex-cord markers. The aim of this review is to report clinical and pathological data and genetic alterations to establish their impact on the prognosis and management of patients affected by this rare entity.
PubMed: 38928686
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14121271 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024(MF) is a medicinal herb widely employed in traditional medicine for relieving sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, headaches, and toothaches. Here, we investigated the...
(MF) is a medicinal herb widely employed in traditional medicine for relieving sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, headaches, and toothaches. Here, we investigated the potential preventive effects of MF extract (MFE) against 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD)-induced ovotoxicity in ovarian cells and a mouse model of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). The cytoprotective effects of MFE were assessed using CHO-K1 or COV434 cells. In vivo, B6C3F1 female mice were intraperitoneally injected with VCD for two weeks to induce POI, while MFE was orally administered for four weeks, beginning one week before VCD administration. VCD led to a significant decline in the viabilities of CHO-K1 and COV434 cells and triggered excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis specifically in CHO-K1 cells. However, pretreatment with MFE effectively prevented VCD-induced cell death and ROS generation, while also activating the Akt signaling pathway. In vivo, MFE increased relative ovary weights, follicle numbers, and serum estradiol and anti-Müllerian hormone levels versus controls under conditions of ovary failure. Collectively, our results demonstrate that MFE has a preventive effect on VCD-induced ovotoxicity through Akt activation. These results suggest that MFE may have the potential to prevent and manage conditions such as POI and diminished ovarian reserve.
Topics: Animals; Female; Mice; CHO Cells; Cricetulus; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency; Ovary; Plant Extracts; Reactive Oxygen Species; Apoptosis; Vinyl Compounds; Cyclohexenes; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Disease Models, Animal; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 38928161
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126456 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Vitamin D is proposed to have a protective effect against cardiovascular disease, though the mechanism is unclear. Vitamin D deficiency is common in polycystic ovary...
Vitamin D is proposed to have a protective effect against cardiovascular disease, though the mechanism is unclear. Vitamin D deficiency is common in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where it is strongly related to obesity, insulin resistance (IR) and risk of cardiovascular disease. To determine if the inherent pathophysiology of PCOS or vitamin D levels are linked to dysregulation of cardiovascular risk proteins (CVRPs), a study in non-obese women with PCOS and without IR was undertaken. Our hypothesis was that the levels of vitamin D and its active metabolite would be associated with CVRPs comparably in women with and without PCOS. In women with PCOS ( = 29) and controls ( = 29), 54 CVRPs were determined by Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamer (SOMA)-scan plasma protein measurement and correlated to 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and the active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)D) measured by gold standard isotope-dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Women with PCOS had comparable IR and systemic inflammation (normal C-reactive protein) to control women, though had higher free androgen index and anti-Mullerian hormone levels. 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)D levels did not differ between groups. Nine CVRPs were higher in PCOS ( < 0.05) (Galectin-9, Brother of CDO, C-motif chemokine 3, Interleukin-18 receptor-1, Thrombopoietin, Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein, Programmed cell death 1 ligand-2, Low-affinity immunoglobulin gamma Fc-region receptor II-b and human growth hormone), whilst 45 CVRPs did not differ. 25(OH)D correlated with five CVRPs in PCOS and one in controls ( < 0.05). Despite the women with PCOS not exhibiting overt systemic inflammation, 9 of 54 CVRPs were elevated, all relating to inflammation, and 5 of these correlated with 25(OH)D suggesting an ongoing underlying inflammatory process in PCOS even in the absence of obesity/IR.
Topics: Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Female; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Biomarkers; Vitamin D; Cardiovascular Diseases; Heart Disease Risk Factors; Vitamin D Deficiency; Insulin Resistance; Obesity; Young Adult
PubMed: 38928037
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126330 -
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024While ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is an important fertility preservation option, it has its limitations. Improving OTC and ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT)...
While ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is an important fertility preservation option, it has its limitations. Improving OTC and ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) must include extending the function of reimplanted tissue by reducing the extensive activation of primordial follicles (PMFs) and eliminating the risk of reimplanting malignant cells. To develop a more effective OTT, we must understand the effects of the ovarian microenvironment on folliculogenesis. Here, we describe a method for producing decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) hydrogels that reflect the protein composition of the ovary. These ovarian dECM hydrogels were engineered to assess the effects of ECM on in vitro follicle growth, and we developed a novel method for selectively removing proteins of interest from dECM hydrogels. Finally, we validated the depletion of these proteins and successfully cultured murine follicles encapsulated in the compartment-specific ovarian dECM hydrogels and these same hydrogels depleted of EMILIN1. These are the first, optically clear, tailored tissue-specific hydrogels that support follicle survival and growth comparable to the "gold standard" alginate hydrogels. Furthermore, depleted hydrogels can serve as a novel tool for many tissue types to evaluate the impact of specific ECM proteins on cellular and molecular behavior.
PubMed: 38927779
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11060543 -
Genes Jun 2024The identification and expression of germ cells are important for studying sex-related mechanisms in fish. The gene, encoding an ATP-dependent RNA helicase, is...
The identification and expression of germ cells are important for studying sex-related mechanisms in fish. The gene, encoding an ATP-dependent RNA helicase, is recognized as a molecular marker of germ cells and plays a crucial role in germ cell development. , an important freshwater economic fish species in China, shows significant sex dimorphism with the female growing faster than the male. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these sex differences especially involving in the gene in this fish remain poorly understood. In this work, the gene sequence of (named as ) was obtained through RT-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE), and its expression in embryos and tissues was analyzed using qRT-PCR and an in situ hybridization method. Letrozole (LT) treatment on the larvae fish was also conducted to investigate its influence on the gene. The results revealed that the open reading frame (ORF) of was 1989 bp, encoding 662 amino acids. The SaVasa protein contains 10 conserved domains unique to the DEAD-box protein family, showing the highest sequence identity of 95.92% with that of . In embryos, is highly expressed from the two-cell stage to the blastula stage in early embryos, with a gradually decreasing trend from the gastrula stage to the heart-beating stage. Furthermore, was initially detected at the end of the cleavage furrow during the two-cell stage, later condensing into four symmetrical cell clusters with embryonic development. At the gastrula stage, -positive cells increased and began to migrate towards the dorsal side of the embryo. In tissues, is predominantly expressed in the ovaries, with almost no or lower expression in other detected tissues. Moreover, was expressed in phase I-V oocytes in the ovaries, as well as in spermatogonia and spermatocytes in the testis, implying a specific expression pattern of germ cells. In addition, LT significantly upregulated the expression of in a concentration-dependent manner during the key gonadal differentiation period of the fish. Notably, at 120 dph after LT treatment, expression was the lowest in the testis and ovary of the high concentration group. Collectively, findings from gene structure, protein sequence, phylogenetic analysis, RNA expression patterns, and response to LT suggest that is maternally inherited with conserved features, serving as a potential marker gene for germ cells in , and might participate in LT-induced early embryonic development and gonadal development processes of the fish. This would provide a basis for further research on the application of germ cell markers and the molecular mechanisms of sex differences in .
Topics: Animals; Letrozole; Female; Male; Fish Proteins; DEAD-box RNA Helicases; Catfishes; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Germ Cells; Phylogeny
PubMed: 38927693
DOI: 10.3390/genes15060756 -
Genes May 2024The East Asian common octopus () is an economically important species among cephalopods. This species exhibits a strict dioecious and allogamous reproductive strategy,...
The East Asian common octopus () is an economically important species among cephalopods. This species exhibits a strict dioecious and allogamous reproductive strategy, along with a phenotypic sexual dimorphism, where the third right arm differentiates into hectocotylus in males. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie sex determination and differentiation in this species remains limited. In the present study, we surveyed gene-expression profiles in the immature male and female gonads of based on the RNA-seq, and a total of 47.83 Gb of high-quality data were generated. Compared with the testis, we identified 8302 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the ovary, of which 4459 genes were up-regulated and 3843 genes were down-regulated. Based on the GO enrichment, many GO terms related to sex differentiation were identified, such as sex differentiation (GO: 0007548), sexual reproduction (GO: 0019953) and male sex differentiation (GO: 0046661). A KEGG classification analysis identified three conserved signaling pathways that related to sex differentiation, including the Wnt signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway and Notch signaling pathway. Additionally, 21 sex-related DEGs were selected, of which 13 DEGs were male-biased, including , , , etc., and 8 DEGs were female-biased, including , , , , etc. Ten DEGs were used to verify the expression patterns in the testis and ovary using the RT-qPCR method, and the results showed that the expression level shown by RT-qPCR was consistent with that from the RNA-seq, which confirmed the reliability of the transcriptome data. The results presented in this study will not only contribute to our understanding of sex-formation mechanisms in but also provide the foundational information for further investigating the molecular mechanisms that underline its gonadal development and facilitate the sustainable development of octopus artificial breeding.
Topics: Animals; Female; Male; Octopodiformes; Sex Differentiation; Transcriptome; Ovary; Testis; Signal Transduction; Gene Expression Profiling; Sex Determination Processes; East Asian People
PubMed: 38927618
DOI: 10.3390/genes15060682 -
Biomedicines Jun 2024Perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) are persistent organic pollutants affected by BMI and ethnicity, with contradictory reports of association with vitamin D deficiency.
BACKGROUND
Perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) are persistent organic pollutants affected by BMI and ethnicity, with contradictory reports of association with vitamin D deficiency.
METHODS
Twenty-nine Caucasian women with non-obese polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and age- and BMI-matched Caucasian control women ( = 30) were recruited. Paired serum samples were analyzed for PFAAs ( = 13) using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Tandem mass spectrometry determined levels of 25(OH)D and the active 1,25(OH)D.
RESULTS
Women with and without PCOS did not differ in age, weight, insulin resistance, or systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein did not differ), but the free androgen index was increased. Four PFAAs were detected in all serum samples: perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS). Serum PFOS was higher in PCOS versus controls (geometric mean [GM] 3.9 vs. 3.1 ng/mL, < 0.05). Linear regression modeling showed that elevated PFHxS had higher odds of a lower 25(OH)D (OR: 2.919, 95% CI 0.82-5.75, = 0.04). Vitamin D did not differ between cohorts and did not correlate with any PFAAs, either alone or when the groups were combined. When vitamin D was stratified into sufficiency (>20 ng/mL) and deficiency (<20 ng/mL), no correlation with any PFAAs was seen.
CONCLUSIONS
While the analyses and findings here are exploratory in light of relatively small recruitment numbers, when age, BMI, and insulin resistance are accounted for, the PFAAs do not appear to be related to 25(OH)D or the active 1,25(OH)D in this Caucasian population, nor do they appear to be associated with vitamin D deficiency, suggesting that future studies must account for these factors in the analysis.
PubMed: 38927462
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061255