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IScience Jun 2024lines with loss-of-function mutation in () gene showed seed sterility with embryo sac cellularization defects. Examination of tissue-cleared mature ovules revealed...
lines with loss-of-function mutation in () gene showed seed sterility with embryo sac cellularization defects. Examination of tissue-cleared mature ovules revealed irregularly positioned nuclei/embryos within the embryo sacs. Egg cell-specific marker (DD45) expression analysis confirmed the presence of multiple egg cells in the mutant embryo sacs. These supernumerary egg cells were functional as evident from the production of twin embryos when supernumerary sperm cells were provided. The results of ruthenium red and tannic acid-ferric chloride staining of developing mutant ovules showed that cell wall formation and maintenance were altered around embryo sac nuclei, which also coincided with change in the gamete specification. This report implicates the role of cell walls in gamete cell fate determination by altering cell-cell communication. Our analysis of the twin-embryo phenotype of mutants also sheds light on the boundary conditions for double fertilization in plant reproduction.
PubMed: 38827396
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109890 -
Journal of Surgical Case Reports May 2024Heterotopic pregnancy (HP) is the coexistence of living or dead intrauterine pregnancy, single or multiple, and extrauterine pregnancy located in the oviduct, ovary,...
Heterotopic pregnancy (HP) is the coexistence of living or dead intrauterine pregnancy, single or multiple, and extrauterine pregnancy located in the oviduct, ovary, uterine corner, cervix or peritoneal cavity. This condition is very rare (1:30 000 pregnancies). HP constitutes a rare obstetric condition. Its occurrence after natural conception is sparsely documented in the literature. Here in, we present a case of a 27-year-old primeparous women who presented at 18 weeks with features of ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Initial ultrasonographic imaging showed an intrauterine pregnancy corresponding to 18 weeks. It also revealed a floating fetus with significant collection of fluid in the pouch of Douglas, retroceacal recess and both hepatocellular recess. An emergency explorative laparotomy was done where right salpingectomy was performed. She was later followed up to term and delivered by elective cesarean section successfully. A brief narrative of the challenges in the management, clinical presentation and limitation in the management is highlighted in the present case report. Heterotopic pregnancy can occur in natural conception irrespective of usage of ovulation induction. Routine early pregnancy ultrasound can promote early detection with prompt surgical intervention to mitigate its complications.
PubMed: 38826862
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae373 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024Ovulation is a spatiotemporally coordinated process that involves several tightly controlled events, including oocyte meiotic maturation, cumulus expansion, follicle...
Ovulation is a spatiotemporally coordinated process that involves several tightly controlled events, including oocyte meiotic maturation, cumulus expansion, follicle wall rupture and repair, and ovarian stroma remodeling. To date, no studies have detailed the precise window of ovulation at single-cell resolution. Here, we performed parallel single-cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics on paired mouse ovaries across an ovulation time course to map the spatiotemporal profile of ovarian cell types. We show that major ovarian cell types exhibit time-dependent transcriptional states enriched for distinct functions and have specific localization profiles within the ovary. We also identified gene markers for ovulation-dependent cell states and validated these using orthogonal methods. Finally, we performed cell-cell interaction analyses to identify ligand-receptor pairs that may drive ovulation, revealing previously unappreciated interactions. Taken together, our data provides a rich and comprehensive resource of murine ovulation that can be mined for discovery by the scientific community.
PubMed: 38826447
DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.20.594719 -
Journal of Ovarian Research Jun 2024The common marmoset, Callithrix jacchus, is an invaluable model in biomedical research. Its use includes genetic engineering applications, which require manipulations of...
BACKGROUND
The common marmoset, Callithrix jacchus, is an invaluable model in biomedical research. Its use includes genetic engineering applications, which require manipulations of oocytes and production of embryos in vitro. To maximize the recovery of oocytes suitable for embryo production and to fulfil the requirements of the 3R principles to the highest degree possible, optimization of ovarian stimulation protocols is crucial. Here, we compared the efficacy of two hormonal ovarian stimulation approaches: 1) stimulation of follicular growth with hFSH followed by triggering of oocyte maturation with hCG (FSH + hCG) and 2) stimulation with hFSH only (FSH-priming).
METHODS
In total, 14 female marmosets were used as oocyte donors in this study. Each animal underwent up to four surgical interventions, with the first three performed as ovum pick-up (OPU) procedures and the last one being an ovariohysterectomy (OvH). In total, 20 experiments were carried out with FSH + hCG stimulation and 18 with FSH-priming. Efficacy of each stimulation protocol was assessed through in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo production rates.
RESULTS
Each study group consisted of two subgroups: the in vivo matured oocytes and the oocytes that underwent IVM. Surprisingly, in the absence of hCG triggering some of the oocytes recovered were at the MII stage, moreover, their number was not significantly lower compared to FSH + hCG stimulation (2.8 vs. 3.9, respectively (ns)). While the IVM and IVF rates did not differ between the two stimulation groups, the IVF rates of in vivo matured oocytes were significantly lower compared to in vitro matured ones in both FSH-priming and FSH + hCG groups. In total, 1.7 eight-cell embryos/experiment (OPU) and 2.1 eight-cell embryos/experiment (OvH) were obtained after FSH + hCG stimulation vs. 1.8 eight-cell embryos/experiment (OPU) and 5.0 eight-cell embryos/experiment (OvH) following FSH-priming. These numbers include embryos obtained from both in vivo and in vitro matured oocytes.
CONCLUSION
A significantly lower developmental competence of the in vivo matured oocytes renders triggering of the in vivo maturation with hCG as a part of the currently used FSH-stimulation protocol unnecessary. In actual numbers, between 1 and 7 blastocysts were obtained following each FSH-priming. In the absence of further studies, FSH-priming appears superior to FSH + hCG stimulation in the common marmoset under current experimental settings.
Topics: Animals; Female; Ovulation Induction; In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Techniques; Oocytes; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Fertilization in Vitro; Callithrix
PubMed: 38824584
DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01441-0 -
World Journal of Clinical Cases May 2024Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate from smooth muscle cells of the uterus. It is the most common gynecological disorder, affecting up to 80% of women of...
BACKGROUND
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate from smooth muscle cells of the uterus. It is the most common gynecological disorder, affecting up to 80% of women of reproductive age. Uterine fibroids can cause various symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, infertility, and pregnancy complications. The treatment options for uterine fibroids include medical therapy, surgical intervention, and minimally invasive techniques.
AIM
To compare ovarian function of women with uterine fibroids who did or did not undergo uterine artery embolization (UAE).
METHODS
This prospective cohort study enrolled 87 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids who underwent UAE, and 87 women with the same symptoms who did not undergo UAE but received conservative management or other treatments. The two groups were matched for age, body mass index, parity, and baseline characteristics of uterine fibroids. The primary outcome was ovarian function that was evaluated by serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), as well as ovarian reserve tests, such as antral follicle count (AFC) and ovarian volume (OV). The secondary outcome was fertility that was evaluated based on the menstrual cycle, ovulation, conception, pregnancy, and delivery. The participants were followed-up for 36 months and assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after treatment.
RESULTS
The study found that the most common minor complication of UAE was postembolization syndrome in 73.6% of women, resolving within a week. No significant differences were observed between the UAE group and the control group in serum levels of reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, E2, AMH) and ovarian reserve indicators (AFC, OV) at any point up to 36 months post-treatment. Additionally, there were no significant differences in conception, pregnancy, or delivery rates, with the average time to conception and gestational age at delivery being similar between the two groups. Birth weights were also comparable. Finally, there was no significant correlation between ovarian function, fertility indicators, and the type or amount of embolic agent used or the change in fibroids post-treatment.
CONCLUSION
UAE resulted in significantly positive pregnancy outcomes, no adverse events post-treatment, and is a safe and effective treatment for uterine fibroids that preserves ovarian function and fertility.
PubMed: 38817222
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i15.2551 -
The Medical Journal of Malaysia May 2024Optimising controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) procedures for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) requires an assessment of the patients' medical history, ovarian reserve,...
INTRODUCTION
Optimising controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) procedures for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) requires an assessment of the patients' medical history, ovarian reserve, prognostic factors and resources to personalise the treatment plan. Treatment personalisation in IVF is increasingly recognised as being vital in providing a balance of efficacy and safety for patients undergoing the COS procedure. In this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of an ovarian stimulation protocol employing a personalised dosing algorithm for a novel recombinant FSH (rFSH) derived from a human cell-line - follitropin delta, in a mixed gonadotrophin regimen with human menotrophin (HP-HMG). The main outcome of interest in this study is clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) per embryo transfer cycle.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this single-centre, retrospective, non-interventional study of 20 infertility patients, each individual was provided with a personalised COS regimen based on her ovarian reserve biomarker-serum anti- Mullerian hormone (AMH) and body weight, in a gonadotrophin-receptor hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol. Personalised dosing of follitropin delta was coadministered with 75 IU of HP-hMG during the COS duration until the final oocyte maturation trigger injection. Ovarian response, pregnancy and safety outcomes resulting from this procedure were assessed and reported here.
RESULTS
Following a mean COS duration of 11 days and 50% of patients who underwent frozen embryo transfers, the CPR per started cycle was 70%. The observed CPR from this study was higher than that reported in the follitropin delta Phase 3 studies using rFSH monotherapy stimulation, and additionally showed no incidents of cycle cancellations and no iatrogenic safety risks such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
CONCLUSION
The present study provides a first glimpse into the favourable benefit: risk profile of a mixed protocol regimen using follitropin delta combined with HP-hMG in a cohort of Asian patients in Malaysia.
Topics: Humans; Female; Ovulation Induction; Retrospective Studies; Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human; Pregnancy; Adult; Recombinant Proteins; Menotropins; Pregnancy Rate; Treatment Outcome; Fertilization in Vitro
PubMed: 38817059
DOI: No ID Found -
Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare :... May 2024To explore men's and women's experiences regarding their history of sexual health when attending a fertility clinic.
OBJECTIVE
To explore men's and women's experiences regarding their history of sexual health when attending a fertility clinic.
METHODS
A qualitative study with semi-structured individual interviews was conducted among heterosexual males and females seeking infertility care at a public fertility clinic in Sweden in 2022-2023. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
RESULTS
Eight males and ten females were included. The analysis resulted in an overarching theme: A change from spontaneous to scheduled intercourse affects various aspects of sexual health. In the beginning of the relationship sex had been spontaneous, joyful and satisfying. However, sex was not always unproblematic, and there had been sexual changes. Sex with a reproductive purpose was scheduled according to ovulation, leading to changes in sexual behavior. Increased erectile problems in men and decreased frequency of orgasms in women, and a lack of sexual desire in both, were experienced. Men and women felt pressured to have sex when it became a requirement. Men's sexual and women's reproductive failures led to negative emotional reactions, including stress, frustration, disappointment, anxiety and guilt. Sexual and reproductive problems affected the relational well-being, leading to feelings of sharing the burden but also conflicts and sexual avoidance.
CONCLUSIONS
Experiencing reproductive failures, sexual problems and negative emotional reactions can affect men's and women's sexual health. Therefore, an implication for clinical practice among healthcare professionals during evaluation of infertility, is a need to be aware of and ask questions about sexual health after reproductive failures.
PubMed: 38815451
DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100984 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024To determine whether the late-follicular-phase progesterone to retrieved oocytes (P/O) ratio during fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) impacts...
The late-follicular-phase progesterone to retrieved oocytes ratio in normal ovarian responders treated with an antagonist protocol can be used as an index for selecting an embryo transfer strategy and predicting the success rate: a retrospective large-scale study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the late-follicular-phase progesterone to retrieved oocytes (P/O) ratio during fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) impacts pregnancy outcomes.
DESIGN
12,874 cycles were retrospectively categorized into four groups according to the P/O ratio percentile, with divisions at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles.
RESULTS
The clinical pregnancy and live birth rates of fresh cycle embryos in Group D were significantly lower than those in the other three groups (45.1% and 39.0%, 43.2% and 37.2%, 39.6% and 33.5%, 33.4% and 28.2% in Group A, B, C, D, respectively; both P < 0.008). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between the P/O ratio and live birth, particularly when the P/O ratio was ≥0.22 (OR = 0.862, 95% CI [0.774-0.959], P = 0.006).
CONCLUSIONS
The P/O ratio has certain predictive value for IVF/ICSI pregnancy outcomes and can be used for decision-making decision regarding fresh embryo transfer.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Progesterone; Adult; Embryo Transfer; Ovulation Induction; Fertilization in Vitro; Pregnancy Rate; Oocytes; Oocyte Retrieval; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; Follicular Phase; Pregnancy Outcome
PubMed: 38812812
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1338683 -
Open Veterinary Journal Apr 2024Postpartum ovarian dysfunction [ovarian cyst (OC) and persistent follicle (PF)] has been an important issue. Finding effective hormonal treatments to improve...
BACKGROUND
Postpartum ovarian dysfunction [ovarian cyst (OC) and persistent follicle (PF)] has been an important issue. Finding effective hormonal treatments to improve reproductive performance in dairy cows has become a necessity.
AIM
Improve reproductive performance and ovarian activity in postpartum cows with specific customized treatment for OC and PFs.
METHODS
The study included 48 cows at 14 days P.P, which received two dosages of 500 μg IM cloprostenol, 14 days apart as presynchronization protocol. Ultrasound ovarian scans 14 days after the last injection for 4 weeks. The cows were divided into three groups according to ovarian status: OC ( = 14), PF ( = 12), and NE ( = 22). In the OC group, received 500 μg IM cloprostenol and 100 μg IM cystoriline, a second dose of cloprostenol 14 days later and a second dose of cystoriline 36 hours later, and AI after 24 hours (GnRH+ PG/PG/GnRH). In the PF group, was fitted with progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID) for 9 days; the same day, they received 100 μg cystoreline then 500 μg cloprostenol 7 days later, after PRID removal AI 56 hours later (PRID + GnRH/PG). In the NE group, artificial insemination was implemented until 28 days depending on estrus detection.
RESULTS
The ovarian activity was greatly affected by the customized treatments, leading to enhanced follicular and luteal activity, particularly after the PGF2α injection. The OC and PF groups showed substantial estrus responses of 71.43% and 75.02%, respectively, during AI time. While the NE group had an ovulation rate of 54.5% and a pregnancy rate of 31.8%, the treatment groups showed marked improvements in reproductive performance. The ovulation rates in the OC and PF groups were 71.43% and 75% and the pregnancy rates at the 1st artificial insemination were 64.28% and 66.7%.
CONCLUSION
Improving reproductive performance and minimizing the time to first service are possible advantages of early case-specific treatment for postpartum cows with OC and PFs.
Topics: Animals; Female; Cattle; Ovarian Cysts; Postpartum Period; Cloprostenol; Cattle Diseases; Insemination, Artificial; Pregnancy; Ovarian Follicle; Progesterone; Estrus Synchronization
PubMed: 38808298
DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i4.10 -
Journal of Ovarian Research May 2024PCOS patients with unexpectedly low oocyte yield following conventional ovarian stimulation are referred to as suboptimal responders. However, identifying suboptimal...
Development and validation of a prediction model for suboptimal ovarian response in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients undergoing GnRH-antagonist protocol in IVF/ICSI cycles.
BACKGROUND
PCOS patients with unexpectedly low oocyte yield following conventional ovarian stimulation are referred to as suboptimal responders. However, identifying suboptimal responders presents a significant challenge within reproductive medicine and limited research exists on the occurrence of suboptimal response. This analysis aimed to develop a predictive model of suboptimal response during in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatments in PCOS patients.
METHODS
This retrospective study involved a cohort of 313 PCOS patients undergoing their first IVF/ICSI cycle from 2019 to 2022. Univariate logistic regression analyses, least absolute shrinkage, selection operator regression analysis, and recursive feature elimination were employed to identify relevant characteristics and construct predictive models. Moreover, a nomogram was constructed based on the best model. Receiver operating characteristic curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curves were used to evaluate the model.
RESULTS
The predictors included in the model were age, Anti-Mullerian hormone, antral follicle count, and basal follicle-stimulating hormone. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.7702 (95% confidence interval 0.7157-0.8191). The AUC, along with the DCA curve and calibration curve, demonstrated a satisfactory level of congruence and discrimination ability.
CONCLUSION
The nomogram effectively predicted the probability of suboptimal response in PCOS patients undergoing gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol during IVF/ICSI treatment.
Topics: Humans; Female; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Adult; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; Fertilization in Vitro; Ovulation Induction; Retrospective Studies; Nomograms; Pregnancy; ROC Curve
PubMed: 38807145
DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01437-w