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International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2020The embryo of an oocyte donation (OD) pregnancy is completely allogeneic to the mother, which leads to a more serious challenge for the maternal immune system to...
The embryo of an oocyte donation (OD) pregnancy is completely allogeneic to the mother, which leads to a more serious challenge for the maternal immune system to tolerize the fetus. It is thought that macrophages are essential in maintaining a healthy pregnancy, by acting in immunomodulation and spiral arterial remodeling. OD pregnancies represent an interesting model to study complex immunologic interactions between the fetus and the pregnant woman since the embryo is totally allogeneic compared to the mother. Here, we describe a narrative review on the role of macrophages and pregnancy and a systematic review was performed on the role of macrophages in OD pregnancies. Searches were made in different databases and the titles and abstracts were evaluated by three independent authors. In total, four articles were included on OD pregnancies and macrophages. Among these articles, some findings are conflicting between studies, indicating that more research is needed in this area. From current research, we could identify that there are multiple subtypes of macrophages, having diverse biological effects, and that the ratio between subtypes is altered during gestation and in aberrant pregnancy. The study of macrophages' phenotypes and their functions in OD pregnancies might be beneficial to better understand the maternal-fetal tolerance system.
Topics: Embryo, Mammalian; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Humans; Immunomodulation; Macrophages; Oocyte Donation; Oocytes; Pregnancy
PubMed: 32023856
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030939 -
Cells Dec 2019The recent discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) in human reproductive tissues and cells indicates a possible functional role in reproductive function. However, the studies...
The recent discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) in human reproductive tissues and cells indicates a possible functional role in reproductive function. However, the studies published to date in female reproductive tissues/cells and embryos are inconclusive and sometimes controversial. In order to update the knowledge of this field, the present study aimed to discuss, through a systematic review, the role of miRNAs in female human reproduction and early embryogenesis. We conducted a systematic review of the published literature in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases through June 2018 (plus a complementary search until July 2019), in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. We have included descriptive and observational studies, in which fertile/infertile women were well-defined. The primary outcome was the miRNA expression in ovaries, oocytes, extracellular vesicles, and embryos. We identified 25,204 articles, of which 28 were selected for qualitative analysis: 18 in ovaries and extracellular vesicles, three in oocytes, and seven in embryos. The present systematic review of descriptive and observational studies demonstrates that aberrant miRNA expression in female reproductive tissues/cells and embryos is related with infertility and embryogenesis errors. The expression of specific miRNAs, particularly in extracellular vesicles, may be used in the future as biomarkers of infertility and prognostic tools of embryo development.
Topics: Blastocyst; Extracellular Vesicles; Female; Fertility; Humans; MicroRNAs; Oocytes; Ovary
PubMed: 31817143
DOI: 10.3390/cells8121564 -
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and... Jan 2020This systematic review including a meta-analytical approach aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of employing a double ovarian stimulation (DuoStim) and a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
What is the true place of a double stimulation and double oocyte retrieval in the same cycle for patients diagnosed with poor ovarian reserve? A systematic review including a meta-analytical approach.
PURPOSE
This systematic review including a meta-analytical approach aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of employing a double ovarian stimulation (DuoStim) and a subsequent double oocyte retrieval in the same menstrual cycle, in poor ovarian reserve (POR) patients.
METHODS
A systematic search of literature was performed in the databases of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Library up until March 2019. Both prospective and retrospective cohort studies considered suitable for inclusion reported on women with POR undergoing a DuoStim in the follicular (FPS) and luteal phase (LPS) of the same menstrual cycle. Following the systematic review of the literature, a meta-analytical approach was attempted.
RESULTS
This study indicates that DuoStim is correlated with a higher number of retrieved oocytes, mature MII oocytes, and good-quality embryos in comparison to conventional stimulation. Additionally, LPS seems to be correlated with an equal or an even higher overall performance in comparison to FPS.
CONCLUSION
DuoStim favors an enhanced clinical outcome in regard to the total number of yielded oocytes, mature oocytes, and available embryos, along with the quality of obtained embryos. Sourced data indicate that LPS is not correlated with a higher aneuploidy rate. This option may present as promising for the time-sensitive nature of POR patients' management, by enabling a higher oocyte yield during a single menstrual cycle.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Menstrual Cycle; Oocyte Retrieval; Oocytes; Ovarian Reserve; Ovulation Induction
PubMed: 31797242
DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01638-z -
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira... Sep 2019Melatonin is known for its effects on both the sleep and reproductive system of mammals. The latter has melatonin receptors type 1 and 2, which act to regulate, among...
Melatonin is known for its effects on both the sleep and reproductive system of mammals. The latter has melatonin receptors type 1 and 2, which act to regulate, among other things, cyclic AMP. Notwithstanding all the literature data, there is still no sound knowledge or a clear understanding of the hormone's action on the physiology of ovarian follicular cells. OBJECTIVE To review and evaluate studies about melatonin action on the ovarian granulosa/theca interna cells from the literature. METHODS The systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA recommendations. The MEDLINE and Cochrane primary databases were consulted with the use of specific terms. There was no limitation on language or publication year. RESULTS Seven papers about melatonin action on granulosa cells were selected. The following can be attributed to the hormone's effects: a) progesterone increase in culture medium; b) increased estrogen production; c) antagonistic action on estrogen; d) improvement in cell quality resulting in improved embryo and higher pregnancy rates; e) improved cell proliferation via MAPK; f) reduction of free radicals. Nevertheless, there are contrarian papers reporting a reduction in progesterone production. Melatonin interferes in sex steroid production, boosting progesterone output. Such action may help improve oocyte quality.
Topics: Cells, Cultured; Female; Granulosa Cells; Humans; Melatonin; Oocytes; Ovarian Follicle; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Theca Cells
PubMed: 31531613
DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.65.8.1122