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Nature Reviews. Urology Apr 2020The female reproductive tract (FRT), similar to other mucosal sites, harbours a site-specific microbiome, which has an essential role in maintaining health and... (Review)
Review
The female reproductive tract (FRT), similar to other mucosal sites, harbours a site-specific microbiome, which has an essential role in maintaining health and homeostasis. In the majority of women of reproductive age, the microbiota of the lower FRT (vagina and cervix) microenvironment is dominated by Lactobacillus species, which benefit the host through symbiotic relationships. By contrast, the upper FRT (uterus, Fallopian tubes and ovaries) might be sterile in healthy individuals or contain a low-biomass microbiome with a diverse mixture of microorganisms. When dysbiosis occurs, altered immune and metabolic signalling can affect hallmarks of cancer, including chronic inflammation, epithelial barrier breach, changes in cellular proliferation and apoptosis, genome instability, angiogenesis and metabolic dysregulation. These pathophysiological changes might lead to gynaecological cancer. Emerging evidence shows that genital dysbiosis and/or specific bacteria might have an active role in the development and/or progression and metastasis of gynaecological malignancies, such as cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers, through direct and indirect mechanisms, including modulation of oestrogen metabolism. Cancer therapies might also alter microbiota at sites throughout the body. Reciprocally, microbiota composition can influence the efficacy and toxic effects of cancer therapies, as well as quality of life following cancer treatment. Modulation of the microbiome via probiotics or microbiota transplant might prove useful in improving responsiveness to cancer treatment and quality of life. Elucidating these complex host-microbiome interactions, including the crosstalk between distal and local sites, will translate into interventions for prevention, therapeutic efficacy and toxic effects to enhance health outcomes for women with gynaecological cancers.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Bacteria, Anaerobic; Carcinogenesis; Cervix Uteri; Dysbiosis; Estrogens; Fallopian Tubes; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Genitalia, Female; Humans; Lactobacillus; Microbiota; Ovary; Probiotics; Uterus; Vagina
PubMed: 32071434
DOI: 10.1038/s41585-020-0286-z -
Journal of Molecular Medicine (Berlin,... Apr 2021Healthy functioning of the female reproductive tract (FRT) depends on balanced and dynamic regulation by hormones during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and childbirth.... (Review)
Review
Healthy functioning of the female reproductive tract (FRT) depends on balanced and dynamic regulation by hormones during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and childbirth. The mucosal epithelial lining of different regions of the FRT-ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina-facilitates the selective transport of gametes and successful transfer of the zygote to the uterus where it implants and pregnancy takes place. It also prevents pathogen entry. Recent developments in three-dimensional (3D) organoid systems from the FRT now provide crucial experimental models that recapitulate the cellular heterogeneity and physiological, anatomical and functional properties of the organ in vitro. In this review, we summarise the state of the art on organoids generated from different regions of the FRT. We discuss the potential applications of these powerful in vitro models to study normal physiology, fertility, infections, diseases, drug discovery and personalised medicine.
Topics: Animals; CRISPR-Cas Systems; Drug Discovery; Estrous Cycle; Extracellular Matrix; Female; Fertility; Gene Editing; Genital Diseases, Female; Genitalia, Female; Gestational Age; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Mice; Organoids; Pituitary Hormones, Anterior; Placenta; Precision Medicine; Pregnancy; Stem Cells; Tissue Engineering
PubMed: 33580825
DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-02028-0 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2020For more than a half century the hormone melatonin has been associated with vertebrate reproduction, particularly in the context of seasonal breeding. This association... (Review)
Review
For more than a half century the hormone melatonin has been associated with vertebrate reproduction, particularly in the context of seasonal breeding. This association is due in large measure to the fact that melatonin secretion from the pineal gland into the peripheral circulation is a nocturnal event whose duration is reflective of night length, which of course becomes progressively longer during winter months and correspondingly shorter during the summer months. The nocturnal plasma melatonin signal is conserved in essentially all vertebrates and is accessed not just for reproductive rhythms, but for seasonal cycles of metabolic activities, immune functions, and behavioral expression. A vast literature on melatonin and vertebrate biology has accrued over the past 60 years since melatonin's discovery, including the broad topic of animal reproduction, which is far beyond the scope of this human-focused review. Although modern humans in the industrialized world appear in general to have little remaining reproductive seasonality, the relationships between melatonin and human reproduction continue to attract widespread scientific attention. The purpose of this chapter is to draw attention to some newer developments in the field, especially those with relevance to human fertility and reproductive medicine. As the vast majority of studies have focused on the female reproductive system, a discussion of the potential impact of melatonin on human male fertility will be left for others.
Topics: Animals; Circadian Rhythm; Female; Genitalia, Female; Humans; Melatonin; Reproduction
PubMed: 32210911
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00085 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2021Even though several plants can improve the female reproductive function, the use of herbs, herbal preparations, or essential oils during pregnancy is questionable. This... (Review)
Review
Even though several plants can improve the female reproductive function, the use of herbs, herbal preparations, or essential oils during pregnancy is questionable. This review is focused on the effects of some essential oils and their constituents on the female reproductive system during pregnancy and on the development of the fetus. The major concerns include causing abortion, reproductive hormone modulation, maternal toxicity, teratogenicity, and embryo-fetotoxicity. This work summarizes the important studies on the reproductive effects of essential oil constituents anethole, apiole, citral, camphor, thymoquinone, -sabinyl acetate, methyl salicylate, thujone, pulegone, β-elemene, β-eudesmol, and costus lactone, among others.
Topics: Animals; Bicyclic Monoterpenes; Camphor; Female; Genitalia, Female; Humans; Oils, Volatile; Pregnancy; Terpenes
PubMed: 33673548
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052380 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)To find out whether taking images of the male and female genitals during coitus is feasible and to find out whether former and current ideas about the anatomy during...
OBJECTIVE
To find out whether taking images of the male and female genitals during coitus is feasible and to find out whether former and current ideas about the anatomy during sexual intercourse and during female sexual arousal are based on assumptions or on facts.
DESIGN
Observational study.
SETTING
University hospital in the Netherlands.
METHODS
Magnetic resonance imaging was used to study the female sexual response and the male and female genitals during coitus. Thirteen experiments were performed with eight couples and three single women.
RESULTS
The images obtained showed that during intercourse in the "missionary position" the penis has the shape of a boomerang and 1/3 of its length consists of the root of the penis. During female sexual arousal without intercourse the uterus was raised and the anterior vaginal wall lengthened. The size of the uterus did not increase during sexual arousal.
CONCLUSION
Taking magnetic resonance images of the male and female genitals during coitus is feasible and contributes to understanding of anatomy.
Topics: Adult; Arousal; Coitus; Feasibility Studies; Female; Genitalia, Female; Genitalia, Male; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Penis; Uterus
PubMed: 10600954
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.319.7225.1596 -
Current Biology : CB Dec 2020In this Quick guide, Nadia Sloan and Leigh Simmons introduce the diverse and fascinating biology of female genitalia.
In this Quick guide, Nadia Sloan and Leigh Simmons introduce the diverse and fascinating biology of female genitalia.
Topics: Animals; Biodiversity; Biological Evolution; Female; Genitalia, Female; Humans; Species Specificity
PubMed: 33352121
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.10.074 -
Hormones and Behavior May 2011In men and women sexual arousal culminates in orgasm, with female orgasm solely from sexual intercourse often regarded as a unique feature of human sexuality. However,...
In men and women sexual arousal culminates in orgasm, with female orgasm solely from sexual intercourse often regarded as a unique feature of human sexuality. However, orgasm from sexual intercourse occurs more reliably in men than in women, likely reflecting the different types of physical stimulation men and women require for orgasm. In men, orgasms are under strong selective pressure as orgasms are coupled with ejaculation and thus contribute to male reproductive success. By contrast, women's orgasms in intercourse are highly variable and are under little selective pressure as they are not a reproductive necessity. The proximal mechanisms producing variability in women's orgasms are little understood. In 1924 Marie Bonaparte proposed that a shorter distance between a woman's clitoris and her urethral meatus (CUMD) increased her likelihood of experiencing orgasm in intercourse. She based this on her published data that were never statistically analyzed. In 1940 Landis and colleagues published similar data suggesting the same relationship, but these data too were never fully analyzed. We analyzed raw data from these two studies and found that both demonstrate a strong inverse relationship between CUMD and orgasm during intercourse. Unresolved is whether this increased likelihood of orgasm with shorter CUMD reflects increased penile-clitoral contact during sexual intercourse or increased penile stimulation of internal aspects of the clitoris. CUMD likely reflects prenatal androgen exposure, with higher androgen levels producing larger distances. Thus these results suggest that women exposed to lower levels of prenatal androgens are more likely to experience orgasm during sexual intercourse.
Topics: Adult; Arousal; Coitus; Female; Genitalia, Female; Humans; Libido; Middle Aged; Orgasm; Young Adult
PubMed: 21195073
DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2010.12.004 -
Cell Feb 2024The female reproductive tract (FRT) undergoes extensive remodeling during reproductive cycling. This recurrent remodeling and how it shapes organ-specific aging remains...
The female reproductive tract (FRT) undergoes extensive remodeling during reproductive cycling. This recurrent remodeling and how it shapes organ-specific aging remains poorly explored. Using single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, we systematically characterized morphological and gene expression changes occurring in ovary, oviduct, uterus, cervix, and vagina at each phase of the mouse estrous cycle, during decidualization, and into aging. These analyses reveal that fibroblasts play central-and highly organ-specific-roles in FRT remodeling by orchestrating extracellular matrix (ECM) reorganization and inflammation. Our results suggest a model wherein recurrent FRT remodeling over reproductive lifespan drives the gradual, age-related development of fibrosis and chronic inflammation. This hypothesis was directly tested using chemical ablation of cycling, which reduced fibrotic accumulation during aging. Our atlas provides extensive detail into how estrus, pregnancy, and aging shape the organs of the female reproductive tract and reveals the unexpected cost of the recurrent remodeling required for reproduction.
Topics: Animals; Female; Mice; Pregnancy; Aging; Genitalia, Female; Inflammation; Uterus; Vagina; Single-Cell Analysis
PubMed: 38325365
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.021 -
Journal of Evolutionary Biology Sep 2019Female genitalia have been largely neglected in studies of genital evolution, perhaps due to the long-standing belief that they are relatively invariable and therefore... (Review)
Review
Female genitalia have been largely neglected in studies of genital evolution, perhaps due to the long-standing belief that they are relatively invariable and therefore taxonomically and evolutionarily uninformative in comparison with male genitalia. Contemporary studies of genital evolution have begun to dispute this view, and to demonstrate that female genitalia can be highly diverse and covary with the genitalia of males. Here, we examine evidence for three mechanisms of genital evolution in females: species isolating 'lock-and-key' evolution, cryptic female choice and sexual conflict. Lock-and-key genital evolution has been thought to be relatively unimportant; however, we present cases that show how species isolation may well play a role in the evolution of female genitalia. Much support for female genital evolution via sexual conflict comes from studies of both invertebrate and vertebrate species; however, the effects of sexual conflict can be difficult to distinguish from models of cryptic female choice that focus on putative benefits of choice for females. We offer potential solutions to alleviate this issue. Finally, we offer directions for future studies in order to expand and refine our knowledge surrounding female genital evolution.
Topics: Animals; Biological Evolution; Female; Genitalia, Female; Invertebrates; Vertebrates
PubMed: 31267594
DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13503 -
Cells Sep 2020Cytokines are important contributors to immune responses against microbial and environmental threats and are of particular importance at epithelial barriers. These... (Review)
Review
Cytokines are important contributors to immune responses against microbial and environmental threats and are of particular importance at epithelial barriers. These interfaces are continuously exposed to external factors and thus require immune components to both protect the host from pathogen invasion and to regulate overt inflammation. Recently, substantial efforts have been devoted to understanding how cytokines act on certain cells at barrier sites, and why the dysregulation of immune responses may lead to pathogenesis. In particular, the cytokine IL-22 is involved in preserving an intact epithelium, maintaining a balanced microbiota and a functioning defense system against external threats. However, a tight regulation of IL-22 is generally needed, since uncontrolled IL-22 production can lead to the progression of autoimmunity and cancer. Our aim in this review is to summarize novel findings on IL-22 and its interactions with specific microbial stimuli, and subsequently, to understand their contributions to the function of IL-22 and the clinical outcome. We particularly focus on understanding the detrimental effects of dysregulated control of IL-22 in certain disease contexts.
Topics: Epithelium; Female; Gastrointestinal Tract; Genitalia, Female; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Inflammation; Interleukins; Liver; Microbiota; Respiratory System; Skin; Interleukin-22
PubMed: 33003458
DOI: 10.3390/cells9102205