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International Journal of Molecular... Dec 2021The human microbiome plays a crucial role in determining the health status of every human being, and the microbiome of the genital tract can affect the fertility...
The human microbiome plays a crucial role in determining the health status of every human being, and the microbiome of the genital tract can affect the fertility potential before and during assisted reproductive treatments (ARTs). This review aims to identify and appraise studies investigating the correlation of genital microbiome to infertility. Publications up to February 2021 were identified by searching the electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Embase and bibliographies. Only full-text original research articles written in English were considered eligible for analysis, whereas reviews, editorials, opinions or letters, case studies, conference papers, and abstracts were excluded. Twenty-six articles were identified. The oldest studies adopted the exclusive culture-based technique, while in recent years PCR and RNA sequencing based on 16S rRNA were the most used technique. Regardless of the anatomical site under investigation, the -dominated flora seems to play a pivotal role in determining fertility, and in particular showed a central role. Nonetheless, the presence of pathogens in the genital tract, such as , , species, and Gram-negative stains microorganism, affected fertility also in case of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis (BV). We failed to identify descriptive or comparative studies regarding tubal microbiome. The microbiome of the genital tract plays a pivotal role in fertility, also in case of ARTs. The standardization of the sampling methods and investigations approaches is warranted to stratify the fertility potential and its subsequent treatment. Prospective tubal microbiome studies are warranted.
Topics: Cervix Uteri; Endometrium; Female; Genitalia, Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Lactobacillus; Microbiota; Vagina
PubMed: 35008605
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010180 -
Current Biology : CB Oct 2022While most birds do not have external genitalia, in a small number of species the males have penises, which can be either intromittent or non-intromittent. Brennan...
While most birds do not have external genitalia, in a small number of species the males have penises, which can be either intromittent or non-intromittent. Brennan provides an overview of bird genitalia, including speculation about the evolutionary forces involved.
Topics: Male; Animals; Genitalia; Biological Evolution; Penis; Birds
PubMed: 36283360
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.09.015 -
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 -
Nature Biomedical Engineering Apr 2020Engineered male and female biomimetic reproductive tissues are being developed as autonomous in vitro units or as integrated multi-organ in vitro systems to support germ... (Review)
Review
Engineered male and female biomimetic reproductive tissues are being developed as autonomous in vitro units or as integrated multi-organ in vitro systems to support germ cell and embryo function, and to display characteristic endocrine phenotypic patterns, such as the 28-day human ovulatory cycle. In this Review, we summarize how engineered reproductive tissues facilitate research in reproductive biology, and overview strategies for making engineered reproductive tissues that might eventually allow the restoration of reproductive capacity in patients.
Topics: Biocompatible Materials; Bioprinting; Cell Encapsulation; Female; Genitalia, Female; Genitalia, Male; Germ Cells; Humans; Hydrogels; Male; Microfluidics; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Reproduction; Testis; Tissue Engineering; Tissue Scaffolds; Tissue Transplantation
PubMed: 32251392
DOI: 10.1038/s41551-020-0525-x -
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 -
Differentiation; Research in Biological... 2020
Topics: Animals; Clitoris; Embryonic Development; Female; Genitalia; Humans; Hypospadias; Male; Mice; Morphogenesis; Penis; Receptors, Androgen; Signal Transduction; Urethra
PubMed: 31881402
DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2019.10.008 -
Differentiation; Research in Biological... 2021This paper reviews and provides new observations on the ontogeny of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) and estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) in developing human male and female... (Review)
Review
This paper reviews and provides new observations on the ontogeny of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) and estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) in developing human male and female internal and external genitalia. Included in this study are observations on the human fetal uterine tube, the uterotubal junction, uterus, cervix, vagina, penis and clitoris. We also summarize and report on the ontogeny of estrogen receptors in the human fetal prostate, prostatic urethra and epididymis. The ontogeny of ESR1 and ESR2, which spans from 8 to 21 weeks correlates well with the known "window of susceptibility" (7-15 weeks) for diethylstilbestrol (DES)-induced malformations of the human female reproductive tract as determined through examination of DES daughters exposed in utero to this potent estrogen. Our fairly complete mapping of the ontogeny of ESR1 and ESR2 in developing human male and female internal and external genitalia provides a mechanistic framework for further investigation of the role of estrogen in normal development and of abnormalities elicited by exogenous estrogens.
Topics: Diethylstilbestrol; Embryonic Development; Estrogen Receptor alpha; Estrogen Receptor beta; Estrogens; Female; Fetus; Genitalia, Female; Genitalia, Male; Humans; Male
PubMed: 33176961
DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2020.10.001 -
Basic & Clinical Pharmacology &... Oct 2016Ejaculation is the final stage of coitus in mammalian male and is mandatory for natural procreation. Two synchronized phases, emission and expulsion, form the... (Review)
Review
Ejaculation is the final stage of coitus in mammalian male and is mandatory for natural procreation. Two synchronized phases, emission and expulsion, form the ejaculatory response and involve specific organs and anatomical structures. The peripheral events leading to ejaculation are commanded by autonomic (sympathetic and parasympathetic) and somatic divisions of the nervous system. The autonomic and somatic motor efferents originate in spinal nuclei located in thoracolumbar and lumbosacral segments. Co-ordinated activation of autonomic and somatic spinal nuclei is orchestrated by a group of lumbar spinal interneurons defined as the spinal generator of ejaculation. The generator of ejaculation together with the autonomic and somatic spinal nuclei constitutes a spinal network that is under the strong influence of stimulating or inhibiting genital sensory and supraspinal inputs. A brain circuitry dedicated to ejaculation has been delineated that is part of a more global network controlling other aspects of the sexual response. This circuitry includes discrete neuronal populations distributed in all divisions of the brain. The corollary to the expanded CNS network is the variety of neurotransmitter systems participating in the ejaculatory process. Among them, serotonin neurotransmission plays a key role and its targeting led to the development of the first registered pharmacological treatment of premature ejaculation in human beings. Critical gaps remain in the understanding of neurophysiopharmacology of ejaculation and management of ejaculatory disorders in human beings needs improvement. Because the ejaculatory response in laboratory animals and in human beings shares many similarities, the use of animal models will certainly provide further advances in the field.
Topics: Animals; Cerebral Cortex; Ejaculation; Genitalia, Male; Humans; Male; Models, Biological; Spinal Cord
PubMed: 26709195
DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12546 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023The female reproductive tract (FRT) and remote/versatile organs in the body share bidirectional communication. In this review, we discuss the framework of the "FRT-organ... (Review)
Review
The female reproductive tract (FRT) and remote/versatile organs in the body share bidirectional communication. In this review, we discuss the framework of the "FRT-organ axes." Each axis, namely, the vagina-gut axis, uterus-gut axis, ovary-gut axis, vagina-bladder axis, vagina-oral axis, uterus-oral axis, vagina-brain axis, uterus-brain axis, and vagina-joint axis, is comprehensively discussed separately. Each axis could be involved in the pathogenesis of not only gynecological diseases but also diseases occurring apart from the FRT. Although the microbiota is clearly a key player in the FRT-organ axes, more quantitative insight into the homeostasis of the microbiota could be provided by host function measurements rather than current microbe-centric approaches. Therefore, investigation of the FRT-organ axes would provide us with a multicentric approach, including immune, neural, endocrine, and metabolic aspects, for understanding the homeostatic mechanism of women's bodies. The framework of the FRT-organ axes could also provide insights into finding new therapeutic approaches to maintain women's health.
Topics: Female; Humans; Genitalia, Female; Uterus; Vagina; Ovary; Microbiota
PubMed: 36798125
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1110001