Interactions between androgens, FSH, anti-Müllerian hormone and estradiol during folliculogenesis in the human normal and polycystic ovary
BACKGROUND
Androgens, FSH, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and estradiol (E2) are essential in human ovarian folliculogenesis. However, the interactions between these four players is not fully understood.
OBJECTIVES AND RATIONALE
The purpose of this review is to highlight the chronological sequence of the appearance and function of androgens, FSH, AMH and E2 and to discuss controversies in the relationship between FSH and AMH. A better understanding of this interaction could supplement our current knowledge about the pathophysiology of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
SEARCH METHODS
A literature review was perf...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - November 3, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Dewailly, D., Robin, G., Peigne, M., Decanter, C., Pigny, P., Catteau-Jonard, S. Tags: Review Source Type: research
The management of anovulatory infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: an analysis of the evidence to support the development of global WHO guidance
BACKGROUND
Here we describe the consensus guideline methodology, summarise the evidence-based recommendations we provided to the World Health Organisation (WHO) for their consideration in the development of global guidance and present a narrative review on the management of anovulatory infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
The aim of this paper was to present an evidence base for the management of anovulatory PCOS.
SEARCH METHODS
The evidence to support providing recommendations involved a collaborative process for: (i) identification of priority questions and critical outcom...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - November 3, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Balen, A. H., Morley, L. C., Misso, M., Franks, S., Legro, R. S., Wijeyaratne, C. N., Stener-Victorin, E., Fauser, B. C. J. M., Norman, R. J., Teede, H. Tags: Review Source Type: research
Uterine fibroid management: from the present to the future
Uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas or myomas) are the most common form of benign uterine tumors. Clinical presentations include abnormal bleeding, pelvic masses, pelvic pain, infertility, bulk symptoms and obstetric complications.
Almost a third of women with leiomyomas will request treatment due to symptoms. Current management strategies mainly involve surgical interventions, but the choice of treatment is guided by patient's age and desire to preserve fertility or avoid ‘radical’ surgery such as hysterectomy. The management of uterine fibroids also depends on the number, size and location of the fibro...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - November 3, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Donnez, J., Dolmans, M.-M. Tags: GRAND THEME REVIEW Source Type: research
G-Protein-coupled receptors as potential drug candidates in preeclampsia: targeting the relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 1 for treatment and prevention
BACKGROUND
Important roles for G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been identified in the maternal physiological adaptations to pregnancy and in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. On this basis, GPCRs are potential therapeutic targets for preeclampsia.
OBJECTIVES AND RATIONALE
In this review, vasopressin and apelin are initially considered in this context before the focus on the hormone relaxin and its cognate receptor, the relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1). Based on both compelling scientific rationale and a promising safety profile, the relaxin ligand–receptor system is comprehensivel...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - August 25, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Conrad, K. P. Tags: Review Source Type: research
Hormonal contraceptives: pharmacology tailored to women's health
CONCLUSION
Progress in the provision of new oral contraceptives has improved the risk/benefit ratio, by increasing benefits and reducing risks. The present challenge is to tailor contraceptives to individual needs in terms of efficacy and protection of reproductive health. (Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - August 25, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: De Leo, V., Musacchio, M. C., Cappelli, V., Piomboni, P., Morgante, G. Tags: Review Source Type: research
Maternal and fetal outcomes in oocyte donation pregnancies
BACKGROUND
Since the first successful use of donated oocytes in 1984, the number of oocyte donation cycles in Europe and the USA has dramatically increased. Consequently, there has been increasing interest in the impact of oocyte donation on maternal and fetal outcomes.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
The aim of this review was to summarize the literature regarding maternal and fetal outcomes from pregnancies conceived through oocyte donation.
SEARCH METHODS
Identification of relevant publications was through research within the Embase Medline and PubMed databases, the Google-indexed scientific literature and periodic speci...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - August 25, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Savasi, V. M., Mandia, L., Laoreti, A., Cetin, I. Tags: Review Source Type: research
Potential toxicity of engineered nanoparticles in mammalian germ cells and developing embryos: treatment strategies and anticipated applications of nanoparticles in gene delivery
BACKGROUND
Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) offer technological advantages for a variety of industrial and consumer products as well as show promise for biomedical applications. Recent progress in the field of nanotechnology has led to increased exposure to nanoparticles by humans. To date, little is known about the adverse effects of these ENPs on reproductive health, although interest in nanotechnology area is growing. A few biocompatible ENPs have a high loading capacity for exogenous substances, including drugs, DNA or proteins, and can selectively deliver molecular cargo into cells; however, they represent a potential ...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - August 25, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Das, J., Choi, Y.-J., Song, H., Kim, J.-H. Tags: Review Source Type: research
The human epididymis: its function in sperm maturation
BACKGROUND
Spermatozoa acquire their fertilizing ability and forward motility properties during epididymal transit. Our knowledge of gamete physiology is based on studies conducted in laboratory and domestic species; our knowledge of these processes in humans is limited. Medical indications for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have progressed to include male infertility. Surgical procedures allow collection of spermatozoa from all along the human excurrent ducts, and the former have been used with some success in reproductive medicine. This has raised questions over the role of the epididymis in human sperm physiol...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - August 25, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Sullivan, R., Mieusset, R. Tags: Review Source Type: research
Spermatogonial stem cell autotransplantation and germline genomic editing: a future cure for spermatogenic failure and prevention of transmission of genomic diseases
The objective of this review is to provide insights into the prospects of the potential clinical application of SSCT with or without genomic editing to cure spermatogenic failure and to prevent transmission of genetic diseases.
SEARCH METHODS
We performed a narrative review using the literature available on PubMed not restricted to any publishing year on topics of subfertility, fertility treatments, (molecular regulation of) spermatogenesis and SSCT, inherited (genetic) disorders, prenatal screening methods, genomic editing and germline editing. For germline editing, we focussed on the novel CRISPR-Cas9 system. We include...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - August 25, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Mulder, C. L., Zheng, Y., Jan, S. Z., Struijk, R. B., Repping, S., Hamer, G., van Pelt, A. M. M. Tags: Review Source Type: research
Novel concepts on pregnancy clocks and alarms: redundancy and synergy in human parturition
The signals and mechanisms that synchronize the timing of human parturition remain a mystery and a better understanding of these processes is essential to avert adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although our insights into human labor initiation have been informed by studies in animal models, the timing of parturition relative to fetal maturation varies among viviparous species, indicative of phylogenetically different clocks and alarms; but what is clear is that important common pathways must converge to control the birth process. For example, in all species, parturition involves the transition of the myometrium from a relaxed t...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - August 25, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Menon, R., Bonney, E. A., Condon, J., Mesiano, S., Taylor, R. N. Tags: Review Source Type: research
Significance of (sub)clinical thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity before conception and in early pregnancy: a systematic review
(Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - June 22, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: van den Boogaard, E., Vissenberg, R., Land, J. A., van Wely, M., ven der Post, J. A. M., Goddijn, M., Bisschop, P. H. Tags: Corrigendum Source Type: research
Reply: An update on endometrial stem cells and progenitors by Deepa Bhartiya
(Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - June 22, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Gargett, C. E., Deane, J. A., Schwab, K. E. Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research
An update on endometrial stem cells and progenitors
(Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - June 22, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Bhartiya, D. Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research
Association of alcohol consumption with the onset of natural menopause: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Background
Early onset of menopause is associated with long-term health risks, including cardiovascular disease and premature death. Although alcohol intake has been suggested to affect the age at which natural menopause occurs, results from observational studies are not consistent.
Objective and rationale
In the view of the differing risks to the health of early menopause and the increasing trends in alcohol consumption in women, in this systematic review, we aimed to quantify the association between all levels of alcohol consumption and menopause onset.
Search methods
Six electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - June 22, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Taneri, P. E., Kiefte-de Jong, J. C., Bramer, W. M., Daan, N. M. P., Franco, O. H., Muka, T. Tags: Review Source Type: research
The role of decidual cells in uterine hemostasis, menstruation, inflammation, adverse pregnancy outcomes and abnormal uterine bleeding
CONCLUSION
Perivascular decidualized HESCs promote endometrial hemostasis during placentation yet facilitate menstruation through progestational regulation of hemostatic, proteolytic, and vasoactive proteins. Pathological endometrial hemorrhage elicits excess local thrombin generation, which contributes to pLARC associated AUB, endometriosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes through several biochemical mechanisms. (Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - June 22, 2016 Category: OBGYN Authors: Schatz, F., Guzeloglu-Kayisli, O., Arlier, S., Kayisli, U. A., Lockwood, C. J. Tags: Review Source Type: research
