Insights from Mendelian randomization and genetic correlation analyses into the relationship between endometriosis and its comorbidities
AbstractBACKGROUNDEndometriosis remains a poorly understood disease, despite its high prevalence and debilitating symptoms. The overlap in symptoms and the increased risk of multiple other traits in women with endometriosis is becoming increasingly apparent through epidemiological data. Genetic studies offer a method of investigating these comorbid relationships through the assessment of causal relationships with Mendelian randomization (MR), as well as identification of shared genetic variants and genes involved across traits. This has the capacity to identify risk factors for endometriosis as well as provide insight into...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - May 9, 2023 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research
Advances in non-hormonal male contraception targeting sperm motility
AbstractBACKGROUNDThe high rates of unintended pregnancy and the ever-growing world population impose health, economic, social, and environmental threats to countries. Expanding contraceptive options, including male methods, are urgently needed to tackle these global challenges. Male contraception is limited to condoms and vasectomy, which are unsuitable for many couples. Thus, novel male contraceptive methods may reduce unintended pregnancies, meet the contraceptive needs of couples, and foster gender equality in carrying the contraceptive burden. In this regard, the spermatozoon emerges as a source of druggable targets f...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - May 4, 2023 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research
Correction to: Comparison of dietary and physical activity behaviors in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 39 471 women
Hum Reprod Update 2022: 28:https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmac023 (Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - November 3, 2022 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research
Efficacy of psychological interventions for mental health and pregnancy rates among individuals with infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis
AbstractBACKGROUNDDepression and anxiety are highly prevalent among individuals struggling with infertility. Thus, numerous psychological interventions have been adapted to infertility, with the aim of relieving distress as well as increasing pregnancy rates.OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALEThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of psychological interventions on infertility-related distress and pregnancy rates among individuals and/or couples with infertility and to analyse their overall effect. It also sought to examine potential treatment moderators,...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - October 3, 2022 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research
Defensins: defenders of human reproductive health
AbstractBACKGROUNDReproductive tract infection is an important factor leading to male and female infertility. Among female infertility factors, microbial and viral infections are the main factors affecting female reproductive health and causing tubal infertility, ectopic tubal pregnancy and premature delivery. Among male infertility factors, 13 –15% of male infertility is related to infection. Defensins are cationic antibacterial and antiviral peptides, classified into α-defensins, β-defensins and θ-defensins. Humans only have α-defensins and β-defensins. Apart from their direct antimicrobial functions, defensins ha...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - September 20, 2022 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research
Age-associated epigenetic changes in mammalian sperm: implications for offspring health and development
AbstractBACKGROUNDModern reproductive behavior in most developed countries is characterized by delayed parenthood. Older gametes are generally less fertile, accumulating and compounding the effects of varied environmental exposures that are modified by lifestyle factors. Clinicians are primarily concerned with advanced maternal age, while the influence of paternal age on fertility, early development and offspring health remains underappreciated. There is a growing trend to use assisted reproductive technologies for couples of advanced reproductive age. Thus, the number of children born from older gametes is increasing.OBJE...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - September 6, 2022 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research
Sexual dysfunction and disorders as a consequence of infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis
AbstractBACKGROUNDSexuality has a key impact on quality of life and on reproductive health. Infertility often results in sexual dysfunction. Despite this close association, addressing sexuality is not a standard component of infertility counselling, especially since in most countries sexual medicine is not a core element of specialist training. Even today, many doctors and patients consider discussing sexuality to be more challenging than other aspects of reproductive medicine. The present review addresses the complex consequences of infertility on sexuality.OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALEOur goals were: (i) to identify the preval...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - July 28, 2022 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research
Indoor and outdoor air pollution and couple fecundability: a systematic review
AbstractBACKGROUNDAir pollution is both a sensory blight and a threat to human health. Inhaled environmental pollutants can be naturally occurring or human-made, and include traffic-related air pollution (TRAP), ozone, particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds, among other substances, including those from secondhand smoking. Studies of air pollution on reproductive and endocrine systems have reported associations of TRAP, secondhand smoke (SHS), organic solvents and biomass fueled-cooking with adverse birth outcomes. While some evidence suggests that air pollution contributes to infertility, the extant literat...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - July 27, 2022 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research
Biomechanical forces and signals operating in the ovary during folliculogenesis and their dysregulation: implications for fertility
AbstractBACKGROUNDFolliculogenesis occurs in the highly dynamic environment of the ovary. Follicle cyclic recruitment, neo-angiogenesis, spatial displacement, follicle atresia and ovulation stand out as major events resulting from the interplay between mechanical forces and molecular signals. Morphological and functional changes to the growing follicle and to the surrounding tissue are required to produce oocytes capable of supporting preimplantation development to the blastocyst stage.OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALEThis review will summarize the ovarian morphological and functional context that contributes to follicle recruitment...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - July 20, 2022 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research
Immunotherapies to optimize pregnancy outcomes in subfertile women
Sir, (Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - May 6, 2022 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research
Reply: Immunotherapies to optimize pregnancy outcomes in subfertile women
Sir, (Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - May 6, 2022 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research
Correction to: Evaluating interventions and adjuncts to optimize pregnancy outcomes in subfertile women: an overview review
Hum Reprod Update 2022:28:https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmac001 (Source: Human Reproduction Update)
Source: Human Reproduction Update - May 6, 2022 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research
IVF and human evolution
ABSTRACTHumans are shaped by evolution through natural selection, as are all species. While evolution is central to all biological processes, the key stage for competition and selection is reproduction, which encompasses various events from courtship and mating to fertilization and pregnancy. In humans, IVF is used to aid the intrinsically inefficient reproduction by coitus, and in several countries, the proportion of children born after IVF is increasing. While IVF is an enabling technology for infertile patients, it also circumvents reproductive barriers and changes selection pressures. This grand theme review describes ...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - March 31, 2022 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research
Interventions to optimize embryo transfer in women undergoing assisted conception: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analyses
AbstractBACKGROUNDSeveral interventions and techniques are suggested to improve the outcome of embryo transfer (ET) in assisted conception. However, there remains no consensus on the optimal practice, with high variations among fertility specialists.OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALEWe conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aiming to identify effective interventions that could be introduced around the time of ET to improve reproductive outcomes.SEARCH METHODSWe searched the electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL) from inception until March 2021 using a ...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - March 24, 2022 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research
Number and function of uterine natural killer cells in recurrent miscarriage and implantation failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis are to evaluate: differences in uNK level in women with RM/RIF compared with controls; pregnancy outcome in women with RM/RIF stratified by high and normal uNK levels; correlation between uNK and pNK in women with RM/RIF; and differences in uNK activity in women with RM/RIF compared with controls.SEARCH METHODSMEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Trials Registry were searched from inception up to December 2020 and studies were selected in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analyses were performed for uNK level, pregnancy outcome and uNK/pNK correlation...
Source: Human Reproduction Update - March 9, 2022 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research
