Deregulation of the endometrial stromal cell secretome precedes embryo implantation failure
AbstractSTUDY QUESTIONIs implantation failure following ART associated with a perturbed decidual response in endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs)?SUMMARY ANSWERDynamic changes in the secretome of decidualizing EnSCs underpin the transition of a hostile to a supportive endometrial microenvironment for embryo implantation; perturbation in this transitional pathway prior to ART is associated with implantation failure.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYImplantation is the rate-limiting step in ART, although the contribution of an aberrant endometrial microenvironment in IVF failure remains ill defined.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONIn vitro chara...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - April 18, 2017 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
In vivo intrabursal administration of bioactive lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate enhances vascular integrity in a rat model of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
AbstractSTUDY QUESTIONCan the bioactive lipid sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P) act as an endothelial barrier-enhancing molecule and, in turn, restore the vascular integrity and homoeostasis in a rat model of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).STUDY ANSWERIn vivo administration of S1P may prevent the early onset of OHSS and decrease its severity.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYAlthough advances in the prediction and treatment of OHSS have been made, complete prevention has not been possible yet. S1P in follicular fluid from women at risk of developing OHSS are lower in comparison from women who are not at such risk and administrati...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - April 18, 2017 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Resistance to apoptosis and autophagy leads to enhanced survival in Sertoli cells
This study was funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) Grant BH93/1-1, and by the International Research Training Group between Justus Liebig University of Giessen and Monash University, Melbourne (GRK 1871/1) funded by the DFG and Monash University. The support of the Medical Faculty of Justus-Liebig University of Giessen is gratefully acknowledged. The authors declare no conflict of interest. (Source: Molecular Human Reproduction)
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - April 18, 2017 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Identification and characterization of Aurora kinase B and C variants associated with maternal aneuploidy
AbstractSTUDY QUESTIONAre single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in Aurora kinases B and C (AURKB, AURKC) associated with risk of aneuploid conception?SUMMARY ANSWERTwo SNVs were found in patients with extreme aneuploid concepti rates with respect to their age; one variant, AURKC p.I79V, is benign, while another, AURKB p.L39P, is a potential gain-of-function mutant with increased efficiency in promoting chromosome alignment.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYMaternal age does not always predict aneuploidy risk, and rare gene variants can be drivers of disease. The AURKB and AURKC regulate chromosome segregation, and are associated with repro...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - April 13, 2017 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Impact of male fertility status on the transcriptome of the bovine epididymis
AbstractSTUDY QUESTIONCan region-specific transcriptional profiling of the epididymis from fertile and sub-fertile bulls predict the etiology of fertility/sub-fertility in males?SUMMARY ANSWERThe highly regulated gene expression along the bovine epididymis is affected by the fertility status of bulls used for artificial insemination.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYIn mammals, sperm maturation and storage occur in the epididymis. Each epididymal segment has his own transcriptomic signature that modulates the intraluminal composition and consequently governs sequential modifications of the maturing male gamete.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURAT...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - April 7, 2017 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Microfluidics in reproductive biology: applying lab-on-a-chip technologies to assisted reproduction
(Source: Molecular Human Reproduction)
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - April 1, 2017 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Integration of microfluidics in animal in vitro embryo production
(Source: Molecular Human Reproduction)
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - March 29, 2017 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Inhibition of PIM1 kinase attenuates inflammation-induced pro-labour mediators in human foetal membranes in vitro
AbstractSTUDY QUESTIONDoes proviral integration site for Moloney murine leukaemic virus (PIM)1 kinase play a role in regulating the inflammatory processes of human labour and delivery?SUMMARY ANSWERPIM1 kinase plays a critical role in foetal membranes in regulating pro-inflammatory and pro-labour mediators.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYInfection and inflammation have strong causal links to preterm delivery by stimulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and collagen degrading enzymes, which can lead to rupture of membranes. PIM1 has been shown to have a role in immune regulation and inflammation in non-gestational tissues; however, its r...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - March 28, 2017 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
hCG activates Epac-Erk1/2 signaling regulating Progesterone Receptor expression and function in human endometrial stromal cells
AbstractSTUDY QUESTIONHow does hCG signal in human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and what is its role in regulating ESC function?SUMMARY ANSWERhCG signaling in ESCs activates the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (Erk1/2) pathway through exchange protein activated by cyclic AMP (cAMP) (Epac) and transiently increases progesterone receptor (PR) transcript and protein expression and its transcriptional function.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYhCG is one of the earliest embryo-derived secreted signals in the endometrium, which abundantly expresses LH/hCG receptors. hCG signals through cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) ...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - March 28, 2017 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Further insights into the impact of mouse follicle stage on graft outcome in an artificial ovary environment
This study involved the participation of the Gynecology Research Unit (Universit è Catholique de Louvain) and the Physiological Sciences Department (University of BrasÃlia). Specific techniques were used to analyze the follicle recovery rate (hematoxylin–eosin staining), vascularization (CD34) and follicle ultrastructure (transmission electron microscopy [TEM] and SEM).MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEAfter follicle isolation and encapsulation, a statistically higher percentage of normal follicles was observed in the secondary group (62%) than in the primordial –primary group (47%). Follicle recovery rates were 34%...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - March 28, 2017 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Spindlin 1 is essential for metaphase II stage maintenance and chromosomal stability in porcine oocytes
This study is based on <span style="font-style:italic;">in vitro</span> investigations with abnormal expression levels of Spin1. This may or may not accurately reflect the situation <span style="font-style:italic;">in vivo</span>.<div class="boxTitle">Wider implications of the findings</div>Spin1 is essential to maintain MII arrest, but a high level of Spin1 induces DNA damage in oocytes and embryos. Thus, a system to accurately regulate Spin1 expression operates in porcine MII-stage oocytes and embryos.<div class="boxTitle">Study funding and competing interest(s)</div>This r...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - March 6, 2017 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Angiogenic properties of endometrial mesenchymal stromal cells in endothelial co-culture: an in vitro model of endometriosis
This study was supported by the ‘Research Fund ex-60%’, University of Turin, Turin, Italy. All authors declare that their participation in the study did not involve actual or potential conflicts of interests.</span> (Source: Molecular Human Reproduction)
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - February 17, 2017 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
RNA immunoprecipitation identifies novel targets of DAZL in human foetal ovary
This study was supported by the UK Medical Research Council (grant no G1100357 to R.A.A. and an intramural MRC programme grant to I.R.A.). The authors declare no competing interests.</span> (Source: Molecular Human Reproduction)
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - February 17, 2017 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Irradiation affects germ and somatic cells in prepubertal monkey testis xenografts
This study is the first to indicate relevant testicular somatic cell responses following irradiation of prepubertal primate tissue. In addition to the well-known depletion of germ cells, the changes in Sertoli, and in particular peritubular myoid, cells may have important consequences for spermatogenic recovery. These novel findings should be taken into consideration when irradiation effects are assessed in tumor survivors.<div class="boxTitle">Study funding and competing interest(s)</div>Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF) Münster (Schl2/001/13) and the Excellence Cluster ‘Cells in Motionâ...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - February 9, 2017 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
HIF1A and EPAS1 potentiate hypoxia-induced upregulation of inhibin alpha chain expression in human term cytotrophoblasts in vitro
<span class="paragraphSection"><div class="boxTitle">Abstract</div><div class="boxTitle">Study Question</div>Are hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) responsible for the potentiation of <span style="font-style:italic;">inhibin alpha subunit </span>(<span style="font-style:italic;">INHA</span>) gene expression in primary cultures of human term cytotrophoblasts under low-oxygen tension?<div class="boxTitle">Summary Answer</div>Both HIF1A and endothelial PAS domain protein 1 (EPAS1) are involved in the potentiation of <span style="font-style:italic;">INHA<...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - February 5, 2017 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
