Comparative study of preimplantation development following distinct assisted oocyte activation protocols in a PLC-zeta knockout mouse model
AbstractMammalian fertilization encompasses a series of Ca2+ oscillations initiated by the sperm factor phospholipase C zeta (PLC ζ). Some studies have shown that altering the Ca2+ oscillatory regime at fertilization affects preimplantation blastocyst development. However, assisted oocyte activation (AOA) protocols can induce oocyte activation in a manner that diverges profoundly from the physiological Ca2+ profiling. In our study, we used the newly developed PLC ζ-null sperm to investigate the independent effect of AOA on mouse preimplantation embryogenesis. Based on previous findings, we hypothesized that AOA protocols...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - September 8, 2020 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Palmitic acid induces inflammation in placental trophoblasts and impairs their migration toward smooth muscle cells through plasminogen activator inhibitor-1
AbstractA critical component of early human placental development includes migration of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) into the decidua. EVTs migrate toward and displace vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) surrounding several uterine structures, including spiral arteries. Shallow trophoblast invasion features in several pregnancy complications including preeclampsia. Maternal obesity is a risk factor for placental dysfunction, suggesting that factors within an obese environment may impair early placental development. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid circulating at high levels in...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - September 8, 2020 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
High-throughput sequencing reveals landscapes of female germ cell development
AbstractFemale germ cell development is a highly complex process that includes meiosis initiation, oocyte growth recruitment, oocyte meiosis retardation and resumption and final meiotic maturation. A series of coordinated molecular signaling factors ensure successful oogenesis. The recent rapid development of high-throughput sequencing technologies allows for the dynamic omics in female germ cells, which is essential for further understanding the regulatory mechanisms of molecular events comprehensively. In this review, we summarize the current literature of multi-omics sequenced by epigenome-, transcriptome- and proteome-...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - August 31, 2020 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Decorin production by the human decidua: role in decidual cell maturation
We reported that DCN restrains the human trophoblast renewal, migration, invasion and endovascular differentiation needed for uterine arterial remodeling during normal pregnancy. DCN overproduction by the decidua is associated with a hypo-invasive placenta and a serious pregnancy disorder, pre-eclampsia (PE). Furthermore, elevated maternal plasma DCN levels d uring the second trimester is a predictive biomarker of PE. While these paracrine roles of decidua-derived DCN on trophoblast physiology and pathology have been well-defined, it remains unknown whether DCN plays any autocrine role in decidual cell development. The obj...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - August 31, 2020 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
The molecular mechanisms that underlie fragile X-associated premature ovarian insufficiency: is it RNA or protein based?
AbstractTheFMR1 gene contains a polymorphic CGG trinucleotide sequence within its 5 ′ untranslated region. More than 200 CGG repeats (termed a full mutation) underlie the severe neurodevelopmental condition fragile X syndrome, while repeat lengths that range between 55 and 200 (termed a premutation) result in the conditions fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome and fragile X-associated premature ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI). Premutations inFMR1 are the most common monogenic cause of premature ovarian insufficiency and are routinely tested for clinically; however, the mechanisms that contribute to the pathology are...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - August 10, 2020 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Effects of vitrification and the superovulated environment on placental function and fetal growth in an IVF mouse model
AbstractIn studies of human IVF, as compared to frozen embryo transfer (ET), fresh ET is associated with smaller infants and higher risk of small for gestational age infants. Recent observations suggest that ET using vitrified embryos is associated with higher pregnancy and live birth rates compared to fresh ET, but increased rates of large for gestational age infants. The mechanisms underlying these associations are largely unknown, and available evidence suggests that the influence of IVF, vitrification and the superovulated (SO) uterine environment on placental function and fetal growth is complex. This warrants further...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - July 26, 2020 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Platelet-derived growth factor B restores vascular barrier integrity and diminishes permeability in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
In conclusion, our findings indicate that PDGF-B could be another crucial mediator in the onset and development of OHSS, which may lead to the development of novel prediction markers and therapeutic strategies. (Source: Molecular Human Reproduction)
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - July 25, 2020 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Ionomycin-induced mouse oocyte activation can disrupt preimplantation embryo development through increased reactive oxygen species reaction and DNA damage
This study provides a perspective that the improper application of AOA may have adverse effects on preimplantation embryo development. Thus, clinical AOA treatment should be cautiously administered. (Source: Molecular Human Reproduction)
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - July 22, 2020 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
miR-130b regulates gap junctional intercellular communication through connexin 43 in granulosa cells from patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
In conclusion, miR-130b was increased in PCOS granulosa cells, where it targets Cx43 to affect GJIC. The results of the present study suggested that miR-130b, via post-transcriptional regulation of Cx43, is involved in the pathophysiology of PCOS, which provides new insight into the pathological mechanism of PCOS. (Source: Molecular Human Reproduction)
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - July 22, 2020 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Pubertal down-regulation of Tetraspanin 8 in testicular Sertoli cells is crucial for male fertility
This study divulges one of the aetiologies of certain forms of idiopathic male infertility where somatic cell defect, but not hormonal deficiency, is responsible for impaired spermatogenesis. (Source: Molecular Human Reproduction)
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - July 20, 2020 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Mimicking the temperature gradient between the sow ’s oviduct and uterus improves in vitro embryo culture output
AbstractThis work was designed to determine temperature conditions within the reproductive tract of the female pig and study their impact on ARTs. Temperatures were recorded using a laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery assisted approach and a miniaturized probe. Sows and gilts were used to address natural cycle and ovarian stimulation treatments, respectively. According toin vivo values, IVF was performed at three temperature conditions (37.0 °C, 38.5°C and 39.5°C) and presumptive zygotes were cultured in these conditions for 20 h, while further embryo culture (EC) (21–168 h post-insemination) was maintained at 38.5Â...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - July 9, 2020 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Functional changes in decidual mesenchymal stem/stromal cells are associated with spontaneous onset of labour
In conclusion, SOL-DMSCs showed evidence of ageing-related reduced functionality, accumulation of cellular damage and changes in lipid profiles compared with NIL-DMSCs. These changes may be associated with term spontane ous labour. (Source: Molecular Human Reproduction)
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - July 1, 2020 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Perinatal exposure to high dietary advanced glycation end products affects the reproductive system in female offspring in mice
AbstractMaternal nutrition and the intrauterine environment are important in determining susceptibility to reproductive and metabolic disturbances. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are widely consumed in Western diet. The purpose of this study was to determine whether perinatal exposure to a high levels of dietary AGEs affect metabolic and reproductive parameters in female mice offspring. Female CD1 mice, 7 weeks old, were placed on either a diet low (L-AGE) or high (H-AGE) in AGEs before mating and then during pregnancy and lactation. All offspring were weaned onto the L-AGE diet and studied through to 16 weeks of a...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - July 1, 2020 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Impact of endoplasmic reticulum stress on oocyte aging mechanisms
AbstractEndoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is associated with several aging-related diseases; however, the mechanism underlying age-related deterioration of oocyte quality is unclear. Here, we used post-ovulatory,in vivo aged mouse oocytes as a model. Super-ovulated oocytes harvested from the oviduct at 14 h and 20 h post-hCG injection were designated as ‘fresh’ and ‘aged’, respectively. Embryo development following IVF was compared between fresh, aged and ER stress-induced oocytes. Expression of the ER stress marker GRP78 was examined at each stage. To evaluate the effect of salubrinal, an ER stress suppressor, on ...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - June 8, 2020 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
Unraveling the mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced damage to human primordial follicle reserve: road to developing therapeutics for fertility preservation and reversing ovarian aging
AbstractAmong the investigated mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced damage to human primordial follicle reserve are induction of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and resultant apoptotic death, stromal –microvascular damage and follicle activation. Accumulating basic and translational evidence suggests that acute exposure to gonadotoxic chemotherapeutics, such as cyclophosphamide or doxorubicin, induces DNA DSBs and triggers apoptotic death of primordial follicle oocytes within 12–24 h, result ing in the massive loss of ovarian reserve. Evidence also indicates that chemotherapeutic agents can cause microvascular and stroma...
Source: Molecular Human Reproduction - June 8, 2020 Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research
