Human relaxins (RLNH1, RLNH2), their receptor (RXFP1) and fetoplacental growth
Relaxin, a systemic and placental hormone, has potential roles in fetoplacental growth. Human placenta expresses two RLN genes, RLNH1 and RLNH2. Maternal obesity is common and is associated with abnormal fetal growth. Our aims were to relate systemic and cord blood RLNH2, placental RLNs and their receptor (RXFP1) with fetoplacental growth in context of maternal body mass index, and associations with insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in the same placentas. Systemic, cord blood and placental samples were collected prior to term labor, divided by prepregnancy body mass index:...
Source: Reproduction - June 7, 2017 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Yamasato, K., Tsai, P.-J. S., Davis, J., Yamamoto, S. Y., Bryant-Greenwood, G. D. Tags: Research Source Type: research
miRNA-mRNA network involved in folliculogenesis interactome: systems biology approach
This study proposes a computational method to discover the functional miRNA–mRNA regulatory modules, that is, groups of miRNAs and their target mRNAs that are believed to take part cooperatively in post-transcriptional gene regulation under specific conditions. The reconstructed network was named Integrated miRNA–mRNA Bipartite Network. 277 genes and 6 key modules were disclosed through clustering for mRNA master list. The 66 genes are among the genes that belong to at least two modules. All these genes, being involved in at least one of the phenomena, namely cell survival, proliferation, metastasis and apoptos...
Source: Reproduction - May 30, 2017 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Bahrami, A., Miraie-Ashtiani, S. R., Sadeghi, M., Najafi, A. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Oocyte stem cells: fact or fantasy?
This study was highly controversial and the years since this initial finding have produced extensive research and even more extensive debate into their possibility. Unequivocal evidence testifying to the existence of oocyte-stem cells (OSCs) has yet to be produced, meanwhile the spectrum of views from both sides of the debate are wide-ranging and surprisingly passionate. Although recent studies have presented some convincing results that germ cells exist and are capable of creating new oocytes, many questions remain. Are these cells present in humans? Do they exist in physiological conditions in a dormant state? This compr...
Source: Reproduction - May 30, 2017 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Horan, C. J., Williams, S. A. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Methylation dynamics during folliculogenesis and early embryo development in sheep
(Source: Reproduction)
Source: Reproduction - May 30, 2017 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Masala, L., Burrai, G. P., Bellu, E., Ariu, F., Bogliolo, L., Ledda, S., Bebbere, D. Tags: Erratum Source Type: research
Follicular expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF{alpha}), interleukin 6 (IL6) and their receptors in cattle: TNF{alpha}, IL6 and macrophages suppress thecal androgen production in vitro
Pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted by macrophages and other cell types are implicated as intraovarian factors affecting different aspects of ovarian function including follicle and corpus luteum ‘turnover’, steroidogenesis and angiogenesis. Here, we compared granulosal (GC) and thecal (TC) expression of TNF, IL6 and their receptors (TNFRSF1A, TNFRSF1B and IL6R) during bovine antral follicle development; all five mRNA transcripts were detected in both GC and TC and statistically significant cell-type and follicle stage-related differences were evident. Since few studies have examined cytokine actions on TC ster...
Source: Reproduction - May 24, 2017 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Samir, M., Glister, C., Mattar, D., Laird, M., Knight, P. G. Tags: Research Source Type: research
SETDB1 plays an essential role in maintenance of gonocyte survival in pigs
Histone methyltransferase SETDB1 suppresses gene expression and modulates heterochromatin formation through H3K9me2/3. Previous studies have revealed that SETDB1 catalyzes lysine 9 of histone H3 tri-methylation and plays essential roles in maintaining the survival of embryonic stem cells and spermatogonial stem cells in mice. However, the function of SETDB1 in porcine male germ cells remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to reveal the expression profile and function of SETDB1 in porcine germ cells. SETDB1 expression gradually increased during testis development. SETDB1 was strongly localized in gonocytes. Knock...
Source: Reproduction - May 24, 2017 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Liu, T., Zhang, P., Li, T., Chen, X., Zhu, Z., Lyu, Y., Li, X., Tian, X., Zeng, W. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Neonatal hypothyroidism does not increase Sertoli cell proliferation in iNOS-/- mice
Sertoli cell (SC) proliferation in mice occurs until two weeks after birth and is mainly regulated by FSH and thyroid hormones. Previous studies have shown that transient neonatal hypothyroidism in laboratory rodents is able to extend SC mitotic activity, leading ultimately to higher testis size and daily sperm production (DSP) in adult animals. Moreover, we have shown that due to higher SC proliferation and lower germ cell apoptosis, iNOS deficiency in mice also results in higher testis size and DSP. Although the cell size was smaller, the Leydig cells (LCs) number per testis also significantly increased in iNOS–/&n...
Source: Reproduction - May 24, 2017 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Lara, N. L. M., Franca, L. R. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Embryo culture in presence of oviductal fluid induces DNA methylation changes in bovine blastocysts
During the transit through the oviduct, the early embryo initiates an extensive DNA methylation reprogramming of its genome. Given that these epigenetic modifications are susceptible to environmental factors, components present in the oviductal milieu could affect the DNA methylation marks of the developing embryo. The aim of this study was to examine if culture of bovine embryos with oviductal fluid (OF) can induce DNA methylation changes at specific genomic regions in the resulting blastocysts. In vitro produced zygotes were cultured in medium with 3 mg/mL bovine serum albumin (BSA) or 1.25% OF added at the one- to 16-ce...
Source: Reproduction - May 24, 2017 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Barrera, A. D., Garcia, E. V., Hamdi, M., Sanchez-Calabuig, M. J., Lopez-Cardona, A. P., Balvis, N. F., Rizos, D., Gutierrez-Adan, A. Tags: Research Source Type: research
The impact of laparoscopic ovarian drilling on AMH and ovarian reserve: a meta-analysis
In conclusion, although LOD seems to markedly reduce circulating AMH, it remains uncertain whether this reflects a real damage to ovarian reserve or normalisation of the high pre-operative serum AMH levels. Further long-term studies on ovarian reserve after LOD are required to address this uncertainty. (Source: Reproduction)
Source: Reproduction - May 17, 2017 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Amer, S. A., Shamy, T. T. E., James, C., Yosef, A. H., Mohamed, A. A. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and fertility management in agricultural species
A reliable, easy to assess marker for fertility in agricultural species would be highly desirable and Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a promising candidate. This review summarizes recent findings concerning AMH and its role in fertility management, mainly in cattle. It focuses on (1) alterations in circulating AMH concentrations from birth to puberty and during estrous cycles; (2) correlation of circulating AMH concentrations with ovarian follicle numbers and ovarian reserve; (3) factors that impact circulating AMH concentrations; (4) use of AMH as a predictor of fertility. Circulating AMH concentrations can be easily...
Source: Reproduction - May 17, 2017 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Mossa, F., Jimenez-Krassel, F., Scheetz, D., Weber-Nielsen, M., Evans, A. C. O., Ireland, J. J. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
In vivo targets of human placental micro-vesicles vary with exposure time and pregnancy
This study aimed to characterise the interaction between placental micro-vesicles and endothelial cells in vitro and to elucidate which organs placental micro-vesicles localise to in vivo. Placental macro- and micro-vesicles were isolated from cultured human first trimester placental explants by sequential centrifugation and exposed to human microvascular endothelial cells for up to 72 h. In vivo, placental macro- and micro-vesicles were administered to both non-pregnant and pregnant CD1 mice, and after two or 30 min or 24 h, organs were imaged on an IVIS Kinetic Imager. Placental EVs rapidly interacted with endothelial ce...
Source: Reproduction - May 12, 2017 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Tong, M., Chen, Q., James, J. L., Wise, M. R., Stone, P. R., Chamley, L. W. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Relationship of DNA integrity to HRG C633T SNP and ART outcome in infertile couples
The objective of this study was to determine these relationships in spermatozoa from men with male factor or unknown factor infertility (n = 118) undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Sperm DNA integrity was analysed by flow cytometry using three fluorescent probes (acridine orange, monobromobimane and chromomycin A3). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the parameters that most influenced fertility. The relationships of sperm DNA integrity with seminal parameters, HRG C633T SNP and ART outcome were established using ANOVA and t-test. Sperm concentration and...
Source: Reproduction - May 5, 2017 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Kumaresan, A., Johannisson, A., Nordqvist, S., Karehed, K., Akerud, H., Lindgren, K. E., Morrell, J. M. Tags: Research Source Type: research
A novel testis-specific protein, PRAMEY, is involved in spermatogenesis in cattle
This study was designed to characterize the Y-linked PRAME (PRAMEY) protein during spermatogenesis in cattle. We found that PRAMEY is a novel male germ cell-specific, and a germinal granule-associated protein that is expressed in spermatogenic cells during spermatogenesis. The intact PRAMEY protein (58 kDa) was detected in different ages of testes but not in epididymal spermatozoa. A PRAMEY isoform (30 kDa) was highly expressed only in testes after puberty and in epididymal spermatozoa. This isoform interacts with PP12 and is likely the mature protein present in the testes and sperm. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated...
Source: Reproduction - May 5, 2017 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Liu, W.-S., Zhao, Y., Lu, C., Ning, G., Ma, Y., Diaz, F., O'Connor, M. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Progress in the understanding of the etiology and predictability of fetal growth restriction
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is defined as the failure of fetus to reach its growth potential for various reasons, leading to multiple perinatal complications and adult diseases of fetal origins. Shallow extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion-induced placental insufficiency and placental dysfunction are considered the main reasons for idiopathic FGR. In this review, first we discuss the major characteristics of anti-angiogenic state and the pro-inflammatory bias in FGR. We then elaborate major abnormalities in placental insufficiency at molecular levels, including the interaction between decidual leukocytes and EVT, alt...
Source: Reproduction - May 5, 2017 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Tang, L., He, G., Liu, X., Xu, W. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Cytosolic DNA sensor-initiated innate immune responses in mouse ovarian granulosa cells
Viral infections of the ovary may perturb ovarian functions. However, the mechanisms underlying innate immune responses in the ovary are poorly understood. The present study demonstrates that cytosolic viral DNA sensor signaling initiates the innate immune response in mouse ovarian granulosa cells and affects endocrine function. The cytosolic DNA sensors p204 and cGAS and their common signaling adaptor stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING) were constitutively expressed in granulosa cells. Transfection with VACV70, a synthetic vaccinia virus (VACV) DNA analog, induced the expression of type I interferons (IFNA/B) and...
Source: Reproduction - April 25, 2017 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Yan, K., Feng, D., Liang, J., Wang, Q., Deng, L., Zhang, X., Ling, B., Han, D. Tags: Research Source Type: research
