Role of RAB5A in FSHR-mediated signal transduction in human granulosa cells
In conclusion, RAB5A gene was abnormally expressed in luteinized granulosa cells of obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, which may help explain high FSHR levels found in this syndrome. (Source: Reproduction)
Source: Reproduction - May 10, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Zhu, K., Li, S., Liu, J., Hong, Y., Chen, Z.-J., Du, Y. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Removal of sialic acid from bull sperm decreases motility and mucus penetration ability but increases zona pellucida binding and polyspermic penetration in vitro
This study tested the hypothesis that sperm sialic acid (Sia) is required to reach the site of fertilization, and that successful fertilization requires recognition of Sia from both the sperm and oocyte to occur. In addition, it has recently been reported that Siglecs (Sia-binding-immunoglobulin-like lectins) are present on the sperm surface. Thus, the possibility that the recognition of oocyte Sia was sperm-Siglec-mediated was also addressed. Sperm exposed to neuraminidase (NMase) exhibited lower overall and progressive motility, which translated to a decreased ability to swim through cervical mucus from cows in oestrus. ...
Source: Reproduction - May 10, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Fernandez-Fuertes, B., Blanco-Fernandez, A., Reid, C. J., Meade, K. G., Fair, S., Lonergan, P. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Reduced levels of stromal sex hormone-binding globulin and androgen receptor dysfunction in the sperm storage region of the rat epididymis
The cauda epididymidis is the major sperm storage region whose androgenic supply, essential for the sperm viability, is provided by the vasculature and is dependent upon testosterone diffusion through the stromal tissue to reach the epithelial cells. We have focused our efforts on examining the regulation of this important epididymal region by evaluating the impact of the androgen disrupter cimetidine on the epithelial–stromal androgenic microenvironment. Male rats received 100 mg/kg cimetidine (CMTG) or saline (CG) for 50 days, serum testosterone levels were measured and the epididymal cauda region was processed for...
Source: Reproduction - May 10, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: de Santi, F., Beltrame, F. L., Hinton, B. T., Cerri, P. S., Sasso-Cerri, E. Tags: Research Source Type: research
MicroRNAs: crucial regulators of placental development
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding single-stranded RNAs that are integral to a wide range of cellular processes mainly through the regulation of translation and mRNA stability of their target genes. The placenta is a transient organ that exists throughout gestation in mammals, facilitating nutrient and gas exchange and waste removal between the mother and the fetus. miRNAs are expressed in the placenta, and many studies have shown that miRNAs play an important role in regulating trophoblast differentiation, migration, invasion, proliferation, apoptosis, vasculogenesis/angiogenesis and cellular metabolism. In this revi...
Source: Reproduction - May 10, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Hayder, H., OBrien, J., Nadeem, U., Peng, C. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Parthenogenesis in birds: a review
Parthenogenesis or ‘virgin birth’ is embryonic development in unfertilized eggs. It is a routine means of reproduction in many invertebrates. However, even though parthenogenesis occurs naturally in even more advanced vertebrates, like birds, it is mostly abortive in nature. In fact, multiple limiting factors, such as delayed and unorganized development as well as unfavorable conditions developing within the unfertilized egg upon incubation, are associated with termination of progressive development of parthenogenetic embryos. In birds, diploid parthenogenesis is automictic and facultative producing only males....
Source: Reproduction - May 10, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Ramachandran, R., McDaniel, C. D. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Sperm form and function: what do we know about the role of sexual selection?
Sperm morphological variation has attracted considerable interest and generated a wealth of predominantly descriptive studies over the past three centuries. Yet, apart from biophysical studies linking sperm morphology to swimming velocity, surprisingly little is known about the adaptive significance of sperm form and the selective processes underlying its tremendous diversification throughout the animal kingdom. Here, we first discuss the challenges of examining sperm morphology in an evolutionary context and why our understanding of it is far from complete. Then, we review empirical evidence for how sexual selection theor...
Source: Reproduction - April 24, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Lupold, S., Pitnick, S. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Identification by proteomics of oviductal sperm-interacting proteins
In conclusion, this study highlights the important regulations of sperm-oviduct interactions across the estrous cycle and provides new protein candidates that may modulate sperm functions. (Source: Reproduction)
Source: Reproduction - April 16, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Lamy, J., Nogues, P., Combes-Soia, L., Tsikis, G., Labas, V., Mermillod, P., Druart, X., Saint-Dizier, M. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Monitoring uterine contractility in mice using a transcervical intrauterine pressure catheter
In mouse models used to study parturition or pre-clinical therapeutic testing, measurement of uterine contractions is limited to either ex vivo isometric tension or operative intrauterine pressure (IUP). The goal of this study was to: (1) develop a method for transcervical insertion of a pressure catheter to measure in vivo intrauterine contractile pressure during mouse pregnancy, (2) determine whether this method can be utilized numerous times in a single mouse pregnancy without affecting the timing of delivery or fetal outcome and (3) compare the in vivo contractile activity between mouse models of term and preterm labor...
Source: Reproduction - April 16, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Robuck, M. F., OBrien, C. M., Knapp, K. M., Shay, S. D., West, J. D., Newton, J. M., Slaughter, J. C., Paria, B. C., Reese, J., Herington, J. L. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Effect of cariporide on ram sperm pH regulation and motility: possible role of NHE1
In conclusion, this is the first study documenting, in a large animal model (sheep) of well-known translational relevance, a direct functional role of NHE on sperm pHi and motility. The postulated specificity of cariporide toward isoform 1 of the Na+/H+ exchanger seems to suggest that NHE1 may contribute to the observed effects on sperm cell functionality. (Source: Reproduction)
Source: Reproduction - April 16, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Muzzachi, S., Guerra, L., Martino, N. A., Favia, M., Punzi, G., Silvestre, F., Guaricci, A. C., Roscino, M. T., Pierri, C. L., DellAquila, M. E., Casavola, V., Lacalandra, G. M., Ciani, E. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Role of osteopontin in decidualization and pregnancy success
OPN is essential for blastocyst implantation and placentation. Previous study found that miR181a was increased while miR181b was downregulated in endometrium during decidualization. However, the information regarding their effects on decidualization in human endometrium is still limited. Here, we report a novel role of OPN and miR181b in uterine decidualization and pregnancy success in humans. The expression of OPN was high in endometrium in secretory phase and in vitro decidualized hESC, whereas miR181b expression was low in identical conditions. Further analysis confirmed that OPN expression was upregulated by cAMP and C...
Source: Reproduction - April 16, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Wang, X.-B., Qi, Q.-R., Wu, K.-L., Xie, Q.-Z. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Uterine and placental distribution of selected extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the dog
For many years, modifications of the uterine extracellular matrix (ECM) during gestation have not been considered as critical for successful canine (Canis lupus familiaris) pregnancy. However, previous reports indicated an effect of free-floating blastocysts on the composition of the uterine ECM. Here, the expression of selected genes involved in structural functions, cell-to-cell communication and inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases were targeted utilizing qPCR and immunohistochemistry. We found that canine free-floating embryos affect gene expression of FN1, ECM1 and TIMP4. This seems to be associated with modulation...
Source: Reproduction - April 16, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Graubner, F. R., Boos, A., Aslan, S., Kucukaslan, I., Kowalewski, M. P. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Potential negative effects of anti-histamines on male reproductive function
Histamine (HA) is a pleiotropic biogenic amine synthesized exclusively by histidine decarboxylase (HDC) in most mammalian tissues. The literature on the role of HA within the male gonad has expanded over the last years, attracting attention to potential unexpected side-effects of anti-histamines on testicular function. In this regard, HA receptors (HRH1, HRH2 and HRH4) have been described in Leydig cells of different species, including human. Via these receptors, HA has been reported to trigger positive or negative interactions with the LH/hCG signaling pathway depending upon its concentration, thereby contributing to the ...
Source: Reproduction - April 16, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Mondillo, C., Varela, M. L., Abiuso, A. M. B., Vazquez, R. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
The C-X-C signalling system in the rodent vs primate testis: impact on germ cell niche interaction
In zebrafish, action of the chemokine Cxcl12 is mediated through its G-protein-coupled seven-transmembrane domain receptor Cxcr4 and the atypical receptor Cxcr7. Employing this animal model, it was revealed that this Cxcl12 signalling system plays a crucial role for directed migration of primordial germ cells (PGC) during early testicular development. Importantly, subsequent studies indicated that this regulatory mechanism is evolutionarily conserved also in mice. What is more, the functional role of the CXCL12 system does not seem to be limited to early phases of testicular development. Data from mouse studies rather demo...
Source: Reproduction - April 13, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Heckmann, L., Pock, T., Trondle, I., Neuhaus, N. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Ovarian angiogenesis in polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine pathology among women in reproductive age. Its main symptoms are oligo or amenorrhea, hyperandrogenism and the presence of ovarian cysts. It is also associated with infertility, obesity and insulin resistance. Mainly due to its heterogeneity, PCOS treatments are directed to manage its symptoms and to prevent associated diseases. The correct formation and regression of blood vessels during each ovarian cycle is indispensable for proper follicular development, ovulation and corpus luteum formation. The importance of these processes opened a new and promising fi...
Source: Reproduction - April 13, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Di Pietro, M., Pascuali, N., Parborell, F., Abramovich, D. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
Disruption of female reproductive function by endotoxins
Endotoxemia can be caused by obesity, environmental chemical exposure, abiotic stressors and bacterial infection. Circumstances that deleteriously impact intestinal barrier integrity can induce endotoxemia, and controlled experiments have identified negative impacts of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; an endotoxin mimetic) on folliculogenesis, puberty onset, estrus behavior, ovulation, meiotic competence, luteal function and ovarian steroidogenesis. In addition, neonatal LPS exposures have transgenerational female reproductive impacts, raising concern about early life contacts to this endogenous reproductive toxicant. Aims of this...
Source: Reproduction - March 29, 2018 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Bidne, K. L., Dickson, M. J., Ross, J. W., Baumgard, L. H., Keating, A. F. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research
