Driving Human Granulosa-Luteal Cells Recovered From In Vitro Fertilization Cycles Toward the Follicular Phase Phenotype
Culture systems are available for human granulosa cells (GCs) that perpetuate luteinization. The present study examines the plating density effects and long-term serum-free culture on the in vitro dynamics differentiation of luteinizing human GCs. Cells were cultured in serum-free α-minimum essential medium (α-MEM) or serum-based tissue culture medium (TCM). The time course of GCs morphology and secretion of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and relaxin were analyzed after 48, 96, and 144 hours of culture. Other functional markers as follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone receptors and steroidogenic ...
Source: Reproductive Sciences - July 16, 2015 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Vireque, A. A., Campos, J. R., Dentillo, D. B., Bernuci, M. P., Campos, C. O., Silva-de-Sa, M. F., Ferriani, R. A., Nunes, A. A., Rosa-e-Silva, A. C. J. d. S. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Increased New lncRNA-mRNA Gene Pair Levels in Human Cumulus Cells Correlate With Oocyte Maturation and Embryo Development
In conclusion, AK124742 and PSMD6 as a new lncRNA–messenger RNA gene pair in human cumulus cells may be considered as potential biomarkers to aid embryo selection. (Source: Reproductive Sciences)
Source: Reproductive Sciences - July 16, 2015 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Li, J., Cao, Y., Xu, X., Xiang, H., Zhang, Z., Chen, B., Hao, Y., Wei, Z., Zhou, P., Chen, D. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
The Presence of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin/Luteinizing Hormone Receptors in Pancreatic {beta}-Cells
We investigated the possible presence of functional human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)/luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors in β-cells of pancreas, using a combination of techniques on hCG/LH receptor knockout mice, immortalized rat insulinoma cells, and human pancreatic islets. The results showed the presence of receptors and their activation resulted in a dose-dependent increase in glucose-induced release of insulin. These findings place hCG and LH among the regulators of insulin release with potential implications for insulin-level changes during the periods of altered hCG and LH secretion. (Source: Reproductive Sciences)
Source: Reproductive Sciences - July 16, 2015 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Parkash, J., Lei, Z., Rao, C. V. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Intrauterine Growth Restricted Rats Exercised at Pregnancy: Maternal-Fetal Repercussions
In this study, the nondiabetic parental generation presented 10 rats and diabetic parental generation presented 116 rats. Of these, the mated nondiabetic female rats were 10 and the number of diabetic rats was 45. In relation to term pregnancy, there were 10 animals in the nondiabetic group and 15 rats in the diabetic group. In the offspring of SD rats (IUGR group), 43 females were classified as small for pregnancy age, 19 rats were classified as appropriate for pregnancy age, and 0 female was classified as large for pregnancy age. The nondiabetic and SD pregnant rats generated offspring with appropriate (control [C]) and ...
Source: Reproductive Sciences - July 16, 2015 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Corvino, S. B., Netto, A. O., Sinzato, Y. K., Campos, K. E., Calderon, I. M. P., Rudge, M. V. C., Volpato, G. T., Zambrano, E., Damasceno, D. C. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Characterization of a Hormone-Responsive Organotypic Human Vaginal Tissue Model: Morphologic and Immunologic Effects
Estrogen and progesterone regulate proliferation and differentiation of epithelial cells in the female genital tract. We investigated the effects of these hormones on reconstructed human organotypic vaginal epithelial tissue models (EpiVaginal). We ascertained that epithelial cells in the tissue models express estrogen and progesterone receptors. Treatment with estradiol-17β (E2) significantly increased epithelium thickness and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), whereas progesterone (P) treatment resulted in thinning of the epithelium and decreased TEER when compared with untreated controls. Exposure to E2 ...
Source: Reproductive Sciences - July 16, 2015 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Ayehunie, S., Islam, A., Cannon, C., Landry, T., Pudney, J., Klausner, M., Anderson, D. J. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
The Role of Laminin {alpha}4 in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells and Pathological Mechanism of Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia (PE) is associated with defective placental angiogenesis and poor placentation. Laminins are the main noncollagenous glycoproteins in basement membranes, and laminin α4 (LAMA4) promotes the migration, proliferation, and survival of various cells. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the role of LAMA4 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) function during the development of PE. We found expression levels of LAMA4 in human PE placentas were significantly lower compared to the control placentas. The LAMA4 small-interfering RNA transfection and hypoxia–reoxygenation (H/R) int...
Source: Reproductive Sciences - July 16, 2015 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Shan, N., Zhang, X., Xiao, X., Zhang, H., Chen, Y., Luo, X., Liu, X., Zhuang, B., Peng, W., Qi, H. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Concentration in Vaginal Fluid: Relation to Bacterial Vaginosis and Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Conclusion:
A decrease in Lactobacilli and/or lactic acid plus the absence of leukocytes results in lower vaginal NGAL levels that might facilitate the growth of bacteria associated with BV. (Source: Reproductive Sciences)
Source: Reproductive Sciences - July 16, 2015 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Beghini, J., Giraldo, P. C., Linhares, I. M., Ledger, W. J., Witkin, S. S. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Identification of Early-Onset Preeclampsia-Related Genes and MicroRNAs by Bioinformatics Approaches
Conclusion:
The current study identified several regulators in EOPET, which may contribute to interpret the molecular mechanism of EOPET and develop novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for EOPET. (Source: Reproductive Sciences)
Source: Reproductive Sciences - July 16, 2015 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Song, J., Li, Y., An, R. F. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Type 2 Endometrial Cancer is Associated With a High Density of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in the Stromal Compartment
Conclusions:
Type 2 cancers have nearly twice the TAM density of type 1 cancers. This difference may be due to M1 macrophage predominance in the stroma of type 2 cancers. (Source: Reproductive Sciences)
Source: Reproductive Sciences - July 16, 2015 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Kelly, M. G., Francisco, A. M. C., Cimic, A., Wofford, A., Fitzgerald, N. C., Yu, J., Taylor, R. N. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Effects of Resveratrol on Ovarian Morphology, Plasma Anti-Mullerian Hormone, IGF-1 Levels, and Oxidative Stress Parameters in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Conclusion:
Resveratrol appears to be effective in the treatment of PCOS due to its antioxidant properties. Future clinical studies with different dosages might provide useful implementations to our practice. (Source: Reproductive Sciences)
Source: Reproductive Sciences - July 16, 2015 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Ergenoglu, M., Yildirim, N., Yildirim, A. G. S., Yeniel, O., Erbas, O., Yavasoglu, A., Taskiran, D., Karadadas, N. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and PI3K/Akt Inhibition Reduce eNOS Phosphorylation and Increase Cortisol Biosynthesis in Long-Term Hypoxic Ovine Fetal Adrenal Cortical Cells
This study was designed to determine the role of the MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt pathways in cortisol production and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation (peNOS) in the ovine fetal adrenal in response to long-term hypoxia (LTH). Pregnant ewes were maintained at high altitude (3820 m) for the last 100 days of gestation (dGa). At 138 to 142 dGa, fetal adrenal cortical cells (FACs) were collected from LTH and age-matched normoxic fetuses. Cortisol production and peNOS were measured in response to pretreatment with the MEK/ERK1/2 pathway inhibitor UO126 (UO) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation. U...
Source: Reproductive Sciences - July 16, 2015 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Newby, E. A., Kaushal, K. M., Myers, D. A., Ducsay, C. A. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Diagnostic Value of Serum D-Dimer Level for Tubo-Ovarian Abscess: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study
In conclusion, serum d-dimer level was significantly elevated in women with TOA compared with benign adnexal cysts. Thus, this inexpensive, feasible, and reproducible marker can be used for differential diagnosis of TOA. (Source: Reproductive Sciences)
Source: Reproductive Sciences - July 16, 2015 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Yilmaz, B., Kasap, B., Demir, M., Gungorduk, K., Kelekci, S., Sutcu, R. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
Smoking and Preterm Birth
Premature birth is a significant global problem and the leading cause of newborn deaths. Tobacco smoking has been associated with premature birth for over 50 years. The mechanisms through which smoking exerts its effects on pregnancy outcomes remain unclear. In this review, we discuss rates of prematurity and smoking in pregnancy, the evidence of a causal relationship between tobacco and preterm birth, and proposed biochemical pathways through which the interaction is mediated. The suggested mechanisms include nicotine-induced vasoconstriction, carbon monoxide–induced fetal hypoxia, cadmium disruption of calcium sign...
Source: Reproductive Sciences - July 16, 2015 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Ion, R., Bernal, A. L. Tags: Review Source Type: research
In the Spotlight
(Source: Reproductive Sciences)
Source: Reproductive Sciences - July 16, 2015 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Maduro, M. R. Tags: In the Spotlight Source Type: research
Early Pregnancy Maternal Blood DNA Methylation in Repeat Pregnancies and Change in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Status--A Pilot Study
Repeat pregnancies with different perinatal outcomes minimize underlying maternal genetic diversity and provide unique opportunities to investigate nongenetic risk factors and epigenetic mechanisms of pregnancy complications. We investigated gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)-related differential DNA methylation in early pregnancy peripheral blood samples collected from women who had a change in GDM status in repeat pregnancies. Six study participants were randomly selected from among women who had 2 consecutive pregnancies, only 1 of which was complicated by GDM (case pregnancy) and the other was not (control pregnancy)....
Source: Reproductive Sciences - June 23, 2015 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Enquobahrie, D. A., Moore, A., Muhie, S., Tadesse, M. G., Lin, S., Williams, M. A. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research
