Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology 
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This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader or to display this data on your own website or blog.GnRH Antagonist-Based Protocols for In Vitro Fertilization
In this chapter we elaborate on the intricacies of employing GnRH antagonists for prevention of the endogenous luteinizing hormone surge during IVF. Several practical aspects of implementing a GnRH antagonist-based stimulation protocol are described; selection of the correct dose, choosing when to start the antagonist, programming of cycle starts, selection of the appropriate gonadotropins, and triggering of final oocyte maturation are elucidated. (Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology)
Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology - May 1, 2014 Category: Cytology Source Type: news
In Vitro Maturation of Immature Human Oocytes for Clinical Application
Meiotic progression in the oocyte is defined as oocyte maturation from reinitiation of the first meiotic division from the germinal vesicle (GV) stage to the metaphase-II (M-II) stage (Fig. 1), (Cha and Chian, Hum Reprod Update 4:103–120, 1998). Priming with FSH or HCG prior to immature oocyte retrieval improves oocyte maturation and pregnancy rates. The size of follicles may be an important feature for IVM treatment. The combination of natural-cycle IVF with immature oocyte retrieval followed by IVM is an attractive treatment for young women with all types of infertility without recourse to ovarian stimulation with ...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology - May 1, 2014 Category: Cytology Source Type: news
Novel Markers of Male Infertility
Diagnostic tests should detect disease, have prognostic value, and aid in clinical decision making. Nowhere else in laboratory medicine does one have to interpret a subject’s results within the dynamic of a couple as in reproductive medicine. Abnormal markers of male reproduction do not necessarily mean sterility, but instead indicate problems with spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, transport through epididymis and ejaculatory duct, or abnormal ejaculatory function. Decades of research suggest that one test will never fit all scenarios and a battery of assays evaluating different aspects of male reproduction will lik...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology - May 1, 2014 Category: Cytology Source Type: news
Assisted Reproductive Techniques
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) encompass fertility treatments, which involve manipulations of both oocyte and sperm in vitro. This chapter provides a brief overview of ART, including indications for treatment, ovarian reserve testing, selection of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocols, laboratory techniques of ART including in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryo transfer techniques, and luteal phase support. This chapter also discusses potential complications of ART, namely ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple gestations, and the perinatal ...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology - May 1, 2014 Category: Cytology Source Type: news
The Endocrinology of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovulatory menstrual cycle is the result of the integrated action of the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, and endometrium. Like a metronome, the hypothalamus sets the beat for the menstrual cycle by the pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH pulses occur every1–1.5 h in the follicular phase of the cycle and every 2–4 h in the luteal phase of the cycle. Pulsatile GnRH secretion stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The pituitary gland translates the tempo set by the hypothalamus into a signal, LH and FSH secretion, t...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology - May 1, 2014 Category: Cytology Source Type: news
Derivation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC)
Stem cells are characterized by their absolute or relative lack of specialization their ability for self-renewal, as well as their ability to generate differentiated progeny through cellular lineages with one or more branches. The increased availability of embryonic tissue and greatly improved derivation methods have led to a large increase in the number of hESC lines. (Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology)
Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology - May 1, 2014 Category: Cytology Source Type: news
Understanding the Spermatozoon
The former perception of the spermatozoon as a delivery device of the male genome has been expanded to include a new understanding of the cell’s complex role in fertilization. Once the spermatozoon reaches the oocyte, it triggers egg activation and orchestrates the stages of pre- and post-fertilization in a preprogrammed pattern while tapping the oocyte’s resources in an effort to generate a new life. (Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology)
Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology - May 1, 2014 Category: Cytology Source Type: news
Gene Polymorphisms in Female Reproduction
This chapter presents an overview of the gene polymorphisms underlying the functions of ovarian receptors and their clinical implications in the female fecundity. A selection of genetic studies revealing significant associations between receptor polymorphisms, gene mutations, and some pathological conditions (i.e., female infertility, premature ovarian failure, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis) are reviewed. (Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology)
Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology - May 1, 2014 Category: Cytology Source Type: news
Genetics of Female Infertility Due to Anomalies of the Ovary and Mullerian Ducts
Genetic factors are pivotal in reproductive development and subsequent reproductive processes. If disturbed, infertility can occur. In the female, genetic factors affecting the ovary and the uterus are not uncommon causes of infertility. Terminal deletions on the X long arm and X short arm and X chromosomal mosaicism have long been accepted as causes of premature ovarian failure (POF). Responsible genes on the X have not yet elucidated. Attractive candidate genes for POF also exist on autosomes, and in over a dozen genes molecular perturbations are documented in non-syndromic POF. The most common single-gene cause of POF i...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology - May 1, 2014 Category: Cytology Source Type: news
Genetics of Male Fertility
Early in embryogenesis, cells that are destined to become germ cells take on a different destiny from other cells in the embryo. The germ cells are not programmed to perform “vital” functions but to perpetuate the species through the transfer of genetic materials to the next generation. To fulfill their destiny, male germ cells undergo meiosis and extensive morphogenesis that transforms the round-shaped cells into freely motile sperm propelled by a beating flagellum to seek out their missing half. Apparently, extra genes and additional regulatory mechanisms are required to achieve all these unique features, and...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology - May 1, 2014 Category: Cytology Source Type: news
General Aspects of Fertility and Infertility
Fertility rates have been declining in most Western nations over the past several decades, although it is not entirely clear if an increased rate of infertility substantially contributes to this. As compared to other species, the reproductive efficiency of humans is relatively low. Factors related to fertility include age, exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, frequency of intercourse, coital timing, as well as diet and lifestyle habits. Infertility is considered a disease due to its major disruption of major organ systems and life functions. An infertility evaluation is recommended after 12 months or more of regular,...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology - May 1, 2014 Category: Cytology Source Type: news
General Principles of Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation quickly became a cornerstone technology in assisted reproduction because the banking of gametes, embryos, and gonadal tissues has increased the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology cycles for infertility treatment as well as fertility preservation for patients at risk of premature sterilization. Cryopreservation protocols, both slow/equilibrium cooling and vitrification methods, have evolved empirically and still depend heavily on operator skill, but further automation promises to improve reproducibility and uniformity of results. (Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology)
Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology - May 1, 2014 Category: Cytology Source Type: news
Luteal Phase Support in ART Treatments
In a normal spontaneous menstrual cycle, the luteal phase is characterized by the production and secretion of estradiol (E) and progesterone (P) from the corpus luteum (CL) in an episodic manner. The steroidogenesis of the CL is dependent on continued tonic luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion (Fritz and Speroff, Clinical gynecologic endocrinology and infertility, 8th edn. Wolters Kluwer, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2011). The dependence of the CL was further supported by the prompt luteolysis that followed the administration of GnRH analogues or withdrawal of GnRH when ovulation has been induced by the ...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology - May 1, 2014 Category: Cytology Source Type: news
Reprogramming Somatic Cells into Pluripotent Stem Cells Using miRNAs
Reversal of terminally differentiated somatic cells to ground-state pluripotency has rejuvenated our hopes of generating patient-specific stem cells for therapeutic use in regenerative medicine and drug screening. Originally generated using defined exogenous protein-coding DNA, several methods have been described in reprogramming somatic cells into iPSC. Majority of published methods seek to improve or refine the techniques of reprogramming. This chapter describes reprogramming to pluripotency using miRNAs. (Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology)
Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology - April 18, 2014 Category: Cytology Source Type: news
Direct Reprogramming of Cardiac Fibroblasts to Cardiomyocytes Using MicroRNAs
The therapeutic administration of microRNAs represents an innovative reprogramming strategy with which to advance cardiac regeneration and personalized medicine. Recently, a distinct set of microRNAs was found capable of converting murine fibroblasts to cardiomyocyte-like cells in vitro. Further treatment with JAK inhibitor I significantly enhanced the efficiency of the microRNA-mediated reprogramming (Jayawardena et al., Circ Res 110(11):1465–1473, 2012). This novel technique serves as an initial tool for switching the cell fate of cardiac fibroblasts toward the cardiomyocyte lineage using microRNAs. As the budding ...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Cell Biology - April 18, 2014 Category: Cytology Source Type: news
