Pub Date : 2025-07-03DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101049
Punnawut Yama , Napatsorn Montha , Jakree Jitjumnong , Hien Van Doan , Nguyen Vu Linh , Warittha U-krit , Maslin Osathanunkul , Raktham Mektrirat , Julakorn Panatuk , Payungsuk Intawicha , Chien-Kai Wang , Tossapol Moonmanee
Repeat breeder syndrome (RBS) is one of the main reproductive failures in mono-ovulatory dairy cattle. The differential relative expression of several important genes in the ovary and uterus were evaluated in repeat-breeder dairy cattle. Cows classified as RBS, defined as those that had failed to conceive after at least three consecutive inseminations, with no clinical abnormalities. The selected cows were divided into two groups: repeat-breeder dairy cows undergoing cyclicity (control group) (n = 8) or acyclicity (n = 6). Granulosa cells (GCs) and endometrium were collected from both groups to evaluate the relative expression levels of target genes (fibroblast growth factor 2 [FGF2], hyaluronan synthase 2 [HAS2], B-cell lymphoma 2 [BCL2], vascular endothelial growth factor A [VEGFA], and progesterone receptor [PGR]). The relative expression levels of FGF2 mRNA in GCs (0.34-fold and –65.84 %) and PGR mRNA in endometrium (0.09-fold and –90.53 %) were lower (P < 0.05) in acyclic cows relative to cyclic cows. The relative expression levels of HAS2 and BCL2 mRNA in GCs tended to be lower by 0.40-fold (–59.85 %, P = 0.084) and 0.54-fold (–45.84 %, P = 0.065) in acyclic cows relative to cyclic cows. However, none of the relative expression levels of VEGFA in the ovary and uterus differed between groups (P > 0.10). These results provide a comparison of differential gene expression in repeat-breeder dairy cows undergoing cyclicity and acyclicity, suggesting a role in ovarian follicular growth and uterine function.
{"title":"Evaluation of the relative gene expression of FGF2, HAS2, BCL2, VEGFA, and PGR in repeat-breeder cows undergoing cyclicity or acyclicity","authors":"Punnawut Yama , Napatsorn Montha , Jakree Jitjumnong , Hien Van Doan , Nguyen Vu Linh , Warittha U-krit , Maslin Osathanunkul , Raktham Mektrirat , Julakorn Panatuk , Payungsuk Intawicha , Chien-Kai Wang , Tossapol Moonmanee","doi":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101049","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101049","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Repeat breeder syndrome (RBS) is one of the main reproductive failures in mono-ovulatory dairy cattle. The differential relative expression of several important genes in the ovary and uterus were evaluated in repeat-breeder dairy cattle. Cows classified as RBS, defined as those that had failed to conceive after at least three consecutive inseminations, with no clinical abnormalities. The selected cows were divided into two groups: repeat-breeder dairy cows undergoing cyclicity (control group) (n = 8) or acyclicity (n = 6). Granulosa cells (GCs) and endometrium were collected from both groups to evaluate the relative expression levels of target genes (fibroblast growth factor 2 [<em>FGF2</em>], hyaluronan synthase 2 [<em>HAS2</em>], B-cell lymphoma 2 [<em>BCL2</em>], vascular endothelial growth factor A [<em>VEGFA</em>], and progesterone receptor [<em>PGR</em>]). The relative expression levels of <em>FGF2</em> mRNA in GCs (0.34-fold and –65.84 %) and <em>PGR</em> mRNA in endometrium (0.09-fold and –90.53 %) were lower (P < 0.05) in acyclic cows relative to cyclic cows. The relative expression levels of <em>HAS2</em> and <em>BCL2</em> mRNA in GCs tended to be lower by 0.40-fold (–59.85 %, P = 0.084) and 0.54-fold (–45.84 %, P = 0.065) in acyclic cows relative to cyclic cows. However, none of the relative expression levels of <em>VEGFA</em> in the ovary and uterus differed between groups (P > 0.10). These results provide a comparison of differential gene expression in repeat-breeder dairy cows undergoing cyclicity and acyclicity, suggesting a role in ovarian follicular growth and uterine function.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21018,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive biology","volume":"25 3","pages":"Article 101049"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144534363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-03DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101028
Ewelina Trela-Kobędza, Anna Ajduk
The number of pollutants stemming from anthropogenic chemicals is increasing every year. Some of them act similarly to hormones and are referred to as endocrine-disrupting chemicals or endocrine disruptors. In this group, bisphenol A (BPA) is well characterized as a xenoestrogen and is known to affect human health. BPA is crucial to the production of plastic, a material that has revolutionized and facilitated daily life. Nevertheless, the use of BPA is currently being limited, and consequently, new BPA analogs are under development. However, both BPA and its analogs can be released into the environment during their manufacturing process and daily usage. In conjunction with the escalating demand for plastics and the prolonged persistence of plastic waste, it poses a substantial threat to human health. In this article, we concentrate on the influence of BPA and its most common analogs (bisphenol S, bisphenol F, bisphenol AF, bisphenol Z, bisphenol P, bisphenol AP, bisphenol B) on female reproductive health. We reviewed the existing epidemiological data (or in the absence of it, data obtained from animal and in vitro models) on their impact on hormone levels, oocyte yield, oocyte and embryo quality, implantation and pregnancy success, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis. We also discuss metabolism of bisphenols, their mechanism of action and impact on cellular physiology, as well as current regulations on their use. Our comprehensive review reveals that, despite existing discrepancies, a substantial body of evidence suggests that bisphenols influence female reproductive health. This underscores the urgent need for future regulatory measures to limit and regulate the use of bisphenols.
{"title":"The impact of bisphenol A and its analogs on female reproductive health","authors":"Ewelina Trela-Kobędza, Anna Ajduk","doi":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101028","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101028","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The number of pollutants stemming from anthropogenic chemicals is increasing every year. Some of them act similarly to hormones and are referred to as endocrine-disrupting chemicals or endocrine disruptors. In this group, bisphenol A (BPA) is well characterized as a xenoestrogen and is known to affect human health. BPA is crucial to the production of plastic, a material that has revolutionized and facilitated daily life. Nevertheless, the use of BPA is currently being limited, and consequently, new BPA analogs are under development. However, both BPA and its analogs can be released into the environment during their manufacturing process and daily usage. In conjunction with the escalating demand for plastics and the prolonged persistence of plastic waste, it poses a substantial threat to human health. In this article, we concentrate on the influence of BPA and its most common analogs (bisphenol S, bisphenol F, bisphenol AF, bisphenol Z, bisphenol P, bisphenol AP, bisphenol B) on female reproductive health. We reviewed the existing epidemiological data (or in the absence of it, data obtained from animal and <em>in vitro</em> models) on their impact on hormone levels, oocyte yield, oocyte and embryo quality, implantation and pregnancy success, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis. We also discuss metabolism of bisphenols, their mechanism of action and impact on cellular physiology, as well as current regulations on their use. Our comprehensive review reveals that, despite existing discrepancies, a substantial body of evidence suggests that bisphenols influence female reproductive health. This underscores the urgent need for future regulatory measures to limit and regulate the use of bisphenols.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21018,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive biology","volume":"25 3","pages":"Article 101028"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144549559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-02DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101044
Agnieszka Kolasa , Paulina Kur , Sylwia Rzeszotek , Marta Grabowska , Małgorzata Blatkiewicz , Marika Freus , Aleksandra Wilk
A growing body of data indicates that the physiology of the liver is sex-hormone dependent, with some types of liver failure occurring more frequently in males, and some in females. In males, in physiological conditions, estrogens acts via estrogen receptors (ERs). Estrogen may promote liver tumorigenesis, due to the increased hepatocyte mitogenic activity or may cause regression of hypertrophic liver nodules or, as in the case of hepatic adenocarcinoma, may reduce the estrogen-binding ability of hepatocytes. In our previous studies, we demonstrated biochemical changes in blood parameters as well as physiological and morphological changes in the liver of male rats from the paternal generation receiving finasteride. Therefore, the goal of the study was to assess whether the administration of finasteride has an intergenerational effect on ERα and PCNA (to detect mitotic activity) expression in the hepatocytes of male rat offspring. The study was conducted on the liver from immature (7, 14, 21, 28 days age) and mature (90 days age) Wistar male rats (F1:Fin) born by females fertilized by finasteride-treated rats. The control group was the offspring (F1:Control) of untreated Wistar parents. After the IHC reaction, the slides were undergoing Quantitative Computer Image Analysis. We demonstrated an altered pattern of immunoexpression level of the studied markers in the F1:Control vs F1:Fin groups. We noticed a positive (F1:Control 7PND, postnatal days) and negative (F1:Control 90PND) correlation between ERα and PCNA immunoexpression. Additionally, the expression of ERα and PCNA was examined at the mRNA level. This paper is documenting that finasteride use by paternal generation males (in reproductive age) may lead to an intergenerational effect detrimental to the liver function of their male offspring.
{"title":"The postnatal offspring of finasteride-treated male rats show altered ERα and PCNA expression in the liver","authors":"Agnieszka Kolasa , Paulina Kur , Sylwia Rzeszotek , Marta Grabowska , Małgorzata Blatkiewicz , Marika Freus , Aleksandra Wilk","doi":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101044","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101044","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A growing body of data indicates that the physiology of the liver is sex-hormone dependent, with some types of liver failure occurring more frequently in males, and some in females. In males, in physiological conditions, estrogens acts via estrogen receptors (ERs). Estrogen may promote liver tumorigenesis, due to the increased hepatocyte mitogenic activity or may cause regression of hypertrophic liver nodules or, as in the case of hepatic adenocarcinoma, may reduce the estrogen-binding ability of hepatocytes. In our previous studies, we demonstrated biochemical changes in blood parameters as well as physiological and morphological changes in the liver of male rats from the paternal generation receiving finasteride. Therefore, the goal of the study was to assess whether the administration of finasteride has an intergenerational effect on ERα and PCNA (to detect mitotic activity) expression in the hepatocytes of male rat offspring. The study was conducted on the liver from immature (7, 14, 21, 28 days age) and mature (90 days age) Wistar male rats (F1:Fin) born by females fertilized by finasteride-treated rats. The control group was the offspring (F1:Control) of untreated Wistar parents. After the IHC reaction, the slides were undergoing Quantitative Computer Image Analysis. We demonstrated an altered pattern of immunoexpression level of the studied markers in the F1:Control vs F1:Fin groups. We noticed a positive (F1:Control 7PND, postnatal days) and negative (F1:Control 90PND) correlation between ERα and PCNA immunoexpression. Additionally, the expression of ERα and PCNA was examined at the mRNA level. This paper is documenting that finasteride use by paternal generation males (in reproductive age) may lead to an intergenerational effect detrimental to the liver function of their male offspring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21018,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive biology","volume":"25 3","pages":"Article 101044"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144534360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-27DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101048
Rim Ibrahim, Agnieszka Malcher , Maciej Kurpisz
Azoospermia represents 15 % of male infertility cases and is characterized by the total absence of sperm cells in the ejaculate. Recent studies on non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) underline the significance of genetic diagnosis such as whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to identify the genetic causes of the disease. In this review, we aim to pinpoint genes and their variants uncovered to date related to NOA using next-generation sequencing. We also provide a unique functional classification of NOA-related genes. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of consanguineous families for uncovering genes and their variants, a point that is largely missing in other reviews. We included all relevant article types, regardless of their publication period, and excluded the articles related to the AZF region. Gene expression data in human and mouse testes were sourced from the NCBI Gene database. The localization/expression of genes were explored using Human Protein Atlas (single-cell type). 230 genes related to azoospermia were identified, divided and categorized based on their function in spermatogenesis and their expression level in the testis. We also highlighted the gene and its variants uncovered in consanguineous families. This review represents a step closer to the creation of a NOA gene panel essential for the routine diagnosis of infertility and perhaps a future strategy for treatment.
无精子症占男性不育病例的15% %，其特征是射精中完全没有精子细胞。最近关于非阻塞性无精子症（NOA）的研究强调了基因诊断的重要性，如全外显子组测序（WES）和全基因组测序（WGS）来确定疾病的遗传原因。在这篇综述中，我们的目标是利用新一代测序技术查明迄今为止发现的与NOA相关的基因及其变异。我们还提供了一个独特的功能分类noaa相关基因。此外，我们强调近亲家庭对于发现基因及其变异的重要性，这一点在其他综述中基本上是缺失的。我们纳入了所有相关的文章类型，不论其发表时间，并排除了与AZF地区相关的文章。人类和小鼠睾丸的基因表达数据来源于NCBI基因数据库。利用人类蛋白图谱（Human Protein Atlas，单细胞型）研究基因的定位和表达。根据230个无精子症相关基因在精子发生中的功能及其在睾丸中的表达水平，对其进行了鉴定、划分和分类。我们还强调了在近亲家庭中发现的基因及其变异。这一综述表明，我们离建立对不孕症的常规诊断至关重要的NOA基因小组又近了一步，或许还能成为未来的治疗策略。
{"title":"Summarizing the human genes and their variants causative of non-obstructive azoospermia uncovered using whole genome/exome sequencing","authors":"Rim Ibrahim, Agnieszka Malcher , Maciej Kurpisz","doi":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101048","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101048","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Azoospermia represents 15 % of male infertility cases and is characterized by the total absence of sperm cells in the ejaculate. Recent studies on non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) underline the significance of genetic diagnosis such as whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to identify the genetic causes of the disease. In this review, we aim to pinpoint genes and their variants uncovered to date related to NOA using next-generation sequencing. We also provide a unique functional classification of NOA-related genes. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of consanguineous families for uncovering genes and their variants, a point that is largely missing in other reviews. We included all relevant article types, regardless of their publication period, and excluded the articles related to the AZF region. Gene expression data in human and mouse testes were sourced from the <em>NCBI Gene</em> database. The localization/expression of genes were explored using <em>Human Protein Atlas</em> (single-cell type). 230 genes related to azoospermia were identified, divided and categorized based on their function in spermatogenesis and their expression level in the testis. We also highlighted the gene and its variants uncovered in consanguineous families. This review represents a step closer to the creation of a NOA gene panel essential for the routine diagnosis of infertility and perhaps a future strategy for treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21018,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive biology","volume":"25 3","pages":"Article 101048"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144489559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-18DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101046
Xiuli Lian , Zihang Lin , Weitao Hu , Zhangting Chen , Shanshan Luo , Shumin Liao , Yue Liu , Shie Wang , Jiandong Sun
Approximately 7 % of men are suffering from infertility, accounting for 40 %-50 % of all cases of all infertility, and low testosterone levels are closely associated with male infertility. Our previous study indicated that transcriptional repressor GATA binding 1 (Trps1) could inhibit testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells. In the present study, to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which Trps1 regulates testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) following Trps1 knockdown was conducted by RNA-sequencing. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis and Genes ontology (GO) analysis were utilized to investigate the pathways associated with Trps1. Gene-silencing technology, Real-Time PCR, and Western blot were performed to validate DEGs. In addition, testosterone and cellular cholesterol content were further observed. We found that GO analysis of DEGs associated with “cholesterol metabolism”. Real-Time PCR and Western blot showed that the expression of steroidogenic factor-1 (Sf-1) and scavenger receptor class B, member 1 (Scarb1) were up-regulated after Trps1 silencing. Knockdown of Sf-1 and Scarb1 could revert the elevated testosterone and cellular cholesterol levels caused by Trps1 deficiency. Moreover, ChIP-seq and CUT&Tag-qPCR demonstrated that the promoter of Scarb1 has a binding site for SF-1. The present study revealed that TRPS1 exerts regulatory control over the expression of Scarb1 by modulating Sf-1 transcriptional activity, thereby enhancing cholesterol level and promoting the synthesis of testosterone in Leydig cells.
{"title":"Trps1 targets Scarb1 to regulate cholesterol acquisition in mouse Leydig cells","authors":"Xiuli Lian , Zihang Lin , Weitao Hu , Zhangting Chen , Shanshan Luo , Shumin Liao , Yue Liu , Shie Wang , Jiandong Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101046","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101046","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Approximately 7 % of men are suffering from infertility, accounting for 40 %-50 % of all cases of all infertility, and low testosterone levels are closely associated with male infertility. Our previous study indicated that transcriptional repressor GATA binding 1 (<em>Trps1</em>) could inhibit testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells. In the present study, to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which <em>Trps1</em> regulates testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) following <em>Trps1</em> knockdown was conducted by RNA-sequencing. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis and Genes ontology (GO) analysis were utilized to investigate the pathways associated with <em>Trps1</em>. Gene-silencing technology, Real-Time PCR, and Western blot were performed to validate DEGs. In addition, testosterone and cellular cholesterol content were further observed. We found that GO analysis of DEGs associated with “cholesterol metabolism”. Real-Time PCR and Western blot showed that the expression of steroidogenic factor-1 (<em>Sf-1</em>) and scavenger receptor class B, member 1 (<em>Scarb1</em>) were up-regulated after <em>Trps1</em> silencing. Knockdown of <em>Sf-1</em> and <em>Scarb1</em> could revert the elevated testosterone and cellular cholesterol levels caused by <em>Trps1</em> deficiency. Moreover, ChIP-seq and CUT&Tag-qPCR demonstrated that the promoter of <em>Scarb1</em> has a binding site for SF-1. The present study revealed that TRPS1 exerts regulatory control over the expression of <em>Scarb1</em> by modulating <em>Sf-1</em> transcriptional activity, thereby enhancing cholesterol level and promoting the synthesis of testosterone in Leydig cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21018,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive biology","volume":"25 3","pages":"Article 101046"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144306914","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-18DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101047
Ana M. Cagiao , Pablo Díaz-Brage , Manuel-Avelino Giráldez , Marta Torres-Tarrío , Melissa L. Erickson , Elvis A. Carnero
Screening tests for preterm pre-eclampsia (PE) include maternal risk factors, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and serum placental growth factor (PlGF). Exercise interventions have been shown to improve vascular function in pregnant women, which could mediate improvements in angiogenic balance. However, few studies have analyzed how sedentarism and/or physical activity levels are associated with biomarkers of PE. The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between objectively measured physical activity and sedentarism levels with PE risk biomarkers. We hypothesized that higher PA levels would be associated with lower MAP and UtA-PI, and higher PlGF. This was an ancillary study with a convenience sampling from a larger cohort (PREVAL study). Physical activity and sedentarism levels were objectively measured by actigraphy (GT9X Actigraph) in 21 women during the first trimester of pregnancy. We measured PE biomarkers: UtA-PI by ultrasound, PlGF in serum and MAP with a digital sphygmomanometer. The sample was stratified in 2 groups for both physical activity and sedentarism level. Comparisons between groups for PE biomarkers were performed using T-test or Mann Whitney U-test. The level of significance was set at 0.05. PlGF was 57.6 % higher in the active group than in the low-active group (P = 0.018). UtA-PI and MAP were lower in the active group and low-sedentary group although differences were not significant. Moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was associated with PlGF levels. Therefore, our study suggests a plausible connection between MVPA and biomarkers of PE.
{"title":"Physical activity pattern and Pre-eclampsia risk biomarkers: an observational study","authors":"Ana M. Cagiao , Pablo Díaz-Brage , Manuel-Avelino Giráldez , Marta Torres-Tarrío , Melissa L. Erickson , Elvis A. Carnero","doi":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101047","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101047","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Screening tests for preterm pre-eclampsia (PE) include maternal risk factors, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and serum placental growth factor (PlGF). Exercise interventions have been shown to improve vascular function in pregnant women, which could mediate improvements in angiogenic balance. However, few studies have analyzed how sedentarism and/or physical activity levels are associated with biomarkers of PE. The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between objectively measured physical activity and sedentarism levels with PE risk biomarkers. We hypothesized that higher PA levels would be associated with lower MAP and UtA-PI, and higher PlGF. This was an ancillary study with a convenience sampling from a larger cohort (PREVAL study). Physical activity and sedentarism levels were objectively measured by actigraphy (GT9X Actigraph) in 21 women during the first trimester of pregnancy. We measured PE biomarkers: UtA-PI by ultrasound, PlGF in serum and MAP with a digital sphygmomanometer. The sample was stratified in 2 groups for both physical activity and sedentarism level. Comparisons between groups for PE biomarkers were performed using T-test or Mann Whitney U-test. The level of significance was set at 0.05. PlGF was 57.6 % higher in the active group than in the low-active group (P = 0.018). UtA-PI and MAP were lower in the active group and low-sedentary group although differences were not significant. Moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was associated with PlGF levels. Therefore, our study suggests a plausible connection between MVPA and biomarkers of PE.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21018,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive biology","volume":"25 3","pages":"Article 101047"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144313287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-17DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101043
Grasielle Avelar Vieira Rodrigues , Fernanda Carolina Ribeiro Dias , Elizabeth Lopes de Oliveira , Ana Luiza Pereira Martins , Sérgio Luis Pinto da Matta
Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant used mainly in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study evaluated the effects of the drug on the testicles of adult mice, through morphological, histometric, hormonal, and sperm evaluations. Twenty-four Balb /c mice were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 8). Group 01: control (distilled water); Group 02: 20 mg/kg/day of methylphenidate; Group 03: 40 mg/kg/day of methylphenidate. The treatment caused a reduction in body weight that may indicate toxic effects caused by prolonged use of the drug. Regarding the percentage of tubular components, there was an increase in the percentage of tubule and epithelium, but the percentage of lumen and tunica propria decreased. The diameters of spermatogonia A and Sertoli cells decreased in stage 1 of the cycle. There were reductions in the percentage of lymphatic space, connective tissue, and macrophages, with a consequent reduction in the percentage of intertubules. Methylphenidate treatment during adulthood decreased plasma testosterone concentrations and compromised the spermatogenic process leading to a reduction in the number of spermatids and spermatozoa, sperm production, and sperm transit time in the epididymis. This allowed us to demonstrate that methylphenidate can impair male fertility.
{"title":"Frequent use of methylphenidate causes reduction in sperm production and sperm quality in adult balb/c mice","authors":"Grasielle Avelar Vieira Rodrigues , Fernanda Carolina Ribeiro Dias , Elizabeth Lopes de Oliveira , Ana Luiza Pereira Martins , Sérgio Luis Pinto da Matta","doi":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101043","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101043","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant used mainly in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study evaluated the effects of the drug on the testicles of adult mice, through morphological, histometric, hormonal, and sperm evaluations. Twenty-four Balb /c mice were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 8). Group 01: control (distilled water); Group 02: 20 mg/kg/day of methylphenidate; Group 03: 40 mg/kg/day of methylphenidate. The treatment caused a reduction in body weight that may indicate toxic effects caused by prolonged use of the drug. Regarding the percentage of tubular components, there was an increase in the percentage of tubule and epithelium, but the percentage of lumen and tunica propria decreased. The diameters of spermatogonia A and Sertoli cells decreased in stage 1 of the cycle. There were reductions in the percentage of lymphatic space, connective tissue, and macrophages, with a consequent reduction in the percentage of intertubules. Methylphenidate treatment during adulthood decreased plasma testosterone concentrations and compromised the spermatogenic process leading to a reduction in the number of spermatids and spermatozoa, sperm production, and sperm transit time in the epididymis. This allowed us to demonstrate that methylphenidate can impair male fertility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21018,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive biology","volume":"25 3","pages":"Article 101043"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144296780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-11DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101045
Serap Dayan Cinkara , Nida Badıllı , İbrahim Halil Güngör , Aslıhan Çakır Cihangiroğlu , Tutku Can Acısu , Görkem Kırmızıkaya Özmen , Gözde Arkalı , Şeyma Özer Kaya , Mustafa Sönmez , Seyfettin Gür , Abdurrauf Yüce , Ökkeş Yılmaz , Gaffari Türk
This study evaluated the effects of intraepididymal platelet-rich plasma (PRP) administration on sperm morpho-functional characteristics and biochemical profiles in rams. Twelve healthy one-year-old Akkaraman rams were randomly assigned to control (0.9 % NaCl) and PRP (0.2 mL/per epididymis; ∼150–200 ×10⁶ platelets) groups, with six biweekly injections. Semen was collected biweekly and subjected to routine spermatological, flow-cytometric and biochemical assessments. PRP treatment significantly enhanced plasma membrane integrity (P < 0.001), total and rapid motility (P < 0.05), and kinematic parameters including VCL (P < 0.05), VSL, VAP, LIN, and WOB (P < 0.01). Significant reductions were observed in head and total abnormalities (P < 0.001), static spermatozoa (P < 0.05), ALH, and BCF (P < 0.05). Flow-cytometric analyses revealed increased proportions of sperm with high mitochondrial activity (P < 0.01), along with decreased acrosomal damage (P < 0.05) and apoptotic spermatozoa (P < 0.001). Biochemical assays demonstrated a marked reduction in malondialdehyde level (P < 0.001) and increased glutathione level, and glutathione-peroxidase and catalase activities (P < 0.01), indicating improved oxidative status. Although a 10.05 % increase in cholesterol level was observed following PRP administration, the change was not statistically significant. However, PRP significantly elevated margaric (C17:0) and stearic (C18:0) acids (P < 0.05–0.01), vaccenic (C18:1n7) and nervonic (C24:1) acids (P < 0.001), and α-linoleic (C18:3n3) and docosapentaenoic (C22:5n3) acids (P < 0.001). These findings suggest that epididymal PRP administration improves sperm quality via enhanced antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial function, and lipid remodeling.
{"title":"Morpho-functional and biochemical improvements in ram spermatozoa following intraepididymal platelet-rich plasma administration","authors":"Serap Dayan Cinkara , Nida Badıllı , İbrahim Halil Güngör , Aslıhan Çakır Cihangiroğlu , Tutku Can Acısu , Görkem Kırmızıkaya Özmen , Gözde Arkalı , Şeyma Özer Kaya , Mustafa Sönmez , Seyfettin Gür , Abdurrauf Yüce , Ökkeş Yılmaz , Gaffari Türk","doi":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101045","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101045","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the effects of intraepididymal platelet-rich plasma (PRP) administration on sperm morpho-functional characteristics and biochemical profiles in rams. Twelve healthy one-year-old Akkaraman rams were randomly assigned to control (0.9 % NaCl) and PRP (0.2 mL/per epididymis; ∼150–200 ×10⁶ platelets) groups, with six biweekly injections. Semen was collected biweekly and subjected to routine spermatological, flow-cytometric and biochemical assessments. PRP treatment significantly enhanced plasma membrane integrity (<em>P</em> < 0.001), total and rapid motility (<em>P</em> < 0.05), and kinematic parameters including VCL (<em>P</em> < 0.05), VSL, VAP, LIN, and WOB (<em>P</em> < 0.01). Significant reductions were observed in head and total abnormalities (<em>P</em> < 0.001), static spermatozoa (<em>P</em> < 0.05), ALH, and BCF (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Flow-cytometric analyses revealed increased proportions of sperm with high mitochondrial activity (<em>P</em> < 0.01), along with decreased acrosomal damage (<em>P</em> < 0.05) and apoptotic spermatozoa (<em>P</em> < 0.001). Biochemical assays demonstrated a marked reduction in malondialdehyde level (<em>P</em> < 0.001) and increased glutathione level, and glutathione-peroxidase and catalase activities (<em>P</em> < 0.01), indicating improved oxidative status. Although a 10.05 % increase in cholesterol level was observed following <em>P</em>RP administration, the change was not statistically significant. However, PRP significantly elevated margaric (C17:0) and stearic (C18:0) acids (<em>P</em> < 0.05–0.01), vaccenic (C18:1n7) and nervonic (C24:1) acids (<em>P</em> < 0.001), and α-linoleic (C18:3n3) and docosapentaenoic (C22:5n3) acids (<em>P</em> < 0.001). These findings suggest that epididymal PRP administration improves sperm quality via enhanced antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial function, and lipid remodeling.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21018,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive biology","volume":"25 3","pages":"Article 101045"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144262494","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-06-07DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101042
Chen Zhou , Min Qi , Zhiqian Xu , Xiaoxia Li , Junyan Bai , Youbing Yang
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as key regulators in mammalian pregnancy, influencing crucial processes such as placental development, immune modulation, and hormonal regulation. Their unique covalently closed-loop structure confers exceptional stability, making them ideal candidates as non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring pregnancy progression and diagnosing complications. This review explores the physiological roles of circRNAs during pregnancy, highlighting their involvement in trophoblast invasion, angiogenesis, and maternal-fetal communication. Additionally, it examines the dysregulation of circRNAs in pregnancy-related complications, including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and fetal growth restriction (FGR), where specific circRNAs show potential as early diagnostic markers. Despite promising advances, several challenges remain, such as the need for large-scale validation and standardized detection methods, as well as a deeper understanding of their molecular functions. Addressing these challenges will not only advance reproductive health in humans but also open avenues for improving animal breeding and livestock management through the application of circRNA biomarkers.
{"title":"Regulatory role of circRNAs in mammalian pregnancy","authors":"Chen Zhou , Min Qi , Zhiqian Xu , Xiaoxia Li , Junyan Bai , Youbing Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101042","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101042","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as key regulators in mammalian pregnancy, influencing crucial processes such as placental development, immune modulation, and hormonal regulation. Their unique covalently closed-loop structure confers exceptional stability, making them ideal candidates as non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring pregnancy progression and diagnosing complications. This review explores the physiological roles of circRNAs during pregnancy, highlighting their involvement in trophoblast invasion, angiogenesis, and maternal-fetal communication. Additionally, it examines the dysregulation of circRNAs in pregnancy-related complications, including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and fetal growth restriction (FGR), where specific circRNAs show potential as early diagnostic markers. Despite promising advances, several challenges remain, such as the need for large-scale validation and standardized detection methods, as well as a deeper understanding of their molecular functions. Addressing these challenges will not only advance reproductive health in humans but also open avenues for improving animal breeding and livestock management through the application of circRNA biomarkers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21018,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive biology","volume":"25 3","pages":"Article 101042"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144231777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The study aimed to investigate whether vitamin D3 and insulin alone or in co-treatment can influence characteristics and protein cargo of the porcine follicular fluid (FF)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). To this end, medium antral follicles were cultured in vitro alone (C; control) or with 1α,25(OH)2D3 (VD; 100 ng/mL) and insulin (I; 10 ng/mL) separately or in combination (VD+I). The properties of the FF-EVs were assessed by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, electroforetic light scattering, and flow cytometry, while the global proteomic analysis was conducted by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry coupled with the TMT-isobaric mass tag labeling. In all groups, particles represented a typical cup-shaped morphology, ranged between 50 and 450 nm in diameter, and expressed marker proteins, such as CD63 and CD81. The I treatment decreased the concentration and average size of the FF-EVs, while VD reversed only the effect on the particle concentration. Proteomic analysis revealed 48 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) between examined groups, whilst greater amount of DAPs was identified following VD and I treatment alone than in co-treatment. Functional analysis showed that VD alone or in combination with I decreased predominantly the abundance of ribosomal proteins. In the I group, proteins involved in oxidative stress were down-regulated. We also found that the FF-EVs are carriers of adiponectin, which was up-regulated in the VD+I group. To sum up, VD and I seem to be novel modulators of the porcine FF-EVs characteristics and protein cargo, and thereby could modify ovarian follicle function via the EV-mediated pathway.
{"title":"Vitamin D3 and insulin treatment affects porcine follicular fluid-derived extracellular vesicles characteristics and proteome cargo","authors":"Kinga Kamińska , Bianka Świderska , Agata Malinowska , Jakub Barbasz , Małgorzata Grzesiak","doi":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101040","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.repbio.2025.101040","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study aimed to investigate whether vitamin D<sub>3</sub> and insulin alone or in co-treatment can influence characteristics and protein cargo of the porcine follicular fluid (FF)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). To this end, medium antral follicles were cultured <em>in vitro</em> alone (C; control) or with 1α,25(OH)<sub>2</sub>D<sub>3</sub> (VD; 100 ng/mL) and insulin (I; 10 ng/mL) separately or in combination (VD+I). The properties of the FF-EVs were assessed by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, electroforetic light scattering, and flow cytometry, while the global proteomic analysis was conducted by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry coupled with the TMT-isobaric mass tag labeling. In all groups, particles represented a typical cup-shaped morphology, ranged between 50 and 450 nm in diameter, and expressed marker proteins, such as CD63 and CD81. The I treatment decreased the concentration and average size of the FF-EVs, while VD reversed only the effect on the particle concentration. Proteomic analysis revealed 48 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) between examined groups, whilst greater amount of DAPs was identified following VD and I treatment alone than in co-treatment. Functional analysis showed that VD alone or in combination with I decreased predominantly the abundance of ribosomal proteins. In the I group, proteins involved in oxidative stress were down-regulated. We also found that the FF-EVs are carriers of adiponectin, which was up-regulated in the VD+I group. To sum up, VD and I seem to be novel modulators of the porcine FF-EVs characteristics and protein cargo, and thereby could modify ovarian follicle function <em>via</em> the EV-mediated pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21018,"journal":{"name":"Reproductive biology","volume":"25 3","pages":"Article 101040"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144195032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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