Pub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-07-25DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2025.07.001
{"title":"Reviewer of the Year 2024. F&S Science celebrates excellence in our world-class reviewers","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2025.07.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2025.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 264-265"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144710109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-05-16DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2025.05.001
Nischelle Kalakota M.D. , Alexander Lemenze Ph.D. , Lea George M.D. , Qingshi Zhao Ph.D. , Tracy Wu M.H.A. , Sara S. Morelli M.D., Ph.D. , Andy V. Babwah Ph.D. , Nataki C. Douglas M.D., Ph.D.
Objective
To characterize the expression of adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (ADGR) in the human endometrium and early mouse pregnancy.
Design
An in silico analysis was performed using a retrospective data set comprised endometrial samples across normo-ovulatory menstrual cycles. Gene expression was then validated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and mRNA sequencing (mRNA-seq) in prospectively collected endometrial biopsies in the periovulatory and midsecretory stages of natural cycles. Gene expression was also investigated under ovarian stimulation (OS) conditions using mRNA-seq. Early pregnancy mouse models were used to investigate whether trends of dynamic ADGR expression are also conserved in the mouse.
Subjects
Twenty-four women aged 21–42 years.
Exposure
Ovulatory menstrual cycle or OS cycle.
Main Outcome Measures
Gene expression in endometrial biopsies and pregnant mouse uterus.
Results
Fifteen women, aged 21–33 years, were recruited in natural cycles during the proliferative phase (cycle days 10–13; n = 4), periovulatory (luteinizing hormone + 12–24 hours; n = 6) period, and midsecretory (luteinizing hormone + 8–9 days; n = 5) phase. Nine women aged 31–42 years old undergoing in vitro fertilization (without fresh embryo transfer) or oocyte cryopreservation using a gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist protocol were recruited for the OS cohort in either the periovulatory phase (human chorionic gonadotropin + 2; n = 5) or midsecretory phase (human chorionic gonadotropin + 9; n = 4). The in silico analysis revealed dynamic expression for many ADGRs across the menstrual cycle. Differential gene expression was also seen in the prospective analysis within the menstrual cycle phases and between natural cycle and OS conditions. Within early mouse pregnancy, expression was also found to be altered across several Adgr subfamilies.
Conclusion
The differential gene expression observed between the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle, along with changes in expression seen in OS and early mouse pregnancy suggest that ADGR expression is hormonally regulated by estradiol and progesterone.
{"title":"Dynamic expression of endometrial adhesion G protein-coupled receptors during the menstrual cycle and early mouse pregnancy: modulation by ovarian stimulation","authors":"Nischelle Kalakota M.D. , Alexander Lemenze Ph.D. , Lea George M.D. , Qingshi Zhao Ph.D. , Tracy Wu M.H.A. , Sara S. Morelli M.D., Ph.D. , Andy V. Babwah Ph.D. , Nataki C. Douglas M.D., Ph.D.","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2025.05.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2025.05.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To characterize the expression of adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (ADGR) in the human endometrium<span> and early mouse pregnancy.</span></div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div><span><span>An in silico analysis was performed using a retrospective data set comprised endometrial samples across normo-ovulatory </span>menstrual cycles<span>. Gene expression was then validated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and mRNA sequencing (mRNA-seq) in prospectively collected </span></span>endometrial biopsies<span> in the periovulatory and midsecretory stages of natural cycles. Gene expression was also investigated under ovarian stimulation (OS) conditions using mRNA-seq. Early pregnancy<span> mouse models were used to investigate whether trends of dynamic ADGR expression are also conserved in the mouse.</span></span></div></div><div><h3>Subjects</h3><div>Twenty-four women aged 21–42 years.</div></div><div><h3>Exposure</h3><div>Ovulatory menstrual cycle or OS cycle.</div></div><div><h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3><div>Gene expression in endometrial biopsies and pregnant mouse uterus.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><span><span>Fifteen women, aged 21–33 years, were recruited in natural cycles during the proliferative phase (cycle days 10–13; n = 4), periovulatory (luteinizing hormone + 12–24 hours; n = 6) period, and midsecretory (luteinizing hormone + 8–9 days; n = 5) phase. Nine women aged 31–42 years old undergoing in vitro fertilization (without fresh embryo transfer) or </span>oocyte<span><span> cryopreservation using a </span>gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist protocol were recruited for the OS cohort in either the periovulatory phase (human chorionic gonadotropin + 2; n = 5) or midsecretory phase (human chorionic gonadotropin + 9; n = 4). The in silico analysis revealed dynamic expression for many </span></span><em>ADGRs</em><span> across the menstrual cycle. Differential gene expression was also seen in the prospective analysis within the menstrual cycle phases and between natural cycle and OS conditions. Within early mouse pregnancy, expression was also found to be altered across several </span><em>Adgr</em> subfamilies.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The differential gene expression observed between the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle, along with changes in expression seen in OS and early mouse pregnancy suggest that <em>ADGR</em><span><span> expression is hormonally regulated by estradiol and </span>progesterone.</span></div></div>","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 321-339"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144095920","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
To determine whether drug-free in vitro activation (IVA) with immediate autotransplantation improves reproductive outcomes and ovarian blood flow in patients with poor ovarian response (POR) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).
Design
A clinical trial.
Setting
A tertiary university-affiliated hospital.
Patient(s)
Twenty-one women diagnosed with POR (n = 7) and POI (n = 14).
Intervention(s)
Drug-free IVA through mechanical ovarian tissue disruption and immediate autotransplantation.
Main Outcome Measure(s)
Changes in antral follicle count, antimüllerian hormone levels, ovarian volume, Doppler indices, oocyte retrieval rates, and embryo cryopreservation.
Result(s)
After drug-free IVA, the antral follicle count increased in 71% of patients with POR and 50% of patients with POI, whereas the antimüllerian hormone levels improved in 57% of patients with POR and 7% of patients with POI. A significant increase in ovarian volume was noted in patients with POR and in patients with POI who exhibited follicle growth after IVA. Doppler indices revealed no significant changes in ovarian blood flow. Follicle development was achieved in all patients with POR and 10 of 14 patients with POI, facilitating successful oocyte retrieval in all patients with POR and 7 of 14 patients with POI. The fertilization rates were 72% and 59% for patients with POR and POI, respectively. All patients with POR and 5 of 14 patients with POI had at least 1 embryo cryopreserved. Among the 11 patients who underwent frozen embryo transfer, 2 clinical pregnancies were achieved, resulting in 1 live birth.
Conclusion(s)
Drug-free IVA demonstrates potential in improving follicular activity, oocyte retrieval, and embryo cryopreservation. However, clinical application remains challenging due to modest success rates, necessitating further protocol refinements and long-term outcome evaluations.
{"title":"Drug-free in vitro activation of ovarian follicles and fresh tissue autotransplantation in patients with poor ovarian response and premature ovarian insufficiency","authors":"Leonti Grin M.D. , Roza Berkovitz-Shperling M.D. , Gal Goldstein M.D. , Yulia Michailov Ph.D. , Ofer Gemer M.D. , Eyal Anteby M.D. , Kazuhiro Kawamura M.D. , Bozhena Saar-Ryss M.D. , Shevach Friedler M.D.","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2025.04.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2025.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To determine whether drug-free in vitro activation (IVA) with immediate autotransplantation<span> improves reproductive outcomes and ovarian blood flow in patients with poor ovarian response (POR) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).</span></div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>A clinical trial.</div></div><div><h3>Setting</h3><div>A tertiary university-affiliated hospital.</div></div><div><h3>Patient(s)</h3><div>Twenty-one women diagnosed with POR (n = 7) and POI (n = 14).</div></div><div><h3>Intervention(s)</h3><div>Drug-free IVA through mechanical ovarian tissue disruption and immediate autotransplantation.</div></div><div><h3>Main Outcome Measure(s)</h3><div>Changes in antral follicle<span><span> count, antimüllerian hormone levels, ovarian volume, Doppler indices, </span>oocyte retrieval<span> rates, and embryo cryopreservation.</span></span></div></div><div><h3>Result(s)</h3><div>After drug-free IVA, the antral follicle count increased in 71% of patients with POR and 50% of patients with POI, whereas the antimüllerian hormone levels improved in 57% of patients with POR and 7% of patients with POI. A significant increase in ovarian volume was noted in patients with POR and in patients with POI who exhibited follicle growth after IVA. Doppler indices revealed no significant changes in ovarian blood flow. Follicle development<span> was achieved in all patients with POR and 10 of 14 patients with POI, facilitating successful oocyte retrieval in all patients with POR and 7 of 14 patients with POI. The fertilization<span> rates were 72% and 59% for patients with POR and POI, respectively. All patients with POR and 5 of 14 patients with POI had at least 1 embryo cryopreserved. Among the 11 patients who underwent frozen embryo transfer, 2 clinical pregnancies were achieved, resulting in 1 live birth.</span></span></div></div><div><h3>Conclusion(s)</h3><div>Drug-free IVA demonstrates potential in improving follicular activity, oocyte retrieval, and embryo cryopreservation. However, clinical application remains challenging due to modest success rates, necessitating further protocol refinements and long-term outcome evaluations.</div></div><div><h3>Trial Registration</h3><div><span><span>ClinicalTrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> (Identifier: NCT04024722).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 303-311"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144043003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-04-30DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2025.03.007
Adnan Fadhel Al-Azaawie M.Sc. , Ahmed AbdulJabbar Suleiman Ph.D. , Mousa Jasim Mohammed Ph.D.
Objective
To investigate the correlation between piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) expression and steroid 5 alpha reductase type 2 (SRD5A2) mRNA regulation in seminal fluid across various male infertility conditions (asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, and azoospermia).
Design and Subjects
This study included 88 male participants aged 20–40 years, categorized into infertility and normozoospermic groups.
Exposure
Seminal fluid analysis and RNA extraction were performed to quantify SRD5A2 mRNA and selected piRNAs (hsa-piR-002528, hsa-piR-017183, hsa-piR-023244, and hsa-piR-023338) using qRT-PCR.
Main Outcome Measures
Correlation analysis evaluated interactions between piRNA levels and SRD5A2 expression. Statistical significance was determined using analysis of variance and correlation coefficients.
Results
Seminal Fluid Analysis: significant differences in seminal volume, sperm morphology, count, and motility were observed across infertility subtypes. Steroid 5 alpha reductase type 2 Expression: asthenozoospermia showed up-regulated SRD5A2 mRNA (Log2FC = 0.333), whereas oligozoospermia and azoospermia exhibited down-regulation (Log2FC = −0.470 and −0.688, respectively). Piwi-interacting RNA Expression: hsa-piR-002528 and hsa-piR-017183 were up-regulated in all infertility subtypes, whereas hsa-piR-023244 and hsa-piR-023338 exhibited subtype-specific expression patterns. Correlation Analysis: Steroid 5 alpha reductase type 2 mRNA negatively correlated with hsa-piR-002528 and hsa-piR-023338, suggesting regulatory interactions affecting sperm motility and count. Positive correlations were observed for hsa-piR-023244 in azoospermia, indicating potential roles in supporting spermatogenesis.
Conclusions
Altered piRNA profiles and SRD5A2 expression are associated with male infertility subtypes. These findings highlight the regulatory role of piRNAs in spermatogenesis and their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for male infertility.
{"title":"Unveiling the molecular cross-talk between piwi-interacting RNAs and steroid 5 alpha reductase type 2 in sperm dysfunction","authors":"Adnan Fadhel Al-Azaawie M.Sc. , Ahmed AbdulJabbar Suleiman Ph.D. , Mousa Jasim Mohammed Ph.D.","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2025.03.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2025.03.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To investigate the correlation between piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) expression and steroid 5 alpha reductase type 2<span><span> (SRD5A2) mRNA regulation in seminal fluid across various male infertility conditions (asthenozoospermia, </span>oligozoospermia, and azoospermia).</span></div></div><div><h3>Design and Subjects</h3><div>This study included 88 male participants aged 20–40 years, categorized into infertility and normozoospermic groups.</div></div><div><h3>Exposure</h3><div>Seminal fluid analysis and RNA extraction were performed to quantify SRD5A2 mRNA and selected piRNAs (hsa-piR-002528, hsa-piR-017183, hsa-piR-023244, and hsa-piR-023338) using qRT-PCR.</div></div><div><h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3><div>Correlation analysis evaluated interactions between piRNA levels and SRD5A2 expression. Statistical significance was determined using analysis of variance and correlation coefficients.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><span><span>Seminal Fluid Analysis: significant differences in seminal volume, sperm morphology, count, and motility were observed across infertility subtypes. Steroid 5 alpha reductase<span> type 2 Expression: asthenozoospermia<span> showed up-regulated SRD5A2 mRNA (Log2FC = 0.333), whereas oligozoospermia and azoospermia exhibited down-regulation (Log2FC = −0.470 and −0.688, respectively). Piwi-interacting RNA Expression: hsa-piR-002528 and hsa-piR-017183 were up-regulated in all infertility subtypes, whereas hsa-piR-023244 and hsa-piR-023338 exhibited subtype-specific expression patterns. Correlation Analysis: Steroid 5 alpha reductase type 2 mRNA negatively correlated with hsa-piR-002528 and hsa-piR-023338, suggesting regulatory interactions affecting </span></span></span>sperm motility and count. Positive correlations were observed for hsa-piR-023244 in azoospermia, indicating potential roles in supporting </span>spermatogenesis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Altered piRNA profiles and SRD5A2 expression are associated with male infertility subtypes. These findings highlight the regulatory role of piRNAs in spermatogenesis and their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for male infertility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 282-292"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144008843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
To study the effects of generally considered safe doses of antioxidant micronutrient supplementation on semen parameters, systemic redox balance, sperm DNA structural integrity, and fertility.
Design
Given ethical limitations in human studies, this dose escalation study examined the effects of common water-soluble antioxidant micronutrients (vitamin C, zinc, folate, and carnitine) on semen parameters, redox status, DNA integrity, and fertility outcomes in healthy male mice over one spermatogenic cycle. The study was partially repeated at the highest carnitine dose for pregnancy outcomes and comparatively assessed in subfertile, oxidatively stressed mice.
Subjects
“Fertile/healthy” (CD1) and “Subfertile/oxidatively stressed” (gpx5-/-) mice.
Exposure
Water-soluble micronutrients (vitamin C, zinc, folate, and carnitine).
Main Outcome Measures
Sperm parameters included count, motility, viability, and acrosome integrity. Systemic redox status was evaluated in blood, measuring malondialdehyde, thiol levels, and total antioxidant capacity. Sperm DNA parameters were examined for oxidation (8-OHdG staining), fragmentation (TUNEL), and decondensation (toluidine blue). Pregnancy outcomes were also assessed in CD1 mice fed carnitine.
Results
In healthy mice, increasing doses of individual micronutrients had minimal effects on semen parameters. However, high doses of all four micronutrients significantly disrupted the redox balance in blood plasma and compromised sperm DNA integrity in an ingredient-specific manner. Moderate to high doses of carnitine caused severe DNA fragmentation, a finding confirmed in a subsequent experiment using the highest carnitine dose. In this follow-up experiment, male mice supplemented with carnitine and mated with females showed decreased pregnancy rates and fewer total pups born. Conversely, in oxidatively stressed mice, high-dose carnitine had the opposite, beneficial effect of improving sperm DNA integrity.
Conclusions
At high doses, antioxidants can induce reductive stress, damaging vital molecular components of sperm cells such as DNA. Although strong evidence supports the use of preconception antioxidants to boost semen quality, healthcare professionals should assess oxidative stress levels when possible and recommend personalized antioxidant doses to avoid reductive stress and prevent adverse reproductive outcomes.
{"title":"The dual nature of micronutrients on fertility: too much of a good thing?","authors":"Aron Moazamian Ph.D. , Elisa Hug Ph.D. , Pauline Villeneuve M.Sc. , Stéphanie Bravard B.Sc. , Richard Geurtsen Ph.D. , Jorge Hallak M.D., Ph.D. , Fabrice Saez Ph.D. , Robert John Aitken Ph.D., Sc.D. , Parviz Gharagozloo Ph.D. , Joël R. Drevet Ph.D.","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2025.02.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2025.02.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To study the effects of generally considered safe doses of antioxidant micronutrient supplementation on semen parameters, systemic redox balance, sperm DNA structural integrity, and fertility.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Given ethical limitations in human studies, this dose escalation study examined the effects of common water-soluble antioxidant micronutrients (vitamin C, zinc, folate, and carnitine) on semen parameters, redox status, DNA integrity, and fertility outcomes in healthy male mice over one spermatogenic cycle. The study was partially repeated at the highest carnitine dose for pregnancy outcomes and comparatively assessed in subfertile, oxidatively stressed mice.</div></div><div><h3>Subjects</h3><div>“Fertile/healthy” (CD1) and “Subfertile/oxidatively stressed” (<em>gpx5</em><sup>-/-</sup>) mice.</div></div><div><h3>Exposure</h3><div>Water-soluble micronutrients (vitamin C, zinc, folate, and carnitine).</div></div><div><h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3><div>Sperm parameters included count, motility, viability, and acrosome integrity. Systemic redox status was evaluated in blood, measuring malondialdehyde, thiol levels, and total antioxidant capacity. Sperm DNA parameters were examined for oxidation (8-OHdG staining), fragmentation (TUNEL), and decondensation (toluidine blue). Pregnancy outcomes were also assessed in CD1 mice fed carnitine.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In healthy mice, increasing doses of individual micronutrients had minimal effects on semen parameters. However, high doses of all four micronutrients significantly disrupted the redox balance in blood plasma and compromised sperm DNA integrity in an ingredient-specific manner. Moderate to high doses of carnitine caused severe DNA fragmentation, a finding confirmed in a subsequent experiment using the highest carnitine dose. In this follow-up experiment, male mice supplemented with carnitine and mated with females showed decreased pregnancy rates and fewer total pups born. Conversely, in oxidatively stressed mice, high-dose carnitine had the opposite, beneficial effect of improving sperm DNA integrity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>At high doses, antioxidants can induce reductive stress, damaging vital molecular components of sperm cells such as DNA. Although strong evidence supports the use of preconception antioxidants to boost semen quality, healthcare professionals should assess oxidative stress levels when possible and recommend personalized antioxidant doses to avoid reductive stress and prevent adverse reproductive outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 293-302"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143525349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-03-27DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2025.03.004
Magdalena Peeva M.D. , Ahmad Badeghiesh M.D., M.P.H. , Haitham Baghlaf M.D., M.P.H. , Michael H. Dahan M.D.
<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><span>To determine the independent effect of ethnicity on obstetric outcomes in women with </span>polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div><span>This was a retrospective, population-based cohort study using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2004 to 2014. Women with PCOS were identified using the </span>International Classification of Diseases<span>, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes were compared across ethnic groups. The chi-square tests assessed baseline characteristics, and logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between ethnicity and outcomes, estimating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).</span></div></div><div><h3>Subjects</h3><div>A total of 12,782 pregnant women with PCOS were identified between 2004 and 2014, categorized by ethnicity: White (n = 9,107); African American (n = 1,098); Hispanic (n = 1,288); and Asian (n = 741).</div></div><div><h3>Exposure</h3><div>The exposure of interest was maternal ethnicity and its association with pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes among women with PCOS.</div></div><div><h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3><div>Pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal complications were assessed across ethnic groups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><span><span>Asian women had a higher odds of having gestational diabetes (adjusted OR [aOR], 1.96; 95% CI, 1.49–2.58), </span>chorioamnionitis<span> (aOR, 3.41; 95% CI, 2.12–5.47), operative vaginal delivery<span> (aOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.65–3.56), postpartum hemorrhage<span> (PPH) (aOR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.25–3.43), and maternal infection (aOR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.80–4.49). African Americans had a higher risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension (aOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.06–1.80), preeclampsia (aOR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.15–2.45), preterm </span></span></span></span>premature rupture of membrane<span><span> (aOR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.58–4.78), chorioamnionitis (aOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.12–2.98), and cesarean sections (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.32–2.15) and lower risk of operative vaginal delivery (aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31–0.93), spontaneous vaginal delivery (aOR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.52–0.85), and maternal infection (aOR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.21–3.00). The risk of gestational diabetes (aOR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.06–1.73) and PPH (aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.01–2.47) increased among Hispanic patients. Caucasian patients were at lower risk of gestational diabetes (aOR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.57–0.79), chorioamnionitis (aOR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.28–0.55), cesarean section (aOR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73–0.95), PPH (aOR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.50–0.98), </span>blood transfusion (aOR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.29–0.83), maternal infection (aOR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.27–0.51), and small-for-gestational-age infants (aOR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44–0.93) and had higher odds of having a spontaneous vaginal delivery (aOR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.10–1.43).</span></div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Among w
{"title":"The role of ethnicity and polycystic ovary syndrome on pregnancy complications: an analysis of a population database","authors":"Magdalena Peeva M.D. , Ahmad Badeghiesh M.D., M.P.H. , Haitham Baghlaf M.D., M.P.H. , Michael H. Dahan M.D.","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2025.03.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2025.03.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><span>To determine the independent effect of ethnicity on obstetric outcomes in women with </span>polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div><span>This was a retrospective, population-based cohort study using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2004 to 2014. Women with PCOS were identified using the </span>International Classification of Diseases<span>, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes were compared across ethnic groups. The chi-square tests assessed baseline characteristics, and logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between ethnicity and outcomes, estimating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).</span></div></div><div><h3>Subjects</h3><div>A total of 12,782 pregnant women with PCOS were identified between 2004 and 2014, categorized by ethnicity: White (n = 9,107); African American (n = 1,098); Hispanic (n = 1,288); and Asian (n = 741).</div></div><div><h3>Exposure</h3><div>The exposure of interest was maternal ethnicity and its association with pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes among women with PCOS.</div></div><div><h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3><div>Pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal complications were assessed across ethnic groups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><span><span>Asian women had a higher odds of having gestational diabetes (adjusted OR [aOR], 1.96; 95% CI, 1.49–2.58), </span>chorioamnionitis<span> (aOR, 3.41; 95% CI, 2.12–5.47), operative vaginal delivery<span> (aOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.65–3.56), postpartum hemorrhage<span> (PPH) (aOR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.25–3.43), and maternal infection (aOR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.80–4.49). African Americans had a higher risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension (aOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.06–1.80), preeclampsia (aOR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.15–2.45), preterm </span></span></span></span>premature rupture of membrane<span><span> (aOR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.58–4.78), chorioamnionitis (aOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.12–2.98), and cesarean sections (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.32–2.15) and lower risk of operative vaginal delivery (aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31–0.93), spontaneous vaginal delivery (aOR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.52–0.85), and maternal infection (aOR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.21–3.00). The risk of gestational diabetes (aOR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.06–1.73) and PPH (aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.01–2.47) increased among Hispanic patients. Caucasian patients were at lower risk of gestational diabetes (aOR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.57–0.79), chorioamnionitis (aOR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.28–0.55), cesarean section (aOR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73–0.95), PPH (aOR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.50–0.98), </span>blood transfusion (aOR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.29–0.83), maternal infection (aOR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.27–0.51), and small-for-gestational-age infants (aOR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44–0.93) and had higher odds of having a spontaneous vaginal delivery (aOR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.10–1.43).</span></div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Among w","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 353-363"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143744424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
To study the potential association between pure male factor infertility (MFI) and the likelihood of a positive family history of cancer because limited information exists on the oncologic risk among relatives of men experiencing infertility.
Design
This cross-sectional, retrospective analysis considered the latest 1,168 men seeking medical help for primary couple's infertility at a single center. Infertility was defined according to the World Health Organization criteria.
Subjects
A total of 1,168 men seeking medical help for primary couple's infertility at a single center.
Intervention(s)
Patients underwent thorough assessments, including medical history, measured body mass index, laboratory investigations including semen analyses and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) index testing.
Main Outcome measure(s)
Abnormal SDF was defined as >30%. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses tested the association between semen parameters, SDF, and positive cancer family history.
Result(s)
Of 1,168, 168 (14.4%) patients reported a positive cancer familial history. Patients with positive cancer family history were older (median interquartile range [IQR]: 37.00 [33.00–41.00] vs. 38.00 [34.00–41.00] years) and more frequently smokers (271 [27.1] vs. 64 [38.1]). Positive family history for malignancies was observed in 79 (40.9%), 66 (34.2%), 36 (18.7%), and 6 (3.1%) patients with a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th degree of kinship, respectively. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, SDF was positively associated with an increased risk of positive cancer family history in any (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04–2.1) and in 1st-degree relatives (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00–1.03). Similarly, abnormal SDF was associated with an increased risk of positive cancer family history in any relative (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.12–2.87) and in 1st-degree relatives (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.01–3.84).
Conclusion
Almost 14% of patients with MFI reported a familial history of cancer. Greater SDF levels emerged to be associated with a higher likelihood of a positive family history of cancer.
{"title":"Unraveling familial ties: elevated sperm DNA fragmentation index in men with infertility and familial cancer susceptibility","authors":"Federico Belladelli M.D. , Riccardo Ramadani M.D. , Marco Malvestiti M.D. , Edoardo Pozzi M.D. , Christian Corsini M.D. , Massimiliano Raffo M.D. , Fausto Negri M.D. , Alessandro Bertini M.D. , Simone Cilio M.D. , Luca Boeri M.D., Ph.D. , Massimo Alfano Ph.D. , Giovanni Lavorgna M.D. , Alessia d’Arma M.Sc., M.A. , Francesco Montorsi M.D. , Andrea Salonia M.D., Ph.D.","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2025.03.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2025.03.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To study the potential association between pure male factor infertility (MFI) and the likelihood of a positive family history of cancer because limited information exists on the oncologic risk among relatives of men experiencing infertility.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>This cross-sectional, retrospective analysis considered the latest 1,168 men seeking medical help for primary couple's infertility at a single center. Infertility was defined according to the World Health Organization criteria.</div></div><div><h3>Subjects</h3><div>A total of 1,168 men seeking medical help for primary couple's infertility at a single center.</div></div><div><h3>Intervention(s)</h3><div><span>Patients underwent thorough assessments, including medical history, measured </span>body mass index<span>, laboratory investigations including semen analyses<span> and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) index testing.</span></span></div></div><div><h3>Main Outcome measure(s)</h3><div>Abnormal SDF was defined as >30%. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses tested the association between semen parameters, SDF, and positive cancer family history.</div></div><div><h3>Result(s)</h3><div>Of 1,168, 168 (14.4%) patients reported a positive cancer familial<span><span> history. Patients with positive cancer family history were older (median interquartile range [IQR]: 37.00 [33.00–41.00] vs. 38.00 [34.00–41.00] years) and more frequently smokers (271 [27.1] vs. 64 [38.1]). Positive family history for malignancies was observed in 79 (40.9%), 66 (34.2%), 36 (18.7%), and 6 (3.1%) patients with a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th </span>degree of kinship, respectively. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, SDF was positively associated with an increased risk of positive cancer family history in any (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04–2.1) and in 1st-degree relatives (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00–1.03). Similarly, abnormal SDF was associated with an increased risk of positive cancer family history in any relative (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.12–2.87) and in 1st-degree relatives (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.01–3.84).</span></div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Almost 14% of patients with MFI reported a familial history of cancer. Greater SDF levels emerged to be associated with a higher likelihood of a positive family history of cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 275-281"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143694584","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-02-25DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2025.02.006
Maria Brito M.Sc. , Ana Gonçalves M.Sc. , Alberto Barros M.D., Ph.D. , Mário Sousa M.D., Ph.D. , Rosália Sá M.D., Ph.D.
Objective
To assess the effects of the active metabolite of Bupropion, hydroxybupropion, on human spermatozoa in vitro.
Design
Laboratory based in vitro study.
Patients
Human sperm samples were collected from 45 normozoospermic patients (smokers and nonsmokers).
Exposure
Sperm samples were incubated at 37°C with 5% CO2 for 2 hours with and without the IC50 concentration of hydroxybupropion (1.9 μM).
Main Outcome Measures
Several sperm analysis were performed, including vitality, motility, chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, oxidative stress, mitochondria membrane potential, and acrosome integrity. High-speed video microscopy and Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis provided a detailed evaluation of sperm motility.
Results
Hydroxybupropion exposure resulted in significant impairments in sperm vitality and motility, particularly in progressive motility. Chromatin condensation was significantly reduced, whereas DNA fragmentation, especially in the equatorial region, significantly increased. Mitochondria membrane potential, acrosomal integrity, and reactive oxygen species production also significantly decreased after exposure.
Conclusion
The findings indicate potential harm to sperm parameters, which may contribute to infertility. Understanding how Bupropion affects reproductive function is crucial for clinicians and patients to make informed decisions regarding the use of this medication.
{"title":"Bupropion, the atypical antidepressant used in smoke cessation: an in vitro study on its effects on human sperm function","authors":"Maria Brito M.Sc. , Ana Gonçalves M.Sc. , Alberto Barros M.D., Ph.D. , Mário Sousa M.D., Ph.D. , Rosália Sá M.D., Ph.D.","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2025.02.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2025.02.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To assess the effects of the active metabolite<span><span> of Bupropion, </span>hydroxybupropion, on human spermatozoa in vitro.</span></div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>Laboratory based in vitro study.</div></div><div><h3>Patients</h3><div>Human sperm samples were collected from 45 normozoospermic patients (smokers and nonsmokers).</div></div><div><h3>Exposure</h3><div>Sperm samples were incubated at 37°C with 5% CO<sub>2</sub> for 2 hours with and without the IC<sub>50</sub><span> concentration of hydroxybupropion (1.9 μM).</span></div></div><div><h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3><div>Several sperm analysis<span> were performed, including vitality, motility, chromatin condensation<span><span><span>, DNA fragmentation, </span>oxidative stress, </span>mitochondria membrane potential<span>, and acrosome<span> integrity. High-speed video microscopy<span> and Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis provided a detailed evaluation of sperm motility.</span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><span>Hydroxybupropion exposure resulted in significant impairments in sperm vitality and motility, particularly in progressive motility. Chromatin condensation was significantly reduced, whereas DNA fragmentation, especially in the equatorial region, significantly increased. Mitochondria membrane potential, acrosomal integrity, and </span>reactive oxygen species production also significantly decreased after exposure.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings indicate potential harm to sperm parameters, which may contribute to infertility. Understanding how Bupropion affects reproductive function is crucial for clinicians and patients to make informed decisions regarding the use of this medication.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 266-274"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143525335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-01Epub Date: 2025-01-02DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2024.12.006
Maíra Casalechi Ph.D., Maria Thereza V. Pereira M.Sc., Wiviane A. Assis Ph.D., Cynthia Dela Cruz Ph.D., Tays F. Guedes B.Sc., Ines Katerina Cavallo M.D., Ph.D., Fernando M. Reis M.D., Ph.D.
This study investigated whether luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) expression varies in the granulosa cells of individual follicles according to the maturation stage of the oocytes harvested for assisted reproductive technology treatment. We observed minimal to no LHR messenger ribonucleic acid and protein expression in cumulus cells surrounding oocytes arrested in the germinal vesicle stage. Interestingly, their ability to mature was confirmed by rescue in vitro maturation, suggesting somatic cell LHR deficiency as a key factor for the retrieval of germinal vesicle oocytes in assisted reproductive technology procedures.
{"title":"Luteinizing hormone receptor deficiency in immature cumulus-oocyte complexes retrieved for assisted reproduction","authors":"Maíra Casalechi Ph.D., Maria Thereza V. Pereira M.Sc., Wiviane A. Assis Ph.D., Cynthia Dela Cruz Ph.D., Tays F. Guedes B.Sc., Ines Katerina Cavallo M.D., Ph.D., Fernando M. Reis M.D., Ph.D.","doi":"10.1016/j.xfss.2024.12.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xfss.2024.12.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated whether luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) expression varies in the granulosa cells of individual follicles according to the maturation stage of the oocytes harvested for assisted reproductive technology treatment. We observed minimal to no LHR messenger ribonucleic acid and protein expression in cumulus cells surrounding oocytes arrested in the germinal vesicle stage. Interestingly, their ability to mature was confirmed by rescue in vitro maturation, suggesting somatic cell LHR deficiency as a key factor for the retrieval of germinal vesicle oocytes in assisted reproductive technology procedures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73012,"journal":{"name":"F&S science","volume":"6 2","pages":"Pages 126-129"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142928795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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