Article
Environmental Sciences
Yingbing Zhang, Xiyue Wang, Yifan Zhao, Jianglin Zhao, Tong Yu, Yupei Yao, Ruolin Zhao, Ruiluan Yu, Jun Liu, Jianmin Su
Summary: Microplastics are recognized as an emerging pollutant and a serious environmental problem, with potential health risks to organisms. This study found that oral administration of microplastics to mice resulted in reduced oocyte maturation and fertilization rate, embryo development, and fertility. It also caused oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and DNA damage in oocytes and embryos. Maternal exposure to microplastics during pregnancy had adverse effects on offspring, including reduced birth weight and impaired reproductive health.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Manish Banker, Silke Dyer, Georgina M. Chambers, Osamu Ishihara, Markus Kupka, Jacques de Mouzon, Fernando Zegers-Hochschild, G. David Adamson
Summary: The report provides data on the utilization, effectiveness, and safety of assisted reproductive technology (ART) globally in 2013, showing an increase in ART cycles and changes in trends such as a rise in the proportion of older women undergoing non-donor ART. Further efforts are needed to improve the quality and consistency of reporting ART data by registries.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2021)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Rama Lakshman, Ana-Mishel Spiroski, Lauren B. McIver, Michael P. Murphy, Dino A. Giussani
Summary: Research has shown that pregnancy complicated by chronic fetal hypoxia and oxidative stress can program cardiovascular dysfunction in adult offspring. This study using animal models found that analyzing blood pressure variability and heart rate variability can identify cardiovascular dysfunction in offspring, and that MitoQ may offer protection against programmed endothelial dysfunction.
Article
Biology
Ivana Schoepf, Sarena Olson, Ignacio T. Moore, Frances Bonier
Summary: Hosts with long coevolutionary history with parasites often assume negligible fitness costs of chronic infection. However, experimental manipulation of infections reveals effects of parasites on hosts during reproduction. In this study, the authors found that reducing haemosporidian infections in red-winged blackbirds resulted in significant benefits to mothers and their offspring.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Georgina M. Chambers, Silke Dyer, Fernando Zegers-Hochschild, Jacques de Mouzon, Osamu Ishihara, Manish Banker, Ragaa Mansour, Markus S. Kupka, G. David Adamson
Summary: In 2014, 1.93 million ART cycles were performed in 76 countries, with trends showing increased success rates, frozen embryo transfer cycles, single embryo transfer, and preimplantation genetic testing. Utilization rates and effectiveness of ART continue to improve globally.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Archana Molangiri, Saikanth Varma, M. Satyavani, Saikrishna Kambham, Asim K. Duttaroy, Sanjay Basak
Summary: Early exposure to bisphenol may result in adverse reproductive health issues in later life. This study investigated the effects of orally administered bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol A (BPA) on testicular development in rats. The results showed that prenatal exposure to BPS can lead to changes in plasma testosterone levels, testis histology, inflammation, oxidative stress, and sperm DNA damage, potentially affecting male reproductive functions.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biology
Eguzkine Ochoa
Summary: Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are commonly used for infertile couples, but children conceived by ART have higher risks of perinatal and postnatal complications and certain congenital imprinting disorders. Experimental evidence suggests that ART can induce stress in the embryo, affecting gene expression and DNA methylation, potentially impacting long-term health.
Article
Oncology
Greta Sommerhaeuser, Anja Borgmann-Staudt, Kathy Astrahantseff, Katja Baust, Gabriele Calaminus, Ralf Dittrich, Marta J. Fernandez-Gonzalez, Heike Hoelling, Charlotte J. Koenig, Ralph Schilling, Theresa Schuster, Laura Lotz, Magdalena Balcerek
Summary: An increasing number of childhood cancer survivors are turning to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to overcome fertility impairment from treatment. The use of ART by survivors did not increase the risk of adverse perinatal or health outcomes in offspring, compared to spontaneously conceived children. Successful pregnancies were achieved with fresh and cryopreserved oocytes/sperm, and no increase in childhood cancer or congenital malformations was observed in offspring born to survivors who utilized ART.
JOURNAL OF CANCER SURVIVORSHIP
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nair C. F. Castro, Izabelle S. Silva, Sabrina C. Cartagenes, Luanna M. P. Fernandes, Paula C. Ribera, Mayara A. Barros, Rui D. Prediger, Eneas A. Fontes-Junior, Cristiane S. F. Maia
Summary: This study evaluated the long-lasting neurobehavioral and nociceptive consequences in adult rats and mice exposed to morphine during pregnancy and lactation periods. The results showed that both male and female rats exhibited anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, while mice displayed alterations in nociceptive responses. These findings suggest that intrauterine and lactation exposure to morphine can have long-lasting effects on psychological and pain responses in adulthood.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Blagica Penova-Veselinovic, Laura A. Wijs, John L. Yovich, Peter Burton, Roger J. Hart
Summary: This paper describes the Growing up Healthy Study (GUHS) cohort, which aims to provide knowledge about the long-term health outcomes of children conceived through assisted reproductive technologies (ART). By comparing the health parameters of ART-conceived offspring with those of a representative population, the study aims to determine if there are any differences in long-term health. The GUHS cohort has been utilized to study various aspects of health, including methylation, cardiac and thyroid profiles, respiratory health, and mental health.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Claudia F. Souza, Daniel S. S. Bastos, Felipe Couto-Santos, Luiz Otavio Guimaraes-Ervilha, Larissa S. Araujo, Pedro H. C. A. Souza, John L. P. Coimbra, Leandro L. Oliveira, Simone E. F. Guimaraes, Mariana Machado-Neves
Summary: This study investigated the long-term effects of prenatal arsenic exposure on reproductive parameters of male offspring at peripubertal and adult periods. Results revealed that arsenic exposure affected body and reproductive organ weights, as well as testicular and epididymal morphology in peripubertal animals but recovered in adulthood. Antioxidant gene expression and the endogenous antioxidant system in the testes and epididymides were affected by arsenic exposure in both peripubertal and adult rats. Impairment in daily sperm production and sperm parameters was observed in adult animals. Therefore, prenatal arsenic exposure has a long-term impact on reproductive parameters and may affect fertility potential in adult animals through oxidative stress.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Marcela Nascimento Sertorio, Helena Cesar, Esther Alves de Souza, Lais Vales Mennitti, Aline Boveto Santamarina, Leonardo Mendes De Souza Mesquita, Andrea Juca, Breno Picin Casagrande, Debora Estadella, Odair Aguiar Jr, Luciana Pellegrini Pisani
Summary: Parental nutrition can have a significant impact on the health and reproductive development of future generations. Maternal and paternal intake of high-fat diets can adversely affect male reproductive health, leading to hormonal imbalances, oxidative stress, and changes in sperm quality. In this study, epigenetic markers, inflammatory response, and oxidative balance were evaluated in the testes and epididymis of adult offspring. The results showed that the maternal diet had a significant effect on testicular epigenetic parameters, inflammation, and daily sperm production, while the paternal diet influenced serum testosterone levels. The combined intake of a high-fat high-sugar diet by both parents exacerbated the decrease in daily sperm production. These findings highlight the importance of parental nutrition in programming the reproductive health of male offspring.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mirella Trinei, Andrea Carpi, Roberta Menabo', Mariangela Storto, Monica Fornari, Alessandra Marinelli, Simone Minardi, Mirko Riboni, Francesca Casciaro, Fabio DiLisa, Katia Petroni, Chiara Tonelli, Marco Giorgio
Summary: A diet rich in anthocyanin can continue to reduce myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury even after a month of cessation. The anti-inflammatory activity of C3G was not involved in the observed cardioprotection in immune-deficient mice. Furthermore, the cardioprotective effect was transferred from mice fed a C3G-enriched diet to mice fed a standard diet through the transplantation of fecal microbiota, indicating the role of gut microbiota in determining long lasting cardioprotection.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mary Herbert, Meenakshi Choudhary, Deidre Zander-Fox
Summary: Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) involves processing gametes in vitro and is primarily used for infertility treatment. Besides infertility, ART allows for screening of embryos for genetic disorders, expanding the scope of preimplantation genetic testing. However, due to potential risks and adverse outcomes, careful consideration of the balance between risks and benefits is necessary. Further research on early human development can help optimize the benefits and minimize risks associated with ART.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Michelle W. Tam
Summary: The commentary highlights the disparities in access to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals in Canada, despite advancements in the field. It calls for the urgent need of a reproductive justice framework to address inequities in sexual and reproductive health access in the country.
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Theresa Vilsmaier, Helene Hildegard Heidegger, Lennard Schroeder, Elisabeth Trapp, Alaleh Zati Zehni, Brigitte Rack, Wolfgang Janni, Sven Mahner, Tobias Weissenbacher, Udo Jeschke, Jan-Niclas Mumm
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate specific cytokine profiles as potential prognostic markers for breast cancer patients, finding that increased IL-15 serum levels are associated with worse survival outcomes, while elevated eotaxin levels in CTC-negative patients are linked to better survival outcomes, suggesting potential inhibitory effects on CTCs.
ARCHIVES OF GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alaleh Zati Zehni, Falk Batz, Aurelia Vattai, Till Kaltofen, Svenja Schrader, Sven-Niclas Jacob, Jan-Niclas Mumm, Helene Hildegard Heidegger, Nina Ditsch, Sven Mahner, Udo Jeschke, Theresa Vilsmaier
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of steroid hormone receptor expression in breast cancer patients, focusing on the retinoid X receptor (RXR) and thyroid hormone receptors (THRs). The analysis showed significant correlations between RXR and THRs expression and survival in different breast cancer entities. The findings suggest the need for further investigation into molecular therapies targeting steroid hormone receptors in breast cancer treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lin Peng, Huixia Yang, Yao Ye, Zhi Ma, Christina Kuhn, Martina Rahmeh, Sven Mahner, Antonis Makrigiannakis, Udo Jeschke, Viktoria von Schonfeldt
Summary: PPARs play vital roles in pregnancy, and dysfunctions of PPARs may lead to various related pregnancy diseases such as recurrent miscarriage and preeclampsia. This review discusses the impact of regulating PPARs on trophoblast physiological conditions and explores the underlying mechanisms of PPARs in controlling pregnancy-related processes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Bastian Czogalla, Alexandra Partenheimer, Susann Badmann, Elisa Schmoeckel, Doris Mayr, Thomas Kolben, Susanne Beyer, Anna Hester, Alexander Burges, Sven Mahner, Udo Jeschke, Fabian Trillsch
Summary: The study revealed that high nuclear expression of Enolase-1/MBP-1 in epithelial ovarian cancer is associated with improved overall survival, while showing a negative correlation with tumor grading and other clinical parameters.
TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tilman L. R. Vogelsang, Aurelia Vattai, Elisa Schmoeckel, Till Kaltofen, Anca Chelariu-Raicu, Mingjun Zheng, Sven Mahner, Doris Mayr, Udo Jeschke, Fabian Trillsch
Summary: High expression of TAAR1 in ovarian cancer patients is positively correlated with overall survival, especially enhanced in low-grade serous carcinomas. The potential prognostic relevance of TAAR1 in signal transduction of thyroid hormone derivatives in epithelial ovarian cancer warrants further investigation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Huixia Yang, Zhi Ma, Lin Peng, Christina Kuhn, Martina Rahmeh, Sven Mahner, Udo Jeschke, Viktoria von Schoenfeldt
Summary: The study showed differences in global H3K4me3 modification between ICSI and IVF, as well as between boys and girls. ICSI boys had more genes with differentially enriched H3K4me3 compared to ICSI girls, IVF girls, and IVF boys. Oxygen conditions, Polr2A, and KDM5A were found to regulate H3K4me3. This study provides insights into ART-associated epigenetic alterations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Mingjun Zheng, Junyu Long, Anca Chelariu-Raicu, Heather Mullikin, Theresa Vilsmaier, Aurelia Vattai, Helene Hildegard Heidegger, Falk Batz, Simon Keckstein, Udo Jeschke, Fabian Trillsch, Sven Mahner, Till Kaltofen
Summary: In this study, a prognostic 11-gene signature for advanced serous ovarian cancer was developed using lasso regression on tumor microenvironment-related genes. The established risk score showed improved accuracy in predicting the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients and the potential response to immunotherapy. This model was also found applicable to other cancer types, suggesting its broad usability in predicting biological responses to immunotherapy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah Meister, Laura Hahn, Susanne Beyer, Mareike Mannewitz, Carolin Perleberg, Konstantin Schnell, David Anz, Stefanie Corradini, Elisa Schmoeckel, Doris Mayr, Uwe Hasbargen, Alaleh Zati Zehni, Sven Mahner, Udo Jeschke, Thomas Kolben
Summary: There are still unanswered questions regarding the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE). The activation of the adaptive and innate immune system plays a significant role in PE, with an imbalance in proinflammatory and immune regulatory factors. This study focused on the recruitment of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and identified a reduced number of Tregs in the decidua of preeclamptic women. Additionally, increased expression of the Treg chemoattractant CCL22 was observed at the maternal-fetal interface in PE pregnancies. Gal-2, which is downregulated during PE, seems to prevent apoptosis of Tregs. These findings suggest a cascade of Treg apoptosis at the materno-fetal interface during PE and propose Gal-2 as a potential therapeutic target.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Sanja Loeb, Beate Ochmann, Zhi Ma, Theresa Vilsmaier, Christina Kuhn, Elisa Schmoeckel, Saskia-Laureen Herbert, Thomas Kolben, Achim Woeckel, Sven Mahner, Udo Jeschke
Summary: The research indicates that IL-18 expression may be necessary in early gestation but requires tight regulation for a successful pregnancy. The significant upregulation of IL-18 in the decidua only in patients with recurrent miscarriage suggests it may be a potential diagnostic marker. Further studies are needed to evaluate the exact pathophysiological mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Huixia Yang, Thomas Kolben, Sarah Meister, Corinna Paul, Julia van Dorp, Sibel Eren, Christina Kuhn, Martina Rahmeh, Sven Mahner, Udo Jeschke, Viktoria von Schoenfeldt
Summary: In vitro maturation of oocytes is considered a simple and safe assisted reproductive technology, mainly used for patients with impaired oocyte maturation and women at risk of losing fertility. However, its underperformance limits its widespread clinical use. Factors such as the IVM system, culture medium, and supplementation significantly affect the outcomes of oocyte IVM, but further research is needed to fully clarify their roles.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Huixia Yang, Thomas Kolben, Mirjana Kessler, Sarah Meister, Corinna Paul, Julia van Dorp, Sibel Eren, Christina Kuhn, Martina Rahmeh, Cornelia Herbst, Sabine Gabriele Fink, Gabriele Weimer, Sven Mahner, Udo Jeschke, Viktoria von Schoenfeldt
Summary: Aging is a main cause of oocyte quality decline, leading to potential failure of assisted reproductive technology. Through analysis of gene expression datasets, hundreds of age-related genes were identified in IVM-MII oocytes, involved in cellular metabolism, DNA replication, and histone modifications. Among these genes, FAM111A showed strong correlation with age, suggesting its potential as a novel marker for oocyte aging.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuel Lasch, Kritika Sudan, Corinna Paul, Christian Schulz, Thomas Kolben, Julia van Dorp, Sibel Eren, Susanne Beyer, Lorenzo Siniscalchi, Sven Mahner, Udo Jeschke, Sarah Meister
Summary: This study established a new isolation method for investigating decidual macrophages and Hofbauer cells in the placenta. It provides a promising approach to understand the functional subsets of placental macrophages and identify therapeutic targets for pregnancy-associated diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Zhi Ma, Huixia Yang, Mirjana Kessler, Markus Sperandio, Sven Mahner, Udo Jeschke, Viktoria von Schoenfeldt
Summary: Carbohydrate Lewis antigens and related glycosyltransferases are dysregulated in the decidua of patients with unexplained recurrent miscarriage. The gene FUT3 is responsible for the synthesis of sLeA in the endometrium and affects endometrial receptivity. Targeting the aberrantly elevated sLeA may be a potential therapy for inappropriate implantation in unexplained recurrent miscarriage.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yue Liao, Susann Badmann, Fabian Kraus, Nicole Elisabeth Topalov, Doris Mayr, Thomas Kolben, Anna Hester, Susanne Beyer, Sven Mahner, Udo Jeschke, Fabian Trillsch, Bastian Czogalla, Alexander Burges
Summary: This study investigates the role of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PLA2G7/PAF-AH) in the Wnt signaling pathway in BRCA1 mutant breast cancer. The results show significantly higher nuclear expression levels of PAF-AH in BRCA1 mutant tissue specimens, which correlates with membranous beta-catenin. PLA2G7 silencing leads to translocation of beta-catenin from the membrane to the nucleus and activation of Wnt signaling downstream genes. These findings suggest a protective effect of high PAF-AH expression in BRCA1 mutant breast cancer through negative regulation of the Wnt pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
