Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Jing Chen, Luz Angela de la Roche, Ulf D. Kahlert, Vladimir Isachenko, Hui Huang, Joerg Hennefruend, Xiaohong Yan, Qionghua Chen, Wenjie Shi, Youzhu Li
Summary: There has been growing attention toward the quality of life of breast cancer survivors in recent decades. Traditional strategies for fertility preservation are not suitable for prepubertal or immediate treatment patients. An emerging technique of constructing an artificial ovary with stem cells shows promise in meeting the demands of improving quality of life and fulfilling the expectation of biological offspring.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Stefano Canosa, Alberto Revelli, Gianluca Gennarelli, Gennaro Cormio, Vera Loizzi, Francesca Arezzo, Easter Anna Petracca, Andrea Roberto Carosso, Danilo Cimadomo, Laura Rienzi, Alberto Vaiarelli, Filippo Maria Ubaldi, Erica Silvestris
Summary: Recent advances in anticancer treatment have greatly improved the survival rate of young females, but one third of cancer survivors still face the risk of ovarian insufficiency and infertility. Several procedures have been developed to preserve fertility, including ovarian surgical transposition, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) treatment, and oocyte and/or ovarian cortical tissue cryopreservation. Innovative techniques, such as the construction of an artificial ovary and the use of stem cells for neo-folliculogenesis and oocyte development, are under investigation. These techniques offer potential strategies for oncofertility programs and provide hope for young female cancer survivors.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wanxue Wang, Cheng Pei, Evgenia Isachenko, Yang Zhou, Mengying Wang, Gohar Rahimi, Wensheng Liu, Peter Mallmann, Vladimir Isachenko
Summary: This study aims to use an artificial ovarian scaffold to culture primordial follicles in order to preserve the fertility of prepubertal girls with malignant tumors. The results show that the follicles in the scaffold can be activated and grow into secondary follicles. Confocal microscopy is superior in detecting live cells, while three-dimensional reconstruction allows for the evaluation of follicle morphology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dhoha Kourta, Marc Kanbar, Christiani A. Amorim, Christine Wyns
Summary: Restoration of fertility is crucial for childhood hematological cancer survivors. However, there is a risk of contamination of the gonads by cancer cells, especially in leukemia and lymphoma patients. More sensitive techniques are needed to ensure the safety of transplanting cryostored testicular and ovarian tissues or cells back to the patient. Methods to eliminate neoplastic cells are urgently needed. This review presents contamination rates and decontamination methods for gonadal tissues in leukemia or lymphoma cases.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Johanne Grosbois, Emily C. Bailie, Tom W. Kelsey, Richard A. Anderson, Evelyn E. Telfer
Summary: In vitro culture alters the composition and architecture of the human ovarian cortical extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM varies in different layers of the ovarian cortex and undergoes remodeling during culture. Mechanical loosening during tissue preparation for culture leads to undefined modifications in the ECM network and alters cell-cell contact, resulting in spontaneous follicle activation.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Marcos Eiji Shiroma, Luciana Lamarao Damous, Fernanda Pereira Cotrim, Cristiane Lima Roa, Jose Cipolla-Neto, Russel Joseph Reiter, Edmund Chada Baracat, Jose Maria Soares Jr
Summary: Melatonin pretreatment improves the quality of rat ovarian grafts by promoting the restart of the estrous cycle, increasing the expression of various key proteins in the ovaries, and reducing apoptosis levels. Further studies on reproductive function enhancement are warranted based on these findings.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Liu, Jing Zhang, Lu Wang, Shenglian Liang, Boqun Xu, Xiaoyan Ying, Jing Li
Summary: The pretreatment of rapamycin before vitrification has been shown to effectively inhibit the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway, increase follicle survival rate, reduce apoptosis, and promote ovarian survival during the process of ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation, demonstrating important clinical implications.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Derek W. Nelson, Ryan J. Gilbert
Summary: ECM-mimetic hydrogels are promising regenerative scaffolds for injured nervous system, providing 3D bioactive interfaces to modulate cellular response and support tissue remodeling. Future advancements in their design and use may lead to viable treatments for patients with neural injury.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
L. Grin, K. C. T. Vo, Y. Sato, Y. Mizrachi, M. Kohara, T. Sankai, K. Kawamura
Summary: This study revealed that the relative localization of ovarian follicles becomes deeper with aging and certain chronic diseases, resulting in shifts towards the medulla of the ovaries. Additionally, total follicle distance from the ovarian surface increased with age.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
P. Nag, T. Inubushi, J. I. Sasaki, T. Murotani, S. Kusano, Y. Nakanishi, Y. Shiraishi, H. Kurosaka, S. Imazato, Y. Yamaguchi, T. Yamashiro
Summary: Teeth consist of enamel, dentin, and cementum, and tooth malformation can be caused by genetic and environmental factors. The cell surface hyaluronidase TMEM2 plays a critical role in enamel formation and mineralization. TMEM2 deficiency leads to reduced enamel thickness, enamel deficiency, abnormal enamel structure, and impaired ameloblast differentiation and mineralization. TMEM2 is also involved in cell adhesion, tight junction gate function, and actin filament assembly in ameloblasts.
JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hossein Nikniaz, Zahra Zandieh, Mohammad Nouri, Neda Daei-farshbaf, Reza Aflatoonian, Mazaher Gholipourmalekabadi, Seyed Behnamedin Jameie
Summary: This study compared different protocols for decellularizing the ovarian scaffold and evaluated follicle survival in an extracellular matrix-alginate scaffold. Results showed successful decellularization in all experimental groups, with the SDS-Triton-Ammonium group showing the lowest residual DNA content and highest cytobiocompatibility for follicles. The decellularized scaffold made from ovarian tissues decellularized using SDS-Triton-Ammonium and sodium alginate is suggested as a potential 3D substrate for in vitro culture of follicles for fertility preservation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zahra Bashiri, Mazaher Gholipourmalekabadi, Reza Falak, Iraj Amiri, Hamidreza Asgari, Narendra Pal Singh Chauhan, Morteza Koruji
Summary: This study evaluated the spermatogenesis process on a testicular tissue extracellular matrix (T-ECM)-derived printing structure. The results showed that using T-ECM-enriched scaffolds promoted the proliferation and differentiation of testicular cells and resulted in the generation of sperm.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ann H. Partridge, Samuel M. Niman, Monica Ruggeri, Fedro A. Peccatori, Hatem A. Azim, Marco Colleoni, Cristina Saura, Chikako Shimizu, Anna B. Saetersdal, Judith R. Kroep, Audrey Mailliez, Ellen Warner, Virginia F. Borges, Frederic Amant, Andrea Gombos, Akemi Kataoka, Christine Rousset-Jablonski, Simona Borstnar, Junko Takei, Jeong E. Lee, Janice M. Walshe, Manuel Ruiz-Borrego, Halle C. F. Moore, Christobel Saunders, Vesna Bjelic-Radisic, Snezana Susnjar, Fatima Cardoso, Karen L. Smith, Teresa Ferreiro, Karin Ribi, Kathryn Ruddy, Roswitha Kammler, Sarra El-Abed, Giuseppe Viale, Martine Piccart, Larissa A. Korde, Aron Goldhirsch, Richard D. Gelber, Olivia Pagani
Summary: This study evaluated the risk of breast cancer recurrence among young breast cancer patients who temporarily discontinued hormone therapy to attempt pregnancy. The results showed that this interruption in therapy did not increase the risk of breast cancer events.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Ana Sofia Pais, Sandra Reis, Mafalda Laranjo, Francisco Caramelo, Fatima Silva, Maria Filomena Botelho, Teresa Almeida-Santos
Summary: The study compared conventional (2D) culture with an alginate matrix three-dimensional (3D) model for ovarian tissue culture. The results showed that 3D culture did not have an advantage over 2D culture, as it was more time consuming, challenging to perform, and had worse reproducibility. The 3D culture did show lower cytotoxicity at 24h, but tissue injury was greater with higher interstitial edema and tissue necrosis compared to 2D culture after 72h.
JOURNAL OF OVARIAN RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Andreas Schallmoser, Rebekka Einenkel, Cara Faerber, Vanessa Hueren, Anna Pougin, Norah Emrich, Julia John, Nicole Saenger
Summary: This study aims to explore the parameters of age, indications, storage characteristics, and reasons for tissue disposal in a large cohort of individuals undertaking cryopreservation. The majority of patients ended their storage due to pregnancy, a lack of desire to have children, expensive storage fees, and cancer recurrence. Interdisciplinary counseling is recommended before fertility preservation and when intending to end storage.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
L. Cacciottola, A. Camboni, A. Cernogoraz, J. Donnez, M. M. Dolmans
Summary: The size of the ovarian follicle pool is regulated by both apoptosis and autophagy. Apoptosis is responsible for the physiological decline of the follicle pool over time and increases in the event of prior chemotherapy. Autophagy plays a major role in the diminution of the follicle pool before puberty.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Christina Anna Stratopoulou, Sophie Cussac, Marie d'Argent, Jacques Donnez, Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
Summary: This study found that M2 macrophages play an important role in the invasiveness of adenomyosis. M2 macrophages accumulate more in patients with adenomyosis compared to healthy tissue. Co-culture with M2 macrophages significantly enhances the invasion capacity of endometrial cells. The study did not find any gene expression differences indicating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jacques Donnez, Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
Summary: IVF cannot replace reproductive surgery because reproductive surgery can heal or harm the organs involved in reproduction. This paper explores different diseases and conditions that affect fertility, and highlights the potential benefits of technological innovations, novel applications, and the expertise of reproductive surgeons. The promise of restoring functional anatomy for enhanced pregnancy chances keeps reproductive surgery alive, and it is our responsibility to properly train young residents to provide the right treatment at the right time.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ronald Peek, Sapthami Nadesapillai, Thu Yen Thi Nguyen, Sarah Vassart, Dominique Smeets, Guillaume van de Zande, Alessandra Camboni, Didi Braat, Janielle van der Velden, Jacques Donnez, Kathrin Fleischer, Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
Summary: The impact of aneuploid granulosa and stromal cells on folliculogenesis of small ovarian follicles from patients with mosaic Turner syndrome (TS) was studied using a murine xenograft model. It was found that despite the presence of aneuploid cells, small follicles from TS patients were able to undergo normal development, suggesting that ovarian tissue cryopreservation could be a valid option to preserve fertility in young TS patients, especially before the age of 12.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dhoha Kourta, Marc Kanbar, Christiani A. Amorim, Christine Wyns
Summary: Restoration of fertility is crucial for childhood hematological cancer survivors. However, there is a risk of contamination of the gonads by cancer cells, especially in leukemia and lymphoma patients. More sensitive techniques are needed to ensure the safety of transplanting cryostored testicular and ovarian tissues or cells back to the patient. Methods to eliminate neoplastic cells are urgently needed. This review presents contamination rates and decontamination methods for gonadal tissues in leukemia or lymphoma cases.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
F. Vitale, L. Cacciottola, F. S. Yu, M. Barretta, C. Hossay, J. Donnez, M. M. Dolmans
Summary: There is a difference in viability and quality of human follicles cultured in ovarian cortex between 20% and 5% oxygen tension. The viability and quality of follicles are higher under 5% oxygen tension after 6 days of in vitro culture (IVC).
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Elham Hosseini, Hamid-Reza Kohan-Ghadr, Mahshid Bazrafkan, Christiani A. A. Amorim, Maryam Askari, Armin Zakeri, Seyedeh Neda Mousavi, Raheleh Kafaeinezhad, Parivash Afradiasbagharani, Sahar Esfandyari, Mahboobeh Nazari
Summary: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, there is growing concern about its effects on reproductive organs, infertility, and future generations. This review article focuses on the virology of SARS-CoV-2, its impact on the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and its connection to reproductive disorders. It also discusses potential therapeutic approaches for mitigating the long-term repercussions of COVID-19, particularly by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Aline Q. Rodrigues, Isabella M. G. Silva, Jair T. Goulart, Rayane B. Ribeiro, Beatriz A. Aguiar, Yasmin B. Ferreira, Jessyca Silva, Julliene Larissa S. Bezerra, Carolina M. Lucci, Fernanda Paulini
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the optimal timing for administration of erythropoietin to minimize ischaemic injury in ovarian tissue transplantation. The results showed that treatment with erythropoietin after transplantation improved the viability of ovarian follicles, increased angiogenesis, maintained ovarian follicle proliferation and reduced fibrosis areas in the grafted tissue.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jacques Donnez, Luciana Cacciottola, Jean-Luc Squifflet, Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
Summary: Estrogens play a critical role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, and lowering estradiol levels with oral GnRH antagonists, such as linzagolix, can be an effective option for managing symptomatic endometriosis in premenopausal women. Linzagolix is an orally administered GnRH receptor antagonist that reduces LH and FSH production, leading to a dose-dependent decline in estrogen. Phase 2 and 3 trials have shown promising results for the use of linzagolix in the treatment of endometriosis.
DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Ellen C. R. Leonel, Arezoo Dadashzadeh, Saeid Moghassemi, Hanne Vlieghe, Christine Wyns, Renan Orellana, Christiani A. Amorim
Summary: Acquired disorders and congenital defects of the male and female reproductive systems can have profound impacts on patients, causing sexual and endocrine dysfunction and infertility, as well as psychosocial consequences that affect their self-esteem, identity, sexuality, and relationships. Reproductive tissue engineering (REPROTEN) is a promising approach to restore fertility and improve the quality of life of patients with reproductive disorders by developing, replacing, or regenerating cells, tissues, and organs from the reproductive and urinary systems. This review explores the latest advancements in REPROTEN techniques and their applications for addressing degenerative conditions in male and female reproductive organs.
ANNALS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Marta Barretta, Luciana Cacciottola, Camille Hossay, Jacques Donnez, Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
Summary: The impact of processing human ovarian tissue on follicle activation dynamics was investigated in this study. It was found that ovarian tissue manipulation significantly affected follicle dynamics by stimulating the PI3K and Hippo signaling pathways involved in primordial follicle activation.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Matthieu de Codt, Pascale Jadoul, Mathieu Luyckx, Jean-Luc Squifflet, Marie-Madeleine Dolmans, Charlotte Maillard, Jean-Francois Baurain, Etienne Marbaix, Amandine Gerday
Summary: This study presents the results of hysteroscopic resection for the management of hydatidiform mole in 36 patients. The main complications encountered during the surgery were uterine perforation and glycine resorption. Retained product of conception was found in six patients during the ultrasound control one month after the intervention. In conclusion, hysteroscopic resection is a feasible procedure for the treatment of molar pregnancy.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Saeid Moghassemi, Arezoo Dadashzadeh, Alessandra Camboni, Olivier Feron, Ricardo Bentes Azevedo, Christiani A. Amorim
Summary: Our study demonstrates the feasibility of using photodynamic therapy (PDT) to eliminate leukemia cells from ovarian tissue (OT) fragments before transplantation.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Arezoo Dadashzadeh, Saeid Moghassemi, Alexis Peaucelle, Carolina M. Lucci, Christiani A. Amorim
Summary: This study developed a tailored hydrogel made of synthetic and natural polymers that mimicked the mechanical properties of the human ovarian cortex. The results showed that this PEGylated fibrin hydrogel significantly improved the growth of preantral follicles in vitro.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
L. Cacciottola, F. Vitale, J. Donnez, M. M. Dolmans
Summary: Regenerative medicine with stem cell therapy has shown promising results in protecting ovarian reserve and improving fertility potential.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alice Newman-Sanders, Jackson C. Kirkman-Brown, Meurig T. Gallagher
Summary: This study revealed a significant lack of awareness among young adults in the UK regarding the potential impacts of gym lifestyles and supplementation on male infertility. Men were found to have a concerning lack of concern for their own fertility, with differences in awareness levels between men and women. It was also observed that men were more likely to consider making changes to their behavior if it had a long-term impact on their fertility compared to short-term effects.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2024)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Shachar Reuvenny, Michal Youngster, Almog Luz, Rohi Hourvitz, Ettie Maman, Micha Baum, Ariel Hourvitz
Summary: Using a machine-learning model to determine the optimal trigger days can improve the outcomes of antagonist protocol cycles in freeze-all or fresh transfer cycles, for all age groups. Implementing these models can more accurately predict the number of retrieved oocytes, optimizing physicians' decisions, balancing workloads, and creating more standardized yet patient-specific protocols.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2024)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Chao Chen, Qi Wen, Feng Deng, Rong Li, Ying Wang, Xiumei Zhen, Jing Hang
Summary: This study investigates the proteomic and phosphoproteomic differences in the endometrium of women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) compared to healthy control women during different phases of the menstrual cycle. The results identify differentially expressed proteins and phosphorylated proteins, and highlight the insulin/cyclic nucleotide signalling pathway and AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway as major contributors to the abnormality of RPL endometrium. The findings provide insights into potential proteins associated with the pathogenesis of RPL and contribute to the identification of potential targets for RPL treatment.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2024)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jaime Guerrero, Juan Carlos Castillo, Jorge Ten, Jose Antonio Ortiz, Belen Lledo, Domingo Orozco, Francisco Quereda, Andrea Bernabeu, Rafael Bernabeu
Summary: The study found no significant differences in clinical outcomes between using oocytes obtained from random-start protocols and those from conventional ovarian stimulation in oocyte donation treatments. Luteal-phase stimulation required longer stimulation and higher FSH consumption.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2024)