Article
Cell Biology
Selenia Miglietta, Loredana Cristiano, Ezio Battaglione, Guido Macchiarelli, Stefania Annarita Nottola, Maria Paola De Marco, Flavia Costanzi, Mauro Schimberni, Nicola Colacurci, Donatella Caserta, Giuseppe Familiari
Summary: This study investigated the effects of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) levels in the follicular fluid (FF) of infertile women on the ultrastructure of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). The presence of these metals in the follicles was associated with morphological alterations in the oocyte and cumulus cells, potentially leading to infertility. Cd levels in the blood and FF were found to negatively affect fertilization, embryo development, and pregnancy, affecting oocyte competence and cumulus cell activity.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Yue Han, Xinglin Qu, Xuan Chen, Yanqiu Lv, Yuyang Zhang, Yi Jin
Summary: This study investigates the effect of porcine follicular fluid exosomes on cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation. The results suggest that porcine FF-Exo play a role in oocyte nuclear maturation but do not significantly affect cumulus expansion or mitochondrial membrane potential.
ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Batara Sirait, Budi Wiweko, Ahmad Aulia Jusuf, Dein Iftitah, R. Muharam
Summary: This study examines several biomarkers in the cumulus-oocyte complex for their predictive significance in evaluating oocyte developmental competence and IVF outcomes. While these biomarkers show potential for predicting oocyte competency, challenges limit their practical application in IVF as prognostic tools.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Caitlin R. Sacha, Irene Souter, Paige L. Williams, Jorge E. Chavarro, Jennifer Ford, Shruthi Mahalingaiah, Patricia K. Donahoe, Russ Hauser, David Pepin, Lidia Minguez-Alarcon
Summary: This study found a negative association between urinary concentrations of certain phthalate metabolites and follicular fluid anti-Mullerian hormone concentrations in women undergoing fertility treatment, which may have implications for antral follicle recruitment and fertility treatment outcomes.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Casey C. Read, Lannett Edwards, Neal Schrick, Justin D. Rhinehart, Rebecca R. Payton, Shawn R. Campagna, Hector F. Castro, Jessica L. Klabnik, Emma J. Horn, Sarah E. Moorey
Summary: In small beef cows, induced ovulation of small pre-ovulatory follicles leads to reduced pregnancy rates, embryo survival, and quality, potentially due to insufficient glucose metabolism capacity of cumulus cells in smaller follicles. The study explored the correlation between pre-ovulatory follicle diameter and follicular fluid metabolome profiles, identifying 18 metabolites significantly positively correlated with follicle diameter. This suggests altered glucose and amino acid metabolism may contribute to decreased developmental competence of oocytes when small pre-ovulatory follicles undergo induced ovulation.
Article
Biology
Jihong Yang, Yangbai Li, Suying Li, Yan Zhang, Ruizhi Feng, Rui Huang, Minjian Chen, Yun Qian
Summary: A two-stage metabolomic analysis reveals the characteristics of human follicular fluid and predictors of follicular development, with lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) proposed as a biomarker for follicular development. This study provides valuable insights into metabolic regulation during follicular development and offers potential detection and therapeutic targets for improving human follicle and oocyte health.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
G. D. Catandi, D. R. Bresnahan, S. O. Peters, K. J. Fresa, L. J. Maclellan, C. D. Broeckling, E. M. Carnevale
Summary: Many age-related changes in metabolite abundance suggest impaired mitochondrial metabolic function and oxidative stress in oocytes and follicular cells. The results also indicate impaired transfer of carbohydrate and free fatty acid substrates from cumulus cells to the oocytes of old mares, potentially related to disruption of transzonal projections between the cell types. The identification of age-associated alterations in the abundance of specific metabolites and their correlations among cells contribute to our understanding of follicular dysfunction with maternal aging.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Casey C. Read, J. Lannett Edwards, F. Neal Schrick, Justin D. Rhinehart, Rebecca R. Payton, Shawn R. Campagna, Hector F. Castro, Jessica L. Klabnik, Sarah E. Moorey
Summary: Incorporating a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol can improve reproductive management and genetics of the beef herd. However, some animals exposed to such protocols may not display estrus before insemination, resulting in reduced oocyte developmental competence and decreased pregnancy rates. This study investigated the effects of reduced follicle maturity on oocyte energy production and follicular fluid metabolic composition. The results showed that more mature follicles had increased ATP and metabolites involved in glucose metabolism, which may contribute to higher cleavage rates and embryo quality. Cattle induced to ovulate small, immature follicles had decreased oocyte developmental competence and lower embryo cleavage and quality. This study highlights the importance of follicle maturity on oocyte metabolic capacity and follicular fluid metabolome profiles.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Chang Liu, Meng Wang, Haixia Yao, Mengge Cui, Xueqi Gong, Lan Wang, Cong Sui, Hanwang Zhang
Summary: The study found that follicular extracellular vesicles (EVs) of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients interfere with the quality of oocytes, leading to abnormal development and maturation. PCOS-EVs cause abnormal distribution of mitochondria and spindles in oocytes, inhibiting oocyte maturation. Moreover, oxidative stress induced by PCOS-EVs may be a potential cause.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ziyu Guo, Jihong Yang, Guangping Yang, Ting Feng, Xinyue Zhang, Yao Chen, Ruizhi Feng, Yun Qian
Summary: The study found that higher levels of NAM in large follicles are associated with larger follicle development and higher rates of oocyte maturation and fertilization. Adding 5mM NAM during in vitro maturation process can improve mice oocyte quality and reduce damage caused by oxidative stress.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jose Buratini, Thaisy Tino Dellaqua, Mariabeatrice Dal Canto, Antonio La Marca, Domenico Carone, Mario Mignini Renzini, Robert Webb
Summary: Fertility loss during female ageing is associated with changes in FSH and AMH concentrations, leading to compromised oocyte quality. Understanding the regulation of FSH and AMH and their effects on oocyte quality is crucial for addressing age-related subfertility.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Atsuko Kusuhara, Elnur Babayev, Luhan T. Zhou, Vijay P. Singh, Jennifer L. Gerton, Francesca E. Duncan
Summary: The study found that egg quality parameters in mice improve during the pubertal transition, but eggs in the early pubertal period exhibit chromosome configuration abnormalities, indicating a cell cycle delay and originating from more immature follicles.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yanqiu Wang, Hui Wei, Yazhong Ji, Feiping Liu, Zhijun Shen, Xunyi Zhang
Summary: The study evaluated the levels of CFTR in infertile females of different age groups and found significant differences in indicators of oocyte quality and general features among them, indicating an association between CFTR and female age.
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Cem Demirel, Firat Tulek, Hale Goksever Celik, Ersan Donmez, Gulsum Tuysuz, Bilgi Gokcan
Summary: There is currently no evidence to suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted sexually or through IVF procedures. Additionally, there have been no reports of viral RNA presence in follicular fluid of SARS-CoV-2-positive women, indicating that the suspension of IVF treatments during the pandemic may not be directly related to virus transmission concerns.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Robert B. Hood, Donghai Liang, Youran Tan, Jennifer B. Ford, Irene Souter, Jorge E. Chavarro, Dean P. Jones, Russ Hauser, Audrey J. Gaskins
Summary: This study identified the metabolic pathways and metabolites in the serum and follicular fluid that are associated with peak estradiol levels and the number of mature oocytes. The serum metabolome mainly involves fatty acid and amino acid pathways, while the follicular fluid metabolome mainly involves lipid, vitamin, and hormone pathways. These findings provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying follicular and oocyte development.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Andrea Roberto Carosso, Rik van Eekelen, Alberto Revelli, Stefano Canosa, Noemi Mercaldo, Ilaria Stura, Stefano Cosma, Carlotta Scarafia, Chiara Benedetto, Gianluca Gennarelli
Summary: This study compared couples who waited for one year before receiving IVF treatment with those who received immediate treatment, finding similar cumulative live birth rates between the two strategies. Further research is needed to better characterize couples affected by unexplained infertility and individualize treatment strategies.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Andrea Roberto Carosso, Rik van Eekelen, Alberto Revelli, Stefano Canosa, Noemi Mercaldo, Chiara Benedetto, Gianluca Gennarelli
Summary: None of FORT, FOI and OSI are independent predictors of live birth in women of advanced reproductive age. These three metrics are not more informative than the 'component' characteristics that are used to calculate them.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefano Canosa, Katia Mareschi, Elena Marini, Andrea Roberto Carosso, Sara Castiglia, Deborah Rustichelli, Ivana Ferrero, Gianluca Gennarelli, Benedetta Bussolati, Alberto Nocifora, Valentina Asnaghi, Massimiliano Bergallo, Ciro Isidoro, Chiara Benedetto, Alberto Revelli, Franca Fagioli
Summary: The study compared two different endometrial sampling methods and validated a novel xeno-free method for culturing human E-MSCs. Results showed that VABRA endometrial sampling could be an alternative to surgical curettage, providing efficient isolation and culture of E-MSCs in Good Manufacturing Practice compliance conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Rossella Attini, Filomena Leone, Antoine Chatrenet, Elisa Longhitano, Viola Casula, Alice Tomasi Cont, Gaia Zaccaria, Eleonora Dalmasso, Ana Maria Manzione, Bianca Masturzo, Massimo Torreggiani, Alberto Revelli, Gianfranca Cabiddu, Giorgina Barbara Piccoli
Summary: Plant-based, moderately protein-restricted diets in pregnancy can lower the risk of preterm delivery and small-for-gestational-age babies in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ruben Ramirez Zegarra, Andrea Dall'Asta, Alberto Revelli, Tullio Ghi
Summary: Pregnant women with GDM affected by COVID-19, especially those who are overweight or obese, are at higher risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Good glycemic control is the most effective measure in reducing the risk of GDM and severe COVID-19.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Danilo Cimadomo, Laura Rienzi, Alessandro Conforti, Eric Forman, Stefano Canosa, Federica Innocenti, Maurizio Poli, Jenna Hynes, Laura Gemmell, Alberto Vaiarelli, Carlo Alviggi, Filippo Maria Ubaldi, Antonio Capalbo
Summary: The normal chromosomal constitution determined by PGT-A is the strongest predictor for embryo implantation, but its positive predictive value is limited. The causes of reproductive failure in euploid blastocysts, known as "the black box of implantation," are not well understood.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oleksii Skorokhod, Vincenzo Triglione, Valentina Barrera, Giovanna Di Nardo, Elena Valente, Daniela Ulliers, Evelin Schwarzer, Gianfranco Gilardi
Summary: Malaria is a parasitic infection that can become life-threatening due to imbalanced immune responses. The phagocytosis of malarial pigment hemozoin (HZ) and HZ-containing Plasmodium parasites by monocytes leads to their dysfunction. This dysfunction is caused by the bioactive lipoperoxidation products 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). The conjugation of 4-HNE with CYP4F11 inhibits the omega-hydroxylation of 15-HETE, resulting in monocyte dysfunction and immune suppression in malaria.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Rossella Attini, Maria Elena Laudani, Elisabetta Versino, Alessio Massaro, Arianna Pagano, Francesca Petey, Alberto Revelli, Bianca Masturzo
Summary: Based on research findings, being pregnant does not increase the risk of COVID-19 infection, but it may lead to more severe complications for both the mother and the fetus. This study found that obesity is associated with a higher risk of severe infection, maternal death, and hospital admission for pregnant women with COVID-19. The level of micronutrients, especially Vitamin D, appears to be lower in COVID-19-positive pregnant women.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alice Ronco, Sofia Roero, Silvana Arduino, Arianna Arese, Isabella Ferrando, Gabriella Scaltrito, Viola Casula, Teresa Fea, Mattia Mazza, Carlotta Bossotti, Roberto Zizzo, Alberto Revelli
Summary: This study analyzed the specific effects of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on twin pregnancy outcomes. The results showed that compared to GDM singleton pregnancies, GDM twins had higher rates of preeclampsia, cesarean section, and neonatal hypoglycemia. Compared to twin pregnancies without GDM, women with GDM twins were older, had higher BMI, had a higher incidence of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) newborns, and a lower incidence of low APGAR scores. Overall, GDM does not worsen outcomes of twin pregnancy.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Andrea Roberto Carosso, Nicole Brunod, Claudia Filippini, Alberto Revelli, Bernadette Evangelisti, Stefano Cosma, Fulvio Borella, Stefano Canosa, Chiara Benedetto, Gianluca Gennarelli
Summary: This study compared reproductive and obstetric outcomes of frozen embryo transfer using different endometrial preparation strategies. The results showed no significant differences in reproductive outcomes between natural/modified cycle and artificial cycle groups. However, pregnancies achieved after artificial endometrial preparation were associated with increased risks of pregnancy-induced hypertension and abnormal placental insertion.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Chiara Germano, Ilenia Mappa, Antonella Cromi, Enrico Busato, Maddalena Incerti, Andrea Lojacono, Giuseppe Rizzo, Rossella Attini, Lodovico Patrizi, Alberto Revelli, Bianca Masturzo
Summary: This retrospective cohort study evaluated the use of a cervical ripening balloon (CRB) in women with a previous cesarean section and unfavorable Bishop score. The results showed that CRB induction of labor was safe and effective, with a vaginal birth rate of 57.3% and minimal side effects.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oleksii Skorokhod, Ekaterina Vostokova, Gianfranco Gilardi
Summary: Vector-borne infectious diseases, such as malaria, have a significant impact on global health and economy. Prevention through vector control is crucial, although there is growing resistance to insecticides. Utilizing natural inhibitors/blockers of vector enzymes and host enzymes, specifically cytochromes P450, can contribute to greener insecticides and disease control.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oleksii Skorokhod, Elena Valente, Giorgia Mandili, Daniela Ulliers, Evelin Schwarzer
Summary: Malaria is the most important parasitic infectious disease, and artemisinin is the most widely used antimalarial drug. Dihydroartemisinin, the active metabolite of artemisinin, can induce oxidative stress and bind to vital proteins in Plasmodium falciparum, leading to parasite death.
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.