Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Teresa Brinca, Ana Cristina Ramalhinho, Angela Sousa, Antonio Helio Oliani, Luiza Breitenfeld, Luis A. Passarinha, Eugenia Gallardo
Summary: PCOS is one of the main causes of anovulatory infertility and its etiology and pathophysiology are still unclear. PCOS patients undergoing assisted reproductive techniques may experience poor response, low oocyte quality, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Metabolomic analysis can improve the success rate of assisted reproductive technology.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Alice Bongrani, Ingrid Plotton, Namya Mellouk, Christelle Rame, Fabrice Guerif, Pascal Froment, Joelle Dupont
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the expression profile of androgens in the follicular fluid of PCOS patients and compare it to control women and women with only polycystic ovary morphology. The results showed that the intrafollicular concentrations of androgens synthesized by ovarian theca cells were significantly higher in PCOS patients compared to control women, and were positively correlated with PCOS clinical and biological features. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between the intrafollicular concentrations of androgens and adipokines, suggesting a close relationship between these two hormonal systems in ovarian physiology and PCOS physiopathology.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mafalda V. Moreira, Emidio Vale-Fernandes, Ines C. Albergaria, Marco G. Alves, Mariana P. Monteiro
Summary: The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the differences in follicular fluid composition between women with PCOS and normo-ovulatory women undergoing IVF treatment. The results showed that the follicular fluid profile of women with PCOS diverged from those without PCOS in oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, growth factors, and hormones. However, the available data is limited in terms of the number of studies and subjects, and the heterogeneity of PCOS phenotypes hampers broader comparisons and weakens conclusions.
REVIEWS IN ENDOCRINE & METABOLIC DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Yanna Ban, Haiying Ran, Ying Chen, Li Ma
Summary: The study aimed to investigate changes in lipids in the follicular fluid of PCOS patients with normal weight. Through lipidomic analysis, 32 lipids were found to be significantly different between PCOS patients and the control group, potentially serving as candidate biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PCOS.
JOURNAL OF OVARIAN RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wenqi Wang, Qi Jiang, Yue Niu, Qiaoqiao Ding, Xiao Yang, Yanjun Zheng, Jing Hao, Daimin Wei
Summary: Through quantitative proteomics analysis, we identified differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the follicular fluid of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients and found dysregulation in the inflammatory response, complement and coagulation cascades, activation of the immune response, lipid transport, and regulation of protein metabolic processes in PCOS. Additionally, we confirmed differential expressions of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) and apolipoprotein C2 (APOC2) in patients with PCOS and their correlations with certain clinical characteristics.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ying Ding, Yihong Jiang, Mingjiang Zhu, Qinling Zhu, Yaqiong He, Yao Lu, Yuan Wang, Jia Qi, Yifan Feng, Rong Huang, Huiyong Yin, Shengxian Li, Yun Sun
Summary: This study investigated the lipidomic profiles in follicular fluid (FF) of different phenotypes of Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and identified metabolic signatures and candidate biomarkers that provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of PCOS.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sushila Arya, Karl R. Hansen, Jennifer D. Peck, Robert A. Wild
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the impact of metabolic syndrome on fertility success and pregnancy complications in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing ovulation induction. The results showed that metabolic syndrome was associated with lower rates of live birth and clinical pregnancy, as well as an increased risk of pregnancy complications, particularly gestational diabetes and macrosomia. Additionally, the type of medication used for ovulation induction also affected outcomes, with letrozole showing higher live birth rates compared to clomiphene in the presence of metabolic syndrome.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Qianqian Zhu, Jing Cai, Haiyan Guo, Yan Zhao, Jiaying Lin
Summary: This retrospective study found no significant relationships between ambient pollutants and pregnancy outcomes among women with PCOS, but negative associations were found among women without PCOS.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rubi Rodriguez-Diaz, Raquel Blanes-Zamora, Soraya Paz-Montelongo, Jorge Gomez-Rodriguez, Sonsoles Rodriguez Fiestas, Dailos Gonzalez-Weller, Angel J. Gutierrez, Carmen Rubio, Arturo Hardisson, Daniel Niebla-Canelo, Samuel Alejandro Vega, Enrique Gonzalez-Davila
Summary: Infertility has become more common due to increased exposure to toxic compounds, including heavy metals. The levels of 22 metals in the follicular fluid of 93 females were measured, and their impact on assisted reproduction technique (ART) was examined. Low levels of copper, zinc, aluminium, and calcium were found to be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. There were significant relationships between the number of oocytes and iron and calcium levels, as well as between the number of mature oocytes and iron, calcium, and sodium levels.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Magdalena Peeva, Ahmad Badeghiesh, Haitham Baghlaf, Michael H. Dahan
Summary: The study demonstrates that obesity in women with PCOS increases the risk of specific pregnancy and delivery complications.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Li Yu, Miao Liu, Zhenxin Wang, Te Liu, Suying Liu, Beili Wang, Baishen Pan, Xi Dong, Wei Guo
Summary: The study found that levels of estrogen and pregnenolone in follicular fluid of PCOS patients were significantly increased, while progesterone levels were decreased, and mRNA levels of CYP11A and HSD17B2 were negatively correlated with embryo quality and development rate. These results suggest that increased levels of estrogen and pregnenolone in follicular fluid may affect follicle development in PCOS patients.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Xinyi Zhang, Bo Liang, Jun Zhang, Xinyao Hao, Xiaoyan Xu, Hsun-Ming Chang, Peter C. K. Leung, Jichun Tan
Summary: Raman spectroscopy combined with machine-learning algorithms can detect changes in the metabolic profiles of PCOS patients, aiding in diagnosis and characterization.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zuwei Yang, Wenzhong Zhou, Chengliang Zhou, Yuzhong Zhou, Xinmei Liu, Guolian Ding, Yulian Hu, Jiexue Pan, Jianzhong Sheng, Li Jin, Hefeng Huang
Summary: This study found that the most prevalent phenotype of PCOS in Chinese women is normo-androgenic PCOS (NA-PCOS), and that there were no significant differences in intrafollicular steroid levels and product/precursor ratios between NA-PCOS and hyperandrogenic PCOS (HA-PCOS) women. However, HA-PCOS women did have significantly higher serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels compared to NA-PCOS women.
JOURNAL OF STEROID BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Neda Emami, AliReza Alizadeh, Arezoo Maleki-Hajiagha, Alireza Dizavi, Samira Vesali, Ashraf Moini
Summary: This study found no significant differences in the levels of serum sRAGE and FF sRAGE between Iranian women with and without PCOS. However, BMI and dietary intake of AGEs had more significant effects on sRAGE concentration in Iranian women.
JOURNAL OF OVARIAN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tansel Sapmaz, Kubra Sevgin, Sude Topkaraoglu, Muhammetnur Tekayev, Fatma Gumuskaya, Fatima Efendic, Mahmud Esad Pence, Selman Aktas, Gulam Hekimoglu, Oktay Irkorucu
Summary: This study examined the effects of propolis on ovarian folliculogenesis, p53 expression, and serum LH and P levels in PCOS modeled rats. Treatment with 50 mg/kg of propolis ameliorated cystic and primary follicles, while 150 mg/kg increased LH levels. Low concentrations of propolis cannot completely improve the hormone profile and p53 expression associated with PCOS.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lihong Pang, Wenhao Yu, Jiale Lv, Yunde Dou, Han Zhao, Shanshan Li, Yuming Guo, Gongbo Chen, Linlin Cui, Jingmei Hu, Yueran Zhao, Qi Zhao, Zi-Jiang Chen
Summary: This study investigates the association between exposure to different air pollutants and ovarian reserve in Shandong Province, China. The findings show a negative association between air pollution and ovarian reserve, particularly during the primary to secondary follicle stage. This association varies among different population sub-groups.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qi Jiang, Ruolan Miao, Yuhuan Wang, Wenqi Wang, Dingying Zhao, Yue Niu, Qiaoqiao Ding, Yan Li, Peter C. K. Leung, Daimin Wei, Zi-Jiang Chen
Summary: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and heterogeneous endocrine disorder, which is the main cause of ovulatory obstacle associated with abnormal folliculogenesis. Dysfunction of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) is recognized as a major factor that underlies abnormal follicle maturation. The expression of angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) in GCs differs between patients with and without PCOS. In this study, ANGPTL4 was found to be upregulated in patients with PCOS and its overexpression inhibited the proliferation of GCs through the EGFR/JAK1/STAT3-mediated induction of p21, providing a novel epigenetic mechanism for the pathogenesis of PCOS.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Zheng Liu, Yukun Zheng, Bingyu Wang, Jialin Li, Lang Qin, Xiao Li, Xin Liu, Yuehong Bian, Zijiang Chen, Han Zhao, Shigang Zhao
Summary: This study examined the association between sleep quality before embryo transfer and pregnancy outcomes. The results showed that good sleep quality was associated with higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Treating sleep disorders and providing sleep behavior guidance may improve pregnancy outcomes in IVF-ET.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Shenli Yuan, Jianhong Zhan, Jingye Zhang, Zhenbo Liu, Zhenzhen Hou, Chuanxin Zhang, Lizhi Yi, Lei Gao, Han Zhao, Zi-Jiang Chen, Jiang Liu, Keliang Wu
Summary: By mapping parental transcriptomes in human parthenogenetic and androgenetic embryos, this study reveals that human zygotic genome activation (ZGA) starts at the 8-cell stage. The different timing of ZGA between human and mouse embryos is observed. Mechanistically, primate-specific ZNF675 and androgenetic specifically expressed LSM1 are crucial for human ZGA and maternal RNA degradation. The allelic expressions of ZNF675 and LSM1 are associated with their allelically epigenetic states.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Jianlong Zhang, Chunguo Zhang, Shengyong Mu, Shuai Wang, Hongchang Li
Summary: In this study, a method combining continuous indentation test and numerical simulation was established to accurately acquire the mechanical properties of nickel-based alloy 600 before and after creep. The high stress creep constitutive equation of alloy 600 in autoclave environment was obtained, and the influencing factors of mechanical properties were analyzed. The results showed that the mechanical properties of nickel-based alloy 600 increased with the increase of creep time, and the indentation test model verified by numerical simulation provided a nondestructive way to obtain the mechanical property parameters.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tao Huang, Xinyue Wu, Shiyu Wang, Ziyou Bao, Yanling Wan, Ziqi Wang, Mengjing Li, Xiaochen Yu, Yue Lv, Zhaojian Liu, Xiangfeng Chen, Wai-Yee Chan, Fei Gao, Gang Lu, Zi-Jiang Chen, Hongbin Liu
Summary: RAD51 and DMC1 are meiotic recombinases that play critical roles in DNA double-strand break repair by homologous recombination. This study reveals that SPIDR is a scaffold protein involved in the regulation of RAD51/DMC1 on single-stranded DNA. Deletion of Spidr in male mice leads to complete meiotic arrest, accompanied by defects in synapsis and crossover formation, resulting in male infertility. In females, loss of Spidr leads to subfertility, but some Spidr(-/-) oocytes are able to complete meiosis. Importantly, fertility is partially rescued by ablation of the DNA damage checkpoint kinase CHK2 in Spidr(-/-) females but not in males. Thus, this study identifies SPIDR as an essential meiotic recombination factor in mammals.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yiyuan Zhang, Peihao Liu, Wei Zhou, Jingmei Hu, Linlin Cui, Zi-Jiang Chen
Summary: The aim of this study was to clarify the relationships between large for gestational age (LGA) and cardiometabolic risk factors. A meta-analysis of 42 studies involving 841,325 individuals showed that individuals born LGA had higher odds of overweight and obesity, type 1 diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome compared to those born appropriate for gestational age. No significant difference was found in hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yiting Zhang, Xiao Fu, Shuli Gao, Shuzhe Gao, Shanshan Gao, Jinlong Ma, Zi-Jiang Chen
Summary: In the past decade, the use of frozen-thawed embryo transfer treatment has significantly increased. Hormone replacement therapy and the natural cycle are two popular methods for preparing the endometrium. While hormone replacement therapy offers convenience for timing coordination, there are potential risks associated with achieving pregnancy without a corpus luteum. Therefore, there is growing interest in expanding the use of natural cycle FET in ovulatory women to address these concerns and improve outcomes.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Biology
Xiaolei Chen, Huangcong Shi, Cheng Li, Wanxia Zhong, Linlin Cui, Wenjun Zhang, Ling Geng, Kuona Hu, Mei Fang, Daimin Wei, Junhao Yan, Yun Sun, Keliang Wu, Han Zhao, Zi-Jiang Chen
SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ying Chu, Shujun Ye, Hongchang Li, Jack Strauss, Chen Zhao
Summary: Financial inclusion is crucial for achieving the SDGs. Digitalization can be a powerful tool to promote inclusive financial services and sustainable development. This paper examines the effects of bank digitalization on sustainable financial inclusion and finds that it has positive effects on both financial inclusion and banks' sustainable development. The paper provides theoretical and empirical support for banks to build digitalization and improve financial inclusion, contributing to the triple-win financial ecology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yanling Wan, Shuang Yang, Tongtong Li, Yuling Cai, Xinyue Wu, Mingyu Zhang, Tahir Muhammad, Tao Huang, Yue Lv, Wai-Yee Chan, Gang Lu, Jingxin Li, Qian-Qian Sha, Zi-Jiang Chen, Hongbin Liu
Summary: LSM14B knockout disrupts the assembly of MARDO, leading to improper mRNA storage and clearance, ultimately resulting in female infertility.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Correction
Cell Biology
Xiaoyu Merlin Zhang, Keliang Wu, Yuxuan Zheng, Han Zhao, Junpeng Gao, Zhenzhen Hou, Meiling Zhang, Jiaoyang Liao, Jingye Zhang, Yuan Gao, Yuanyuan Li, Lin Li, Fuchou Tang, Zi-Jiang Chen, Jinsong Li
Letter
Cell Biology
Yuan Gao, Lizhi Yi, Jianhong Zhan, Lijuan Wang, Xuelong Yao, Junhao Yan, Sijing Jian, Lei Gao, Mamadboqirova Farangez, Ming Gao, Yang Zou, Xuan Gao, Keliang Wu, Jiang Liu, Zi-Jiang Chen
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Chengzi Huang, Simin Zhao, Yajuan Yang, Ting Guo, Hanni Ke, Din Mi, Yingying Qin, Zi-Jiang Chen, Shidou Zhao
Summary: Mutations in TP63 gene impair the TID of TAp63 alpha protein, leading to constitutive activation and oocyte apoptosis, resulting in POI. These findings provide insight into the genetic diagnosis of POI and potential therapeutic targets for preserving female fertility.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Daimin Wei, Yaxin Su, Peter C. K. Leung, Yan Li, Zi-Jiang Chen
Summary: This review summarizes the current knowledge on the pathophysiological roles of BMPs and their underlying molecular mechanisms in regulating human endometrial proliferation and decidualization, aiming to promote the development of innovative strategies for diagnosing, treating, and preventing infertility and adverse pregnancy complications associated with dysregulated human endometrial remodeling.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(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)