Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhong-Hao Zhang, Xian-Chun Cao, Jia-Ying Peng, Shao-Ling Huang, Chen Chen, Shi-Zheng Jia, Jia-Zuan Ni, Guo-Li Song
Summary: This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of combined supplementation of selenium and folic acid in Alzheimer's disease. The treatment regimen improves synaptic plasticity and cognitive ability by modulating brain lipid metabolism, potentially through antioxidant effects and promoting homocysteine metabolism.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yiqin Chen, Yan Sun, Aili Zhao, Xuefen Cai, Aili Yu, Qian Xu, Panlin Wang, Jing Yao, Qi Wang, Wenxiang Wang
Summary: The study explores the impact of arsenic exposure on ovarian steroidogenesis and its potential mechanism, finding that arsenic exposure leads to decreased female reproductive capacity. Arsenic affects the process of steroid hormone production in ovarian granulosa cells and regulates the expression of SF-1, impacting follicle growth and development.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Marie-Pierre Piccinni, Rossella Vicenti, Federica Logiodice, Raffaella Fabbri, Ornela Kullolli, Marco Pallecchi, Roberto Paradisi, Giovanna Danza, Maria Macciocca, Letizia Lombardelli, Renato Seracchioli
Summary: In physiological natural cycles, follicular fluid (FF) hormones appear to be regulated independently of endogenous gonadotropins. Age influences FF hormone and cytokine profiles, and the relationship between FF hormones and FF cytokines could impact follicle development.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Igor Pravst, Ziva Lavrisa, Masa Hribar, Hristo Hristov, Naska Kvarantan, Barbara Korousic Seljak, Matej Gregoric, Urska Blaznik, Nadan Gregoric, Katja Zaletel, Adrijana Oblak, Josko Osredkar, Katja Zmitek, Anita Kusar
Summary: Folate deficiency is common in Slovenia, with low folate intake observed in various age groups. Public health strategies are needed to promote the consumption of folate-rich foods and supplementation with folic acid may be necessary in specific vulnerable populations.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Qiangqiang He, Jianping Li
Summary: Folate is essential for physiological functions, and low levels increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and neural tube defects. Folic acid is the most commonly used supplement, but its conversion to biologically active tetrahydrofolate depends on enzymes and cofactors, affecting its efficacy. The use of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate as an alternative folate supplement is increasing due to its direct usage and participation in one-carbon metabolism. Calcitriol intake promotes folate bioavailability and has synergistic effects in homocysteine clearance, enhancing our understanding of folate's critical roles and metabolism regulation.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Xianmin Gong, Lin Shi, Yuanyuan Wu, Yishan Luo, Timothy Kwok
Summary: B vitamins may be more effective in slowing down cognitive decline in MCI patients with atrophy in the left frontal lobe.
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sueyoun Hwang, Robert B. Hood, Russ Hauser, Joel Schwartz, Francine Laden, Dean Jones, Donghai Liang, Audrey J. Gaskins
Summary: This study utilized metabolomics to investigate the relationship between air pollution exposure and oocyte quality, finding that higher NO2 exposure was associated with changes in multiple metabolites and biological pathways that may mediate the decrease in oocyte quality.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jaime Catalan, Iris Martinez-Rodero, Ivan Yanez-Ortiz, Yentel Mateo-Otero, Ana Flores Bragulat, Pau Nolis, Augusto Carluccio, Marc Yeste, Jordi Miro
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the metabolic profile of preovulatory follicular fluid (PFF) in jennies. The results revealed a unique metabolic composition of jennies' PFF, different from that of other closely related species. These findings contribute to the understanding of oocyte maturation in jennies and provide a basis for establishing in vitro reproductive techniques in this species.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
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
Yuchen Lai, Zhenhong Ye, Liangshan Mu, Yurong Zhang, Xiaoyu Long, Chunmei Zhang, Rong Li, Yue Zhao, Jie Qiao
Summary: This study found that fatty acid metabolism is significantly altered in the follicular niche of PCOS patients, and elevated levels of fatty acids can induce ovarian inflammation. In addition, oleic acid treatment also promotes reactive oxygen species production and inflammasome activation.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
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)
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiaorui Chen, Xiaowen Huang, Diao Jie, Caifang Zheng, Xiliang Wang, Bowen Zhang, Weihao Shao, Gaili Wang, Weidong Zhang
Summary: This study established an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict the efficacy of folic acid therapy to Hyperhomocysteinemia by incorporating explained variance genetic risk score (EV-GRS), which showed higher predictive power compared to logistic regression (LR) model. The ANN model exhibited higher accuracy, AUC, and Youden's index, suggesting its potential clinical application for individualized therapeutic planning.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
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
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)
Letter
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Batoul Hojeij, Sam Schoenmakers, Sten Willemsen, Lenie van Rossem, Andras Dinnyes, Melek Rousian, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of the eHealth program Smarter Pregnancy on attitudes and practices towards fruit and vegetable intake and smoking in women attempting pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology (ART) or natural conception. The results show that the program can improve vegetable intake-related attitudes and practices in women undergoing ART treatment. However, there is no significant effect on fruit intake and smoking behavior.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Melissa van der Windt, Sofie Karolina Maria van Zundert, Sam Schoenmakers, Lenie van Rossem, Regine Patricia Maria Steegers-Theunissen
Summary: This study developed a digital health care platform that integrates personalized lifestyle care with medical care, aiming to improve health care for both patients and health care professionals. The study found that the platform was feasible and patients were satisfied with it.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Batoul Hojeij, Melek Rousian, Kevin D. Sinclair, Andras Dinnyes, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, Sam Schoenmakers
Summary: Periconceptional maternal obesity is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Identifying biomarkers of pathways affected by maternal obesity can provide insights into pathophysiological mechanisms and identify individuals at risk of adverse clinical outcomes. This systematic review identified biomarkers in the endocrine, inflammatory, and one-carbon metabolic pathways influenced by maternal obesity.
REVIEWS IN ENDOCRINE & METABOLIC DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Rosalieke E. Wiegel, A. H. Jan Danser, Linette van Duijn, Sten P. Willemsen, Joop S. E. Laven, Eric A. P. Steegers, Esther B. Baart, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen
Summary: This study investigated whether circulating maternal prorenin could serve as a proxy for oocyte and preimplantation embryo development. The results showed that high circulating maternal prorenin concentrations were associated with a larger oocyte area, faster cleavage divisions, and increased chance of successful implantation.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
C. S. Pietersma, A. G. M. G. J. Mulders, S. P. Willemsen, N. Graafland, A. C. Altena, A. H. J. Koning, B. S. de Bakker, E. A. P. Steegers, R. P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, M. Rousian
Summary: This study suggests that there is a difference in embryonic morphological development between ongoing pregnancies and live pregnancies ending in a miscarriage. Miscarriages tend to have smaller embryos and slower heart rates. This finding is important in terms of estimating the likelihood of a pregnancy continuing and providing support for those at risk of recurrent pregnancy loss.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Rosalieke E. Wiegel, Eleonora Rubini, Melek Rousian, Sam Schoenmakers, Joop S. E. Laven, Sten P. Willemsen, Esther B. Baart, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between oocyte area and various factors related to embryo development, such as fertilization rate, embryo usage, and preimplantation embryo development. The results suggest that oocyte area can serve as a marker for optimal early embryo development.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Eline S. de Vos, Anton H. J. Koning, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, Sten P. Willemsen, Bas B. van Rijn, Eric A. P. Steegers, Annemarie G. M. G. J. Mulders
Summary: Abnormal uteroplacental vascular development is a major cause of pregnancy complications, and early detection of this developmental anomaly is crucial. This study used advanced imaging techniques to analyze the morphology of the first-trimester uteroplacental vasculature in vivo. The results showed that specific vascular characteristics can be used to assess the risk of complications related to the placenta.
OBSTETRICAL & GYNECOLOGICAL SURVEY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Eva S. S. van Marion, Esther B. B. Baart, Margarida Santos, Linette van Duijn, Evert J. P. van Santbrink, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, Joop S. E. Laven, Marinus J. C. Eijkemans
Summary: This study developed a time-lapse monitoring (TLM) prediction model to predict pregnancy chances after single- and double-embryo transfer. Model A based on clinic A data accurately predicted pregnancy in clinic B, while model B based on clinic B data had less accuracy in predicting pregnancy in clinic A. This approach has potential applications in embryo selection and decision making.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Wietske A. P. Bastiaansen, Stefan Klein, Anton H. J. Koning, Wiro J. Niessen, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, Melek Rousian
Summary: Based on the analysis of 2575 studies, this systematic review found that automatic and learning-based methods show great potential in early-pregnancy brain ultrasound analysis. To bring these methods into clinical practice, it is recommended that studies use routine clinical data depicting both normal and abnormal development, make their dataset and program source code publicly available, and be attentive to the influence of confounding factors.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
D. Aoulad Fares, R. E. Wiegel, A. J. Eggink, J. B. J. van Meurs, S. P. Willemsen, A. H. J. Danser, R. P. M. Steegers-Theunissen
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the associations between maternal determinants of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation in the first trimester and telomere length (TL) in pregnancies conceived naturally and after IVF/ICSI. Renin, prorenin, and aldosterone concentrations were measured in maternal blood at 9 weeks gestational age (GA) in 145 pregnancies of the Rotterdam Periconception cohort. TL was measured using qPCR at 20 weeks GA. The results showed a significantly negative correlation between renin and TL, which was attenuated for prorenin and not observed for aldosterone. Maternal TL was significantly shorter in pregnancies conceived after IVF/ICSI compared to natural pregnancies.
Conclusion: The negative association between first-trimester maternal renin and maternal TL, as well as the shorter maternal TL in women after IVF/ICSI treatment compared to natural pregnancies, substantiates the role of excessive RAAS activation.
HYPERTENSION IN PREGNANCY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Latha Kadalayil, Md. Zahangir Alam, Cory Haley White, Akram Ghantous, Esther Walton, Olena Gruzieva, Simon Kebede Merid, Ashish Kumar, Ritu P. Roy, Olivia Solomon, Karen Huen, Brenda Eskenazi, Peter Rzehak, Veit Grote, Jean-Paul Langhendries, Elvira Verduci, Natalia Ferre, Darek Gruszfeld, Lu Gao, Weihua Guan, Xuehuo Zeng, Enrique F. Schisterman, John F. Dou, Kelly M. Bakulski, Jason I. Feinberg, Munawar Hussain Soomro, Giancarlo Pesce, Nour Baiz, Elena Isaevska, Michelle Plusquin, Marina Vafeiadi, Theano Roumeliotaki, Sabine A. S. Langie, Arnout Standaert, Catherine Allard, Patrice Perron, Luigi Bouchard, Evelien R. van Meel, Janine F. Felix, Vincent W. V. Jaddoe, Paul D. Yousefi, Cecilia H. Ramlau-Hansen, Caroline L. Relton, Elmar W. Tobi, Anne P. Starling, Ivana V. Yang, Maria Llambrich, Gillian Santorelli, Johanna Lepeule, Lucas A. Salas, Mariona Bustamante, Susan L. Ewart, Hongmei Zhang, Wilfried Karmaus, Stefan Roeder, Ana Claudia Zenclussen, Jianping Jin, Wenche Nystad, Christian M. Page, Maria Magnus, Dereje D. Jima, Cathrine Hoyo, Rachel L. Maguire, Tuomas Kvist, Darina Czamara, Katri Raikkonen, Tong Gong, Vilhelmina Ullemar, Sheryl L. Rifas-Shiman, Emily Oken, Catarina Almqvist, Robert Karlsson, Jari Lahti, Susan K. Murphy, Siri E. Haberg, Stephanie London, Gunda Herberth, Hasan Arshad, Jordi Sunyer, Regina Grazuleviciene, Dana Dabelea, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, Ellen A. Nohr, Thorkild I. A. Sorensen, Liesbeth Duijts, Marie-France Hivert, Vera Nelen, Maja Popovic, Manolis Kogevinas, Tim S. Nawrot, Zdenko Herceg, Isabella Annesi-Maesano, M. Daniele Fallin, Edwina Yeung, Carrie V. Breton, Berthold Koletzko, Nina Holland, Joseph L. Wiemels, Erik Melen, Gemma C. Sharp, Matt J. Silver, Faisal Rezwan, John W. Holloway
Summary: This study found significant associations between DNA methylation and birth season at birth and in childhood. The differential methylation regions (DMRs) identified were related to genes involved in tumorigenesis, psychiatric/neurological disorders, inflammation, and immunity. Furthermore, the associations between birth season and DNA methylation were influenced by birth latitude, particularly in higher latitude regions.
CLINICAL EPIGENETICS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Kim van der Ham, Karlijn J. Stekelenburg, Yvonne V. Louwers, Wendy van Dorp, Marco W. J. Schreurs, Ronald van der Wal, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, Joop S. E. Laven
Summary: Women with PCOS do not have a higher prevalence of thyroid dysfunction or hyperprolactinemia compared to controls.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sharissa M. Smith, Babette Bais, Hafez Ismaili M'hamdi, Maartje H. N. Schermer, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen
Summary: Women with low socioeconomic status are at a high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes due to multiple health-deteriorating factors. This study aims to improve the engagement of these women in preconception care using a mobile health app and nudging theory, and assess its feasibility.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Nursing
J. Scheele, S. M. Smith, R. J. Wahab, B. Bais, R. P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, R. Gaillard, H. W. Harmsen van der Vliet-torij
Summary: This study evaluated the current practice of preconception care in the Netherlands and the perceptions of birth care professionals regarding preconception care. The findings suggest that although birth care professionals acknowledge the importance of preconception care, there are variations in the implementation and identification of risk factors across different organizations. Furthermore, there is a low demand for preconception care among prospective parents.
