Article
Reproductive Biology
Shuai Gong, Lin Jiang, Hao Cheng, Liu-Zhu Pan, Ming-Tao Xu, Min Zhang, Hong-Jie Yuan, Jing-He Tan
Summary: Research shows that CRH impairs the competence of pig and mouse oocytes and induces apoptosis. While mouse cumulus cells undergo apoptosis, pig cumulus cells do not.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Emilia Kourmaeva, Reem Sabry, Laura A. Favetta
Summary: This study investigates the effects of BPA, BPS, and BPF on bovine granulosa cell apoptosis and their potential impact on oocyte competence and overall fertility. The results suggest that BPA and BPF reduce cell viability through increased apoptosis, partially due to the induction of apoptotic genes in the intrinsic pathway. BPS may not act on the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in bovine granulosa cells.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronika Merc, Michaela Frolikova, Katerina Komrskova
Summary: Integrins are a type of cell adhesion receptor involved in interactions between cells, between cells and the extracellular matrix, and between cells and pathogens. They play crucial roles in signal transduction pathways and are able to transmit signals into and out of cells. Integrins have been found not only on somatic cells but also on germ cells, where they are known to be essential for important physiological events such as sperm-oocyte fusion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yoon Hee Jung, Hsiao-Lin Wang, Daniel Ruiz, Brianna J. Bixler, Hannah Linsenbaum, Jian-Feng Xiang, Samantha Forestier, Andrew M. Shafik, Peng Jin, Victor G. Corces
Summary: This study demonstrates that exposure of pregnant mice to bisphenol A (BPA) can lead to transgenerational transmission of obesity in F2 progeny up to the F6 generation. Chromatin accessibility analysis reveals alterations near binding motifs for CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) at two cis-regulatory elements of the Fto gene, which correlate with the transmission of obesity. The interaction between these cis-regulatory elements and the Irx3 and Irx5 genes, involved in the differentiation of appetite-controlling neurons, is increased in sperm of obese mice. Deletion of the CTCF site in Fto results in mice that have normal food intake and fail to become obese when ancestrally exposed to BPA.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jana Rychtarova, Alena Langerova, Helena Fulka, Pasqualino Loi, Michal Benc, Josef Fulka
Summary: The long-term storage of biological material is crucial for various fields, and a simple approach for evaluating sperm DNA damage level has been proposed to address the issue of limited frozen biological material quantities.
Review
Cell Biology
Wjdan S. Bafleh, Haia M. R. Abdulsamad, Sally M. Al-Qaraghuli, Riwa Y. El Khatib, Rawdah Taha Elbahrawi, Azhar Mohamud Abdukadir, Shaima M. Alsawae, Zakia Dimassi, Hamdan Hamdan, Junaid Kashir
Summary: The recent COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in various fields, including society, law, economics, science, and medicine. The use of mRNA-based vaccines has been approved for the first time by drug regulatory authorities to combat the outbreak. While this represents a novel application of mRNA technology in vaccination medicine, the introduction of RNA into cells to produce molecules is not a new concept. It has been commonly practiced in research to manipulate oocytes and embryos and has potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications in combating infertility. This article describes the potential clinical applications, advantages, and limitations of mRNA-based platforms, and discusses how recent advances driven by the pandemic can benefit infertility treatment. Future directions for enhancing RNA therapeutics in reproductive biology, specifically in oocyte and embryo delivery, are also presented.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Asma Momeni, Tahereh Haghpanah, Seyed Noureddin Nematollahi-Mahani, Sareh Ashourzadeh, Seyed Hassan Eftekhar-Vaghefi
Summary: This study investigated the effects of vitrification before and after in vitro maturation on the survival rate, maturation rate, developmental competence, and gene expression in mouse oocytes. The results showed that vitrification after in vitro maturation resulted in lower survival and maturation rates, while vitrification before in vitro maturation led to fewer epigenetic changes.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Osamu Samura, Yoshiharu Nakaoka, Norio Miharu
Summary: Gametogenesis differs between oocytes and sperm, with oocytes having chromosomal aneuploidies and most structural anomalies originating from sperm. Increasing female age leads to an increased number of chromosomal aberrations due to a prolonged meiotic period. Chromosome analysis of sperm is challenging but methods have been developed, allowing for the evaluation of individual sperm. Understanding gametic chromosomal abnormalities is crucial in assisted reproductive technology, but questions regarding which cases should undergo sperm chromosome analysis and result interpretation need to be addressed.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Michal Andrzej Kosior, Riccardo Esposito, Natascia Cocchia, Federica Piscopo, Valentina Longobardi, Nunzio Antonio Cacciola, Giorgio Antonio Presicce, Giuseppe Campanile, Hilde Aardema, Bianca Gasparrini
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the seasonal effect on the metabolomic profile of the ovarian follicle in Italian Mediterranean buffalo and identify potential strategies to improve oocyte competence during the non-breeding season. Analysis of follicular fluid, follicular cells, cumulus cells, and oocytes revealed seasonal differences in metabolite content, suggesting alterations in metabolic pathways during the non-breeding season. Pathway enrichment analysis identified metabolites linked to glutathione, energy generation, amino acid metabolism, and phospholipid biosynthesis. The identification of positive and negative competence markers in the follicular fluid provides a basis for optimizing the follicular environment and improving oocyte competence during the non-breeding season.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Aylin Nikshad, Afsoon Aghlmandi, Reza Safaralizadeh, Leili Aghebati-Maleki, Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani, Farhad Motavalli Khiavi, Mehdi Yousefi
Summary: According to the World Health Organization, approximately 70 million couples worldwide suffer from infertility. Research teams have integrated various scientific branches to develop therapeutic approaches, with Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) being a key solution. The use of microfluidic technology has shown significant progress in improving efficiency in assisted reproduction.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Lilli Bittner-Schwerda, Carolina Herrera, Sarah Wyck, Eleni Malama, Christine Wrenzycki, Heinrich Bollwein
Summary: Oxidatively stressed sperm can negatively impact embryo development when fertilizing oocytes, and the oocyte's ability to handle this damage plays a significant role in the outcome. By using Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) staining to differentiate oocytes of different qualities, this study found that BCB-negative oocytes had lower embryo development rates and lower blastocyst quality when fertilized with oxidatively stressed sperm. These findings can help in selecting high-quality oocytes for assisted reproduction involving damaged sperm, while also highlighting the importance of oocyte repair and antioxidative capacity in limiting oxidative damage to the progeny.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lin-Lin Hu, Shun Chen, Meng-Ying Shen, Qiu-Yan Huang, Hong-Ge Li, Shao-Chen Sun, Jun-Li Wang, Xiao-Qiong Luo
Summary: Aflatoxin, the most common mycotoxin in contaminated crops, has adverse effects on livestock and human health. This study revealed that aflatoxin B1 exposure disrupts the intracellular membrane system, including endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosome, and mitochondria, resulting in compromised porcine oocyte maturation quality.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jessica A. Marinaro
Summary: High levels of sperm DNA fragmentation are associated with adverse reproductive outcomes, potentially due to excessive unrepaired DNA damage that negatively affects normal embryo development. Oocyte DNA repair mechanisms may play a significant role in compensating for sperm DNA damage, preserving normal embryo development, and improving reproductive outcomes.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Michal Andrzej Kosior, Alfonso Calabria, Maria Paz Benitez Mora, Marco Russo, Giorgio Antonio Presicce, Natascia Cocchia, Salvatore Monti, Hilde Aardema, Bianca Gasparrini
Summary: The study investigated the influence of season on the lipid profile of the ovarian follicle in the Italian Mediterranean buffalo. Seasonal differences in triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids, and non-esterified fatty acids were observed in the follicular fluid, follicular cells, cumulus cells, and oocytes. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the physiology of the ovarian follicle in buffalo and provide insights into the causes of reduced oocyte competence during the non-breeding season.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liana Bosco, Tiziana Notari, Giovanni Ruvolo, Maria C. Roccheri, Chiara Martino, Rosanna Chiappetta, Domenico Carone, Giosue Lo Bosco, Laura Carrillo, Salvatore Raimondo, Antonino Guglielmino, Luigi Montano
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Cell Biology
Giovanni Ruvolo, Maria Carmela Roccheri, Claudio Luparello, Domenica Matranga, Alberto Ferrigno, Liana Bosco
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gennaro Lettieri, Federica Marra, Claudia Moriello, Marina Prisco, Tiziana Notari, Marco Trifuoggi, Antonella Giarra, Liana Bosco, Luigi Montano, Marina Piscopo
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Alberto Ferrigno, Giovanni Ruvolo, Giuseppina Capra, Nicola Serra, Liana Bosco
Summary: The study demonstrated a strong correlation between DFI and sperm morphology, suggesting that spermatozoa with abnormal morphology are more likely to contain DNA damage.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Liana Bosco, Nicola Serra, Teresa Fasciana, Daniela Pistoia, Marco Vella, Leonardo Di Gregorio, Rosaria Schillaci, Antonino Perino, Gloria Calagna, Alberto Firenze, Giuseppina Capra
Summary: This study evaluated the potential impact of nonavalent vaccine compared to quadrivalent in male living in Sicily, Italy. The nonavalent vaccine showed a higher coverage rate than the quadrivalent vaccine, with significant impact for both low and high impact HPV genotypes.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Daniela Cabibi, Caterina Napolitano, Antonino Giulio Giannone, Maria Carmela Micciulla, Rossana Porcasi, Roberta Lo Coco, Liana Bosco, Manlio Vinciguerra, Giuseppina Capra
Summary: This study showed that weak/focal p16 immunostaining represents the early stage of transcriptionally active infection, strongly related to less common hrHPV genotypes, suggesting a slower transforming power with potential risk of progression. This indicates the importance of HPV DNA genotyping and follow-up to monitor potential evolving dysplastic changes and enhance understanding of less common hrHPV genotypes.
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alessandra Alteri, Liana Bosco, Sandrine Chamayou, Valentina Casciani, Marta Cervi, Anna Cecchele, Yoon Sung Cho, Maria Paola Costantini, Maria Beatrice Dal Canto, Silvia De Stefani, Alessandra Fraioli, Valentina Furlan, Filippo Giacone, Cristina Guarneri, Antonino Guglielmino, Mirella Iaccarino, Alessandro Miceli, Maria Giulia Minasi, Luigi Montano, Tiziana Notari, Alessio Paffoni, Simone Palini, Marco Reschini, Giovanni Ruvolo, Paola Vigano, Aldo Volpes
Summary: Clinical embryologists play multiple roles in laboratory, clinical, biobanking, and quality system management. In Italy, they are required to complete a 3-4 year post-graduate specialization in fields like Genetics, Microbiology, Clinical Pathology, or Nutrition. Public health centers account for 36% of all Italian MAR clinics, but limited training opportunities make recruitment of laboratory staff challenging.
Article
Biology
Giuseppina Capra, Tiziana Notari, Michela Butta, Nicola Serra, Giovanni Rizzo, Liana Bosco
Summary: Nowadays, more and more infertile couples are turning to assisted reproductive technologies. Male factors account for half of the infertility cases, and sexually transmitted infections have been suggested to play a role in sperm impairments. This study analyzed 117 semen samples and found that HPV infection did not affect sperm quality or DNA integrity, but did have a significant impact on sperm motility and morphology.
Meeting Abstract
Obstetrics & Gynecology
T. Notari, M. Piscopo, L. Bosco, S. Pecoraro, N. Serra, D. Ricciardi, G. Capra, L. Montano
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Obstetrics & Gynecology
G. Ruvolo, F. Geraci, M. C. Roccheri, R. Alessandro, L. Bosco
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Obstetrics & Gynecology
G. Ruvolo, A. Ferrigno, M. G. Roccheri, E. Cittadini, A. Pane, C. Simonaro, B. Ermini, I. Camera, A. M. Bruccoleri, M. Manno, A. Lo Bue, L. Bosco
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2020)
Meeting Abstract
Obstetrics & Gynecology
R. Schillaci, T. Notari, G. Capra, M. A. Ragusa, M. G. Roccheri, A. Perino, A. Ferrigno, L. Bosco
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2020)
Meeting Abstract
Obstetrics & Gynecology
T. Notari, M. Gentile, S. Raimondo, L. Bosco, T. Gentile, L. Montano
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2019)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
G. Capra, R. Schillaci, L. Bosco, M. C. Roccheri, A. Penno, M. A. Ragusa
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2019)
Meeting Abstract
Obstetrics & Gynecology
L. Bosco, M. C. Roccheri, C. Luparello, D. Matranga, A. Ferrigno, S. Cuomo, G. Ruvolo
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2018)