Search Results (152)

Thyrostimulin is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone composed of two subunits, GPA2 and GPB5, first identified in 2002. It is considered an ancestral member of the glycoprotein hormone family and is highly conserved across species, including vertebrates and invertebrates. Unlike classical pituitary glycoprotein hormones such as TSH, LH, and FSH, thyrostimulin appears to function predominantly through paracrine and autocrine mechanisms, with its expression reported in diverse tissues such as the pituitary, ovary, skin, and brain. In humans, thyrostimulin has been implicated in ovarian cancer cell proliferation, stem cell quiescence in the pituitary, and metabolic regulation. However, its role in metabolism remains unclear, with studies showing both beneficial and adverse effects such as weight loss in some models and elevated levels in polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic syndrome patients. In Caenorhabditis elegans, orthologs of GPA2 and GPB5 have been shown to influence growth and intestinal function via a neuroendocrine pathway involving thyrotropin hormone-like peptides. These findings suggest that thyrostimulin has conserved multifunctional roles in development, metabolism, and endocrine signaling. The aim of this review is to summarize the structure–function relationships and the currently known roles of thyrostimulin and its subunits, GPA2/GPB5, particularly in the reproductive system, metabolic syndrome, skeletal development, and obesity. Full article

Objective: This retrospective cohort study aimed to identify independent clinical predictors specifically associated with the laterality of ovarian torsion, rather than examining potential associations with patient age or serum hormonal profiles. The analysis sought to improve diagnostic accuracy and preoperative risk stratification in ovarian torsion, a gynecologic emergency where fertility preservation is a priority. Materials and Methods: Data from 64 patients with surgically confirmed ovarian torsion between January 2018 and June 2025 were retrospectively reviewed at Harran University Faculty of Medicine. Demographic, clinical, ultrasonographic, and hormonal data were collected. Hormonal assays were performed using electrochemiluminescence immunoassays (Roche Diagnostics). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors independently associated with torsion laterality. Results: The median age of the 64 patients included in the study was 22 years (IQR: 20–33). Right ovarian torsion was detected in 65.6% of the cases. In the final multivariate logistic regression model, nulliparity (VIRGO) (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.07–0.75; p = 0.015) and the presence of a cyst (OR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.02–0.53; p = 0.007) were found to be independent and significant predictors of torsion laterality. Both variables demonstrated an effect that reduced the probability of left ovarian torsion. No significant association was found between patient age, parity, other clinical features, and hormonal profiles (progesterone, E2, FSH, LH). The main reason for the lack of backing for the hormonal hypothesis was that hormone measurements in 95.3% of the patients were conducted during the follicular phase, a time at which progesterone and estrogen levels are typically low compared to the luteal phase. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that, in addition to the anatomical predisposition for right ovarian torsion, nulliparity (VIRGO) and cyst presence are independent clinical indicators of ovarian torsion laterality. The absence of these features (VIRGO and cyst presence) increases the risk of right-sided torsion. The findings offer valuable information to enhance the index of clinical suspicion in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with ovarian torsion symptoms. The importance of prompt detorsion and a conservative surgical approach to preserve ovarian viability and secure long-term reproductive health is emphasized. Full article

The circadian clock is a conserved timekeeping mechanism that enables organisms to anicipate and adapt to daily environmental cycles. While its role in photoperiodic diapause has been documented, its fundamental function in maintaining reproductive and metabolic homeostasis under favorable conditions remains less explored, especially in biological control agents. This study investigates the functional roles of the core circadian clock genes Cycle (AcCyc) and Clock (AcClk) in the predatory bug Arma chinensis, focusing on their regulation of reproduction and metabolism under non-diapause conditions. We characterized these genes and analyzed their spatiotemporal expression under diapause and non-diapause conditions. Using RNA interference, we knocked down AcCyc and AcClk in non-diapausing females and evaluated phenotypic impacts on ovarian development, fecundity, and energy reserves. qPCR analyses delineated downstream effects on juvenile hormone (JH) signaling. Results showed that diapause altered AcCyc and AcClk expression rhythms. Their knockdown severely impaired reproduction, reducing ovarian size, vitellogenin expression, and egg production, while concurrently decreasing triglyceride levels indicating disrupted energy homeostasis. Mechanistically, gene silencing downregulated key JH pathway components, Methoprene-tolerant (Met) and Krueppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1). We conclude that AcCyc and AcClk are essential maintainers of reproductive–metabolic homeostasis, not merely diapause regulators. This reframes the clock’s role from a seasonal timekeeper to a central hub for daily physiological coordination, offering new insights for improving biocontrol agent production. Full article

This study conducted a bioinformatic analysis of two Hyaluronidase-like isoforms (Mn-HyaL1 and Mn-HyaL2) in Macrobrachium nipponense and investigated their phylogenetic relationships. The open reading frames of Mn-HyaL1 and Mn-HyaL2 were 1101 bp (encoding 366 amino acids) and 1164 bp (encoding 387 amino acids), respectively. Both isoforms exhibited similar conserved domains, with an amino acid sequence similarity of 60.21%. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the expression levels of Mn-HyaL1 and Mn-HyaL2 increased during the mid-to-late phase of each developmental stage, were higher during the reproductive season than in the non-reproductive season, and were more abundant in the hepatopancreas than in other tissues. RNA interference experiments targeting both genes simultaneously demonstrated that knockdown of Mn-HyaL2 significantly accelerated ovarian development in M. nipponense, indicating that Mn-HyaL genes function as negative regulators of ovarian maturation. A comparative analysis of multiple genes revealed the following descending order of potency in promoting ovarian development in M. nipponense: Mn-Cholesterol 7-desaturase > Mn-Cathepsin L1. The order of potency in inhibiting ovarian development in M. nipponense, from strongest to weakest, was determined to be Mn-Gonad-inhibiting hormone > Mn-HyaL2. Full article

The cryopreservation and transplantation of germline stem cells (GSCs) have become the key to conserving fish genetic resources and safeguarding species diversity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of post-mortem temperature and time on the preservation of oogonial stem cells (OSCs) in the marine fish Paralichthys olivaceus. OSCs remained viable after fish death, and they remained viable and could be cultured after storage at 19 °C for 15 h and at 4 °C for 24 h. Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis was used to identify the pathways leading to OSC death. Several genes were differentially expressed in the ovarian tissue post-mortem, with the most enriched pathways being ferroptosis, fatty acid metabolism/biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, citric acid cycle (TCA cycle), and arachidonic acid metabolism signaling pathways. Genes related to ferroptosis, such as vdac2, p53, and slc7a11, as well as metabolites such as adrenic acid and arachidic acid, can serve as reliable biomarkers for evaluating the viability of post-mortem OSCs. These findings provide valuable insights and theoretical support for the effective use of post-mortem GSCs and enhance strategies for germplasm resource conservation in fish. Full article

Background: Serous papillary adenofibroma cyst (SPAC) of the ovary is a rare benign epithelial tumor that can mimic borderline or malignant ovarian neoplasms. Reports in young women are particularly scarce. Purpose: The aim of this study is to present a rare clinical case of ovarian SPAC in a young woman and to review the existing literature, highlighting diagnostic challenges and implications for fertility-preserving management. Methods: We present a clinical case of ovarian SPAC in a 41-year-old woman and conducted a narrative literature review. The search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify reports published between 2000 and 2025. Additional relevant articles were also identified through manual screening of reference lists from selected papers. Results: MRI revealed a well-encapsulated septated cystic lesion with solid nodular components and post-contrast enhancement. Tumor markers, including CA 19-9, were elevated. Laparoscopic surgery with intraoperative frozen section confirmed the diagnosis of SPAC, allowing fertility-preserving management. Histopathology established the final diagnosis. Conclusions: This case emphasizes the importance of considering SPAC in the differential diagnosis of complex adnexal masses. Early recognition and intraoperative frozen section can guide conservative surgical strategies, avoiding overtreatment and preserving reproductive potential in young patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: DNA2 is a conserved nuclease–helicase that plays a crucial role in DNA replication and repair by responding to replication stress. Previous studies have established the role of DNA2 in Okazaki fragment processing, the recovery of stalled replication forks, and double-strand break repair. This study investigates the role of Drosophila melanogaster Dna2 in response to exogenous DNA damage and replication stress as well as during developmental stages involving intensive DNA replication. Methods: We used the Drosophila mutant alleles, Dna2^D1 and Dna2^D2, which differ in the presence of the helicase 1A domain, to assess sensitivity to mutagens that cause various types of replication stress and DNA damage. We examined reproductive fitness through Mendelian ratio calculations, fecundity, egg viability assays, and assessed DNA damage via immunostaining of ovarian germaria. Lifespan assays were also conducted to examine adult survival. Results: Dna2 mutants demonstrated significant sensitivity to replication stress induced by MMS, hydroxyurea, topotecan, and nitrogen mustard. Dna2^lS/S1 mutants exhibited higher survival than Dna2^lS/D2 upon exposure to topotecan and bleomycin, suggesting a possible helicase-specific role in damage response. Mutants exhibited decreased fecundity, reduced egg viability, and elevated DNA damage in mitotically active germline cells. Adult lifespan was not reduced in Dna2 mutants, implying potential compensatory stress-response mechanisms. Conclusions: Our findings support a requirement of Dna2 in managing replication stress during critical developmental phases in Drosophila. These insights clarify the nuanced contributions of the nuclease and helicase domains of DNA2, suggesting potential domain-specific functions in genomic stability and repair mechanisms. This work provides a foundation that will enable future researchers to further dissect the complex roles of DNA2 in replication and repair pathways. Full article

Cervical cancer is a major health issue worldwide, with approximately 660,000 new cases a year, particularly in women of reproductive age (47.4 ± 12.8 years at diagnosis). Current advances in screening and immunization have shifted cervical cancer diagnoses to earlier stages; as a result, fertility preservation is an essential component of building a treatment plan. Objectives: This systematic review aims to synthesize the existing techniques for fertility preservation with a focus on early-stage cervical cancer (cancer stage IA1-IB1). We will describe the different surgical and medical approaches for the treatment of cervical cancer, followed by an analysis of their oncologic safety and the associated reproductive risks and outcomes. Methods: A descriptive synthesis of the strategies for surgical management, including conization, radical trachelectomy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), and radiotherapy, was completed. Fertility and successful pregnancy rely on patient selection, prognostic variables, and obstetric outcomes. The use of transposition of the ovaries and cryopreservation in the context of gonadotoxic treatment plans also requires investigation. Results: For patients meeting conservative eligibility criteria, conservative surgery for tumors up to 2 cm has been considered a safe oncological management strategy, although evidence remains limited. Pregnancy rate after conization ranged from 36 to 55% and 10 to 38% after radical trachelectomy. Ovarian function can be successfully preserved in >60% of laparoscopic transposition cases but resulted in a less than 15% chance of natural conception; the need for assistive reproductive techniques was often required. Conclusions: Fertility-preserving management of cervical cancer is safe and feasible in carefully selected patients, with oncologic outcomes comparable to more radical management. Continued innovation and randomized control trials in treatment paths and oncologic and fertility outcomes will benefit the field. Full article

Gene duplications are considered to be the major evolutionary resource of novel functions. The gene family Esf2/ABP1 is conserved in metazoan organisms from yeast to humans. Here we performed a search and characterization of Esf2/ABP1 homologs in the Drosophila genus. Whereas in the majority of Drosophila species this gene family is represented by only a single gene, in the melanogaster and suzukii subgroups recurrent gene duplications arose, providing 47 homologous genes located on the X chromosome. To study the evolutionary history of duplicates, we performed phylogenetic, functional domain, and tissue-specific expression analyses. We revealed a male-specific and testis-biased transcription pattern of duplicated copies in Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila sechellia compared to ubiquitous expression of the parental gene. The amplification of 21 repeated paralogs within the heterochromatic piRNA cluster resulted in the ovarian-specific transformation of these repeats into piRNAs in D. melanogaster. In three species of the suzukii subgroup, Esf2/ABP1 genes evolved with domain diversification: in addition to RNA-binding ABT1-like domain preservation, all homologous proteins acquired expanded intrinsically disordered regions. By studying the duplicated copies of the Esf2/ABP1 family in Drosophila, we offer insight into how novel gene functions emerge and are maintained, contributing to life’s diversity and complexity. Full article

Background: In high-altitude regions, sporadic two-year-old immature Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) would overwinter and mature in their third year, developing into three-year-old crabs (THCs) with a cold-adaptive strategy. Compared to two-year-old crabs (TWCs) from low-altitude Jiangsu, THCs from Karst landform and high-altitude Guizhou exhibit significantly larger final size but lower gonadosomatic index (GSI) (p < 0.01). Methods: To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this delayed ovarian development, integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were conducted. Results: Results showed downregulation of PI3K-Akt and FoxO signaling pathways, as well as upregulation of protein digestion and absorption pathways. Differentially expressed proteins indicated alterations in mitochondrial energy transduction and nutrient assimilation. Integrated omics analysis revealed significant changes in nucleic acid metabolism, proteostasis, and stress response, indicating systemic reorganization in energy-nutrient coordination and developmental plasticity. Conclusions: The observed growth-reproductive inverse relationship reflects an adaptive life-history trade-off under chronic cold stress, whereby energy repartitioning prioritizes somatic growth over gonadal investment. Our transcriptomic and proteomic data further suggest a pivotal regulatory role for FOXO3 dephosphorylation in potentially coupling altered energy sensing to reproductive suppression. This inferred mechanism reveals a potential conserved pathway for environmental adaptation in crustaceans, warranting further functional validation. Full article

The ecological impact of microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems has received growing scientific attention, although research on freshwater species remains limited compared to marine organisms. This study investigates the individual and combined toxicological impacts of polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) on hybrid snakehead (Channa maculata ♀ × Channa argus ♂), a commercially important freshwater fish. PSNPs inhibited growth, induced hepatic and intestinal lesions, and delayed ovarian development, co-exposure with DBP exacerbated these effects. qPCR analysis revealed significant up-regulation of inflammation-related genes in the liver but inhibitory effects in the intestines, indicating that PSNPs and DBP provoke immune modulation and systemic pro-inflammatory responses. Furthermore, PSNPs and DBP induced oxidative damage in the liver and intestines by affecting antioxidant enzyme activity. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that PSNPs and DBP altered intestinal microbiota composition, particularly reducing Proteobacteria abundance. Correlation analyses indicated negative associations between the abundances of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes and antioxidant parameters (SOD and MDA), suggesting microbiota-mediated impacts on host metabolism and physiological health. These findings highlight the ecological threat of microplastics and phthalates in freshwater environments and underscore the need for targeted conservation strategies. Full article

Adnexal tumors during pregnancy are rare, with a prevalence ranging from 0.05% to 3%, and in most cases, they are benign. Struma ovarii, a monodermal teratoma, consists of over 50% thyroid tissue and accounts for 2.7% of ovarian teratomas. It typically affects women aged 40–60 and is exceptionally rare during pregnancy. Diagnosis is often only established after surgical intervention and histological examination. We present the case of a 39-year-old pregnant woman (gravida 2, para 1) at 19 weeks of gestation who presented with acute lower abdominal pain. At her first visit at 11 weeks, ultrasound revealed a 12 cm multilocular left adnexal mass. Initial conservative management was followed by emergency laparoscopy due to suspected ovarian torsion, resulting in a left oophorectomy. Histopathology confirmed struma ovarii. Thyroid function tests (TSH, FT4) remained within normal limits throughout pregnancy. The pregnancy continued without further complications, culminating in a spontaneous vaginal delivery at 40 + 4 weeks of a healthy female infant weighing 3800 g. Due to the rarity of this condition, treatment guidelines remain undefined, with management decisions relying on limited case reports and clinical judgment. This report highlights the importance of detailed evaluation and individualized management in such uncommon presentations during pregnancy. Full article

The melon fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) is a globally invasive pest responsible for substantial economic losses in the fruit and vegetable industries. Insulin-like peptides (ILPs) are evolutionarily conserved neuropeptides that play a crucial role in insect reproduction. In this study, six ZcILPs from the melon fly, designated as ZcILP1–6, were cloned. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a strong orthologous link with Dipteran ILPs. Spatiotemporal expression profiling revealed that ZcILP1 and ZcILP3 exhibit preferential enrichment in the adult female fat body, with their expression specifically and significantly upregulated in 5-day-old individuals. Their expression decreased 12, 24, and 48 h post-starvation and increased upon re-feeding. Silencing ZcILP1 and ZcILP3 resulted in reduced ovarian size by 51.42% and 69.17%, respectively. Furthermore, silencing ZcILP1 or ZcILP3 significantly decreased the transcriptional levels of genes downstream of the insulin signaling pathway (ISP), notably the target of rapamycin (ZcTOR) and Forkhead box O (ZcFOXO). Concurrently, the expression of Vitellogenin (ZcVg), a gene associated with reproduction, was significantly downregulated. These findings indicate that ZcILP1 and ZcILP3 regulate ZcVgs expression and ovarian development through ISP, suggesting them as potential targets for green control of Z. cucurbitae. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intramural pregnancy (IMP) is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy where the embryo implants within the uterine myometrium. This condition carries a high risk of massive hemorrhage, uterine rupture, and potentially life-threatening complications. Methods: We present a case of a 35-year-old patient who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) and was diagnosed with an IMP located in the back-isthmian portion of the uterus by ultrasound scan. Results: We performed a conservative treatment approach based on the gestational sac location and the patient’s stable clinical condition and desire for future fertility. We first administered mifepristone 600 mg, followed by intracavitary methotrexate under ultrasound guidance. Although originally planned, a uterine artery embolization was not performed due to the evidence of bilateral anastomoses between the uterine and ovarian arteries. Progressive reabsorption of pregnancy was observed over the course of 8 months. Conclusions: Non-surgical management can be considered for IMP, thus allowing fertility preservation. Full article

Overexploitation is the main anthropogenic threat to groupers (Epinephelidae) that aggregate to spawn. Fishing negatively affects their reproductive success and indirectly harms fishery economic yield. In the southern Gulf of Mexico, grouper catches, which include thirteen species, are in decline. A lack of biological information on each exploited species prevents optimising fishery management. Using histological examination of the gonads, the reproductive traits of red hind Epinephelus guttatus and yellowfin grouper Mycteroperca venenosa were studied from January 2008 to October 2009. Collections were made at two reef systems (Alacranes Reef and Bajos del Norte) on the continental shelf of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, where these species form transient spawning aggregations. The results confirmed that previously identified spawning aggregation sites at both reefs constitute productive seasonal and perennial “hotspots” for both groupers; they spawn annually between January and April. Females of these protogynous hermaphroditic species exhibit a reproductive strategy characterised by asynchronous ovarian development organisation and ovulation. Sex ratios and maximum sizes at each reef suggest that populations of both groupers had a good conservation status as of the late 2000s. Both reefs are now marine protected areas, and a discussion is made of the consequent possible benefits to grouper population conservation and sustainability in the southern Gulf of Mexico. Full article