Search Results (2,942)

Nanchuan Dachashu (Camellia nanchuanica), an arboreal tea species from Chongqing, China, exhibits valuable germplasm characteristics and tea production quality. However, the morphological diversity and genetic basis of key traits, such as tree architecture, leaf anatomy, and ovary trichomes, within this natural population remain to be elucidated. In this study, we conducted a survey on 90 wild individuals from this population, with a special focus on ovary trichomes—an important taxonomic trait. Considerable variations were observed in tree architecture, leaf size and shape, and anatomical structures. Through association analysis, we identified the SNP locus Chr9_89939207 to be associated with the glabrous/hairy ovary trait. A KASP marker was subsequently developed based on this locus, which could accurately distinguish between glabrous and hairy ovary individuals of Nanchuan Dachashu, as well as differentiate this species from C. sinensis or other hairy ovary species. The SNP locus Chr9_89939207 resides in the exon of a predicted protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) gene, CSS0003297, which potentially regulates ovary trichome development in tea plants. These results reveal extensive morphological variation within the Nanchuan Dachashu population, establish a molecular tool for the identification of valuable interspecific hybrids, and provide insights into the breeding and industrial applications of this germplasm. Full article

Complement proteins are increased in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as are markers of inflammation, such as the C-reactive protein (CRP); however, both may be increased in obesity. We hypothesised that body mass index (BMI)-driven CRP would comparably associate with an increase in complement proteins when obesity was accounted for in non-obese women with and without PCOS. In a non-obese, non-insulin-resistant population without inflammation (24 with PCOS and 24 control women), plasma CRP was measured by immunoassay. Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamer (SOMA)-scan plasma proteomic analysis of the classical, lectin, and alternative pathway complement proteins was undertaken. BMI, insulin resistance, and CRP did not differ (p < 0.05) between the cohorts. The alternative pathway of the complement protein system was overexpressed in PCOS (p < 0.05). CRP correlated positively (p < 0.05) with alternate pathway parameters in women with and without PCOS for C3a, iC3b, Factor B, Factor H, and Factor I; in PCOS alone for C3, C3adesArg, and C3d; and in women without PCOS, for properdin. CRP did not correlate with lectin pathway C2 or MBL (p > 0.05). CRP correlated positively (p < 0.05) with C4 of the classical pathways in women with PCOS alone. Hyperandrogenemia did not correlate with CRP or complement in non-obese PCOS. BMI correlated positively with C3, C3adesArg, C3a, iC3b, Factor B, Factor H, and properdin: classical pathway proteins; C1q, C4, C5 and C5a in PCOS women; BMI only correlated negatively with C1q in non-PCOS women. Upregulation of complement proteins occur in non-obese PCOS, and CRP is positively associated with complement protein changes in both women with and without PCOS. This indicates that BMI induces changes in CRP that lead to changes in the complement pathways, particularly the alternate pathway, with increases in CRP (though still within the reference laboratory normal range) leading to upregulation of complement proteins in PCOS. This suggests an enhanced set point for CRP-induced complement protein dysregulation in PCOS. Full article

The insect molting process is critical to growth and development and is regulated in part by the neuropeptides corazonin, eclosion hormone, and α and β bursicon. We found messages in a synganglion transcriptome from adult, female American dog ticks, Dermacentor variabilis (that do not molt), with a high similarity to the larval insect neuropeptides that control molting. The phylogenetic analysis of the tick putative neuropeptides compared to other arthropods is discussed in detail. The relative gene expression of these peptides was determined by quantitative PCR during the following adult developmental stages: (i) virgin, unfed 0–24 h after entering the adult stage (non-host-seeking), (ii) host-seeking, unfed, and not mated (3 d after emergence), (iii) part-fed (unmated, attached to host; 1st and 3rd day after emergence), (iv) mated (females are part-fed; allowed to mate for ≤1 day, 7th day after emergence), (v) mated repletes (completion of blood feeding but still attached to host), and (vi) post-drop-off (from host) with egg laying starting within 1 d of detachment. Eclosion hormone transcript levels peaked at mating and at drop-off. Bursicon α levels were highest just after molting into adults, with a second smaller peak in replete females. Bursicon β levels were highest (32-fold) post-drop-off. Corazonin message levels peaked in part-feds and were much higher (40-fold) in repletes compared to 0–24 h after emergence. RNAi suppression of the corazonin message by injection in newly molted ticks reduced oviposition and the number of vitellogenic eggs in the ovaries at drop-off but had no apparent effect on host-seeking, partial feeding, mating, feeding to repletion, and drop-off. The possible roles of these transcripts in adult, female tick development are discussed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that increases the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aims to assess the correlation between PCOS and GDM and to identify associated healthcare needs. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used. The retrospective study analyzed 2635 medical records of women aged 19–45 who underwent fertility treatments (2020–2023). The prospective study (2023–2024) assessed PCOS and GDM knowledge, nutrition, and physical activity among three groups: PCOS, GDM, and normal pregnancies. Results: Women with PCOS had a significantly higher BMI (p < 0.001) and an increased risk of GDM (28.1% vs. 10.6%, p < 0.001), with a 2.94-fold higher likelihood (95% CI: 2.22–3.90). Preterm birth (p = 0.029) and multiple pregnancies (p = 0.014) were also more common. The GDM group demonstrated better nutritional habits (p = 0.017), while the PCOS group showed higher physical activity levels (p < 0.001). Greater disease knowledge correlated with healthier behaviors. Conclusions: PCOS is a strong risk factor for GDM and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Targeted education and lifestyle interventions are crucial for improving maternal and neonatal health. Future research should focus on long-term metabolic management in women with PCOS. Full article

Lifestyle, nutrition, and metabolic status are central to maintaining women’s reproductive health. With the rising prevalence of infertility, the need for effective strategies to preserve and enhance women’s reproductive well-being has become increasingly urgent. Quercetin, a plant-derived polyphenol, has attracted growing interest for its potential to support reproductive health, regulate the hormonal balance, and improve fertility. This narrative review examines Quercetin’s role in women’s reproductive health and delineates its possible mechanisms of action in female reproductive system disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome, recurrent miscarriage, and cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancer (EC). By highlighting the biological pathways through which quercetin may exert its effects, this article underscores the need for further research and clinical trials to validate its therapeutic potential and its applications as a bioactive compound in foods aimed at enhancing women’s reproductive health. Full article

This study evaluates the impact of PM2.5 exposure from wood combustion on reproductive health and fetal development using an experimental model in Sprague Dawley rats. The study was conducted in Temuco, Chile, where high levels of air pollution are primarily attributed to residential wood burning. A multigenerational exposure model was implemented using controlled exposure chambers with filtered (FA) and unfiltered (NFA) air. Second-generation (G2) female rats (n = 48) were exposed pregestationally (60 days) and gestationally (23 days) under four conditions: FA/FA, FA/NFA, NFA/FA, and NFA/NFA. PM2.5 concentration and composition were monitored using beta-ray attenuation and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Reproductive parameters, ovarian follicle counts, and hormonal levels were assessed via vaginal cytology, histological analysis, and chemiluminescence immunoassays. PM2.5 exposure disrupted estrous cyclicity (p = 0.0001), reduced antral and growing follicles (p = 0.0020; p = 0.0317), and increased post-implantation losses (p = 0.0149). Serum progesterone and estradiol levels were significantly altered (p < 0.05). Despite ovarian disruptions, fertility rates remained unchanged. These findings suggest that chronic exposure to wood smoke-derived PM2.5 adversely affects ovarian function and fetal growth without significantly impairing overall reproductive capacity. This study highlights the need for public health policies to mitigate wood smoke pollution. Full article

This study examines the differences in performance between orbitally shaken bioreactors (OSBs) and stirred tank bioreactors (STBs) in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell perfusion culture in response to the growing market demand for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Although OSBs demonstrated higher cell densities, a notable reduction in specific antibody production rates was observed during the mid-to-late phases of the culture compared with STBs. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, the rheological behaviour of high-density cell suspensions in both reactor types was initially characterised, confirming their adherence to the Sisko fluid model. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis revealed the influence of these rheological properties on the shear stress distribution and mass transfer. This analysis identified the key limiting factors for achieving higher cell densities: mass transfer efficiency in OSBs and shear stress in STBs. Using an Euler–Lagrangian cell-tracking methodology to analyse cellular “lifelines”, it was determined that OSBs exhibited approximately twice the number and frequency of shear stress peak occurrences compared to STBs. This persistent mechanical stimulation likely contributes to the reduced specific antibody production rates observed. This comprehensive investigation not only clarifies the comparative advantages and limitations of different bioreactor types in perfusion culture but also provides a robust theoretical basis and technical guidance for informed reactor selection, optimisation, and scale-up in industrial production environments. Full article

Background: Elastography is an ultrasound-based imaging technology that allows for quantitative measurement of tissue stiffness and elasticity. In reproductive medicine, it is a potential non-invasive method for assessing ovarian activity, uterine contractility, and endometrial receptivity. While conventional ultrasound provides anatomical and vascular information, it does not assess biomechanical properties, which are important for understanding polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), predicting intrauterine insemination (IUI) success, and determining endometrial receptivity in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA principles, and the protocol was recorded in PROSPERO. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across several databases to uncover studies that used real-time elastography (RTE) or shear wave elastography (SWE) for PCOS diagnosis, IUI result prediction, or endometrial receptivity evaluation in IVF. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I technique. Results: Four studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. One study indicated that PCOS patients had considerably increased ovarian stiffness, which supports elastography as a diagnostic marker. Another study found that increased uterine flexibility and decreased contractility were related with better IUI outcomes. A retrospective cohort research discovered that non-uniform endometrial echogenicity had no influence on IVF results. Furthermore, SWE successfully evaluated endometrial receptivity in unexplained infertility, with higher stiffness being related to reduced implantation potential. Conclusions: Elastography gives real-time, quantitative insights into reproductive biomechanics, with potential applications in infertility diagnosis and ART improvement. However, the absence of defined imaging procedures and confirmed clinical criteria prevent its broad use. More large-scale prospective investigations are required to improve elastographic parameters and define diagnostic cutoffs for clinical use. Full article

Background/Objective: It has been established that HINTW plays a pivotal role in the female differentiation of chickens; nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be fully elucidated. Method: To investigate the role of HINTW in avian sex determination, a prokaryotic expression vector containing its key structural domain was constructed, and its in vitro expression was achieved. Pull-down assays were performed to capture interacting proteins from male and female gonadal tissues, followed by a silver staining analysis to compare interaction profiles between ovaries and testes. Mass spectrometry was utilized to identify differentially bound proteins. Additionally, functional characterization and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays were conducted to validate the interaction between HINTW and its candidate binding partner. Result: A total of 1590 differentially bound proteins were identified between ovarian and testicular tissues. Functional analysis and Co-IP assays confirmed a specific interaction between HINTW and UBE2I in the ovary, suggesting that HINTW may facilitate female differentiation in chicken embryos through its interaction with UBE2I. Conclusions: This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying HINTW-mediated female differentiation in chickens and contributes to a deeper understanding of avian sex determination. Full article

Egg production is a complex biological process closely linked to ovarian development and metabolic adaptation in laying hens. As the core reproductive organ, the ovary undergoes significant changes during different egg-laying stages. This study employed untargeted metabolomics to analyze metabolites in serum and ovarian tissues of hens at 20W and 30W. The results revealed that metabolic reprogramming in ovarian tissues was more pronounced than in serum. Shared metabolites between serum and ovarian tissues demonstrated coordinated interactions between systemic and local metabolic networks. The synthesis of prostaglandin E1 during lipid metabolism was identified as a key driver of ovulation and hormone production. Extracellular matrix remodeling and polyamine metabolism, particularly spermidine/spermine, enhanced cell adhesion and antioxidant capacity during ovarian development. These findings provide new insights into follicular development, ovulation regulation, and steroid hormone biosynthesis, while suggesting potential metabolic targets to improve poultry reproductive efficiency. Full article

The Rhox family of homeobox transcription factors comprises established regulators of gonad function, but their downstream targets have been relatively elusive, particularly in the female reproductive tract. Here, we characterize Ins2 as a downstream target of the two granulosa cell-specific factors, Rhox5 and Rhox8, in the ovary. While INS2 is classically produced by islet cells in the pancreas, we found that Ins2 gene expression is present in the mural granulosa cell layer of large antral follicles, and it was not significantly reduced in Rhox5-null mice. This was a surprising finding as we previously validated Ins2 as a direct target of RHOX5 in Sertoli cells, the male counterpart to granulosa cells that serves the germ cell nurse function in the testis. In the ovary, RHOX8 appears to be the major driver of Ins2 expression, as evidenced from the maximal activity of Ins2 promoter reporter plasmids when RHOX8 protein was active within granulosa cells in vitro and the downregulation of endogenous Ins2 in mice with the granulosa cell-specific knockdown of RHOX8 in vivo. RHOX5 induces Rhox8 expression in pre-antral granulosa cells and then becomes relatively silent in peri-ovulatory follicles. However, Rhox8 does not peak until after the ovulatory LH surge. The induction of Rhox8 by progesterone, after the normal window of RHOX5 has passed, may explain why Rhox5-null female mice display apparently normal fertility, if RHOX8 is capable of the redundant stimulation of target genes that are essential for ovulation. Full article

Chitin deacetylase modifies chitin and has critical functions in the growth and development of insects; however, whether it has other roles is unclear. Laodelphax striatellus not only directly feeds on the phloem sap of rice but also transmits RSV, leading to significant losses in rice production. In this study, four CDA genes were identified based on SBPH genomic data and were classified into groups I and III based on a phylogenetic analysis. The expression of LsCDA1 and LsCDA2 in RSV-infected SBPH was increased by 282% and 159%, respectively, relative to the non-infected SBPH control. Additionally, RSV enhanced the expression of LsCDA1 (increased by 194%) in the ovaries. Yeast two-hybrid and glutathione-S-transferase pull-down assays demonstrated the interaction between LsCDA1 and RSV proteins NP and NS2. Furthermore, the knockdown of LsCDA1 expression decreased viral loads in RSV-infected SBPH and its ovaries by 66% and 72% relative to the dsGFP control. Silencing LsCDA1 significantly decreased VgR expression in SBPH and its ovaries and reduced fecundity. These results indicate that LsCDA1 positively regulates RSV accumulation in the ovaries and SBPH reproduction by modulating VgR expression, which offers a novel strategy for controlling both RSV and SBPH by targeting LsCDA1. Full article

Background/Objectives: A healthy diet is essential for managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), yet optimal recommendations remain unclear, highlighting the need to explore alternative lifestyle interventions. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) supports cardiometabolic health; however, challenges with adherence within this population are unknown. This study examines the acceptability and experiences of an ad libitum MedDiet in women with PCOS, offering recommendations for implementation. Methods: A 12-week MedDiet intervention was conducted with women aged 18–45 years, diagnosed with PCOS and a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² (n = 12). Adherence was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener. Surveys and semi-structured interviews, guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation–Behaviour (COM-B) model, explored participants’ experiences. Thematic analysis identified barriers and facilitators, which were mapped to the COM-B and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), with all findings subsequently aligned with the Behaviour Change Wheel to inform implementation strategies. Results: MedDiet adherence significantly improved from baseline to week 12 (Baseline: 4.1 ± 1.8; week 12: 8.3 ± 2.3; p = 0.001), alongside increases in knowledge (p = 0.004), cooking confidence (p = 0.01), and time management (p = 0.01). Adherence factors were mapped to 12 of the 14 TDF domains. Key facilitators included health benefits, reduced weight pressure, educational resources, and simple guidelines. Barriers involved organisation, food availability, and external influences. Effective implementation should integrate MedDiet education, behaviour change support, practical resources, and professional training for nutrition professionals and healthcare providers to support referrals and weight-neutral dietary management. Conclusions: A short-term ad libitum MedDiet is acceptable for women with PCOS. Strategies for patients and healthcare providers, aligned with the intervention functions of education, training, and enablement, are key to supporting adherence. Full article

Ovarian endometriomas (OEMs), cystic formations within the ovaries, are a significant manifestation of endometriosis and present in 20–40% of affected women. Despite extensive research, the pathogenesis of endometriosis remains unclear, with retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia, and lymphatic dissemination being proposed mechanisms. OEMs negatively impact ovarian function by reducing the ovarian reserve, disrupting folliculogenesis, and altering the ovarian microenvironment through oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) accelerate follicular atresia, and extracellular matrix remodeling contributes to ovarian damage, while immune dysregulation and cytokine imbalances further exacerbate the condition. The presence of OEMs does not significantly affect live birth rates in in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, despite potential reductions in the quality and quantity of oocytes. However, their surgical excision compromises the ovarian reserve. This review highlights the complex mechanisms by which OEMs impair ovarian function and emphasizes the need for further research to develop strategies that mitigate these effects, ultimately improving reproductive outcomes for women with endometriomas. Full article

Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), a well-known decomposer of organic wastes, is widely applied to treat food, livestock, and poultry wastes to reduce environmental pollution. It is also used to produce high-protein feed, organic fertilizers, and biomedicine as well as biodiesel. The development of the endo-reproductive system in insects plays a crucial role in their reproduction, which is key in economic insect culture. In this study, we investigate the developmental process of the endo-reproductive system and the effect of mating status on the development of the female reproductive system in adult H. illucens. The results show that the morphological characteristics of the internal reproductive system of adult H. illucens differed with age and mating status. Males exhibited a higher testicular dimension at 2–5 days old, with testicular length and width reaching their maximum at 3 days old, displaying significant differences across ages (p < 0.05). The developmental period of the ovaries varied with time and was classified into five distinct stages. The morphological characteristics of the endo-reproductive system of adult females at different mating status showed differences. The spermatheca of the unmated female was translucent, while that of the mated female exhibited cloudiness and became lighter in color with age. The length and width of the spermatheca of the mated female were larger than that of unmated females (p < 0.05). However, the length and width of the spermathecae of the mated and unmated females reached their maximum at 5 days old. Mating status affected the development of eggs; mated females oviposited matured eggs at 5 days old, while unmated females oviposited matured eggs at 9 days old. The results suggest that mating status can promote the development of eggs in H. illucens. Additionally, the maturity level or mating status can be determined based on the morphology of the endo-reproductive system and its contents. Full article