Search Results (3,009)

Background: Homocysteine (Hcy) plays a pivotal role in human reproduction, influencing gamete quality, embryo development, implantation, and pregnancy outcomes. It is central to folate and methionine metabolism and supports methylation-dependent epigenetic processes. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) exerts diverse biological effects and is associated with reproductive impairments in both sexes, affecting both spontaneous fertility and the outcome of assisted reproduction, including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Although the mechanisms of HHcy toxicity in reproduction are not fully understood, significant progress has been made in elucidating its effects. The emerging picture is complex, as Hcy and its metabolites impact biomolecules and cellular processes in a tissue- and sex-specific manner. Results: In men, HHcy compromises sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) integrity, methylation, and testicular microcirculation, reducing fertility potential. In women, HHcy disrupts follicular growth, oocyte competence, embryo quality, and endometrial receptivity, increasing the risk of implantation failure, miscarriage, and pregnancy complications. In assisted reproduction, HHcy and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) variants may lower oocyte yield and embryo quality, although folate and B-vitamin supplementation can mitigate these effects. Conclusions: These effects largely reflect oxidative, inflammatory, vascular and epigenetic mechanisms, highlighting Hcy as a modifiable factor for improving natural fertility, optimizing IVF outcomes, and supporting healthy offspring development. Full article

Objective: Multifetal gestations are linked to an increased risk of pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders and other adverse outcomes. The probability positively correlates with the number of fetuses. Therefore, the objective of the study was to assess the use of various maternal and pregnancy-related characteristics for the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes in triplet pregnancies, dependent on different possible predictive factors such as maternal age, BMI, assisted reproductive technology (ART), parity, uterine artery Doppler (UtA-PI) measured and chorionicity. Methods: This was a screening study in 99 triplet pregnancies to evaluate the risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes for PE, hypertension, fetal growth restriction (FGR), intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), small for gestational age (SGA) and preterm birth below 32 + 0 gestational weeks, dependent on different possible predictive factors. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: 99 triplet pregnancies were included. Additionally, 58 women (58.6%) developed adverse pregnancy outcomes: FGR 16.2%, SGA (3.0%). Gestational hypertension was observed in 16 pregnancies (16.2%), and preeclampsia was diagnosed in 11 cases (11.1%). Furthermore, 6 pregnancies (6.2%) were complicated by IUFD, and 36 pregnancies (36.4%) resulted in preterm birth before 32 + 0 weeks of gestation. Conclusions: Hypertension and PE are common maternal complications in triplet pregnancies. While higher maternal age is a clear predictor of hypertension and PE, a model based on maternal and pregnancy characteristics did not provide sufficient predictive accuracy. Full article

The Xujiahe Formation (FM) is a significant source rock layer in the Sichuan Basin. In recent years, a growing number of scholars believe that the shale gas potential of the Xujiahe Formation is equally substantial, with the first member of the formation being the richest resource. The deposition of Member (Mbr) 1 of Xujiahe FM represents the first and most extensive transgression event within the entire Xujiahe Formation. This study investigates the sedimentary environment and organic matter (OM) enrichment mechanisms of the dark mud shales in the Mbr1 of Xujiahe FM on the southeastern margin of the Sichuan Basin, utilizing methods such as elemental geochemistry and organic geochemistry analyses. The results indicate that these dark mud shales possess a relatively high OM abundance, averaging 2.20% and reaching a maximum of 6.22%. The OM is primarily Type II₂ to Type III. Furthermore, the paleoclimate during the Mbr1 period in the study area was warm and humid with lush aquatic vegetation. Intense weathering and ample precipitation transported large amounts of nutrients into the lacustrine/marine basin, promoting the growth and reproduction of algae and terrestrial plants. Correlation analysis between the Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content and various geochemical proxies in the Mbr1 mud shales suggests that OM enrichment in the study area was primarily controlled by the climate and sedimentation rate; substantial OM accumulation occurred only with abundant terrigenous OM input and a relatively high sedimentation rate. Redox conditions, primarily productivity, and terrigenous detrital input acted as secondary factors, collectively modulating OM enrichment. Event-driven transgressions also played an important role in creating conditions favorable for OM preservation. Synthesizing the influence of these multiple factors on OM enrichment, this study proposes two distinct composite models for OM enrichment, dominated by climate and sedimentation rate. Full article

Infertility remains a major global health concern, with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and impaired endometrial receptivity representing key contributors to poor assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an autologous blood-derived concentrate enriched with growth factors and cytokines, has emerged as a promising regenerative therapy with angiogenic, anti-apoptotic, and proliferative properties. In reproductive medicine, intraovarian PRP has been evaluated for its potential to restore ovarian function in women with DOR and POI, improve oocyte competence and embryo euploidy, and promote ovulation in PCOS. Similarly, intrauterine PRP infusion or subendometrial zone injections has shown encouraging results in women with recurrent implantation failure and thin endometrium, enhancing endometrial thickness, receptivity, and implantation potential. Evidence from preclinical animal models and early clinical studies suggests multi-level mechanisms of action, including modulation of endocrine pathways, reduction in oxidative stress, activation of dormant follicles, and improvement of endometrial angiogenesis and receptivity. Despite these promising findings, results remain inconsistent due to heterogeneity in PRP preparation protocols, administration routes, timing, and study designs. Even though robust randomized controlled trials with standardized methodologies are needed to determine the efficacy and long-term reproductive outcomes of PRP in infertility treatment and anovulation in PCOS, PRP represents a novel and potentially transformative adjunct in reproductive endocrinology. Full article

Varuna litterata is an estuarine crab species widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, commonly dwelling in brackish waters, mangrove forests, and tidal estuaries. In Bangladesh, while four Scylla species dominate the commercial crab market, the locally consumed V. litterata remains a biologically overlooked gem of the coastal waters. These crabs are frequently captured as a byproduct during shrimp fry collection from coastal estuaries. In this context, the current study investigates the reproductive biology, morphometric dynamics, and market potential of V. litterata collected from the Pasur River, a coastal mangrove forest-adjacent estuary of southern Bangladesh. A total of 75 individuals were collected from March to April 2023, comprising 35 males and 40 females, resulting in a sex ratio of 1:1.14 (♂:♀), with a predominance of females. A visual observation of ovary development revealed four distinct maturation stages, with Stage IV (fully mature) being the most prevalent (43%), indicating peak reproductive activity during the sampling period. Morphometric analysis revealed that the average carapace width (CW) was 31.2 ± 5.7 mm and 31.9 ± 5.8 mm and the mean carapace length (CL) was 29.3 ± 4.7 mm and 30.1 ± 4.9 mm in males and females, respectively. However, the mean body weight (BW) was 13.1 ± 4.3 g in males and 12.7 ± 3.8 g in female crabs. The dominant CW class ranges from 33 to 33.99 mm (males) and 28.99–29.99 mm (females), appear to be the most vulnerable to fishing pressure. BW-CW and CL-CW relationships demonstrated negative allometric growth, with high correlations in both sexes. Significant sexual dimorphism was observed, with males having larger cheliped dimensions, while females had broader abdomens, likely supporting reproductive functions that are essential to their conservation. The marketing of this crab remains largely informal, yet rising local demand and prices highlight its emerging commercial potential. Therefore, incorporation into aquaculture and coastal fishery development of this crab species could enhance food security, support livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable blue economy initiatives in Bangladesh. Full article

With the rapid increase in the synthesis and application of graphene oxide (GO), questions have emerged about its inadvertent entry into aquatic habitats and the ecological consequences associated with such exposure While several studies have addressed the acute effects of GO, knowledge on its chronic impacts across multiple trophic levels remains limited. In this study, we assessed the chronic toxicity of a well-characterized GO product using model organisms representing three trophic levels: the bioluminescent marine bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri, unicellular green algae (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Chlorella vulgaris, Desmodesmus subspicatus), the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus, and the freshwater cladoceran Daphnia magna. Endpoints included bioluminescence inhibition in bacteria, growth inhibition in photosynthetic primary producers, and reproduction and refined physiological parameters (heart rate, feeding activity) in D. magna. Our results demonstrated clear concentration-dependent chronic effects of GO, with A. fischeri, the applied photosynthetic primary producers and D. magna exhibiting significant inhibition of bioluminescence, growth, delayed onset of reproduction, and reduced fitness parameters, respectively. Based on the collected data, a comprehensive ecotoxicological risk assessment was carried out, revealing that pristine GO may pose negligible hazard to aquatic ecosystems under environmentally relevant exposure scenarios. The outcomes clearly demonstrate the relevance of incorporating chronic and multi-trophic effects when evaluating the ecological risks of emerging nanomaterials such as GO. Full article

To understand the changes in gonadal sex differentiation, digestive enzyme activity, and growth-related hormone levels in the larval and juvenile black scraper, Thamnaconus modestus, continuous sampling was conducted from 0 to 91 days post-hatching (dph). 17β-estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) levels, six digestive enzymes, as well as T3, T4, GH, and IGF-I were detected. The results showed that oogonia or spermatogonia was observed at 60 dph. During the sex differentiation to female or male, both E2 and T levels significantly increased (p < 0.05), suggesting that E2 and T may induce the sex differentiation to female or male in T. modestus, respectively. The amylase activity from 0 to 35 dph showed a slow upward trend, which may be due to the transition from endogenous to exogenous nutrition at this time. From 12 to 25 dph, alkaline protease activity significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while acid protease levels significantly increased (p < 0.05), suggesting that as organs in the digestive system continue to develop, acid protease plays an important role. T3 and T4 could already be detected at 0 dph, and the T4 content was always much higher than T3 throughout the stages, indicating that T4 may play more important roles than T3. Additionally, the changes in IGF-I and GH content followed a trend of an initial increase, a subsequent decrease, and then an increase, ultimately showing an overall upward trend. These results indicate that T4, IGF-I, and GH play crucial roles in growth and development in the juvenile fish. In conclusion, the results of this study provide useful information for growth, artificial reproduction, and sex regulation in T. modestus. Full article

Silver (Ag) is widely released into aquatic environments through industrial and municipal discharges, with concentrations often reaching toxic levels for aquatic organisms. Its further extensive use in antimicrobials, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has increased environmental inputs. As Ag⁺ is the most toxic form of Ag, understanding its ecological risks remains critical for environmental regulation and ecosystem protection. Thus, we investigated multigenerational and transgenerational toxicity of Ag⁺ as AgNO₃ on the ecologically important species midge Chironomus riparius using two complementary long-term life-cycle experiments. Experiment 1 simulated exposures with pulsed high environmentally relevant concentrations and recovery phases (nominal 3 µg/L), while Experiment 2 assessed continuous low environmentally relevant concentrations (nominal 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 3 µg/L) across four exposed generations of C. riparius followed by three recovery generations. Endpoints included survival, development, reproduction, growth as well as the population growth rate (PGR). Continuous Ag⁺ exposure produced cumulative increases in mortality and declines in emergence, reduced fertility and eggs per rope, delayed development (especially in females), and progressive reductions in PGR. Notably, adverse effects emerged or intensified over generations and were detectable at very low concentrations: some reproductive and survival endpoints showed significant impairment at the European Union’s environmental quality standard (EU-EQS) level (0.01 µg/L) by the fourth generation, while transgenerational effects persisted at ≥0.1 µg/L. Partial recovery occurred after removal of contamination at the lowest concentrations but not after higher exposures. The present study not only indicates that chronic, low-level Ag⁺ contamination can produce persistent, population-level adverse impacts on C. riparius, but also underscores the necessity for long-term ecological assessments to establish more protective standards and maintain ecosystem stability. Full article

Nutritional factors play a crucial role in many gynecological disorders, particularly those influenced by estrogen. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that affect a large proportion of women of reproductive age, especially between 30 and 40 years. These lesions may cause significant symptoms, including pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility. In younger women, the onset of fibroids is often associated with familial and genetic predisposition, whereas in adulthood, hormonal influences linked to environmental factors and states of exogenous or endogenous hyperestrogenism are more frequently observed. In both contexts, supportive management through an appropriate diet may provide clinical benefit. Although the precise pathogenesis remains incompletely understood, hormonal, genetic, and environmental components—particularly hyperestrogenism—are considered key contributors to fibroid development. Current evidence suggests that consumption of saturated fats, particularly from red meat and full-fat dairy, may raise circulating estrogen concentrations and contribute to the development of fibroids. In contrast, diets abundant in fiber, fruits, and vegetables appear to exert a protective effect, potentially lowering fibroid risk. Obesity, through increased aromatization and consequent estrogen production, also represents an established risk factor. This narrative review aims to explore the role of nutritional determinants in the onset and progression of uterine fibroids, with a specific focus on the impact of individual nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns on clinical outcomes. Particular emphasis is placed on obesity and macronutrient composition (e.g., high-fat versus high-fiber dietary regimens) as potential modulators of circulating estrogen levels and, consequently, fibroid growth dynamics. Furthermore, the potential of nutritional strategies as complementary therapeutic approaches, capable of integrating established clinical practices, is examined. Full article

Two experiments evaluated the effects of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) injection on body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), pregnancy rate, ovarian traits, and antioxidant and inflammatory responses of beef heifers. In Exp. 1, 29 heifers were assigned to having saline or CuZn (a solution containing 15 and 50 mg/mL of Cu and Zn) subcutaneously injected (5 mL/heifer) 9 days before artificial insemination. Exp. 2 was conducted to increase the statistical power to evaluate pregnancy rate, and 283 heifers were assigned to either the saline or CuZn group. In Exp. 1, CuZn heifers tended (p ≤ 0.10) to gain more BW and to have greater corpus luteum size and plasma concentration of glutathione peroxidase. No effects of treatment were detected (p ≥ 0.18) for BCS; estrus score; serum concentration of Cu, Zn, and cortisol; and plasma concentration of haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, and superoxide dismutase. In Exp. 2, CuZn heifers had greater (p < 0.01) BW and serum Cu. The CuZn heifers with low BCS had greater (p ≤ 0.05) estrus scores and tended (p = 0.10) to have greater pregnancy rates. Thus, injecting CuZn may be an effective strategy to enhance growth, reproductive performance, and antioxidant responses in heifers, especially when their BCS is below 5. Full article

A self-sustaining population of birdfoot violet (Viola pedata), a host plant for the threatened western subspecies of regal fritillary butterfly (Argynnis idalia occidentalis) caterpillar, was examined during a single year from April to June 2021 on a small, 3.1 ha dry bluff prairie hillslope within the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area in southeastern Minnesota USA. Assessments were conducted to determine if violet populations on small prairie remnants could support seed collecting to establish new populations nearby. Ten transects and five random plots were used to assess violet density and monitor violet growth, reproductive phenology, and seed production. Violet densities were high (>5 plants/m²), with greatest densities at middle elevations on the hillside in the middle of the prairie rather than near the edges. The total population of birdfoot violets on the hillside was extrapolated from density estimates based on 200, 1-m² plots to be >62,000 plants. Seed set was low (less than one pod per plant) but nearly 400,000 total seeds were produced during the 2021 growing season. More than 3000 seeds (<1% of estimated seed production on the study hillslope) were collected for out-planting to establish a new violet population in nearby Whitewater State Park. Some small bluff prairies in southeastern Minnesota and elsewhere under certain conditions may sustain violet populations large enough to permit seed collecting to establish additional populations during restoration of native prairie communities. These ultimately should provide much needed habitat for regal fritillary butterflies to partially compensate for ongoing habitat losses. Full article

Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances globally and is a common component of daily diets, particularly among women of reproductive age. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have indicated potential adverse effects of prenatal caffeine exposure, including disturbances in fetal growth, metabolic dysregulation, organ malformations, and neurodevelopmental alterations. These findings suggest that caffeine may influence multiple physiological pathways during gestation, including epigenetic modifications and metabolic programming. However, evidence from human studies remains heterogeneous and often inconclusive. Recent cohort studies and meta-analyses have reported that moderate maternal caffeine intake is not significantly associated with increased risks of gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, or preeclampsia, although higher intake levels have been linked to anemia, preterm birth, and low birth weight in some populations. Furthermore, emerging data suggest potential associations between prenatal caffeine exposure and early neurodevelopmental outcomes, including behavioral changes, subtle structural brain differences, and alterations in offspring metabolic health and obesity risk. Despite these findings, the magnitude and clinical relevance of these effects remain uncertain, partly due to variability in caffeine sources, dosages, study designs, and reliance on self-reported intake. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on maternal caffeine consumption, its impact on pregnancy complications, fetal development, and long-term child health outcomes. By integrating experimental and clinical data, the study provides a comprehensive overview that may assist clinicians and healthcare professionals in counseling pregnant women regarding caffeine intake and potential risks. Full article

This study aims to identify molecular markers with prognostic value for biochemical pregnancy in follicular fluid (FF) samples from women with endometriosis after assisted reproductive technology (ART) intervention. Levels of growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9), bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP-15), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) proteins were semi-quantified by Western blotting and microRNAs 20a_1, 145_1, 320a_1, 125-b-5p, 212-3p, and 199_a by qPCR in FF samples from women submitted to ART with a previous diagnosis of endometriosis (n = 20) or male factor infertility (controls) (n = 44). An increase in GDF-9 and BMP-15 and a decrease in AMH mature protein were observed, as well as an increase in miR20a_1 (p = 0.04), miR145_1 (p = 0.003), and miR320a_1 (p = 0.006) in FF samples collected from women with endometriosis compared with controls. A reduction was observed in miR125b-5p (p = 0.004) and 212-3p (p = 0.02) in endometriosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that miR125b-5p, miR212-3p, and miR-145_1 are potential predictors of endometriosis, and miR145_1 and miR320a_1 of biochemical pregnancy in controls. Although limited by a small sample size, the current study demonstrated alterations in AMH, BMP-15, GDF-9, and specific miRNA levels in FF samples harvested from women with endometriosis, emphasizing their potential roles in endometriosis-related infertility. These microRNAs, dysregulated in women with endometriosis, unveil their biomarker properties and their predictive value for ART success. Full article

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, is regulated by a balance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. In adults, this process typically occurs in response to inflammation, wound healing, and neoplastic growth. Uniquely, the female reproductive system undergoes cyclical and repetitive angiogenesis with folliculogenesis, decidualization, implantation, and embryo development throughout the reproductive cycle. Ovarian angiogenesis involves a coordinated network of signaling pathways and molecular factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the primary driver of this process, supported by other regulators such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern ovarian angiogenesis is essential for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in reproductive medicine. Vascular dysfunction and impaired angiogenesis are key contributors to various ovarian disorders and infertility, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Therefore, in-depth studies of ovarian vascularization are crucial for identifying the pathophysiology of these conditions and guiding the development of effective treatments. Advancing knowledge in this area holds significant potential for innovation in both medicine and biotechnology. Full article

Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski has been introduced to many countries due to its ornamental and economic value. However, it has been listed in the world’s 100 worst alien invasive species due to its invasive nature. This species easily escapes cultivation and forms dense ground covers. It reproduces asexually through ramet formation from stem fragments. It also produces a large number of viable seeds that establish extensive seed banks. The movement of stem fragments and the dispersal of seeds, coupled with human activity, contribute to its short- and long-distance distribution. S. trilobata grows rapidly due to its high nutrient absorption and photosynthetic abilities. It exhibits high genetic and epigenetic variation. It can adapt to the different habitats and tolerate various adverse environmental conditions, including cold and high temperatures, low and high light irradiation, low nutrient levels, waterlogging, drought, salinity and global warming. S. trilobata has powerful defense systems against herbivory and pathogen infection. These systems activate the jasmonic acid signaling pathway, producing several defensive compounds. This species may also acquire more resources through allelopathy, which suppresses the germination and growth of neighboring plants. These life history traits and defensive abilities likely contribute to its invasive nature. This is the first review to focus on the mechanisms of its invasiveness in terms of growth, and reproduction, as well as its ability to adapt to different environmental conditions and defend itself. Full article