RESUMO
This study investigates the role of self-perceived burden as a mediating factor in the association between perceived partner responsiveness and fertility intentions in women of reproductive age diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. A sample of 366 female inflammatory bowel disease patients from Changsha, China, was recruited using convenience sampling. Participants completed assessments, including the Impact of Perceived Partner Responsiveness Scale, Self-Perceived Burden Scale, Fertility Intentions Questionnaire, and a demographic questionnaire. Results indicated a moderate-to-low level of fertility intentions (mean score: 5.33 ± 2.21), with corresponding moderate levels of self-perceived burden (mean score: 30.01 ± 10.02) and perceived partner responsiveness (mean score: 52.80 ± 17.03). Positive correlations were observed between perceived partner responsiveness and fertility intentions and negative correlations between self-perceived burden and fertility intentions. The relationship between perceived partner responsiveness and fertility intentions was found to be partially mediated by self-perceived burden. These findings highlight the significance of perceived partner responsiveness and self-perceived burden in shaping fertility intentions among women with inflammatory bowel disease.
Assuntos
Doenças Inflamatórias Intestinais , Intenção , Humanos , Feminino , Adulto , Doenças Inflamatórias Intestinais/psicologia , Adulto Jovem , Fertilidade , Autoimagem , Inquéritos e Questionários , China , Efeitos Psicossociais da Doença , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Parceiros Sexuais/psicologia , Estudos TransversaisRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The fertility health of the migrating population has attracted significant attention. This article examines the impact of parental retirement on the fertility intentions of the offspring among the internal migrant population. METHODS: This study utilizes the mandatory retirement age system as an exogenous shock within a fuzzy regression discontinuity (FRD) experimental design to investigate the influence of parents' retirement on the fertility intentions of their migrant offspring and potential mechanisms. RESULTS: The research findings indicate that parents' retirement significantly reduces the fertility intentions of the migrant population by 34.4%. Mechanism analysis attributes this adverse effect to the reduction in intergenerational wealth transfer due to parent's retirement. As the family's economic situation worsens, the negative impact of retirement on fertility intentions becomes more pronounced. The childcare support mechanism provided by retired grandparents can partially offset the adverse effects of the income mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides recommendations for enhancing policies related to delaying retirement age and childcare.
Assuntos
Fertilidade , Pais , Aposentadoria , Migrantes , Humanos , Aposentadoria/psicologia , China , Migrantes/psicologia , Feminino , Masculino , Pais/psicologia , Intenção , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
PURPOSE: To determine the effect of electromagnetic waves of mobile phone stations on several sperm parameters and the male reproductive system. METHODS: This observational study was performed on 216 subjects, aged 18-60 years. Two equal groups of subjects were assigned to group A (study group) if they were living close to cell phone tower stations for at least 6 months and group B (control group) formed from individuals living 100 meters away from cell phone tower stations. Every subject underwent a comprehensive history taking, a clinical assessment, and laboratory testing. RESULTS: Regarding morphology index in the studied groups, the exposed group exhibited a trend of reduced percentage of normal morphology compared to the non-exposed group, with no statistical difference between the two groups. Regarding the total sperm motility (A+B+C) and progressive sperm motility (A+B) in the studied groups, the exposed group showed a trend of decreased total sperm motility and of progressive sperm motility in contrast to the non-exposed group, with no statistical difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Personal wrong lifestyles with exposure to electromagnetic waves have shown a trend towards a reduced percentage of normal morphology and reduced motility although nonstatistically significant compared with non-exposed populations.
Assuntos
Telefone Celular , Ondas de Rádio , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto , Adolescente , Adulto Jovem , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/efeitos da radiação , Ondas de Rádio/efeitos adversos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Radiação Eletromagnética , Fertilidade/efeitos da radiação , Espermatozoides/efeitos da radiação , Infertilidade Masculina/etiologia , Exposição Ambiental/efeitos adversosRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Despite being highly preventable, cervical cancer (CC) is the eighth most prevalent form of female cancer in Armenia and the second most common malignancy among those aged 15 to 44. In Armenia, there is an age-standardized incidence of 7.8 per 100,000 females, and an age-standardized mortality of 4.6 per 100,000 females. Globally, the CC is the 4th most common cancer among women. Its incidence was 604,127 new cases and 341,831 deaths in 2020. We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study using clinical data to verify the influence of HPV vaccine (Gardasil, Merck&CO) on fertility function in women, vaccinated in RA since 2017 year in the limits of anti-HPV vaccination Program (included in National Vaccination Calendar). MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the study, we analyzed data received from Armenian-American Wellness Center (Yerevan, Armenia). 98 female volunteers vaccinated with the 4vHPV who attended AAWC and were examined for reproductive function. The subjects were divided into 3 age groups - 1st group - 15 years -24 years 11 months, 2nd group - 25 years -34 years 11 months, 3rd group - 35 -40 years. Each control group was composed of randomly selected 30 healthy women in age identical to the main group who applied AAWC for regular checkup in the same time frame and have never been exposed to anti HPV vaccine. RESULTS: The current research is aimed to reveal any negative impact of 4vHPV vaccine on fertility indicators in Armenian cohort. The performed comparative statistical analysis of the assessed indicators has revealed the ORs<1 for POI, late fertilization disorders of menstrual cycle and anovulation prevalence indicators. The chance of investigated disorders' development in 4vHPV vaccine exposed cohort did not exaggerate that in non-exposed sample cohort. The significant difference was not observed in Anti-Mullerian Hormone, FSH basal levels, as well as in mean ovarian volume and number of antral follicles indicators between clinical and respective control groups (p<.05). CONCLUSION: The data obtained make us to conclude about absence of any negative impact of 4vHPV vaccine on fertility function indicators in 4vHPV vaccinated cohort in RA. The study results contribute to perception of the 4vHPV vaccine safety concept, what in its turn can trigger increase of vaccination coverage leading to CC control efficiency.
Assuntos
Fertilidade , Humanos , Feminino , Adulto , Armênia/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Estudos Retrospectivos , Adulto Jovem , Vacinas contra Papillomavirus/administração & dosagem , Vacinação/estatística & dados numéricos , Vacina Quadrivalente Recombinante contra HPV tipos 6, 11, 16, 18/administração & dosagem , Vacina Quadrivalente Recombinante contra HPV tipos 6, 11, 16, 18/uso terapêutico , Vacina Quadrivalente Recombinante contra HPV tipos 6, 11, 16, 18/imunologia , Estudos de Coortes , Infecções por Papillomavirus/prevenção & controleRESUMO
This study aimed to investigate whether heat stress, as defined by the temperature-humidity index (THI) during the close-up dry period, had any impact on the productive performance, fertility, and immunometabolic blood indices of dairy cows in the subsequent lactation. Lactation performance was associated with increasing THI values on - 21, - 14, and - 7 d before calving resulting in decreased milk yield by about 2.30, 2.60, and 2.90 kg, respectively. The THI on the - 7 d before the calving was negatively associated with fertility parameters such as delayed first estrus postpartum, an elongated calving interval by approximately 32 d, a higher number of services per conception by 1.00, and an elongated artificial insemination service period, days open, and inter-calving period by about 20, 52, and 52 d, respectively. The study found that the immunometabolic blood indices were associated with increasing THI values during the close-up dry period. The study showed that exposing dairy cows to close-up dry period heat stress had negative consequences on performance, fertility, and immunometabolic blood indices in the subsequent lactation. Therefore, it is recommended that herd management and barn microclimate changes be implemented earlier, starting from the late dry period, to mitigate the negative impact of heat stress.
Assuntos
Fertilidade , Resposta ao Choque Térmico , Lactação , Animais , Bovinos , Feminino , Fertilidade/fisiologia , Lactação/fisiologia , Estudos Prospectivos , Indústria de Laticínios , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/veterinária , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/sangue , Umidade , GravidezRESUMO
In this work, we obtained a general formulation for the mating probability and fertile egg production in helminth parasites, focusing on the reproductive behavior of polygamous parasites and its implications for transmission dynamics. By exploring various reproductive variables in parasites with density-dependent fecundity, such as helminth parasites, we departed from the traditional assumptions of Poisson and negative binomial distributions to adopt an arbitrary distribution model. Our analysis considered critical factors such as mating probability, fertile egg production, and the distribution of female and male parasites among hosts, whether they are distributed together or separately. We show that the distribution of parasites within hosts significantly influences transmission dynamics, with implications for parasite persistence and, therefore, with implications in parasite control. Using statistical models and empirical data from Monte Carlo simulations, we provide insights into the complex interplay of reproductive variables in helminth parasites, enhancing our understanding of parasite dynamics and the transmission of parasitic diseases.
Assuntos
Helmintos , Interações Hospedeiro-Parasita , Conceitos Matemáticos , Modelos Biológicos , Método de Monte Carlo , Animais , Feminino , Helmintos/fisiologia , Masculino , Interações Hospedeiro-Parasita/fisiologia , Fertilidade/fisiologia , Simulação por Computador , Reprodução/fisiologia , Comportamento Sexual Animal/fisiologia , Probabilidade , Óvulo/fisiologia , HumanosRESUMO
Objective: To evaluate oncological and reproductive outcomes of women ≤40 years undergoing fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) for stage â ¡ or â ¢ borderline ovarian tumor (BOT). Methods: The patients with BOT and ≤40 years old with stage â ¡-â ¢ BOT who underwent FSS enrolled from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2011 and March 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. The clinical data and follow-up results were obtained and analyzed. The univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis were used to explore high-risk factors associated with prognosis. Additionally, pregnancy outcomes were also analyzed. Results: (1) A total of 79 patients with stage â ¡-â ¢ BOT who have been treated with FSS were conducted, with an average age of (27.5±6.7) years old. The median tumor maximum diameter were 10.4 cm (range: 4.8-90.0 cm). The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage was stage â ¡ in 45 cases and stage â ¢ in 34 cases. According to the pathological types, there were 48 cases of serous tumor, 21 cases of mucinous tumor, 1 case of endometrioid tumor, and 9 cases of mixed types. There were 41 cases of unilateral ovarian involvement, 38 cases of bilateral ovarian involvement. There were 5 cases of microinvasion, 17 cases of micropapillary subtype. Extra-ovarian invasive implants were found in 5 cases, and there were 31 cases of merged ascites. (2) Tumor outcomes: the median follow-up time from primary cytoreduction were 58 months (range: 8-146 months). At the end of the observation period, 24 cases (30%, 24/79) recurred, among them 5 cases had two recurrences and 2 cases had three recurrences. There were 2 cases (3%, 2/79) of death and 1 case (1%, 1/79) of survival with tumor. (3) Analysis of prognostic risk factors: the results of univariate analysis showed that mucinous tumor, tumor maximum diameter >13.15 cm, FIGO stage â ¢, merged ascites, micropapillary subtype, invasive implantation, and bilateral ovarian involvement were independent risk factors (all P<0.05) for disease-free survival (DFS). FIGO stage â ¢ (HR=4.555, 95%CI: 1.525-13.607; P=0.007) and micropapillary subtype (HR=2.396, 95%CI: 1.003-5.725; P=0.049) were found to be related to DFS through the multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. (4) Pregnancy outcomes: among the patients with fertility intentions 36 cases (46%,36/79), 29 cases (81%, 29/36) had successful pregnancies, and 27 cases (75%, 27/36) had successful births. Conclusions: Patients with stage â ¡-â ¢ BOT underwent FSS have favorable survival and pregnancy rates. Micropapillary subtypes and FIGO staging (stage â ¢) are the significant risk factors of DFS.
Assuntos
Preservação da Fertilidade , Estadiamento de Neoplasias , Neoplasias Ovarianas , Humanos , Feminino , Neoplasias Ovarianas/cirurgia , Neoplasias Ovarianas/patologia , Preservação da Fertilidade/métodos , Adulto , Estudos Retrospectivos , Intervalo Livre de Doença , Adulto Jovem , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia , Gravidez , Ovário/cirurgia , Ovário/patologia , Resultado do Tratamento , FertilidadeRESUMO
The objective of this study was to determine the optimal timing, sperm concentration, and body condition score (BCS) for laparoscopic artificial insemination (LAI) in the subtropical Lohi sheep breed. In Experiment 1, Lohi ewes (n = 80) were synchronised through progestin-sponges (day 0-day 11), administering PGF2α (d-cloprostenol 75 µg/mL; i.m. @ 75 µg /ewe) on day 09 and eCG (i.m. @ 300 IU/ewe) on day 11. Ewes were divided equally into four groups (n = 20 each) and then LAI was performed at 48 (T48), 60 (T60), 72 (T72) and 96 (T96) hours post-sponge removal using 200 million sperm/insemination. In Experiment 2, ewes (n = 81) were synchronised as in Experiment I. Following synchronisation ewes were divided into four groups, each subjected to LAI employing varying sperm concentrations: 10 (S10; n = 21), 20 (S20; n = 20), 50 (S50; n = 20), or 100 (S100; n = 20) million per insemination. Inseminations were performed within a time window of 48-60 h post-sponge removal, based on the findings from Experiment 1. In both experiments ewes were categorised according to BCS, that is, medium 3 and high > 3. Results of Experiment 1 revealed a quadratic response that ewes inseminated at 60-h post-sponge removal exhibited significantly higher pregnancy and twinning rates (p = 0.02). The results of Experiment 2 revealed that sperm concentration had a quadratic effect, 50 million sperm per insemination resulted in maximal pregnancy rates (p = 0.01). Additionally, ewes with medium BCS (≤ 3) had higher pregnancy rates than high BCS (> 3) ewes. In conclusion, ewes with medium BCS (≤ 3) are ideal candidate for LAI and can be inseminated at 60 h with minimal sperm 50 × 106/dose post-sponge removal to achieve a maximum pregnancy rate.
Assuntos
Sincronização do Estro , Fertilidade , Inseminação Artificial , Laparoscopia , Contagem de Espermatozoides , Animais , Inseminação Artificial/veterinária , Inseminação Artificial/métodos , Feminino , Masculino , Gravidez , Sincronização do Estro/métodos , Contagem de Espermatozoides/veterinária , Laparoscopia/veterinária , Laparoscopia/métodos , Carneiro Doméstico/fisiologia , Taxa de Gravidez , Espermatozoides/fisiologia , Fatores de Tempo , Ovinos/fisiologia , Gonadotropina Coriônica/farmacologia , Gonadotropina Coriônica/administração & dosagem , ClimaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been a significant decrease in the desire to have children among Chinese women of childbearing age, particularly for the first child. This trend has sparked a growing interest in understanding the underlying factors. Although perceived stress has been speculated as an important factor in decreasing fertility intention, the precise mechanism is unclear. The current study, therefore, aims to investigate the psychological mechanisms linking perceived stress to fertility intentions among women of childbearing age without children, a topic of significant relevance and importance. METHODS: Data were sourced from Chinese residents' psychology and behavior investigation (PBICR-2022). A multistage random sampling method was applied to recruit eligible participants. The Mplus8.3 software constructed a chain path model among the variables. RESULTS: The median fertility intention was 30(3-60) on a scale of 0 to 100. The mediation analysis revealed a significant negative influence of perceived stress on fertility intention (ß = - 0.076, P < 0.001). Additionally, a more intricate pattern of chain-mediating effect was observed involving perceived stress, anxiety (ß = 0.037, P < 0.05), family communication (ß = 0.106, P < 0.001), subjective well-being (ß = 0.088, P < 0.001) and fertility intention. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived stress not only directly suppressed fertility intention but also indirectly affected it through anxiety, family communication, and subjective well-being. Effective family communication and favorable subjective well-being emerged as factors that could augment fertility intentions among women of childbearing age without children.
Assuntos
Ansiedade , Fertilidade , Intenção , Estresse Psicológico , Humanos , Feminino , Estresse Psicológico/psicologia , Adulto , Ansiedade/psicologia , Adulto Jovem , China , Comunicação , AdolescenteRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Zebrafish are widely used in various research fields and to fulfil the diverse research needs, numerous zebrafish lines are available, each with a unique domestication background, potentially resulting in intraspecies differences in specific biological functions. Few studies have compared multiple zebrafish lines under identical conditions to investigate both inter- and intra-line variability related to different functions. However, such variability could pose a challenge for the reproducibility of results in studies utilising zebrafish, particularly when the line used is not clearly specified. This study assessed growth, stress status (cortisol, serotonin) and reproductive capabilities (maturity, fecundity, fertilisation rate, sperm quality) of four commonly used wild-type zebrafish lines (AB, SJD, TU, WIK) using standardized protocols. RESULTS: The stress markers levels were found to be similar across the lines, indicating that the endocrine stress status is robust to diverse domestication histories. Variations were observed in the growth and reproductive parameters. The lines exhibited differences in the timing of puberty (86 dpf for AB and SJD lines vs. 107 dpf for the WIK line) despite achieving similar sizes, suggesting that there are line-specific variations in the induction of maturation. Additionally, the AB line demonstrated higher sperm quality than did the other lines and higher fecundity and fertilization rates than did the SJD line. The AB line also exhibiting a smaller adult size but a heavier brain relative to its body weight. CONCLUSION: These findings emphasize the importance of line selection for zebrafish research, indicating that researchers should consider line-specific traits to ensure the biological relevance and reproducibility of the results.
Assuntos
Reprodução , Estresse Fisiológico , Peixe-Zebra , Animais , Peixe-Zebra/fisiologia , Estresse Fisiológico/fisiologia , Masculino , Feminino , Reprodução/fisiologia , Fertilidade/fisiologia , Hidrocortisona/análise , Serotonina , Espermatozoides/fisiologiaRESUMO
Human genetic studies of common variants have provided substantial insight into the biological mechanisms that govern ovarian ageing1. Here we report analyses of rare protein-coding variants in 106,973 women from the UK Biobank study, implicating genes with effects around five times larger than previously found for common variants (ETAA1, ZNF518A, PNPLA8, PALB2 and SAMHD1). The SAMHD1 association reinforces the link between ovarian ageing and cancer susceptibility1, with damaging germline variants being associated with extended reproductive lifespan and increased all-cause cancer risk in both men and women. Protein-truncating variants in ZNF518A are associated with shorter reproductive lifespan-that is, earlier age at menopause (by 5.61 years) and later age at menarche (by 0.56 years). Finally, using 8,089 sequenced trios from the 100,000 Genomes Project (100kGP), we observe that common genetic variants associated with earlier ovarian ageing associate with an increased rate of maternally derived de novo mutations. Although we were unable to replicate the finding in independent samples from the deCODE study, it is consistent with the expected role of DNA damage response genes in maintaining the genetic integrity of germ cells. This study provides evidence of genetic links between age of menopause and cancer risk.
Assuntos
Envelhecimento , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Menopausa , Taxa de Mutação , Neoplasias , Ovário , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Envelhecimento/genética , Envelhecimento/patologia , Dano ao DNA/genética , Fertilidade/genética , Predisposição Genética para Doença/genética , Variação Genética/genética , Genoma Humano/genética , Mutação em Linhagem Germinativa/genética , Menarca/genética , Menopausa/genética , Neoplasias/genética , Ovário/metabolismo , Ovário/patologia , Fatores de Tempo , Biobanco do Reino Unido , Reino Unido/epidemiologiaRESUMO
The decrease in sperm count and infertility is a global issue that remains unresolved. By screening environmental bacterial isolates, we have found that a novel lactic acid bacterium, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SNI3, increased testis size, testosterone levels, sperm count, sexual activity and fertility in mice that have consumed the bacteria for four weeks. The abundance of L. plantarum in the colon microbiome was positively associated with sperm count. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from L. plantarum SNI3-dosed mice improved testicular functions in microbiome-attenuated recipient animals. To identify mediators that confer pro-reproductive effects on the host, untargeted in situ mass spectrometry metabolomics was performed on testis samples of L. plantarum SNI3-treated and control mice. Enrichment pathway analysis revealed several perturbed metabolic pathways in the testis of treated mice. Within the testis, a dipeptide, glutamyl-glutamate (GluGlu) was the most upregulated metabolite following L. plantarum SNI3 administration. To validate the pro-reproductive feature of GluGlu, systemic and local injections of the dipeptide have been performed. γ-GluGlu increased sperm count but had no effect on testosterone. These findings highlight the role of γ-GluGlu in mediating spermatogenetic effects of L. plantarum on the male mouse host and -following relevant human clinical trials- may provide future tools for treating certain forms of male infertility.
Assuntos
Dipeptídeos , Espermatogênese , Testículo , Animais , Masculino , Camundongos , Dipeptídeos/metabolismo , Testículo/metabolismo , Testículo/microbiologia , Contagem de Espermatozoides , Transplante de Microbiota Fecal , Testosterona/metabolismo , Interações entre Hospedeiro e Microrganismos , Metabolômica/métodos , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , FertilidadeRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Reproductive performance plays an important role in animal welfare, health and profitability in animal husbandry and breeding. It is well established that there is a negative correlation between performance and reproduction in dairy cattle. This relationship is being increasingly considered in breeding programs. By elucidating the genetic architecture of underlying reproduction traits, it will be possible to make a more detailed contribution to this. Our study followed two approaches to elucidate this area; in a first part, variance components were estimated for 14 different calving and fertility traits, and then genome-wide association studies were performed for 13 reproduction traits on imputed sequence-level genotypes with subsequent enrichment analyses. RESULTS: Variance components analyses showed a low to moderate heritability (h2) for the traits analysed, ranging from 0.014 for endometritis up to 0.271 for stillbirth, indicating variable degrees of variation within the reproduction traits. For genome-wide association studies, we were able to detect genome-wide significant association signals for nine out of 13 analysed traits after Bonferroni correction on chromosome 6, 18 and the X chromosome. In total, we detected over 2700 associated SNPs encircling more than 90 different genes using the imputed whole-genome sequence data. Functional associations were reviewed so far known and potential candidate regions in the proximity of reproduction events were hypothesised. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm previous findings of other authors in a comprehensive cohort including 13 different traits at the same time. Additionally, we identified new candidate genes involved in dairy cattle reproduction and made initial suggestions regarding their potential impact, with special regard to the X chromosome as a putative information source for further research. This work can make a contribution to reveal the genetic architecture of reproduction traits in context of trait specific interactions.
Assuntos
Estudo de Associação Genômica Ampla , Genótipo , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único , Reprodução , Animais , Bovinos/genética , Reprodução/genética , Genômica/métodos , Feminino , Locos de Características Quantitativas , Fenótipo , Característica Quantitativa Herdável , Fertilidade/genéticaRESUMO
In recent years, breeding initiatives have been made to reduce the fecundity of invasive plants leading to sterile cultivars. The wildtype form of heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica Thunb. (Berberidaceae) and seven cultivars were evaluated for landscape performance, fruit production and seed viability at three sites in Florida located in southwest, northcentral, and north Florida. For heavenly bamboo cultivars in north Florida, 'Emerald Sea', 'Greray' (Sunray®), 'Lemon-Lime', 'Murasaki' (Flirt™), 'SEIKA' (Obsession™), and 'Twilight' performed well throughout much of the study with average visual quality ratings between 3.54 and 4.60 (scale of 1 to 5). In northcentral Florida heavenly bamboo cultivars are 'Emerald Sea', 'Greray', 'Lemon-Lime', 'Murasaki', 'SEIKA', and 'Twilight' performed well throughout much of the study with average quality ratings between 4.49 and 4.94. In southwest Florida, 'Emerald Sea', 'Greray', 'Lemon-Lime', 'Murasaki', and 'SEIKA' performed well with average quality ratings between 3.40 and 4.83. At all three sites, 'Emerald Sea' and the wildtype were similar in size, having the greatest growth indices compared to medium-sized cultivars ('Greray', 'Lemon-Lime', 'Twilight' and 'SEIKA') and dwarf-sized cultivars ('Chime' and 'Murasaki'). For three consecutive fall-winter seasons of the study, 'Chime', 'Greray', and 'Lemon-Lime' heavenly bamboo did not fruit at any of the study sites. Among the three sites, 'Murasaki' had 97.7% to 99.9% fruit reduction, 'SEIKA' had 97.7% to 100% fruit reduction, and 'Twilight' had 95.9% to 100% fruit reduction compared to the wildtype at respective sites. Seeds collected from low fruiting cultivars ('Murasaki', 'SEIKA', and 'Twilight') had 33.3% to 66.7% viability, as determined by tetrazolium tests. In comparison, 'Emerald Sea' produced as much, if not more, fruit as the wildtype, especially in northern Florida, with seed viability ranging from 6.7% to 29.0% among sites. Nuclear DNA content of cultivars were comparable to the wildtype, suggesting they are diploids. These findings identified four low to no fruiting heavenly bamboo cultivars recommended for landscape use ('Lemon-Lime', 'SEIKA', 'Murasaki', and 'Greray').
Assuntos
Fertilidade , Florida , Sementes/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Frutas/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Frutas/fisiologia , Melhoramento VegetalRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Since the discovery of COVID-19 in December 2019, the novel virus has spread globally causing significant medical and socio-economic burden. Although the pandemic has been curtailed, the virus and its attendant complication live on. A major global concern is its adverse impact on male fertility. AIM: This study was aimed to give an up to date and robust data regarding the effect of COVID-19 on semen variables and male reproductive hormones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature search was performed according to the recommendations of PRISMA. Out of the 852 studies collected, only 40 were eligible for inclusion in assessing the effect SARS-CoV-2 exerts on semen quality and androgens. More so, a SWOT analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The present study demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 significantly reduced ejaculate volume, sperm count, concentration, viability, normal morphology, and total and progressive motility. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 led to a reduction in circulating testosterone level, but a rise in oestrogen, prolactin, and luteinizing hormone levels. These findings were associated with a decline in testosterone/luteinizing hormone ratio. CONCLUSIONS: The current study provides compelling evidence that SARS-CoV-2 may lower male fertility by reducing semen quality through a hormone-dependent mechanism; reduction in testosterone level and increase in oestrogen and prolactin levels.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Fertilidade , SARS-CoV-2 , Análise do Sêmen , Testosterona , Humanos , Masculino , COVID-19/complicações , COVID-19/virologia , Fertilidade/fisiologia , Infertilidade Masculina/sangue , Infertilidade Masculina/fisiopatologia , Infertilidade Masculina/virologia , Hormônio Luteinizante/sangue , SARS-CoV-2/patogenicidade , Sêmen/fisiologia , Contagem de Espermatozoides , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/fisiologia , Testosterona/sangueRESUMO
Climate change is driving both higher mean temperatures and a greater likelihood of heatwaves, which are becoming longer and more intense. Previous work has looked at these two types of thermal stressors in isolation, focusing on the effects of either a small, long-term increase in temperature or a large, short-term increase in temperature. Yet, a fundamental gap in our understanding is the combined effect of chronic and acute thermal stressors and, in particular, its impact on vital processes such as reproduction. Here, we investigated the independent and interactive effects of higher constant temperatures and short-term heatwave events on reproductive success and offspring fitness in an insect study system, the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides. We found a substantial reduction in key fitness traits (fecundity, hatching success and offspring size) after exposure to both a heatwave and higher constant temperatures, but not after exposure to only one of these thermal stressors. This indicates that the effects of chronic and acute thermal stressors are amplified when they act in combination, as is very likely to occur in natural populations. Our findings, therefore, suggest that, by not considering the potential multiplicative effects of different types of thermal stressors, we may be underestimating the effects of climate change on animal fertility.
Assuntos
Mudança Climática , Besouros , Fertilidade , Animais , Besouros/fisiologia , Temperatura Alta , Reprodução , Feminino , Masculino , Estresse FisiológicoRESUMO
Importance: Obesity in women is associated with reduced fertility and an increased risk of miscarriage. These associations might also be present across the full range of body mass index (BMI) categories as well as among men. Objective: To investigate the associations of preconception BMI in both partners with time to pregnancy and miscarriage. Design, Setting, and Participants: This population-based prospective cohort study was conducted in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, between August 9, 2017, and July 1, 2021. A total of 3604 women and their partners were included from the preconception period onward with follow-up until birth. The date of analysis was July 12, 2024. Exposure: Body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) measured in preconception or early pregnancy. Main Outcome and Measures: Fecundability, defined as the probability of conceiving within 1 month; subfertility, defined as time to pregnancy or duration of actively pursuing pregnancy of more than 12 months or use of assisted reproductive technology; and miscarriage, defined as pregnancy loss before 22 weeks of gestation. These measures were assessed using questionnaires and via the obstetric caregiver. Results: The study population for time-to-pregnancy analyses consisted of 3033 episodes among women (median age, 31.6 years [IQR, 29.2-34.5 years]; median BMI, 23.5 [IQR, 21.2-26.5]) and 2288 episodes among men (median age, 33.4 years [IQR, 30.5-36.8 years]; median BMI, 24.9 [IQR, 23.0-27.4]). The study population for miscarriage analyses consisted of 2770 pregnancy episodes among women (median age, 31.5 years [IQR, 28.9-34.3 years]; median BMI, 23.5 [IQR, 21.3-26.7]) and 2189 pregnancy episodes among men (median age, 33.5 years [IQR, 30.4-36.8 years]; median BMI, 25.0 [IQR, 23.0-27.5]). Higher BMI in women and men was associated with lower fecundability: for every unit increase in BMI, fecundability decreased (fecundability ratio [FR]: women, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.97-0.99]; men, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.98-1.00]). Women with overweight (FR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.80-0.98]) and obesity (FR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.63-0.82]) had lower fecundability compared with women with normal weight. Compared with normal weight in women, underweight (odds ratio [OR], 1.88 [95% CI, 1.22-2.88]), overweight (OR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.11-1.63]), and obesity (OR, 1.67 [95% CI, 1.30-2.13]) were associated with increased odds of subfertility. In men, obesity was associated with increased odds of subfertility (OR, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.24-2.31]). Compared with normal weight in women, overweight (OR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.12-1.98]) and obesity (OR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.00-2.08]) were associated with increased odds of miscarriage. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, BMI outside of the normal category in women and men during the preconception or early-pregnancy periods was associated with time to pregnancy and miscarriage. Optimizing BMI in women and men from the preconception period onward might be an important strategy to improve fertility outcomes.
Assuntos
Aborto Espontâneo , Índice de Massa Corporal , Tempo para Engravidar , Humanos , Feminino , Gravidez , Adulto , Masculino , Aborto Espontâneo/epidemiologia , Aborto Espontâneo/etiologia , Estudos Prospectivos , Países Baixos/epidemiologia , Obesidade/epidemiologia , Obesidade/complicações , Fatores de Risco , Fertilidade/fisiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Valproic acid (VPA) is a widely used antiepileptic drug (AED) often prescribed as a first-line treatment for many idiopathic and symptomatic generalized epilepsies. Several studies have highlighted the side effects of VPA on male fertility and reproductive factors in males, although the specific underlying etiology of these abnormalities is not clear. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the preclinical and clinical evidence concerning the impact of VPA on male fertility and reproductive factors. METHODS: The scientific literature was reviewed for eligibility using PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, encompassing preclinical and clinical studies. Factors related to male fertility and reproduction, such as differences in sperm count, sperm motility, and the percentage of abnormal sperm, were compared between the experimental groups treated with VPA (in both preclinical and clinical) and the control groups using the Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Additionally, differences in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were explicitly assessed in clinical studies. RESULTS: Male fertility data were extracted from 7 preclinical studies (112 animals) and 5 clinical studies (274 male individuals). The results of animal studies found that the sperm count (SMD = -2.28, 95% CI: -3.39 to -1.18, P = 0.335) and sperm motility (SMD = -2.32, 95% CI: -3.34 to -1.30, P = 0.368) were decreased in the treated groups compared to the control groups. The percentage of abnormal sperm (SMD = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.98 to 4.56, P = 0.019) was significantly increased, while a non-significant reduction was revealed in the weight of the testis (SMD = -2.73, 95% CI: -4.23 to -1.23, P = 0.673) in treated groups. The outcomes of clinical studies indicated a non-significant decrease in sperm count (SMD = -0.78, 95% CI: -1.58 to 0.03, P = 0.286) among patients with epilepsy treated with VPA compared to control subjects. However, a significant reduction in sperm motility (SMD = -1.62, 95% CI: -2.81 to -0.43, P = 0.033 was observed. The percentage of abnormal sperm showed a non-significant increase (SMD = 0.93, 95% CI: -0.97 to 2.84, P = 0.616) after being treated with VPA. Furthermore, there was a non-significant reduction in the levels of FSH (SMD = -1.32, 95% CI: -2.93 to 0.29, P = 0.198) and LH (SMD = -0.96, 95% CI: -1.95 to 0.04, P = 0.211) observed in clinical participants. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis of both preclinical and clinical studies revealed that VPA causes a significant reduction in male fertility and reproductive factors among male patients with epilepsy. Clinical neurologists should be more cautious when prescribing VPA, especially to young male adult patients with epilepsy.
Assuntos
Anticonvulsivantes , Fertilidade , Contagem de Espermatozoides , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides , Ácido Valproico , Ácido Valproico/efeitos adversos , Masculino , Humanos , Anticonvulsivantes/efeitos adversos , Fertilidade/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Infertilidade Masculina/induzido quimicamente , Hormônio Foliculoestimulante/sangueRESUMO
The rising incidence of metabolic diseases is linked to elevated blood glucose levels, contributing to conditions such as diabetes and promoting the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs, formed by non-enzymatic reactions between sugars and proteins, build up in tissues and are implicated in various diseases. This article explores the relationship between glycemic control and AGE accumulation, focusing on fertility implications. A computational model using network theory was developed, featuring a molecular database and a network with 145 nodes and 262 links, categorized as a Barabasi-Albert scale-free network. Three main subsets of nodes emerged, centered on glycemic control, fertility, and immunity, with AGEs playing a critical role. The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), a receptor expressed in several tissues including sperm, was identified as a key hub, suggesting that the modulation of TRPV1 in sperm by AGEs may influence fertility. Additionally, a novel link between glycemic control and immunity was found, indicating that immune cells may play a role in endocytosing specific AGEs. This discovery underscores the complex interplay between glycemic control and immune function, with significant implications for metabolic, immune health, and fertility.
Assuntos
Fertilidade , Produtos Finais de Glicação Avançada , Controle Glicêmico , Humanos , Produtos Finais de Glicação Avançada/metabolismo , Masculino , Canais de Cátion TRPV/metabolismo , Glicemia/metabolismoRESUMO
Mature, vital, and motile spermatozoa are essential for reaching the oocyte and binding to hyaluronic acid (HA) in the cumulus oophorus matrix. This study aims to determine the relationship between sperm-migration ability and HA-binding potential, as well as the relationship between sperm concentration and motility. Semen samples were collected from 702 men aged 20-56 years (median 34.8). We evaluated the sperm concentration and motility from basic semen analysis, the swim-up test (expressed as millions per mL and the migration efficiency percentage), and the hyaluronan-binding assay (HBA). A moderate positive correlation was found between the migration test results and HBA (R = 0.48). The highest correlation was observed between the concentration of motile spermatozoa and the migration test results (R = 0.85) and HBA (R = 0.4). The sperm migration efficiency strongly correlated with progressive motility (R = 0.6). Although significantly higher sperm migration was observed in patients with normal HBA results, the results of the functional tests were found to differ in some cases. For infertility treatment, the current diagnostic algorithm should be enhanced with more comprehensive seminological methods that assess the sperm-migration ability and HA-binding potential. We also recommend incorporating the swim-up method into the diagnostic protocol before planning assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment.