IL2RG knockout mitigates polycystic ovary syndrome pathogenesis by transitioning pyroptosis to apoptosis through the GSDME pathway.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder with significant impacts on women’s reproductive health. Interleukin (IL)-2 receptor subunit gamma (IL2RG), a common receptor for IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-15 and IL-21, has been shown to interrupt estrous cycle, yet its role in PCOS remains unclear.

Results: The evaluated expression levels of IL2RG in human granulosa cells (GCs) and IL2RG-dependent cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-15) in follicular fluid were demonstrated in 18 PCOS patients and 22 control subjects.

Effect of sperm swim - up vs density gradient centrifugation on embryo aneuploidy detected by non-invasive chromosomal screening in conventional IVF.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the aneuploidy rates of blastocysts obtained via conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) using sperm prepared by the swim-up (SU) and density gradient centrifugation (DGC) methods, as detected by non-invasive chromosomal screening (NICS). This comparison would provide more evidence for selecting the appropriate semen processing technique for patients undergoing conventional IVF with NICS.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent conventional IVF and NICS at our hospital from January 2022 to May 2024.

Optimizing maturation of oocytes with nitric oxide-loaded microbubbles.

Introduction: Nitric oxide (NO) plays a pivotal role in female reproductive processes, yet its clinical translation is limited by its short half-life and rapid systemic clearance. This study aimed to develop a stabilized NO delivery system to enhance oocyte maturation and quality for potential applications in assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Methods: Lipid-based microbubbles (NO-MBs) were constructed via lyophilization to encapsulate and stabilize therapeutic NO gas.

Melatonin-loaded nanoparticles protecting human sperm from oxidative stress during cryopreservation.

Background: During the process of sperm cryopreservation, the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggers oxidative stress thereby leading to a reduction in sperm motility and quality. Therefore, it is a feasible strategy to mitigate oxidative damage during cryopreservation by adding antioxidants to freezing media.

Research Design And Methods: In this study, we explored the potential of melatonin to protect sperm from oxidative stress-induced damage by evaluating sperm-related parameters after thawing through self-assembly with a hyaluronic acid-bilirubin conjugate into nanoparticles (M@HBn).

Asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 infection in women prior to oocyte retrieval has no impact on embryo laboratory outcomes: a retrospective study.

Background: Few previous studies have addressed the impact of COVID-19 infection status on assisted reproductive technology outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess whether COVID-19 infection affects ovulation induction outcomes and the laboratory outcomes of women undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment.

Methods: In total, 363 patients were divided into three groups: the COVID-19 infection group (group A, n = 49), the COVID-19 recovery group (group B, n = 119) and the COVID-19 non-infection group (group C, n = 195).

Insight into perfluorooctanoic acid-induced impairment of mouse embryo implantation via single-cell RNA-seq.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is an environmentally persistent chemical that poses significant risks to human health. Studies have shown that PFOA affects female reproduction, but the specific impact on endometrial receptivity and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of low-dose PFOA exposure through drinking water on endometrial receptivity in a murine model.

Effects and safety of propofol intravenous anesthesia in transvaginal oocyte retrieval on outcomes of fertilization and embryo transplantation.

Purpose: Propofol, a widely utilized anesthetic, is employed to alleviate pain and anxiety in outpatient oocyte retrieval procedures. However, its potential impact and safety profile in the context of fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) remain unclear.

Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 1187 patients undergoing IVF-ET, and divided into two groups depending on whether they received propofol (propofol group, n=140) or not (control group, n=1047) for anesthesia during oocyte retrieval.

Effect of basal luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio on clinical outcome of fertilization in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: The basal luteinizing hormone (LH) and the prior LH to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio (LH/FSH) in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are generally higher than those in non-PCOS patients and the general population. The potential negative effects of elevated LH on human reproductive function are highly controversial, as are the effects of down-regulation of LH on reproductive function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the basal LH/FSH ratio on the live birth rate of PCOS patients undergoing fertilization (IVF) cycles.

Aromatase as a novel target of parabens in human and rat placentas: 3D-quantitative structure-activity relationship and docking analysis.

Aromatase (CYP19A1), a pivotal enzyme in the biosynthesis of estradiol from testosterone, is predominantly expressed in reproductive tissues including placentas. This study investigated the effects of paraben acid and nine parabens on the activity of human and rat CYP19A1 using microsomes derived from human and rat placentas and on estradiol secretion in human choriocarcinoma BeWo cells. The results showed that propyl, butyl, hexyl, heptyl, and nonyl parabens significantly inhibited human CYP19A1 activity, with IC values of 66.

Vaginal and endometrial microbiome dysbiosis associated with adverse embryo transfer outcomes.

Background: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is the most effective method to treat infertility and the pathogenesis of implantation failure after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is a challenging filed in infertility. Microbes in the female reproductive tract are considered to be associated with gynecological and obstetric diseases. However, its effects on embryo implantation failure are unsured.

Enhancing oocyte in vitro maturation and quality by melatonin/bilirubin cationic nanoparticles: A promising strategy for assisted reproduction techniques.

In assisted reproduction techniques, oocytes encounter elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during in vitro maturation (IVM). Oxidative stress adversely affects oocyte quality, hampering their maturation, growth, and subsequent development. Thus, mitigating excessive ROS to safeguard less viable oocytes during IVM stands as a viable strategy.

Comparison of pregnancy outcomes between 4th day morula and 5th day blastocyst after embryo transfer: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: This study was designed to evaluate pregnancy outcomes between morulae transferred on day 4 (D4) and blastocysts transferred on day 5 (D5).

Methods: From September 2017 to September 2020, 1963 fresh transfer cycles underwent early follicular phase extra-long protocol for assisted conception in our fertility center were divided into D4 (324 cases) and D5 (1639 cases) groups, and the general situation and other differences of patients in both groups were compared. To compare the differences in pregnancy outcomes, the D4 and D5 groups were further divided into groups A and B based on single and double embryo transfers.

Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes in Women with Normal Ovarian Response Receiving Recombinant Luteinizing Hormone/Human Menopausal Gonadotropin: An Observational Study.

Objective: Additive human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG)/recombinant luteinizing hormone (r-LH) to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) can improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with poor ovarian response during assisted reproductive procedures. However, their effects on patients with normal ovarian response during such procedures are unclear, which formed the aim of this study.

Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 456 infertile women who underwent in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment.

Comparison of pregnancy outcomes among patients of different ages who underwent frozen-thawed high-quality single blastocyst transfer.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of performing frozen-thawed high-quality single blastocyst transfer in women of different ages.

Methods: A total of 1,279 women were divided into four groups: a 38-40-year-old group (n = 147), 35-37-year-old group (n = 164), 30-34-year-old group (n = 483), and < 30-year-old group (n = 485). Intergroup comparisons of baseline characteristics and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were made.

Effects of organochlorine pesticides on human and rat 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 activity: Structure-activity relationship and in silico docking analysis.

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of 11 organochlorine pesticides on human and rat 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (17β-HSD1) in human placental and rat ovarian microsome and on estradiol production in BeWo cells. The results showed that the IC values for endosulfan, fenhexamid, chlordecone, and rhothane on human 17β-HSD1 were 21.37, 73.

Association between blood lead levels and unfavorable IVF outcomes: potential involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress response in granulosa cells.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between blood lead levels (BLLs) and IVF clinical outcomes in infertile females and to further explore the possible involvement of granulosa cell (GC) endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the process.

Methods: One hundred twenty-three infertile women undergoing IVF cycles were included in the current study. All participants were divided into three (low, medium, and high) groups determined by BLL tertiles.

Comparison of frozen-thaw blastocyst transfer strategies in women aged 35-40 years: a retrospective study.

Objective: To compare the effects of five different frozen-thaw embryo transfer (FET) strategies in women aged 35-40 years.

Methods: Data from 1,060 patients were divided into five groups according to the number and quality of transferred blastocysts: a high-quality single blastocyst group (group A, n= 303), a high-quality double blastocysts group (group B, n= 176), a high-quality plus poor-quality double blastocysts group (group C, n= 273), a poor-quality double blastocysts group (group D, n= 189), and a poor-quality single blastocyst group (group E, n= 119). Comparative analyses were then performed between groups with regard to primary conditions, pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes.

Pubertal lead exposure affects ovary development, folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis by activation of IRE1α-JNK signaling pathway in rat.

Epidemic studies showed that lead exposures are associated with various female reproductive dysfunctions, including infertility, miscarriage, preterm delivery, and early menopause. However, the mechanism involved is still unclear. In the current study, SD rats were exposed to lead at doses of 0, 5, 25, 50 or 250 mg/L through drinking water from postnatal day 21-56.

Comparison of frozen-thawed embryo transfer strategies for the treatment of infertility in young women: a retrospective study.

Objective: To investigate transfer strategies in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle.

Methods: The clinical data of 1,652 FET patients were divided into five groups according to the number and quality of the transferred blastocyst: high-quality single blastocyst group (group A,  = 558), high-quality plus poor-quality double blastocyst group (group B,  = 435), poor-quality double blastocyst group (group C,  = 241), high-quality double blastocyst group (group D,  = 298), and poor-quality single blastocyst group (group E,  = 120). Inter-group comparison analyses of primary conditions, pregnancy outcomes and neonatal outcomes were then performed.

Chk1/2 inhibitor AZD7762 blocks the growth of preantral follicles by inducing apoptosis, suppressing proliferation, and interfering with the cell cycle in granulosa cells.

Background: Checkpoint kinases 1/2 (Chk1/2) have an important role in somatic cell development and oocyte meiotic maturation. However, the role of Chk1/2 in folliculo-genesis has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of Chk1/2 inhibition on ovarian folliculogenesis and granulosa cell development in mice.

Knockdown of Chk1 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis in mouse granulosa cells and its regulation mechanism by miR-15a and miR-16.

Checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) is a protein kinase which preserves the genome integrity, and works as an evolutionally conserved DNA damage response and cell cycle checkpoint. However, the functional roles and regulatory mechanism of Chk1 in mouse granulosa cells (GCs) have not been fully elucidated. In this study, by RNA interfering, Chk1 gene was knocked down in GCs.

Embryo selection through non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing with cell-free DNA in spent culture media: a protocol for a multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial.

Introduction: Morphological evaluation is used to select embryos for in vitro fertilisation. However, it does not fully reflect the implantation potential. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) can detect embryonic aneuploidy, but biopsy procedure is invasive.