Search Results (5)

Understanding reproductive biology and associated disorders is crucial for the clinical management of chelonians, particularly those maintained in captivity. This literature review presents an overview of the main pathological conditions affecting the female reproductive tract of these animals. For each condition, practical and effective diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are detailed. Commonly observed disorders include dystocia, ectopic eggs, follicular stasis, infertility, oophoritis, salpingitis, cloacitis, cloacal or oviductal prolapse, neoplasms, and ovarian torsion. The fundamental approach to these conditions always involves a thorough clinical examination, which requires extensive knowledge of the species, a clinical history, and management practices. Diagnostic procedures include physical exams, imaging techniques (ultrasound, radiography, CT, endoscopy), and surgical interventions. A shared feature of many pathologies is the influence of management errors and the presence of non-specific clinical signs. Full article

Background/Objectives: The gonadotropins luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and their receptors are major regulators of reproduction in mammals and are absent in insects. We previously established transgenic Drosophila lines expressing a constitutively active human LH receptor variant (LHR^D578Y) and the wild-type receptor (LHR^wt; inactive in the absence of an agonist). That study showed that ubiquitously expression of LHR^D578Y—but not of LHR^wt—resulted in pupal lethality, and targeted expression in midline cells resulted in thorax/bristles defects. To further study the Drosophila model for an in vivo drug screening platform, we investigated here whether expressing LHR^D578Y in the fly gonads alters reproduction, as shown in a transgenic mice model. Methods: The receptor was expressed in somatic cells of the gonads using the tissue-specific traffic jam-Gal4 driver. Western blot analysis confirmed receptor expression in the ovaries. Results: A fecundity assay indicated that the ectopic expression of LHR^D578Y resulted in a decrease in egg laying compared to control flies carrying, but not expressing the transgene (~40% decrease in two independent fly lines, p < 0.001). No significant reduction in the number of laid eggs was seen in flies expressing the LHR^WT (<10% decrease compared to non-driven flies, p > 0.05). The decreased egg laying demonstrates a phenotype of the active receptor in the fly gonads, the prime target organs of the gonadotropins in mammals. We suggest that this versatile Drosophila model can be used for the pharmacological search for gonadotropin modulators. Conclusions: This is expected to provide: (a) new mimetic drug candidates (receptor-agonists/signaling-activators) for assisted reproduction treatment, (b) blockers for potential fertility regulation, and (c) leads relevant for the purpose of managing extra gonadotropic reported activities. Full article

A cesarean scar pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy that occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the scar from a previous cesarean section. It is a serious condition that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not managed promptly and appropriately. In this literature review and case report, we discuss the etiology, diagnosis, and management of cesarean scar pregnancy. We conducted a comprehensive search of relevant literature using electronic databases and included studies that reported on the diagnosis and management of cesarean scar pregnancy. We also present a case report of a patient with cesarean scar pregnancy who was managed surgically. The diagnosis of cesarean scar pregnancy is primarily done via transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound, and medical or surgical management can be used depending on the gestational age, hemodynamic status, and patient preferences. The surgical approach, which involves hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, or laparotomy, is usually preferred, since it is associated with fast recovery and lower recurrence rates. However, it is crucial to consider the patient’s plans for future fertility when selecting the management approach. In conclusion, cesarean scar pregnancy is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt and appropriate management. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent significant morbidity and mortality, and surgical management is usually preferred due to its higher success rates and lower recurrence rates. Full article

Dystocia is a multifactorial, life-threatening condition commonly affecting pet reptiles. Treatment for dystocia can be either medical or surgical. Medical treatment usually involves the administration of oxytocin, but in some species or, in some cases, this treatment does not work as expected. Surgical treatments such as ovariectomy or ovariosalpingectomy are resolutive, but invasive in small-sized reptiles. In this paper, we describe three cases of post ovulatory egg retention in three leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) successfully treated through a cloacoscopic removal of the retained eggs, after a non resolutive medical treatment. The intervention was fast, non-invasive, and no procedure-related adverse effects were noted. The problem relapsed six months later in one animal, and a successful bilateral ovariosalpingectomy was performed. Cloacoscopy should be considered a valuable, non-invasive tool for egg removal in dystocic leopard geckos when the egg is accessible to manipulation. Recrudescence or complications such as adhesions, oviductal rupture, or the presence of ectopic eggs should recommend surgical intervention. Full article

Perturbed lipid metabolism leads to ectopic lipid accumulation in tissues, such as the liver, thereby causing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and negatively influencing circulating lipid profile-inducing dyslipidemia. Phospholipids (PLs) with special biological activity are used to treat chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. PLs derived from egg yolk and soya bean have significant antioxidant and lipid-lowering abilities. This study examined the therapeutic effects of them on hyperlipidemia using a high-fructose-fed rat model; lipid metabolism and anti-inflammatory effects were also analyzed. The results showed that both egg yolk and soya bean phospholipids (EPLs and SPLs) reduced liver weight, hepatic TG, and MDA content as well as serum ALT, AST, TBA, and CRP levels (p < 0.05). The PLs also showed hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects. EPLs and SPLs could inhibit the accumulation of hepatic fatty acids C18:1N9C, C18:0, and C22:6NS of rats fed a high-fat-and-sucrose diet. The intake of EPLs could significantly increase acetylcholine content in the blood and brain tissue. Histological examination showed that PLs intake could ameliorate the damage to liver tissue. This study suggested that EPLs and SPLs had a certain capacity of hypolipidemic and liver protection, and the therapeutic benefits of EPLs tended to be more effective than that of soybean phospholipids. Full article