Search Results (132)

Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. leaves are rich in polyphenolic compounds, yet their toxicological effects in aquatic models remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the impact of a hydroethanolic E. japonica leaf extract on zebrafish embryos through the use of morphological, behavioral, and biochemical parameters. The 96 h LC₅₀ was determined as 189.8 ± 4.5 mg/L, classifying the extract as practically non-toxic, according to OECD guidelines. Thereby, embryos were exposed for 90 h to 75 and 150 mg/L concentrations of the E. japonica leaf extract. While no significant effects were noted at the lowest concentration of 150 mg/L, significant developmental effects were observed, including reduced survival, delayed hatching, underdevelopment of the swim bladder, and retention of the yolk sac. These malformations were accompanied by marked behavioral impairments. Biochemical analysis revealed a concentration-dependent increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, suggesting the activation of antioxidant defenses, despite no significant change in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. This indicates a potential compensatory redox response to a pro-oxidant signal. Additionally, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was significantly reduced at the highest concentration, which may have contributed to the observed neurobehavioral changes. While AChE inhibition is commonly associated with neurotoxicity, it is also a known therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting concentration-dependent dual effects. In summary, the E. japonica leaf extract induced concentration-dependent developmental and behavioral effects in zebrafish embryos, while activating antioxidant responses without triggering oxidative damage. These findings highlight the extract’s potential bioactivity and underscore the need for further studies to explore its safety and therapeutic relevance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic drug widely used for acute confusional state, psychotic disorders, agitation, delirium, and aggressive behavior. Methods: The toxicity of haloperidol was studied using zebrafish (ZF) embryos as a model organism. Dechorionated embryos were exposed to various concentrations of haloperidol (0.5–6.0 mg/L). The lethal dose concentration was estimated and was found to be 1.941 mg/L. Results: The impact of haloperidol was dose-dependent and significant from 0.25 mg/L. Haloperidol induced several deformities at sublethal doses, including abnormal somites, yolk sac edema, and skeletal deformities. Haloperidol significantly affected heart rate and blood flow and induced pericardial edema and hyperemia in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting its influence on heart development and function. Embryos exposed to haloperidol during their ontogenetic development had smaller body length and eye surface area than non-exposed ones in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: It was found that haloperidol significantly affects the behavior of the experimental organisms in terms of mobility, reflexes to stimuli, and adaptation to dark/light conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intramural pregnancy (IMP) is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy where the embryo implants within the uterine myometrium. This condition carries a high risk of massive hemorrhage, uterine rupture, and potentially life-threatening complications. Methods: We present a case of a 35-year-old patient who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) and was diagnosed with an IMP located in the back-isthmian portion of the uterus by ultrasound scan. Results: We performed a conservative treatment approach based on the gestational sac location and the patient’s stable clinical condition and desire for future fertility. We first administered mifepristone 600 mg, followed by intracavitary methotrexate under ultrasound guidance. Although originally planned, a uterine artery embolization was not performed due to the evidence of bilateral anastomoses between the uterine and ovarian arteries. Progressive reabsorption of pregnancy was observed over the course of 8 months. Conclusions: Non-surgical management can be considered for IMP, thus allowing fertility preservation. Full article

This study presents the first successful generation and comprehensive characterization of trophoblastic organoids (TOs) and the derivation of three-dimensional cavity- or sac-like structures—termed lacunoids/cystoids—from sheep intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) embryos. TOs were generated from sheep ICSI embryos for the first time and were shown to express trophoblastic markers at levels comparable to those in embryonic tissue. Detailed morphological characterization was conducted for both the TOs and the derived lacunoids/cystoids. Additionally, the TOs’ interactions with endometrial organoids (EOs), as well as those with preimplantation embryos, were investigated through co-culture experiments. The TOs expressed key trophoblastic markers, including CDX2, GATA3, syncytin-1, KRT18, KRT7, and Sox2, confirming their validity as a model for studying sheep trophoblast biology. The generation of lacunoids/cystoids from the TOs further revealed their structural and developmental characteristics, contributing valuable insights into early placental development and trophoblast-related pathologies. The TOs also supported extended embryonic development, and their co-culture with EOs induced dynamic changes in gene expression, particularly in angiogenesis-related genes, in both organoid types. This novel and reproducible in vitro model offers a reliable platform to study early placental development, effectively recapitulating the biological crosstalk between the trophectoderm and endometrium. The in-depth characterization of TOs and lacunoids/cystoids highlights their potential to advance our understanding of trophoblast differentiation and related developmental disorders. Full article

Background: Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) has been extensively used in several commercial industries as a preservative. It causes severe cellular and neurological damage affecting the developing fetus and might induce attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: Zebrafish embryos were subjected to five distinct doses of BHA—0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 ppb up to 96 h post fertilization (hpf). Hatching rate, heart rate, and body malformations were assessed at 48 hpf, 72 hpf, and 48–96 hpf, respectively. After exposure, apoptotic activity, neurobehavioral evaluation, neurotransmitter assay, and antioxidant activity were assessed at 96 hpf. At 120 hpf, the expression of genes DRD4, COMT, 5-HTR1aa, and BDNF was evaluated by real-time PCR. Results: BHA exposure showed a delay in the hatching rate and a decrease in the heart rate of the embryo when compared with the control. Larvae exhibited developmental deformities such as bent spine, yolk sac, and pericardial edema. A higher density of apoptotic cells was observed in BHA-exposed larvae at 96 hpf. There was a decline in catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, indicating oxidative stress. There was a significant decrease in Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and serotonin levels with an increase in concentration of BHA, leading to a dose-responsive increase in anxiety and impairment in memory. A significant decrease in gene expression was also observed for DRD4, COMT, 5-HTR1aa, and BDNF. Conclusions: Even at lower concentrations of BHA, zebrafish embryos suffered from developmental toxicity, anxiety, and impaired memory due to a decrease in AChE activity and serotonin levels and altered the expression of the mentioned genes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Preimplantation genetic screening improves embryo selection in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles, especially for women of advanced maternal age. As chromosomal normality declines with age, high-dose gonadotropins are commonly used to enhance follicular response. This study compares minimal and high-dose stimulation protocols in terms of euploidy, pregnancy, and live birth rates following single embryo transfer. Methods: In this prospective study, 198 women aged 38–45 years were enrolled and divided into two groups: minimal stimulation (100 mg clomiphene citrate and 75 IU human menopausal gonadotropin) and high stimulation (300–450 IU gonadotropins). Women with severe male factor infertility, endometriosis, or absolute tubal factor were excluded. Clinical outcomes were compared using a t-test or Mann–Whitney U test. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The high-dose group had a significantly higher number of retrieved oocytes (p = 0.009) and metaphase II oocytes (p = 0.003). However, there were no significant differences in euploid embryo rates (35.4% vs. 37.4%, p = 0.768), clinical pregnancy rates (67.6% vs. 69.4%, p > 0.999), gestational sac rates (58.8% vs. 58.3%, p > 0.999), or live birth rates (47.1% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.995). Conclusions: This is the first prospective study to compare euploid embryo rates, pregnancy rates, and live birth rates between minimal stimulation protocol and high stimulation protocol in AMA patients. Although there has been no difference in euploid and pregnancy rates, minimal stimulation protocol has advantages in cost and comfort. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Implantation of an embryo in the cervical canal is the rarest location of ectopic pregnancy, as it occurs between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 18,000 pregnancies. Dilation and curettage in previous pregnancies have been identified as risk factors in most cases. Other predisposing factors include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), prior tubal surgeries, assisted reproductive technologies, as well as the presence of fibroids and intrauterine. Importantly, ectopic pregnancies are the main cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the first trimester. Given the rarity of cervical ectopic pregnancies (CEPs) and the lack of specific recommendations, clinical data supporting current evidence is of utmost significance. Case Presentation: A 29-year-old nulliparous woman presented with spotting from the genital tract and lower abdominal pain persisting for four days. Pregnancy could not be ruled out based on the patient’s medical history. The level of β-Human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) on admission was 1487.99 mIU/mL. The first ultrasonography examination revealed a non-specific imaging appearance suggestive of the presence of cervical mucus. Targeted examination with visualization of the cervical canal revealed a gestational sac measuring 4–5 mm in diameter, containing an embryonic echo. The patient was treated with 84 mg of methotrexate (MTX) i.v. in a 1, 3, 5, 7 scheme along with 0.1 mg/kg calcium folinate i.m. in a 2, 4, 6, 8 scheme prior to curettage. Conclusions: A diagnosis of cervical pregnancy cannot be excluded even in the absence of prior risk factors. Methotrexate should be considered a safe and efficient option in the management of CEP. As shown in our case, early detection of CEP is of utmost significance. Full article

With the escalating frequency and intensity of global wildfires driven by climate change, fire retardants (FRs) have become essential tools in wildfire management. Despite their widespread use, the environmental safety of newer FR formulations—particularly in relation to aquatic ecosystems and developmental toxicity—remains insufficiently understood. In particular, their effects on fish embryos, which represent a sensitive and ecologically important life stage, are poorly characterized. This study investigated the acute toxicity of three commercially available FRs—N-Borate, N-Phosphate+, and N-Phosphate-—on early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio), based on an OECD 236 Fish Embryo Toxicity (FET) test. Notably, N-Phosphate- FR exhibited significant toxicity with a 96 h LC50 of 60 mg/L (0.0055%), while N-Borate (>432 mg/L, >0.032%) and N-Phosphate+ (>1181 mg/L, >0.08%) showed substantially lower toxicity. Sublethal effects, including reduced yolk sac absorption and yolk sac darkening, were observed across all FRs, highlighting potential developmental disruptions. The elevated toxicity of N-Phosphate- FR likely stems from its surfactant content. These findings reveal variations in the acute toxicity of different FR formulations, emphasizing the need for ecotoxicological assessments to guide the selection of safer FRs for wildfire management and to protect aquatic biodiversity. The results highlight the importance of incorporating developmental endpoints in FR risk assessments and provide foundational data for regulatory decisions regarding FR application near aquatic habitats. Further research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms underlying observed effects and to evaluate cross-species toxicity at environmentally relevant concentrations. Full article

Female gametophyte development in flowering plants is a highly intricate process involving a series of tightly regulated biological events, including the establishment and differentiation of a macrospore mother cell (MMC), the formation of a functional macrospore (FM), and the subsequent development of the embryo sac. The seamless progression of these events is crucial for the completion of sexual reproduction and the alternation of generations in plants. Small RNAs are ubiquitously present in eukaryotic organisms. Based on their biogenesis, function, and involvement in biological pathways, plant small RNAs are primarily categorized into four classes: miRNAs (microRNAs), ta-siRNAs (trans-acting-siRNAs), hc-siRNAs (heterochromatic-siRNAs), and nat-siRNAs (natural antisense transcript-derived siRNAs). Current studies show that small RNAs play an important role in plant reproductive development, such as female gametophyte development and ovule development. In this review, we systematically elucidate the biogenesis and molecular mechanism of small RNAs and summarize the latest research advances on their roles in regulating megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis in plants. The aim of this review is to provide insights into the mechanisms underlying plant reproductive development through the lens of small RNAs, offering a theoretical foundation for improving crop quality, yield, genetic improvement, and breeding. Full article

Miscanthus × giganteus (Greef and Deuter ex Hodkinson and Renvoize) is a perennial, rhizomatous grass that has gained significant attention as an industrial crop, particularly as a bioenergy feedstock. It is a natural interspecific hybrid with 57 chromosomes (2n = 3x = 57). Due to its sterility, M. × giganteus has limited genetic variability, making traditional breeding methods ineffective for its improvement. Consequently, alternative approaches are being explored to enhance its cultivation and utility. The study aimed to investigate the potential for M. × giganteus plant regeneration through ovary and flower bud cultures. Indirect in vitro regeneration of M. × giganteus plants was successfully achieved using flower bud cultures. Embryogenic-like callus was derived from explants originating from inflorescences that had undergone a four-day pretreating at 10 °C. The most effective medium for callus induction was a modified MS medium supplemented with 5 mg·dm⁻³ dicamba, 0.2 mg dm⁻³ 6-benzylaminopurine, 30 g dm⁻³ sucrose, and solidified with 8 g dm⁻³ agar or agarose. The optimal conditions for callus induction were achieved by culturing in the dark. The regenerated plants exhibited the characteristic chromosome number of the species, confirming that the regenerants did not develop from embryo sac cells. In contrast, ovary culture failed to produce callus or regenerated plants, highlighting its ineffectiveness for M. × giganteus regeneration. These findings underscore the potential of flower bud culture as a successful in vitro regeneration method while demonstrating the limitations of ovary culture for this species. Full article

Paeonia ludlowii is a threatened and valuable germplasm in the cultivated tree peony gene pool, with distinctive traits such as tall stature, pure yellow flowers, and scarlet foliage in autumn. However, the crossability barrier limits gene transfer from P. ludlowii to cultivated tree peony. Therefore, our study investigated the reasons for the lack of crossability between P. ludlowii and Paeonia ostii ‘Fengdan’. Distant cross pollination (DH) resulted in the formation of many calloses at the ends of the pollen tubes, which grew non-polar, twisted, entangled, and often stopped in the style. Pollen tubes elongated the fastest in self-pollination (CK), and pollen tubes elongated faster and fewer pollen tube abnormalities were observed in stigmas treated with KCl solution before pollination (KH) than in DH. During pollen–pistil interactions, the absence of stigma exudates, high levels of H₂O₂, O₂⁻, MDA, ^•OH, ABA, and MeJA, and lower levels of BR and GA₃ may negatively affect pollen germination and pollen tube elongation in the pistil of P. ostii ‘Fengdan’. Pollen tubes in CK and KH penetrated the ovule into the embryo sac at 24 h after pollination, whereas only a few pollen tubes in DH penetrated the ovule at 36 h after pollination. Pre-embryo abnormalities and the inhibition of free nuclear endosperm division resulted in embryo abortion in most of the fruits of DH and many fruits of KH, which occurred between 10 and 20 days after pollination, whereas embryos in CK developed well. Early embryo abortion and endosperm abortion in most of the fruits of DH and KH led to seed abortion. Seed abortion in KH and DH was mainly due to an insufficient supply of auxins and gibberellins and lower content of soluble protein and soluble sugars. The cross failure between P. ludlowii and P. ostii ‘Fengdan’ is mostly caused by a pre-fertilization barrier. KH treatment can effectively promote pollen tube growth and facilitate normal development of hybrid embryos. These findings provide new insights into overcoming the interspecific hybridization barrier between cultivated tree peony varieties and wild species. Full article

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX), a commonly used sulfonamide antibiotic, poses a threat to aquatic life due to its widespread presence in the environment. This study aims to investigate the specific effects of SMX on the development of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) embryos and larvae. Marine medaka embryos were exposed to SMX at concentrations of 0 (solvent control group, SC group), 1 μg/L (low concentration group, L group), 60 μg/L (middle concentration group, M group), and 1000 μg/L (high concentration group, H group). The results indicated that SMX exposure significantly accelerated the heart rate of embryos (p < 0.0001) and shortened the hatching time while also causing anomalies such as reduced pigmentation, smaller eye size, spinal curvature, and yolk sac edema. SMX also led to a decrease in the total length of the larvae. The M group and the H group exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.05) in lipid accumulation in the visceral mass of the larvae. In the L group and the M group, there was a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in the swimming distance of the larvae. At the molecular level, SMX exposure affected the transcript levels of the genes involved in the cardiovascular system (ahrra, arnt2, atp2a1, and cacan1da), antioxidant and inflammatory systems (cat, cox-1, gpx, pparα, pparβ, and pparγ), nervous system (gap43, gfap, α-tubulin), intestinal barrier function (claudin-1), detoxification enzymes (ugt2c1-like), and lipid metabolism (rxraa) in the embryos to larval stage. The microbiome analysis showed that at the phylum level, exposure to SMX resulted in an increase in the abundance of Proteobacteria. Additionally, the abundance of Actinobacteriota significantly increased in the L group (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of Bifidobacterium significantly increased in the L group (p < 0.05), while the abundance of Vibrio significantly increased in the H group (p < 0.05). The alpha diversity analysis revealed a significant decrease in the Chao1 index in the L and H groups, indicating a reduction in microbial richness. The beta diversity analysis showed differences in the microbial communities of marine medaka larvae among different SMX exposure groups. This study elucidates the negative impacts of SMX on the development of marine medaka embryos and larvae and their microbial composition, providing a scientific basis for assessing the risks of SMX in marine ecosystems. Full article

This study on cat placental organogenesis provides a detailed histological description, emphasizing the stages that have been less described. Thirty-seven gestational sacs were obtained by ovariohysterectomy, and the gestational age of the embryos/fetuses was determined based on developmental characteristics. The placentas were measured and processed by routine histological techniques. Additionally, fresh tissue from a term placenta was processed for ultrastructural analysis. An in-depth histological analysis was performed, and several morphometric variables (placental and lamellar width, placental and labyrinthine thickness, area and number of decidual cells) were recorded and related mainly to gestational age. A significant increase was observed in fetal length from 31 dpc, while placental thickness rose until 39 dpc; lamellae became abundant, parallel, longer, and narrower. Many CTB cells gradually fused into the STB; however, it progressively reduced. Medium-sized decidual cells, arranged in groups at the junctional zone, were progressively incorporated into the lamellae; there, they persisted until term, decreasing in number and becoming larger and frequently binucleated. The description of temporal modifications in lamellar, trophoblastic, and decidual features widens current knowledge on feline placental morphogenesis. In addition, these findings might be valuable for elucidating mechanisms behind placental development, which in turn affect its efficiency. Full article

This study investigated key aspects of the reproductive potential of C. sativa cv. Helena. It focused on the development of male and female gametophytes, embryos, and endosperm formation. The developmental stages of pollen grains, embryo sacs, and their formation were revealed. The anther and development of the male gametophyte were as follows: tetrasporangiate anther, (whose wall is developed by the Dicotyledonous type and consists of the epidermis, fibrous endothecium, two middle layers, and glandular tapetum) and two-celled mature pollen. The ovule and development of the female gametophyte were characterized by an upper unilocular ovary containing two anatropous, crassinucellate, bitegmic ovules. The female gametophyte follows the Polygonum (monosporic) type. The development also includes nuclear endosperm formation and the presence of an embryo sac haustorium. A high pollen and seed viability was estimated. This fact, combined with the normal running of the processes of formation and development of the female gametophyte, embryo-, and endospermogenesis provide high reproductive potential for the studied cultivar of C. sativa. These findings contribute to a better understanding of C. sativa reproductive biology and provide valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at optimizing cultivar selection. Full article

N, N-Dimethylaniline is an important chemical intermediate and an important metabolite of the pesticide Fenaminosulf. It is widely used in chemical production, but there is an extreme paucity of environmental risk assessments for N, N-dimethylaniline.: In this study, the cardiotoxicity of continuous exposure to N, N-dimethylaniline (20, 40, and 80 μg/mL) for 72 h was evaluated using zebrafish embryos.: The study found that N, N-dimethylaniline not only exhibits developmental toxicity to zebrafish embryos, leading to abnormalities such as pericardial edema, yolk sac edema, and spinal curvature, but also induces oxidative stress, lipid accumulation, and apoptosis, particularly affecting the heart region. Cardiac function indicators such as pericardial area, sinus venosus (SV) and bulbar artery (BA) distance, heart rate, and red blood cell (RBC) rate were all significantly altered due to exposure to N, N-dimethylaniline, with impaired cardiac morphology and structure and the downregulation of gene expression related to heart development and function (myl7, vmhc, myh6, bmp4, tbx2b, and has2).: The research findings suggest that the heart may be the potential target organ for the toxic effects of N, N-dimethylaniline, providing a scientific basis for the rational use of this compound and environmental protection. Furthermore, it enhances public awareness of the safety of substances that may degrade to produce N, N-dimethylaniline during their use. Full article