Search Results (52)

Background: The advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment have significantly improved survival rates in pediatric patients, with five-year survival now exceeding 80% in many high-income countries. However, these life-saving therapies often carry long-term consequences, including impaired fertility. The reproductive health of childhood cancer survivors has emerged as a key issue in survivorship care. Objective: This narrative review aims to examine the gonadotoxic effects of cancer treatments on pediatric patients, evaluate fertility preservation strategies in both males and females, and provide guidance on the long-term monitoring of reproductive function post treatment. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, including randomized trials, cohort studies, and clinical guidelines published up to March 2024. The keywords focused on pediatric oncology, fertility, and reproductive endocrinology. Studies were selected based on relevance to treatment-related gonadotoxicity, fertility preservation options, and follow-up care. Results: Radiotherapy and alkylating agents pose the highest risk to fertility. Postpubertal patients have access to standardized preservation techniques, while prepubertal options remain experimental. Long-term effects include premature ovarian insufficiency, azoospermia, hypogonadism, and uterine dysfunction. The psychosocial impacts, especially in female survivors, are profound and often overlooked. Conclusions: Fertility preservation should be discussed at diagnosis and integrated into treatment planning in pediatric patients with cancer. While options for postpubertal patients are established, more research is needed to validate safe and effective strategies for younger populations. A multidisciplinary approach and long-term surveillance are essential for safeguarding future reproductive potential in childhood cancer survivors. Full article

Lindane, a persistent organochlorine pesticide, exerts toxic effects on the female reproductive system, compromising oocyte quality and maturation. However, the effects of this pesticide on mammalian oocyte morphology and ultrastructure remain unknown. This study investigated the effects of Lindane on mouse oocyte ultrastructure using an in vitro model with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) at concentrations from 1 to 100 μM. The results revealed a progressive dose-related trend of alterations: at 1 μM, mild swelling of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) vesicles; at 10 μM, increased SER dilation and cytoplasmic disorganization; and at 100 μM, pronounced vacuolization, mitochondrial swelling, dense lamellar bodies (dlbs), and multivesicular bodies (MVBs) indicative of autophagic activity. Mitochondrial alterations increased significantly with concentration: 3.2 ± 0.8 (control), 5.7 ± 1.0 (1 μM), 9.4 ± 1.5 (10 μM), and 16.8 ± 2.3 (100 μM) altered mitochondria per oocyte (p < 0.01). Vacuole frequency was notably elevated at 100 μM (4.3 ± 1.1 vs. 0.7 ± 0.5 in controls), and mislocalization of organelles within the ooplasm was observed. In conclusion, Lindane-induced oocyte ultrastructural alterations were observed at all tested concentrations but were more pronounced at 100 μM. These results highlight its impact on female fertility and may guide the search for protective agents, as well as efforts to reduce environmental exposure to endocrine disruptors. Full article

Trichogramma wasps are highly effective biological control agents, offering an environmentally sustainable solution for pest management through their parasitism of insect eggs. This study evaluates the parasitism performance of six Trichogramma species—T. dendrolimi, T. chilonis, T. leucaniae, T. ostriniae, T. japonicum, and T. pretiosum—on five treatments of Eri silkworm (ES) eggs, a potential alternative to the large eggs of Antheraea pernyi for mass rearing. The ES egg treatments included the following: manually extracted, unfertilized, and washed eggs (MUW); naturally laid, unfertilized, and washed eggs (NUW); naturally laid, unfertilized, and unwashed eggs (NUUW); naturally laid, fertilized, and washed eggs (NFW); and naturally laid, fertilized, and unwashed eggs (NFUW). The results demonstrate that all Trichogramma species, except T. japonicum, successfully parasitized ES eggs across all treatments. Notably, washed eggs consistently supported higher parasitism and emergence rates compared to unwashed eggs, while unfertilized eggs outperformed fertilized eggs in these metrics. Among the treatments, unfertilized and washed eggs (MUW and NUW) exhibited the shortest pre-emergence time and the highest number of emerged adults, with no significant differences in female progeny ratios across most species. A striking exception was T. dendrolimi, which showed a significantly higher female offspring ratio in the MUW treatment. These findings highlight that MUW eggs of ES are a highly suitable alternative host for the mass production of Trichogramma wasps. This study provides critical insights for optimizing host egg treatments to enhance the efficiency of Trichogramma-based biological control programs. Full article

Infertility is a complex and common problem in reproductive medicine consultations. Three factors must be examined during the preconception phase: breeding management, the fertility of the bitch, and the fertility of the stud dog. Among these factors, improper breeding management remains the main cause of reproductive failure, with accurate recognition of ovulation being crucial for successful mating. Artificial insemination allows for a thorough evaluation of semen quality compared to natural mating. In addition, genetic selection, nutritional factors, and reproductive health management can either impair or improve the fertility of females and males. Idiopathic infertility can occur in bitches, but it is important to rule out other possible causes first. In bitches with irregular estrus cycles, ovarian dysfunction and endocrine imbalances should be investigated. In bitches with regular cycles, uterine disorders such as cystic endometrial hyperplasia, endometritis or congenital anomalies may be the cause. Both mating-related and chronic endometritis are recognized as contributing factors to infertility. Infectious agents, particularly Brucella spp. and Mycoplasma spp., should also be evaluated, although interpretation of Mycoplasma test results requires caution. In males presenting with poor semen quality, potential causes include infectious diseases (with brucellosis always requiring exclusion), hormonal imbalances, and the impact of exogenous treatments. The article underscores the critical role of comprehensive diagnostic protocols, proactive health surveillance, and data-driven breeding strategies in systematically addressing this multifaceted challenge. Full article

Bacillus velezensis is a promising mosquito vector biocontrol agent due to its potent larvicidal properties. This study investigated the lethal and sublethal effects of exposure to crude toxin of B. velezensis strain WHk23 on Culex quinquefasciatus. Toxicity bioassays showed a median lethal concentration of 28.30 µg/mL for third instar larvae. In addition to direct larval mortality, sublethal exposures resulted in concentration-dependent decreases in survival, fecundity, and fertility. Exposure to different concentrations was found to accelerate larval development, resulting in larger females, yet those females exhibited lower lifespan and diminished reproductive success. These results suggest that exposure to B. velezensis not only reduces mosquito populations but also has lasting effects on important life history parameters, ultimately lowering vectorial capacity and disease transmission risk. This study provides valuable insights into the lethal and sublethal consequences of B. velezensis exposure. Given its potent larvicidal properties, B. velezensis represents a promising biocontrol agent for mosquito vectors. Full article

Temperature is a key environmental factor that influences mosquito phenotypic traits and the effectiveness of vector control strategies. Bacillus velezensis (Bv) has shown promise as a microbial biocontrol agent due to its insecticidal properties; however, its effects on mosquitoes under different environmental conditions are still unexplored. This study investigated the effects of Bv (strain WHk23) exposure on the life history traits of Culex quinquefasciatus at two temperature conditions (20 °C and 30 °C), focusing on development, longevity, and reproductive fitness. Results showed that temperature significantly affected mosquito development and longevity, with faster development and shorter adult longevity observed at 30 °C compared to 20 °C. Exposure to Bv further accelerated larval development and reduced adult emergence, with the effects being more pronounced at 30 °C than at 20 °C. Exposure to Bv reduced adult longevity regardless of temperature. In addition, Bv-exposed females had larger body sizes but lower fecundity and fertility, suggesting that Bv exposure may cause physiological stress that disrupts reproductive processes. These findings highlight the importance of considering environmental factors in mosquito control programs while reinforcing the efficacy of Bv as a sustainable biocontrol agent under a variety of environmental conditions. Full article

Sexual dysfunction, influenced by hormonal imbalances, psychological factors, and chronic diseases, affects a significant portion of the population. Probiotics, known for their beneficial effects on gut microbiota, have emerged as potential therapeutic agents for improving sexual health. This systematic review evaluates the impact of probiotics on sexual function, hormonal regulation, and reproductive outcomes. A comprehensive search identified 3308 studies, with 12 meeting the inclusion criteria—comprising 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 2 in vivo and in vitro studies. Probiotic interventions were shown to significantly improve sexual function, particularly in women undergoing antidepressant therapy (p < 0.05). Significant improvements in Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores were observed, with combined treatments such as Lactofem with Letrozole and Lactofem with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) demonstrating a 10% biochemical and clinical pregnancy rate compared to 0% in the control group (p = 0.05). Probiotic use was also associated with a 66% reduction in menopausal symptoms, increased sperm motility (36.08%), viability (46.79%), and morphology (36.47%). Probiotics also contributed to favorable hormonal changes, including a reduced luteinizing hormone (LH) to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio (from 3.0 to 2.5, p < 0.05) and increased testosterone levels. Regarding reproductive outcomes, probiotic use was associated with higher pregnancy rates in women undergoing fertility treatments and improvements in sperm motility, viability, and morphology in men. This review highlights the promising role of probiotics in addressing sexual dysfunction and reproductive health, suggesting their potential as adjunctive treatments for conditions such as depression and infertility. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of these beneficial effects. Full article

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of organic compounds with fused aromatic rings, primarily derived from combustion processes and environmental pollutants. This narrative review discusses the most relevant studies on PAHs, focusing on their sources, environmental and occupational exposure, and effects on human health, emphasizing their roles as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic agents. The primary pathways for human exposure to PAHs are through the ingestion of contaminated food (mainly due to some food processing methods, such as smoking and high-temperature cooking techniques), the inhalation of ambient air, and the smoking of cigarettes. Coke oven workers are recognized as a high-risk occupational group for PAH exposure, highlighting the need for appropriate strategies to mitigate these risks and safeguard worker health. PAHs are metabolized into reactive intermediates in the body, which can lead to DNA damage and promote the development of various health conditions, particularly in environments with high exposure levels. Chronic PAH exposure has been linked to respiratory diseases, as well as cardiovascular problems and immune system suppression. Furthermore, this review underscores the significant impact of PAHs on reproductive health. The results of the reported studies suggest that both male and female fertility can be compromised due to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and endocrine disruption caused by PAH exposure. In males, PAHs impair sperm quality, while, in females, they disrupt ovarian function, potentially leading to infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects. Fetal exposure to PAHs is also associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Given the extensive and detrimental health risks posed by PAHs, this review stresses the importance of stringent environmental regulations, occupational safety measures, and public health initiatives to mitigate exposure and safeguard reproductive and overall health. Full article

Background: Tramadol, a weak opioid analgesic agent, is known to induce ovarian damage. Previous studies have held oxidative stress responsible for the adverse effects of tramadol on female reproduction. This study examined the protective effects of ATP against tramadol-induced ovarian damage and reproductive dysfunction in rats. Methods: Rats were divided into four groups (n = 12); healthy (HG), only ATP (ATPG), only tramadol (TMDG), and ATP + tramadol (ATMG). ATP was injected intraperitoneally at 25 mg/kg. Tramadol at 50 mg/kg was initiated one hour after ATP. The treatment was administered once a day for 14 days. Six rats from each group were euthanized. For two months, the remaining rats were paired with male rats. Rats that failed to give birth during this period were considered infertile. A maternity period was calculated for the rats that were delivered. Results: Tramadol caused an increase in malondialdehyde and interleukin-6, and decreased total glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels in the ovarian tissue. Furthermore, tramadol disrupted the histological structure of the ovaries, and immunohistochemical staining revealed severe immunopositivity. Tramadol again caused infertility and delayed pregnancy in fertile women. By suppressing biochemical changes, ATP significantly reduced tramadol-induced ovarian damage. Both histopathologically and immunohistochemically, ATP treatment regressed ovarian damage. Additionally, ATP significantly reduced tramadol-induced infertility and maternal delay. Conclusions: The results indicate that tramadol-induced oxidative and inflammatory ovarian injury, infertility, and caspase 3 were suppressed by ATP, as demonstrated by our experimental findings. Full article

Background and Objectives: Nutrient supplements are commonly used to improve fertility outcomes by women with infertility trying to conceive spontaneously or utilising medically assisted reproduction (MAR). However, despite their widespread use and perceived safety, there is a lack of clear guidance on the efficacy and safety of these supplements for female infertility. The aim of this umbrella review was to identify the best available and most recent evidence on the efficacy and safety of nutrient supplements for female infertility to provide evidence-based guidance for clinicians and reproductive couples. Methods: Five electronic databases were searched for umbrella reviews, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials on nutrient supplements for female infertility, published from August 2017 to January 2024. The primary outcomes were live birth, and clinical and biochemical pregnancy rates. Secondary outcomes were adverse effects including miscarriage and ectopic or multiple pregnancy. Quality assessment was performed using the A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews Version 2.0 (AMSTAR 2), and the certainty of evidence for outcomes were assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, where possible. Results: Four meta-analyses were included. Multiple micronutrients and antioxidants increased live birth rates in women utilising MAR and/or trying to conceive spontaneously compared to placebo, standard or no treatment (odds ratio (OR) 2.59 and 1.81 respectively) with very low certainty evidence. L-carnitine, coQ10, melatonin, myo-inositol, NAC and vitamin D increased clinical pregnancy rates in women with PCOS and/or undergoing MAR compared to placebo, standard or no treatment (odds ratio (OR) 11.14, 2.49, 1.66, relative risk (RR) 1.52, OR 2.15, and 1.49 respectively) with very low certainty evidence. Vitamin D did not increase biochemical pregnancy rates in women utilising MAR with very low certainty evidence. NAC, vitamin D, and pooled antioxidants had no effect on miscarriage rates or multiple pregnancy rates in women trying to conceive spontaneously or utilising MAR, with low to very low certainty evidence. Pooled antioxidants had no effect on ectopic pregnancy rates in women trying to conceive spontaneously or utilising MAR, with low certainty evidence. Conclusions: The available evidence is insufficient to recommend nutrient supplementation to improve female infertility in women trying to conceive naturally and those utilising MAR. However, there is currently no indication that these nutrients pose any risk of significant harm. Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42022365966) 20 October 2022. Full article

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are responsible for the majority of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), some of which are oncogenic and can cause oropharyngeal or genital cancers. The HPV prevalence at the genital level varies according to the population studied but is higher in the seminal fluid of men suffering from idiopathic infertility than in the general population. The involvement of HPV in male infertility is supported by several studies suggesting that this virus can affect sperm quality by altering sperm DNA integrity, motility, number, viability, and morphology, and by inducing the production of anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs). HPVs may also have an impact on female fertility, mainly by increasing the risk of miscarriage and premature delivery and by altering the implantation of endometrial trophoblastic cells. In addition, an association with vaginal bacterial dysbiosis, notably involving Gardnerella vaginalis, or co-infection with an STI agent, serves as an aggravating factor. The aim of this review is to present current data on the potential role of HPVs in male and female infertility, along with data on infertility prevention and treatment strategies and the impact of vaccination in this context. Full article

Apigenin is an organic flavonoid abundant in some plants such as parsley, chamomile, or celery. Recently, it has been investigated for several of its pharmacological characteristics, such as its ability to act as an antioxidant, reduce inflammation, and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of the existing knowledge regarding the effects of apigenin on female reproductive systems and its dysfunctions. Apigenin can influence reproductive processes by regulating multiple biological events, including oxidative processes, cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell renewal and viability, ovarian blood supply, and the release of reproductive hormones. It could stimulate ovarian folliculogenesis, as well as ovarian and embryonal cell proliferation and viability, which can lead to an increase in fertility and influence the release of reproductive hormones, which may exert its effects on female reproductive health. Furthermore, apigenin could inhibit the activities of ovarian cancer cells and alleviate the pathological changes in the female reproductive system caused by environmental pollutants, harmful medications, cancer, polycystic ovarian syndrome, ischemia, as well as endometriosis. Therefore, apigenin may have potential as a biostimulator for female reproductive processes and as a therapeutic agent for certain reproductive diseases. Full article

Background: Recent advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment have significantly improved survival rates among women of reproductive age facing cancer. However, the potential iatrogenic loss of fertility caused by chemotherapeutic agents underscores the need to understand and predict chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage. This study addresses this gap by systematically reviewing the literature to investigate genetic markers associated with chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure (CIOF). Objective: The primary objective is to identify genetic markers linked to CIOF, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing fertility preservation in female cancer survivors. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and OVID electronic databases from inception through December 2023. Studies were included if they featured genomic assessments of genes or polymorphisms related to CIOF in women with histologically confirmed tumors. Exclusion criteria comprised in vitro and animal studies, reviews, and pilot studies. The resulting four human-based studies were scrutinized for insights into genetic influences on CIOF. Results: Of the 5179 articles initially identified, four studies met the inclusion criteria, focusing on alkylating agents, particularly cyclophosphamide, and anthracyclines. Su et al. explored CYP3A41B variants, revealing modified associations with CIOF based on age. Charo et al. investigated GSTA1 and CYP2C19 polymorphisms, emphasizing the need to consider age and tamoxifen therapy in assessing associations. Oktay et al. delved into the impact of BRCA mutations on anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels post-chemotherapy, supported by in vitro assays. Van der Perk et al. focused on childhood cancer survivors and revealed significant associations of CYP3A43 and CYP2B6*2 SNPs with AMH levels. Conclusions: This systematic review analyzes evidence regarding genetic markers influencing CIOF, emphasizing the complex interplay of age, specific genetic variants, and chemotherapy regimens. The findings underscore the need for a personalized approach in assessing CIOF risk, integrating genetic markers with traditional ovarian reserve testing. The implications of this study extend to potential advancements in fertility preservation strategies, offering clinicians a comprehensive baseline assessment for tailored interventions based on each patient’s unique genetic profile. Further research is essential to validate these findings and establish a robust framework for integrating genetic markers into clinical practice. Full article

Reproductive failure in dogs is often due to unknown causes, and correct diagnosis and treatment are not always achieved. This condition is associated with various congenital and acquired etiologies that develop inflammatory processes, causing an increase in the number of leukocytes within the female reproductive tract (FRT). An encounter between polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and infectious agents or inflammation in the FRT could trigger neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are associated with significantly decreased motility and damage to sperm functional parameters in other species, including humans. This study describes the interaction between canine PMNs and spermatozoa and characterizes the release of NETs, in addition to evaluating the consequences of these structures on canine sperm function. To identify and visualize NETs, May–Grünwald Giemsa staining and immunofluorescence for neutrophil elastase (NE) were performed on canine semen samples and sperm/PMN co-cultures. Sperm viability was assessed using SYBR/PI and acrosome integrity was assessed using PNA-FITC/PI by flow cytometry. The results demonstrate NETs release in native semen samples and PMN/sperm co-cultures. In addition, NETs negatively affect canine sperm function parameters. This is the first report on the ability of NETs to efficiently entrap canine spermatozoa, and to provide additional data on the adverse effects of NETs on male gametes. Therefore, NETs formation should be considered in future studies of canine reproductive failure, as these extracellular fibers and NET-derived pro-inflammatory capacities will impede proper oocyte fertilization and embryo implantation. These data will serve as a basis to explain certain reproductive failures of dogs and provide new information about triggers and molecules involved in adverse effects of NETosis for domestic pet animals. Full article

Adults of the pine sawyer Monochamus alternatus are the primary vector of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the causative agent of pine wilt disease. A sawyer subspecies in Taiwan (abbreviated ‘T’) has two generations a year (bivoltinism) due to facultative diapause, whereas another subspecies in Japan (abbreviated ‘J’) has a one- or two-year life cycle due to obligate diapause. T, with two infection periods a year, will cause more severe disease epidemics than J if it is introduced into Japan. Inter-subspecies hybridization may inhibit the expression of bivoltinism because many F1 hybrids induce diapause. To predict the effects of introducing T into Japan, the present study investigated copulation duration and late-male sperm precedence to fertilize eggs. The results indicated that a single copulation for more than 65 s supplied sufficient sperm to fertilize a lifetime production of eggs. The incidence of larval diapause was 0.15 for the offspring of T females that mated with a T male and increased to 0.292–0.333 after remating with a J male, while the incidence of larval diapause was 0.900–1.000 for hybrids from T females mated with a J male. Consequently, the estimated proportion of second-male sperm used by T females was 0.185–0.217. The effects of introducing T populations into Japan on the severity of disease epidemics were also discussed. Full article