Search Results (177)

Background: Koalas are a vulnerable marsupial species with unique reproductive traits. Efforts to develop assisted breeding technologies have been hindered by a limited understanding of maternal recognition of pregnancy and physiological changes induced by the foeto-placental unit. Differences in the reproductive physiology of pregnant and non-pregnant koalas were examined to investigate the possibility of maternal recognition and identify potential pregnancy and/or embryonic loss biomarkers. Methods: Koalas were separated into three groups: pregnant (n = 4 cycles from three females), mated but non-parturient (n = 4 cycles from three females), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist-treated females (n = 7). Plasma was collected on day of mating/GnRH injection (D0) and on multiple subsequent days. Progesterone concentrations were measured by enzyme immunoassay, and plasma proteomes were analysed using filter-aided sample preparation followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), employing sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra. Results: Ovulation induction mechanisms influenced peri-ovulatory progesterone secretion (pregnant 40.7 ± 3.3 ng/mL vs. GnRH-treated 15.7 ± 1.8 ng/mL), with no significant differences in progesterone that occurred later in the luteal phase. LC-MS/MS identified 158 proteins, representing the first koala plasma proteome. Leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG1) was significantly elevated at D2 in pregnant females compared to GnRH-treated females, and pregnant D9 and D19. In pregnant females, fibronectin (FN1) was significantly more abundant at D19 compared to D9 but not significantly different between treatments. Conclusions: These preliminary findings provide foundational data for further investigation into maternal recognition and pregnancy/embryonic loss in koalas. Full article

Sheep play a crucial role in strengthening food security in different regions, where climates are often variable and resources can be limited. The importance of these animals includes nutrition and income. For sustainable production, manipulating estrous cyclicity is a pivotal, particularly in tropical and dry climate regions. Given the variation in reproductive performance in various breeds with seasons, and management practices, it is difficult to select effective protocols at all times. There is a need for in-depth knowledge on efficiency of available protocols. This review critically synthesizes current estrus synchronization strategies in sheep, integrating physiological principles with comparative evaluation of hormonal molecules, protocol architectures, and reproductive performance data. Progesterone-based systems remain the cornerstone of synchronization, particularly when combined with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), because they simulate luteal activity and promote follicular recruitment during seasonal anestrus. However, prolonged progestogen exposure may induce persistent follicles and compromise oocyte quality, whereas short-term protocols (5–7 days) frequently achieve comparable or improved fertility while reducing hormonal exposure. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-based approaches improve control of ovulation timing and are particularly useful for fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI), although their effectiveness declines during deep anestrus without exogenous gonadotropic support. Prostaglandin-only systems provide cost-effective synchronization in cyclic ewes, but their reliability is limited outside the breeding season. Emerging innovations, including recombinant gonadotropins and nano-formulated hormone delivery systems, aim to enhance endocrine precision while addressing welfare, immunogenicity, and regulatory concerns associated with conventional eCG use. Across studies, variation in outcomes reflects the complex interaction among endocrine regulation, follicular dynamics, luteal competence, breed-specific ovarian responsiveness, and seasonal neuroendocrine suppression. Therefore, current evidence suggests that synchronization success depends less on protocol complexity than on physiological compatibility with breed characteristics, seasonal reproductive status, and production objectives. Future research on precision endocrine modulation, reduced hormonal exposure, ethical standardized outcome reporting is warranted. Full article

At present, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Current treatments for cervical cancer, most notably chemotherapy, can induce various adverse side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue, among others. Therefore, alternative therapies are being developed. Intravaginal drug delivery systems based on biopolymers are the subject of extensive research for the treatment of this condition. Some of the most sought-after qualities in these systems are mucoadhesiveness, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, while ensuring controlled and prolonged drug release. Taking these aspects into consideration, this study develops hydrogel ovules composed of O-carboxymethyl chitosan (OCMC) and gelatin, crosslinked with genipin, containing retinyl palmitate at various concentrations, as well as curcumin. The characterization of functional groups and potential interactions between the polymeric matrix and the drugs was carried out by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Physicochemical tests, including swelling, contact angle, and in vitro degradation assays, were also performed to determine the system’s hydrophilicity and its potential duration of use. In vitro release assays for both curcumin and retinyl palmitate were conducted to investigate the release kinetics of these two substances. To assess the mucoadhesiveness of the ovules, a sliding analysis was conducted using porcine uterine tissue. Finally, cell viability studies were performed using mouse fibroblasts and HeLa cells to evaluate the system’s specificity. The results of this study demonstrate that the system, composed of gelatin, OCMC, retinyl palmitate, and curcumin, is mucoadhesive, hydrophilic, and exhibits controlled swelling behavior. In vitro assays demonstrated that the system maintains control of both degradation and drug release for up to 72 h; moreover, it proved non-toxic to healthy cells, with the incorporation of curcumin shown to enhance the selective cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. Based on the foregoing, this drug delivery system containing retinyl palmitate represents a promising potential intravaginal treatment for cervical cancer. Full article

The aim of this work was to study the influence of various factors (sucrose concentration, silver nitrate, activated charcoal, and plant growth regulators 2.4-D (2.4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid) and TDZ (Thidiazuron)) on the induction of gynogenesis and their effect on eight genotypes of summer squash on the ploidy level of regenerated summer squash plants (Cucurbita pepo L.) in isolated ovule culture in vitro. IMC (Induction Medium for Cucurbitaceae) nutrient medium supplemented with 2 mg/L 2.4-D or 0.2 mg/L TDZ was used. It was shown that the optimal sucrose concentration for embryogenesis was 30 g/L; at 70 g/L, embryogenesis was absent. The addition of 10 mg/L AgNO₃ in combination with 2.4-D in the genotype Faraon increased the frequency of embryogenesis up to 80%. It was found that a low concentration of activated charcoal (5 mg/L) together with TDZ increased the yield of embryoids by 8.5 times (68% embryogenesis) in the genotype Sangrum. Both growth regulators effectively induce embryogenesis, but their action strongly depends on the genotype and the composition of the nutrient medium. Flow cytometry analysis of 247 regenerant plants adapted to ex vitro conditions of the studied genotypes obtained in this study showed that diploids (2n) accounted for 47.2%, tetraploids (4n) 45.7%, triploids 3.7%, and octoploids 3.4%. Genotype-specificity of growth regulator action was demonstrated: in the genotypes Sangrum and Faraon, TDZ promoted a higher yield of tetraploids, while in the genotype Yakor, 2.4-D was more effective. The obtained tetraploid lines can be used to create seedless triploid hybrids without colchicine treatment. The developed combinations of factors will allow more efficient induction of gynogenesis in summer squash in vitro. Full article

Background: Irregular menses and chronic anovulation are key components of Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), but available treatments generally only mask the clinical problem, which presents itself again when the drugs are stopped. Because reduction of body weight in these patients is often associated with improvement of menstrual cycles, we evaluated the effects of treatment with semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist that has emerged as an effective treatment for obesity. Methods: A total of 96 women with PMOS and body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m² completed a six-month treatment protocol with semaglutide using an individualized dose-escalation regimen. Body weight, fasting glucose, insulin levels, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and ovulatory function were assessed before and after treatment. Results: After six months of treatment, mean body weight decreased significantly (−11.3 ± 5%, p < 0.01). Before treatment, 83% of PMOS patients presented with oligomenorrhea and anovulatory cycles. Following treatment, ovulatory cycles were observed in 52.5% of previously anovulatory women. The results were particularly good in overweight patients, with almost 95% of these PMOS patients achieving menstrual cycle normalization and ovulation, but also in patients with mild obesity. Results were less favorable in PMOS patients with moderate or severe obesity, but 25% of these patients achieved menstrual ovulatory cycle normalization when treated with semaglutide. Conclusions: This study represents an important therapeutic advancement, suggesting that women with PMOS and excessive body weight should be considered for treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists before proceeding to therapies specifically aimed at inducing normal cycles and ovulation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pelvic radiotherapy (RT) for mid–low rectal and anal cancers frequently causes acute and late vaginal toxicity, including dryness, irritation, and dyspareunia, with a substantial impact on quality of life. Evidence supporting targeted interventions for radiation-induced vaginal mucosal changes remains limited. This exploratory retrospective study evaluated the association between daily use of Colpofix^® Ovules and temporal changes in patient-reported vaginal symptoms and Vaginal Health Index (VHI) scores in women undergoing pelvic RT. Methods: Twenty women treated with pelvic RT or chemoradiotherapy between 2024 and 2025 were included. Vaginal symptoms were assessed using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS 0–10), and mucosal status was evaluated using the VHI (5–25). Assessments were performed at baseline (T0), end of RT (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3). Due to the retrospective nature of the dataset, only aggregated summary values were available; analyses were therefore descriptive and aimed at characterizing temporal trends. Results: A clear and progressive reduction in vaginal dryness, irritation, reduced lubrication, and dyspareunia was observed from T0 to T3, with improvements already evident at T1 and further consolidation at T2–T3. VHI scores increased from a mean of 10.8 at baseline to 21.0 at 6 months, reflecting a consistent trend toward mucosal recovery across all domains. In the anal cancer subgroup, the trend toward improvement in dysuria did not meet conventional thresholds for statistical significance (p = 0.073). At T3, 90% of patients reported perceived benefit (55% marked, 35% mild). No adverse events attributable to Colpofix^® were documented. Conclusions: In this small retrospective cohort, daily use of Colpofix^® Ovules was associated with favorable temporal trends in both vaginal symptoms and VHI scores up to 6 months after pelvic RT. These exploratory findings support further prospective controlled studies to better define the potential role of Colpofix^® in managing vaginal mucosal changes during pelvic radiotherapy. Full article

Reproductive performance is closely linked to nutrient availability, yet the specific nutrient-derived cues governing oviposition decision-making remain inadequately defined. Chemically defined holidic media used in Drosophila melanogaster studies provide precise control over dietary components; however, the mechanisms by which individual nutrients exert acute effects on inter-organ endocrine signaling to trigger oviposition behavior are not well understood. In a two-choice oviposition assay, where substrates are presented within the same chamber, we observed that HM induces a rapid increase in egg laying in D. melanogaster compared to grape/apple juice media (GJM), yielding 4.02× and 5.27× more eggs at 2 h and 8 h, respectively. Systematic nutrient omission and subsequent supplementation identify lysine as the key essential amino acid driving this rapid oviposition response. Notably, this phenomenon reflects a short-term oviposition reaction, rather than long-term nutritional modulation of ovarian development. Lysine supplementation results in elevated levels of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH), as well as the induction of ecdysis-triggering hormone (ETH) expression. Pharmacological interventions support a model in which a 20E–ETH–JH endocrine cascade underlies the lysine-dependent phenotype: methoprene phenocopies the effect, whereas precocene suppresses the HM-induced increase in egg laying. A 20E analog similarly enhances oviposition. Consistent with the role of JH in reproductive tissues, activation of the JH pathway correlates with increased expression of extracellular matrix genes in the ovarian muscle. Collectively, these results demonstrate that lysine acts as a critical nutritional cue to activate the 20E–ETH–JH endocrine axis and acutely promote egg laying behavior in D. melanogaster over a short time period. This provides a defined framework for investigating the short-term nutrient hormone regulation of ovulation and offers a practical strategy for efficient egg collection. Full article

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common metabolic–endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age and represents a significant public health concern due to its clinical heterogeneity. It is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology, and is frequently associated with hyperinsulinemia, obesity, dyslipidemia, chronic low-grade inflammation, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Conventional treatments, including combined oral contraceptives, metformin, and ovulation-inducing agents, primarily target symptoms and present limitations in efficacy, tolerability, and their ability to address underlying metabolic dysfunction. In this context, naturally derived bioactive compounds have emerged as promising complementary therapeutic strategies. Various phytochemicals exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and reproductive axis-modulating effects by targeting key molecular pathways involved in insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and follicular dysfunction. Emerging preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that these compounds may improve metabolic, hormonal, and reproductive outcomes in women with PCOS. Full article

Biological differences between sexes—particularly due to fluctuating levels of 17β-estradiol and menstrual cycle dynamics—may influence exercise-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, inflammation and exercise performance. Despite these considerations, there is a lack of research exploring how estradiol and menstrual cycle phases may impact exercise performance, exercise-induced ROS formation and inflammation. This study aimed to examine whether estradiol concentration or menstrual cycle phase may be significantly associated with resistance circuit high-intensity interval training (HIIT) performance, as well as exercise-induced formation of ROS and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). A total of 30 young healthy female participants completed a single bout of resistance-based HIIT in a fasted state. Blood samples were collected at four time points: at baseline after overnight fasting, two hours after consumption of 0.5 L of water (pre-HIIT), immediately post exercise (post-HIIT) and after 15 min of recovery (15-post-HIIT). Additionally, participants attended six fasting baseline assessments scheduled across various menstrual cycle days. These sessions enabled the assessment of estradiol, ROS and IL-6 concentrations throughout the menstrual cycle without being confounded by nutritional factors. Neither baseline levels of ROS nor IL-6 differed significantly between menstrual cycle phases (luteal vs. follicular ROS: 0.013 µmol/min, p = 0.716; IL-6: 0.052, p = 0.679) menstruation status (yes vs. no ROS: −0.056 µmol/min, p = 0.259; IL-6: −0.302 pg/mL, p = 0.088) or 17β-estradiol concentrations (low (11–≤72.5 pg/mL) vs. high (>72.5–394 pg/mL) ROS: −0.038 µmol/min, p = 0.266; IL-6: +0.015 pg/mL, p = 0.906). On the resistance-circuit-HIIT intervention day, no significant differences in ROS or IL-6 were observed between estradiol concentrations (ROS: p = 0.477; IL-6: p = 0.249), menstrual cycle phase (ROS; p = 0.752; IL-6: p = 0.557) or menstruation status (ROS: p = 0.383; IL-6: p = 0.808) from baseline to pre-HIIT, post-HIIT or 15-post-HIIT. These findings should be interpreted with caution, as the menstrual cycle phases were assigned using a calendar-based approach without biochemical ovulation confirmation and the subgroup sizes were relatively small. These findings suggest that natural 17-beta-Estradiol fluctuations within the menstrual cycle, as well as differences in the menstrual cycle itself, may not substantially modulate ROS or IL-6 responses to acute resistance-based HIIT in young healthy female adults. Full article

Background/Objectives: Among cotton species, Gossypium barbadense produces the strongest fibers. Examining cytoskeletal dynamics in single epidermal cells of G. barbadense ovules offers a direct approach to investigating fiber quality. Microtubules are major cytoskeletal components whose organization and dynamics are precisely regulated by microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). However, information on the TPX2 family remains limited, and characterizing its features in G. barbadense is critical to clarifying the role of TPX2 family members in fiber strength formation. Methods: Using the Arabidopsis thaliana TPX2 sequence as a reference, 40, 49, 26, and 26 TPX2 family members were identified in the genomes of G. barbadense, Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium arboreum, and Gossypium raimondii, respectively. We further analyzed the expression pattern of GbTPX2-35 and validated its function via virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). Results: In G. barbadense, GbTPX2-35 (Gbar_D11G59825.1) was significantly upregulated in fiber samples of the parental lines at 25 days post-anthesis, and this expression pattern was further validated in G. barbadense lines with extreme fiber strength phenotypes. Next, VIGS-mediated silencing of GbTPX2-35 downregulated the transcript levels of cellulose synthase and microtubule-related protein genes, a finding further validated by mature fiber strength phenotypic data. Conclusions: This study preliminarily validated a pathway in which GbTPX2-35 regulates fiber strength by coordinating cellulose biosynthesis with microtubule cytoskeleton dynamics, providing valuable candidate genes and theoretical support for molecular breeding of high-strength cotton fibers. Full article

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with impaired ovarian steroidogenesis and ovulation, which necessitates the development of effective ovulation inducers for PCOS. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of allosteric luteinizing hormone receptor agonist TP03 and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on ovarian steroidogenesis, as well as ovulation in prepubertal female rats with dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA)-induced PCOS. Taking into account differences in progesterone levels, cohorts with high (PCOS(H)) and low (PCOS(L)) progesterone were formed and treated with Follimag and Cetrotide. After 48 h, TP03 (25 mg/kg) or hCG (25 IU/rat) were injected, and hormone levels, gene expression, and ovarian morphology were assessed. The PCOS(H)-cohort exhibited irregular estrous cycles, ovarian cysts, and increased ovarian mass and estradiol levels, but the number of corpora lutea (CL) was maintained. In the PCOS(L)-cohort, ovarian weight was increased, and Star, Cyp11a1, and Adamts1 gene expression as well as the CL number were decreased. In both cohorts, TP03 and hCG increased progesterone levels and the expression of steroidogenesis (Star, Cyp11a1) and ovulation (Cox2, Adamts1, Egr1) genes, as well as inducing CL formation. Thus, TP03, like hCG, stimulates steroidogenesis and ovulation in PCOS-rats with different progesterone levels, which provides the first evidence of the effectiveness of allosteric LHR agonists as ovulation triggers in PCOS. Full article

Background: Following gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist trigger and “freeze all” in order to prevent ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS), patients are usually anxious to continue immediately with a frozen embryo transfer (FET). Currently, the preferred FET protocol in based on natural or induced ovulation. Objectives: Do ovarian stimulation and GnRH-a, used to trigger final oocyte maturation, affect the reproductive axis in the next natural cycle? Design: An observational case series of 100 subsequent in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients to whom GnRH-a (Triptorelin 0.2 mg) was given for final oocyte maturation in the context of ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome prevention, followed by embryos “freeze all”. Methods: In the next natural cycle, patients were followed to detect a dominant follicle (≥17 mm), at which time ovulation was triggered with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, 250 µg), and FET was scheduled according to embryo’s age on freezing day. Results: Whereas natural ovulation according to pre-IVF treatment was predicted to be on cycle day 14, the actual hCG-scheduled ovulation in our patients was on day 21. In eight patients, follicular activity was not detected after 15–28 days; therefore, the natural cycle frozen embryo transfer approach was abandoned. Conclusions: Ovarian stimulation and GnRH-a used to trigger final oocyte maturation in IVF patients inhibits the reproductive axis for days. Therefore, natural ovulation in the subsequent cycle may be deferred for about one week relative to the patient’s pre-IVF menstrual cycle pattern. This may help schedule clinic visits to optimize monitoring efficiency. Full article

During the development of the gametophyte in angiosperms, a series of processes occurs, including pollination, pollen recognition, adhesion, hydration, germination, pollen tube growth, and the guidance of the pollen tube toward the ovule for the delivery of sperm cells to the female gametophyte. These processes require a substantial energy supply, which is provided by cellular respiration in the plant. Throughout this sequence, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is concomitantly observed. At present, the mechanisms underlying ROS production remain incompletely understood, especially in plant trees such as Salix linearistipularis. In this study, pistils of S. linearistipularis were used as experimental materials, and pistils were divided according to their development into three stages—S1, S2, and S3. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed for the three developmental stages, and the results indicated that metabolic pathways associated with oxidoreductase activity were highly significant during pistil development in S. linearistipularis. During pistil development, the levels of ROS accumulated rapidly. After pollination, with the adhesion and germination of pollen, the levels of ROS decreased significantly. Moreover, bidirectional regulation of ROS levels revealed that treatment with ROS inducers and scavengers led to increased and decreased ROS accumulation, which were accompanied by the inhibition and promotion of pollen tube number and length. These two opposite results indicate that ROS are the key factor regulating pistil development and pollen tube germination in S. linearistipularis. Full article

Ovulation and granulosa cell luteinization are induced by ovulatory signals, including luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Histone modifications enable rapid, signal-responsive transcriptional reprogramming. However, the effects of LH/hCG-induced histone modification changes on the mural granulosa cells (MGCs) function remain to be fully elucidated. By mining public datasets we integrated transcriptomic and histone-modification profiles of MGCs across the ovulatory interval and tracked LH/hCG-driven gene expression at three time points (0, 4, and 12 h after-hCG). During oocyte maturation, the 4 h LH-surge constitutes a critical window for meiotic resumption, during which many genes display rapid transcriptional changes followed by a return to baseline levels. Early-response genes are enriched for cell locomotion, inflammatory responses, the activation of signaling pathways, and histone modifications. Furthermore, LH/hCG-induced transcriptome remodeling is highly correlated with dynamic gains or losses of H3K4me3 and H3K27ac. Notably, we discovered for the first time that H3K27ac marks super-enhancers (SEs) that regulate LH/hCG-induced transcriptional activation in MGCs. Finally, through complementary in vitro and in vivo pharmacological inhibition, we demonstrate that LH/hCG governs oocyte maturation and ovulation by reshaping the MGC transcriptome via H3K4me3- and H3K27ac-dependent chromatin remodeling. In summary, our study advances the understanding of how gonadotropins regulate MGC function and oocyte maturation through histone-modification-mediated transcriptional control. Full article

Ovulation is a critical event in mammalian reproduction, a complex process that involves the release of a mature oocyte from the ovaries for fertilization. Hormonal shifts are the driving force of the ovulation cycle; however, several other factors are able to fine-tune the occurrence of follicular rupture. Prior to the follicular rupture, the pre-ovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge triggers a self-generating local inflammatory and redox cascade, which is responsible for the release of several inflammatory and redox signaling mediators. Eicosanoids are one of the key regulators of the initiation of the local inflammation within the follicle, while the balance of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants is fundamental to maintaining the physiologically coordinated redox state during the ovulation process. In this review, we aim to provide a summary of the human menstrual and rat estrus cycles and demonstrate the LH-induced inflammatory and redox cascade involved in follicle rupture through the details of lipid-derived and redox signaling mediators. Full article