Search Results (874)

We investigated five single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) of the FN1 gene in female reproductive organ cancers. The proteins expressed by this gene are essential components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that constitutes the tumor microenvironment (TME). The study group included 208 women diagnosed with cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancers and 208 age-matched cancer-free controls. Genomic DNA from whole blood was used to analyze five intronic SNVs of the FN1 gene using PCR/RFLP. The results indicate that two of the studied FN1 gene variants may increase the risk of gynecological cancers in dominant and log-additive models (p = 0.048 and p = 0.040 for rs6725958, p = 0.033 and p = 0.038 for rs1968510, respectively). Comparing individual cancer groups with the controls, differences were observed for the ovarian cancer group (rs1968510 p = 0.015 and p = 0.016, rs6725958 p = 0.070 and p = 0.037 in dominant and log-additive models, respectively). None of these associations remained statistically significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. Haplotype analyses revealed that the AGATC haplotype, containing minor alleles for rs35343655 and rs6725958, was more frequent in the entire gynecological cancer group (p = 0.0036). For individual cancer types, values of p = 0.0071 for ovarian, p = 0.0028 for endometrial, and p = 0.0269 for cervical cancers were obtained; Our preliminary study suggests that the rs6725958 and rs1968510 FN1 variants may slightly increase the risk of female reproductive system cancers, particularly ovarian cancer. These findings require further validation in larger, independent cohorts and functional studies. Full article

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) impairs fertility and health in reproductive-age women, with autoimmune factors contributing to 4–30% of cases. To investigate immune dysregulation in POI, we developed two mouse models using pZP3 induction: regular immune (RE-POI) and enhanced immune (EN-POI) cycles. The EN-POI model exhibited stable, irreversible ovarian dysfunction, including disrupted estrous cycles, hormonal changes (elevated FSH, decreased AMH, and estradiol), follicular depletion, and infertility. Immune profiling demonstrated consistent T-lymphocyte imbalance across both RE-POI and EN-POI model groups, characterized by expanded splenic CD4⁺ T cells, diminished regulatory T cells, elevated systemic inflammatory cytokines, and ovarian fibrosis. Proteomic comparison between the control and EN-POI groups identified 198 differentially expressed proteins, mainly enriched in immune and inflammatory pathways. Based on these differential proteins, subsequent network analysis further identified six key hub proteins, namely Mmp9, Isg15, Ikbke, Siglec1, Pf4, and Cdkn1b. This study establishes a stable autoimmune POI model, elucidates T-cell imbalance with cytokine storm and fibrosis, and identifies key molecules linking immune abnormalities to ovarian failure, offering new insights into POI research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Visuospatial impairments are among the earliest cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD), yet standard assessments often lack ecological validity and focus on isolated domains. This study examines whether integrating linguistic, behavioral, and eye-tracking measures provides a more comprehensive characterization of cognitive deficits within a multimodal, exploratory framework. Methods: Twenty older adults (10 with mild to moderate dementia, including AD/ADRD, and 10 age-matched controls) completed three tasks: (1) oral narrative production, (2) visuospatial behavioral tasks (manipulation, recognition, reproduction), and (3) free-viewing eye-tracking. Linguistic, behavioral (time, errors), and fixation-based measures were analyzed using non-parametric statistics, with emphasis on effect sizes and cross-domain patterns. Results: The clinical group differed consistently from controls across domains. Linguistic measures showed increased output but reduced quality, including lower syntactic complexity, more grammatical errors, greater pragmatic deviations, and reduced gist comprehension. Behavioral tasks revealed slower performance and more frequent failures. Eye-tracking differences were less pronounced, showing a tendency toward longer fixations and less efficient visual exploration. A composite multimodal index showed clear separation between groups, indicating a consistent pattern of impairment across measures. Conclusions: Cognitive differences in dementia are expressed across multiple domains, with the strongest effects in linguistic and behavioral measures. These findings highlight the value of multimodal profiles for capturing multidimensional impairment. Results should be interpreted as exploratory and require confirmation in larger, confirmatory studies. Full article

As in other mammalian species, the complex and specific interactions between internal biological processes and external factors regulate and impact the male dog reproductive system functions. This comprehensive review integrates physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the reproductive system maintenance throughout the anatomical and histological structure of reproductive organs and their functions from development to aging. Simultaneously, the presentation of fundamental hormonal regulations and functions of the reproductive system is comprised. Special attention is put on e.g., genetic, developmental, age- and environmental-related disorders. The structural and hormonal status of the reproductive organs in response to single or mixed influences: genetic predispositions (e.g., cryptorchidism, sex chromosome aneuploidy syndrome), developmental courses (e.g., cryptorchidism, uterus masculinus, hypospadias), age-related diseases (e.g., tumors), and environmental stressors: e.g., endocrine-disrupting chemicals, toxins, heat stress (possibly leading to e.g., hypogonadism, cryptorchidism, infertility, tumors, precocious aging) is provided. Such multidirectional and comprehensive associations of grouped, selected, clinically significant pathological processes and diseases are broadly considered and linked here for the first time. Based on both epidemiological and experimental findings, the etiologies, current diagnostic approaches, treatment options, and prognostic assessments of these common male dog disorders are presented. This compendium seems useful for young veterinarians, researchers, breeders, and dog owners, enabling them to integrate knowledge on biological principles and processes with clinical practices and research in recent and future canine andrology. Full article

Background/Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most commonly diagnosed endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, with a prevalence estimated at 4–20%. Among the conditions often co-occurring with PCOS are depressive and anxiety disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in women with PCOS. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Directory of Open Access Journals databases for studies published before May 2025. The analysis was conducted on a group of 5857 women (study group: 3610; control group: 2247) obtained from 35 studies, which met the inclusion criteria. Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms in PCOS patients and the controls, according to the BDI, HADS-D, Mini-NPI and PHQ assessment tool, was 42.11% (95% CI: 32.6–52.2) vs. 13.62% (95% CI: 8.4–21.5; p < 0.001); 28.90% (95% CI: 20.7–38.8) vs. 15.80% (95% CI: 11.3–21.7; p = 0.010); 59.10% (95% CI: 30.9–82.4) vs. 65.90% (95% CI: 24.2–92.1; p = 0.792); and 26.50% (95% CI: 8.0–59.9) vs. 9.10% (95% CI: 1.8–35.1; p = 0.255). The prevalence of anxiety symptoms in the PCOS group and the control group, according to the HADS-A assessment tool, was 48.25% (95% CI: 36.1–60.6) vs. 31.40% (95% CI: 18.8–47.4; p = 0.098), respectively. Conclusions: The study confirms the higher prevalence of depressive symptoms in women with PCOS compared to the general population. These findings indicate the necessity of conducting psychiatric examinations and providing support for women with PCOS. Full article

Adolescents are prone to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. It is key that they receive reproductive sexual education during secondary education, which can be important for the prevention of these events. This study aims to compare knowledge of reproductive health between adolescents with and without STI history. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 164 schoolchildren from a national school in Lima (Peru). The AA-20 short questionnaire and the t-test were used to demonstrate differences between students with and without a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Twenty-six (15.9%) students had STIs (mean age 16.6 ± 2.3 years). The average knowledge in students with and without STIs was 15.4 ± 3.7 points and 14.7 ± 3.9 points, respectively (p = 0.417). Among students with and without a previous STI, it was found that the majority used some form of contraception (61.5% vs. 31.9%, p = 0.004) and had received talks on the topic (92.3% vs. 72.5%, p = 0.031). Condom use was the most commonly used method to prevent STIs in both groups. In conclusion, students with a previous STI had slightly better knowledge about pregnancy and infections than students without a history. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to describe cumulative reproductive outcomes across three embryo transfer (ET) cycles after hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy using a hysteroscopic tissue removal system (HTRS) and to identify determinants of cumulative and per-cycle pregnancy. Methods: In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we included infertile women who underwent HTRS-based endometrial polypectomy between January 2023 and December 2024 and subsequently initiated at least one ET cycle. Patients were followed from ET1 through ET3. The primary endpoint was the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (CCPR) within three ET cycles. In the observed cumulative analysis, treatment discontinuation was considered as non-pregnancy. Kaplan–Meier (KM) analysis was used to estimate the cumulative pregnancy probability, with treatment discontinuation considered as censoring. Multivariate logistic regression and generalized estimating equations were used to identify patient-level and cycle-level predictors. Results: Among 100 patients, 79 achieved clinical pregnancy within three ET cycles (CCPR 79.0%). The KM estimate at ET3 was 87.4%, and the cumulative live birth rate was 65.0%. Pregnancy rates declined with advancing maternal age (≤34 years, 91.9%; 35–39 years, 78.3%; ≥40 years, 52.9%). Maternal age independently predicted lower cumulative pregnancy and lower per-cycle pregnancy probability, whereas blastocyst transfer was associated with a higher probability of pregnancy per cycle. Conclusions: In women who underwent ET after HTRS polypectomy, cumulative pregnancy across three ET cycles was relatively high; however progression to live birth declined with advancing maternal age. As no non-surgical comparison group was included, these findings should be interpreted as descriptive rather than causal. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of L-Citrulline (L-Cit) supplementation on the rumen microbiota and reproductive performance of Turpan black ewes (each ewe was supplemented with 12 g of L-Cit daily). A total of 120 multiparous Turpan black ewes aged 1.5–2.5 years, with an average body weight of (52.35 ± 5.16) kg, were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (Con group) and an experimental group (L-Cit group), with 60 ewes in each group, for a 90-day supplementation trial. The results demonstrated that L-Cit supplementation regulated the rumen microbiota of ewes, increased the abundance of Clostridia vadin BB60 in the rumen, and stimulated the synthesis and release of reproductive hormones. Blood samples for hormone analysis and rumen fluid for microbiota profiling were collected from a subset of six ewes per group (n = 6). Compared with the Con group, L-Cit supplementation numerically increased oestrus rate (93.33% vs. 77.55%, p = 0.32) but did not significantly affect reproductive hormone concentrations (p > 0.05 for all). Conception rate was 100% in both groups among bred ewes. No significant changes in rumen microbiota alpha diversity or community structure were observed. Full article

The Kazakh horse represents a significant genetic resource within China’s equine population, characterized by notable resilience and an ability to thrive on coarse forage. Nevertheless, a decline in its numbers has been observed recently, making the improvement of its reproductive performance crucial for the preservation of this breed and the advancement of the related industry. In this study, testicular tissues from 1-year-old (pre-pubertal) and 2-year-old (post-pubertal) Kazakh horses were analyzed. miRNA sequencing was conducted on tissues from these age groups, followed by bioinformatics analyses to elucidate the functions of differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs). The reliability of the sequencing data was subsequently verified using RT-qPCR. Analysis revealed 165 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in the testicular tissues between the two age groups. Of these, 118 DEmiRNAs (e.g., eca-miR-206 and eca-miR-2483) were significantly up-regulated (p < 0.05), and 47 DEmiRNAs (e.g., eca-miR-196a and eca-miR-211) were significantly down-regulated (p < 0.05). These DEmiRNAs were mainly implicated in biological processes including lipid metabolism and signal transduction. Their predicted target genes are potentially involved in key reproductive processes, notably testicular development and spermatogenesis. This study identifies candidate miRNAs and potential regulatory pathways associated with sexual maturation in Kazakh horses, providing a preliminary molecular basis for future functional validation and improvement of equine reproductive performance. Full article

Nowadays, it is central to generate innovations that convert agricultural by-products and food waste into valuable animal products while promoting the long-term resilience and sustainability of vulnerable animal production systems. Nutraceuticals (i.e., ‘nutrition + pharmaceutical’) are derived from foods that offer health benefits. In animal production, nutraceutical supplementation with Withania somnifera and Lepidium meyenii has shown positive effects on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems. We aimed to evaluate the possible impact of nutraceutical supplementation on rams fed a diet based on surplus feed from a highly industrialized Holstein cow production system, on corporal (live weight [LW], kg; body condition score [BCS], units), metabolic (blood glucose [GLU], mg dL⁻¹; serum protein [PRO], g 100 mL⁻¹), and sexual–testicular variables [sexual odor (ODOR, units); scrotal circumference (SC, cm); testicular volumes (TVOL, cm³); and estimated daily sperm production (EDSP, millions)]. Black Belly rams (n = 12; LW = 70.36 ± 1.2 kg; BCS = 2.96 ± 0.03 units; age = 3.8 ± 0.2 years; 25° N) were divided into 3 experimental groups: (1) WITH, supplemented with Withania somnifera (400 mg kg⁻¹ LW d⁻¹); (2) LEPI, supplemented with Lepidium meyenii (400 mg kg⁻¹ LW d⁻¹); and (3) CONT, not supplemented. The variables LW, BCS, GLU, PRO, and SC, as well as some components of TVOL, did not differ (p > 0.05) among the main effects of treatment or time; only ODOR, right transverse testicular diameter, and total testicular volume differed among treatments, generally favoring the WITH group. Furthermore, the TRT × T interaction demonstrated superior performance (p < 0.05) in the WITH group, with the largest values for LW, GLU, PRO, ODOR, SC, width of the right testicle, volume of the right testicle, total testicular volume, and EDSP. From a productive–reproductive perspective, the Robin Hood Effect—through the use of rejected dairy cattle rations as the base diet for rams—and supplemented with nutraceuticals (WITH and LEPI), emerges as a viable alternative to improve not only the productive–reproductive performance of Black Belly rams, but also other productive and socioeconomic outcomes; the latter contributing to the strengthening of producer and family well-being. Full article

Treatment of cats with pharmacological reproductive control is becoming increasingly common, with deslorelin implants as the primary non-surgical method. However, few studies have systematically documented behavioral changes after implantation. This study evaluated 28 behaviors, grouped into eight categories, in 82 cats at one and three months post-deslorelin implantation. At the group level, behavioral changes over time showed a consistent pattern, with decreases in reproductive behaviors, inappropriate elimination, and activity and increases in positive social behaviors and feeding and drinking from one to three months post-implantation. Given the large number of statistical comparisons performed, these findings should be interpreted with caution in the context of multiple testing. Sex-related differences were limited, with females showing a greater increase in feeding and drinking than males at one month. Age-related effects were also observed, with cats younger than one year being more active than those older than three years at one month. Coat type was associated with behavioral variation at three months, with shorthaired cats showing higher levels of reproductive behavior and inappropriate elimination compared with longhaired cats; however, these effects should be interpreted cautiously given multiple testing considerations. Full article

Background: The relationship between AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) levels, fat distribution, and insulin resistance in women with PCOS has been widely studied, yet findings remain inconsistent. Recent guidelines emphasize the growing role of AMH in PCOS diagnosis and suggest its potential inclusion among diagnostic criteria, highlighting its relevance for guiding therapeutic management. Objectives: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the association between AMH levels and metabolic parameters in overweight and obese reproductive-age women with PCOS. Ethical approval was obtained from the bioethics committee. Methods: Two groups of 52 women each were selected from PCOS patients treated at our clinic between 2024 and 2025: one with a waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) ≤ 0.85 and the other with a WHR > 0.85. Venous blood samples were collected to measure AMH, fasting glucose, and fasting insulin. Body height and weight were recorded to calculate body mass index (BMI), and insulin resistance was assessed using HOMA-IR. Waist and hip circumferences were measured to determine WHR. Results: The association between central adiposity and AMH in overweight and obese women with PCOS depended on insulin resistance. In insulin-resistant women, higher WHR was linked to lower AMH, whereas in women without insulin resistance, higher WHR corresponded to higher AMH levels. Conclusions: Insulin resistance appears to influence AMH in opposite directions depending on a woman’s WHR, suggesting its potential role in tailoring individualized treatment strategies. Full article

Oxidative stress appears to be implicated in both the initiation and progression of autoimmune thyroiditis. Selenomethionine, which exhibits antioxidant properties, has been shown to reduce thyroid antibody titers in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Recent evidence suggests that vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, may protect against the development of autoimmune thyroiditis, and that its supplementation has been associated with improvements in female sexual function. The objective of the present pilot study was to determine whether vitamin E intake modulates the effects of selenomethionine on female sexual function and depressive symptoms in individuals with thyroid autoimmunity. The study enrolled three groups of reproductive-age women with euthyroid autoimmune thyroiditis, with 26 participants in each group. The groups were matched for age, thyroid peroxidase antibody titers, and TSH levels and differed according to vitamin E intake: adequate intake (group A), low intake (group B), and high intake (group C). All participants received selenomethionine supplementation (200 µg/day) for six months. Antibody titers and hormone levels were measured, and participants completed questionnaires assessing female sexual function (FSFI) and depressive symptoms (BDI-II). At baseline, no differences in biochemical outcomes were observed between the groups, except for testosterone levels. The study groups differed in sexual desire and arousal domain scores, which were higher in group A than in the other two groups. Total FSFI scores, the remaining FSFI domain scores, and BDI-II scores did not differ between groups at baseline. Across all groups, selenomethionine reduced thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibody titers and increased SPINA-GD and the ratio of free triiodothyronine to free thyroxine; however, the effects on antibody titers were most pronounced in group A. An increase in SPINA-GT and testosterone levels following selenomethionine supplementation was observed only in group A. In this group, selenomethionine also led to significant improvements in total FSFI scores and all individual domain scores. In contrast, in the remaining groups, the effects of supplementation were limited to increases in domain scores for lubrication, sexual satisfaction, and pain. A treatment-related reduction in total BDI-II scores was observed exclusively in women with adequate vitamin E intake. These findings suggest, for the first time, that dietary intake of a natural antioxidant may influence the effects of exogenous selenomethionine on sexual function and depressive symptoms in reproductive-age women with euthyroid autoimmune thyroiditis. Full article

Alcohol use has been linked to sexual risk-taking behaviour, particularly among young people in Australia, who are also substantially represented in sexually transmissible infection (STI). While research on alcohol use and sexual risk-taking among university students in Australia exists, no studies outside recent Tertiary Students Sexual and Reproductive Health Survey (TSSHS) publications have distinguished between Australian-born and overseas-born domestic students, despite evidence that migrant populations may show different alcohol use and sexual behaviour patterns. Using data from the TSSHS and a cross-sectional anonymous online survey of university-enrolled students, this study is the first to compare sexually active Australian-born domestic, overseas-born domestic, and international students on alcohol use and sexual risk-taking. Findings align with past research, with Australian-born domestic students being more likely to consume alcohol at high-risk levels than international and overseas-born domestic students. Differences in sexual risk-taking behaviours between the three enrolment groups were fully mediated by harmful alcohol use, indicating an indirect effect between group membership and sexual risk-taking. Age moderated this mediation, with the association between harmful drinking and sexual risk-taking strongest among students aged 20–24, compared with younger and older groups. Full article

Background: The use of contraceptive methods is a key component of public health and reproductive health, contributing to family planning, maternal well-being, and social stability. However, contraceptive use is often influenced by the availability and continuity of medical counseling. Limited evidence exists on how regular specialist counseling affects informed contraceptive use in real-world community settings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2025 and January 2026 using a structured questionnaire. A total of 2400 participants aged 18–55 years were included. The study population was divided into two groups: 1000 women who had been regular patients or receiving consultation for at least one year at the Gynecology and Endocrinology Department of the General Hospital in Ferizaj, and 1400 community participants who had not received regular medical counseling related to reproductive health during the previous year. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of current contraceptive use was significantly higher among women receiving regular medical counseling compared with those without regular consultations (72.4% vs. 41.8%; p < 0.001). Modern contraceptive methods were more frequently used in the counseled group, including oral hormonal contraceptives (38.5%), intrauterine devices (21.4%), and implants (7.8%), whereas condom use (49.3%) and traditional methods (18.4%) predominated among participants without counseling (p < 0.001). Use of contraceptives based on medical recommendation was reported by 81.2% of counseled women compared to 29.6% in the non-counseled group (p < 0.001). Long-term contraceptive use (≥12 months) was significantly more common among counseled participants (64.9% vs. 33.5%; p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, education, and marital status, regular medical counseling was independently associated with higher odds of modern contraceptive use (OR = 3.62; 95% CI: 3.01–4.35; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Regular medical counseling by gynecologists and endocrinologists is strongly associated with informed, consistent, and modern contraceptive use among adults aged 18–55 years. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening structured counseling services as an integral component of public health strategies aimed at improving reproductive health outcomes. Full article