Search Results (45)

Background/Objectives: Menstrual blood, a periodic uterine discharge, represents a non-invasive source for an indication of the functional status of the endometrium. While menstrual blood-derived stem cells have been extensively characterized and menstrual blood is considered a diagnostic material for the analysis of gynecologic pathology in research studies, it is not routinely used in clinical settings. To develop novel noninvasive diagnostic tools for endometrial status assessment, we aimed to characterize the morphological and molecular markers of menstrual blood. Methods: Menstrual blood samples were obtained from healthy volunteers and characterized macroscopically and microscopically using smears (May-Grunwald-Giemsa staining), confocal microscopy, and imaging flow cytometry (cluster of differentiation [CD]90, CD45, fibrin). Clot dissociation was performed to analyze the cellular composition of clots. Results: We morphologically characterized menstrual blood cells and identified three uterine-derived cells and cell cluster types (endometrial stromal, endometrial epithelial, and vaginal epithelial). Additionally, we confirmed the specificity of CD90 for endometrial stromal cell populations, which were separately characterized in the supernatant and menstrual blood clots using light and confocal microscopy, and we analyzed the composition of the menstrual blood supernatant and dissociated clots using imaging flow cytometry. Conclusions: The results of this study may serve as a foundation for the development of new non-invasive diagnostic tools for endometrial pathology for the potential support or replacement of highly invasive procedures, such as diagnostic dilation and curettage. Full article

Achieving satisfactory levels of weight gain for developing replacement beef heifers is challenging when utilizing toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) as the primary forage. This is due to the intensifying impact of ergot alkaloids produced by the fungal endophyte on heifer heat stress in the summer. The purpose of this trial was to determine if clipping hair coats would reduce heat stress impacts experienced by fall-born heifers stocked on toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue. Heifers were randomly assigned to a control cohort and a clipped cohort. The heifers in the clipped treatment group were sheared along the body of the heifer. Vaginal temperature loggers were used to record core temperatures every ten minutes during several sampling periods. Hair coats on clipped heifers resembled hair coats of the control heifers by the conclusion of the 16-week trial. Average daily gains of the clipped heifers exceeded the average daily gains of the control heifers only in the first four-week period. There were no differences in seasonal average daily gain or pregnancy rates. Clipped heifers had cooler core temperatures by 0.2–0.3 °C in the morning compared to the control heifers. Clipping hair coats of heifers only provided short-term relief for cattle stocked on toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue. Full article

Additional progesterone administration during the luteal phase enhances reproductive outcomes in Hormone Replacement Therapy Frozen Embryo Transfer (HRT-FET) cycles in patients with low serum progesterone (P4). In this study we wanted to explore the use of urine P4 as a diagnostic tool during the luteal phase. This prospective observational cohort included a total of 464 HRT-FET cycles. The protocol entailed oral oestradiol (6 mg/24 h), followed by vaginal micronised progesterone (400 mg/12 h). On the day of blastocyst transfer, urine and serum samples were collected. Urine samples were analysed using an ARCHITECT automated immunoassay. A significant difference was found in median urine P4 between patients with serum P4 higher or lower than 11 ng/mL: 6400 ng/mL IQR [2528; 11,930] vs. 3408 ng/mL IQR [592; 6688], p < 0.001. The optimal cut-off to achieve live birth was a urine P4 ≥ 4000 ng/mL. The live birth rate was significantly higher in patients with urine P4 ≥ 4000 ng/mL, 48% (107/222) vs. 35% (45/130), respectively (p = 0.013). The odds ratio for live birth was 1.8 in patients with urine P4 ≥ 4000 ng/mL, 95% CI [1.067; 3.018], p = 0.028. The findings of the present study suggest that urine progesterone could be a valuable diagnostic tool to evaluate the need for additional progesterone in HRT-FET cycles. Full article

This study aimed to assess how prenatal and early postnatal conditions affect the future reproductive performance of young female pigs (gilts). Female piglets were selected from sows in their 3rd and 4th parity. Vaginal and cervical length (VCL) was measured using a catheter during the first (VCLI) and second (VCLII) oestrus. Gilts were classified based on their litter of origin: fewer than 16 piglets (OS), 16–18 piglets (OM), and more than 18 piglets (OL). The longest VCLI was found in gilts from the OM group, significantly differing from both the OS and OL groups. For VCLII, significant differences were found between OS and the other groups, with OM and OL showing greater values. Litter size at birth did not negatively affect later reproductive potential. A positive correlation was found between VCLII and the number of piglets in the first litter, indicating that the larger the litter of origin, the higher the reproductive productivity of the gilt. The results highlight that development between the first and second oestrus is critical for vaginal and cervical growth, which, in turn, reflects future reproductive performance. These findings suggest that early life conditions, particularly litter of origin, play a key role in determining the productivity of replacement gilts. Full article

Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) is a leading cause of preterm birth and significant neonatal morbidity. The vaginal microbiome is implicated in its pathogenesis, but its detailed characteristics and functional consequences remain to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive, multi-faceted analysis of the vaginal microbiome and its functional potential in pregnant women with PPROM compared to healthy term controls. We collected vaginal fluid samples from eight PPROM and seven healthy control (HC) pregnant women. The vaginal microbiome was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We assessed community composition and state types (CSTs), alpha and beta diversity, co-occurrence networks, and predicted functional pathways using PICRUSt2. A molecular bacterial vaginosis (molBV) score was also calculated to determine the clinical relevance of the dysbiosis. The PPROM microbiome was characterized by a significant depletion of Lactobacillus crispatus–dominated communities (CST I) and a shift towards L. iners–dominated (CST III) or polymicrobial (CST IV) communities, which was consistent with a BV-positive molBV score. Alpha diversity was significantly higher in the PPROM group, and beta diversity analysis confirmed a distinct microbial structure between the two groups. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed a collapse of the protective, Lactobacillus-centered network in the PPROM group, which was replaced by a densely interconnected network of anaerobic bacteria with Gardnerella vaginalis as a key hub. Functionally, the PPROM microbiome was enriched for amino acid biosynthesis pathways, in contrast to the HC group, which was enriched for nucleotide and peptidoglycan biosynthesis. PPROM appears to be linked with a complex vaginal dysbiosis that encompasses significant alterations in microbial composition, diversity, interactions, and functional potential. These findings highlight the vaginal microbiome as a critical factor in the pathogenesis of PPROM and suggest its potential for risk stratification and as a therapeutic target to improve pregnancy outcomes. Full article

In clinical medicine, rats are commonly used as experimental subjects. However, their estrous cycle significantly impacts their biological responses, leading to differences in experimental results. Therefore, accurately determining the estrous cycle is crucial for minimizing interference. Manually identifying the estrous cycle in rats presents several challenges, including high costs, long training periods, and subjectivity. To address these issues, this paper proposes a classification network, Spatial Long-distance EfficientNet (SLENet). This network is designed based on EfficientNet, specifically modifying the Mobile Inverted Bottleneck Convolution (MBConv) module by introducing a novel Spatial Efficient Channel Attention (SECA) mechanism to replace the original Squeeze Excitation (SE) module. Additionally, a non-local attention mechanism is incorporated after the last convolutional layer to enhance the network’s ability to capture long-range dependencies. On 2655 microscopy images of rat vaginal epithelial cells (with 531 test), SLENet achieves 96.31% accuracy, surpassing EfficientNet (94.20%). This finding provides practical value for optimizing experimental design in rat-based studies such as reproductive and pharmacological research, but this study is limited to microscopy image data, without considering other factors; thus, future work could incorporate temporal pattern and multi-modal inputs to further enhance robustness. Full article

Seroconversion is defined as a four-fold or greater rise in antibody titers. This assay is used in human prophylactic vaccine trials to confirm HSV as the cause of genital lesions and detect subclinical latent infection. We evaluated the accuracy of seroconversion in detecting infection using a guinea pig model of genital infection. Not all animals intravaginally inoculated with HSV-2 become infected, particularly if vaccinated; therefore, we need to establish criteria to determine whether an animal is infected. Our primary analysis involved considering animals to be infected if they had any of the following: (a) genital lesions; (b) HSV-2 DNA in vaginal secretions four or more weeks after HSV-2 inoculation as a marker of reactivation from latency; or (c) HSV-2 DNA in dorsal root ganglia, the site of latency. In the second analysis, we considered animals to be infected if they had positive virus cultures from vaginal swabs obtained on day two or four post HSV-2 inoculation. In the third analysis, we considered animals to be infected if they had any condition included in the first two analyses. We collected sera prior to HSV-2 inoculation and two months later and tested the first 57 animals for seroconversion using Western blotting and gG2 IgG ELISA. The results were concordant in 54 of 57 animals (95%), and when discordant, the gG2 ELISA matched infection results as defined by the primary analysis. The remaining animals were evaluated by gG2 IgG ELISA only. A total of 43 animals were inoculated with HSV-2 but not vaccinated (No vaccine group), and 224 were vaccinated with glycoprotein or mRNA vaccines prior to HSV-2 inoculation (Vaccine group). In the No vaccine group, we detected no false positives (seroconversion without infection) but 24% to 29% false negatives (no seroconversion despite infection) depending on the criteria used to define infection. In the Vaccine group, we detected 8% to 22% false positives and 31% to 37% false negatives. The accuracy of seroconversion was 74% to 79% in the No vaccine group and 71% to 76% in the Vaccine group. These results raise concerns about using seroconversion as a diagnostic test in human vaccine trials. Alternate approaches, such as subject home swabbing for HSV DNA, should be considered as a possible replacement. Full article

This study investigates the therapeutic potential of sophoricoside and its aglycone metabolite, genistein, derived from Styphnolobium japonicum L. fruit, as natural alternatives to hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal symptom management. Using Lactobacillus plantarum to model intestinal biotransformation, we compared glycoside-rich (Rex) and aglycone-rich (Rex-AG) extracts in ovariectomized rats. Both treatments significantly reduced weight gain and alleviated vaginal dryness, with Rex demonstrating superior thermoregulatory stabilization. Histological and molecular analyses revealed preserved trabecular bone integrity through the downregulation of RANKL and upregulation of TGF-β. Both extracts exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects in adipose tissue, suppressing IL-6 and TNF-α, while regulating adipogenesis markers (FABP4, KLF, leptin, PPARγ) more effectively than 17β-estradiol. Serum genistein concentrations confirmed its efficient biotransformation and systemic bioavailability. Importantly, the treatments showed favorable safety profiles with no adverse effects on organ weight. These findings establish S. japonicum L. fruit-derived phytoestrogens as promising candidates for the comprehensive management of postmenopausal symptoms, offering an efficacious and safer alternative to conventional hormone therapy. Full article

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse significantly affects women’s health, often requiring surgery. Unilateral sacrocolpopexy (SCP) is the gold standard for apical prolapse repair. However, varied SCP techniques can lead to inconsistencies in clinical outcomes, with differences in synthetic materials, mesh dimensions, placement, and apical tensioning. This variability may impact the comparability of clinical outcomes. Bilateral apical fixation has gained attention for its potential to provide effective apical support and restore anatomical integrity. Objective: To date there are not many studies on bilateral apical cervicosacropexy between the vaginal apex and the sacrum at the level of S1/promontory with one-year follow-up. Methods: This study presents a one-year follow-up comparing the clinical outcomes of open abdominal (CESA) and laparoscopic cervicosacropexy (laCESA) for bilateral apical suspension in women with pelvic floor disorders. A total of 145 women underwent either CESA (n = 75) or laCESA (n = 70) using a surgical technique with a designed polyvinylidene-fluoride (PVDF) mesh of defined shape replacing both uterosacral ligaments. Outcomes were efficacy, safety, and success rates of both surgical approaches in restoring apical vaginal support and pelvic floor functioning. Results: Both techniques demonstrated high efficacy of apical prolapse repair and a high level of safety. While comparable rates of urinary continence restoration were achieved, laCESA showed significant advantages in terms of operative time, hospital stay, and recovery time. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the reproducibility of a surgical technique including clinical outcomes in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. The standardization of mesh design and surgical methodology enhances reproducibility and may mitigate some of the variability associated with clinical outcomes in apical mesh fixation techniques. Full article

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common disorder among postmenopausal women but is rare in very young patients. It can affect various compartments of the pelvic floor. In severe forms, vaginal/uterine and rectal prolapse can occur concurrently. Methods: The aim of this report is to present a rare case of a young patient with an extreme postpartum uterine and rectal prolapse and our stepwise surgical approach to achieve complete repair while preserving the ability to carry future pregnancies. Results: A 31-year-old patient was admitted with extreme postpartum uterine and rectal prolapse. She underwent three separate surgeries to regain full anatomic reconstruction. Initially, laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS) according to Dubuisson’s technique was performed in 2017. A combined vaginal-laparoscopic repair followed again in 2017 and included extensive posterior vaginal and perineal repair with absorbable mesh (SeraSynth) attached to the sacrouterine ligaments and laparoscopic hysterosacropexy (HySa) with a non-absorbable PVDF DynaMesh-CESA implant. Finally, in 2019, the DynaMesh-CESA implant was replaced with a T-shaped non-absorbable Albis Posterior Mesh for rectal prolapse, fixed bilaterally to the sacral bone at the S3 level. Additionally, the Dubuisson suspension was adjusted using Noé’s pectopexy for the implant’s reattachment to the pectineal ligaments. Conclusions: Severe uterine and rectal prolapse in young patients is rare and demands a tailored approach. Uterus-preserving surgery should be the priority. In the present case, a resorbable posterior mesh failed in rectal prolapse repair, while a combined rectal prolapse repair and hysteropexy with a non-resorbable posterior mesh proved effective. Full article

Background: This is a prospective study. Atrophic vulvovaginitis (VVA), a prevalent condition resulting from estrogen deficiency after the menopause, is characterized by symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, burning, dyspareunia, and urinary discomfort. Standard treatment involves systemic estrogen replacement therapy (HRT) and localized estrogen treatments, such as estriol. However, many women with moderate-to-severe VVA may not fully benefit from estrogen therapy alone. Non-hormonal adjunctive treatments, such as pelvic floor exercises (e.g., Kegel exercises), are being explored to enhance clinical outcomes. Objectives: This study investigates the combined effect of local estriol therapy and Kegel exercises in improving VVA symptoms in postmenopausal women. Methods: Fifty postmenopausal women diagnosed with VVA were enrolled and divided into three severity groups: mild, moderate, and severe. All participants received estriol therapy (0.5 mg vaginal tablets daily for 10 days each month) for the first three months. Following this, Kegel exercises were introduced for an additional three-month period, alongside continued estriol therapy. Symptom improvement was evaluated after six months, with outcomes categorized as complete remission, partial remission, or no remission. Results: Significant improvements in symptom remission were observed, particularly in the moderate and severe groups. In the mild VVA group, 81.82% achieved complete remission with combined therapy compared to 68.18% with estriol alone. In the severe group, complete remission was observed in 40% of patients receiving combined therapy compared to 20% with estriol therapy alone. These findings suggest that Kegel exercises enhance the effectiveness of estriol by improving local blood circulation, which facilitates better estrogen absorption and distribution. Conclusions: The addition of Kegel exercises to local estriol therapy significantly improves symptom remission rates, especially in moderate and severe VVA cases. This approach offers a promising strategy for managing postmenopausal VVA, particularly in cases that do not fully respond to estrogen therapy alone. Full article

The poor reproductive capacity of giant pandas significantly hinders the development of captive populations, with 80.88% of adult individuals being unable to successfully become pregnant and deliver offspring. The disturbance of vaginal microbiota has been proven to potentially lead to miscarriage, abortion, and stillbirth in mammals. To elucidate the potential relationship between the vaginal microbiota and the reproductive capacity of giant pandas, we performed high-throughput sequencing of vaginal microbiota at the time of fertilization and conducted comparative analyses based on different pregnancy outcomes. We found that the microbial diversity in the delivery (D) group exceeded that in the non-delivery (ND) group and the vaginal microbial community structure was statistically different between the two groups. The vaginal microbiota in the delivery pandas consisted of unclassified Pseudomonadaceae which was gradually replaced by the Escherichia-Shigella type of vaginal microbiota in the ND group. A function predictions analysis showed that infectious disease, glycan biosynthesis, and metabolism were significantly enriched in the ND group. Additionally, an analysis of the microbial community phenotypic categories indicated that the ND group exhibited a significantly higher abundance of Gram-negative bacteria, facultative anaerobes, potential pathogens, and stress-tolerant species compared to the D group, predominantly driven by the elevated abundance of Escherichia-Shigella. Escherichia-Shigella can be used within LDA and ROC analyses to diagnostically distinguish the vaginal microflora associated with bad pregnancy outcomes during estrus. Our results will help to identify potential pathogens causing reproductive tract diseases, reduce the number of reproductive tract disease infections in pandas, and increase the birth rate of giant pandas in conservation breeding programs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hormonal alterations during menopause result in substantial physiological changes. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is widely used as a treatment strategy for these changes, its use remains controversial due to its associated risks. Plant isoflavones are phytoestrogens that are considered a potential alternative therapy for postmenopausal syndrome. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of ethanolic extracts from Styphnolobium japonicum fruit (SJF) and germinated soybean embryo (GSE) in alleviating prominent menopausal symptoms. Methods: A cell model (MCF7 human breast cancer cells) was used to investigate estrogen-like activity. A rat ovariectomy model was used to simulate estrogen depletion after menopause and to evaluate the efficacy of the SJF–GSE complex extract at ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1. Results: Treatment with the SJF–GSE extract elicited estrogen-like effects, raising pS2 and estrogen receptor α expression in MCF7 cells. The extract was found to contain 48–72 mg/g sophoricoside and 8–12 mg/g soyasaponin 1, identified as active compounds. In ovariectomized rats, the extract effectively reduced body weight and fat content, alleviated vasomotor symptoms, improved vaginal mucosal health, and exerted osteoprotective effects by enhancing bone density and structure, reducing bone-resorption markers and positively altering estradiol levels and lipid profiles. Conclusions: The SJF–GSE extract, working synergistically, provides a safe and effective alternative to HRT for managing postmenopausal symptoms and enhancing bone health, without adverse effects. These findings support the inclusion of SJF and GSE in health-functional foods and underscore the importance of further research into plant-based therapies for menopause. Full article

Van Wyk–Grumbach syndrome (VWGS) refers to the development of peripheral precocious puberty, long-standing hypothyroidism, and gonadal masses; when not diagnosed, an unnecessary gonadectomy may be performed. Herein, we present a case of a 10-year-old girl with Down’s syndrome, short stature, and vitiligo who presented to our hospital with vaginal bleeding and a palpable pelvic mass. Upon ultrasound and topographical examination, bilateral ovarian masses with negative tumor markers were detected. After bilateral gonadectomy, endocrine studies revealed profound hypothyroidism and peripheral puberty that led to the VWGS syndrome diagnosis (TSH 367.3 mUI/mL, isolated menstruation, indetectable LH, and elevated estradiol). Levothyroxine treatment improved obesity and short stature, and sexual hormone replacement began at 13 years of age. The literature on Van Wyk–Grumbach syndrome shows that it presents most often in women, and classic hypothyroidism symptoms always precede the diagnosis. Approximately 11% of patients have Down’s syndrome, sometimes tumor markers are elevated, and some develop severe symptoms (myopathy, short stature, mental delay, ascites, pericardial effusion, Cullen’s sign, pituitary hyperplasia, and severe anemia) that respond to levothyroxine treatment. Conclusions: Children with peripheral precocious puberty and gonadal masses must be studied for hypothyroidism before any radical decision is made. Full article

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of an antimicrobial peptide, BiF2_5K7K, on semen quality and bacterial contamination in boar semen doses used for artificial insemination. A key factor affecting semen quality and farm production is bacterial contamination in semen doses. Using antibiotics in a semen extender seems to be the best solution for minimizing bacterial growth during semen preservation. However, concern regarding antibiotic-resistant microorganisms has grown globally. As a result, antimicrobial peptides have emerged as interesting alternative antimicrobial agents to replace the current antibiotics used in semen extenders. BiF2_5K7K is an antimicrobial peptide that can inhibit Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria isolated from boar semen and sow vaginal discharge. In this study, ten fresh boar semen samples were collected and diluted with one of two types of semen extender: with (positive control) or without (negative control) an antibiotic (i.e., gentamicin). The semen extender without an antibiotic contained antimicrobial peptide BiF2_5K7K at different concentrations (15.625, 31.25, 62.5, and 125 µg/mL). The samples were stored at 18 °C until use. Semen quality parameters were assessed on days 0, 1, 3, and 5, and the total bacterial count was also evaluated at 0, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h after storage. A fertility test on a pig farm was also performed via sow insemination with a commercial extender plus BiF2_5K7K at a concentration of 31.25 µg/mL. No significant difference was found in terms of semen quality on days 0 or 1. On days 3 and 5, the total motility, progressive motility, and viability remained normal in the 15.625 and 31.25 µg/mL groups. However, the sperm parameters decreased starting on day 3 for the 125 µg/mL group and on day 5 for the 62.5 µg/mL group. For total bacterial count at 0, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h, the lowest bacterial count was found in the positive control group, and the highest bacterial count was found in the negative control group compared with the other groups. Comparing antimicrobial peptide groups from 0 to 48 h, the lowest bacterial count was found in the 125 µg/mL group, and the highest bacterial count was found in the 15.625 µg/mL group. For the fertility test, artificial insemination was conducted by using a commercial extender plus BiF2_5K7K at a concentration of 31.25 µg/mL. The results showed a superior pregnancy rate, farrowing rate, and total number of piglets born compared with artificial insemination conducted using a commercial extender plus antibiotic. In conclusion, BiF2_5K7K can inhibit bacterial growth in extended boar semen for 24 h, and thereafter, the bacterial count slightly increases. However, the increase in the number of bacterial counts from days 0 to 3 had no negative effect on sperm quality in the positive control, 15.625, or 31.25 µg/mL groups. This indicates that BiF2_5K7K might be an antimicrobial peptide candidate with potential for use as an alternative antimicrobial agent to replace the conventional antibiotic used in boar semen extenders. Full article