Status of visfatin in female reproductive function under normal and pathological conditions: a mini review.

Adipokines are now well-known to regulate reproduction. Visfatin is an adipokine expressed in the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, uterus, and placenta of different species, and since it has been found to modulate the endocrine secretion of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and ovary, it may be considered a novel regulator of female reproduction. Although the majority of the literature explored its role in ovarian regulation, visfatin has also been shown to regulate uterine remodeling, endometrial receptivity and embryo development, and its expression in the uterus is steroid dependent. Like other adipokines, visfatin expression and levels are deregulated in pathological conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome. Thus, the present mini-review focuses on the role of visfatin in female reproduction under both physiological and pathological conditions.

Verification of AKT and CDK5 Gene and RNA Interference Combined with Irradiation to Mediate Fertility Changes in Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus).

Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) mainly damages cruciferous crops and causes huge economic losses. Presently, chemical pesticides dominate its control, but prolonged use has led to the development of high resistance. In contrast, the sterile insect technique provides a preventive and control method to avoid the development of resistance. We discovered two genes related to the reproduction of Plutella xylostella and investigated the efficacy of combining irradiation with RNA interference for pest management. The results demonstrate that after injecting PxAKT and PxCDK5, there was a significant decrease of 28.06% and 25.64% in egg production, and a decrease of 19.09% and 15.35% in the hatching rate compared to the control. The ratio of eupyrene sperm bundles to apyrene sperm bundles also decreased. PxAKT and PxCDK5 were identified as pivotal genes influencing male reproductive processes. We established a dose-response relationship for irradiation (0-200 Gy and 200-400 Gy) and derived the irradiation dose equivalent to RNA interference targeting PxAKT and PxCDK5. Combining RNA interference with low-dose irradiation achieved a sub-sterile effect on Plutella xylostella, surpassing either irradiation or RNA interference alone. This study enhances our understanding of the genes associated with the reproduction of Plutella xylostella and proposes a novel approach for pest management by combining irradiation and RNA interference.

A Molecular Perspective and Role of NAD+ in Ovarian Aging.

The decline in female fecundity is linked to advancing chronological age. The ovarian reserve diminishes in quantity and quality as women age, impacting reproductive efficiency and the aging process in the rest of the body. NAD+ is an essential coenzyme in cellular energy production, metabolism, cell signaling, and survival. It is involved in aging and is linked to various age-related conditions. Hallmarks associated with aging, diseases, and metabolic dysfunctions can significantly affect fertility by disturbing the delicate relationship between energy metabolism and female reproduction. Enzymes such as sirtuins, PARPs, and CD38 play essential roles in NAD+ biology, which actively consume NAD+ in their enzymatic activities. In recent years, NAD+ has gained much attention for its role in aging and age-related diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting its involvement in various pathophysiological processes. However, its impact on female reproduction is not well understood. This review aims to bridge this knowledge gap by comprehensively exploring the complex interplay between NAD+ biology and female reproductive aging and providing valuable information that could help develop plans to improve women's reproductive health and prevent fertility issues.

Vitamin D and reproductive disorders: a comprehensive review with a focus on endometriosis.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone that was initially known only for regulating calcium and phosphorus levels and maintaining bone health. However, it was later discovered that many organs express vitamin D metabolizing enzymes and have a ligand for vitamin D, which regulates the expression of an extensive assortment of genes. As a result, vitamin D is indispensable for the proper function of organs, and its deficiency is believed to be a critical factor in symptoms and disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. The significance of vitamin D in reproductive tissues was recognized later, and studies have revealed its crucial role in male and female fertility, as well as proper reproductive function during pregnancy. Vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a risk factor for infertility, gonadal cancers, pregnancy complications, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis. However, data investigating the association between vitamin D levels and reproductive disorders, including endometriosis, have encountered inconsistencies. Therefore, the present study aims to review existing research on the effect of vitamin D on proper reproductive function, and the role of deficiency in reproductive diseases and specifically focuses on endometriosis.

Melatonin administration during the first half of pregnancy improves physiological response and reproductive performance of rabbits under heat stress conditions.

Context Melatonin may have a heat-stress-alleviating role during pregnancy. Aims To investigate the effects of melatonin administration during the first half of pregnancy on heat-tolerance capacity and pregnancy outputs of naturally heat-stressed rabbits. Methods Forty female rabbits were stratified equally into two experimental groups and daily received 1mg melatonin/kg body weight or not (control) for 15 consecutive days post-insemination. Heat tolerance indices, hormone profile, ovarian structures, and fetal loss were determined. Key results Treatment with melatonin significantly decreased respiration rate and rectal temperature, improved concentrations of nitric oxide, and tended to decrease malondialdehyde concentrations (P =0.064) compared to control. Melatonin treatment significantly increased concentrations of high-density lipoprotein, oestradiol, and progesterone compared to control. No significant differences in the numbers of visible ovarian follicles, corpora lutea, and total implantation sites on day 18 of pregnancy were observed between experimental groups. However, melatonin treatment significantly reduced the number of absorbed implantation sites and significantly improved amniotic fluid volume and conception rate compared to control. Conclusions Melatonin administration during the first half of pregnancy can improve reproductive performance of heat-stressed female rabbits. Implications Melatonin can improve fetal survivability via improving heat-tolerance capacity of does and steroidogenesis.

Probabilistic Reference and 10% Effect Concentrations for Characterizing Inhalation Non-cancer and Developmental/Reproductive Effects for 2,160 Substances.

Chemicals assessment and management frameworks rely on regulatory toxicity values, which are based on points of departure (POD) identified following rigorous dose-response assessments. Yet, regulatory PODs and toxicity values for inhalation exposure (i.e., reference concentrations [RfCs]) are available for only ∼200 chemicals. To address this gap, we applied a workflow to determine surrogate inhalation route PODs and corresponding toxicity values, where regulatory assessments are lacking. We curated and selected inhalation in vivo data from the U.S. EPA's ToxValDB and adjusted reported effect values to chronic human equivalent benchmark concentrations (BMCh) following the WHO/IPCS framework. Using ToxValDB chemicals with existing PODs associated with regulatory toxicity values, we found that the 25th %-ile of a chemical's BMCh distribution (PODp25BMCh) could serve as a suitable surrogate for regulatory PODs (Q2 ≥ 0.76, RSE ≤ 0.82 log10 units). We applied this approach to derive PODp25BMCh for 2,095 substances with general non-cancer toxicity effects and 638 substances with reproductive/developmental toxicity effects, yielding a total coverage of 2,160 substances. From these PODp25BMCh, we derived probabilistic RfCs and human population effect concentrations. With this work, we have expanded the number of chemicals with toxicity values available, thereby enabling a much broader coverage for inhalation risk and impact assessment.

Circadian and photoperiodic regulation of the vegetative to reproductive transition in plants.

As sessile organisms, plants must respond constantly to ever-changing environments to complete their life cycle; this includes the transition from vegetative growth to reproductive development. This process is mediated by photoperiodic response to sensing the length of night or day through circadian regulation of light-signaling molecules, such as phytochromes, to measure the length of night to initiate flowering. Flowering time is the most important trait to optimize crop performance in adaptive regions. In this review, we focus on interplays between circadian and light signaling pathways that allow plants to optimize timing for flowering and seed production in Arabidopsis, rice, soybean, and cotton. Many crops are polyploids and domesticated under natural selection and breeding. In response to adaptation and polyploidization, circadian and flowering pathway genes are epigenetically reprogrammed. Understanding the genetic and epigenetic bases for photoperiodic flowering will help improve crop yield and resilience in response to climate change.

Cellular localization and seasonal variation of GnRH and Bradykinin in the ovary of Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch.) during its reproductive cycle.

The present study investigates the distribution and dynamics of gonadotropin-releasing hormone I (GnRH I) and bradykinin in the air-breathing catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis, in relation to the reproductive cycle. Changes in bradykinin, bradykinin B2-receptor, and ovarian GnRH I regulation were demonstrated during the reproductive cycle. The localization of GnRH I, bradykinin, and their respective receptors in the ovaries was investigated by immunohistochemistry, while their levels were quantified by slot/western blot followed by densitometry. GnRH I and its receptor were mainly localized in the cytoplasm of oocytes during the early previtellogenic phase. However, as the follicles grew larger, immunoreactivity was observed in the granulosa and theca cells of the late previtellogenic follicles. The ovaries showed significantly higher expression of GnRH I protein and its receptor during the early to mid-previtellogenic phase, suggesting their involvement in follicular development. Bradykinin and bradykinin B2-receptor showed a distribution pattern similar to that of GnRH I and its receptor. This study further suggested the possibility that bradykinin regulates GnRH I synthesis in the ovary. Thus, we show that the catfish ovary has a GnRH-bradykinin system and plays a role in follicular development and oocyte maturation in H. fossilis.

Recent advances in early pregnancy loss diagnosis in dairy cows: New approaches.

Early pregnancy loss is a primary cause of low reproductive rates in dairy cows, posing severe economic losses to dairy farming. The accurate diagnosis of dairy cows with early pregnancy loss allows for oestrus synchronization, shortening day open, and increasing the overall conception rate of the herd. Several techniques are available for detecting early pregnancy loss in dairy cows, including rectal ultrasound, circulating blood progesterone, and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs). Yet, there is a need to improve on existing techniques and develop novel strategies to identify cows with early pregnancy loss accurately. This manuscript reviews the applications of rectal ultrasound, circulating blood progesterone concentration, and PAGs in the diagnosis of pregnancy loss in dairy cows. The manuscript also discusses the recent progress of new technologies, including colour Doppler ultrasound (CDUS), interferon tau-induced genes (ISGs), and exosomal miRNA in diagnosing pregnancy loss in dairy cows. This study will provide an option for producers to re-breed cows with pregnancy loss, thereby reducing the calving interval and economic costs. Meanwhile, this manuscript might also act as a reference for exploring more economical and precise diagnostic technologies for early pregnancy loss in dairy cows.

Reproductive and transgenerational toxicity of bisphenol S exposure in pregnant rats: Insights into hormonal imbalance and steroid biosynthesis pathway disruption.

Bisphenol S (BPS) is an alternative chemical to bisphenol A commonly used in food packaging materials. It raises concerns due to potential adverse effects on human health. However, limited evidence exists regarding reproductive toxicity from BPS exposure, and the mechanism of associated transgenerational toxicity remains unclear. In this study, pregnant SD rats were exposed to two different doses of BPS (0.05 or 20 mg/kg) from GD6 to PND21. The objective was to investigate reproductive and transmissible toxicity induced by BPS, explore endocrine effects, and uncover potential underlying mechanisms in rats. Perinatal exposure to BPS in the F0 generation significantly decreased the rate of body weight, ovarian organ coefficient, and growth and development of the F1 generation. Notably, these changes included abnormal increases in body weight and length, estrous cycle disruption, and embryonic dysplasia in F1. 4D-DIA proteomic and PRM analyses revealed that exposure to 20 mg/kg group significantly altered the expression of proteins, such as Lhcgr and Akr1c3, within the steroid biosynthetic pathway. This led to elevated levels of FSH and LH in the blood. The hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, responsible for promoting fertility through the cyclic secretion of gonadotropins and steroid hormones, was affected. RT-qPCR and Western blot results demonstrated that the expression of GnRH in the hypothalamus was decreased, the GnRHR in the pituitary gland was decreased, and the expression of FSHß and LHß in the pituitary gland was increased. Overall, BPS exposure disrupts the HPO axis, hormone levels, and steroid biosynthesis in the ovaries, affecting offspring development and fertility. This study provides new insights into the potential effects of BPS exposure on the reproductive function of the body and its relevant mechanisms of action.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): progress towards a better understanding and treatment of the syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine and metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age. It has a strong hereditary component estimated at 60 to 70% in daughters. It has been suggested that environmental factors during the fetal period may be involved in the development of the syndrome in adulthood. However, the underlying mechanisms of its transmission remain unknown, thus limiting the development of effective therapeutic strategies.This article highlights how an altered fetal environment (prenatal exposure to high levels of anti-Müllerian hormone) can contribute to the onset of PCOS in adulthood and lead to the transgenerational transmission of neuroendocrine and metabolic traits through alterations in the DNA methylation process.The originality of the translational findings summarized here involves the identification of potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of the syndrome, in addition to the validation of a promising therapeutic avenue in a preclinical model of PCOS, which can improve the management of patients suffering from the syndrome.

Le syndrome des ovaires polykystiques (SOPK) est le trouble endocrinien et métabolique le plus répandu chez les femmes en âge de procréer, avec une forte composante héréditaire estimée entre 60 et 70%. Les facteurs environnementaux pendant la période fœtale pourraient être impliqués dans l'apparition du syndrome à l'âge adulte. Néanmoins, les mécanismes sous-jacents à sa transmission demeurent inconnus, limitant ainsi le développement de thérapies efficaces.Cet article met en lumière comment un environnement fœtal altéré (exposition prénatale à des taux élevés d'hormone anti-müllerienne) pourrait contribuer à la survenue du SOPK chez la descendance ainsi qu'à la transmission transgénérationnelle des caractéristiques neuroendocriniennes et métaboliques du SOPK, par le biais d'une altération du processus de la méthylation de l'ADN.L'originalité des travaux translationnels présentés ici repose d'une part sur l'identification de potentiels biomarqueurs de diagnostic précoce du syndrome. Et d'autre part, sur la validation d'une piste thérapeutique prometteuse dans un modèle préclinique de SOPK, offrant ainsi des perspectives d'amélioration de la prise en charge des patientes atteintes de ce syndrome.

Kisspeptin a potential therapeutic target in treatment of both metabolic and reproductive dysfunction.

Kisspeptins (KPs) are proteins that were first recognized to have antimetastatic action. Later, the critical role of this peptide in the regulation of reproduction was proved. In recent years, evidence has been accumulated supporting a role for KPs in regulating metabolic processes in a sexual dimorphic manner. It has been proposed that KPs regulate metabolism both indirectly via gonadal hormones and/or directly via the kisspeptin receptor in the brain, brown adipose tissue, and pancreas. The aim of the review is to provide both experimental and clinical evidence indicating that KPs are peptides linking metabolism and reproduction. We propose that KPs could be used as a potential target to treat both metabolic and reproductive abnormalities. Thus, we focus on the consequences of disruptions in KPs and their receptors in metabolic conditions such as diabetes, undernutrition, obesity, and reproductive disorders (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and polycystic ovary syndrome). Data from both animal models and human subjects indicate that alterations in KPs in the case of metabolic imbalance lead also to disruptions in reproductive functions. Changes both in the hypothalamic and peripheral KP systems in animal models of the aforementioned disorders are discussed. Finally, an overview of current clinical studies involving KP in fertility and metabolism show fewer studies on metabolism (15%) and only one to date on both. Presented data indicate a dynamic and emerging field of KP studies as possible therapeutic targets in treatments of both reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions.

Overview of the expression patterns and roles of Lipocalin 2 in the reproductive system.

The 25 kDa-sized protein Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) was originally isolated from human neutrophil granulocytes more than 30 years ago. LCN2 is an emerging player in innate immune defense, as it reduces bacterial growth due to its ability to sequester iron-containing bacterial siderophores. On the other hand, LCN2 also serves as a transporter for various hydrophobic substances due to its ß-barrel shaped structure. Over the years, LCN2 has been detected in many other cell types including epithelial cells, astrocytes, and hepatocytes. Studies have clearly shown that aberrant expression of LCN2 is associated with a variety of disorders and malignancies, including several diseases of the reproductive system. Furthermore, LCN2 was proposed as a non-invasive prognostic and/or diagnostic biomarker in this context. Although several studies have shed light on the role of LCN2 in various disorders of the female and male reproductive systems, including tumorigenesis, a comprehensive understanding of the physiological function of LCN2 in the reproductive tract is still lacking. However, there is evidence that LCN2 is directly related to fertility, as global depletion of Lcn2 in mice has a negative effect on their pregnancy rate. Since LCN2 expression can be regulated by steroid hormones, it is not surprising that its expression fluctuates greatly during remodeling processes in the female reproductive tract, especially in the uterus. Well-founded details about the expression and regulation of LCN2 in a healthy reproductive state and also about possible changes during reproductive aging could contribute to a better understanding of LCN2 as a target in various diseases. Therefore, the present review summarizes current knowledge about LCN2 in the reproductive system, including studies in rodents and humans, and discusses changes in LCN2 expression during pathological events. The limited data suggest that LCN2 is expressed and regulated differently in healthy male and female reproductive organs.

Effects of microplastics on key reproductive and biochemical endpoints of the freshwater microcrustacean Daphnia magna.

Human activities have directly impacted the environment, causing significant ecological imbalances. From the different contaminants resulting from human activities, plastics are of major environmental concern. Due to their high use and consequent discharge, plastics tend to accumulate in aquatic environments. There, plastics can form smaller particles (microplastics, MPs), due to fragmentation and weathering, which are more prone to interact with aquatic organisms and cause deleterious effects, including at the basis of different food webs. This study assessed the effects of two microplastics (polyethylene terephthalate, PET; and polypropylene, PP; both of common domestic use) in the freshwater cladoceran species Daphnia magna. Toxic effects were assessed by measuring reproductive traits (first brood and total number of offspring), and activities of biomarkers involved in xenobiotic metabolism (phase I: cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes CYP1A1, 1A2 and 3A4; phase II/conjugation: glutathione S-transferases; and antioxidant defense (catalase)). Both MPs showed a potential to significantly reduce reproductive parameters in D. magna. Furthermore, PET caused a significant increase in some isoenzymes of CYP450 in acutely exposed organisms, but this effect was not observed in chronically exposed animals. Similarly, the activity of the antioxidant defense (CAT) was significantly increased in acutely exposed animals, but not in chronically exposed organisms. This pattern of effects suggests a possible mechanism of long-term adaptation to the presence of the tested MPs. In conclusion, the herein tested MPs have shown the potential to induce deleterious effects on D. magna mainly observed in terms of the reproductive outcomes. Changes at the biochemical level seems transient and are not likely to occur in long term, environmentally exposed crustaceans.

Preliminary testing of "roadmap to parenthood" decision aid and planning tool for family building after cancer: Results of a single-arm pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Many young adult female cancer survivors need to use reproductive medicine, surrogacy, or adoption to have a child. This study pilot tested Roadmap to Parenthood, a web-based, self-guided decision aid and planning tool for family building after cancer (disease agnostic). METHODS: A single-arm pilot study tested feasibility, acceptability, and obtained effect size estimates of the Roadmap tool. Participants, recruited via hospital-based and social media strategies, completed a baseline survey (T1), accessed the Roadmap tool (website), then completed surveys at one- and 3-months (T2 and T3, respectively). Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated with rates of eligibility, enrollment, and survey completion, and feedback. Pairwise t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA evaluated usage effects. Effect size estimates were calculated. RESULTS: Participants (N = 98) averaged 31 years old (SD = 5.61); 71% were nulliparous. Enrollment rate was 73%, T1-T2 completion rate was 80%, and 93% accessed the website. From T1-T2, participants reported improvements in decisional conflict (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.85), unmet information needs (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.70), self-efficacy (p = 0.003; Cohen's d = 0.40), and self-efficacy for managing negative emotions (p = 0.03; Cohen's d = 0.29); effects were sustained at T3. There was no change in reproductive distress (p = 0.22). By T3, 94% reported increased consideration of preparatory actions and 20%-61% completed such actions. CONCLUSIONS: The Roadmap intervention was feasible to conduct, acceptable to users, and led to improvements in key psychosocial outcomes. Future directions will test intervention efficacy in a randomized controlled trial with a larger sample and over a longer period. A web-based tool may help women make decisions about family building after cancer and prepare for potential challenges.

Radiation and male reproductive system: Damage and protection.

Male fertility has been declining in recent decades, and a growing body of research points to environmental and lifestyle factors as the cause. The widespread use of radiation technology may result in more people affected by male infertility, as it is well established that radiation can cause reproductive impairment in men. This article provides a review of radiation-induced damage to male reproduction, and the effects of damage mechanisms and pharmacotherapy. It is hoped that this review will contribute to the understanding of the effects of radiation on male reproduction, and provide information for research into drugs that can protect the reproductive health of males.

Exposure to 6-PPD quinone causes ferroptosis activation associated with induction of reproductive toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Exposure to N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine quinone (6-PPDQ) caused toxicity on Caenorhabditis elegans, including reproductive toxicity. However, the underlying mechanisms for this induced reproductive toxicity by 6-PPDQ remain largely unclear. We examined possible association of ferroptosis activation with reproductive toxicity of 6-PPDQ. In 1-100 µg/L 6-PPDQ exposed nematodes, Fe2+ content was increased, which was accompanied with enhanced lipid peroxidation, increased malonydialdehyde (MDA) content, and decreased L-glutathione (GSH) content. Exposure to 1-100 µg/L 6-PPDQ decreased expressions of ftn-1 encoding ferritin, ads-1 encoding AGPS, and gpx-6 encoding GPX4 and increased expression of bli-3 encoding dual oxidase. After 6-PPDQ exposure, RNAi of ftn-1 decreased ads-1 and gpx-6 expressions and increased bli-3 expression. RNAi of ftn-1, ads-1, and gpx-6 strengthened alterations in ferroptosis related indicators, and RNAi of bli-3 suppressed changes of ferroptosis related indicators in 6-PPDQ exposed nematodes. Meanwhile, RNAi of ftn-1, ads-1, and gpx-6 induced susceptibility, and RNAi of bli-3 caused resistance to 6-PPDQ reproductive toxicity. Moreover, expressions of DNA damage checkpoint genes (clk-2, mrt-2, and hus-1) could be increased by RNAi of ftn-1, ads-1, and gpx-6 in 6-PPDQ exposed nematodes. Therefore, our results demonstrated activation of ferroptosis in nematodes exposed to 6-PPDQ at environmentally relevant concentrations, and this ferroptosis activation was related to reproductive toxicity of 6-PPDQ.

Pleomorphic adenoma gene1 in reproduction and implication for embryonic survival in cattle: a review.

The pleomorphic adenoma gene1 (PLAG1) encodes a DNA-binding, C2H2 zinc-finger protein which acts as a transcription factor that regulates the expression of diverse genes across different organs and tissues; hence, the name pleomorphic. Rearrangements of the PLAG1 gene, and/or overexpression, are associated with benign tumors and cancers in a variety of tissues. This is best described for pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands in humans. The most notable expression of PLAG1 occurs during embryonic and fetal development, with lesser expression after birth. Evidence has accumulated of a role for PLAG1 protein in normal early embryonic development and placentation in mammals. PLAG1 protein influences the expression of the ike growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene and production of IGF2 protein. IGF2 is an important mitogen in ovarian follicles/oocytes, embryos, and fetuses. The PLAG1-IGF2 axis, therefore, provides one pathway whereby PLAG1 protein can influence embryonic survival and pregnancy. PLAG1 also influences over 1,000 other genes in embryos including those associated with ribosomal assembly and proteins. Brahman (Bos indicus) heifers homozygous for the PLAG1 variant, rs109815800 (G > T), show greater fertility than contemporary heifers with either one, or no copy, of the variant. Greater fertility in heifers homozygous for rs109815800 could be the result of early puberty and/or greater embryonic survival. The present review first looks at the broader roles of the PLAG1 gene and PLAG1 protein and then focuses on the emerging role of PLAG1/PLAG1 in embryonic development and pregnancy. A deeper understanding of factors which influence embryonic development is required for the next transformational increase in embryonic survival and successful pregnancy for both in vivo and in vitro derived embryos in cattle.

The pleomorphic adenoma gene1 (PLAG1) produces PLAG1 protein which, by binding to specific regions on DNA, influences the activity of other genes that regulate many body functions. One gene is insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) which controls cell metabolism and growth. The PLAG1 gene is particularly active during embryonic and fetal growth, and through IGF2 determines stature later in life. IGF2 protein is also very important in early embryonic development. This review explores the hypothesis that PLAG1 is an important determinant of embryonic survival and the establishment of pregnancy in mammals.

Characterization of myoinhibitory peptide signaling system and its implication in larval metamorphosis and spawning behavior in Pacific abalone.

Myoinhibitory peptides (MIPs) affect various physiological functions, including juvenile hormone signaling, muscle contraction, larval development, and reproduction in invertebrates. Although MIPs are ligands for MIP and/or sex peptide receptors (MIP/SPRs) in diverse arthropods and model organisms belonging to Lophotrochozoa, the MIP signaling system has not yet been fully investigated in mollusks. In this study, we identified the MIP signaling system in the Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai (Hdh). Similar to the invertebrate MIPs, a total of eight paracopies of MIPs (named Hdh-MIP1 to Hdh-MIP8), harboring a WX5-7Wamide motif, except for Hdh-MIP2, were found in the Hdh-MIP precursor. Furthermore, we characterized a functional Hdh-MIPR, which responded to the Hdh-MIPs, except for Hdh-MIP2, possibly linked with the PKC/Ca2+ and PKA/cAMP signaling pathways. Hdh-MIPs delayed larval metamorphosis but increased the spawning behavior. These results suggest that the Hdh-MIP signaling system provides insights into the unique function of MIP in invertebrates.

Biology and Toxicology of Gametes, Embryos, and Cancer Cells in Reproductive Systems.

Reproduction is the important process of transmitting one's genetic information to the next generation [...].