In vitro Fertilization Outcomes of Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer with Hatched Blastocysts versus with Hatching Blastocysts.

This study aimed to elucidate the effect of hatching status on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer cycles. Frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles performed at a single fertility center between 2016 and 2021 were retrospectively assessed. Analyses were restricted to 6,821 frozen-thawed blastocyst transfers in women aged 24-47 years. For optimal comparability, double embryo transfer (ET) cycles consisting of one hatching and one hatched blastocyst were excluded. The implantation and pregnancy rates were evaluated and compared between the hatching and hatched blastocyst transfer groups based on patients' age (<38 vs. ≥38 years), blastocyst grade (good vs. bad grade), and the number of transferred embryos (single ET vs. double ET). Hatched blastocyst transfer was associated with higher implantation and clinical pregnancy rates in the single ET group (15.7% and 15.6%, respectively; p<0.001). The transfer of two hatched blastocysts had higher implantation and clinical pregnancy rates compared to the transfer of two hatching blastocysts (19.5% and 20.4%, respectively; p<0.001) in the double ET group. In the hatched blastocyst transfer group, the clinical pregnancy and implantation rates were higher, regardless of each woman's age and embryo quality. The IVF treatment outcomes were improved when the blastocysts were hatched during FET cycles. Hence, hatched blastocyst transfer in FET cycles could be considered a superior method in IVF practice.

Correction: Demographic and Clinico-Epidemiological Features of Dengue Fever in Faisalabad, Pakistan.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267652.].

Impact of Obesity on the IL-6 Immune Marker and Th17 Immune Cells in C57BL/6 Mice Models with Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis.

Obese psoriatic patients experience higher disease severity and exhibit poorer treatment responses and clinical outcomes. It has been proposed that proinflammatory cytokines produced by adipose tissue exacerbate psoriasis; however, the role of obesity in psoriasis remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the role of obesity in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, focusing on immunological changes. To induce obesity, mice were fed a high-fat diet for 20 weeks. We then applied imiquimod to the skin on a mouse's back for seven consecutive days to induce psoriasis and scored lesion severity every day for seven days. Cytokine levels in serum and the Th17 cell population in the spleen and draining lymph nodes were studied to identify immunological differences. The clinical severity was more remarkable, and histologically the epidermis was also significantly thicker in the obese group. Increased levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were observed in serum after psoriasis. They were elevated to a greater degree, with greater expansion of the functional Th17 cell population in the obese group. It is concluded that obesity could exacerbate psoriasis through mechanisms that involve elevated proinflammatory cytokine secretion and an expanded Th17 cell population.

Feasibility of Imaging Modalities Combined with a Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implant in Korean Women.

With the occurrence of breast implant crises in Korea, it has become increasingly important to detect complications earlier in patients receiving a device. We have therefore combined imaging modalities with an implant-based augmentation mammaplasty. In this study, we assessed the short-term treatment outcomes and safety of the Motiva ErgonomixTM Round SilkSurface (Establishment Labs Holdings Inc., Alajuela, Costa Rica) in Korean women. A total of 87 women (n = 87) were included in the current study. We compared preoperative anthropometric measurements between the right side and the left side of the breast. Moreover, we also compared the thickness of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and the pectoralis major measured on a breast ultrasound preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Furthermore, we analyzed the incidences of postoperative complications and the cumulative complication-free survival. Preoperatively, there was a significant difference in the distance from the nipple to the midline between the left and right side of the breast (p = 0.000). Both sides of the breast showed significant differences in the thickness of the pectoralis major preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively (p = 0.000). A total of 11 cases (12.6%) of postoperative complications occurred; these included five cases (5.7%) of early seroma, two cases (2.3%) of infection, two cases (2.3%) of rippling, one case (1.1%) of hematoma and one case (1.1%) of capsular contracture. Time-to-events were estimated at 386.68 ± 27.79 days (95% CI 334.11-439.27). Here, we describe our experience with imaging modalities in combination with the Motiva ErgonomixTM Round SilkSurface in Korean women.

Efficacy of Polydeoxyribonucleotide in Promoting the Healing of Diabetic Wounds in a Murine Model of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes: A Pilot Experiment.

We assessed the efficacy of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) in accelerating the healing of diabetic wounds in a murine model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. After the creation of diabetic wounds, the mice of the PDRN SC, PDRN IP and PBS groups received a subcutaneous, an intra-peritoneal injection of PDRN and a subcutaneous injection of PBS, respectively. After euthanasia, time-dependent changes in the wound diameter and histologic scores were measured and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and collagen types I and III were assessed for their expression levels. The PDRN SC and the PDRN IP groups showed a significantly smaller diameter of diabetic wounds, significantly higher histologic scores, a significantly greater expression of VEGF, a significantly lower expression of TGF-ß1 and a significantly greater expression of collagen types I and III as compared with the PBS group (p < 0.05 or 0.0001). In conclusion, PDRN might be effective in promoting the healing of diabetic wounds in a murine model of STZ-induced diabetes.

Freeze all-first versus biopsy-first: A retrospective analysis of frozen blastocyst transfer cycles with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.

Potential use of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is increasing. Patients who have excess embryos cryopreserved at the blastocyst stage may desire PGT-A but there is little data available on options for these patients. We compared the efficacy and safety of the timing on the cryopreservation and trophectoderm(TE) biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) program associated with the better outcomes after frozen blastocyst transfer. Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent PGT-A cycles from January 2016 to December 2019 was carried out. 2684 blastocysts from cycles were subjected to TE biopsy for performing array comparative genomic hybridization test and Next-generation sequencing. All cycles were divided into two according to the timing of biopsy: biopsy-first (n = 211 cases/ 232 transfers) versus freeze all-first (n = 327 cases/ 415 transfers). In the biopsy-first group, embryos were cultured to expanded blastocyst and proceed to TE biopsy on day 5 or day 6 followed by cryopreservation. In the freeze all-first, blastocysts were vitrified and warmed before biopsy. Rates of clinical pregnancy (52.3% vs. 38.7%, P = 0.09) and ongoing pregnancy (44.3% vs. 34.5%, P = 0.07) in biopsy-first were significantly higher than those in freeze all-first. Biopsy-first showed comparable miscarriage rate with freeze all-first (15.2% (33/217) vs.11.1% (10/90), respectively). Rate ratio (RR) for clinical pregnancy was lower in freeze all-first group (adjusted RR = 0.78, 95% confidence interval: 0.65, 0.93). The RRs for miscarriage and live birth was also lower but it did not reach statistical significance. Our result supported performing TE biopsy of blastocyst for PGT-A before vitrification and warming. This finding would contribute to more evidence-based decision in PGT-A cycles.

Establishment of a useful in vitro decidual induction model using eCG-primed nonpregnant mouse endometrial stromal cells†.

Uterine endometrial differentiation is essential for developmental continuity and female health. A convenient in vitro model mimicking the physiological status is needed to effectively evaluate implantation and uterine response mechanisms. Thus, we developed a promising in vitro model, the FSS (FSH mimic-stimulated synchronized) model, by using primary mouse uterine stromal cells (mUSCs) obtained from equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG)-primed mice. These mUSCs could be differentiated into decidualized cells with 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). The pregnancy day 4 (PD4) model, in which mUSCs are obtained at day 4 of pregnancy, was used as a control. The cell shape index and polyploidy rates were similar between the two models. The staining intensities of lipids and glycogen were significantly higher in the induced groups in both models but stronger in the FSS model than in the PD4 model. The expression levels of AP-TNAP, cathepsin L, Prl8a2, Gja1, Cebpb, and Igfbp1 were increased at 24 h after decidual induction. PR-alpha and PR-beta levels were also increased at 24 h after decidual induction in both models. These results indicate that the FSS model provides a convenient method for obtaining USCs that are usable for various experimental approaches due to their physiological competence and flexibility for triggering induction. This may serve as a model system for the study of pathogeneses originating from the endometrium or communication with other tissues and lead to a better understanding of embryo implantation mechanisms. Furthermore, the results of this study will be integral for further refinements of 3D uterine culture manipulation techniques.

A mannose-sensing AraC-type transcriptional activator regulates cell-cell aggregation of Vibrio cholerae.

In addition to catalyzing coupled transport and phosphorylation of carbohydrates, the phosphoenolpyruvate:carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS) regulates various physiological processes in most bacteria. Therefore, the transcription of genes encoding the PTS is precisely regulated by transcriptional regulators depending on substrate availability. As the distribution of the mannose-specific PTS (PTSMan) is limited to animal-associated bacteria, it has been suggested to play an important role in host-bacteria interactions. In Vibrio cholerae, mannose is known to inhibit biofilm formation. During host infection, the transcription level of the V. cholerae gene encoding the putative PTSMan (hereafter referred to as manP) significantly increases, and mutations in this gene increase host survival rate. Herein, we show that an AraC-type transcriptional regulator (hereafter referred to as ManR) acts as a transcriptional activator of the mannose operon and is responsible for V. cholerae growth and biofilm inhibition on a mannose or fructose-supplemented medium. ManR activates mannose operon transcription by facilitating RNA polymerase binding to the promoter in response to mannose 6-phosphate and, to a lesser extent, to fructose 1-phosphate. When manP or manR is impaired, the mannose-induced inhibition of biofilm formation was reversed and intestinal colonization was significantly reduced in a Drosophila melanogaster infection model. Our results show that ManR recognizes mannose and fructose in the environment and facilitates V. cholerae survival in the host.

Metabolic Rewiring by Human Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Promotes Rejuvenation in Aged Female Rats.

Aging is a degenerative process involving cell function deterioration, leading to altered metabolic pathways, increased metabolite diversity, and dysregulated metabolism. Previously, we reported that human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPD-MSCs) have therapeutic effects on ovarian aging. This study aimed to identify hPD-MSC therapy-induced responses at the metabolite and protein levels and serum biomarker(s) of aging and/or rejuvenation. We observed weight loss after hPD-MSC therapy. Importantly, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), known prolongs healthy life spans, were markedly elevated in serum. Capillary electrophoresis-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CE-TOF/MS) analysis identified 176 metabolites, among which the levels of 3-hydroxybutyric acid, glycocholic acid, and taurine, which are associated with health and longevity, were enhanced after hPD-MSC stimulation. Furthermore, after hPD-MSC therapy, the levels of vitamin B6 and its metabolite pyridoxal 5'-phosphate were markedly increased in the serum and liver, respectively. Interestingly, hPD-MSC therapy promoted serotonin production due to increased vitamin B6 metabolism rates. Increased liver serotonin levels after multiple-injection therapy altered the expression of mRNAs and proteins associated with hepatocyte proliferation and mitochondrial biogenesis. Changes in metabolites in circulation after hPD-MSC therapy can be used to identify biomarker(s) of aging and/or rejuvenation. In addition, serotonin is a valuable therapeutic target for reversing aging-associated liver degeneration.

Efficacy of a 4-Week Nurse-Led Exercise Rehabilitation Program in Improving the Quality of Life in Women Receiving a Post-Mastectomy Reconstruction Using the Motiva ErgonomixTM Round SilkSurface.

We assessed the efficacy of a 4-week nurse-led exercise rehabilitation (ER) program in improving the quality of life (QOL) of breast cancer survivors (BCS) receiving an implant-based breast reconstruction. The eligible patients were equally randomized to either of both groups: the intervention group (n = 30; a 4-week nurse-led ER program) and the control group (n = 30; a 4-week physical therapist-supervised one). Both after a 4-week ER program and at baseline, the patients were evaluated for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) scores. There was a significantly higher degree of increase in global health status/QOL scores, physical functioning scores, role functioning scores, and emotional functioning scores at 4 weeks from baseline in the intervention group as compared with the control group (p = 0.001). However, there was a significantly higher degree of decrease in fatigue scores, nausea/vomiting scores, pain scores, dyspnea scores, and FSS scores in the intervention group as compared with the control group (p = 0.001). In conclusion, our results indicate that a 4-week nurse-led ER program might be effective in the QOL in BCS receiving a post-mastectomy implant-based reconstruction using the Motiva ErgonomixTM Round SilkSurface.

The Antioxidant Auraptene Improves Aged Oocyte Quality and Embryo Development in Mice.

Decrease in quality of postovulatory aged oocytes occurs due to oxidative stress and leads to low fertilization and development competence. It is one of the main causes that exerting detrimental effect on the success rate in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Auraptene (AUR), a citrus coumarin, has been reported to possess an antioxidant effects in other tissues. In this study, we aimed to confirm the potential of AUR to delay the oocyte aging process by alleviating oxidative stress. Superovulated mouse oocytes in metaphase of second meiosis (MII) were exposed to 0, 1 or 10 µM AUR for 12 h of in vitro aging. AUR addition to the culture medium recovered abnormal spindle and chromosome morphology and mitigated mitochondrial distribution and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) in aged oocytes. AUR-treated aged oocytes also showed suppressed oxidative stress, with lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, higher glutathione (GSH) levels and increased expression of several genes involved in antioxidation. Furthermore, AUR significantly elevated the fertilization and embryo developmental rates. Oocytes aged with 1 µM AUR exhibited morphokinetics that were very similar to those of the control group. Altogether, these data allowed us to conclude that AUR improved the quality of aged oocytes and suggest AUR as an effective clinical supplement candidate to prevent postovulatory aging.

Conformation-modulated three-dimensional electrocatalysts for high-performance fuel cell electrodes.

Unsupported Pt electrocatalysts demonstrate excellent electrochemical stability when used in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells; however, their extreme thinness and low porosity result in insufficient surface area and high mass transfer resistance. Here, we introduce three-dimensionally (3D) customized, multiscale Pt nanoarchitectures (PtNAs) composed of dense and narrow (for sufficient active sites) and sparse (for improved mass transfer) nanoscale building blocks. The 3D-multiscale PtNA fabricated by ultrahigh-resolution nanotransfer printing exhibited excellent performance (45% enhanced maximum power density) and high durability (only 5% loss of surface area for 5000 cycles) compared to commercial Pt/C. We also theoretically elucidate the relationship between the 3D structures and cell performance using computational fluid dynamics. We expect that the structure-controlled 3D electrocatalysts will introduce a new pathway to design and fabricate high-performance electrocatalysts for fuel cells, as well as various electrochemical devices that require the precision engineering of reaction surfaces and mass transfer.

GAS6 ameliorates advanced age-associated meiotic defects in mouse oocytes by modulating mitochondrial function.

Previously, we reported that the silencing of growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) expression in oocytes impairs cytoplasmic maturation by suppressing mitophagy and inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in fertilization failure. Here, we show that oocyte aging is accompanied by an increase in meiotic defects associated with chromosome misalignment and abnormal spindle organization. Intriguingly, decreased Gas6 mRNA and protein expression were observed in aged oocytes from older females. We further explored the effect of GAS6 on the quality and fertility of aged mouse oocytes using a GAS6 rescue analysis. After treatment with the GAS6 protein, aged oocytes matured normally to the meiosis II (MII) stage. Additionally, maternal age-related meiotic defects were reduced by GAS6 protein microinjection. Restoring GAS6 ameliorated the mitochondrial dysfunction induced by maternal aging. Ultimately, GAS6-rescued MII oocytes exhibited increased ATP levels, reduced ROS levels and elevated glutathione (GSH) levels, collectively indicating improved mitochondrial function in aged oocytes. Thus, the age-associated decrease in oocyte quality was prevented by restoring GAS6. Importantly, GAS6 protein microinjection in aged oocytes also rescued fertility. We conclude that GAS6 improves mitochondrial function to achieve sufficient cytoplasmic maturation and attenuates maternal age-related meiotic errors, thereby efficiently safeguarding oocyte quality and fertility.

Hierarchically Assembled Cobalt Oxynitride Nanorods and N-Doped Carbon Nanofibers for Efficient Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis with Exceptional Regenerative Efficiency.

Oxygen-based electrocatalysis is an integral aspect of a clean and sustainable energy conversion/storage system. The development of economic bifunctional electrocatalysts with high activity and durability during reversible reactions remains a great challenge. The tailored porous structure and separately presented active sites for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions (ORR and OER) without mutual interference are most crucial for achieving desired bifunctional catalysts. Here, we report a hybrid composed of sheath-core cobalt oxynitride (CoOx@CoNy) nanorods grown perpendicularly on N-doped carbon nanofiber (NCNF). The brush-like CoOx@CoNy nanorods, composed of metallic Co4N cores and oxidized surfaces, exhibit excellent OER activity (E = 1.69 V at 10 mA cm-2) in an alkaline medium. Although pristine NCNF or CoOx@CoNy alone had poor catalytic activity in the ORR, the hybrid showed dramatically enhanced ORR performance (E = 0.78 V at -3 mA cm-2). The experimental results coupled with a density functional theory (DFT) simulation confirmed that the broad surface area of the CoOx@CoNy nanorods with an oxidized skin layer boosts the catalytic OER, while the facile adsorption of ORR intermediates and a rapid interfacial charge transfer occur at the interface between the CoOx@CoNy nanorods and the electrically conductive NCNF. Furthermore, it was found that the independent catalytic active sites in the CoOx@CoNy/NCNF catalyst are continuously regenerated and sustained without mutual interference during the round-trip ORR/OER, affording stable operation of Zn-air batteries.

CXCL12 enhances pregnancy outcome via improvement of endometrial receptivity in mice.

Successful pregnancy inevitably depends on the implantation of a competent embryo into a receptive endometrium. Although many substances have been suggested to improve the rate of embryo implantation targeting enhancement of endometrial receptivity, currently there rarely are effective evidence-based treatments to prevent or cure this condition. Here we strongly suggest minimally-invasive intra-uterine administration of embryo-secreted chemokine CXCL12 as an effective therapeutic intervention. Chemokine CXCL12 derived from pre- and peri-implanting embryos significantly enhances the rates of embryo attachment and promoted endothelial vessel formation and sprouting in vitro. Consistently, intra-uterine CXCL12 administration in C57BL/6 mice improved endometrial receptivity showing increased integrin ß3 and its ligand osteopontin, and induced endometrial angiogenesis displaying increased numbers of vessel formation near the lining of endometrial epithelial layer with higher CD31 and CD34 expression. Furthermore, intra-uterine CXCL12 application dramatically promoted the rates of embryo implantation with no morphologically retarded embryos. Thus, our present study provides a novel evidence that improved uterine endometrial receptivity and enhanced angiogenesis induced by embryo-derived chemokine CXCL12 may aid to develop a minimally-invasive therapeutic strategy for clinical treatment or supplement for the patients with repeated implantation failure with less risk.

Bcl2l10 induces metabolic alterations in ovarian cancer cells by regulating the TCA cycle enzymes SDHD and IDH1.

Bcl2­like­10 (Bcl2l10) has both oncogenic and tumor suppressor functions depending on the type of cancer. It has been previously demonstrated that the suppression of Bcl2l10 in ovarian cancer SKOV3 and A2780 cells causes cell cycle arrest and enhances cell proliferation, indicating that Bcl2l10 is a tumor suppressor gene in ovarian cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to identify possible downstream target genes and investigate the underlying mechanisms of action of Bcl2l10 in ovarian cancer cells. RNA sequencing (RNA­Seq) was performed to obtain a list of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Bcl2l10­suppressed SKOV3 and A2780 cells. The RNA­Seq data were validated by reverse transcription­quantitative PCR (RT­qPCR) and western blot analysis, and the levels of metabolites after Bcl2l10­knockdown were measured using colorimetric assay kits. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the commonly downregulated genes in SKOV3 and A2780 cells after Bcl2l10­knockdown were significantly enriched in metabolic pathways. The analysis of the DEGs identified from RNA­Seq and validated by RT­qPCR revealed that succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit D (SDHD) and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), which are key enzymes of the TCA cycle that regulate oncometabolite production, may be potential downstream targets of Bcl2l10. Furthermore, Bcl2l10­knockdown induced the accumulation of succinate and isocitrate through the downregulation of SDHD and IDH1. The present study was the first to elucidate the metabolic regulatory functions of Bcl2l10 in ovarian cancer cells, and the results indicated that Bcl2l10 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.

Ordered Mesoporous Carbons with Graphitic Tubular Frameworks by Dual Templating for Efficient Electrocatalysis and Energy Storage.

Ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) have attracted considerable interest owing to their broad utility. OMCs reported to date comprise amorphous rod-like or tubular or graphitic rod-like frameworks, which exhibit tradeoffs between conductivity and surface area. Here we report ordered mesoporous carbons constructed with graphitic tubular frameworks (OMGCs) with tunable pore sizes and mesostructures via dual templating, using mesoporous silica and molybdenum carbide as exo- and endo-templates, respectively. OMGCs simultaneously realize high electrical conductivity and large surface area and pore volume. Benefitting from these features, Ru nanoparticles (NPs) supported on OMGC exhibit superior catalytic activity for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction and single-cell performance for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis compared to Ru NPs on other OMCs and commercial catalysts. Further, the OMGC-based full-carbon symmetric cell demonstrates excellent performances for Li-ion capacitors.

Identification and characterization of GAL4 drivers that mark distinct cell types and regions in the Drosophila adult gut.

The gastrointestinal tract in the adult Drosophila serves as a model system for exploring the mechanisms underlying digestion, absorption and excretion, stem cell plasticity, and inter-organ communication, particularly through the gut-brain axis. It is also useful for studying the cellular and adaptive responses to dietary changes, alterations in microbiota and immunity, and systematic and endocrine signals. Despite the various cell types and distinct regions in the gastrointestinal tract, few tools are available to target and manipulate the activity of each cell type and region, and their gene expression. Here, we report 353 GAL4 lines and several split-GAL4 lines that are expressed in enteric neurons (ENs), progenitors (ISCs and EBs), enterocytes (ECs), enteroendocrine cells (EEs), or/and other cell types that are yet to be identified in distinct regions of the gut. We had initially collected approximately 600 GAL4 lines that may be expressed in the gut based on RNA sequencing data, and then crossed them to UAS-GFP to perform immunohistochemistry to identify those that are expressed selectively in the gut. The cell types and regional expression patterns that are associated with the entire set of GAL4 drivers and split-GAL4 combinations are annotated online at http://kdrc.kr/index.php (K-Gut Project). This GAL4 resource can be used to target specific populations of distinct cell types in the fly gut, and therefore, should permit a more precise investigation of gut cells that regulate important biological processes.

Human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells stimulate ovarian function via miR-145 and bone morphogenetic protein signaling in aged rats.

BACKGROUND: Aging has detrimental effects on the ovary, such as a progressive reduction in fertility and decreased hormone production, that greatly reduce the quality of life of women. Thus, the current study was undertaken to investigate whether human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hPD-MSC) treatment can restore the decreases in folliculogenesis and ovarian function that occur with aging. METHODS: Acclimatized 52-week-old female SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: single hPD-MSC (5 × 105) therapy, multiple (three times, 10-day intervals) hPD-MSC therapy, control (PBS), and non-treated groups. hPD-MSC therapy was conducted by tail vein injection into aged rats. The rats were sacrificed 1, 2, 3, and 5 weeks after the last injection. hPD-MSC tracking and follicle numbers were histologically confirmed. The serum levels of sex hormones and circulating miRNAs were detected by ELISA and qRT-PCR, respectively. TGF-ß superfamily proteins and SMAD proteins in the ovary were detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: We observed that multiple transplantations of hPD-MSCs more effectively promoted primordial follicle activation and ovarian hormone (E2 and AMH) production than a single injection. After hPD-MSC therapy, the levels of miR-21-5p, miR-132-3p, and miR-212-3p, miRNAs associated with the ovarian reserve, were increased in the serum. Moreover, miRNAs (miR-16-5p, miR-34a-5p, and miR-191-5p) with known adverse effects on folliculogenesis were markedly suppressed. Importantly, the level of miR-145-5p was reduced after single- or multiple-injection hPD-MSC therapy, and we confirmed that miR-145-5p targets Bmpr2 but not Tgfbr2. Interestingly, downregulation of miR-145-5p led to an increase in BMPR2, and activation of SMAD signaling concurrently increased primordial follicle development and the number of primary and antral follicles. CONCLUSIONS: Our study verified that multiple intravenous injections of hPD-MSCs led to improved ovarian function via miR-145-5p and BMP-SMAD signaling and proposed the future therapeutic potential of hPD-MSCs to promote ovarian function in women at advanced age to improve their quality of life during climacterium.

Drosophila as a model system for deciphering the 'host physiology-nutrition-microbiome' axis.

For metazoans, nutritional stressors, such as undernutrition during growth and development, results in serious outcomes, including growth impairments and organ wasting. When undernutrition is accompanied by other complications, including chronic inflammation, a more complex pathophysiology may emerge, such as environmental enteropathy. Although nutrition is one of the most important environmental factors that influences host physiology, the mechanism by which undernutrition induces host pathophysiology is not fully understood. Recently, gut microbiome was found to alleviate undernutrition-induced pathophysiology in an insect model, revealing the importance of nutrition-microbiome interactions. Here, we discussed how nutrition-microbiome interactions influence host physiology, including growth, tissue homeostasis, immunity, and behavior, by regulating the central metabolic signaling pathways with an emphasis on findings made through Drosophila, an insect model.