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.

Reactive oxygen species and their role in the andrological factor of couple fertility.

Reactive oxygen species play a significant role in male fertility and infertility. They are essential for physiological processes, but when their concentration becomes excessive, they can be a cause of various sperm pathologies. Seminal leukocytes and pathologically abnormal sperm are the primary sources of oxygen radicals in ejaculate. They negatively affect sperm quality, including DNA fragmentation and sperm motility impairment. Addressing increased concentrations of reactive oxygen species involves various appropriate lifestyle modifications and measures, including the use of antioxidants, treatment of urogenital infections, management of varicocele, weight reduction, and others. In many cases, these interventions can lead to adjustments in the condition and improvement in sperm quality. Such improvements can subsequently lead to enhanced outcomes in assisted reproduction or even an increased likelihood of natural conception. In some instances, the need for donor sperm may be eliminated. However, a key factor is adhering to a sufficiently prolonged treatment, which requires patience on the part of both, the physician and the patient.

A new insight on evaluation of the fertility and pregnancy outcome in patients with primary Sjögren syndrome: a propensity score matched study in multi-IVF centers.

BACKGROUND: Primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is often related to adverse neonatal outcomes. But it's currently controversial whether pSS has an adverse effect on female fertility and clinical pregnancy condition. More importantly, it's unclear regarding the role of pSS in oocyte and embryonic development. There is a lack of comprehensive understanding and evaluation of fertility in pSS patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate oocyte and embryonic development, ovarian reserve, and clinical pregnancy outcomes in Primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) patients during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment from multi-IVF centers. METHODS: We performed a muti-central retrospective cohort study overall evaluating the baseline characteristics, ovarian reserve, IVF laboratory outcomes, and clinical pregnancy outcomes between the pSS patients and control patients who were matched by Propensity Score Matching. RESULTS: Following PSM matching, baseline characteristics generally coincided between the two groups. Ovarian reserve including anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle counting (AFC) were significantly lower in the pSS group vs comparison (0.8 vs. 2.9 ng/mL, P < 0.001; 6.0 vs. 10.0, P < 0.001, respectively). The pSS group performed significant reductions in numbers of large follicles, oocytes retrieved and MII oocytes. Additionally, pSS patients exhibited obviously deteriorate rates of oocyte maturation, 2PN cleavage, D3 good-quality embryo, and blastocyst formation compared to comparison. As for clinical pregnancy, notable decrease was found in implantation rate (37.9% vs. 54.9%, P = 0.022). The cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) following every embryo-transfer procedure was distinctly lower in the pSS group, and the conservative and optimal CLBRs following every complete cycle procedure were also significantly reduced in the pSS group. Lastly, the gestational weeks of the newborns in pSS group were distinctly early vs comparison. CONCLUSION: Patients with pSS exhibit worse conditions in terms of female fertility and clinical pregnancy, notably accompanied with deteriorate oocyte and embryo development. Individualized fertility evaluation and early fertility guidance are essential for these special patients.

On the impact of re-mating and residual fertility on the Sterile Insect Technique efficacy: Case study with the medfly, Ceratitis capitata.

The sterile insect technique (SIT) can be an efficient solution for reducing or eliminating certain insect pest populations. It is widely used in agriculture against fruit flies, including the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata. The re-mating tendency of medfly females and the fact that the released sterile males may have some residual fertility could be a challenge for the successful implementation of the SIT. Obtaining the right balance between sterility level and sterile male quality (competitiveness, longevity, etc) is the key to a cost-efficient program. Since field experimental approaches can be impacted by many environmental variables, it is difficult to get a clear understanding on how specific parameters, alone or in combination, may affect the SIT efficiency. The use of models not only helps to gather knowledge, but it allows the simulation of a wide range of scenarios and can be easily adapted to local populations and sterile male production. In this study, we consider single- and double-mated females. We first show that SIT can be successful only if the residual fertility is less than a threshold value that depends on the basic offspring number of the targeted pest population, the re-mating rates, and the parameters of double-mated females. Then, we show how the sterile male release rate is affected by the parameters of double-mated females and the male residual fertility. Different scenarios are explored with continuous and periodic sterile male releases, with and without ginger aromatherapy, which is known to enhance sterile male competitiveness, and also taking into account some biological parameters related to females that have been mated twice, either first by a wild (sterile) male and then a sterile (wild) male, or by two wild males only. Parameter values were chosen for peach as host fruit to reflect what could be expected in the Corsican context, where SIT against the medfly is under consideration. Our results suggest that ginger aromatherapy can be a decisive factor determining the success of SIT against medfly. We also emphasize the importance of estimating the duration of the refractory period between matings depending on whether a wild female has mated with a wild or sterile male. Further, we show the importance of parameters, like the (hatched) eggs deposit rate and the death-rate related to all fertile double-mated females. In general, re-mating is considered to be detrimental to SIT programs. However, our results show that, depending on the parameter values of double-mated females, re-mating may also be beneficial for SIT. Our model can be easily adapted to different contexts and species, for a broader understanding of release strategies and management options.

Impact of presynchronization and Ovsynch on early postpartum ovarian activity and fertility of dairy cows in Libya.

Background: Reproductive efficiency affects dairy cow profitability. Ovarian function in postpartum (P.P.) has been better understood using ultrasound and hormonal assays. Optimizing ovulation synchronization and carefully timing artificial insemination (TAI) can greatly enhance reproductive rates in dairy cows. Aim: This experiment was designed to investigate the reproductive performance and ovarian activity in early postpartum lactating dairy cows using the Presynch-PGF2α, Ovsynch protocol, and TAI. Methods: Randomly the cows were assigned to a control group and a treatment group, based on the chronological order of their calving date. On day 14 P.P., both groups received two cloprostenol treatments, 14 days apart. Ultrasonographic inspections were conducted on day 14 to check ovarian activity and uterine contents. On day 11, after presynchronization, cows in the treatment group were given 100 µg IM. of cystorelin, followed by a luteolytic dose of 500 µg IM., cloprostenol on day 7, and a second dose of cystorelin on day 8 (36 hours later). After the second cystorelin injection by 16-20 hours, cows were inseminated, while the control group had all cows displaying spontaneous estrus between day 0 and day 28 were artificially inseminated. Results: Ovarian activity began to improve at 82.61% on day 19 P.P., with complete recovery between days 24 and 27 P.P. The second cloprostenol injection approached, causing follicular size to reach 8.41 ± 1.04 mm. After the second injection, ovarian activity switched from follicular to luteal, with corpus luteum rates of 23.91% and 26.1%. The presynchronized PGF2α regimen significantly enhanced ovarian activity from days 19-35 P.P. Ovulation and pregnancy rates in the Ovsynch group were 54.2% and 41.7% at the first timed artificial insemination (TAI), compared to 54.5% and 31.8% in the control group. There was no significant impact between them; it was just high in the presynchronized Ovsynch group. However, the P.P. period was minimized to 47-49 days till the first AI reached a 41.7% pregnancy rate and 20.8% at the second AI, for an overall 62.5%. Conclusion: The current study concludes that presynchronization during preservice in clinically normal P.P. dairy cows reduces P.P. duration, increases ovarian activity performance, and reduces ovarian dysfunctions from day 19 to day 35 P.P., as well as improves the pregnancy rate.

Discrimination of male-sterility and male-fertility in Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) using near-infrared diffuse transmission spectroscopy.

The increasing demand for pollen-free seedlings of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) has created a need for a simple method to discriminate between male-sterile and male-fertile strobili. The objective of this study was to establish a classification model to quickly and easily distinguish male-sterile and male-fertile strobili in C. japonica using near-infrared (NIR) diffuse transmission spectroscopy. The absorbance spectra of C. japonica were obtained for three different months from December 2022 to February 2023 and preprocessed using three methods: untreated, smoothing, and second derivative. Principal component analysis was applied to the NIR spectra and classification models were built using a support vector machine. The sample collected in January 2023 showed the highest discrimination accuracy of 89.38% with the smoothing preprocessing, which was improved to 89.97% by limiting the wavelengths to the NIR region. Furthermore, discrimination accuracy for independent test data was evaluated by splitting the data into training and testing sets using January 2023 data with smoothing preprocessing. The discrimination accuracy for test data sets was more than 85%, and the misclassification ratio was less than 20% for each sample group. These results indicate the potential of using NIR diffuse transmission spectroscopy to discriminate between male-sterility and fertility in C. japonica.

Validation and measurement properties of the Male and Female Fertility Knowledge Inventories (MFKI and FFKI) in Iranian couples.

BACKGROUND: One of the most important population challenges during the last three decades has been the significant decrease in the fertility rate worldwide. Since the validity and reliability of the Male and Female Fertility Knowledge Inventories (MFKI and FFKI) have not been determined in Iran, we conducted this study to assess psychometric characteristics of the MFKI and FFKI in couples in Tabriz and Urmia, Iran. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, as the first part (quantitative phase) of a sequential explanatory mixed-method study. The current study was done on 1200 participants (600 women with their husbands) living in the northwestern region of Iran, between January 2023 and September 2023. The psychometric properties of the Persian version of the tool (MFKI and FFKI) were performed in 5 stages, including translation process, content validity, face validity, construct validity and reliability assesment. RESULTS: In this study, the CVI, CVR, and impact scores of the MFKI tool were equal to 0.90, 0.88, 3.26 and CVI, CVR, and Impact scores of the FFKI tool were respectively equal to 0.95, 0.91 and 3.59, that it indicated a satisfactory level of content and face validity. Then, to check the construct validity, the results of the exploratory factor analysis of the MFKI tool on 13 items led to the identification of 3 factors, including Environment and reproductive health (ERH), Lifestyle factors (LSF) and Sperm quality (SQ), which explained 66% of the cumulative variance. The results of the exploratory factor analysis of the FFKI tool on 15 items led to the identification of 4 factors, including Reproductive health (RH), Lifestyle factors (LSF), Chance of conception (CHC) and Ovarian reserve and preservation (ORP), which explained 68% of the cumulative variance. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicated that the Persian version of MFKI and FFKI has acceptable psychometric properties to measure the awareness of Iranian couples regarding fertility, which can be used as a screening tool for fertility knowledge by health care professionals and also as a reliable tool in research.

The right to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is considered one of the basic rights of couples all over the world. Increasing childbearing age is a global social issue. In spite of the policies of having children in the previous decade, fertility reduction and involuntary childlessness are still the foremost global health problems. The fertility rate in Iran has reduced significantly in the last thirty years. This reduction can be attributed not only to economic difficulties but also to the postponement of marriage and having children, as well as infertility issues, which, by increasing the awareness of couples about fertility, seems to be able to overcome this problem to some extent. Consequently, we decided to conduct this study with the aim of determining the psychometric properties of the Male and Female Fertility Knowledge Inventories (MFKI and FFKI) in Iranian couples. The results of the current study revealed that this questionnaire, having acceptable psychometric properties to evaluate the state of awareness of Iranian couples regarding fertility, can be used as a valid and reliable tool in Iranian couples. It appears that it is essential for health care providers to play an active role in advising couples about the appropriate age of fertility, the problems of delay in having children, overcoming the value of having few children in society. Accordingly, health policymakers should recommend the use of valid screening tools to identify the knowledge of women and men about fertility in health centers.

Effects of the Neuropeptides Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide in Male Fertility.

Background and Objectives: The neuroendocrine system plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including reproduction, with evidence suggesting its significant involvement in male fertility and sperm development. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) are expressed in both male and female reproductive tissues, influencing penile erection and regulating steroidogenesis in males. Therefore, our study aimed to compare the protein levels of VIP and PACAP in seminal plasma between healthy controls and sub-fertile patients. Additionally, we sought to correlate the levels of these biomarkers with clinical, functional, and laboratory findings in the participants. Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 163 male participants for analysis. The participants were further stratified into subgroups of fertile and sub-fertile men of four subgroups according to the 2021 WHO guidelines. Seminal plasma concentrations of the neuropeptides VIP and PACAP were measured using human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results: The findings showed statistically significant differences in total sperm count, sperm concentration, total motility, and vitality (p < 0.001) between the fertile group and the sub-fertile group. Specifically, significant differences found between healthy males and oligoasthenospermic patients (p = 0.002), and between asthenospermic and oligoasthenospermic patients (p = 0.039). An ROC analysis showed associated sensitivity and specificity values of 62.2% and 55.6%, respectively, to PACAP seminal levels differentiated between sub-fertile patients from fertile males (p = 0.028). No significant difference in seminal levels of VIP was found between the sub-fertile and fertile groups. Conclusions: Previous research leads to the point of PACAP active involvement in spermatogenesis. In accordance to our study, in human semen samples, we have seen a significance change in PACAP levels amongst patients with low sperm count or with both low sperm count and low motility, hinting at its contribution and acting as a possible factor in this complex process. Thus, alterations in the levels or actions of these neuropeptides have been associated with certain reproductive disorders in males.

Reproductive Ageing: Unlocking the secrets of reproductive longevity: the potential of social insects.

In brief: Social insect queens display both extraordinary longevity and fertility. In this point of view, we describe their distinctive traits that make them useful models for reproductive longevity, holding implications for human health discoveries. Abstract: Social insects present an extraordinary opportunity as models for reproductive longevity because they challenge the conventional patterns of aging and reproduction seen in other model organisms. Their queens are simultaneously long-lived and highly fecund, and understanding how these traits co-occur may lead to discoveries with important implications for human health.

Bringing proteomics to bear on male fertility: key lessons.

INTRODUCTION: Male infertility is a major public health concern globally. Proteomics has revolutionized our comprehension of male fertility by identifying potential infertility biomarkers and reproductive defects. Studies comparing sperm proteome with other male reproductive tissues have the potential to refine fertility diagnostics and guide infertility treatment development. AREAS COVERED: This review encapsulates literature using proteomic approaches to progress male reproductive biology. Our search methodology included systematic searches of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles up to 2023. Keywords used included 'male fertility proteomics,' 'spermatozoa proteome,' 'testis proteomics,' 'epididymal proteomics,' and 'non-hormonal male contraception.' Inclusion criteria were robust experimental design, significant contributions to male fertility, and novel use of proteomic technologies. EXPERT OPINION: Expert analysis shows a shift from traditional research to an integrative approach that clarifies male reproductive health's molecular intricacies. A gap exists between proteomic discoveries and clinical application. The expert opinions consolidated here not only navigate the current findings but also chart the future proteomic applications for scientific and clinical breakthroughs. We underscore the need for continued investment in proteomic research - both in the technological and collaborative arenas - to further unravel the secrets of male fertility, which will be central to resolving fertility issues in the coming era.

Female cancer survivors: sexual function, psychological distress, and remaining fertility.

PURPOSE: Improved survivorship in cancer patients leads to new challenging issues including potential impairment of quality of life, sexual function, and fertility. The aim of this study was to assess sexual dysfunction (SD) and psychological distress in female cancer survivors who underwent fertility preservation in the past in comparison to reviewed healthy control data from other published studies. Additionally, our focus was on the difference in SD between women with current desire to get pregnant and already completed family planning. METHODS: In this prospective study, 53 female cancer survivors who underwent fertility preservation at time of cancer diagnosis between 2010 and 2020 were invited to a gynecological exam, laboratory assessment, and two questionnaires (Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS)) in 2022. These scores were compared to results in the literature of healthy controls and depending on anti-Mullerian-hormone (AMH) levels, current desire to have a child, and age. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up time of 70 ± 50 months, SD was detected in 60.4% (n = 32) of the 53 included patients. Normal results regarding HADS-D/anxiety and HADS-D/depression were found in 88.7% and 94.3% of patients, respectively. At time of follow-up, 69.9% (n = 40) regained regular menstrual cycles, 52.6% (n = 20) < 40 years showed a diminished ovarian reserve with AMH levels < 1.1 ng/ml and 28.3% (n = 15) suffered from infertility. CONCLUSION: Female cancer survivors may be at risk for SD. Cancer patients should be informed about possible sexual dysfunction already at the start of cancer treatment and during follow-up. In addition, contraception needs to be addressed if regular cycles occur as more than two-thirds of the women regained regular menstrual cycles.

Fertility Potential and Gonadal Function in Survivors of Reduced-Intensity Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

The use of reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens has increased in an effort to minimize hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) end-organ toxicity, including gonadal toxicity. We aimed to describe the incidence of fertility potential and gonadal function impairment in adolescent and young adult survivors of HCT and to identify risk factors (including conditioning intensity) for impairment. We performed a multi-institutional, international retrospective cohort study of patients age 10 to 40 years who underwent first allogeneic HCT before December 1, 2019, and who were alive, in remission, and available for follow-up at 1 to 2 years post-HCT. For females, an AMH level of ≥.5 ng/mL defined preserved fertility potential; an AMH level of ≥.03 ng/mL was considered detectable. Gonadal failure was defined for females as an elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level >30 mIU/mL with an estradiol (E2) level <17 pg/mL or current use of hormone replacement therapy (regardless of specific indication or intent). For males, gonadal failure was defined as an FSH level >10.4 mIU/mL or current use of hormone replacement therapy. A total of 326 patients (147 females) were available for analysis from 17 programs (13 pediatric, 4 adult). At 1 to 2 years post-HCT, 114 females (77.6%) had available FSH and E2 levels and 71 (48.3%) had available AMH levels. FSH levels were reported for 125 males (69.8%). Nearly all female HCT recipients had very low levels of AMH. One of 45 (2.2%) recipients of myeloablative conditioning (MAC) and four of 26 (15.4%) recipients of reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) (P = .06) had an AMH ≥.5 ng/m, and 8 of 45 MAC recipients (17.8%) and 12 of 26 RIC recipients (46.2%) (P = .015) had a detectable AMH level. Total body irradiation (TBI) dose and cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED) were not associated with detectable AMH. The incidence of female gonadal hormone failure was 55.3%. In univariate analysis, older age at HCT was associated with greater likelihood of gonadal failure (median age, 17.6 versus 13.9; P < .0001), whereas conditioning intensity (RIC versus MAC), TBI, chronic graft-versus-host disease requiring systemic therapy, and CED were not significantly associated with gonadal function. In multivariable analysis, age remained statistically significant (odds ratio [OR]. 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.22) for each year increase; P = .012), Forty-four percent of the males had gonadal failure. In univariate analysis, older age (median, 16.2 years versus 14.4 years; P = .0005) and TBI dose (P = .002) were both associated with gonadal failure, whereas conditioning intensity (RIC versus MAC; P = .06) and CED (P = .07) were not statistically significant. In multivariable analysis, age (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.06-1.27 for each year increase; P = .0016) and TBI ≥600 cGy (OR, 6.23; 95% CI, 2.21 to 19.15; P = .0008) remained significantly associated with gonadal failure. Our data indicate that RIC does not significantly mitigate the risk for gonadal failure in females or males. Age at HCT and (specifically in males) TBI use seem to be independent predictors of post-transplantation gonadal function and fertility status. All patients should receive pre-HCT infertility counseling and be offered appropriate fertility preservation options and be screened post-HCT for gonadal failure.

Incorporation of Decidual Stromal Cells Derived Exosomes in Sodium Alginate Hydrogel as an Innovative Therapeutic Strategy for Advancing Endometrial Regeneration and Reinstating Fertility.

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) stands as a prevalent medical condition characterized by endometrial fibrosis and scar tissue formation within the uterine cavity, resulting in infertility and, in severe cases, recurrent miscarriages. Cell therapy, especially with stem cells, offers an alternative to surgery, but concerns about uncontrolled differentiation and tumorigenicity limit its use. Exosomes, more stable and immunogenicity-reduced than parent cells, have emerged as a promising avenue for IUA treatment. In this study, a novel approach has been proposed wherein exosomes originating from decidual stromal cells (DSCs) are encapsulated within sodium alginate hydrogel (SAH) scaffolds to repair endometrial damage and restore fertility in a mouse IUA model. Current results demonstrate that in situ injection of DSC-derived exosomes (DSC-exos)/SAH into the uterine cavity has the capability to induce uterine angiogenesis, initiate mesenchymal-to-epithelial transformation (MET), facilitate collagen fiber remodeling and dissolution, promote endometrial regeneration, enhance endometrial receptivity, and contribute to the recovery of fertility. RNA sequencing and advanced bioinformatics analysis reveal miRNA enrichment in exosomes, potentially supporting endometrial repair. This finding elucidates how DSC-exos/SAH mechanistically fosters collagen ablation, endometrium regeneration, and fertility recovery, holding the potential to introduce a novel IUA treatment and offering invaluable insights into the realm of regenerative medicine.

Flourishing with sugars - following the fate of parasitoids in the field.

When flowers, plants bearing extrafloral nectaries, or sugar sprays are added to agroecosystems, parasitoids are expected to feed, thereby improving biological control. This paper reviews studies where sugar-feeding of field-collected parasitoids were monitored via biochemical assays. When examined, trends in parasitoid abundance, energetic reserves, longevity, and per capita fecundity are also followed. Starved parasitoids readily feed on sugar sources in the field, and more individuals collected near sugar sources are categorized as 'fed' when sugar is otherwise limited in the agroecosystem. When sugar is not limited (i.e. honeydew prevalent), trends are not as clear. Some studies show improved fecundity and parasitism, while other studies show inconsistent trends between parasitoid feeding, abundance, longevity, and parasitism, with some responses improved but not others. Future research could address the dispersal or resting behavior of wasps following feeding since it can influence eventual biological control, and consider whether field sampling methods might over-/underestimate feeding.

Alteration in Effects of Endometriosis on Fecundity According to Pregnancy Experience in Mouse Model.

This study is aimed at identifying variations in the effect of endometriosis on fecundity in a mouse model based on prior pregnancy experience. Endometriosis is one of the most prevalent gynecological diseases and is known to impact female fecundity adversely. In this study, an endometriosis mouse model was established by allografting uterine horn tissue using Pelch's method. The effect of endometriosis on fecundity was confirmed in primiparous and multiparous female mice. As fecundity indicators, the pregnancy rate, number of litters, pregnancy period, and survival rate of the pups were investigated. As a result of the experiment, the pregnancy rate decreased, and the pregnancy period tended to be shorter in primiparous female mice. However, there was no significant change in the multiparous mice. In addition, it has been established that correlations exist between the size of lesions and certain fecundity indicators of the lesion, even among primiparous and multiparous females with endometriosis. The study attempted to demonstrate a link between pregnancy experience and fecundity changes caused by endometriosis by experimentally reproducing clinical results using mouse models. These results suggest strategies for identifying several pathophysiological characteristics of endometriosis.

Is motherhood still possible after pelvic carbon ion radiotherapy? A promising combined fertility-preservation approach.

INTRODUCTION: Preserving the endocrine and reproductive function in young female cancer patients undergoing pelvic radiation is a significant challenge. While the photon beam radiation's adverse effects on the uterus and ovaries are well established, the impact of pelvic carbon ion radiotherapy on women's reproductive function is largely unexplored. Strategies such as oocyte cryopreservation and ovarian transposition are commonly recommended for safeguarding future fertility. METHODS: This study presents a pioneering case of successful pregnancy after carbon ion radiotherapy for locally advanced sacral chondrosarcoma. RESULTS: A multidisciplinary approach facilitated the displacement of ovaries and uterus before carbon ion radiotherapy, resulting in the preservation of endocrine and reproductive function. CONCLUSION: The patient achieved optimal oncological response and delivered a healthy infant following the completion of cancer treatment.

Advancements in the ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway Affecting Male Reproduction.

Male infertility, age-related changes, and tumors have been increasingly studied in the field of male reproductive health due to the emergence of environmental stressors, declining fertility rates, and aging populations. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the ERK1/2 signaling pathway plays a significant role in male reproduction. The ERK1/2 pathway is associated with several signaling pathways and has a complex interplay that influences the spermatogenic microenvironment, sperm viability, gonadal axis regulation, as well as resistance to testicular aging and tumors. Moreover, the ERK1/2 pathway directly or indirectly regulates testicular somatic cells, which are crucial for maintaining spermatogenesis and microenvironment regulation. Given the critical role of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway in male reproductive health, comprehensive exploration of its multifaceted effects on male reproduction and underlying mechanisms is necessary. This study aims to provide a solid foundation for in-depth research in the field of male reproduction and further enhance the reproductive health of males.

The effect of red blood cell disorders on male fertility and reproductive health.

Male infertility is defined as a failure to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse owing to suspected male reproductive factors. Non-malignant red blood cell disorders are systemic conditions that have been associated with male infertility with varying severity and strength of evidence. Hereditary haemoglobinopathies and bone marrow failure syndromes have been associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis dysfunction, hypogonadism, and abnormal sperm parameters. Bone marrow transplantation is a potential cure for these conditions, but exposes patients to potentially gonadotoxic chemotherapy and/or radiation that could further impair fertility. Iron imbalance might also reduce male fertility. Thus, disorders of hereditary iron overload can cause iron deposition in tissues that might result in hypogonadism and impaired spermatogenesis, whereas severe iron deficiency can propagate anaemias that decrease gonadotropin release and sperm counts. Reproductive urologists should be included in the comprehensive care of patients with red blood cell disorders, especially when gonadotoxic treatments are being considered, to ensure fertility concerns are appropriately evaluated and managed.

Field Morphology and Interpretation.

Semen morphology evaluation in the field should always be performed at 1000× with oil immersion. The development of a spermiogram will aid the practitioner to interpret potential fertility of semen at the time of sampling as well as determine potential causes of an abnormal spermiogram. Bulls, which experience stress or impairment of thermoregulation of the testes for any reason, often experience a transitory decrease in the quality of sperm morphology. This can be recognized by a sequence of appearances of morphologic defects coupled with a thorough patient history.

The effect of heat stress on performance, fertility, and adipokines involved in regulating systemic immune response during lipolysis of early lactating dairy cows.

The aim of this study was to assess the potential effect of heat stress on dairy cow productivity, fertility, and biochemical blood indices during the early lactation stage in a temperate climate. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the role of leptin and adiponectin in regulating the immune response accompanying lipolysis after calving in dairy cows. The study included 100 clinically healthy Polish Holstein-Friesian dairy cows selected based on parity and 305 d of milk yield from 5 commercial farms with similar herd management and housing systems. Prospective cohort data were recorded from calving day until 150 d in milk, and microclimate loggers installed inside the barns were used to record temperature and relative humidity data to calculate daily temperature-humidity index (THI) on the calving day, through +7, +14, and +21 d during early lactation. Additionally, monthly productive performance parameters such as milk yield, chemical composition, fatty acids composition, and fertility indices were analyzed. Results showed that the THI from calving day through +7, +14, and +21 d during early lactation was negatively associated with fertility parameters such as delayed first estrus postpartum and an elongated calving interval, respectively, by 29, 27, 25, and 16 d. Furthermore, an increase in THI value during early lactation was associated with an elongated artificially inseminated service period, days open, and intercalving period. Increasing THI from calving day (0 d) through +7, +14, and up to +21 d during early lactation was also linked to decreased milk yield by 3.20, 4.10, 5.60, and 5.60 kg, respectively. The study also found that heat stress during early lactation was associated with a lower body condition score in dairy cows and higher concentrations of leptin, nonesterified fatty acids, and ß-hydroxybutyrate, accompanied by a drastic reduction in adipose tissue-secreted adiponectin levels after calving. Additionally, heat stress-induced lipolysis in adipose tissue caused an inflammatory response that increased biochemical blood indices associated with immune responses such as cytokines, acute phase proteins, and heat shock protein. These findings suggest that exposing dairy cows to heat stress during early lactation can negatively affect their productive performance, fertility, and biochemical blood indices in subsequent lactations. Thus, farm management changes should be implemented during early lactation to mitigate the negative consequences of heat stress occurrence.