scholarly journals Role of Zinc in Female Reproduction

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
T B Garner ◽  
J M Hester ◽  
A Carothers ◽  
Francisco J Diaz
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cell ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Healthy Pregnancy ◽  
Proliferation And Differentiation ◽  
Female Germ Cell ◽  
Reproductive Processes

Abstract Zinc is a critical component in a number of conserved processes that regulate female germ cell growth, fertility, and pregnancy. During follicle development a sufficient intracellular concentration of zinc in the oocyte maintains meiotic arrest at prophase I until the germ cell is ready to undergo maturation. An adequate supply of zinc is necessary for the oocyte to form a fertilization-competent egg as dietary zinc deficiency (ZD) or chelation of zinc disrupts maturation and reduces oocyte quality. Following sperm fusion to the egg to initiate the acrosomal reaction, a quick release of zinc, known as the zinc spark, induces egg activation in addition to facilitating zona pellucida hardening and reducing sperm motility to prevent polyspermy. Symmetric division, proliferation, and differentiation of the pre-implantation embryo rely on zinc availability both during oocyte development and post-fertilization. Further, the fetal contribution to the placenta, fetal limb growth, and neural tube development are hindered in females challenged with ZD during pregnancy. In this review, we discuss the role of zinc in germ cell development, fertilization, and pregnancy with a focus on recent studies in mammalian females. We further detail the fundamental zinc-mediated reproductive processes that have only been explored in non-mammalian species and speculate on the role of zinc in similar mechanisms of female mammals. The evidence collected over the last decade highlights the necessity of zinc for normal fertility and healthy pregnancy outcomes which suggests zinc supplementation should be considered for reproductive age women at risk of ZD.

scholarly journals The Role of Mitochondria from Mature Oocyte to Viable Blastocyst

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Chappel
Keyword(s):  
Cell Division ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Mature Oocyte ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Dna Deletions ◽  
Blastocyst Implantation ◽  
Cytoplasmic Transfer

The oocyte requires a vast supply of energy after fertilization to support critical events such as spindle formation, chromatid separation, and cell division. Until blastocyst implantation, the developing zygote is dependent on the existing pool of mitochondria. That pool size within each cell decreases with each cell division. Mitochondria obtained from oocytes of women of advanced reproductive age harbor DNA deletions and nucleotide variations that impair function. The combination of lower number and increased frequency of mutations and deletions may result in inadequate mitochondrial activity necessary for continued embryo development and cause pregnancy failure. Previous reports suggested that mitochondrial activity within oocytes may be supplemented by donor cytoplasmic transfer at the time of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Those reports showed success; however, safety concerns arose due to the potential of two distinct populations of mitochondrial genomes in the offspring. Mitochondrial augmentation of oocytes is now reconsidered in light of our current understanding of mitochondrial function and the publication of a number of animal studies. With a better understanding of the role of this organelle in oocytes immediately after fertilization, blastocyst and offspring, mitochondrial augmentation may be reconsidered as a method to improve oocyte quality.

scholarly journals The Controversy, Challenges, and Potential Benefits of Putative Female Germline Stem Cells Research in Mammals

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zezheng Pan ◽  
Mengli Sun ◽  
Xia Liang ◽  
Jia Li ◽  
Fangyue Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Germ Cell ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Germline Stem Cells ◽  
Conventional View ◽  
Proliferation And Differentiation ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Female Germline

The conventional view is that female mammals lose their ability to generate new germ cells after birth. However, in recent years, researchers have successfully isolated and cultured a type of germ cell from postnatal ovaries in a variety of mammalian species that have the abilities of self-proliferation and differentiation into oocytes, and this finding indicates that putative germline stem cells maybe exist in the postnatal mammalian ovaries. Herein, we review the research history and discovery of putative female germline stem cells, the concept that putative germline stem cells exist in the postnatal mammalian ovary, and the research progress, challenge, and application of putative germline stem cells in recent years.

scholarly journals Applications of Melatonin in Female Reproduction in the Context of Oxidative Stress

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Yonghui Jiang ◽  
Huangcong Shi ◽  
Yue Liu ◽  
Shigang Zhao ◽  
Han Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Adverse Conditions ◽  
Wide Range

Oxidative stress has been recognized as one of the causal mediators of female infertility by affecting the oocyte quality and early embryo development. Improving oxidative stress is essential for reproductive health. Melatonin, a self-secreted antioxidant, has a wide range of effects by improving mitochondrial function and reducing the damage of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This minireview illustrates the applications of melatonin in reproduction from four aspects: physiological ovarian aging, vitrification freezing, in vitro maturation (IVM), and oxidative stress homeostasis imbalance associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), emphasising the role of melatonin in improving the quality of oocytes in assisted reproduction and other adverse conditions.

scholarly journals Role of oral inositol supplementation in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 4493
Author(s):  
Najma Malik ◽  
Navneet Dubey
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Good Medicine ◽  
Ovarian Syndrome ◽  
Rotterdam Criteria

Background: PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, it affects about 5-10% of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance. 30-40% of PCOS women have impaired glucose tolerance.Methods: This was prospective observational study carried out on 100 patients of PCOS visiting outpatient Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur from 1st July 2018 to 30th June 2019. Patients were diagnosed as PCOS on basis of Rotterdam criteria. In these 100 patients, oral inositol 2 gm twice daily was given for 3 months to 6 months depending upon the response of the patient and patients were examined every 4 week for menstrual regularity, acne improvement, hirsutism, spontaneous ovulation and pregnancy.Results: With inositol supplementation, menstrual abnormality corrected in 80% cases, 45% cases having acne improved. Ovulation occurred in 75.5% cases and 66.6% cases conceived with inositol supplementation.Conclusions: Insulin resistance is the basic pathophysiology for PCOS hence inositol supplementation is supposed to be very good medicine for management of PCOS to improve insulin sensitivity. Inositol leads to improvement in regularity of menstrual cycle, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenic features like hirsutism, acne, restores ovulation and improves oocyte quality.

Bone morphogenetic protein 8A plays a role in the maintenance of spermatogenesis and the integrity of the epididymis

Development ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 125 (6) ◽  
pp. 1103-1112 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.Q. Zhao ◽  
L. Liaw ◽  
B.L. Hogan
Keyword(s):  
Germ Cell ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Targeted Mutagenesis ◽  
Chromosome 4 ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Cell Degeneration ◽  
Male Germ Cells ◽  
Morphogenetic Protein ◽  
Germ Cell Degeneration

The murine Bmp8a and Bmp8b genes are tightly linked on mouse chromosome 4 and have similar expression during reproduction. Previous studies have shown that targeted mutagenesis of Bmp8b causes male infertility due to germ cell degeneration. To investigate the function of Bmp8a, we have inactivated the gene by homologous recombination. Heterozygous and homozygous Bmp8a mutants reveal normal embryonic and postnatal development. Despite high levels of Bmp8a expression in the deciduum, homozygous mutant females have normal fertility, suggesting that the gene is not essential for female reproduction. Bmp8a and Bmp8b are expressed in similar patterns in male germ cells. Unlike homozygous Bmp8btm1 mutants, homozygous Bmp8atm1 males do not show obvious germ cell defects during the initiation of spermatogenesis. However, germ cell degeneration is observed in 47% of adult homozygous Bmp8atm1 males, establishing a role of Bmp8a in the maintenance of spermatogenesis. A small proportion of the mating homozygous Bmp8atm1 males also show degeneration of the epididymal epithelium, indicating a novel role for BMPs in the control of epididymal function.

Potential role of microRNAs in mammalian female fertility

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawit Tesfaye ◽  
Dessie Salilew-Wondim ◽  
Samuel Gebremedhn ◽  
Md Mahmodul Hasan Sohel ◽  
Hari Om Pandey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Female Fertility ◽  
Conditional Knockout ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Extracellular Mirnas ◽  
Mammalian Female

Since the first evidence for the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in various reproductive processes through conditional knockout of DICER, several studies have been conducted to investigate the expression pattern and role of miRNAs in ovarian follicular development, oocyte maturation, embryo development, embryo–maternal communication, pregnancy establishment and various reproductive diseases. Although advances in sequencing technology have fuelled miRNA studies in mammalian species, the presence of extracellular miRNAs in various biological fluids, including follicular fluid, blood plasma, urine and milk among others, has opened a new door in miRNA research for their use as diagnostic markers. This review presents data related to the identification and expression analysis of cellular miRNA in mammalian female fertility associated with ovarian folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, preimplantation embryo development and embryo implantation. In addition, the relevance of miRNAs to female reproductive disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometritis and abnormal pregnancies, is discussed for various mammalian species. Most importantly, the mechanism of release and the role of extracellular miRNAs in cell–cell communication and their potential role as non-invasive markers in female fertility are discussed in detail. Understanding this layer of regulation in female reproduction processes will pave the way to understanding the genetic regulation of female fertility in mammalian species.

Testis and blood-testis barrier in Covid-19 infestation: role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in male infertility

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olugbemi T. Olaniyan ◽  
Ayobami Dare ◽  
Gloria E. Okotie ◽  
Charles O. Adetunji ◽  
Babatunde O Ibitoye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽  
Germ Cell ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Male Reproductive Function ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Blood Testis Barrier

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 infections penetrates body cells by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptors. Evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 can also affect the urogenital tract. Hence, it should be given serious attention when treating COVID-19-infected male patients of reproductive age group. Other viruses like HIV, mumps, papilloma and Epstein–Barr can induce viral orchitis, germ cell apoptosis, inflammation and germ cell destruction with attending infertility and tumors. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) and blood-epididymis barrier (BEB) are essential physical barricades in the male reproductive tract located between the blood vessel and seminiferous tubules in the testes. Despite the significant role of these barriers in male reproductive function, studies have shown that a wide range of viruses can still penetrate the barriers and induce testicular dysfunctions. Therefore, this mini-review highlights the role of ACE2 receptors in promoting SARS-CoV-2-induced blood-testis/epididymal barrier infiltration and testicular dysfunction.

scholarly journals Current Knowledge on the Multifactorial Regulation of Corpora Lutea Lifespan: The Rabbit Model

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 296
Author(s):  
Massimo Zerani ◽  
Angela Polisca ◽  
Cristiano Boiti ◽  
Margherita Maranesi
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Mechanism ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Rabbit Model ◽  
Regulatory Mechanisms ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Healthy Pregnancy ◽  
Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone ◽  
Efficient Breeding

Our research group studied the biological regulatory mechanisms of the corpora lutea (CL), paying particular attention to the pseudopregnant rabbit model, which has the advantage that the relative luteal age following ovulation is induced by the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH). CL are temporary endocrine structures that secrete progesterone, which is essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. It is now clear that, besides the classical regulatory mechanism exerted by prostaglandin E2 (luteotropic) and prostaglandin F2 (luteolytic), a considerable number of other effectors assist in the regulation of CL. The aim of this paper is to summarize our current knowledge of the multifactorial mechanisms regulating CL lifespan in rabbits. Given the essential role of CL in reproductive success, a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanisms will provide us with valuable insights on various reproductive issues that hinder fertility in this and other mammalian species, allowing to overcome the challenges for new and more efficient breeding strategies.

scholarly journals TEX13B is important for germ cell development and male fertility

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umesh Kumar ◽  
Digumarthi V S Sudhakar ◽  
Nithyapriya Kumar ◽  
Hanuman T Kale ◽  
Rajan Kumar Jha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Male Infertility ◽  
Germ Cell ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Male Partner ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Knock Out

AbstractThe recent epidemiological studies suggest that nearly one out of every 7 reproductive age couples face problem to conceive a child after trying for at least one year. Impaired fertility of the male partner is causative in approximately 50% of the infertile couples. However, the etiologies of large proportion of male infertility are still unclear. Our unpublished exome sequencing data identified several novel genes including TEX13B, which motivated us to further explore the role of TEX13B in male infertility in large infertile case control cohort. Hence in this study, we have examined the role of TEX13B in male infertility by whole gene sequencing 628 infertile and 427 control men and have demonstrated the functional role of Tex13b in spermatogonia GC1spg (GC1) cells. We identified 2 variants on TEX13B which are tightly associated with male infertility. TEX13B gene exclusively expressed in germ cells, but its molecular functions in germ cells are still unknown. Hence, we demonstrated the functional importance of Tex13b in GC1 cell line by genomic manipulation via CRISPR-Cas9 and mass spectrometry-based whole cell proteomics. The gene knock out in GC1 cell line clearly shows that Tex13b play an important role in germ cell growth and morphology. We demonstrate that Tex13b knockout or conditional overexpression in GC1 cells reprograms the metabolic status from an oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis state and vice versa. In conclusion, our study clearly showed the importance of Tex13b in germ cells development and Its association with male infertility.

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