scholarly journals Evolutionary consequences of environmental effects on gamete performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 376 (1826) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela J. Crean ◽  
Simone Immler
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Intrinsic Factors ◽  
Gamete Interactions ◽  
Evolutionary Consequences

Variation in pre- and post-release gamete environments can influence evolutionary processes by altering fertilization outcomes and offspring traits. It is now widely accepted that offspring inherit epigenetic information from both their mothers and fathers. Genetic and epigenetic alterations to eggs and sperm-acquired post-release may also persist post-fertilization with consequences for offspring developmental success and later-life fitness. In externally fertilizing species, gametes are directly exposed to anthropogenically induced environmental impacts including pollution, ocean acidification and climate change. When fertilization occurs within the female reproductive tract, although gametes are at least partially protected from external environmental variation, the selective environment is likely to vary among females. In both scenarios, gamete traits and selection on gametes can be influenced by environmental conditions such as temperature and pollution as well as intrinsic factors such as male and female reproductive fluids, which may be altered by changes in male and female health and physiology. Here, we highlight some of the pathways through which changes in gamete environments can affect fertilization dynamics, gamete interactions and ultimately offspring fitness. We hope that by drawing attention to this important yet often overlooked source of variation, we will inspire future research into the evolutionary implications of anthropogenic interference of gamete environments including the use of assisted reproductive technologies. This article is part of the theme issue ‘How does epigenetics influence the course of evolution?’

scholarly journals Microphysiologic systems in female reproductive biology

2017 ◽  
Vol 242 (17) ◽  
pp. 1690-1700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandria N Young ◽  
Georgette Moyle-Heyrman ◽  
J Julie Kim ◽  
Joanna E Burdette
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
The Body ◽  
Technological Advancement ◽  
Organ Systems

Microphysiologic systems (MPS), including new organ-on-a-chip technologies, recapitulate tissue microenvironments by employing specially designed tissue or cell culturing techniques and microfluidic flow. Such systems are designed to incorporate physiologic factors that conventional 2D or even 3D systems cannot, such as the multicellular dynamics of a tissue–tissue interface or physical forces like fluid sheer stress. The female reproductive system is a series of interconnected organs that are necessary to produce eggs, support embryo development and female health, and impact the functioning of non-reproductive tissues throughout the body. Despite its importance, the human reproductive tract has received less attention than other organ systems, such as the liver and kidney, in terms of modeling with MPS. In this review, we discuss current gaps in the field and areas for technological advancement through the application of MPS. We explore current MPS research in female reproductive biology, including fertilization, pregnancy, and female reproductive tract diseases, with a focus on their clinical applications. Impact statement This review discusses existing microphysiologic systems technology that may be applied to study of the female reproductive tract, and those currently in development to specifically investigate gametes, fertilization, embryo development, pregnancy, and diseases of the female reproductive tract. We focus on the clinical applicability of these new technologies in fields such as assisted reproductive technologies, drug testing, disease diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

scholarly journals To understand the reproductive tract microbiome associated with infertility through metagenomics analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manisha Vajpeyee ◽  
Lokendra Bahadur Yadav ◽  
Shivam Tiwari ◽  
Parikshit Tank
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Live Birth Rate ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Fertility Treatments ◽  
Vaginal Tract ◽  
Human Illness

Abstract Background Knowledge of the microbiome is in its infancy in health and human illness, especially concerning human reproduction. We will be better able to treat dysbiosis of the reproductive tract clinically if it is better explained and understood. It has been shown that altered vaginal microbiota affects parturition, and its function is uncertain in assisted reproductive technologies. However, the effects of recognized microbes such as Mycoplasma tuberculosis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are well established, resulting in subclinical changes which are considered to be risk factors for infertility and poor reproductive outcomes. Main body Recent studies indicate that the vaginal tract comprises several different organisms of the microbiome. Some microbiota can play an important role not only in the reproductive tract but also in overall health. The microbiome of the female reproductive tract has been identified mainly based on studies that examine vaginal samples across many reproductive technologies, using a metagenomics approach. Conclusion Alteration of reproductive tract microbiota or presence of certain microbiota irrespective of the level of pathogenicity may interfere with fertilization, implantation, and subsequent embryo development. This may lead to failed fertility treatments and reduced live birth rate (LBR).

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles in the Oviduct: Progress, Challenges and Implications for the Reproductive Success

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Almiñana ◽  
Bauersachs
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Functional Aspects ◽  
Reproductive Events

The oviduct is the anatomical part of the female reproductive tract where the early reproductive events take place, from gamete transport, fertilization and early embryo development to the delivery of a competent embryo to the uterus, which can implant and develop to term. The success of all these events rely upon a two-way dialogue between the oviduct (lining epithelium and secretions) and the gametes/embryo(s). Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been identified as major components of oviductal secretions and pointed to as mediators of the gamete/embryo-maternal interactions. EVs, comprising exosomes and microvesicles, have emerged as important agents of cell-to-cell communication by the transfer of biomolecules (i.e., mRNAs, miRNAs, proteins) that can modulate the activities of recipient cells. Here, we provide the current knowledge of EVs in the oviductal environment, from isolation to characterization, and a description of the EVs molecular content and associated functional aspects in different species. The potential role of oviductal EVs (oEVs) as modulators of gamete/embryo-oviduct interactions and their implications in the success of early reproductive events is addressed. Lastly, we discuss current challenges and future directions towards the potential application of oEVs as therapeutic vectors to improve pregnancy disorders, infertility problems and increase the success of assisted reproductive technologies.

History of oocyte and embryo metabolism

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry J. Leese
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Cell Signalling ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
1960S And 1970S ◽  
The 1960S ◽  
Embryo Metabolism

The basic pattern of metabolism in mammalian oocytes and early embryos was established in the 1960s and 1970s, largely in terms of the consumption of oxygen and the utilisation of nutrients present in culture media at the time, mainly glucose, pyruvate and lactate. The potential importance of endogenous fuels was also recognised but was largely ignored, only to be rediscovered quite recently. The 1980s and 1990s saw the arrival of a ‘new generation’ of culture media, characterised metabolically by the addition of amino acids, an initiative driven strongly by the need to improve embryo culture and selection methods in assisted reproductive technologies. This trend has continued alongside some basic metabolic studies and the general recognition of the importance of metabolism in all aspects of biology. A framework for future studies on oocyte and early embryo metabolism has been provided by: (1) the developmental origins of health and disease concept and recognition of the relationship between development, epigenetics and metabolism; (2) the need to understand cell signalling within, and between the cells of, the early embryo; and (3) the importance of identifying the mechanisms underlying dialogue between the oocyte and early embryo and the female reproductive tract.

Sperm selection methods in the 21st century

2019 ◽  
Vol 101 (6) ◽  
pp. 1076-1082 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis A Vaughan ◽  
Denny Sakkas
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sperm Selection ◽  
Selection Processes ◽  
Sperm Membrane

Abstract Natural sperm selection in humans is a rigorous process resulting in the highest quality sperm reaching, and having an opportunity to fertilize, the oocyte. Relative to other mammalian species, the human ejaculate consists of a heterogeneous pool of sperm, varying in characteristics such as shape, size, and motility. Semen preparation in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has long been performed using either a simple swim-up method or density gradients. Both methodologies provide highly motile sperm populations; however neither replicates the complex selection processes seen in nature. A number of methods have now been developed to mimic some of the natural selection processes that exist in the female reproductive tract. These methods attempt to select a better individual, or population of, spermatozoa when compared to classical methods of preparation. Of the approaches already tested, platforms based upon sperm membrane markers, such as hyaluronan or annexin V, have been used to either select or deselect sperm with varied success. One technology that utilizes the size, motility, and other characteristics of sperm to improve both semen analysis and sperm selection is microfluidics. Here, we sought to review the efficacy of both available and emerging techniques that aim to improve the quality of the sperm pool available for use in ART.

Advancements in microfluidic systems for the study of female reproductive biology

Endocrinology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vedant Vijay Bodke ◽  
Joanna E Burdette
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Cell Structure ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Fallopian Tubes ◽  
Microfluidic Systems ◽  
Specific Disorders

Abstract The female reproductive tract is a highly complex physiological system, which consists of ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina. An enhanced understanding of the molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms of the tract will allow for the development of more effective assisted reproductive technologies, therapeutics, and screening strategies for female specific disorders. Traditional two-dimensional and three-dimensional static culture systems may not always reflect the cellular and physical contexts or physicochemical microenvironment necessary to understand the dynamic exchange that is crucial for the functioning of the reproductive system. Microfluidic systems present a unique opportunity to study the female reproductive tract as these systems recapitulate the multicellular architecture, contacts between different tissues, and microenvironmental cues that largely influence cell structure, function, behavior, and growth. This review discusses examples, challenges, and benefits of using microfluidic systems to model ovaries, fallopian tubes, endometrium, and placenta. Additionally, this review also briefly discusses the use of these systems in studying effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals and diseases such as ovarian cancer, preeclampsia, and PCOS.

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles, the Road toward the Improvement of ART Outcomes

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2171
Author(s):  
Maria G. Gervasi ◽  
Ana J. Soler ◽  
Lauro González-Fernández ◽  
Marco G. Alves ◽  
Pedro F. Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Vitro Fertilization

Nowadays, farm animal industries use assisted reproductive technologies (ART) as a tool to manage herds’ reproductive outcomes, for a fast dissemination of genetic improvement as well as to bypass subfertility issues. ART comprise at least one of the following procedures: collection and handling of oocytes, sperm, and embryos in in vitro conditions. Therefore, in these conditions, the interaction with the oviductal environment of gametes and early embryos during fertilization and the first stages of embryo development is lost. As a result, embryos obtained in in vitro fertilization (IVF) have less quality in comparison with those obtained in vivo, and have lower chances to implant and develop into viable offspring. In addition, media currently used for IVF are very similar to those empirically developed more than five decades ago. Recently, the importance of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the fertility process has flourished. EVs are recognized as effective intercellular vehicles for communication as they deliver their cargo of proteins, lipids, and genetic material. Thus, during their transit through the female reproductive tract both gametes, oocyte and spermatozoa (that previously encountered EVs produced by male reproductive tract) interact with EVs produced by the female reproductive tract, passing them important information that contributes to a successful fertilization and embryo development. This fact highlights that the reproductive tract EVs cargo has an important role in reproductive events, which is missing in current ART media. This review aims to recapitulate recent advances in EVs functions on the fertilization process, highlighting the latest proposals with an applied approach to enhance ART outcome through EV utilization as an additive to the media of current ART procedures.

scholarly journals Microbiota and Human Reproduction: The Case of Female Infertility

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rossella Tomaiuolo ◽  
Iolanda Veneruso ◽  
Federica Cariati ◽  
Valeria D’Argenio
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Microbial Dysbiosis ◽  
Technical Issues ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Generation Sequencing

During the last decade, the availability of next-generation sequencing-based approaches has revealed the presence of microbial communities in almost all the human body, including the reproductive tract. As for other body sites, this resident microbiota has been involved in the maintenance of a healthy status. As a consequence, alterations due to internal or external factors may lead to microbial dysbiosis and to the development of pathologies. Female reproductive microbiota has also been suggested to affect infertility, and it may play a key role in the success of assisted reproductive technologies, such as embryo implantation and pregnancy care. While the vaginal microbiota is well described, the uterine microbiota is underexplored. This could be due to technical issues, as the uterus is a low biomass environment. Here, we review the state of the art regarding the role of the female reproductive system microbiota in women’s health and human reproduction, highlighting its contribution to infertility.

scholarly journals Do spermathecal morphology and inter-mating interval influence paternity in the polyandrous beetle Tribolium castaneum?

Behaviour ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 143 (5) ◽  
pp. 643-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ludovic Arnaud ◽  
Giorgina Bernasconi ◽  
Yves Brostaux ◽  
Eric P. Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Competition ◽  
Tribolium Castaneum ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sperm Storage ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Phenotypic Marker ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Different Strains

AbstractIn polyandrous insects, postcopulatory sexual selection is a pervasive evolutionary force favouring male and female traits that allow control of offspring paternity. Males may influence paternity through adaptations for sperm competition, and females through adaptations facilitating cryptic female choice. Yet, the mechanisms are often complex, involving behaviour, physiology or morphology, and they are difficult to identify. In red flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum), paternity varies widely, and evidence suggests that both male and female traits influence the outcome of sperm competition. To test the role of spermathecal morphology and of sperm storage processes on the outcome of sperm competition, we mated each of 26 virgin females with two males, one of which carrying a phenotypic marker to assign offspring paternity. We manipulated the interval between mating with the first and the second male, to create different conditions of sperm storage (overlapping and non-overlapping) in the female reproductive tract. To investigate the role of sperm storage more closely, we examined the relationship between paternity and spermathecal morphology in a subset of 14 experimental females. In addition, we also characterized variation in spermathecal morphology in three different strains, wildtype, Chicago black and Reindeer. No significant influence of the intermating interval was found on the paternity of the focal male, although the direction of the difference was in the expected direction of higher last male paternity for longer intervals. Moreover, paternity was not significantly associated with spermathecal morphology, although spermathecal volume, complexity, and tubule width varied significantly and substantially among individuals in all investigated strains.

190 Effect of TCM-199 and synthetic oviductal fluid medium supplemented with varying hormone concentrations on invitro maturation of canine oocytes

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 223
Author(s):  
M. Tscharke ◽  
K. Kind ◽  
J. Kelly ◽  
J. Len
Keyword(s):  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Germinal Vesicle ◽  
Pairwise Comparison ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Maturation Stage ◽  
Fluid Medium ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Oviductal Fluid

Invitro oocyte maturation (IVM) in the domestic canine is yet to be optimized, with low rates of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) reaching MII. This limits the progression of assisted reproductive technologies, which could benefit breeding programs for assistance dogs and endangered Canidae. Canine oocyte maturation differs from that in other mammals, with the ovulation of a COC in the germinal vesicle stage and nuclear maturation occurring in the oviduct. Because of this, the environment in which a canine COC matures is unlike that of other mammals, meaning that IVM protocols cannot be readily adapted. The aim of the current work was to determine (1) the effects of varying concentrations of FSH, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and oestradiol (E2) during IVM on meiotic resumption and nuclear maturation of canine COCs; and (2) the optimal medium base, either synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) or tissue culture medium-199 (TCM). Reproductive tracts of bitches (6 months to 7 years of age) were collected from veterinary clinics within 2h of routine spaying. Ovaries were sliced using a scalpel blade, releasing the COCs into aspiration medium. The COCs were randomly allocated to a maturation medium consisting of one of the hormones at two concentrations (FSH: 5 or 10µgmL−1; hCG: 5 or 10IUmL−1; E2: 1 or 5µgmL−1) and for both SOF and TCM base. Each hormone was tested individually for a replicate of eight animals per hormone (total of 12 experimental groups; 24 animals). The COCs were cultured for 72h in their allocated medium and then denuded and stained with Hoechst 33258. Fluorescence microscopy was used to determine nuclear maturation stage. Nuclear maturation rates to MII were analysed using a general linear model with pairwise comparison (SPSS version 25; SPSS Inc./IBM Corp.) with each individual animal acting as a replicate. Canine COCs matured in a SOF-based media had higher rates of meiotic resumption (MI and MII) (SOF: 38.68%, n=515; TCM: 25.78%, n=542; P<0.05) and number reaching MII (SOF: 7.54%; TCM: 4.39%; P<0.05) compared with TCM-based medium. Resumption of meiosis and nuclear maturation to MII did not differ between media with differing E2 or hCG concentrations. The use of FSH at 10µgmL−1 in SOF medium decreased resumption of meiosis (8.57%) and MII rates (0%) compared with 5µgmL−1 FSH in SOF (29.41% and 3.92%, respectively; P<0.05). In summary, our data indicated that higher concentrations of FSH during IVM have a negative effect on meiotic resumption and maturation to MII, whereas canine COCs resume meiosis and mature to MII in higher rates in a SOF-based medium compared with a TCM base. An IVM medium that replicates the invivo environment in which canine COCs mature is beneficial. However, rates of IVM canine oocytes reaching maturity are low, signifying that future research must investigate a greater range of hormone concentrations and combinations to better mimic invivo conditions to assess the possible benefits for canine IVM.

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