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 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 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.

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?’

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.

Re-imagining Reproduction: Unsettling Metaphors in the History of Imperial Science and Commercial Surrogacy in India

Somatechnics ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kalindi Vora
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Colonial History ◽  
Women's Bodies ◽  
Commercial Surrogacy ◽  
Art Practices ◽  
History Of ◽  
Travel Industry

This paper provides an analysis of how cultural notions of the body and kinship conveyed through Western medical technologies and practices in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) bring together India's colonial history and its economic development through outsourcing, globalisation and instrumentalised notions of the reproductive body in transnational commercial surrogacy. Essential to this industry is the concept of the disembodied uterus that has arisen in scientific and medical practice, which allows for the logic of the ‘gestational carrier’ as a functional role in ART practices, and therefore in transnational medical fertility travel to India. Highlighting the instrumentalisation of the uterus as an alienable component of a body and subject – and therefore of women's bodies in surrogacy – helps elucidate some of the material and political stakes that accompany the growth of the fertility travel industry in India, where histories of privilege and difference converge. I conclude that the metaphors we use to structure our understanding of bodies and body parts impact how we imagine appropriate roles for people and their bodies in ways that are still deeply entangled with imperial histories of science, and these histories shape the contemporary disparities found in access to medical and legal protections among participants in transnational surrogacy arrangements.

Effects of condition and sperm competition risk on sperm allocation and storage in neriid flies

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachariah Wylde ◽  
Angela Crean ◽  
Russell Bonduriansky
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Competition ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
The Body ◽  
Condition Dependence ◽  
Ejaculate Size ◽  
Sperm Competition Risk ◽  
High Condition ◽  
Allocation Strategies

Abstract Ejaculate traits can be sexually selected and often exhibit heightened condition-dependence. However, the influence of sperm competition risk in tandem with condition-dependent ejaculate allocation strategies is relatively unstudied. Because ejaculates are costly to produce, high-condition males may be expected to invest more in ejaculates when sperm competition risk is greater. We examined the condition-dependence of ejaculate size by manipulating nutrient concentration in the juvenile (larval) diet of the neriid fly Telostylinus angusticollis. Using a fully factorial design we also examined the effects of perceived sperm competition risk (manipulated by allowing males to mate first or second) on the quantity of ejaculate transferred and stored in the three spermathecae of the female reproductive tract. To differentiate male ejaculates, we fed males nontoxic rhodamine fluorophores (which bind to proteins in the body) prior to mating, labeling their sperm red or green. We found that high-condition males initiated mating more quickly and, when mating second, transferred more ejaculate to both of the female’s posterior spermathecae. This suggests that males allocate ejaculates strategically, with high-condition males elevating their ejaculate investment only when facing sperm competition. More broadly, our findings suggest that ejaculate allocation strategies can incorporate variation in both condition and perceived risk of sperm competition.

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