scholarly journals Roles of steroid hormones in oviductal function

Reproduction ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 159 (3) ◽  
pp. R125-R137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke E Barton ◽  
Gerardo G Herrera ◽  
Prashanth Anamthathmakula ◽  
Jenna K Rock ◽  
Anna M Willie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Steroid Hormones ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Muscle Cell ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Laboratory Rodents ◽  
Embryo Transport ◽  
And Function

The oviduct (known as the fallopian tube in humans) is the site for fertilization and pre-implantation embryo development. Female steroid hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are known to modulate the morphology and function of cells in the oviduct. In this review, we focus on the actions of estrogen and progesterone on secretory, ciliated, and muscle cell functions and morphologies during fertilization, pre-implantation embryo development, and embryo transport in humans, laboratory rodents and farm animals. We review some aspects of oviductal anatomy and histology and discuss current assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) that bypass the oviduct and their effects on embryo quality. Lastly, we review the causes of alterations in secretory, ciliated, and muscle cell functions that could result in embryo transport defects.

scholarly journals Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 2 (PTGS2) in the Oviduct: Roles in Fertilization and Early Embryo Development

Endocrinology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 162 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Prashanth Anamthathmakula ◽  
Wipawee Winuthayanon
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Broad Perspective ◽  
Potential Implication ◽  
Early Embryo Development ◽  
Prostaglandin Endoperoxide ◽  
Laboratory Rodents ◽  
Final Maturation ◽  
Prostaglandin Endoperoxide Synthase

Abstract The mammalian oviduct is a dynamic organ where important events such as final maturation of oocytes, transport of gametes, sperm capacitation, fertilization, embryo development, and transport take place. Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), also known as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), is the rate-limiting enzyme in the production of prostaglandins (PGs) and plays an essential role during early pregnancy, including ovulation, fertilization, implantation, and decidualization. Even though the maternal-embryo communication originates in the oviduct, not many studies have systemically investigated PTGS2 signaling during early development. Most of the studies investigating implantation and decidualization processes in Ptgs2-/- mice employed embryo transfer into the uterus, thereby bypassing the mammalian oviduct. Consequently, an understanding of the mechanistic action as well as the regulation of PTGS2 and derived PGs in oviductal functions is far from complete. In this review, we aim to focus on the importance of PTGS2 and associated PGs signaling in the oviduct particularly in humans, farm animals, and laboratory rodents to provide a broad perspective to guide further research in this field. Specifically, we review the role of PTGS2-derived PGs in fertilization, embryo development, and transport. We focus on the actions of ovarian steroid hormones on PTGS2 regulation in the oviduct. Understanding of cellular PTGS2 function during early embryo development and transport in the oviduct will be an important step toward a better understanding of reproduction and may have potential implication in the assisted reproductive technology.

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.

Ex vivo early embryo development and effects on gene expression and imprinting

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 361 ◽  
Author(s):  
David K. Gardner ◽  
Michelle Lane
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Laboratory Animals ◽  
Cell Physiology ◽  
Mammalian Embryo

The environment to which the mammalian embryo is exposed during the preimplantation period of development has a profound effect on the physiology and viability of the conceptus. It has been demonstrated that conditions that alter gene expression, and in some instances the imprinting status of specific genes, have all previously been shown to adversely affect cell physiology. Thus, questions are raised regarding the aetiology of abnormal gene expression and altered imprinting patterns, and whether problems can be averted by using more physiological culture conditions. It is also of note that the sensitivity of the embryo to its surroundings decreases as development proceeds. Post compaction, environmental conditions have a lesser effect on gene function. This, therefore, has implications regarding the conditions used for IVF and the culture of the cleavage stage embryo. The developmental competence of the oocyte also impacts gene expression in the embryo, and therefore superovulation has been implicated in abnormal methylation and imprinting in the resultant embryo. Furthermore, the genetics and dietary status of the mother have a profound impact on embryo development and gene expression. The significance of specific animal models for human assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is questioned, given that most cattle data have been obtained from in vitro-matured oocytes and that genes imprinted in domestic and laboratory animals are not necessarily imprinted in the human. Patients treated with ART have fertility problems, which in turn may predispose their gametes or embryos to greater sensitivities to the process of ART. Whether this is from the drugs involved in the ovulation induction or from the IVF, intracytoplasmic sperm injection or culture procedures themselves remains to be determined. Alternatively, it may be that epigenetic alterations are associated with infertility and symptoms are subsequently revealed through ART. Whatever the aetiology, continued long-term monitoring of the children conceived through ART is warranted.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies and the Placenta: Clinical, Morphological, and Molecular Outcomes

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (03/04) ◽  
pp. 240-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laren Riesche ◽  
Marisa Bartolomei
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Stress ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Epigenetic Reprogramming ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Additive Effects ◽  
Growth Development ◽  
And Function

AbstractAs the biological bridge between mother and fetus, the placenta is not only important for the health of the mother and fetus during pregnancy but it also impacts the lifelong health of the fetus. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) involve procedures and exposures that are not characteristic of in vivo reproduction. Moreover, ART procedures occur when the gametes and embryos are undergoing extensive epigenetic reprogramming. Thus, the oxidative, thermal, and mechanical stress that ART procedures introduce can impact the biological processes of placental growth, development, and function with potentially long-lasting health effects for the offspring. Here, we focus on the placenta and summarize the clinical, morphological, and molecular outcomes of ART. This review highlights that ART procedures have additive effects on placental morphology as well as epigenetic disturbances and provides a foundation for reconceptualizing ART outcomes.

Livestock in biomedical research: history, current status and future prospective

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina A. Polejaeva ◽  
Heloisa M. Rutigliano ◽  
Kevin D. Wells
Keyword(s):  
Genome Sequence ◽  
Biomedical Research ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Large Animal ◽  
Large Animal Models

Livestock models have contributed significantly to biomedical and surgical advances. Their contribution is particularly prominent in the areas of physiology and assisted reproductive technologies, including understanding developmental processes and disorders, from ancient to modern times. Over the past 25 years, biomedical research that traditionally embraced a diverse species approach shifted to a small number of model species (e.g. mice and rats). The initial reasons for focusing the main efforts on the mouse were the availability of murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and genome sequence data. This powerful combination allowed for precise manipulation of the mouse genome (knockouts, knockins, transcriptional switches etc.) leading to ground-breaking discoveries on gene functions and regulation, and their role in health and disease. Despite the enormous contribution to biomedical research, mouse models have some major limitations. Their substantial differences compared with humans in body and organ size, lifespan and inbreeding result in pronounced metabolic, physiological and behavioural differences. Comparative studies of strategically chosen domestic species can complement mouse research and yield more rigorous findings. Because genome sequence and gene manipulation tools are now available for farm animals (cattle, pigs, sheep and goats), a larger number of livestock genetically engineered (GE) models will be accessible for biomedical research. This paper discusses the use of cattle, goats, sheep and pigs in biomedical research, provides an overview of transgenic technology in farm animals and highlights some of the beneficial characteristics of large animal models of human disease compared with the mouse. In addition, status and origin of current regulation of GE biomedical models is also reviewed.

scholarly journals 99 Temporal and spatial characterization of interleukin-6 protein in the caprine testis

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 83-83
Author(s):  
Khalda Fadlalla
Keyword(s):  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Interleukin 6 ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Cell Growth And Differentiation ◽  
And Function ◽  
Reproductive Processes

Abstract The demand for goat products is one of fastest growing segments of livestock production in the United States. Nonetheless, the development of efficient goat breeding stock remains in its infancy. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have the potential to enhance reproductive efficiency in goats to rapidly propagate superior genetics. In order to improve success with ART, it is pertinent to understand the factors that contribute to reproductive processes, such as spermatogenesis, as well as the factors that affect the production of viable sperm. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine produced mainly by macrophages in response to foreign antigens, pathogens. In recent years, studies showed that mammalian testes produce IL-6. Under in vitro conditions, Sertoli cells secrete IL-6 following stimulation with low levels of testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone in mice. The binding of IL-6 promotes the transcription of genes important to cellular processes, such as cell growth and differentiation, which are critical to testicular function. The overall objective of this study was to characterize IL-6 protein in goat testes during three life stages: neonate (n = 3; 13- 21days), pre-pubertal (n = 3; 110–121 days) and adult (n = 3; 11–12 month) goats. Preliminary data from western blotting revealed that testicular goat tissues express IL-6. Immunohistochemical staining of IL-6 in the peritubular myoid cells and interstitial cells of neonate, pre-pubertal and adult goats; further Sertoli cells express IL-6 in adult goats. Our findings suggest that IL-6 may play a key role in testicular development and function; however, further research is needed.

Dose-dependent effects of gonadotropin on oocyte developmental competence and apoptosis

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (8) ◽  
pp. 990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shan Liu ◽  
Huai L. Feng ◽  
Dennis Marchesi ◽  
Zi-Jiang Chen ◽  
Avner Hershlag
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Cumulus Cells ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Vitro Development

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of gonadotropins (Gn) on oocyte maturation, developmental competence and apoptosis in an animal model. Bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured for 24 h in media supplemented with varying concentrations of Bravelle (B), B + Menopur (B + M) or B + Repronex (B + R) (Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Parsiappany, NJ, USA). Then, nuclear maturation, embryo development, and apoptosis in cumulus cells and oocytes were evaluated. Low to moderate Gn concentrations (75–7500 mIU mL–1) effectively improved nuclear maturation and in vitro development. Higher concentrations of Gn (75 000 mIU mL–1) did not have any added beneficial effects and nuclear maturation and blastocyst rates in the presence of these concentrations were comparable to control (P > 0.05). Most COCs showed slight apoptosis when exposed to 75, 750 and 7500 mIU mL–1 Gn; however, when the concentration was increased to 75 000 mIU mL–1, the proportion of moderately apoptotic COCs increased. In conclusion, extremely high concentrations of Gn have detrimental effects on oocyte nuclear maturation and embryo development and increase apoptosis in cumulus cells, suggesting the importance of judicious use of Gn in assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

scholarly journals Progesterone in Assisted Reproduction: Classification, Pharmacology and Its Clinical Coorelation: A Commentary

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Kunal Rathod
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Follicular Phase ◽  
The Body ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Ongoing Pregnancy ◽  
Ongoing Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Serum Progesterone ◽  
And Function

The modulating effects of progesterone on endometrium structure and function are the basis for successful outcome in reproductive treatments. Considering this, progesterone has a big role in treatment of infertility and supporting the ongoing pregnancy. In this review article we have attempted to review different forms of progesterone, their metabolism in the body and the role played by exogenous as well as endogenous progesterone in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Elevated serum progesterone levels at the end of the follicular phase in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) leads to a poorer ongoing pregnancy rate in IVF cycles due to reduced endometrial receptivity.

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