BACKGROUND

Spermatogenesis is maintained by a dynamic balance between germ cell proliferation and apoptosis. Previous study has demonstrated that CD147 knockout mice are infertile with arrested germ cells. However, the question of whether and how CD147 may be involved in the apoptotic process during spermatogenesis remains elusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of CD147 in the regulation of germ cell apoptosis in mice.

METHODS

CD147 function was blocked by anti-CD147 antibody in GC-1 (immortalized spermatogonia) and GC-2 (immortalized spermatocytes) cell lines and in testicular germ cells in vivo. Testes size and weight were examined after injection of anti-CD147 antibody into the seminiferous tubules of severe combined immunodeficiency mice. Germ cell apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and levels of p53 and two effectors, caspase 3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), using western blots.

RESULTS

The size and weight of the CD147-immunodepleted testes were decreased compared with that in control testes (P < 0.001). The TUNEL assay showed an increase in the number of apoptotic spermatocytes (P < 0.001 versus control) but not spermatogonia in Stages XI–XII of CD147-immunodepleted testes. In addition, in vitro experiments demonstrated that CD147 immunodepletion induced an increase in apoptosis in GC-2 cells (P < 0.001 versus control) but had no effect on GC-1 cells. Moreover, deprivation of CD147 induced apoptosis in spermatocytes through a p53-independent mechanism, which led to caspase 3 and PARP activation.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated that immunodepletion of CD147 induces p53-independent apoptosis in mouse spermatocytes but not spermatogonia.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

Assessment of male fertility is traditionally based on microscopic evaluation of semen. However, the classical semen parameters do not adequately reflect sperm function, and their clinical value in predicting fertility is limited. We hypothesize that the sperm expression profile could reflect the fertilizing quality of spermatozoa and could be more informative for predicting the in vivo reproductive fitness of men with normal semen parameters.

METHODS

Sperm gene expression patterns of 68 normozoospermic donors (43 Phase I and 25 Phase II), used for therapeutic IUI, were analysed via TaqMan Arrays.

RESULTS

Significant differences in the expression of individual genes were observed between groups of donors with the lowest and highest pregnancy rates (PRs) after IUI. Additionally, we have developed a molecular means to classify the fertility status of semen donors for IUI based on the expression signature of four genes. In the Phase I study, this model had 90% sensitivity and 97% specificity for discriminating donors resulting in low PRs (cut-off value: <13.6%), far better than that obtained from the combination of sperm parameters. The translation of the model was validated in Phase II donors resulting in a sensitivity of 71.5% and a specificity of 78%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings contribute to the search for the most valuable genetic markers which are potentially useful as tools for predicting pregnancy. Our expression model could complement classical semen analysis in order to identify sperm donors with a less favourable IUI reproductive outcome despite having normal semen parameters. It may also be useful for the study of sperm function in couples with unexplained infertility.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

The use of ovarian stimulation, to stimulate a multi-follicular response for assisted reproduction treatments, may force the production of oocytes from follicles that do not reach optimal maturation, possibly yielding oocytes that are not fully competent. The present study aimed to define the follicular environment and oocyte competence of unstimulated pre-ovulatory follicles, to compare it with that of similar-sized stimulated follicles. For this purpose, we analyzed the follicular hormonal milieu, the oocyte meiotic spindle, the embryo development and the cumulus cells gene expression (GE) profiles.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study population was divided in two groups: (i) 42 oocyte donors undergoing unstimulated cycles and (ii) 18 oocyte donors undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation cycles (COS). Follicular fluid was analyzed to quantify the concentrations of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), FSH, LH, testosterone (T) and androstendione (4). T was higher in the COS group, while 4, E2 and LH were significantly higher in unstimulated cycles. The cumulus oophorus cells (CC) surrounding the oocyte were removed and their GE profiles were analyzed with microarrays. There were 18 differentially expressed genes in CC: 7 were up-regulated and 11 were down-regulated in the COS cycles. The microarray was validated by qRT–PCR. The analysis of spindle structure revealed no significant differences between the groups, except for the parameter of length which presented differences. The fertilization ability and embryo morphology on Days 2, 3 and 4 did not show any significant differences between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of ovarian stimulation induces changes in the follicular fluid and in CC GE that may affect immune processes, meiosis and ovulation pathways. Although these differences do not seem to relate to early-stage embryo morphology, the implications of some of the molecules, especially ALDH1A2, CTSL and ZNF33B at the CC level, deserve to be addressed in future studies.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are most commonly derived from the inner cell mass (ICM) of blastocyst stage embryos. While the majority of hESC lines originate from good-quality embryos donated after cryogenic storage, poor-quality embryos (PQEs) not suitable for clinical use have also been shown to generate hESC. This provides a newfound function for embryos that would otherwise be discarded following IVF or ICSI. Owing to their lack of clinical importance, however, data on the poorest embryos in a cohort go largely unreported in the literature. It is therefore of interest to better understand the availability of PQEs from IVF/ICSI cycles and to determine their ability to develop into blastocysts with good-quality ICMs for use in hESC derivation. In this study, we investigate the influence of patient parameters and embryo cohort on PQE incidence, blastocyst development, ICM quality and successful hESC derivation from donated PQEs.

METHODS

PQEs from 736 patient cycles that did not meet our clinical criteria for transfer or cryopreservation were cultured until Day 6 of development and assessed for blastocyst formation and ICM quality. A subset of blastocysts with good-quality ICMs were then used for hESC derivation attempts. Anonymous patient data such as maternal age, embryo history and cohort parameters were then retrospectively compiled and analysed.

RESULTS

PQEs made up 46.8% of two pronucleate embryos created from IVF/ICSI. Including embryos with abnormal fertilization, a mean of 3.6 ± 2.8 embryos were donated per cycle with 32.6% developing to the blastocyst stage. Good-quality ICM were produced in 13.9% of PQEs cultured. Of good-quality ICM, 15.4%  of those used in hESC derivation attempts resulted in a novel line. The PQEs that originated from older patients (>37 year) or from cycles that did not result in pregnancy had significantly diminished blastocyst development and ICM quality. Maternal age was also shown to further influence the ability of good-quality ICMs to generate hESC.

CONCLUSIONS

PQEs are an abundant source of embryos capable of developing to blastocysts with good-quality ICMs and subsequently generating novel hESC. We have shown that prognostic variables used to predict IVF/ICSI outcome can also help predict which PQEs have the best hESC developmental potential. Owing to the diversity of PQE origin, experiments designed to compare hESC derivation techniques or efficiency using PQEs should consider clinical IVF/ICSI parameters to establish groups with equal developmental competence. Additional investigation is needed to determine if these results are applicable to hESC derivation using good-quality embryos.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

Growth factors and cytokines are present in small quantities in the oviduct and uterus and some are synthesized by the growing embryo. Granulocytes–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is known as an important regulator, which enhances cell proliferation and reduces apoptosis in developing blastocysts, during normal fetal and placental development. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether adding GM-CSF to the culture media affects blastulation or the chromosomal status of mouse embryos.

METHODS

Murine embryos were cultured in vitro from the 2-cell stage until the blastocyst stage in the presence of different concentrations of GM-CSF of 0 ng/ml (control), 1, 2, 5 and 10 ng/ml. The development of each embryo was noted and the embryos were then spread for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using locus-specific probes (LSI) for chromosomes 2, 11 and 16 in all embryos.

RESULTS

No difference in the blastulation potential was noted with the addition of 1 and 2 ng/ml of GM-CSF compared with the controls, but there was a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in the blastulation rate in the 5 and 10 ng/ml concentrations. The rate of mosaicism/aneuploidy noted in all GM-CSF groups (1, 2, 5 and 10 ng/ml) was slightly higher than in the control group (0 ng/ml GM-CSF) but the differences were not significant. In the mosaic embryos from the GM-CSF cultured groups, the percentage of aneuploid cells was statistically higher than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

GM-CSF exerted a negative impact on blastocyst development at higher concentrations. GM-CSF did not affect the rates of mosaicism/aneuploidy, but did increase the percentage of aneuploid cells within the mosaic embryos. Adding GM-CSF to the culture media for clinical use requires further studies either on human or animal models to evaluate its long-term effects.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

Animal experiments have suggested that a high intraperitoneal pressure (IPP) might adversely affect the surgical peritoneal environment. The present experimental study investigates the impact of IPP of a CO₂ pneumoperitoneum on human peritoneum.

METHODS

Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery were subjected to either low (8 mmHg) or standard (12 mmHg) IPP. Normal peritoneum was collected from the parietal wall at the beginning of surgery and every 60 min thereafter. Expression levels of 168 genes that encode extracellular matrix proteins, adhesion molecules or inflammatory cytokine signaling molecules were measured in peritoneal tissues using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay panels. Human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) and human peritoneal fibroblasts (HPFBs) were incubated in a CO₂ insufflation chamber for 1 h at 12 or 8 mmHg. Hyaluronan (HA) synthesis and mRNA expression levels of hyaluronic acid synthases (HAS) and hyaluronidases (Hyal) in HPMCs and HPFBs were measured at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after CO₂ gas exposure by ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively.

RESULTS

Expression levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), matrix metalloproteinase-9, E-selectin, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 2 (CXCL-2), Hyal-1 and Hyal-2 were significantly higher and those of HAS-1, HAS-3, thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) and interleukin-10 were significantly lower in the 12 mmHg group compared with the 8 mmHg group. HA synthesis was significantly lower in the 12 mmHg group compared with the 8 mmHg group in HPMCs and HPFBs throughout the time course.

CONCLUSIONS

A low IPP (8 mmHg) may be better than the standard IPP (12 mmHg) to minimize the adverse impact on the surgical peritoneal environment during a CO₂ pneumoperitoneum.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

An efficient method for cryopreservation of human oocytes may offer solutions to legal and ethical problems in routine infertility programs and may also be used for fertility preservation for medical and social reasons.

METHODS

We conducted an observational longitudinal cohort multicentric study to investigate the efficacy and reproducibility of oocyte cryopreservation outcomes in IVF/ICSI cycles. Moreover, the effects of patient and cycle characteristics on the delivery rate (DR) were analyzed.

RESULTS

In 486 cycles performed in 450 couples, 2721 oocytes were warmed and 2304 of them survived cryopreservation (84.7%). Of the 2182 oocytes subjected to ICSI, the rates of fertilization and development to top-quality embryos were 75.2 and 48.1%, respectively. A total of 128 deliveries were obtained (26.3% per cycle and 29.4% per transfer) for 450 patients (28.4%) and 147 babies were live born from 929 embryos transferred (15.8%). The forward logistic regression analysis on a per patient basis showed that female age [odds ratio (OR): 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.88–0.98], number of vitrified oocytes (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.17) and the day of transfer (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.14–3.42) influenced DR. By recursive partitioning analysis, it can be estimated that more than eight oocytes vitrified are required to improve the outcome (22.6 versus 46.4% DR, respectively). When fewer oocytes are available in women aged >38 years, results are dramatically reduced (12.6 versus 27.5% DR, respectively). Conversely, when >8 oocytes are available, blastocyst culture represents the most efficient policy (62.1% DR; data from one center only).

CONCLUSIONS

Oocyte vitrification is an efficient and reliable approach, with consistent results between centers and predictable DRs. It should be applied routinely for various indications. A predictive model is proposed to help patient counselling and selection.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the appropriate measures for diagnosing and treating perineal endometriosis (PEM) with anal sphincter involvement.

METHODS

Between January 1992 and April 2011, the clinical features, diagnosis and management of 31 patients who were diagnosed with PEM with anal sphincter involvement at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively analyzed using their clinical records. A range of 6–78 months of outpatient follow-up after surgery were conducted for these 31 patients but was extended by telephone interviews with 29 patients conducted in December 2011.

RESULTS

All 31 patients had a history of vaginal delivery. The level of serum CA₁₂₅ was elevated in only 2 (6.5%) cases. All cases received surgical treatment, which included narrow excision (NE, close to the edge of the endometrioma) with primary sphincteroplasty (PSp) for 30 cases and incomplete excision (IE) for 1 case. Of the 30 cases in the NE group, 20 (66.7%) received hormone therapy preoperatively. Up until December 2011, there was one recurrence (3.6%) of PEM in the NE group. PEM relapse occurred in the IE patient 6 years after the initial IE surgery. Perineal abscesses were found in one patient post-operatively. No complaint of dyspareunia and no fecal incontinence episodes were observed during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our own experience, NE and PSp may be indicated for the treatment of PEM with anal sphincter involvement.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

Uterus transplantation (UTx) may provide the first available treatment for women affected by uterine infertility. The present study aimed to further develop a surgical technique for autologous UTx in a non-human primate species and to assess long-term function.

METHODS

Female baboons (n= 16) underwent autologous transplantation of the uterus with the Fallopian tubes and ovaries, performed with a previously published surgical technique (n= 6, Group 1) or using a modified technique (n= 10; Group 2). The uterine arteries were dissected to the proximal end of the anterior branch (Group 1) or the entire (Group 2) internal iliac artery, and the ovarian veins were dissected to the crossing over the ureter (Group 1) or further cranially to include greater lengths and patches of the cava/renal vein (Group 2). Back-table preparation created common venous and arterial ends with arterial anastomosis either end-to-side to the left external iliac artery (Group 1) or end-to-end to the left internal iliac artery (Group 2).

RESULTS

Overall short-time survival of the animals was 88% (66% in Group 1 and 100% in Group 2). Of all the operated animals, 75% (66% in Group 1 and 80% in Group 2) resumed ovarian cyclicity. Regular menstruation after UTx was demonstrated only in Group 2 (60%). Menstruating animals (n= 6) were each exposed to timed mating for ≥5 menstrual cycles, but pregnancy did not occur. Adhesions and tubal blockage were seen in post-mortem analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified UTx model of Group 2 is a safe procedure and shows resumed long-term uterine function in a majority of the animals, although pregnancy could not be demonstrated.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

Pharmaceutical thrombosis prophylaxis (PTP) with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is highly effective in preventing venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) and fatal pulmonary embolism. Important risk factors for VTEs are surgery and immobilization, along with malignancy. Many studies involving gynaecological malignancies show no increased risk for bleeding complications with PTP. Little is known about the PTP-associated risk for bleeding complications with hysterectomy for benign disease, or about current VTE incidence in the less-invasive hysterectomy methods.

METHODS

Our observational prospective national 1-year cohort from 1 January to 31 December 2006 in 53 hospitals represented 79.4% (5297 of 6645) of hysterectomies performed for benign cause in Finland in 2006. We evaluated PTP use and VTE incidence. Operative and post-operative bleeding complications were analysed with logistic regression adjusted for confounders: age, BMI, experience of the gynaecological surgeon, hospital type, indication for hysterectomy, uterine weight, operative haemorrhage, concomitant surgery, adhesiolysis and antibiotic prophylaxis.

RESULTS

Hysterectomies were performed by three main approaches: 2345 vaginal hysterectomies (VHs, 44%), of which 1433 were for uterine prolapse and 912 for other indications, 1679 laparoscopic hysterectomies (LHs, 32%) and 1255 abdominal hysterectomies (AHs, 24%). PTP was given to 64.8% of patients (3420 of 5279) and was identified as LMWH in 3313 patients (97%); 107 left unidentified. By type of hysterectomy, PTP was given in VH for uterine prolapse to 73.2% of patients, VH for other indication to 51.6%, in LH to 59.4% and in AH to 71.9%. For all hysterectomies analysed together, PTP doubled the odds for post-operative haemorrhage or haematoma. By type of hysterectomy, PTP associated with post-operative haemorrhage or haematoma in VH for prolapse [2.7% of PTP given, versus 0.8% of no PTP; odds ratio (OR): 4.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38–16.83]; and in AH (3.1% versus 1.4%; OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.03–7.98), and in AH also with post-operative transfusion (3.1% versus 1.4%; OR: 3.34, 95% CI: 1.41–7.88). For LH and VH for indications other than prolapse, the effect of PTP on post-operative haemorrhage was non-significant. For VH, the risk for post-operative haemorrhage fell with age. Operative mean haemorrhage with all hysterectomy types, and operative bleeding complications in AH and VH also fell with age. Obesity increased haemorrhage  and operative bleeding complications for LH and VH, whereas post-operative bleeding complications were less for the obese in AH. VTEs were 6 of 5279 (0.1%): two PEs each occurred after AH and VH, and two deep venous thromboses after LH.

CONCLUSIONS

With a relatively wide PTP coverage (64.8%), VTEs were rare (0.1%). All affected had received PTP. Analysis of efficacy, meaning interpretation of how many VTEs or deaths were prevented, cannot be done from our observational study but related to safety in hysterectomy for benign disease, PTP associated with post-operative bleeding complications with AH and with VH for prolapse.

Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov protocol (NCT00744172).

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

A recent study suggested a markedly increased risk of hepatoblastoma (HB) among children conceived with treatment for infertility. However, it is not clear whether this finding is confounded by the association between HB and low birthweight (LBW).

METHODS

Associations between parental infertility and its treatment and HB were examined using data from a case–control study conducted through the Children's Oncology Group (COG). Telephone interviews were completed for 383 mothers of cases diagnosed with HB at US COG institutions between January 2000 and December 2008 and for 387 mothers of controls recruited through state birth registries. Logistic regression was used to examine possible associations.

RESULTS

After adjusting for birthweight and other potential confounders, no significant association was found for any of the measures of parental infertility or its treatment. In HB cases conceived through assisted reproductive technology (ART), 4 of 16 also had Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) compared with 9 of 365 in HB cases without ART.

CONCLUSIONS

Little evidence of an association between parental infertility or its treatment and HB was found. The relationship found in a previous study could be due to LBW and BWS which are risk factors for HB and also associated with parental infertility and its treatment.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

The recently identified human brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism was found to be associated with altered susceptibility to some neuropsychiatric disorders. Interestingly, BDNF together with its receptors TrkB and p75 are extensively expressed in female reproduction system. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism plays a role in endometriosis, endometriosis-related infertility and the outcomes of IVF and embryo transfer (IVF–ET).

METHODS

A case–control study included 425 endometriosis patients and 244 control Chinese Han women. The genotyping of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was performed by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer method. The plasma and follicular fluid concentrations of BDNF on the day of oocyte retrieval were measured by ELISA. The general clinical data from the endometriosis-related and tubal obstructed infertile patients treated with IVF–ET were analyzed.

RESULTS

There was no association between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and overall endometriosis (P> 0.05), whereas higher genotype and allele frequencies of the BDNF_Met polymorphism were found in the Stage III–IV endometriosis (both P< 0.01) and endometriosis-related infertile patients (both P< 0.05). Moreover, during IVF and embryo transfer (IVF–ET) treatment, fewer mature oocytes (P< 0.05) and lower fertilization rate (P< 0.01) were found in BDNF_Met/Met carriers compared with those in BDNF_Val/Val carriers with infertility. Follicular-fluid BDNF concentration in BDNF_Met/Met carriers was lower compared with that in BDNF_Val/Val individuals (P< 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the BDNF_Met single-nucleotide polymorphism might contribute to the increased susceptibility to the Stage III–IV endometriosis and endometriosis-related infertility. Moreover, infertile patients with the BDNF_Met/Met genotype had a poorer IVF outcome compared with the BDNF_Val/Val genotype individuals, which might in part be due to the decreased BDNF levels in follicular fluids after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

Only a limited portion of sterilized women undergo tubal reanastomosis due to high costs, limited availability of qualified practitioners willing to perform the procedure and increasing success rates with IVF. However, IVF has complications and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and multiple pregnancies. Recently, the importance of specialized training for tubal anastomosis has been re-emphasized. This study aimed to report the procedure of our microsurgical tubal reanastomosis by a temporary loose parallel 4-quadrant suture technique and its high pregnancy outcome over the last 20 years.

METHODS

This clinical study retrospectively analyzed data on 961 consecutive patients who underwent tubal reversal between March 1988 and August 2007 in a large urban medical center. All surgical operations were performed by microsurgical tubal reanastomosis using a temporary loose parallel 4-quadrant suture technique by a single surgeon. Subsequent pregnancy outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The overall pregnancy rate was 85.1, 82.6 being intrauterine and 2.5% ectopic. The pregnancy rate was significantly reduced in patients over 40 years old (53.9%) compared with patients aged 40 years or less (90.3%) (P < 0.05). Repair done at the interstitial–ampulla site yielded a significantly higher ectopic pregnancy rate (20.0%) compared with other anastomosis sites (0–3.2%) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that our technique resulted in a high pregnancy rate comparable with the level of natural fertility. The study also reveals that ectopic pregnancy frequently occurs in tubal reanastomosis of the interstitial–ampulla site compared with other sites.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

There is a growing consensus that ovarian endometriomas should not be systematically removed in women selected for IVF. However, some recent evidence suggested that the presence of these cysts may negatively affect the course of pregnancy.

METHODS

We set up a multicenter retrospective cohort study, including two infertility units. We analyzed data from patients achieving singleton clinical pregnancies through IVF comparing the pregnancy outcome between 78 pregnant women with endometriomas at the time of IVF and 156 patients who achieved pregnancy through IVF without endometriomas.

RESULTS

The number of live births in women with and without endometriomas were 61 (78%) and 130 (83%), respectively (P = 0.39). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of live birth in affected cases was 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.38–1.68]. No differences were observed in late pregnancy and neonatal outcomes between the two groups. In particular, the rate of preterm birth and small-for-gestational age (SGA) was similar. The adjusted ORs were 0.47 (95% CI: 0.14–1.54) and 0.56 (95% CI: 0.12–2.56), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with endometriomas achieving pregnancy through IVF do not seem to be exposed to a significant increased risk of obstetrical complications.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

ScienceDaily (May 24, 2012) A new study has revealed previously undiscovered genetic variants that influence fertility in men. The findings, published by Cell Press on May 24th in the American Journal of Human Genetics, shed much-needed light on human reproduction and might provide answers for countless men suffering from infertility.

Despite its high incidence, infertility remains a sensitive topic. Some of the stigma surrounding infertility arises from a lack of known scientific causes. In fact, nearly a quarter of reported infertility cases remain unexplained. Research regarding the genetics of fertility has come primarily from studies involving infertile subjects. "Such studies have not been able to identify genes or pathways contributing to variation in natural human fertility," remarks Carole Ober, the lead author of the study. This is because numerous non-genetic factors, such as alcohol and tobacco use, certain medications, and disease history, can contribute to infertility.

Ober and her graduate student, Glm Kosova, at the University of Chicago have taken a different approach. By studying a founder population, the Hutterites, Ober's research maximizes genetic influences and minimizes non-genetic ones. The Hutterites are a branch of Anabaptists who conscribe to a common set of religious and social beliefs. "Hutterites [forbid] contraception and uniformly desire large families, providing an outstanding population in which to study the genetics of normal human fertility," explains Ober. Rather than studying infertile subjects, the team included Hutterite men who had one or more child, and it took both family size and birth rate into consideration.

The study uncovered more than 40 genetic regions that influence fertility in Hutterite men. Nine of these regions were additionally found to impact sperm quality in non-Hutterites. These regions harbor genes involved in several essential biological processes, including protein regulation, nucleotide binding, and immunity, and shed light on the complexity of human fertility. Ultimately, says Ober, further studies might find that mutations in these genes underlie some of the currently unexplained cases of male infertility.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Cell Press, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

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Journal Reference:

Original post:
Male fertility genes discovered

BACKGROUND

This paper presents finding from a study of the emotional and relational aspects of egg-sharing, exploring egg-share donors' and recipients' thoughts and feelings about each other, about each other's treatment outcome and any resulting children, as well as their attitudes towards disclosure of donor origins and contact between donors and donor offspring in the future. It is the first study of this population since the removal of donor anonymity in 2005.

METHODS

A paper or online questionnaire was completed anonymously by 48 donors and 38 recipients who took part in egg-sharing between 2007 and 2009. Data were obtained on a range of measures—including demographics, family circumstances, motivations and anxieties, feelings about egg-sharing, retrospective assessments and views on regulation—and analysed to facilitate cross-group and within-group comparisons of donors and recipients.

RESULTS

This study found very few differences between donors and recipients, as well as between successful and unsuccessful egg-share participants. Donors and recipients expressed sentiments of goodwill towards one another, and displayed attitudes of openness regarding disclosure decisions and future contact among donors and donor-conceived offspring. While some donors and recipients wanted to know the outcome of their donor's/recipient's treatment, others preferred not to.

CONCLUSIONS

Most significantly, concerns voiced regarding the potential psychological harm to donors, particularly those whose own treatment ends unsuccessfully, were not borne out by the data.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

BACKGROUND

Paired-box 2 (Pax2) is involved in the development of the female genital tract and has been associated with endometrial pathologies. The expression of Pax2 is induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and estrogens. In the present study, Pax2 expression and regulation were investigated in endometriosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Pax2 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in the eutopic (i.e. inside the uterus) and ectopic tissue (endometriosis) from 11 patients. Immunoreactivity was high in the endometrium, with strong epithelial and weaker stromal staining. Similar expression patterns of Pax2 were observed in the endometrium of women without endometriosis (n = 12). The mRNA level of Pax2 was assessed by real-time PCR in the eutopic and ectopic endometria of 14 patients and in the endometrium from women without endometriosis (n = 20). Pax2 expression was lower in endometriotic lesions than that in the eutopic endometrium of patients (P< 0.001) and controls (P= 0.007). Three possible mechanisms determining low Pax2 expression were investigated: EGF signalling, CpG DNA methylation of the Pax2 promoter and steroid response. The mRNA level of the EGF receptor (EGFR1) was assessed in the samples used for Pax2 mRNA assessment. A significant correlation between EGFR1 and Pax2 in both eutopic and ectopic tissues was observed (R = 0.58; slope regression line, 0.81; 95% CI: 0.09–1.52 and R = 0.54; slope regression line, 2.51; 95% CI: 0.02–4.99, respectively). CpG DNA methylation was analyzed by methyl-specific PCR in two regions of the Pax2 promoter but they were unmethylated in all samples. Steroid responsiveness was assessed using endometrial explant cultures and Pax2 was not regulated by either 17β-estradiol or progesterone.

CONCLUSIONS

In endometriosis patients, Pax2 is down-regulated in the lesions compared with the eutopic tissue, possibly due to low EGF signalling.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/rss/current.xml

Most starting running backs in the NFL are black and most CEOs of Fortune 500 companies are white. Men dominate in the economic and political worlds and women excel at child rearing and caring for the home...

These and many other patterns of difference and inequality between sexes and races are just a part of human nature, right?

Wrong.

There are many myths about human nature. Luckily, we have data from across the social and biological sciences that bust some of the worst ones. Two of the most pernicious, and erroneous, myths are about race and sex:

Race: Humans are divided into biological races (black, white, Asian, etc.).

Sex: Men and women are truly different in behavior, desires, and internal wiring.

Why should we care that myths of race and sex are so resilient, in spite of their inaccuracy? Because they matter in our daily lives.

While race is not biology, racism can certainly affect our biology. Racial social structures, from access to health care to one's own racialized self-image, can impact the ways our bodies and immune systems develop. This means that race, while not a biological unit, can have important biological implications and significant societal impacts. So what do we know about human biological diversity?

There is substantial biological variation within and between the thousands of human populations on the planet, but population race. These patterns of variation are shaped by culture, language, ecology, history, and geography. The vast majority of social and biological scientists recognize that race is not an accurate or productive way to describe modern human biological variation. However, race in the USA is a cultural construct that affects our social realities, and racial inequality (racism) can affect individuals' biology.

There are no genetic sequences ("genes") unique to blacks or whites or Asians. There is more genetic variation in populations from the continent of Africa than exists in ALL populations from outside of Africa (the rest of the world) combined! There is no neurological patterning that distinguishes races from one another, nor are there patterns in muscle development and structure, digestive tracts, hand-eye coordination, or any other such measures. Dark or light skin tells us only about a person's amount of ancestry relative to the equator, not anything about the specific population(s) they might be descended from.

More:
Agustin Fuentes: Sex and Race Might Not Be What You Think: Two Things You Need to Know About Human Nature

Public release date: 23-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Germn Arroyo Moreno arroyo@ugr.es 34-958-243-180 University of Granada

University of Granada researchers have developed a 3D imaging system that scans 3D models of historical buildings using data obtained from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)an aircraft without a human pilot onboard. This is the first 3D imaging system to combine the use of UAVs, image-based 3D modeling technologies, and virtual representation of models to produce a realistic modeling of 3D objects from images.

The endpoint of this project is to obtain a 3D model of a historical building faade as a cathedralwithout any human intervention and at a lower cost than other technologies currently available (as 3D scanners). To date, UAVs have been used in many research fields, as they are fast and they can overfly abrupt areas, avoid large obstacles and provide information from multiple sensors.

No Scaffolding or Cranes

While UAVs autonomy is limited, they can descend for an operator to change the battery (an operation requiring just a few seconds), and then resume its task. This way, the object can be scanned in record time without the need for scaffolding or cranes.

As regards 3D-digitalization technologies, they can provide a realistic modeling of 3D objects from images obtained from sensors, stereoscopic cameras, multiple geolocated images obtained from different angles, etc. Finally, virtual reality technologies produce realistc high-quality 3D images (similar to those on 3D movies).

The multiple applications of this technology are evident, as they offer an autonomous device that in just some minutes can scan a faade with as much or a higher precision than 3D scanners. It is noteworthy that this device can get close to the object up to a few inches to obtain the smallest and unreachable details.

This project focused on faade 3D imaging is intended to prove the applicability of this new technology to any type of architectural model: buildings, monuments, etc. What these objects have in common is that digitalization is performed in vertical parameters and that objects are geolocalized.

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A new imaging system produces 3-D models of monuments using unmanned aircraft

Public release date: 16-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Christine Bauquis christine@eshre.eu 32-022-636-464 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology

The world's leading event in reproductive medicine is less than two months away. The field is one of the most exciting in journalism - and ESHRE's annual meeting one of the best sources of news and feature material. This year's event in Istanbul promises to be as scientifically and clinically strong as ever.

More than 8000 of the world's leading experts in reproduction are expected this year. More than 1700 abstracts of new research were submitted for selection, and the very best of them, selected by an independent scientific committee, will be presented in public for the very first time in Istanbul.

ESHRE welcomes journalists to the meeting, and a serviced press room with support materials, wifi connection and daily press conferences will be available. Registration is free to bona fide journalists on presentation of official press credentials.

ESHRE's media policy requires accreditation with a recognised press card or commissioning letter from an editor confirming the assignment. Before seeking registration, you should check ESHRE's media policy, which is accessible at http://www.eshre.eu/ESHRE/page.aspx/1553.

Registration in advance is recommended, but journalists may register on site provided that press credentials are provided with a formally recognised press card and/or a commissioning letter from a recognised media organisation. Business cards are not acceptable.

The official congress language is English, although press releases will be available in English and Turkish. There are no simultaneous translations.

You can download the registration form at http://www.eshre.eu/ESHRE/page.aspx/1553. Once completed, you can fax or email it with a scanned copy of your press credentials to:

Christine Bauquis ESHRE Communications Co-ordinator Fax: +32 (0) 2 269 56 00 Email: christine@eshre.eu Tel: +32 (0) 2 263 64 64 Mobile: +32 (0) 499 25 80 46

The rest is here:
European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology 28th Annual Meeting -- Istanbul