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Reproduction, Fertility and Development Reproduction, Fertility and Development Society
Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
Reproduction, Fertility and Development

Reproduction, Fertility and Development

Volume 36 Number 3 2024

RD23096Alterations of the gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids in women undergoing assisted reproduction

Ni Wu, Jun Liu, Yu Sun, Xiaoxiao Fan, Tianzi Zang, Brianna N. Richardson, Jinbing Bai, Yunyan Xianyu and Yanqun Liu 0000-0003-3586-299X

Diagram depicting four key elements of assisted reproduction treatment.

While assisted reproductive technology (ART) offers hope to infertile couples, it also brings problems. In this study, researchers found the application of ART altered the gut microbial composition and metabolism of pregnant women. The gut microbiota, as a ‘virtual organ’, is profoundly associated with the health of mother and fetus, and may have the potential to predict and treat ART-related adverse pregnancy and delivery outcomes. Image by Ni Wu.

RD23185Endocrine changes induced by GnRH immunisation and subsequent early re-stimulation of testicular function with a GnRH agonist in stallions

Camille Gautier 0000-0002-3604-4836, Jörg Aurich, Maria Melchert, Lisa-Hélène Wagner, Martim Kaps, Carolina T. C. Okada, Reinhard Ertl 0000-0001-7485-3661, Ingrid Walter and Christine Aurich 0000-0001-6077-7362

Diagram depicting fertility variation after GnRH vaccination in male horses.

GnRH vaccination is used in male horses to reduce sexual behaviour and gonadal function, but the time to regain fertility varies considerably among individual animals. Daily GnRH agonist treatment for approximately 60 days in stallions vaccinated against GnRH successfully stimulated the production of sex steroid hormones and spermatogenesis. This treatment may be recommended for GnRH-vaccinated stallions with persistent inhibition of testicular function and fertility. Image by Camille Gautier.

This article belongs to the Collection Dedication to Jim Cummins.


The male reproductive system and the mechanism of SARS-COV-2 entering cells.

Is sperm quality reduced after COVID-19 infection? In everyday counselling, we often have to answer questions like these and advise people who are undergoing assisted reproductive medicine after a COVID-19 infection. Fortunately, although sperm quality is reduced after COVID-19 infection, this effect appears to be reversible, leading to a recommended 3-month recovery period regarding assisted reproductive therapy. Image by Julia Stark.

RD23042Mouse Tspyl5 promotes spermatogonia proliferation through enhancing Pcna-mediated DNA replication

Xiangyou Leng 0000-0001-7046-2233, Shengyu Xie, Dachang Tao, Zhaokun Wang, Jiaying Shi, Ming Yi, Xiaolan Tan, Xinyue Zhang, Yunqiang Liu 0000-0001-7691-7630 and Yuan Yang 0000-0002-9206-0312

Diagram illustrating the proposed working model for Tspyl5-promoted spermatogonia proliferation.

The mammalian Y chromosome is crucial for spermatogenesis, in addition to controlling male sex determination. In order to elucidate the specific role of the TSPY1 gene in spermatogenesis, we used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate Tspyl5-deficient mice (TSPY1 homologous gene). Tspyl5-deficient mice showed significant decreases in sperm count and fertility. This important discovery suggests these genes are crucial for male reproduction.

RD23150Coculture with porcine luteal cells during in vitro porcine oocyte maturation affects lipid content, cortical reaction and zona pellucida ultrastructure

G. M. Teplitz, M. S. Lorenzo, P. R. Cruzans, G. B. Olea, D. F. Salamone 0000-0003-0858-0313, A. Bastien, C. Robert, M. A. Sirard and D. M. Lombardo 0000-0003-0677-7702

Representative confocal microscopy image of stage MII oocyte showing active mitochondria, lipid droplets & nuclear DNA.

In vitro-produced embryos are essential for employing assisted reproductive technologies to establish porcine models. However, polyspermy remains a major obstacle to the production of porcine embryos in vitro. This study was conducted to test a coculture system of porcine luteal cells during in vitro maturation to improve suboptimal conditions. Our model could be an alternative to replace the conventional maturation medium, affecting the metabolism of the oocytes and leading to lower rates of polyspermy and higher rates of embryo development. Image by Gabriela Teplitz and Alexandre Bastien.

Committee on Publication Ethics

Announcement

Reproduction, Fertility and Development is now publishing technical reports, i.e. significant technical advances. More

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