Oxidative Stress and the NLRP3 Inflammasome: Focus on Female Fertility and Reproductive Health.

Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in female reproductive health; influencing natural conception and the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). An essential component of innate immunity, the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is one of the major mediators of inflammatory responses, and its activation is closely linked to oxidative stress. This interaction contributes to a decline in oocyte quality, reduced fertilization potential, and impaired embryo development.

The Effect of Bisphenol and Its Cytotoxicity on Female Infertility and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Narrative Review.

Bisphenols, particularly bisphenol A (BPA), are among the most thoroughly investigated endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). BPA was the first synthetic estrogen to be identified, exerting its estrogenic effects through interaction with human estrogen receptors (ERs). The aim of the present narrative review is to summarize the most recent literature regarding the adverse effects of bisphenols on female fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

Prenatal diagnosis of clinodactyly and its association with genetic syndromes: A case report.

A curvature of a finger that bends inwards relative to the other fingers is a common observation during prenatal screening. When the angulation exceeds 10 degrees, it is known as "clinodactyly" and could suggest a variety of underlying issues. Even though it usually remains unnoticed during pregnancy, it may be a sign of serious fetal disease.

Impact of Reductive Stress on Human Infertility: Underlying Mechanisms and Perspectives.

Antioxidants have a well-established effect on general health and are essential in preventing oxidative damage to cells by scavenging free radicals. Free radicals are thought to be neutralized by these substances, which include polyphenols, β-carotene, and vitamins C and E, reducing cellular damage. On the other hand, recent data indicates that consuming excessive amounts of antioxidants may have side effects.

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation's Impact on Sexual Function in Female Patients with Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity, Sexual Dysfunction, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently results in both urinary and sexual dysfunction, which significantly impairs quality of life. Conventional treatments for bladder dysfunction often prove insufficient, leading to the exploration of alternative therapies such as percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS). This study aimed to assess the impact of PTNS on sexual function and bladder symptoms in female MS patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

Sperm DNA Fragmentation: Unraveling Its Imperative Impact on Male Infertility Based on Recent Evidence.

Male factors may be present in up to 50-70% of infertile couples and the prevalence of male infertility accounts for 20-30% of infertility cases. Understanding the mechanisms and causes behind male infertility remains a challenge, but new diagnostic tools such as DNA fragmentation might aid in cases where the routine semen analysis is insufficient. DNA fragmentation, which refers to damages or breaks of the genetic material of the spermatozoa, is considered one of the main causes of male infertility due to impaired functional capability of sperm.

The Impact of Human Papillomavirus Infections on Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: A Review of the Literature.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are significantly associated with multiple adverse reproductive outcomes such as miscarriages. Pregnant women are more susceptible to an HPV infection and its prevalence increases as pregnancy progresses. In this present review, we summarize the existing evidence indicating the potential impact of an HPV infection on the occurrence of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).

Bridging the Gap between Galectin-3 Expression and Hypertensive Pregnancy Disorders: A Narrative Review.

Galectin-3 belongs to a family of soluble glycan-binding proteins, which are increasingly recognized as modulators of pregnancy-associated processes, including proper placental development. Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are significant complications of pregnancy, affecting millions of women annually. Despite their prevalence, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Integrative Assessment of Seminal Plasma Biomarkers: A Narrative Review Bridging the Gap between Infertility Research and Clinical Practice.

Infertility represents a significant global health challenge impacting millions of couples worldwide. Approximately half of all infertile couples exhibit compromised semen quality, indicative of diminished male fertility. While the diagnosis of male infertility traditionally relies on semen analysis, its limitations in providing a comprehensive assessment of male reproductive health have spurred efforts to identify novel biomarkers.

Culture of Human Embryos at High and Low Oxygen Levels.

One of the parameters potentially affecting the in vitro growth of preimplantation embryos is the oxygen concentration in the culture environment. An increased oxygen concentration causes the generation of ROS which in turn can cause damage to the cells and seriously disrupt the embryonic development. Previous studies have assessed oxygen concentrations in the fallopian tubes of several mammals of between 5 and 8%, while the oxygen levels in the uterus were found to be even lower; similar measurements have been confirmed in humans.

Evolution of Minimally Invasive and Non-Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Testing: An Overview.

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has become a common supplementary diagnοstic/testing tοol for in vitro fertilization (ΙVF) cycles due to a significant increase in cases of PGT fοr mοnogenic cοnditions (ΡGT-M) and de novο aneuplοidies (ΡGT-A) over the last ten years. This tendency is mostly attributable to the advancement and application of novel cytogenetic and molecular techniques in clinical practice that are capable of providing an efficient evaluation of the embryonic chromosomal complement and leading to better IVF/ICSI results. Although PGT is widely used, it requires invasive biopsy of the blastocyst, which may harm the embryo.

Association of Obesity with Telomere Length in Human Sperm.

Telomere attrition and mitochondrial dysfunction are two fundamental aspects of aging. Calorie restriction (CR) is the best strategy to postpone aging since it can enhance telomere attrition, boost antioxidant capacity, and lower the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since ROS is produced by mitochondria and can readily travel to cell nuclei, it is thought to be a crucial molecule for information transfer between mitochondria and cell nuclei.

Sperm Mitochondrial Content and Mitochondrial DNA to Nuclear DNA Ratio Are Associated with Body Mass Index and Progressive Motility.

Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction is a risk factor in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. According to the energy requirements, oxidative phosphorylation and the electron transport chain work together to produce ATP in sufficient quantities in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. Abnormal mitochondrial activity causes fat accumulation and insulin resistance as cells require a balance between the production of ATP by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in the mitochondria and the dissipation of the proton gradient to reduce damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Methotrexate treatment of very high β-HCG ectopic pregnancy on previous cesarean scar: A case report.

Ectopic pregnancy in a previous caesarean scar is a rare, potentially life-threatening situation that can cause massive bleeding and uterine rupture. Clinical symptoms can range from vaginal bleeding with or without pain, to uterine rupture with hypovolemic shock. Early diagnosis is possible by ultrasound examination, and it is very important because it leads to prompt management, improving maternal morbidity and mortality as well as future fertility.