Effects of the addition of insulin-transferrin-selenium (ITS) and/or metformin to the maturation of porcine oocytes on cytoplasmic maturation and embryo development.

Context: One of the main problems of porcine in vitro maturation (IVM) is incomplete cytoplasmatic maturation. Nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation will determine the future success of fertilisation and embryo development. Insulin-transferrin-selenium (ITS) has insulin-like and antioxidant effects, and metformin (M) is an insulin-sensitiser and antioxidant drug.

Obesity alters the uterine environment before pregnancy.

Obesity is a metabolic disorder that predisposes to numerous diseases and has become a major global public health concern. Cafeteria diet (CAF) is the animal model used for the study of obesity that more closely reflects Western diet habits. Previously, we described that CAF administration for 60 days induces obesity in female rats and their fetuses develop macrosomia.

Metformin decreases the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: an experimental study.

Background: In assisted reproduction cycles, gonadotropins are administered to obtain a greater number of oocytes. A majority of patients do not have an adverse response; however, approximately 3-6% develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Metformin reduces the risk of OHSS but little is known about the possible effects and mechanisms of action involved.

Link between metformin and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ pathway in the uterine tissue of hyperandrogenized prepubertal mice.

Chronic hyperandrogenism alters the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) pathway in the uterine tissue of prepubertal mice. The gene and protein expression of PPARγ is not modified, but the gene and protein expression of 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX), an enzyme that synthesizes PPARγ ligands, is decreased. The antihyperglycemic drug metformin can prevent this adverse effect.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and early folliculogenesis during an acute hyperandrogenism condition.

Acute hyperandrogenism decreases serum P levels and induces early apoptosis of antral follicles by a mechanism mediated by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma system and independent of the steroidogenic acute regulator protein.

The effects of metformin on uterine tissue of hyperandrogenized BALB/c mice.

The present study investigated the role of the N, N'-dimethylbiguanide metformin (50 mg/kg body weight in 0.05 ml water, given orally with a canulla) in preventing the adverse effects generated by hyperandrogenism on uterine function. Daily injection of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA: 6 mg/100 g body weight in 0.