and matured bovine oocytes present a distinct pattern of single-cell gene expression.

Oocyte gene expression is a well controlled event that promotes gamete competence to undergo maturation, fertilization, and to support early embryo development, directly affecting reproductive outcomes. Considering that controlled ovarian stimulation or maturation (IVM) for the acquisition of mature oocytes has distinct implications for gene expression, we sought to evaluate the effects of these procedures on the expression of competence-related genes in single-cell oocytes. Healthy Nelore cows of reproductive age were synchronized to harvest matured oocytes; ovaries from slaughtered animals were used to obtain cumulus-oocyte complexes that were matured.

Validation of reference genes for gene expression studies in bovine oocytes and cumulus cells derived from maturation.

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is a valuable tool for gene expression studies and it is necessary to choose an ideal endogenous reference gene for data normalization. This work studied a set of reference genes in oocytes and cumulus cells of COCs (Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes) that are suitable for relative gene expression analyses after maturation (IVM) in bovine. Immature COCs were collected from ovaries of Nelore cattle () and submitted to IVM.

Effects of Progressive Resistance Training on Obesity Indices in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the Relationship With Telomere Length.

Background: Physical activity is prescribed as a component of primary management for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This nonrandomized, therapeutic, open, single-arm study investigated the effects of progressive resistance training (PRT) on obesity indices in women with PCOS, and the relationship between obesity indices and telomere content.

Methods: A total of 45 women with PCOS and 52 with non-PCOS (controls), aged 18 to 37 years, with body mass indexes of 18 to 39.

Skewed X-chromosome inactivation and shorter telomeres associate with idiopathic premature ovarian insufficiency.

Objective: To analyze whether telomere length, X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), and androgen receptor (AR) GAG polymorphism are related to idiopathic premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).

Design: Case-control study.

Setting: University hospital.