Adolescent male fertility following reduced-intensity conditioning regimen for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in non-malignant disorders.

Introduction: The effects of RIC for HSCT on male fertility remain unknown. We investigated spermatogenesis and gonadal hormonal status among adolescent male patients who received RIC HSCT for non-malignant diseases.

Patients And Methods: Patients with non-malignant disease who had undergone a RIC HSCT were recruited and evaluated for spermatogenesis via semen analysis and gonadal hormonal function via serum hormone levels.

An Embryonic and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Model for Ovarian Granulosa Cell Development and Steroidogenesis.

Embryoid bodies (EBs) can serve as a system for evaluating pluripotency, cellular differentiation, and tissue morphogenesis. In this study, we use EBs derived from mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and human amniocyte-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (hAdiPSCs) as a model for ovarian granulosa cell (GC) development and steroidogenic cell commitment. We demonstrated that spontaneously differentiated murine EBs (mEBs) and human EBs (hEBs) displayed ovarian GC markers, such as aromatase (CYP19A1), FOXL2, AMHR2, FSHR, and GJA1.

Lifestyle and in vitro fertilization: what do patients believe?

Background: Patients have many beliefs regarding lifestyle factors and IVF outcomes.

Methods: Observational study of 208 IVF patients at an academic infertility center. Main outcome measures were perceived influence of various lifestyle factors assessed by multivariable logistic regression and -value tests for linear trend (P).

Efficient differentiation of steroidogenic and germ-like cells from epigenetically-related iPSCs derived from ovarian granulosa cells.

To explore restoration of ovarian function using epigenetically-related, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), we functionally evaluated the epigenetic memory of novel iPSC lines, derived from mouse and human ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) using c-Myc, Klf4, Sox2 and Oct4 retroviral vectors. The stem cell identity of the mouse and human GC-derived iPSCs (mGriPSCs, hGriPSCs) was verified by demonstrating embryonic stem cell (ESC) antigen expression using immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR analysis, as well as formation of embryoid bodies (EBs) and teratomas that are capable of differentiating into cells from all three germ layers. GriPSCs' gene expression profiles associate more closely with those of ESCs than of the originating GCs as demonstrated by genome-wide analysis of mRNA and microRNA.

Perceptions among infertile couples of lifestyle behaviors and in vitro fertilization (IVF) success.

Purpose: To assess how patients perceive various lifestyle behaviors impact IVF success.

Methods: Cross-sectional study of heterosexual, English-speaking couples (n = 138) who completed web-based surveys during IVF treatment cycle. Perceived impact of lifestyle choices assessed by multivariable logistic regression and p-value tests for linear trend (Pt).

Computer-assisted laparoscopy in fertility preservation and reproductive surgery.

Current strategies for fertility preservation rely heavily on assisted reproductive technology and fertility-sparing surgery. Whether seeking to avert loss of fertility associated with excision of adnexal or uterine disease or to preempt gonadal failure resulting from chemotherapy or radiation, each woman is unique in her reproductive endeavor and will benefit from careful consideration of her fertility goals together with a specialist in assisted reproductive technology and reproductive surgery. Because avoidance of laparotomy reduces tissue trauma and adhesion formation, advanced laparoscopic surgery is an indispensable tool for all specialists who provide care for women seeking fertility preservation.