Human embryo implantation: The complex interplay between endometrial receptivity and the microbiome.

The endometrial and vaginal microbiota have co-evolved with the reproductive tract and play a key role in both health and disease. However, the difference between endometrial and vaginal microbiota, as well as their association with reproductive outcomes in women undergoing frozen embryo transfer, remains unclear. 120 women who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and whole embryo freezing were enrolled.

LncRNA-THBS4 affects granulosa cell proliferation and apoptosis in diminished ovarian reserve by regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Backgrounds: Recent studies have found Several lncRNAs were proved differential expression in diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) patients, however, the mechanism of DOR caused by lncRNAs is still largely unclear.

Methods: High throughput sequencing was performed in ovarian GCs extracted from women with normal ovarian function and women with DOR. Bioinformation analysis was used to analyze the sequencing data and identify the differential expression of lncRNAs.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection compared with in vitro fertilisation in patients with non-male factor infertility with low oocyte retrieval: a single-centre, retrospective cohort study.

Objective: To investigate the effects of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on the clinical outcomes of non-male factor patients aged >35 with three or fewer oocytes retrieved.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Reproductive centre of a university-affiliated hospital in China.

Role of Curcuma longae Rhizoma in medical applications: research challenges and opportunities.

Curcuma longae Rhizoma, commonly known as turmeric, is extensively utilized not only in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) but also across various traditional medicine systems worldwide. It is renowned for its effectiveness in removing blood stasis, promoting blood circulation, and relieving pain. The primary bioactive metabolites of Curcuma longae Rhizoma-curcumin, β-elemene, curcumol, and curdione-have been extensively studied for their pharmacological benefits.

[Impacts of ODF2 gene knockdown on the sperm motility and fertility of male mice].

Objective: To investigate the knockdown of the outer dense fiber protein 2 (ODF2) gene on the sperm motility and fertility of male mice.

Methods: We constructed three knockdown vectors with the target gene ODF2 and one control vector without the target gene. After infecting ICR mice, we determined the vector with the best knockdown effect by RT-PCR and Western blot and reinfected the mice with it.

Brief and long co-incubation of sperm and oocytes for in vitro fertilization: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: There is still no consensus on the optimal time of oocyte-sperm co-incubation during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the effects of brief (1-6 h) and long (16-24 h) gametes co-incubation time on IVF outcomes.

Methods: The study protocol was registered online through PROSPERO (CRD42022337503) and PRISMA guidelines were followed in the present study.

Role of lncRNAs in the pathogenic mechanism of human decreased ovarian reserve.

Decreased ovarian reserve (DOR) is defined as a decrease in the quality and quantity of oocytes, which reduces ovarian endocrine function and female fertility. The impaired follicular development and accelerated follicle atresia lead to a decrease in the number of follicles, while the decline of oocyte quality is related to the disorder of DNA damage-repair, oxidative stress, and the dysfunction of mitochondria. Although the mechanism of DOR is still unclear, recent studies have found that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) as a group of functional RNA molecules participate in the regulation of ovarian function, especially in the differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells in the ovary.

Estradiol pretreatment in GnRH antagonist protocol for IVF/ICSI treatment.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all published data to determine the impact of estradiol pretreatment on reproductive outcomes and ovary stimulation characteristics for fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched, and any randomized controlled trials associated with estradiol pretreatment in GnRH antagonist protocol were included. Seven studies (1,236 patients) were included in the present study.

Therapeutic approaches to colorectal cancer strategies based on modulation of gut microbiota.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third in terms of global incidence and second in terms of death toll among malignant tumors. Gut microbiota are involved in the formation, development, and responses to different treatments of CRC. Under normal physiological conditions, intestinal microorganisms protect the intestinal mucosa, resist pathogen invasion, and regulate the proliferation of intestinal mucosal cells via a barrier effect and inhibition of DNA damage.

Heterotopic Pregnancy Secondary to Fertilization-Embryo Transfer: Risk Factors and Pregnancy Outcomes.

Background: With the widespread application of assisted reproduction technology (ART) and increased pelvic inflammatory disease, the incidence of heterotopic pregnancy (HP) has risen. However, the risk factors and treatment of HP remain indefinite.

Objectives: To explore risk factors affecting the incidence of HP secondary to fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and pregnancy outcomes after surgical treatment of HP.

Regulatory function of DNA methylation mediated lncRNAs in gastric cancer.

As one of the most common malignancies worldwide, gastric cancer contributes to cancer death with a high mortality rate partly responsible for its out-of-control progression as well as limited diagnosis. DNA methylation, one of the epigenetic events, plays an essential role in the carcinogenesis of many cancers, including gastric cancer. Long non-coding RNAs have emerged as the significant factors in the cancer progression functioned as the oncogene genes, the suppressor genes and regulators of signaling pathways over the decade.

Conservative surgical and drug therapies for adenomyosis Medicine.

Adenomyosis is a benign invasion/infiltration of endometrial glands and stroma in the uterine myometrium. The optimal choice of adenomyosis treatment remains a subject of discussion. For patients with adenomyosis without fertility requirements, hysterectomy can be performed by laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery to eliminate symptoms.

Recent Advances in Treatment of Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion.

Importance: Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a distressing condition experienced by approximately 1% of women trying to conceive. However, the treatment of RSA is a challenge both for clinicians and patients.

Objective: The aim of this review is to discuss the medical and surgical approach to the management of RSA, including those caused by anatomical, genetic, male, infectious, endocrine, and immune factors.

Identification of a heterozygous variant of ZP2 as a novel cause of empty follicle syndrome in humans and mice.

Study Question: Is a recurrent heterozygous mutation in ZP2, c.1925G>A (p.R642Q), associated with the Empty follicle syndrome (EFS)?

Summary Answer: ZP2, c.

Revisiting Lung Cancer Metastasis: Insight From the Functions of Long Non-coding RNAs.

Globally, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths. After diagnosis at all stages, <7% of patients survive for 10 years. Thus, diagnosis at later stages and the lack of effective and personalized drugs reflect a significant need to better understand the mechanisms underpinning lung cancer progression.

LncRNA as a multifunctional regulator in cancer multi-drug resistance.

Background: Malignant tumors have become the most dangerous disease in recent years. Chemotherapy is the most effective treatment for this disease; however, the problem of drug resistance has become even more common, which leads to the poor prognosis of patients suffering from cancers. Thus, necessary measures should be taken to address these problems at the earliest.

The Crosstalk Between Long Non-Coding RNAs and Various Types of Death in Cancer Cells.

With the increasing aging population, cancer has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and the number of cancer cases and deaths is only anticipated to grow further. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are closely associated with the expression level of downstream genes and various types of bioactivity, are regarded as one of the key regulators of cancer cell proliferation and death. Cell death, including apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, plays a vital role in the progression of cancer.

Regulatory Mechanisms of LncRNAs in Cancer Glycolysis: Facts and Perspectives.

Cancer cells exhibit distinct metabolic characteristics that employ glycolysis to provide energy and intermediary metabolites. This aberrant metabolic phenotype favors cancer progression. LncRNAs are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that do not encode proteins.

Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Combined With Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation in Treatment of Unresponsive Thin Endometrium in Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles.

This trial was designed to assess the treatment effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on thin endometrium in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Ninety-nine patients with previous cancellations of embryo transfer were included, 56 of whom were prospectively treated with intrauterine perfusion of G-CSF in subsequent FET cycles. The selected patients were randomized into the G-CSF perfusion only group and the G-CSF perfusion combined with TEAS group.

The Immunomodulatory Effect of the Gut Microbiota in Kidney Disease.

The human gut microbiota is a complex cluster composed of 100 trillion microorganisms, which holds a symbiotic relationship with the host under normal circumstances. Intestinal flora can facilitate the treatment of human metabolic dysfunctions and interact with the intestinal tract, which could influence intestinal tolerance, immunity, and sensitivity to inflammation. In recent years, significant interests have evolved on the association of intestinal microbiota and kidney diseases within the academic circle.

PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade-based combinational treatment: Immunotherapeutic amplification strategies against colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumours of the digestive system, and most patients are already in an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. Moreover, current single-use immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors, are only effective for some advanced CRC patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), and most patients may be unable to benefit from it due to a lack of CD8 T cells in the tumour microenvironment. Additionally, the subtype of CRC has emerged as a factor affecting treatment responses, with immunogenic subtypes carrying a better prognosis.

Baicalin triggers apoptosis, inhibits migration, and enhances anti-tumor immunity in colorectal cancer via TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Aberrant activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is closely implicated in colorectal cancer (CRC) growth, metastasis, and immune escape. In the present study, we reported natural derived compound of baicalin (BA), an efficient inhibitor of NF-κB, with good anti-tumor effect on CRC. CCK8 and colony formation assays showed that Baicalin significantly inhibit viability and proliferation in HCT-116 and CT26 cells.

Chlorogenic acid induces apoptosis, inhibits metastasis and improves antitumor immunity in breast cancer via the NF‑κB signaling pathway.

Breast cancer which is the most common type of diagnosed cancer among women worldwide possesses metastatic potential, multi‑drug resistance, and high mortality. The NF‑κB signaling pathway has been revealed to be abnormally activated in breast cancer cells and closely associated with high metastasis and poor prognosis. In the present study, it was reported that chlorogenic acid (CGA), a potent NF‑κB inhibitor derived from coffee, exerted antitumor activity in breast cancer.

Icariin-induced inhibition of SIRT6/NF-κB triggers redox mediated apoptosis and enhances anti-tumor immunity in triple-negative breast cancer.

Abnormal activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is closely implicated in triple-negative breast cancer growth, metastasis, and tumor immune escape. In this study, the anti-cancer effects of icariin, a natural flavonol glycoside, toward breast cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. This investigation showed that icariin selectively inhibited proliferation and triggered apoptosis in breast cancer cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, but exhibited little cytotoxicity in normal breast cells.

The Therapeutic Effect of Stem Cells on Chemotherapy-Induced Premature Ovarian Failure.

Premature ovarian failure (POF) refers to ovarian dysfunction in women under 40 years old. It is characterized by low estrogen, high gonadotropin, amenorrhea, and infertility, which seriously affect physical and mental health of women. The pathogenic factors of POF include iatrogenic factors, autoimmune factors, genetic factors, oxidative stress, infection, thyroid dysfunction, and adrenal diseases.