Transcriptome Landscape of Human Folliculogenesis Reveals Oocyte and Granulosa Cell Interactions.

The dynamic transcriptional regulation and interactions of human germlines and surrounding somatic cells during folliculogenesis remain unknown. Using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of human oocytes and corresponding granulosa cells (GCs) spanning five follicular stages, we revealed unique features in transcriptional machinery, transcription factor networks, and reciprocal interactions in human oocytes and GCs that displayed developmental-stage-specific expression patterns. Notably, we identified specific gene signatures of two cell types in particular developmental stage that may reflect developmental competency and ovarian reserve.

Combination of the non-invasive tests for the diagnosis of endometriosis.

Background: About 10% of women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis, a costly chronic disease causing pelvic pain and subfertility. Laparoscopy is the gold standard diagnostic test for endometriosis, but is expensive and carries surgical risks. Currently, there are no non-invasive tests available in clinical practice to accurately diagnose endometriosis.

Blood biomarkers for the non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis.

Background: About 10% of reproductive-aged women suffer from endometriosis, a costly chronic disease causing pelvic pain and subfertility. Laparoscopy is the gold standard diagnostic test for endometriosis, but is expensive and carries surgical risks. Currently, there are no non-invasive or minimally invasive tests available in clinical practice to accurately diagnose endometriosis.

Endometrial biomarkers for the non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis.

Background: About 10% of reproductive-aged women suffer from endometriosis, which is a costly, chronic disease that causes pelvic pain and subfertility. Laparoscopy is the gold standard diagnostic test for endometriosis, but it is expensive and carries surgical risks. Currently, there are no non-invasive tests available in clinical practice that accurately diagnose endometriosis.

Imaging modalities for the non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis.

Background: About 10% of women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis. Endometriosis is a costly chronic disease that causes pelvic pain and subfertility. Laparoscopy, the gold standard diagnostic test for endometriosis, is expensive and carries surgical risks.

Urinary biomarkers for the non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis.

Background: About 10% of reproductive-aged women suffer from endometriosis which is a costly chronic disease that causes pelvic pain and subfertility. Laparoscopy is the 'gold standard' diagnostic test for endometriosis, but it is expensive and carries surgical risks. Currently, there are no simple non-invasive or minimally-invasive tests available in clinical practice that accurately diagnoses endometriosis.

Lifestyle factors in people seeking infertility treatment - A review.

Background: Clinical infertility is a prevalent problem with significant financial and psychosocial costs. Modifiable lifestyle factors exist that may affect a person's time to conception and their chance of having a healthy, live birth. However, no guideline delineates what preconception advice should be offered to people presenting for infertility treatment.

The association between supra-physiological levels of estradiol and response patterns to experimental pain.

The precise mechanism by which gonadal hormones influence pain perception is still obscure. However, no studies have examined experimental pain responses at supra-physiological hormone levels. This study explored the influence of pharmacological estradiol (E2) levels on the stability of pain perception obtained via quantitative sensory testing.

Androgens and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Purpose Of Review: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common complex endocrine genetic disorder, which involves overproduction of androgens, leading to heterogeneous range of symptoms and associated with increased metabolic and cardiovascular morbidity. This review focuses on androgen biosynthesis, use, metabolism in PCOS and clinical consequences of hyperandrogenism.

Recent Findings: Controversial definition of the disorder and different phenotypic subgroups present a challenge for clinical and basic research.

Fetal heart rate patterns and neurodevelopmental outcome in very low birth weight infants.

Background: To evaluate the validity of fetal heart rate monitoring during the last hour prior to birth, as a predictor of long term neurodevelopmental outcome of very low birth weight infants.

Methods: A total of 111 very low birth weight infants were included in the study. Fetal heart rate tracings were obtained during the last hour prior to delivery.