Effects of high-altitude hypoxia on embryonic developmental potential in women undergoing IVF/ICSI procedures.

Purpose: In this study we examined the effects of long-term adaptation to hypoxia on embryonic developmental potential of oocytes collected from women who underwent IVF/ICSI procedures.

Methods: We selected young infertile women who lived in a low-altitude normoxic environment (n = 80, altitude < 500 m) or high-altitude hypoxic environment (n = 100, altitude > 2500 m) for a lengthy period of time and who planned to undergo IVF/ICSI procedures. We then determined the baseline reproductive hormone levels, gonadotropin (Gn) dose and Gn treatment duration during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), number of oocytes retrieved, number of mature oocytes, oocyte maturation rate, fertilization rate, normal fertilization rate, day (D3) embryo-formation rate, blastocyst formation rate, good-quality formation rate, D5 blastocyst formation rate, and D6 blastocyst formation rate between the two groups.

Effect of BMP-Wnt-Nodal signal on stem cell differentiation.

The generation of germ cells from embryonic stem cells in vitro has current historical significance. Western blot, qPCR, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry assays were used to investigate the differences in expression levels of totipotency and specific markers for Wnt regulation and the related signalling pathways during primordial germ cell-like cell (PGCLC) induction and differentiation. During PGCLC induction, activation of WNT3a increased the expression of NANOG, SOX2 and OCT4, but Mvh, DAZL, Blimp1, TFAP2C, Gata4, SOX17, EOMES, Brachyury and PRDM1 expression levels were significantly reduced.

MiR-140 targets RAP2A to enable the proliferation of insulin-treated ovarian granulosa cells.

Background: We elucidated the role of specific MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and explained the changes in the proliferation of granulosa cells. Excised ovarian cortex specimens were collected for miRNA profiling analysis (n = 20 PCOS females and 5 non-PCOS females). Insulin-treated ovarian granulosa cells isolated from mice were used for mechanical studies.

Establishment of a feeder and serum-free culture system for human embryonic stem cells.

Stem cells are an immortal cell population capable of self-renewal; they are essential for human development and ageing and are a major focus of research in regenerative medicine. Despite considerable progress in differentiation of stem cells in vitro, culture conditions require further optimization to maximize the potential for multicellular differentiation during expansion. The aim of this study was to develop a feeder-free, serum-free culture method for human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), to establish optimal conditions for hESC proliferation, and to determine the biological characteristics of the resulting hESCs.

AQP8 and AQP9 expression in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and its association with fertilization-embryo transfer outcomes.

The aim of the present study was to investigate aquaporin (AQP)8 and AQP9 expression in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its association with fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) outcomes. A total of 45 patients with PCOS undergoing IVF-ET (test group) and 50 patients with oviduct obstruction or ovarian cyst (control group) were assessed for the mRNA expression of AQP8 and AQP9 in ovarian tissues by reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q)PCR. The levels of luteinizing hormone, anti-mullerian hormone and testosterone were determined, which were revealed to be significantly different between the two groups (P<0.

[Influence of basic thyroid-stimulating hormone levels on outcomes of IVF/ICSI in Qinghai].

Objective: To study basic thyroid stimulating hormone (bTSH) levels impact on outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in Qinghai.

Methods: Totally 282 cases with IVF cycles and 93 cases with ICSI cycles were studied prospectively, according to bTSH level, patients were divided into four groups. Reproduction rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate and live birth rate were studied among four groups.

Pregnant phenotype in aquaporin 8-deficient mice.

Aim: Aquaporin 8 (AQP8) is expressed within the female reproductive system but its physiological function reminds to be elucidated. This study investigates the role of AQP8 during pregnancy using AQP8-knockout (AQP8-KO) mice.

Methods: Homozygous AQP8-KO mice were mated, and the conception rate was recorded.

Maternal-fetal fluid balance and aquaporins: from molecule to physiology.

Maternal-fetal fluid balance is critical during pregnancy, and amniotic fluid is essential for fetal growth and development. The placenta plays a key role in a successful pregnancy as the interface between the mother and her fetus. Aquaporins (AQPs) form specific water channels that allow the rapid transcellular movement of water in response to osmotic/hydrostatic pressure gradients.

[Expression of aquaporin-1 in human oligohydramnios placenta and fetal membranes].

Objective: To detect aquaporin-1 mRNA (AQP1) expression in human oligohydramnios placenta and fetal membranes.

Methods: Placenta and fetal membranes samples were obtained from 5 women with oligohydramnios and 5 with normal amniotic fluid volume. AQP-1 mRNA expression in the tissue samples was detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.