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Topic Review
CatSper in Mammalian Sperm
After sperm enter the female reproductive tract, the physicochemical and biochemical microenvironment undergoes significant changes. In particular, the large changes in various ions encountered by sperm may alter the physiology of sperm, ultimately compromising capacitation and fertilization. Thus, the rapid response to environmental variations is vital for sperm functions. For example, Calcium, the most crucial ion for sperm functions, enters into sperm via Ca2+ permeable ion channels. The cation channel of sperm (CatSper) is a sperm-specific, pH-sensitive, and Ca2+-permeable ion channel. It is responsible for the predominant Ca2+ entry in mammalian sperm and is involved in nearly every event of sperm to acquire fertilizing capability. In addition, CatSper also serves as a pivotal polymodal chemosensor in mammalian sperm by responding to multiple chemical cues. Physiological chemicals (such as progesterone, prostaglandins, β-defensins, and odorants) provoke Ca2+ entry into sperm by activating CatSper and thus triggering sperm functions.
  • 113
  • 01 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Chlorogenic Acid on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a powerful antioxidant polyphenol molecule found in many diets and liquid beverages, playing a preventive and therapeutic role in various diseases caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. Recent research has found that CGA can not only improve clinical symptoms in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients but also improve follicular development, hormone status, and oxidative stress in PCOS rats, indicating the therapeutic effect of CGA on PCOS.
  • 274
  • 12 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Chromium Picolinate on Testicular Steroidogenesis and Antioxidant Balance
Reduced testosterone (T) levels significantly contribute to male infertility, as this hormone plays a vital role in various functions throughout the male reproductive system. T is produced in the Leydig cells (LC) via testicular steroidogenesis. Dysfunctional LC can impair steroid synthesis and therefore fertility. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are noteworthy factors influencing steroidogenesis by interfering with hormonal signaling. The heavy metal chromium is classified as an EDC, existing as hexavalent (Cr(VI)) and trivalent chromium (Cr(III)). Despite the debate surrounding Cr(III), chromium picolinate (CrPic3), is used as a nutritional supplement due to its antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. Detrimental effects of CrPic3 on LC encompass enzyme inhibition in steroidogenesis and, while in other cell types, it was found to induce of mutagenesis and apoptosis. Notably, CrPic3 influences male fertility through modifications in reactive oxygen species, T levels, and sperm parameters (e.g., sperm motility and abnormal sperm count). Nonetheless, major gaps and inconsistencies exist in literature concerning its effects on male fertility. Thus, more research is essential to comprehend the mechanisms in which CrPic3 is involved that may be relevant to male fertility, ensuring the safety of this supplement for man.
  • 112
  • 11 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Coenzyme Q10 and Oocyte Quality
Acquiring oocyte competence requires optimal mitochondrial function and adequate ATP levels. In this context, CoQ10 supplementation may improve human oocyte quality and subsequent reproductive performance given its role in ATP synthesis and mitochondrial protection from ROS oxidative damage. In infertility treatments, CoQ10 therapy can be orally supplied to promote a more favorable environment for oocyte development in vivo or by its addition to culture media in an attempt to improve its quality in vitro. 
  • 927
  • 16 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Contemporary Use of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has been used for severe male factor infertility and non-male factors, such as unexplained infertility or advanced maternal age, without robust scientific evidence. However, applying ICSI blindly is not free of potential detrimental consequences since novel studies report possible health consequences to offspring. DNA methylation and epigenetic alterations in sperm cells of infertile men might help explain some of the adverse effects reported in ICSI studies on reproductive health in future generations. 
  • 472
  • 17 May 2022
Topic Review
Cryopreservation of Human Spermatozoa
Cryopreservation is an expanding strategy to allow not only fertility preservation for individuals who need such procedures because of gonadotoxic treatments, active duty in dangerous occupations or social reasons and gamete donation for couples where conception is denied, but also for animal breeding and preservation of endangered animal species. 
  • 319
  • 17 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Early Fetal Growth Restriction
Early fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a complex and multifactorial disorder affecting fetal development. Most cases are related to uteroplacental dysfunction, while non-placental etiologies include chromosomal/genetic anomalies, congenital infections and inborn errors of metabolism.
  • 517
  • 27 May 2021
Topic Review
Ejaculatory Abstinence Interval
A shorter than routinely recommended at present (up to seven days based on the WHO Manual) ejaculatory abstinence interval may result in improved sperm parameters, such as sperm DNA fragmentation, progressive motility or morphology with a potential clinical benefit in IVF/ICSI cycles. In this regard, patients should be discouraged from abstaining for a prolonged time due to the potential negative impact on both semen parameters and clinical outcomes. Further studies to better define the optimum abstinence interval within the SAP are urgently warranted.
  • 656
  • 25 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Embryonic-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Embryo–Endometrial Communication
Embryo–endometrial communication plays a critical role in embryo implantation and the establishment of a successful pregnancy. Successful pregnancy outcomes involve maternal immune modulation during embryo implantation. The endometrium is usually primed and immunomodulated by steroid hormones and embryo signals for subsequent embryo implantation and the maintenance of pregnancy. Evidence shows that endometrial EVs and trophectoderm-originated EV cargo, including microRNAs, proteins, and lipids in the physiological microenvironment, regulate maternal immunomodulation for embryo implantation and subsequent pregnancy. On the other hand, trophoblast-derived EVs also control the cross-communication between the trophoblasts and immune cells. The exploration of EV functions and mechanisms in the processes of embryo implantation and pregnancy will shed light on a practical tool for the diagnostic or therapeutic approaches to reproductive medicine and infertility.
  • 401
  • 16 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Endometrial regulation by miRNA
The human endometrium is the only tissue that undergoes cyclic monthly structural modifications including proliferation, differentiation and shedding of the superficial layer during the so-called menstrual phase. During the proliferative phase, from day 1 of menses to ovulation day, the superficial layer regenerates from the basal layer under the action of estradiol. In the secretory phase, progesterone induces decidualization in the estradiol-primed endometrium, a crucial step for embryo implantation. These structural and functional modifications at the cellular and intercellular levels are finely orchestrated by numerous extrinsic and intrinsic factors. The molecular responses to hormonal stimuli are modulated at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional stages. Imbalance in cellular and molecular endometrial homeostasis may lead to gynecological disorders such as endometriosis, implantation failure, and endometrial cancer.
  • 347
  • 17 Aug 2021
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