Hydrogel cross-linking-programmed release of nitric oxide regulates source-dependent angiogenic behaviors of human mesenchymal stem cell

Angiogenesis is stimulated by nitric oxide (NO) production in endothelial cells (ECs). Although proangiogenic actions of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have been extensively studied, the mechanistic role of NO in this action remains obscure. Here, we used a gelatin hydrogel that releases NO upon crosslinking by a transglutaminase reaction ("NO gel"). Then, the source-specific behaviors of bone marrow versus adipose tissue-derived hMSCs (BMSCs versus ADSCs) were monitored in the NO gels. NO inhibition resulted in significant decreases in their angiogenic activities. The NO gel induced pericyte-like characteristics in BMSCs in contrast to EC differentiation in ADSCs, as evidenced by tube stabilization versus tube formation, 3D colocalization versus 2D coformation with EC tube networks, pericyte-like wound healing versus EC-like vasculogenesis in gel plugs, and pericyte versus EC marker production. These results provide previously unidentified insights into the effects of NO in regulating hMSC source-specific angiogenic mechanisms and their therapeutic applications. Copyright © 2020 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial License 4.0 (CC BY-NC).ope

Comparison of ICSI Outcomes between Fresh and Cryopreserved-Thawed Testicular Spermatozoa

Objective: To compare the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with fresh and cryopreserved-thawed testicular spermatozoa in patients with azoospermia. Methods: One hundred and nine cycles (66 couples) where ICSI was planned with fresh or cryopreserved-thawed testicular spermatozoa were included in this study; Ninety two cycles (61 couples) with fresh testicular spermatozoa (fresh group) and seventeen cycles (13 couples) with cryopreserved-thawed testicular spermatozoa (cryopreserved-thawed group). We compared ICSI outcomes such as fertilization rate, implantation rate, pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate, which were statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher's exact test, where appropriate. Results: In 9 out of the 92 cycles where ICSI was planned with fresh testicular spermatozoa, testicular spermatozoa could not be retrieved. Fertilization rate tended to be higher in the fresh group than in the cryopreserved-thawed group ($58.0{\pm}27.8$ vs. $45.9{\pm}25.0$, p=0.076). The number of high quality embryos was significantly higher in the fresh group ($0.9{\pm}1.2$ vs. $0.2{\pm}0.5$, p=0.002). However, there were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate and miscarriage rate between the two groups. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that although the use of cryopreserved-thawed testicular sperm for ICSI in patients with azoospermia may reduce fertilization capacity and embryo quality, it may not affect pregnancy rate, implantation rate and miscarriage rate. If testicular sperm can be obtained before ICSI procedure, the use of cryopreserved-thawed testicular sperm may also avoid unnecessary controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and cancellation of oocyte retrieval when spermatozoa cannot be retrieved as well as damage on testicular function by repeated TESEope

Cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos for fertility preservation

Background: In recent years, the demand for fertility preservation for both oncologic and nononcologic reasons, as well as for personal reasons, has increased dramatically. Current Concepts: Currently, embryo and oocyte cryopreservation after ovarian stimulation are the mainstays of fertility preservation treatment in women. Embryo cryopreservation is an established and the most successful method of fertility preservation when sufficient time (approximately 2 weeks) is available to perform ovarian stimulation. Recent advances in freezing techniques (vitrification) have significantly improved the outcomes from oocyte cryopreservation that are comparable with those from embryo cryopreservation. Discussion and Conclusion: This review focuses on the indications for the two techniques of fertility preservation and their results. For women to receive timely opportunities to preserve fertility, it is necessary to raise awareness among all medical departments and the public.ope

Two cases of catamenial pneumothorax

Endometriosis is usually found in pelvic cavity such as in ovary. But, endometriosis has been described in other organs, although rare, such as intestine, kidney, lung, liver, gall bladder, and pancreas. Catamenial pneumothorax is defined as a recurrent pneumothorax within 72 hours of onset of menstruation and it is a rare cause of spontaneous pneumothorax. We, hereby, report two cases of successfully treated catamenial pneumothorax by gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist with progestin or oral pill after surgical treatment.ope

Single-port access laparoscopic ovarian transposition and cryopreservation of ovarian tissue before chemo-radiotherapy in a young woman with rectal cancer

To introduce the first case of single-port access (SPA) laparoscopic ovarian transposition (LOT) and cryopreservation of ovarian tissue before chemo-radiotherapy in a young woman with rectal cancer. We report our experience of SPA-LOT and cryopreservation of ovarian tissue with only minimal skin incision. Patient successfully underwent SPA-LOT and cryopreservation of ovarian tissue before chemo-radiotherapy in a reasonable time without operative complication in order to relocate their ovaries outside the radiation field. A concomitant ovarian wedge resection was performed for ovarian cryopreservation. After surgery and chemo-radiotherapy, she continued to have regular menstrual cycles. For a preservation of ovarian function, SPA-LOT and cryopreservation of ovarian tissue before chemo-radiotherapy is feasible with only minimal skin incision.ope

Factors affecting fertility and preconceptional counselling

Subfertility is a prevalent problem and has significant consequences for individual, families, and with wider community. Currently, there are no uniform counseling guidelines or evidence-based recommendation available. People’s chances of having a healthy, live birth may be affected by factors such as age, weight, diet, smoking, other substances, environmental factors, medical conditions, medications and family medical history. This review focuses on the impact of potentially modifiable lifestyle factors affecting fertility in the general population and the infertile population. Advice on modifiable lifestyle factors should be given to people considering a family or presenting for infertility treatment may improve their chances of conception and delivering a healthy, live baby.ope

Guidelines for management of endometriosis.

Endometriosis is an enigmatic disease characterized by development of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus, causing pain and infertility. This guideline will provide evidence based information concerning diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. Constructive dialogue should allow patients to be able to trust the advice given by their practitioner as they will be confident that they have and will be able to use this guideline to inform this decision-making process. This guideline has been developed with the aim of providing guidance on endometriosis. The effectiveness of the various treatments as well as their risks and benefits are discussed in relation to their use in the treatment of endometriosis. We wish the information contained in this guideline will help clinicians reach a reasonable and beneficial decision with the up-to-date information.ope

Management of Endometriosis-Associated Infertility

Endometriosis is a common, chronic disease. Patients typically present with pelvic pain, infertility, and/or an adnexal mass. Results from the limited number of studies that have been published indicate that the true prevalence of endometriosis, along with the associated infertility, has been increasing. Debates about infertility management arise from the contradiction between the contraceptive nature of medical treatments for endometriosis and the unpredictable ovarian reserve after surgery. There is moderate quality evidence that surgery increases clinical pregnancy rate and live birth in minimal to mild endometriosis. However, insufficient evidences which supports the effect of surgery in moderate to severe endometriosis in term of subfertility. On this basis, artificial reproductive technologies have been become the most efficient way of overcoming endometriosisassociated infertility, particularly in stage III/IV endometriosis. The objective of this paper is to review recent trends in endometriosis, from the pathophysiology of the disease to the management of infertility.ope

Diagnosis of an indistinct Leydig cell tumor by positron emission tomography-computed tomography

A 51-year-old perimenopausal female patient presented with hirsutism and voice thickening which was started approximately one and a half years ago. Her initial hormone assay revealed elevated plasma testosterone, 5a-dihydrotestosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels and therefore androgen-secreting tumor was first suspected. However, the lesion was inconspicuous on transvaginal sonography, abdominal-pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan, and pelvic magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging. Consequently, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-CT was performed, which localized the lesion as a focal FDG uptake within the right adnexa. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed, and although visible gross mass lesions were not observed intraoperatively, pure Leydig cell tumor was pathologically confirmed within the right ovary. Plasma testosterone, 5a-dihydrotestosterone, and DHEA levels were normalized postoperatively. Clinical signs of virilization were also significantly resolved after 3-months of follow-up.ope