19 research outputs found
A transcriptomal analysis of bovine oviductal epithelial cells collected during the follicular phase versus the luteal phase of the estrous cycle
BACKGROUND: Reproductive success depends on a functional oviduct for gamete storage, maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. The ovarian-derived steroids estrogen and progesterone are key regulators of oviductal function. The objective of this study was to investigate luteal and follicular phase-specific oviductal epithelial cell function by using microarray-based transcriptional profiling, to increase our understanding of mRNAs regulating epithelial cell processes, and to identify novel genes and biochemical pathways that may be found to affect fertility in the future. METHODS: Six normally cycling Angus heifers were assigned to either luteal phase (LP, nâ=â3) or follicular phase (FP, nâ=â3) treatment groups. Heifers in the LP group were killed between day 11 and 12 after estrus. Heifers in the FP group were treated with 25 mg PGF(2α) (Lutalyse, Pfizer, NY) at 8 pm on day 6 after estrus and killed 36 h later. Transcriptional profiling by microarray and confirmation of selected mRNAs by real-time RT-PCR analyses was performed using total RNA from epithelial cells isolated from sections of the ampulla and isthmus collected from LP and FP treatment groups. Differentially expressed genes were subjected to gene ontology classification and bioinformatic pathway analyses. RESULTS: Statistical one-way ANOVA using Benjamini-hochberg multiple testing correction for false discovery rate (FDR) and pairwise comparison of epithelial cells in the ampulla of FP versus LP groups revealed 972 and 597 transcripts up- and down-regulated, respectively (Pâ<â0.05). Within epithelial cells of the isthmus in FP versus LP groups, 946 and 817 transcripts were up- and down-regulated, respectively (Pâ<â0.05). Up-regulated genes from both ampulla and isthmus were found to be largely involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and cell cycle pathways, while down-regulated genes were found in numerous inflammatory response pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Microarray-based transcriptional profiling revealed phase of the cycle-dependent changes in the expression of mRNA within the epithelium of the oviductsâ ampulla and isthmus. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12958-015-0077-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users
Glycoprotein 130 promotes human blastocyst development in vitro
Objective: To investigate the efficacy of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and/or glycoprotein 130 Design: Laboratory study. Setting: University hospital-based IVF clinic. Patient(s): A total of 164 frozen embryos that survived thawing were cultured in media supplemented Intervention(s): Morphological development was evaluated by light microscopy. Protein expression Main Outcome Measure(s): Embryo development and protein content. Result(s): Addition of gp130 to culture media improved blastocyst formation (73% vs. 43%). Addition of Conclusion(s): Glycoprotein 130, but not LIF, seems to be beneficial for preimplantation embry
Survey shows that Swedish healthcare professionals have a positive attitude towards surrogacy but the health of the child is a concern
AimIn February 2016, Sweden upheld its ban on surrogacy following a Government enquiry. This survey investigated attitudes towards surrogacy among primary health professionals working with children and their experiences of working with families following surrogacy abroad. MethodsFrom April to November 2016, nurses, physicians and psychologist working in primary child health care in four counties in Sweden were invited to participate in a cross-sectional online survey about surrogacy. ResultsThe mean age of the 208 participants was 49.2years (range 27-68) and nearly 91% were women. Approximately 60% supported legalised surrogacy. Wanting a conscience clause to be introduced in Sweden was associated with not supporting surrogacy for any groups, while personal experiences of infertility and clinical experiences with families following surrogacy were associated with positive attitudes towards surrogacy for heterosexual couples. The majority (64%) disagreed that surrogate children were as healthy as other children, and many believed that they risked worse mental health (21%) and social stigmatisation (21%). ConclusionWe found that 60% supported legalised surrogacy, but many expressed concerns about the childrens health and greater knowledge about the medical and psychosocial consequences of surrogacy is needed.Funding Agencies|Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare</p
Attitudes about donor information differ greatly between IVF couples using their own gametes and those receiving or donating oocytes or sperm
Protein and Steroid Profiles in Follicular Fluid after Ovarian Hyperstimulation as Potential Biomarkers of IVF Outcome
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation is performed to assist
with
generation of multiple mature oocytes for use in <i>in vitro</i> fertilization (IVF). The goal of our study was to evaluate differences
in protein and steroid profiles in ovarian follicular fluid (hFF)
samples obtained during oocyte retrieval from women undergoing IVF
treatment and to identify physiological pathways associated with the
proteins. The hFF samples were depleted of abundant proteins, fractionated
by ultrafiltration, digested, and analyzed by nano-LCâQTOF.
Concentrations of 15 endogenous steroids were determined in the samples
using LCâMS/MS methods. The total number of proteins identified
in the samples was 75, of which 4, 7, and 2 were unique to the samples
from women with viable pregnancy, miscarriage, and no pregnancy, respectively.
Identified proteins were associated with the acute response signaling,
coagulation system, intrinsic and extrinsic prothrombin activation,
complement system, neuroprotective role of THOP1, FXR/RXR activation,
role of tissue factor, and growth hormone pathways. A greater number
of proteins associated with biosynthesis was found in hFF samples
corresponding to the oocytes resulting in pregnancy. The abundance
of seven proteins was found to be associated with steroidogenesis.
The obtained data will contribute to better understanding of the pathogenesis
and development of noninvasive markers for assessment of oocytes viability
Training of the gynaecological examination in The Netherlands.
Item does not contain fulltextBACKGROUND: Competent performance of the gynaecological examination requires good technical and interpersonal skills, which are best mastered in an educationally sound atmosphere. Research has shown that effective teaching sessions of the gynaecological examination require the presence of gynaecological educated professional patients. But to what extent is this methodology currently used at Medical Schools? Currently there is no overview of how this type of training is provided by the eight Dutch medical schools. OBJECTIVES: To describe design, content and problems encountered in relation to gynaecological examination training in medical education in The Netherlands. DESIGN: Descriptive pilot study with a written questionnaire. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: The coordinators of gynaecological skills teaching of all eight Dutch Medical schools. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The questions addressed aim, preparation, format, content, organization and evaluation of training. RESULTS: After a reminder all eight coordinators returned the survey. Objectives varied between schools. Some schools focus on technical skills whereas other schools place emphasis on overcoming students' shyness towards this intimate examination. Some schools pay special attention to students' attitudes towards women. Training formats differ also. In most schools three-hour training sessions involve two gynaecological educated professional patients and three students. A common problem is the recruitment of gynaecological educated professional patients. Schools do not have formal contacts. CONCLUSIONS: It would be interesting to compare the outcomes of different teaching formats used by the different medical schools, including comparing the differences in the teaching programmes in detail. It is ineffective that there is so little collaboration between the coordinators of the medical schools