Diabetes and Early Development: Epigenetics, Biological Stress, and Aging

Pregestational diabetes, either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, induces structural birth defects including neural tube defects and congenital heart defects in human fetuses. Rodent models of type 1 and type 2 diabetic embryopathy have been established and faithfully mimic human conditions. Hyperglycemia of maternal diabetes triggers oxidative stress in the developing neuroepithelium and the embryonic heart leading to the activation of proapoptotic kinases and excessive cell death. Oxidative stress also activates the unfolded protein response and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Hyperglycemia alters epigenetic landscapes by suppressing histone deacetylation, perturbing microRNA (miRNA) expression, and increasing DNA methylation. At cellular levels, besides the induction of cell apoptosis, hyperglycemia suppresses cell proliferation and induces premature senescence. Stress signaling elicited by maternal diabetes disrupts cellular organelle homeostasis leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial dynamic alteration, and autophagy impairment. Blocking oxidative stress, kinase activation, and cellular senescence ameliorates diabetic embryopathy. Deleting the mir200c gene or restoring mir322 expression abolishes maternal diabetes hyperglycemia-induced senescence and cellular stress, respectively. Both the autophagy activator trehalose and the senomorphic rapamycin can alleviate diabetic embryopathy. Thus, targeting cellular stress, miRNAs, senescence, or restoring autophagy or mitochondrial fusion is a promising approach to prevent poorly controlled maternal diabetes-induced structural birth defects. In this review, we summarize the causal events in diabetic embryopathy and propose preventions for this pathological condition. · Maternal diabetes induces structural birth defects.. · Kinase signaling and cellular organelle stress are critically involved in neural tube defects.. · Maternal diabetes increases DNA methylation and suppresses developmental gene expression.. · Cellular apoptosis and senescence are induced by maternal diabetes in the neuroepithelium.. · microRNAs disrupt mitochondrial fusion leading to congenital heart diseases in diabetic pregnancy..

ST6GALNAC1-mediated sialylation in uterine endometrial epithelium facilitates the epithelium-embryo attachment

INTRODUCTION

Embryo implantation requires synergistic interaction between the embryo and the receptive endometrium. Glycoproteins and glycan-binding proteins are involved in endometrium-embryo attachment. Sialyl Tn (sTn), a truncated O-glycan, is catalyzed by ST6 N-Acetylgalactosaminide Alpha-2,6-Sialyltransferase 1 (ST6GALNAC1) and can be detected by specific Sialic-acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs). Whether the sTn-Siglecs axis supports embryo implantation remains unknown.

OBJECTIVES

This paper aims to study the role of ST6GALNAC1/sTn-Siglecs axis in embryo implantation.

METHODS

ST6GALNAC1 and sTn in human endometrium were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. An in vitro implantation model was conducted to evaluate the effects of ST6GALNAC1/sTn on the receptivity of human endometrial AN3CA cells to JAR spheroids. Immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry analysis was carried out to identify the key proteins modified by sTn in endometrial cells. Siglec-6 in human embryos was analyzed by published single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets. Protein interaction assay was applied to verify the bond between the Siglec-6 with sTn-modified CD44. St6galnac1 siRNAs and anti-sTn antibodies were injected into the uterine horn of the mouse at the pre-implantation stage to evaluate the role of endometrial St6galnac1/sTn in embryo implantation. Siglec-G in murine embryos was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. The function of Siglec-G is evidenced by uterine horn injection and protein interaction assay.

RESULTS

Both human and murine endometrium at the receptive stage exhibit higher ST6GALNAC1 and sTn levels compared to the non-receptive stage. Overexpression of ST6GALNAC1 significantly enhanced the receptivity of AN3CA cells to JAR spheroids. Inhibition of endometrial ST6GALNAC1/sTn substantially impaired embryo implantation in vivo. CD44 was identified as a carrier for sTn in the endometrial cells of both species. Siglec-6 and Siglec-G, expressed in the embryonic trophectoderm, were found to promote embryo attachment, which may be achieved through binding with sTn-modified CD44.

CONCLUSION

ST6GALNAC1-regulated sTn in the endometrium aids in embryo attachment through interaction with trophoblastic Siglecs.

Stem cell-based embryo models: a tool to study early human development

How a mammalian fertilized egg acquires totipotency and develops into a full-term offspring is a fundamental scientific question. Human embryonic development is difficult to study due to limited resources, technical challenges and ethics. Moreover, the precise regulatory mechanism underlying early human embryonic development remains unknown. In recent years, the emergence of stem cell-based embryo models (SCBEM) provides the opportunity to reconstitute pre- to post-implantation development in vitro. These models to some extent mimic the embryo morphologically and transcriptionally, and thus may be used to study key events in mammalian pre- and post-implantation development. Many groups have successfully generated SCBEM of the mouse and human. Here, we provide a comparative review of the mouse and human SCBEM, discuss the capability of these models to mimic natural embryos and give a perspective on their potential future applications.

Chemically defined and xeno-free media enables the derivation of human extended pluripotent stem cell lines from discarded blastocysts with a high efficiency

Human extended pluripotent stem cells (hEPS) had been reported to be derived from discarded blastocysts, whereas the derivation method of hEPS cells was extremely complex in this protocol with feeder and animal serum conditions, which also limited the safety and homogeneity of hEPS. Here, we report an optimized, highly efficient protocol by utilizing chemically defined and xeno-free media for the derivation of human extended pluripotent stem cell lines from discarded blastocysts. With this method, we successfully isolated hEPS cell lines from discarded blastocysts with an efficiency of 46%. Chemically defined and xeno-free media simplified the process of hEPS cell isolation with a higher survival rate of cell aggregation passaging from outgrowth. To our knowledge, this is the first report of hEPS cells being efficiently derived from discarded blastocysts under chemically defined and xeno-free conditions.

Enhancement of endometrial receptivity by Bushen Zhuyun Decoction via cryptotanshinone-mediated TRIM28 induction and HIF-1α suppression

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bushen Zhuyun Decoction (BSZYD), a traditional Chinese remedy, has demonstrated clinical efficacy in the treatment of luteal phase deficiency (LPD), though its mechanistic pathways remain largely undefined.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to elucidate the mechanism by which BSZYD enhances endometrial receptivity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In an LPD rat model induced by RU-486 and treated with BSZYD, molecular markers of endometrial receptivity were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, these markers were analyzed in the RL95-2 human adenocarcinoma cell line following knockdown of Tripartite motif containing 28 (TRIM28). Network pharmacology and UPLC-MS/MS were utilized to identify bioactive components that modulate Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling, followed by validation through molecular docking. The interaction between HIF-1α and TRIM28 was assessed using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and confocal microscopy. The effect of cryptotanshinone on TRIM28 expression was also examined in RL95-2 cells.

RESULTS

BSZYD significantly increased the number of embryo implantation sites and reduced endometrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in LPD rats. TRIM28 was found to be crucial for BSZYD's enhancement of endometrial receptivity. Cryptotanshinone, a key component of BSZYD, downregulated HIF-1α expression in RL95-2 cells. The interaction between HIF-1α and TRIM28 was confirmed both in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, cryptotanshinone mitigated H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, HIF-1α agonist administration attenuated BSZYD's ability to induce TRIM28 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

BSZYD and its bioactive constituent, cryptotanshinone, promote endometrial receptivity by inhibiting HIF-1α and upregulating TRIM28. These findings offer novel molecular targets and pharmacological insights for the prevention and treatment of LPD.

Application of induced pluripotent stem cells in the conservation of endangered animals

The accelerating biodiversity crisis urgently demands innovative approaches that transcend traditional conservation strategies, which are often constrained by genetic bottlenecks and disease risks. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) technology emerges as a transformative solution, enabling non-invasive genetic preservation and multi-pathway species recovery. This review synthesizes advances in reprogramming somatic cells from endangered species into iPSCs through integration-free strategies, such as mRNA, Sendai virus, episomal systems, adenoviruses and chemical induction, thereby reducing genomic instability. We highlight breakthroughs in differentiating iPSCs into functional gametes for assisted reproduction and blastoids formation for embryonic reconstruction, circumventing donor oocyte dependency and genetic homogeneity risks. Despite challenges in lineage specification and epigenetic fidelity, combining iPSC biobanking with ecosystem management enables large-scale genetic rescue. By combining these technologies with ethical frameworks and habitat restoration, the plasticity of cells may be transformed into population resilience, potentially redefining biodiversity conservation.

Theranostic potential of extracellular vesicles in reproductive tracts: implications for recurrent implantation failure

Embryo implantation is a critical step at the beginning of pregnancy, occurring during a specific and limited period known as the "implantation window". Successful implantation involves various signaling pathways and molecular interactions. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in mediating these complex interactions. Different cell types release EVs to transfer signals to other cells or tissues. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests that EVs regulate signaling between the developing embryo and endometrium. In this review, we summarize current findings that highlight the role of EVs in the reproductive tract, gamete production, and their potential roles in embryo development and implantation. We then examine studies emphasizing the role of EVs in embryo-maternal interactions and implantation. Finally, we will explore the theranostic potential of EVs in various aspects of assisted reproductive technology (ART), including modulation of embryo-maternal interactions, enhancement of embryo quality, and improvement of endometrial receptivity. A more comprehensive understanding of EVs in the pathology of recurrent implantation failure could support the development of personalized treatments.

Noninvasive Biomarkers of Human Embryo Developmental Potential

There are two types of noninvasive biomarkers of human embryo developmental potential: those based on a direct assessment of embryo morphology over time and those using spent media after embryo in vitro culture as source of information. Both are derived from previously acquired knowledge on different aspects of pre-implantation embryo development. These aspects include embryo morphology and kinetics, chromosomal ploidy status, metabolism, and embryonic gene transcription, translation, and expression. As to the direct assessment of morphology and kinetics, pertinent data can be obtained by analyzing sequential microscopic images of in vitro cultured embryos. Spent media can serve a source of genomic, metabolomic, transcriptomic and proteomic markers. Methods used in the early pioneering studies, such as microscopy, fluorescence in situ hybridization, autoradiography, electrophoresis and immunoblotting, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, are too subjective, invasive, and/or time-consuming. As such, they are unsuitable for the current in vitro fertilization (IVF) practice, which needs objective, rapid, and noninvasive selection of the best embryo for uterine transfer or cryopreservation. This has been made possible by the use of high-throughput techniques such as time-lapse (for direct embryo evaluation), next-generation sequencing, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, high-performance liquid chromatography, nanoparticle tracking analysis, flow cytometry, mass spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, near-infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (for spent culture media analysis). In this review, individual markers are presented systematically, with each marker's history and current status, including available methodologies, strengths, and limitations, so as to make the essential information accessible to all health professionals, even those whose expertise in the matter is limited.

The causal effects of systemic antioxidant capacity on male infertility: A two-sample mendelian randomization analysis

The present research aimed to assess the potential causal relationship between systemic antioxidant capacity and male infertility using a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach. The primary MR analysis utilized the inverse variance weighted (IVW)method, supplemented by complementary analyses including MR-Egger, weighted mode, simple mode, and weighted median methods. For male infertility, the available summarized data were gained from the open database (IEU OPEN GWAS PROJECT), which includes a total of 680 male patients with infertility and 72,799 controls of European population.10 biomarkers related to systemic antioxidant capacity were examined to investigate their potential association with male infertility, including glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase(SOD), glutathione peroxidase(GPX), catalase (CAT), total bilirubin, albumin, α-tocopherol, ascorbate, retinol, and uric acid. MR analyses using IVW mode revealed that genetically determined systemic antioxidant capacity biomarkers had no causal effects on male infertility risk, including GST(OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 0.91-1.29, P = 0.35), SOD(OR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.66-1.04, P = 0.11), GPX(OR = 1.12, 95%CI: 0.92-1.36,P = 0.26), CAT(OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 0.83-1.29, P = 0.75), total bilirubin(OR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.94-1.01, P = 0.18), albumin(OR = 1.14, 95%CI: 0.73-1.76, P = 0.57), α-tocopherol(OR = 0.56, 95%CI: 0.03-9.38, P = 0.69), ascorbate(OR = 1.06, 95%CI: 0.24-4.60, P = 0.94), retinol(OR = 1.29, 95%CI: 0.34-4.96, P = 0.71), and uric acid (OR = 0.88, 95% CI : 0.67-1.17, P = 0.39). The current study found no significantly causal link between systemic antioxidant capacity and male infertility. Further research with larger sample sizes and data from different ethnicities is needed.

Therapeutic applications of exercise in neurodegenerative diseases: focusing on the mechanism of SIRT1

Neurodegenerative diseases comprise a group of central nervous system disorders marked by progressive neuronal degeneration and dysfunction. Their pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation. Recent research has highlighted the potential of exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention for both the prevention and treatment of these disorders. In particular, exercise has received growing attention for its capacity to upregulate the expression and activity of SIRT1, a critical mediator of neuroprotection via downstream signaling pathways. SIRT1, a key member of the Sirtuin family, is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD +)-dependent class III histone deacetylase. It plays an essential role in regulating cellular metabolism, energy homeostasis, gene expression, and cellular longevity. In the context of neurodegenerative diseases, SIRT1 confers neuroprotection by modulating multiple signaling cascades through deacetylation, suppressing neuronal apoptosis, and promoting neural repair and regeneration. Exercise enhances SIRT1 expression and activity by increasing NAD + synthesis and utilization, improving intracellular redox balance, alleviating oxidative stress-induced inhibition of SIRT1, and thereby promoting its activation. Moreover, exercise may indirectly modulate SIRT1 function by influencing interacting molecular networks. This review summarizes recent advances in the therapeutic application of exercise for neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on SIRT1 as a central mechanism. It examines how exercise mediates neuroprotection through the regulation of SIRT1 and its associated molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways. Finally, the paper discusses the potential applications and challenges of integrating exercise and SIRT1-targeted strategies in the management of neurodegenerative diseases, offering novel perspectives for the development of innovative treatments and improvements in patients' quality of life.

Maternal plasma extracellular vesicles tsRNA as potential biomarkers for assessing preterm labor risk

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous preterm labor (PTL) accounts for approximately 70% of preterm births, posing significant risks to both maternal and neonatal health. Current predictive biomarkers lack sufficient reliability, underscoring the need for non-invasive and dependable indicators. Emerging research indicates that tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are involved in various diseases; however, their potential association with PTL remains underexplored.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analyses of public GEO datasets (PRJNA415953 and PRJNA428989) were conducted to identify tsRNAs associated with PTL. Validation was performed using plasma extracellular vesicles samples collected at 12 weeks of gestation from PTL patients (n = 45) and healthy controls (n = 38). Functional assays were used to assess the impact of tsRNA1 (tRNA-Gly-GCC-5p-tRF-921) on extravillous trophoblast (EVT) function, including apoptosis, migration, invasion, and endothelial-like tube formation in HTR8/SVneo cells. Transcriptomic sequencing was conducted to identify tsRNA1-mediated pathways, and DNA methylation patterns were predicted based on the transcriptomic data. Statistical significance was determined using Student's t-test.

RESULTS

Two tsRNAs, tsRNA1 and tsRNA3 (tRNA-Gly-GCC-5p-tR-half-368), were significantly upregulated in PTL patient samples compared to controls. Overexpression of tsRNA1 impaired EVT function, increased apoptosis, and altered DNA methylation profiles, implicating its critical role in PTL mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies tsRNA1 as a key regulator of EVT dysfunction and placental pathology in PTL. The findings provide novel insights into the mechanistic role of tsRNAs in PTL and highlight tsRNA1 as a promising biomarker for early risk stratification and prediction of the condition.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

The analysis of X chromosome activity of porcine embryonic stem Cells: Study based on parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells with LCDM medium

The derivation of porcine embryonic stem cell (pESC) lines remains a major challenge in this field. To date, the porcine naïve ESCs have yet to be successfully established, and standardized criteria for their characterization and evaluation are still lacking. The regulation of X-chromosome activity integrates information from embryonic development and the dosage of sex chromosomes, which is closely associated with the pluripotent state of embryonic stem cells. In this study, we aimed to establish pESC lines in LCDM medium from porcine blastocyst-stage embryos, and analyzed the features of ESCs from the sight of X chromosome activity. We assessed molecular markers and epigenetic characteristics to confirm pluripotency and X chromosome activity in porcine parthenogenetic ESCs (named as ppLCDM) using XIST RNA-FISH, immunofluorescence staining, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and other techniques. Results showed that ppLCDM cells expressed most pluripotent markers. The percentage of ppLCDM cells exhibiting H3K27me3 and XIST aggregation signals increased with passage, indicating the progressive establishment of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI). Meanwhile, the pluripotency of most ppLCDM cells gradually declined during extended passaging. However, two distinct patterns of ppLCDM cells were observed from passage 35 (type I cells, P35-I) displayed normal XCI states, while type II cells (P35-II) exhibited X-chromosome erosion-like state, characterized by the loss of aggregation signals, abnormal X-linked gene ratios. Particularly, the pluripotency of ppLCDM cells with an X-chromosome erosion-like state undergoes unusual changes compared to normal cells. These findings indicate that X chromosome activity is closely associated with the pluripotent state of porcine ESCs and that heterogeneity in X chromosome activity arises during passaging. Our research provides crucial insights into X chromosome dynamics in large-animal ESC models and contribute to ongoing efforts to establish stable naïve pESC lines.

Proteogenomic reprogramming to a functional human blastomere-like stem cell state via a PARP-DUX4 regulatory axis

Here, we show that conventional human pluripotent stem cells cultured with non-specific tankyrase-PARP1-inhibited conditions underwent proteogenomic reprogramming to functional blastomere-like tankyrase/PARP inhibitor-regulated naive stem cells (TIRN-SC). TIRN-SCs concurrently expressed hundreds of pioneer factors in hybrid 2C-8C-morula-ICM programs that were augmented by induced expression of DUX4. Injection of TIRN-SCs into 8C-staged murine embryos equipotently differentiated human cells to the extra-embryonic and embryonic compartments of chimeric blastocysts and fetuses. Ectopic expression of murine-E-Cadherin in TIRN-SCs further enhanced interspecific chimeric tissue targeting. TIRN-SC-derived trophoblast stem cells efficiently generated placental chimeras. Proteome-ubiquitinome analyses revealed increased TNKS and reduced PARP1 levels and an ADP-ribosylation-deficient, hyper-ubiquitinated proteome that impacted expression of both tankyrase and PARP1 substrates. ChIP-seq of NANOG-SOX2-OCT4 and PARP1 (NSOP) revealed genome-wide NSOP co-binding at DUX4-accessible enhancers of embryonic lineage factors; suggesting a DUX4-NSOP axis regulated TIRN-SC lineage plasticity. TIRN-SCs may serve as valuable models for studying the proteogenomic regulation of pre-lineage human embryogenesis. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

A Cartilaginous Organoid System Derived From Human Expanded Pluripotent Stem Cells (hEPSCs)

The development of human organotypic models of cartilage provides essential insights into chondrogenesis and chondrocyte hypertrophy while enabling advanced applications in drug discovery, gene editing, and tissue regeneration. Here, we present a robust and efficient protocol for differentiating human expanded pluripotent stem cells (hEPSCs) into hypertrophic chondrocytes through a sclerotome intermediate. The protocol involves initial sclerotome induction, followed by 3D chondrogenic culture and subsequent hypertrophic maturation induced by bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4), thyroid hormone (T3), and β-glycerophosphate. This protocol also allows for sensitive testing of the effects of various compounds on hypertrophic differentiation during the maturation process. Furthermore, we identify an α-adrenergic receptor antagonist, phentolamine, as an inhibitor of hypertrophic differentiation. This organoid system provides a practical platform for exploring cartilage hypertrophy mechanisms and testing therapeutic strategies for cartilage regeneration. Key features • This differentiation protocol generates hypertrophic chondrocytes from hEPSCs through a sclerotome intermediate. • This protocol facilitates sensitive testing of compounds during the hypertrophic maturation stage, enabling the study of molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions for cartilage hypertrophy. • This protocol identifies the α-adrenergic receptor antagonist phentolamine as a modulator of hypertrophic differentiation.

Wnt Inhibition Safeguards Porcine Embryonic Stem Cells From the Acquisition of Extraembryonic Endoderm Cell Fates

Porcine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are excellent models for exploring embryogenesis, producing genetically enhanced farm animals, and improving breeding. Various chemicals have been applied to generate porcine ESCs from embryos, which differ from mouse and human ESC derivation. Wnt inhibitors XAV939 or IWR1 are required to isolate and maintain porcine ESCs. How Wnt inhibitors specify porcine ESC fate decisions remains poorly understood. Additionally, whether porcine ESCs can be converted to extraembryonic endoderm (XEN) cells without genetic interventions has not been reported. Here, it is reported that Wnt inhibitors (i.e., XAV939 and IWR1) safeguard porcine ESCs from acquiring the XEN lineage. Porcine ESCs rely on Wnt inhibitors to maintain pluripotency. Without them, porcine ESCs exit from pluripotency and convert to XEN cells. An efficient strategy and culture conditions are further developed to directly derive porcine XEN cells from ESCs without gene editing. The resulting XEN cells from ESCs exhibit similar transcriptome and chromatin accessibility features to XEN cells from embryos and contribute to mouse extraembryonic tissues. This study will deepen the understanding of porcine pluripotency, lay the foundation for deriving high-quality porcine ESCs with germline chimerism and transmission, and provide valuable materials to study extraembryonic development and lineage segregation in livestock.

Mir-218-5p from Extracellular Vesicles of Endometrium in Patients with Recurrent Implantation Failure Impairs Pre-Implantation Embryo Development

Background

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) presents a crucial obstacle to in vitro fertilization success. Previous research has shown that small extracellular vesicles (EVs) from endometrial RIF patients hinder embryo development, yet the underlying mechanism and potential solutions remain largely unexplored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of miR-218-5p as a molecular factor in RIF-EVs. Our findings revealed that miR-218-5p disrupted mouse embryo development, and this effect could be reversed by engineered extracellular vesicles (E-EVs) containing anti-miR-218-5p.

Methods

The percentage of blastocyst development and hatching rates, embryo morphology, and the total cell number were measured. RNA-sequencing was used to analyze transcriptional changes in embryos post miR-218-5p agomir treatment. The abnormal segregation genes of trophectoderm (TE) and inner cell mass (ICM) were visualized via qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. The E-EVs were using the EVs derived from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (HUMSCs). Characteristics of the EVs were measured using Western blotting, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. EVs internalization was visualized using BODIPY TR ceramide staining.

Results

Mouse embryos were arrested at the morula stage and demonstrated reduced blastocyst and hatching rates following miR-218-5p agomir treatment (P < 0.001). Essential transcription factors for TE and ICM, such as Cdx2, Yap1, Sox2, Nanog, Tead4, were reduced at the mRNA level in the miR-218-5p treated morula. This was accompanied by decreased Cdx2 protein levels at the 8-16-cell stage (P < 0.001) and disruption of co-localization of Yap1 and Cdx2. The blastocyte rate was increased by anti-miR-218-5p-encapsulated E-EVs compared with miR-218-5p group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study offers valuable insights into the potential role of miR-218-5p in RIF and presents. The utilization of engineered vesicles containing anti-miR-218-5p may present a promising avenue for patients facing challenges with RIF.

Improving Bovine Embryo Development and Quality Using Bovine Oviductal Epithelial Cell-Derived Conditioned Medium (bOEC-CM)

BACKGROUND

The embryo co-culture systems with the monolayer cultured cells are complex, unreproducible, and have a high probability of biological contamination. Therefore, nowadays, using conditioned media is a suitable alternative to these methods.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the impact of utilizing bovine oviductal epithelial cell-derived conditioned medium (bOEC-CM) on subsequent embryo development and quality.

METHODS

Bovine embryos produced in vitro were cultured in a specific medium supplemented with either 5% charcoal-stripped FBS (Charcoled Strip Serum [CSS]) or 10% bOEC-CM from either Days 1 or 3 post-fertilization. Various parameters, such as cleavage rate, blastocyst formation, hatching rate and blastocyst quality, were assessed.

RESULTS

The results indicated that adding 10% CM from Day 1 significantly reduced the cleavage rate compared to using CSS on the same day (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the CSS and CM from both Days 1 and 3 increased blastocyst formation rates (p < 0.05). Notably, the addition of 10% CM on Day 3 significantly improved the hatching rate compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Both CM and CSS were found to enhance the inner cell mass (ICM), trophectoderm (TE) and total cell numbers in blastocysts when used on both Days 1 and 3 (p < 0.05). Additionally, CM from Day 3 positively influenced the expression levels of development-specific genes in cultured embryos (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Overall, the findings suggest that using bOEC-CM at a 10% concentration may provide a promising supplement even better than serum and traditional co-culture methods during the last 5 days of embryo culture.

Chemical-based epigenetic reprogramming to advance pluripotency and totipotency

Reprogramming technology, breaking the inherent limitations of cellular identity and turning somatic cells into pluripotent cells with more developmental potential, holds great promise for cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Compared with traditional methods based on overexpressing transcription factors, chemical reprogramming with small molecules exhibits substantial advantages in safety and convenience, thus being the leading edge. Over the past decade, a notable focus has been reshaping cellular pluripotency and totipotency using pure small-molecule systems. Here, we provide a concise Review comparing the chemical approaches that have emerged to date and discussing the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms involved in chemical reprogramming. This Review highlights the remarkable potential of small-molecule potions to reformulate cell fate through epigenetic reprogramming and newly discovered actions. We aim to offer insights into chemically controlled cell manipulation and key challenges and future application prospects of chemical reprogramming.

Risk Factors for Postpartum Hemorrhage Following Vaginal Deliveries in China: A Case-Control Study of Second Births After IUD Removal

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the predictive value of risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) following vaginal delivery, with a special focus on the impact of intrauterine device (IUD) usage in the context of recent policy changes allowing more childbirths in China.

Methods

A total of 6879 women who underwent vaginal deliveries from January 2021 to December 2023 in the Lianyungang regional maternal care system and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. A case-control design was employed, comprising 524 women with PPH (blood loss ≥500 mL) 24h after giving birth and an equal number of controls (blood loss <500 mL) matched on a 1:1 ratio. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, alongside ROC curve analysis, were conducted to identify risk factors for PPH.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in age (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.35-2.57, P < 0.01), number of miscarriages (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.46-2.65, P < 0.001), gestational week, number of fetuses, weight of the second child (OR = 10.78, 95% CI: 7.88-14.75, P < 0.001), placental adhesion, and uterine atony (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.60-3.61, P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed regarding occupation, educational level, mode of first delivery, IUD use and duration, and presence of gestational diabetes or hypertension (P > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression identified age, number of miscarriages, weight of the second child, and uterine atony as independent risk factors for PPH (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the combined predictive value of these factors was superior, with an AUC of 0.805 for the combined predictive model.

Conclusion

PPH is influenced by advanced maternal age, multiple miscarriages, high birth weight, and uterine atony. IUD use may not independently impact the likelihood of PPH under the conditions studied.

Decreased OGT Attenuates Endometrial Decidualization and Embryo Implantation by Affecting HIF-1α Stability

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) is essential for glycolysis regulation. Its expression in the endometrium is significantly reduced in recurrent implantation failure (RIF), indicating that lower levels of HIF-1α may contribute to embryo implantation failure. O-GlcNAcylation is a dynamic posttranslational modification mediated by O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), known to regulate HIF-1α in cancer cells. However, it remains unclear whether OGT affects glycolytic processes in uterine endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and its potential role in embryo implantation. This study utilized In Vitro and In Vivo experiments to investigate the role of OGT in decidualization and embryo implantation, along with its underlying mechanisms. Our findings show that OGT expression is significantly reduced in the endometrium of patients with RIF. Additionally, OGT knockdown led to failed embryo implantation in mice. Further analysis revealed that OGT promotes decidualization by stabilizing HIF-1α, which enhances glycolytic activity. Inhibiting OGT resulted in insufficient decidualization among human ESCs. Moreover, our results indicate that OGT partially regulates CCL2 secretion by maintaining HIF-1α levels within human ESCs, which is essential for successful embryo implantation. Based on these findings, we propose that OGT represents a novel and promising therapeutic target for both the diagnosis and treatment of RIF.

Host-Microbiota Interactions in the Pathogenesis of Porcine Fetal Mummification

The number of mummies (MUM) in pigs is a major factor affecting sow reproductive performance. Reducing the incidence of MUM can effectively improve sow utilization efficiency. However, the complex mechanisms by which the host genome, gut microbiome, and metabolome interact to influence sow MUM remain unclear. Based on the current research landscape, this study systematically reveals the regulatory mechanisms of the host genome-gut microbiome-metabolome interaction network on sow MUM. By conducting a multi-omics analysis on the intestinal contents of Yorkshire sows during late gestation across different parities, we constructed a dynamic atlas of the gut microbiota and identified 385 core microbial taxa. Through multi-model MWAS and meta-analysis, we screened six key microbial taxa significantly associated with MUM, including Bacteroidales_RF16_group, Prevotellaceae_Ga6A1_group, Comamonas, Paraprevotella, Dorea, and Gallicola. An mGWAS analysis further identified Bacteroidales_RF16_group as regulated by host genetics, as well as candidate genes such as EGF, ENPEP, and CASP6, and important SNP loci such as rs345237235 and rs3475666995. The study found that the abundance of Proteobacteria in the sow's gut increased progressively from the first parity, providing a theoretical basis for pathogen suppression mechanisms. By integrating fecal metabolomics data, we constructed a four-dimensional regulatory network of host gene-gut microbiota-metabolite-host phenotype. This study innovatively combines quantitative genetics with multi-omics approaches, not only providing a theoretical foundation for understanding host-microbiota interaction mechanisms but also offering critical scientific guidance for reducing sow MUM incidence and improving reproductive efficiency.

Moving toward totipotency: the molecular and cellular features of totipotent and naive pluripotent stem cells

BACKGROUND

Dissecting the key molecular mechanism of embryonic development provides novel insights into embryogenesis and potential intervention strategies for clinical practices. However, the ability to study the molecular mechanisms of early embryo development in humans, such as zygotic genome activation and lineage segregation, is meaningfully constrained by methodological limitations and ethical concerns. Totipotent stem cells have an extended developmental potential to differentiate into embryonic and extraembryonic tissues, providing a suitable model for studying early embryo development. Recently, a series of ground-breaking results on stem cells have identified totipotent-like cells or induced pluripotent stem cells into totipotent-like cells.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

This review followed the PRISMA guidelines, surveys the current works of literature on totipotent, naive, and formative pluripotent stem cells, introduces the molecular and biological characteristics of those stem cells, and gives advice for future research.

SEARCH METHODS

The search method employed the terms 'totipotent' OR 'naive pluripotent stem cell' OR 'formative pluripotent stem cell' for unfiltered search on PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Papers included were those with information on totipotent stem cells, naive pluripotent stem cells, or formative pluripotent stem cells until June 2024 and were published in the English language. Articles that have no relevance to stem cells, or totipotent, naive pluripotent, or formative pluripotent cells were excluded.

OUTCOMES

There were 152 records included in this review. These publications were divided into four groups according to the species of the cells included in the studies: 67 human stem cell studies, 70 mouse stem cell studies, 9 porcine stem cell studies, and 6 cynomolgus stem cell studies. Naive pluripotent stem cell models have been established in other species such as porcine and cynomolgus. Human and mouse totipotent stem cells, e.g. human 8-cell-like cells, human totipotent blastomere-like cells, and mouse 2-cell-like cells, have been successfully established and exhibit high developmental potency for both embryonic and extraembryonic contributions. However, the observed discrepancies between these cells and real embryos in terms of epigenetics and transcription suggest that further research is warranted. Our results systematically reviewed the established methods, molecular characteristics, and developmental potency of different naive, formative pluripotent, and totipotent stem cells. Furthermore, we provide a parallel comparison between animal and human models, and offer recommendations for future applications to advance early embryo research and assisted reproduction technologies.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Totipotent cell models provide a valuable resource to understand the underlying mechanisms of embryo development and forge new paths toward future treatment of infertility and regenerative medicine. However, current in vitro cell models exhibit epigenetic and transcriptional differences from in vivo embryos, and many cell models are unstable across passages, thus imperfectly recapitulating embryonic development. In this regard, standardizing and expanding current research on totipotent stem cell models are essential to enhance our capability to resemble and decipher embryogenesis.

Establishment of human expanded potential stem cell lines via preimplantation embryo cultivation and somatic cell reprogramming

We previously reported the derivation of expanded potential stem cells (EPSCs) by modulating signaling pathways involved in preimplantation embryogenesis. These cells exhibit expanded developmental potential into embryonic and extraembryonic lineages, and we have shown that human EPSCs (hEPSCs) possess trophoblast differentiation potency for generating human trophoblast stem cells. Here we report protocols for deriving stable hEPSC lines directly from morula or early blastocyst stages of human preimplantation embryos (hEPSC-em) and by reprogramming human dermal fibroblasts (human induced EPSCs) using six exogenous factors, as an extension to our previous protocols on deriving porcine EPSCs from preimplantation embryos and by reprogramming somatic cells. These hEPSC lines proliferate robustly over long-term passaging and are amenable to both simple indels and precision genome editing. We provide guidance for characterizing these newly established hEPSCs, including cell-cycle analysis, pluripotency validation and karyotyping. The hEPSCs form teratomas with embryonic and extraembryonic cell lineages and readily differentiate into human trophoblast stem cells in vitro. At the molecular level, hEPSCs have unique features such as high expression of core histone genes and low H3K27me3 levels resembling eight-cell/morula stage embryos. These properties make hEPSCs a valuable tool not only for studying early human development but also for potential applications in regenerative medicine. The protocols presented in this manuscript can be readily performed by postgraduate students or postdoctoral fellows and completed within around 2 months.

Altering metabolism programs cell identity via NAD+-dependent deacetylation

Cells change their metabolic profiles in response to underlying gene regulatory networks, but how can alterations in metabolism encode specific transcriptional instructions? Here, we show that forcing a metabolic change in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) promotes a developmental identity that better approximates the inner cell mass (ICM) of the early mammalian blastocyst in cultures. This shift in cellular identity depends on the inhibition of glycolysis and stimulation of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) triggered by the replacement of D-glucose by D-galactose in ESC media. Enhanced OXPHOS in turn activates NAD + -dependent deacetylases of the Sirtuin family, resulting in the deacetylation of histones and key transcription factors to focus enhancer activity while reducing transcriptional noise, which results in a robustly enhanced ESC phenotype. This exploitation of a NAD + /NADH coenzyme coupled to OXPHOS as a means of programming lineage-specific transcription suggests new paradigms for how cells respond to alterations in their environment, and implies cellular rejuvenation exploits enzymatic activities for simultaneous activation of a discrete enhancer set alongside silencing genome-wide transcriptional noise.

The Diagnostic Role of miRNAs in Identifying Placenta Accreta: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers for detecting placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders, a condition characterized by abnormal placental adherence with significant maternal health risks.

DATA SOURCES

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases up to October 30, 2024, using predefined keywords such as "miRNA" and "placenta accreta."

STUDY ELIGIBILITY

Studies investigating miRNA expression in PAS cases compared to controls, using either blood or placental tissue, were included. Articles were screened independently by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by consensus.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

The methodological quality of eligible studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Extracted data were synthesized to identify miRNAs with diagnostic potential for PAS disorders. Due to significant variations in the comparisons conducted across studies and the diverse outcome measures reported, a meta-analysis of the included studies was not feasible.

RESULTS

Out of 82 articles identified, 14 met the inclusion criteria after duplicate removal and screening. The studies reported distinct differential expression patterns of miRNAs in PAS cases. Notably, a combination of miR-26a-5p and miR-17-5p demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 82% specificity for predicting PAS in the first-trimester of pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

PAS disorders are typically diagnosed during the third trimester through imaging techniques like ultrasonography. However, miRNAs exhibit promise as non-invasive, early biomarkers, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and improved clinical management. These findings support the incorporation of miRNA analysis into diagnostic guidelines for PAS.

The building blocks of embryo models: embryonic and extraembryonic stem cells

The process of a single-celled zygote developing into a complex multicellular organism is precisely regulated at spatial and temporal levels in vivo. However, understanding the mechanisms underlying development, particularly in humans, has been constrained by technical and ethical limitations associated with studying natural embryos. Harnessing the intrinsic ability of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to self-organize when induced and assembled, researchers have established several embryo models as alternative approaches to studying early development in vitro. Recent studies have revealed the critical role of extraembryonic cells in early development; and many groups have created more sophisticated and precise ESC-derived embryo models by incorporating extraembryonic stem cell lines, such as trophoblast stem cells (TSCs), extraembryonic mesoderm cells (EXMCs), extraembryonic endoderm cells (XENs, in rodents), and hypoblast stem cells (in primates). Here, we summarize the characteristics of existing mouse and human embryonic and extraembryonic stem cells and review recent advancements in developing mouse and human embryo models.

METTL3-dependent m6A RNA methylation regulates transposable elements and represses human naïve pluripotency through transposable element-derived enhancers

N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent messenger RNA modification with diverse regulatory roles in mammalian cells. While its functions are well-documented in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), its role in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) remains to be fully explored. METTL3 is the main enzyme responsible for m6A deposition. Here, using a METTL3 inducible knockout (iKO) system, we uncovered that, unlike in mESCs, METTL3 was indispensable for hPSC maintenance. Importantly, loss of METTL3 caused significant upregulation of pluripotency factors including naïve pluripotency genes and failure to exit pluripotency, thus impairing stem cell differentiation towards both embryonic and extraembryonic cell lineages. Mechanistically, METTL3 iKO in hPSCs promoted expression and enhancer activities of two primate-specific transposable elements (TEs), SVA_D and HERVK/LTR5_Hs. At SVA_D elements, loss of METTL3 leads to reduced H3K9me3 deposition. On the other hand, the activation of LTR5_Hs in the METTL3 iKO cells is accompanied by increased chromatin accessibility and binding pluripotency factors. The activated SVA_D and LTR5_Hs elements can act as enhancers and promote nearby naïve gene expression by directly interacting with their promoters. Together these findings reveal that METTL3-dependent m6A RNA methylation plays critical roles in suppressing TE expression and in regulating the human pluripotency network.

Generation of kidney organoids derived from human expanded potential stem cells

The establishment of human expanded potential stem cell (hEPSC) presents a unique cellular platform for translational research in kidney organoids. We generated SIX2 reporter and doxycycline (DOX)-inducible YAP overexpression in hEPSC lines using CRISPR-Cas9. Chemical compounds and DOX were added to the culture medium to induce Hippo-YAP signaling, respectively. The hEPSC line containing the SIX2-mCherry reporter gene accurately reflected SIX2 expression in vitro, enabling the real-time tracking of kidney organoid development. A comparative analysis revealed that inhibiting the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway before nephron progenitor cell (NPC) generation effectively increased the number of NPCs, resulting in a more nephron-like structure. However, prolonged inhibition hindered the further maturation of the kidney organoids, leading to differentiation stagnation. Therefore, activating YAP before NPC generation facilitates their maturation, offering effective induction strategies improving kidney organoid differentiation efficiency.

Quality and Regulatory Requirements for the Manufacture of Master Cell Banks of Clinical Grade iPSCs: The EU and USA Perspectives

The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and protocols for their differentiation into various cell types have revolutionized the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Developing manufacturing guidelines for safe and GMP-compliant final products has become essential. Allogeneic iPSCs-derived cell therapies are now the preferred manufacturing alternative. This option requires the establishment of clinical-grade master cell banks of iPSCs. This study aimed at reviewing the Quality and Regulatory requirements from the two main authorities in the world-Europe (EMA) and the United States (FDA)-regarding the manufacture of clinical grade master cell banks (iPSCs). The minimum requirements for iPSCs to be used in first-in-human clinical trials were also reviewed, as well as current best practices currently followed by iPSC bank manufacturers for final product characterisation. The methodology used for this work was a review of various sources of information ranging from scientific literature, published guidance documents available on the EMA and FDA websites, GMP and ICH guidelines, and applicable compendial monographs. Manufacturers of iPSCs cell banks looking to qualify them for clinical use are turning to the ICH guidelines and trying to adapt their requirements. Specifically with the impact of the field of iPSC cell banks, the following areas should be subject to guidance and harmonisation: i) expression vectors authorized for iPSC generation; ii) minimum identity testing; iii) minimum purity testing (including adventitious agent testing); and iv) stability testing. Current ICH guidelines for biotechnological/biological products should be extended to cover cell banks used for cell therapies.

Revolutionizing Implantation Studies: Uterine-Specific Models and Advanced Technologies

Implantation is a complex and tightly regulated process essential for the establishment of pregnancy. It involves dynamic interactions between a receptive uterus and a competent embryo, orchestrated by ovarian hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate proliferation, differentiation, and gene expression within the three primary uterine tissue types: myometrium, stroma, and epithelium. Advances in genetic manipulation, particularly the Cre/loxP system, have enabled the in vivo investigation of the role of genes in a uterine compartmental and cell type-specific manner, providing valuable insights into uterine biology during pregnancy and disease. The development of endometrial organoids has further revolutionized implantation research. They mimic the native endometrial structure and function, offering a powerful platform for studying hormonal responses, implantation, and maternal-fetal interactions. Combined with omics technologies, these models have uncovered the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that regulate implantation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of uterine-specific genetic tools, endometrial organoids, and omics. We explore how these advancements enhance our understanding of implantation biology, uterine receptivity, and decidualization in reproductive research.

Genes as Genome Stabilizers in Pluripotent Stem Cells

Pluripotent stem cells, comprising embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), are characterized by their self-renewal capacity and the ability to differentiate into cells of all three germ layers of an adult animal. Out of the two, iPSCs are generated through the reprogramming of somatic cells by inducing a pluripotency-specific transcriptional program. This process requires a resetting of the somatic cell genome to a pluripotent cell-specific genome, resulting in cellular stress at genomic, epigenetic, and transcriptional levels. Notably, in contrast to the predominant compact and inactive organization of chromatin in somatic cells, the chromatin in ESCs and iPSCs is open. Furthermore, maintaining a pluripotent state needs a plethora of changes in the genetic landscape of the cells. Here, we attempt to elucidate how certain genes safeguard genomic stability in ESCs and iPSCs, aiding in the complex cellular mechanisms that regulate self-renewal, pluripotency, and somatic reprogramming.

Primed bovine embryonic stem cell lines can be derived at diverse stages of blastocyst development with similar efficiency and molecular characteristics

In this study, we established bovine embryonic stem cell (bESC) lines from early (eBL) and full (BL) blastocysts to determine the efficiency of bESC derivation from an earlier embryonic stage and compare the characteristics of the resulting lines. Using established medium and protocols for derivation of primed bESCs from expanded blastocysts, we derived bESC lines from eBLs and BLs with the same efficiency (4/12 each, 33%). Regardless of original blastocyst stage, bESC lines had a similar phenotype, including differentiation capacity, stable karyotype, and pluripotency marker expression over feeder-free transition and long-term culture. Transcriptome and functional analyses indicated that eBL- and BL-derived lines were in primed pluripotency. We additionally compared RNA-sequencing data from our lines to bovine embryos and stem cells from other recent reports, finding that base medium was the predominant source of variation among cell lines. In conclusion, our results show that indistinguishable bESC lines can be readily derived from eBL and BL, widening the pool of embryos available for bESC establishment. Finally, our investigation points to sources of variation in cell phenotype among recently reported bESC conditions, opening the door to future studies investigating the impact of factors aside from signaling molecules on ESC derivation, maintenance, and performance.

Fucoxanthin mitigates mercury-induced mitochondrial toxicity in the human ovarian granulosa cell line

Mercury (Hg) is known to be a hazardous toxin with a significant negative impact on female reproduction through mechanisms that remain unclear. The carotenoid fucoxanthin (FX) is an antioxidant with several positive effects on human health. This study aimed to examine the potential protective role of FX in reducing the Hg-induced bioenergetic disturbances in a human ovarian granulosa cell line model. (methods briefly) Hg was found to reduce the viability of granulosa cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with an estimated 72-hour EC50 of 10 µM. In contrast, FX (10 and 20 µM) improved cell viability. Hg (1 and 10 µM) significantly reduced cellular ATP levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, oxygen consumption rates, and lactate production. Additionally, Hg impaired the activities and kinetics of mitochondrial complexes I and III and reduced the expression of mitochondrial genes ND1, ND5, cytochrome B, cytochrome C oxidase, and ATP synthase subunits 6 and 8. According to tests on mitochondrial membranes, Hg increased membrane fluidity by reducing saturated fatty acid levels and increasing those of unsaturated fatty acids. Hg also promoted mitochondrial swelling and enhanced the inner mitochondrial membrane permeability to hydrogen and potassium ions. FX (10 µM) was shown to mitigate the negative effects of Hg on the viability of treated granulosa cells, bioenergetics parameters, and mitochondrial membrane integrity in a concentration-dependent manner. Based on these findings, bioenergetic disruption may be a key underlying cause of Hg-induced ovarian dysfunction. Furthermore, FX may have a potential therapeutic role in treating ovarian disorders caused by Hg-induced disruption of granulosa cell bioenergetics.

Low concentrations of complex mixtures of pesticides and metabolites are toxic to common Carp brain cells (Cyprinus carpio carpio)

Pesticide use increases annually, and Brazil is the world's largest consumer. However, unlike the European Union (EU), there is no established limit value for pesticide mixtures in drinking water, and therefore the concentration of pesticides can reach 3354 times the EU limit. Thus, determining the risk of exposure to pesticide mixtures and their main metabolites is challenging and requires the use of alternative methods. In the present study, the Common Carp Brain (CCB) cell line was used to evaluate the in vitro toxicity of relevant pesticide mixtures (glyphosate, 2,4-D, atrazine, and mancozeb) and their main metabolites after 72 h of exposure. The tested concentrations were based on the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) defined by Brazilian legislation. The results showed that cells exposed to lower concentrations of the pesticide mixtures and the pesticide + metabolite mixtures were affected by a decrease in cell confluence, resazurin metabolism, and wound healing capacity. The IBR index showed that lower concentrations had more severe effects, suggesting the absence of safe concentrations of these pesticide and metabolite mixtures for the CCB cell line within the tested concentration range. These findings raise concerns about the effects of exposure to these substances on animal and human health.

Mitochondrial morphology and energy metabolism in reprogrammed porcine expanded potential stem cells

OBJECTIVE

Expanded potential stem cells (EPSCs) are stem cells that can differentiate into embryonic and extraembryonic lineages, including extraembryonic endoderm and trophoblast lineages. Therefore, EPSCs have great potential in advancing regenerative medicine, elucidating disease mechanisms, and exploring early embryonic development. However, the generation and characterization of EPSCs in pigs have not been thoroughly explored. In this study, we successfully generated porcine EPSCs (pEPSCs).

METHODS

We reprogrammed porcine fetal fibroblasts (PFFs) using an integration-free method with Sendai virus vectors.

RESULTS

The resulting pEPSCs expressed key pluripotency markers and demonstrated the ability to differentiate between embryonic and extraembryonic lineages. Notably, reprogramming into pEPSCs was associated with a transformation of mitochondrial morphology from the elongated form observed in PFFs to a globular shape, reflecting potential alterations in energy metabolism. We observed significant remodeling of mitochondrial morphology and a subsequent shift towards glycolytic energy dependence during the reprogramming of PFFs into pEPSCs.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide valuable insights into the characteristics of EPSCs in pigs and highlight their potential applications in regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and emerging fields such as cell-based meat production.

The modeling of human implantation and early placentation: achievements and perspectives

BACKGROUND

Successful implantation is a critical step for embryo survival. The major losses in natural and assisted human reproduction appeared to occur during the peri-implantation period. Because of ethical constraints, the fascinating maternal-fetal crosstalk during human implantation is difficult to study and thus, the possibility for clinical intervention is still limited.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

This review highlights some features of human implantation as a unique, ineffective and difficult-to-model process and summarizes the pros and cons of the most used in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro models. We point out the variety of cell line-derived models and how these data are corroborated by well-defined primary cells of the same nature. Important aspects related to the handling, standardization, validation, and modus operandi of the advanced 3D in vitro models are widely discussed. Special attention is paid to blastocyst-like models recapitulating the hybrid phenotype and HLA profile of extravillous trophoblasts, which are a unique yet poorly understood population with a major role in the successful implantation and immune mother-embryo recognition. Despite raising new ethical dilemmas, extended embryo cultures and synthetic embryo models are also in the scope of our review.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the electronic database PubMed from inception until March 2024 by using a multi-stage search strategy of MeSH terms and keywords. In addition, we conducted a forward and backward reference search of authors mentioned in selected articles.

OUTCOMES

Primates and rodents are valuable in vivo models for human implantation research. However, the deep interstitial, glandular, and endovascular invasion accompanied by a range of human-specific factors responsible for the survival of the fetus determines the uniqueness of the human implantation and limits the cross-species extrapolation of the data. The ex vivo models are short-term cultures, not relevant to the period of implantation, and difficult to standardize. Moreover, the access to tissues from elective terminations of pregnancy raises ethical and legal concerns. Easy-to-culture cancer cell lines have many limitations such as being prone to spontaneous transformation and lacking decent tissue characteristics. The replacement of the original human explants, primary cells or cancer cell lines with cultures of immortalized cell lines with preserved stem cell characteristics appears to be superior for in vitro modeling of human implantation and early placentation. Remarkable advances in our understanding of the peri-implantation stages have also been made by advanced three dimensional (3D) models i.e. spheroids, organoids, and assembloids, as placental and endometrial surrogates. Much work remains to be done for the optimization and standardization of these integrated and complex models. The inclusion of immune components in these models would be an asset to delineate mechanisms of immune tolerance. Stem cell-based embryo-like models and surplus IVF embryos for research bring intriguing possibilities and are thought to be the trend for the next decade for in vitro modeling of human implantation and early embryogenesis. Along with this research, new ethical dilemmas such as the moral status of the human embryo and the potential exploitation of women consenting to donate their spare embryos have emerged. The careful appraisal and development of national legal and ethical frameworks are crucial for better regulation of studies using human embryos and embryoids to reach the potential benefits for human reproduction.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

We believe that our data provide a systematization of the available information on the modeling of human implantation and early placentation and will facilitate further research in this field. A strict classification of the advanced 3D models with their pros, cons, applicability, and availability would help improve the research quality to provide reliable outputs.

Identification of serum small non-coding RNA as biomarkers for endometrial receptivity

BACKGROUND

Current endometrial receptivity analysis is invasive, preventing embryo transfer during the biopsy cycle. This study aims to screen serum sncRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for ERA tests.

METHODS

The study included 12 infertile patients undergoing IVF-ET and ERA, whose serum samples were collected for high-energy sequencing technology to detect sncRNA expression profiles. We overexpressed and knocked down tsRNA-35:73-Asp-GTC-1 in the decidualized Immortalized Human Eutopic Endometrial Stromal Cells (HESC) model cultured in vitro to further investigate the its effect on decidualization. The predicted tsRNA-35:73-Asp-GTC-1 target gene was verified by PCR analysis.

RESULTS

We screened 286 differentially expressed tsRNAs, 46 miRNAs, and 106 piRNAs. KEGG analysis indicated that differentially expressed tsRNAs were associated with pathways such as 'Calcium signaling pathway,' 'Sphingolipid signaling pathway,' etc. The results of RT-qPCR validation showed that the trends of four significantly differentially expressed tsRNAs in serum and endometrium were consistent with sequencing results. ROC curves demonstrated that these four tsRNAs have good predictive value for endometrial receptivity. Overexpression of tsRNA-35:73-Asp-GTC-1 affected the morphology of decidualized cells, and the decidualization indicators also showed a decreasing trend. While knocking down tsRNA-35:73-Asp-GTC-1 had the opposite effect. The RT-qPCR results showed that tsRNA-35:73-Asp-GTC-1 was associated with the Wnt3 target gene.

CONCLUSION

Serum sncRNA analysis shows potential for studying the molecular mechanisms of endometrial receptivity. Four serum tsRNAs can serve as novel biomarkers for non-invasive endometrial receptivity detection. TsRNA-35:73-Asp-GTC-1 may further regulate endometrial receptivity by targeting Wnt3.

The Proteome of Exosomes at Birth Predicts Insulin Resistance, Adrenarche and Liver Fat in Childhood

It is unknown whether there are differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the circulating exosomes of appropriate- vs. small-for-gestational-age (AGA vs. SGA) infants, and if so, whether such DEPs relate to measures of endocrine-metabolic health and body composition in childhood. Proteomic analysis in cord-blood-derived exosomes was performed by label-free quantitative mass spectrometry in AGA (n = 20) and SGA infants (n = 20) and 91 DEPs were identified. Enrichment analysis revealed that they were related to complement and coagulation cascades, lipid metabolism, neural development, PI3K/Akt and RAS/RAF/MAPK signaling pathways, phagocytosis and focal adhesion. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis identified 39 DEPs involved in the pathways enriched by the KEGG and Reactome. Those DEPs were associated with measures of adiposity and insulin resistance and with liver fat at age 7 (all p < 0.01). Multivariate linear regression analysis uncovered that two DEPs (up-regulated in SGA), namely PCYOX1 (related to adipogenesis) and HSP90AA1 (related to lipid metabolism and metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease progression), were independent predictors of the hepatic fat fraction at age 7 (β = 0.634; p = 0.002; R2 = 52% and β = 0.436; p = 0.009; R2 = 24%, respectively). These data suggest that DEPs at birth may predict insulin resistance, adrenarche and/or ectopic adiposity in SGA children at age 7, when an early insulin-sensitizing intervention could be considered.

Hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinemia induced by phenolic uremic toxins in CKD and DKD patients

Patients with end-stage renal disease have lower fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c levels, with significantly higher insulin levels. For a long time, it has been believed that this higher insulin level in renal failure is due to decreased insulin clearance caused by reduced renal function. However, here we reported that accumulation of the gut microbiota-derived uremic toxin, phenyl sulfate (PS) in the renal failure, increased insulin secretion from the pancreas by enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Other endogenous sulfides compounds which accumulated as in the renal failure also increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from β-cell. With RNA-seq analyses and gene knock down, we demonstrated that insulin secretion evoked by PS was mediated by Ddah2. In addition, we also found that PS increased insulin resistance through lncRNA expression and Erk phosphorylation in the adipocytes. To confirm the relationship between PS and glucose metabolism in human, we recruited 2 clinical cohort studies (DKD and CKD) including 462 patients, and found that there was a weak negative correlation between PS and HbA1c. Because these trials did not measure fasting insulin level, we alternatively used the urinary C-peptide/creatinine ratio (UCPCR) as an indicator of insulin resistance. We found that PS may induce insulin resistance in patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. These data suggest that the accumulation of uremic toxins modulates glucose metabolism and induced insulin resistance in CKD and DKD patients. Considering HbA1c as a reflection of chronic hyperglycemia and UCPCR as a reflection of chronic hyperinsulinemia, our findings indicate that PS is negatively associated with hyperglycemia independent of CKD, and positively associated with hyperinsulinemia in DKD patients.

Advancing Glioblastoma Research with Innovative Brain Organoid-Based Models

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a relatively rare but highly aggressive form of brain cancer characterized by rapid growth, invasiveness, and resistance to standard therapies. Despite significant progress in understanding its molecular and cellular mechanisms, GBM remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat due to its high heterogeneity and complex tumor microenvironment. To address these obstacles, researchers have employed a range of models, including in vitro cell cultures and in vivo animal models, but these often fail to replicate the complexity of GBM. As a result, there has been a growing focus on refining these models by incorporating human-origin cells, along with advanced genetic techniques and stem cell-based bioengineering approaches. In this context, a variety of GBM models based on brain organoids were developed and confirmed to be clinically relevant and are contributing to the advancement of GBM research at the preclinical level. This review explores the preparation and use of brain organoid-based models to deepen our understanding of GBM biology and to explore novel therapeutic approaches. These innovative models hold significant promise for improving our ability to study this deadly cancer and for advancing the development of more effective treatments.

Porcine sperm bind to an oviduct glycan coupled to glass surfaces as a model of sperm interaction with the oviduct

During transport through the oviduct, sperm interact with epithelial cells by attaching to specific glycans, a mechanism believed to select sperm and prolong their viability. An in vitro model of sperm-oviduct interactions was developed, consisting of a glass surface (either a slide or a coverslip) to which an oviduct glycan (sulfated Lewis X trisaccharide; suLeX) is coupled. The ability of porcine sperm to attach to suLeX-surfaces and detach in response to progesterone and mature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) was validated. The suLeX-coverslip was adapted for in vitro fertilization (IVF), termed glycan-IVF, by allowing porcine sperm to first bind suLeX before transferring mature COCs. The glycan-IVF method produced a percentage of fertilized oocytes comparable to that of conventional IVF (75.1 vs. 72.0%). Finally, the ability of the suLeX-coverslip to maintain sperm fertilizing ability over time was assessed. After 24 h of incubation, fertilization by sperm bound to the suLeX-coverslip was sustained, compared to sperm with unmodified coverslips (12.0 vs. 1.0%, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the percentage of polyspermic zygotes was reduced in the suLeX-coverslip method (17.7 vs. 41.3%, p < 0.05). This study validated an in vitro model for studying sperm-oviduct interactions, with potential applications in assisted reproductive technologies.

Obesity-related indices are associated with self-reported infertility in women: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

OBJECTIVE

Obesity can contribute to infertility, but the exact relationship between infertility risk and obesity-related measurements like waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body roundness index (BRI), conicity index (CoI), and A body shape index (ABSI) in women is uncertain. We investigated the association between these indices and female infertility.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2013-2018). We used weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and subgroup analysis, as well as propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Among 3373 participants, 344 (10.2%) reported infertility. A significant link between higher infertility risk and increased WHtR, BRI, CoI, ABSI, and body mass index (BMI) was found. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed WHtR (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-1.42), BRI (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05-1.14), CoI (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.18-1.56), ABSI (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.12-1.33), and BMI (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.05) were significantly associated with female infertility. CoI had the best diagnostic performance (area under the ROC curve 0.628, 95% CI: 0.597-0.658).

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity-related indices were positively linked to infertility risk among women in the United States. These indices serve as valuable tools for assessing female infertility risk.

The role and treatment potential of the complement pathway in chronic pain

The role of the complement system in pain syndromes has garnered attention on the back of preclinical and clinical evidence supporting its potential as a target for new analgesic pharmacotherapies. Of the components that make up the complement system, component 5a (C5a) and component 3a (C3a) are most strongly and consistently associated with pain. Receptors for C5a are widely found in immune resident cells (microglia, astrocytes, sensory neuron-associated macrophages (sNAMs)) in the central nervous system (CNS) as well as hematogenous immune cells (mast cells, macrophages, T-lymphocytes, etc.). When active, as is often observed in chronic pain conditions, these cells produce various inflammatory mediators including pro-inflammatory cytokines. These events can trigger nervous tissue inflammation (neuroinflammation) which coexists with and potentially maintains peripheral and central sensitization. C5a has a likely critical role in initiating this process highlighting its potential as a promising non-opioid target for treating pain. This review summarizes the most up-to-date research on the role of the complement system in pain with emphasis on the C5 pathway in peripheral tissue, dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the CNS, and explores advances in complement-targeted drug development and sex differences. A perspective on the optimal application of different C5a inhibitors for different types (e.g., neuropathic, post-surgical and chemotherapy-induced pain, osteoarthritis pain) and stages (e.g., acute, subacute, chronic) of pain is also provided to help guide future clinical trials. PERSPECTIVE: This review highlights the role and mechanisms of complement components and their receptors in physiological and pathological pain. The potential of complement-targeted therapeutics for the treatment of chronic pain is also explored with a focus on C5a inhibitors to help guide future clinical trials.

Tankyrase inhibitor IWR-1 modulates HIPPO and Transforming Growth Factor β signaling in primed bovine embryonic stem cells cultured on mouse embryonic fibroblasts

The use of tankyrase inhibitors is essential for capturing livestock embryonic stem cells (ESC), yet their mechanisms of action remain largely uncharacterized. Previous studies indicate that their roles extend beyond the suppression of canonical WNT signaling. This study investigates the effects of the tankyrase inhibitor IWR-1 on maintaining the pluripotency of bovine embryonic stem cells (bESC) cultured on mitotically inactivated mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF). Notably, bESC exhibited significant differentiation after one month of IWR-1 withdrawal, without a clear bias toward any specific germ layer. IWR-1 effectively inhibited TNKS2 activity in bESC, whereas it suppressed TNKS1 protein level in growth-arrested MEF. Early differentiation upon IWR-1 removal induced more substantial transcriptomic changes in MEF than in bESC. Furthermore, cell communication analysis predicted that IWR-1 influenced several paracrine and autocrine signals within the culture system. We also observed that IWR-1 repressed protein abundance of the HIPPO pathway components including TEAD4 and YAP1 in bESC and decreased transcription of HIPPO targeted genes CYR61. Protein analysis in growth-arrested MEF suggested that IWR-1 modulated MEF function by impeding TGF-β1 activation and activin A secretion which mitigated nuclear localization of SMAD2/3 in the bESC. This study underscores the role of tankyrase inhibitors in ESC self-renewal by modulating key signaling pathways and orchestrating cell-cell interactions, which may be meaningful in understanding the delicate signaling control of pluripotency in livestock and improving the culture system.

Review: Livestock cell types with myogenic differentiation potential: Considerations for the development of cultured meat

With the current environmental impact of large-scale animal production and societal concerns about the welfare of farm animals, researchers are questioning whether we can cultivate animal cells for the purpose of food production. This review focuses on a pivotal aspect of the cellular agriculture domain: cells. We summarised information on the various cell types from farm animals currently used for the development of cultured meat, including mesenchymal stromal cells, myoblasts, and pluripotent stem cells. The review delves into the advantages and limitations of each cell type and considers factors like the selection of the appropriate cell source, as well as cell culture conditions that influence cell performance. As current research in cultured meat seeks to create muscle fibers to mimic the texture and nutritional profile of meat, we focused on the myogenic differentiation capacity of the cells. The most commonly used cell type for this purpose are myoblasts or satellite cells, but given their limited proliferation capacity, efforts are underway to formulate myogenic differentiation protocols for mesenchymal stromal cells and pluripotent stem cells. The multipotent character of the latter cell types might enable the creation of other tissues found in meat, such as adipose and connective tissues. This review can help guiding the selection of a cell type or culture conditions in the context of cultured meat development.

The nuclear matrix stabilizes primed-specific genes in human pluripotent stem cells

The nuclear matrix, a proteinaceous gel composed of proteins and RNA, is an important nuclear structure that supports chromatin architecture, but its role in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has not been described. Here we show that by disrupting heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (HNRNPU) or the nuclear matrix protein, Matrin-3, primed hPSCs adopted features of the naive pluripotent state, including morphology and upregulation of naive-specific marker genes. We demonstrate that HNRNPU depletion leads to increased chromatin accessibility, reduced DNA contacts and increased nuclear size. Mechanistically, HNRNPU acts as a transcriptional co-factor that anchors promoters of primed-specific genes to the nuclear matrix with POLII to promote their expression and their RNA stability. Overall, HNRNPU promotes cell-type stability and when reduced promotes conversion to earlier embryonic states.

Role of the FOXM1/CMA/ER stress axis in regulating the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The molecular mechanisms driving nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) progression are poorly understood. This research examines the involvement of chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) in NASH progression.

METHODS

Hepatic CMA activity was analysed in NASH mice and patients. Lysosome-associated membrane protein 2A (LAMP2A) was knocked down or overexpressed to assess the effects of hepatocyte-specific CMA on NASH progression. Mice received a high-fat diet or a methionine and choline-deficient diet to induce NASH. Palmitic acid was employed to mimic lipotoxicity-induced hepatocyte damage in vitro. The promoter activity of FOXM1 was evaluated via ChIP and dual-luciferase reporter assays.

RESULTS

Hepatic CMA activity was substantially low in NASH mice and patients. LAMP2A knockdown resulted in hepatocyte-specific CMA deficiency, which promoted fibrosis and hepatic inflammation in NASH mice. Both in vitro and in vivo, CMA deficiency also exacerbated hepatocyte damage and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Mechanistically, CMA deficiency in hepatocytes increased cholesterol accumulation by blocking the degradation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMGCR), a key cholesterol synthesis-related enzyme, and the accumulated cholesterol subsequently induced ER stress and hepatocyte damage. The restoration of hepatocyte-specific CMA activity effectively ameliorated diet-induced NASH and ER stress in vivo and in vitro. FOXM1 directly bound to LAMP2A promoter and negatively regulated its transcription. The upregulation of FOXM1 expression impaired CMA and enhanced ER stress, which in turn increased FOXM1 expression, resulting in a vicious cycle and promoting NASH development.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the significance of the FOXM1/CMA/ER stress axis in NASH progression and proposes novel therapeutic targets for NASH.

KEY POINTS

Chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) deficiency in hepatocytes promotes hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in mice with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by inducing cholesterol accumulation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Upregulated FOXM1 impairs CMA by suppressing the transcription of lysosome-associated membrane protein 2A (LAMP2A), a rate-limiting component of CMA. ER stress increases FOXM1 expression and cholesterol accumulation. FOXM1/CMA/ER stress axis forms a vicious circle and promotes the development of NASH.

Vascular endothelial cells derived from transgene-free pig induced pluripotent stem cells for vascular tissue engineering

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold great promise for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases through cell-based therapies, but these therapies require extensive preclinical testing that is best done in species-in-species experiments. Pigs are a good large animal model for these tests due to the similarity of their cardiovascular system to humans. However, a lack of adequate pig iPSCs (piPSCs) that are analogous to human iPSCs has greatly limited the potential usefulness of this model system. Herein, transgene-free piPSCs with true pluripotency were generated by using reprogramming factors in an optimized pig pluripotency medium. Using an effective differentiation protocol, piPSCs were used to derive endothelial cells (ECs) which displayed EC markers and functionality comparable to native pig ECs. Further, piPSC-ECs demonstrated suitability for vascular tissue engineering, producing a tissue engineered vascular conduit (TEVC) that displayed the upregulation of flow responding markers. In an in vivo functional study, these piPSC-EC-TEVCs maintained the expression of endothelial markers and prevented thrombosis as interposition inferior vena cava grafts in immunodeficient rats. The piPSCs described in this study open up the possibility of unique preclinical species-in-species large animal modeling for the furtherance of modeling of cell-based cardiovascular tissue engineering therapies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: While there has been significant progress in the development of cellularized cardiovascular tissue engineered therapeutics using stem cells, few of them have moved into clinical trials. This is due to the lack of a robust preclinical large animal model to address the high safety and efficacy standards for transplanted therapeutics. In this study, pig stem cells that are analagous to human's were created to address this bottleneck. They demonstrated the ability to differentiate into functional endothelial cells and were able to create a tissue engineered therapeutic that is analogous to a human therapy. With these cells, future experiments testing the safety and efficacy of tissue engineered constructs are possible, bringing these crucial therapeutics closer to the patients that need them.

The Effect of Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma on Endometrial Receptivity: A Narrative Review

Background and Objectives: Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) transfusions are a relatively new treatment method used in different fields of medicine, including the field of reproductive medicine. One of the applications of these concentrated platelet infusions is the treatment of endometrial receptivity, which is a key factor for embryo implantation. There are implications that PRP infusions can lead to increased endometrial thickness, endometrial receptivity, and significantly elevated clinical pregnancy rates. Our objective is to briefly understand what PRP is and to, through a narrative review, summarize the findings from studies focused on evaluating the benefits of PRP infusions to treat thin endometrium with the goal of achieving better endometrial receptivity. Materials and Methods: Reference data was searched using Medline, PubMed, and EMBASE to identify reports from 2015 to 2024. The combination of search words used was "PRP" and "platelet-rich plasma" with "thin endometrium", "endometrial receptivity", "endometrial thickness", and "endometrial implantation". Obtained articles were screened, and suited studies (randomized controlled trials, case reports, case series, pilot studies, and reviews) were included in the present review. Reports not available in the English language were eliminated from the current review. Results: The results from most of the reviewed studies showed a positive effect of autologous PRP infusions on increasing endometrial thickness, enhancing endometrial receptivity, and elevating clinical pregnancy rates. The majority of the evaluated findings revealed endometrial thickness > 7 mm (increased endometrial thickness was observed in each evaluated study) following the PRP treatment. More than 50% of the evaluated studies resulted in enhanced endometrial thickness, increased endometrial receptivity, and an elevated pregnancy rate after the PRP application. Conclusions: Autologous PRP infusions for treating endometrium are a relatively new method that has shown promising results. Its major strengths are availability and proper application, which eliminates possible immunological reactions or disease transmission. The main drawbacks are not enough data on safety (i.e., its effect on endometriosis) and the lack of uniformity in the PRP preparation, which would provide optimal standardized quality and quantity of the PRP product and, thus, optimal treatment results.

Decoding recurrent pregnancy loss: insights from comparative proteomics studies

Recurrent pregnancy loss represents a common disorder that affects up to 2% of the women aiming at childbirth with long-term consequences on family and society. Factors contributing to it in more than half of the cases are still unknown. Comparative proteomic analysis can provide new insights into the biological pathways underlining the pathogenesis of recurrent pregnancy loss. Until now, chorionic villi, decidua, placenta, endometrium, and maternal blood from women with recurrent pregnancy loss have been analyzed by comparative proteomics studies. In this review, we aimed to provide a critical evaluation of the published comparative studies of recurrent pregnancy loss on human samples, gathered by systematic literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. We provide a detailed overview of the analyzed materials, proteomics platforms, proposed candidate biomarkers and altered pathways and processes linked with recurrent pregnancy loss. The top, most identified and validated biomarker candidates from all studies are discussed, followed by bioinformatics analysis of the available high-throughput data and presentation of common altered processes and pathways in recurrent pregnancy loss. Finally, future directions aimed at developing new and efficient therapeutic strategies are discussed as well.