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Azumah R, Hummitzsch K, Anderson RA, Rodgers RJ. Expression of transforming growth factor β signalling molecules and their correlations with genes in loci linked to polycystic ovary syndrome in human foetal and adult tissues. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23174. [PMID: 38894494 DOI: 10.1071/rd23174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Altered signalling of androgens, anti-Müllerian hormone or transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) during foetal development have been implicated in the predisposition to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in later life, aside from its genetic predisposition. In foetal ovarian fibroblasts, TGFβ1 has been shown to regulate androgen signalling and seven genes located in loci associated with PCOS. Since PCOS exhibits a myriad of symptoms, it likely involves many different organs. Aims To identify the relationships between TGFβ signalling molecules and PCOS candidate genes in different tissues associated with PCOS. Methods Using RNA sequencing data, we examined the expression patterns of TGFβ signalling molecules in the human ovary, testis, heart, liver, kidney, brain tissue, and cerebellum from 4 to 20weeks of gestation and postnatally. We also examined the correlations between gene expression of TGFβ signalling molecules and PCOS candidate genes. Key results TGFβ signalling molecules were dynamically expressed in most tissues prenatally and/or postnatally. FBN3 , a PCOS candidate gene involved in TGFβ signalling, was expressed during foetal development in all tissues. The PCOS candidate genes HMGA2, YAP1 , and RAD50 correlated significantly (P TGFBR1 in six out of the seven tissues examined. Conclusions This study suggests that possible crosstalk occurs between genes in loci associated with PCOS and TGFβ signalling molecules in multiple tissues, particularly during foetal development. Implications Thus, alteration in TGFβ signalling during foetal development could affect many tissues contributing to the multiple phenotypes of PCOS in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafiatu Azumah
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Katja Hummitzsch
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Richard A Anderson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Raymond J Rodgers
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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Stener-Victorin E, Teede H, Norman RJ, Legro R, Goodarzi MO, Dokras A, Laven J, Hoeger K, Piltonen TT. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2024; 10:27. [PMID: 38637590 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-024-00511-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Despite affecting ~11-13% of women globally, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a substantially understudied condition. PCOS, possibly extending to men's health, imposes a considerable health and economic burden worldwide. Diagnosis in adults follows the International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, requiring two out of three criteria - clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and/or specific ovarian morphological characteristics or elevated anti-Müllerian hormone. However, diagnosing adolescents omits ovarian morphology and anti-Müllerian hormone considerations. PCOS, marked by insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism, strongly contributes to early-onset type 2 diabetes, with increased odds for cardiovascular diseases. Reproduction-related implications include irregular menstrual cycles, anovulatory infertility, heightened risks of pregnancy complications and endometrial cancer. Beyond physiological manifestations, PCOS is associated with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, psychosexual dysfunction and negative body image, collectively contributing to diminished health-related quality of life in patients. Despite its high prevalence persisting into menopause, diagnosing PCOS often involves extended timelines and multiple health-care visits. Treatment remains ad hoc owing to limited understanding of underlying mechanisms, highlighting the need for research delineating the aetiology and pathophysiology of the syndrome. Identifying factors contributing to PCOS will pave the way for personalized medicine approaches. Additionally, exploring novel biomarkers, refining diagnostic criteria and advancing treatment modalities will be crucial in enhancing the precision and efficacy of interventions that will positively impact the lives of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helena Teede
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert J Norman
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Richard Legro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Public Health Science, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Mark O Goodarzi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anuja Dokras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joop Laven
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kathleen Hoeger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Terhi T Piltonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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Donaldson NM, Prescott M, Ruddenklau A, Campbell RE, Desroziers E. Maternal androgen excess significantly impairs sexual behavior in male and female mouse offspring: Perspective for a biological origin of sexual dysfunction in PCOS. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1116482. [PMID: 36875467 PMCID: PMC9975579 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1116482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common infertility disorder worldwide, typically characterised by high circulating androgen levels, oligo- or anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Sexual dysfunction, including decreased sexual desire and increased sexual dissatisfaction, is also reported by women with PCOS. The origins of these sexual difficulties remain largely unidentified. To investigate potential biological origins of sexual dysfunction in PCOS patients, we asked whether the well-characterized, prenatally androgenized (PNA) mouse model of PCOS exhibits modified sex behaviours and whether central brain circuits associated with female sex behaviour are differentially regulated. As a male equivalent of PCOS is reported in the brothers of women with PCOS, we also investigated the impact of maternal androgen excess on the sex behaviour of male siblings. METHODS Adult male and female offspring of dams exposed to dihydrotestosterone (PNAM/PNAF) or an oil vehicle (VEH) from gestational days 16 to 18 were tested for a suite of sex-specific behaviours. RESULTS PNAM showed a reduction in their mounting capabilities, however, most of PNAM where able to reach ejaculation by the end of the test similar to the VEH control males. In contrast, PNAF exhibited a significant impairment in the female-typical sexual behaviour, lordosis. Interestingly, while neuronal activation was largely similar between PNAF and VEH females, impaired lordosis behaviour in PNAF was unexpectedly associated with decreased neuronal activation in the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH). CONCLUSION Taken together, these data link prenatal androgen exposure that drives a PCOS-like phenotype with altered sexual behaviours in both sexes.
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Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women and Its Male Equivalent. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102506. [PMID: 36289767 PMCID: PMC9599141 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This article reviews the main findings on anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and its involvement in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its male equivalent. In women, AMH is produced by granulosa cells from the mid-fetal life to menopause and is a reliable indirect marker of ovarian reserve. AMH protects follicles from atresia, inhibits their differentiation in the ovary, and stimulates gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neurons pulsatility. AMH overexpression in women with PCOS likely contributes to the increase of the follicle cohort and of androgen levels, leading to follicular arrest and anovulation. In the male, AMH is synthesized at high levels by Sertoli cells from fetal life to puberty when serum AMH falls to levels similar to those observed in women. AMH is involved in the differentiation of the genital tract during fetal life and plays a role in Sertoli and Leydig cells differentiation and function. Serum AMH is used to assess Sertoli cell function in children with disorders of sex development and various conditions affecting the hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular axis. Although the reproductive function of male relative of women with PCOS has been poorly investigated, adolescents have elevated levels of AMH which could play a detrimental role on their fertility.
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Antioxidative Effects of Standardized Aronia melanocarpa Extract on Reproductive and Metabolic Disturbances in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061099. [PMID: 35739998 PMCID: PMC9220112 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents the most common endocrinopathy among childbearing-age women, with oxidative stress (OS) underlying its etiopathogenesis. Metformin (MET) represents a frequently used agent in PCOS. However, weak results encourage alternative treatments. We aimed to investigate isolated and synergistic effects of Standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract (SEA) and MET for alleviating reproductive and metabolic PCOS abnormalities. PCOS induction was followed by 28-day treatment with MET, SAE, or MET + SEA. Bodyweight (BW), cyclicity, histological, and ultrasonographical ovarian analyses were performed. Hormonal, glycemic, and lipid profiles were accessed, as well as systemic and ovarian oxidative status; BW, cyclicity, ovarian histomorphology, ovarian volume, testosterone and progesterone levels, as well as LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels were aggravated after PCOS-induction and improved after MET, SEA, and MET + SEA treatment. MET + SEA had the greatest impact on glycoregulation. Alterations in OS parameters (TBARS, O2−, H2O2, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione) could be responsible for observed differences; (4) Conclusions: Our findings confirmed that SAE alone or along with MET was capable of ameliorating reproductive and metabolic disturbances in the PCOS rat model, with the restoration of OS parameters. SAE alone did not alter the protective effects of MET in PCOS.
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Siemienowicz KJ, Filis P, Thomas J, Fowler PA, Duncan WC, Rae MT. Hepatic Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Risk of Liver Disease in an Ovine Model of “PCOS Males”. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061291. [PMID: 35740312 PMCID: PMC9220073 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
First-degree male relatives of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) sufferers can develop metabolic abnormalities evidenced by elevated circulating cholesterol and triglycerides, suggestive of a male PCOS equivalent. Similarly, male sheep overexposed to excess androgens in fetal life develop dyslipidaemia in adolescence. Dyslipidaemia, altered lipid metabolism, and dysfunctional hepatic mitochondria are associated with the development of non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD). We therefore dissected hepatic mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism in adolescent prenatally androgenized (PA) males from an ovine model of PCOS. Testosterone was directly administered to male ovine fetuses to create prenatal androgenic overexposure. Liver RNA sequencing and proteomics occurred at 6 months of age. Hepatic lipids, glycogen, ATP, reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage, and collagen were assessed. Adolescent PA males had an increased accumulation of hepatic cholesterol and glycogen, together with perturbed glucose and fatty acid metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, with altered mitochondrial transport, decreased oxidative phosphorylation and ATP synthesis, and impaired mitophagy. Mitochondrial dysfunction in PA males was associated with increased hepatic ROS level and signs of early liver fibrosis, with clinical relevance to NAFLD progression. We conclude that excess in utero androgen exposure in male fetuses leads to a PCOS-like metabolic phenotype with dysregulated mitochondrial function and likely lifelong health sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna J. Siemienowicz
- School of Applied Science, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK; (J.T.); (M.T.R.)
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Panagiotis Filis
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (P.F.); (P.A.F.)
| | - Jennifer Thomas
- School of Applied Science, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK; (J.T.); (M.T.R.)
| | - Paul A. Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (P.F.); (P.A.F.)
| | - W. Colin Duncan
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK;
| | - Mick T. Rae
- School of Applied Science, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK; (J.T.); (M.T.R.)
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Abruzzese GA, Silva AF, Velazquez ME, Ferrer MJ, Motta AB. Hyperandrogenism and Polycystic ovary syndrome: Effects in pregnancy and offspring development. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1558. [PMID: 35475329 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the major endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. Its etiology remains unclear. It is suggested that environmental factors, and particularly the intrauterine environment, play key roles in PCOS development. Besides the role of androgens in PCOS pathogenesis, exposure to endocrine disruptors, as is Bisphenol A, could also contribute to its development. Although PCOS is considered one of the leading causes of ovarian infertility, many PCOS patients can get pregnant. Some of them by natural conception and others by assisted reproductive technique treatments. As hyperandrogenism (one of PCOS main features) affects ovarian and uterine functions, PCOS women, despite reaching pregnancy, could present high-risk pregnancies, including implantation failure, an increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Moreover, hyperandrogenism may also be maintained in these women during pregnancy. Therefore, as an altered uterine milieu, including hormonal imbalance, could affect the developing organisms, monitoring these patients throughout pregnancy and their offspring development is highly relevant. The present review focuses on the impact of androgenism and PCOS on fertility issues and pregnancy-related outcomes and offspring development. The evidence suggests that the increased risk of pregnancy complications and adverse offspring outcomes of PCOS women would be due to the factors involved in the syndrome pathogenesis and the related co-morbidities. A better understanding of the involved mechanisms is still needed and could contribute to a better management of these women and their offspring. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Reproductive System Diseases > Environmental Factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle A Abruzzese
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aimé F Silva
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariela E Velazquez
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria-José Ferrer
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia B Motta
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Xu H, Zhang M, Zhang H, Alpadi K, Wang L, Li R, Qiao J. Clinical Applications of Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone Measurements in Both Males and Females: An Update. Innovation (N Y) 2021; 2:100091. [PMID: 34557745 PMCID: PMC8454570 DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2021.100091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is one of the most common non-communicable diseases, affecting both men and women equally. Ovarian reserve, the number of primordial follicles in the ovaries is believed to be the most important determinants for female fertility. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) secreted from granulosa cells of growing follicles is recognized as the most important biomarker for ovarian reserve. Ovarian reserve models have been developed using AMH and other hormonal indicators, thus childbearing plans and reproductive choices could be arranged by women. In assisted reproductive technology cycles, measurement of AMH helps to predict ovarian response and guide recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone dosing in women. Serum AMH level is increasingly being recognized as a potential surrogate marker for polycystic ovarian morphology, one of the criteria for diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome. AMH is also secreted by Sertoli cells of testes in men, and AMH measurements in the prediction of surgical sperm recovery rate in men have also been investigated. AMH levels are significantly higher in boys than in girls before puberty. Therefore, serum levels of AMH in combination with testosterone is used for the differential diagnosis of disorders of sex development, anorchia, non-obstructive azoospermia, and persistent Müllerian duct syndrome. Recently, serum AMH measurements have also been used in fertility preservation programs in oncofertility, screening for granulosa cell tumors, and prediction of menopause applications. In this review, we will focus on clinical application of AMH in fertility assessments for healthy men and women, as well as for cancer patients. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) plays a key role in models assessing ovarian reserve AMH is used for the differential diagnosis of disorders of sex development AMH provides a molecular marker for related fertility and infertility disorders An international standard will aid in the development of various AMH assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyu Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing 100191, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, P.R. China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Mengqian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing 100191, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, P.R. China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Hongxian Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | | | - Lina Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing 100191, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, P.R. China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing 100191, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, P.R. China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing 100191, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, P.R. China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
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