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Nassir M, Levi M, Shaked NT. The Synergic Effect of Tubal Endometriosis and Women's Aging on Fallopian Tube Function: Insights from a 3D Mechanical Model. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:852. [PMID: 39199809 PMCID: PMC11351632 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11080852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The fallopian tubes are essential for human fertility, facilitating the movement of sperm and oocytes to the fertilization site and transporting fertilized oocytes to the uterus. Infertility can result from changes in the fallopian tubes due to tubal endometriosis and women's aging. In this study, we modeled human fallopian tubes with and without endometriosis for different women's age groups to evaluate the chances of normal sperm cells reaching the fertilization site and oocytes arriving at the uterine cavity. For this purpose, we employed a distinctive combination of simulation tools to develop a dynamic three-dimensional (3D) model of normal human sperm cells and oocytes swimming inside normal and endometriosis-affected human fallopian tubes for different women's group ages. We observed that in tubal endometriosis cases, fewer sperm cells reach the fertilization site and more oocytes become trapped in the tube walls compared to normal tubes. Additionally, aging decreases the number of sperm cells and oocytes reaching the fertilization site in normal and endometriosis-affected tubes. Our model evaluates the mechanisms of sperm and oocyte behaviors due to women's aging and fallopian tube issues caused by endometriosis, presenting new avenues for developing diagnostic and treatment tools for tubal endometriosis and age-related infertility issues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Natan T. Shaked
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (M.N.); (M.L.)
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Nassir M, Levi M, Wiser A, Shaked NT. Evaluation of women's aging influence on sperm passage inside the fallopian tube using 3D dynamic mechanical modeling. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1324802. [PMID: 38712332 PMCID: PMC11070836 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1324802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The fallopian tubes play an important role in human fertility by facilitating the spermatozoa passage to the oocyte as well as later actively facilitating the fertilized oocyte transportation to the uterus cavity. The fallopian tubes undergo changes involving biological, physical, and morphological processes due to women aging, which may impair fertility. Here, we have modelled fallopian tubes of women at different ages and evaluated the chances of normal and pathological sperm cells reaching the fertilization site, the ampulla. By utilizing a unique combination of simulative tools, we implemented dynamic three-dimensional (3D) detailed geometrical models of many normal and pathological sperm cells swimming together in 3D geometrical models of three fallopian tubes associated with different women's age groups. By tracking the sperm cell swim, we found that for all age groups, the number of normal sperm cells in the ampulla is the largest, compared with the pathological sperm cells. On the other hand, the number of normal sperm cells in the fertilization site decreases due to the morphological and mechanical changes that occur in the fallopian tube with age. Moreover, in older ages, the normal sperm cells swim with lower velocities and for shorter distances inside the ampulla toward the ovary. Thus, the changes that the human fallopian tube undergoes due to women's aging have a significant influence on the human sperm cell motility. Our model of sperm cell motility through the fallopian tube in relation to the woman's age morphological changes provides a new scope for the investigation and treatment of diseases and infertility cases associated with aging, as well as a potential personalized medicine tool for evaluating the chances of a natural fertilization per specific features of a man's sperm and a woman's reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayssam Nassir
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mattan Levi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amir Wiser
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Natan T. Shaked
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Vitale SG, Mikuš M, De Angelis MC, Carugno J, Riemma G, Franušić L, Cerovac A, D'alterio MN, Nappi L, Angioni S. Diode laser use in hysteroscopic surgery: current status and future perspectives. MINIM INVASIV THER 2023; 32:275-284. [PMID: 37584381 DOI: 10.1080/13645706.2023.2247483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in surgical technology and innovative techniques have revolutionized surgical gynecology, including transcervical hysteroscopic procedures. Surgical lasers (Nd-Yag, Argon, diode, and CO2 lasers) have been promoted to remove a variety of gynecological pathologies. For hysteroscopic surgery, the diode laser represents the most versatile and feasible innovation, with simultaneous cut and coagulate action, providing improved hemostasis compared with CO2 laser. The newest diode laser devices exhibit increased power and a dual wavelength, to work precisely with reduced thermal dispersion and minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Their efficacy and safety have been validated both in the hospitals as well as in the office setting. Updated evidence reports that several hysteroscopic procedures, including endometrial polypectomies, myomectomies and metroplasties can be successfully performed with a diode laser. Therefore, this review aimed to give a deeper understanding of the role of laser energy in gynecology and subsequently in hysteroscopy in order to safely incorporate this technology into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Giovanni Vitale
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mislav Mikuš
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Jose Carugno
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences Department, Minimally Invasive Gynecology Unit, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Gaetano Riemma
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli,", Naples, Italy
| | - Lucija Franušić
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anis Cerovac
- General Hospital Tešanj, Tešanj, Bosnia and Herzegovina, School of Medicine, Univeristy of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Maurizio Nicola D'alterio
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luigi Nappi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Stefano Angioni
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Canha-Gouveia A, Di Nisio V, Salumets A, Damdimopoulou P, Coy P, Altmäe S, Sola-Leyva A. The Upper Reproductive System Microbiome: Evidence beyond the Uterus. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:190-199. [PMID: 38320577 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1778056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The microbiome of the female upper reproductive system has garnered increasing recognition and has become an area of interest in the study of women's health. This intricate ecosystem encompasses a diverse consortium of microorganisms (i.e., microbiota) and their genomes (i.e., microbiome) residing in the female upper reproductive system, including the uterus, the fallopian tubes, and ovaries. In recent years, remarkable advancements have been witnessed in sequencing technologies and microbiome research, indicating the potential importance of the microbial composition within these anatomical sites and its impact in women's reproductive health and overall well-being. Understanding the composition, dynamics, and functions of the microbiome of the female upper reproductive system opens up exciting avenues for improving fertility, treating gynecological conditions, and advancing our comprehension of the intricate interplay between the microbiome and the female reproductive system. The aim of this study is to compile currently available information on the microbial composition of the female upper reproductive system in humans, with a focus beyond the uterus, which has received more attention in recent microbiome studies compared with the fallopian tubes and ovaries. In conclusion, this review underscores the potential role of this microbiome in women's physiology, both in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Analuce Canha-Gouveia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University Clinical Hospital "Virgen de la Arrixaca," Murcia, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Valentina Di Nisio
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pilar Coy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University Clinical Hospital "Virgen de la Arrixaca," Murcia, Spain
| | - Signe Altmäe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alberto Sola-Leyva
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
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Liptáková A, Čurová K, Záhumenský J, Visnyaiová K, Varga I. Microbiota of female genital tract – functional overview of microbial flora from vagina to uterine tubes and placenta. Physiol Res 2022. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms and eukaryotic human cells coexist in synergistic relationships in nearly every niche of the human body. The female genital tract consisting of the vagina, uterus with its cervix and endometrium, uterine tubes and ovaries – harbors its own typical microbiota, which accounts for 9 % of the total bacterial population in females. To this organ system, we also assigned the microbiome of the placenta, which has not been studied much until now. Among the spectrum of microbial species, the female genital tract is mainly dominated by Lactobacillus species, which are considered to be one of the simplest yet most important microbial communities. However, this relationship between macro- and micro-organisms seems to have a number of physiological functions, e.g., the vaginal and cervical microbiota have unique impact on reproductive health. The aim of this review was to provide current view on female genital tract microbiota and its role in reproductive health. We describe in detail the association of vaginal or tubal epithelium with microbiota or the role of microbiota in normal placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - K Čurová
- Department of Medical and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of P. J. Šafárik, Košice, Slovak Republic.
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LIPTÁKOVÁ A, ČUROVÁ K, ZÁHUMENSKÝ J, VISNYAIOVÁ K, VARGA I. Microbiota of female genital tract - functional overview of microbial flora from vagina to uterine tubes and placenta. Physiol Res 2022; 71:S21-S33. [PMID: 36592438 PMCID: PMC9853993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms and eukaryotic human cells coexist in synergistic relationships in nearly every niche of the human body. The female genital tract consisting of the vagina, uterus with its cervix and endometrium, uterine tubes and ovaries - harbors its own typical microbiota, which accounts for 9 % of the total bacterial population in females. To this organ system, we also assigned the microbiome of the placenta, which has not been studied much until now. Among the spectrum of microbial species, the female genital tract is mainly dominated by Lactobacillus species, which are considered to be one of the simplest yet most important microbial communities. However, this relationship between macro- and micro-organisms seems to have a number of physiological functions, e.g., the vaginal and cervical microbiota have unique impact on reproductive health. The aim of this review was to provide current view on female genital tract microbiota and its role in reproductive health. We describe in detail the association of vaginal or tubal epithelium with microbiota or the role of microbiota in normal placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana LIPTÁKOVÁ
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Katarína ČUROVÁ
- Department of Medical and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of P. J. Šafárik in Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Jozef ZÁHUMENSKÝ
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava and University Hospital Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Kristína VISNYAIOVÁ
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava and University Hospital Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Ivan VARGA
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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