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15 July 2016, Volume 35 Issue 4
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Application of Gonadotrophin-releasing Hormone Agonist Pretreatment for the Women with Recurrent Implantation Failure in Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles WU Hong-bo;LI Liu-ming;LI Mu-jun;LUO Jiang-xia 2016, 35 (4):  269-272.  Abstract ( 2817 )   PDF (744KB) ( 10427 )   Objective: To investigate the effects of gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) pretreatment on the outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles and endometrial receptivity for the women with recurrent implantation failure. Methods: A total of 131 women undergoing FET cycles in the reproductive medical center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University and the People′s Hospital of Liuzhou with a history of recurrent implantation failure (≥2 times) were enrolled in this retrospective study from January 2014 to August 2015. According to the protocols of endometrial preparation, those women were grouped into two groups: the group A received only hormone replacement treatment (HRT) for endometrial preparation (69 cycles)，and the group B received GnRHa down-regulation pretreatment before HRT (62 cycles). Meanwhile，the 48 patients in group B who had received HRT for endometrial preparation previous FET cycle (sub-groups) were also performed the self-control comparison. Results: There were no statistical differences in the age, duration of infertility, basal endocrine level, body-mass index (BMI), endometrial thickness, number of embryo transferred, number of good-quality embryo, good-quality embryo rate, early abortion rate between the two groups (P＞0.05)，whereas the clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate as well as the proportion of pattern A endometrial blood flow in group B were significantly higher than those in group A (P＜0.05). The self-control comparison showed that the proportion of pattern A endometrial blood flow was significantly higher in those cycles with GnRHa down-regulation than that in cycles with only HRT (P＜0.05)，and that there were no significant differences in endometrial thickness and the good-quality embryo rate between the two sub-groups (P＞0.05). Conclusions: GnRHa down-regulation pretreatment before HRT can significantly improve the endometrial receptivity and clinical pregnancy rate for the patients with recurrent implantation failure in FET cycle. Related Articles | Metrics

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Intrauterine Pregnancy Companied with Cervical Ectopic Pregnancy Following in vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer: Two Cases Report FAN Lin;LIU Feng-hua;WENG Hui-nan;XU Hong;CHEN Ye 2016, 35 (4):  273-275.  Abstract ( 3044 )   PDF (738KB) ( 10341 )   Objective: To explore the therapeutical effect of selective reduction on the intrauterine pregnancy combined with cervical heterotopic pregnancy. Methods：2 cases of the intrauterine pregnancy combined with cervical ectopic pregnancy after IVF-ET were reported, along with a review of the literature. Results：After the implementation of selective embryo reduction, patients got a successful delivery with no complications. Conclusions：The selective reduction via transvaginal ultrasonography is a less invasive and safer treatment for those patients with the intrauterine pregnancy combined with cervical ectopic pregnancy. Related Articles | Metrics

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14 Cases of Ovarian Torsion after in vitro Fertilization JIANG Lei, XU Su-xin, HAO Gui-min 2016, 35 (4):  276-277.  Abstract ( 3059 )   PDF (666KB) ( 26941 )   PDF（mobile） (264KB) ( 33 )   Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of ovarian torsion and the early diagnosis by transvaginal sonography in those women who received in vitro fertilization （ＩＶＦ） ｔｒeatment, so as to provide a practical reference for clinical work. Methods：Data of 14 cases of ovarian torsion who received IVF treatment were retrospectively analyzed, from Jan. 2012 to Dec. 2014 in our department. Results：In 14 cases, six cases were treated successfully by bimanual reduction; and 8 cases by laparoscopic surgery, including 4 cases by ipsilateral adnexectomy, 1 case of bilateral ovarian torsion by the ipsilateral adnexectomy and the contralateral ovary reset, and 3 cases by diseased ovary reset. There were 9 cases who had successful pregnancy including 8 live births and 1 early abortion. Conclusions：Combined with the clinical manifestations and signs of ovarian torsion, ultrasound examination is an effective method for the early diagnosis of ovarian torsion. The transvaginal bimanual reset after early diagnosis can effectively decrease the rate of surgery. Related Articles | Metrics

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Effect of Human Early Decidual Stromal Cells on the Treg Cell Subsets in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Reproductive Age Women WU A-li;LIU Xiao-yun;LIU Fu-min;FENG Xia;ZHU Xue- wen 2016, 35 (4):  278-281.  Abstract ( 1977 )   PDF (848KB) ( 8715 )   Objective: To investigate the effect of human early decidual stromal cells (DSCs) on the regulatory T cell (Treg cell) subsets in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLCs) of women with reproductive age. Methods：Treg cells of peripheral blood were isolated and cultured. DSCs were isolated and cultured from the decidual tissue of normal early pregnancy. When DSCs were passaged to the third or fourth generation, DSCs were randomly divided into 4 groups. ①Control group: PBLC cultured only, ②Co-culture group: PBLC+DSCs cultured together, ③LPS stimulation group: PBLC+DSCs Co-culture and LPS stimulation, ④PDTC blockade group: LPS stimulation group plus PDTC blocking. The IκBα protein was detected by Western blotting. The FoxP3 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. The Treg cell subsets were detected by flow cytometry. Results：The purity of DSCs was more than 95%. The levels of IκBα protein and FoxP3 mRNA in the Co-culture group were significantly higher than those in the other three groups (P＜0.05). The levels of IκBα protein and FoxP3 mRNA in the LPS stimulation group were significantly decreased when compared with the Co-culture group, while two parameters in the PDTC block group were significantly increased when compared with the LPS stimulation group although be still less than those in the Co-culture group (P＜0.05). Flow cytometry showed that the percentage of Treg cell subset in the Co-culture group was significantly higher than that in the other three groups (P＜0.05). Compared to the Co-culture group, this value in the LPS stimulate group was significantly decreased. Interestingly, this parameter in the PDTC blocked group was significantly increased than that in the LPS stimulate group, although be still less than that in the Co-culture group (P＜0.05). Conclusions：Human early DSCs can increase the proportion of Treg cell subsets in the peripheral blood lymphocytes from childbearing age women. The potential mechanism of the decreased proportion of Treg cell subsets induced by LPS is related to the activation of IκB kinase and the degradation IκBα, then the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and thus inhibition of FoxP3 expression. Related Articles | Metrics

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The Relationship between Plasma miR-451 and Endometriosis SHI Jin-qiu;LU Jian-xiang;LI Bao-yan 2016, 35 (4):  282-284.  Abstract ( 1684 )   PDF (1244KB) ( 8548 )   Objective: To analyze the level of plasma miR-451 in patients with endometriosis (EMs), and to investigate the effect of miR-451 on the proliferation and migration of the stromal cells cultured in vitro. Methods：We recruited 54 cases of EMs and 59 healthy volunteers from January 2014 to May 2015 at People′s Hospital of Luohu District. Total RNA from plasma were extracted, and the expression of plasma miR-451 was analyzed with real-time qPCR. The proliferation viability of stromal cells was detected by CCK-8 assay, and migration by the wound-healing assay. Results：The level of plasma miR-451 in EMs patients was significantly lower than that in healthy volunteers [(0.53±0.14) vs. (1.00±0.20), t=14.50, P＜0.01]. Overexpression of miR-451 in the in vitro cultured stromal cells significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of stromal cells[(1.00±0.12) vs. (0.74±0.02), t=4.73, P=0.001]. Conclusions：The level of plasma miR-451 is lowered in patients with EMs. miR-451 may participate in the pathophysiological mechanism of EMs by the inhibition of proliferation and migration of ectopic stromal cells. Related Articles | Metrics

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Analysis of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Indexes in Patients with Normal Glucose Tolerance and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome GAO Jing;ZHOU Li;CHEN Hui;CHEN Chen 2016, 35 (4):  285-288.  Abstract ( 1719 )   PDF (774KB) ( 8429 )   Objective: To investigate the glucose and lipid metabolism indexes in patients with normal glucose tolerance and polycystic ovary syndrome （ＰＣＯＳ）. Methods：PCOS was diagnosed according to the Rotterdam Criterion. One hundred and forty-four patients with PCOS undertaken the oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） and the insulin release test （ＩＲＴ）． One hundred healthy women with normal menstrual cycle served as the control group. Results：Compared with the control group, PCOS patients with normal glucose tolerance had a higher BMI, higher serum glucose and insulin levels at 0, 30, 60 and 180 min in OGTT and IRT, higher levels of HOMA-IR and HOMA-β, and the increased area under curves （ＡＵＣｓ） of glucose and insulin （Ｐ＜０．０５）． Additionally, the subgroup analysis was employed based on BMI. In PCOS patients with normal glucose tolerance, the obese subgroup （BMI≥25 kg/m2） had higher serum glucose and insulin levels at 0, 60, 120 and 180 min in OGTT and IRT, higher levels of HOMA-IR and HOMA-β, and the increased level of TG when compared with the non-obese subgroup （Ｐ＜０．０５）, which indicated that the ability of glucose and lipid metabolism in those obese PCOS patients was still impaired though they were with normal glucose tolerance after OGTT. Conclusions：OGTT and IRT should be routinely suggested for those PCOS patients with normal glucose tolerance so as to find the potential insulin resistence and to intervent early. For those obese PCOS patients with normal glucose tolerance, it should be advised to check actively the levels of insulin and serum lipid and to have termly the follow-up visit. Related Articles | Metrics

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Efficacy of Uterine Compression Hemostasis in the Treatment of 31 Cases of the First Trimester Cesarean Scar Pregnancy LIAN Cheng-ying;CHEN Xiu-juan;HUANG Xiao-chen;NI Yi-hua 2016, 35 (4):  289-291.  Abstract ( 1556 )   PDF (683KB) ( 8522 )   Objective: To investigate the hemostasis efficacy of intrauterine compression in the first trimester cesarean scar pregnancy. Methods：Thirty one patients with cesarean scar pregnancy underwent the uterine compression hemostasis and hospitalized at Fujian Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2010 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Results：There were 18 patients used uterine balloon compression hemostasis, and 13 patients used uterine yarn plug compression hemostasis. The average injection volume of balloon was （２6.88±17.7２） mL （７～６０ ｍＬ）． The average placed time of balloon was （３４.94±2０．６２） ｈ （１５～９１ ｈ）． The average amount of bleeding during uterine balloon compression was 37.00 （10.00, 81.2５） mL （2~360 mL）. The average placed time of uterine plug yarn was (39.15±14.68) h (18~72) h. The average amount of bleeding after the yarn plug compression hemostasis was 10.00（7.25，18.75） mL （5～55 mL）. The success rate of balloon compression hemostasis was 94.4% （17/18）, the rate of infection was 11.11%（2/18）. The success rate of uterine yarn plug hemostasis was 92.３％ （１2/13）, the rate of infection was 7.69%（1/13）. Conclusions：Both of the uterine balloon and the yarn plug compression hemostasis are effective and safe for CSP treatment and worth to be recommended to clinical treatment. Related Articles | Metrics

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Relationship between Subclinical Hypothyroidism during Pregnancy and Anemia KANG Su-ya;WANG Yun 2016, 35 (4):  292-294.  Abstract ( 1534 )   PDF (705KB) ( 8353 )   Objective: To investigate the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) during pregnancy and maternity anemia in late gestation, and to analyze if the treatment with oral levothyroxine (LT4) can improve the incidence of anemia. Methods：1 087 gravidas with SCH (the SCH group) and 4 942 gravidas with normal thyroid function (the control group) diagnosed by the serum thyroid function screening during prenatal care were included in this retrospective case-control study. All gravidas with the anemia during early pregnancy were excluded. The SCH group were then divided into the SCH-treated subgroup and the SCH-untreated subgroup according to whether they were treated with LT4. The positive rate of TPOAb and the incidence of anemia were compared among groups. Results：①The positive rate of TPOAb in the SCH group was significantly higher than that in the control group (23.4% vs. 9.4%, χ2=163.920, P=0.000). ②The incidence of anemia in the SCH group was significantly higher than that in the control group (25.4% vs. 21.0%, χ2=9.459, P=0.002), while this incidence in the SCH-treated subgroup was lower than that in the SCH-untreated subgroup (22.9% vs. 26.5%, but P=0.204). Conclusions：SCH increases the incidence of anemia during last trimester in gestation period. LT4 treatment may improve the incidence of SCH-maternity anemia in late gestation. Related Articles | Metrics

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Research Progress of Glucose Metabolism of Oocytes JIANG Xin;XU Yang 2016, 35 (4):  295-298.  Abstract ( 1469 )   PDF (677KB) ( 8328 )   The developmental competence of oocyte is influenced by its growth microenvironment, which is one of the research hotspots in human reproduction medicine. Cumulus cells, follicular fluid and others, are closely related with oocyte development and maturation by making up the microenvironment of oocyte, providing metabolic substances required for oocyte, and by secreting some hormonal substances and cell activation factors. Therefore, this microenvironment is very important for the growth and development of oocyte, which is related with the quality of oocyte. There are a lot of researches on the microenvironment of oocyte. However, due to limitations of scientific technology and ethics, we know little about the metabolism of oocytes own, which is related with its microenvironment closely. A better understanding of oocytes own metabolic processes, we can understand how the growth microenvironment of the oocyte contact with oocyte, and how it affects the regulation of growth and development of oocytes. In this review, we try to introduce the glucose metabolism in oocyte, including four aspects: glucose transport, metabolic pathways, metabolic enzymes and the relationship between glucose and quality of oocyte. Related Articles | Metrics

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Effects of Oxidative Stress on Oocyte Development and the Outcome of in vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer: A Review OUYANG Xiao-e;HU Rong 2016, 35 (4):  299-302.  Abstract ( 1373 )   PDF (777KB) ( 8337 )   Some of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were produced in the microenvironment of oocyte and embryo when oxygen participates in the metabolism. If not eliminated in time, ROS can directly induce the oxidative stress. Studies have shown that the oxidative stress is one of the dominant factors related to the oocyte quality. The excess oxidative stress may lead to changes in the morphology and function of mitochondria in the oocyte, the synthesis of ATP and the meiotic process. After that, the increasing oocyte aneuploidy and the damage of embryonic DNA may lead to the stagnation of embryonic development and the poor outcome of pregnancy. In in vitro culture of oocyte and embryo, the adverse effects of oxidative stress can be well eliminated by adding exogenous antioxidants or free radical scavenger, and establishing and maintaining the hypoxic environment for the development of oocyte and embryo. This article reviewes the onset of oxidative stress, the effect on the development of oocytes and embryo and the mechanisms involved, and how to overcome the adverse affect of oxidative stress. Related Articles | Metrics

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Research Progress of Human Follicular Fluid Proteomics WEN Xiao-wei;ZHOU Li-xia;XIE Jun;KUANG Yan-ping;CHAI Wei-ran 2016, 35 (4):  303-307.  Abstract ( 1261 )   PDF (751KB) ( 8394 )   Follicular fluid is a biological fluid containing a varity of the proteins and factors secreted by oocytes, granulosa cells and theca cells, which is important for the follicular development and oocyte maturation as the medium or micro-environment of oocyte growth. Over the past ten years, the proteomic studies of follicular fluid were focused on the identification of some novel proteins and screening of disease-related proteins. In this article, five aspects related to the proteomic studies of follicular fluid were reviewed as follows: some new proteins identified from follicular fluid, the age-related biomarkers, some definite biomarkers of follicular maturation, the disease-related markers, and the biomarkers related to IVF success. It is possible that the quality of follicle and oocyte, and the potential of fertilization and embryo development, be predicted by some potential biomarkers of follicular fluid that are the key reproduction-related and（or） developemnt-related proteins screened and identified from those proteomic studies. Related Articles | Metrics

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Screening High Quality Blastocyst by Morphological and Kinetic Parameters WEI Ming-ming;HE Yu-jie 2016, 35 (4):  308-312.  Abstract ( 1278 )   PDF (740KB) ( 8370 )   The blastocyst quality is very important for the elective single blastocyst transfer (eSBT). The multiple pregnancy rate can be effectively reduced, and the clinical pregnancy rate can be kept at a higher level, by transplanting a high-quality blastocyst. At present, the main method to evaluate the quality of blastocysts is morphology. The morphological parameters were comprehensively scored by the traditional morphological scoring method, which means that the blastocyst with higher score is of the better quality. However, when there are more than two blastocysts with the same score, new indicators are necessary for embryologists to select the blastocyst with the most developmental potential for transplantation. Three independent morphological parameters of blastocyst, inner cell mass (ICM), trophectoderm (TE) and degree of blastocyst expansion with the different predictive value for the pregnancy outcomes, can provide additional references for the further screening of the blastocyst. In recent years, the whole process of embryonic development can be observed dynamically by time-lapse imaging technology. The kinetic parameters of pronuclear stage, cleavage stage and blastocyst stage were tried as the new index for evaluating the quality of embryo. In this article, we reviewed the research progress on the screening high quality blastocyst by morphological and kinetic parameters. Related Articles | Metrics

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Research Progress of Mitochondrial DNA in Early Embryo Development CAO Ya-nan;HAO Jian-xiu;ZHANG Wen-ke;WANG Li;YAO Yuan-qing 2016, 35 (4):  313-316.  Abstract ( 1426 )   PDF (709KB) ( 8355 )   Mitochondria, as one of the most important organelles, provides energy for cellualar events. Mitochondria DNAs (mtDNAs) are a set of the genetic materials except for the nuclear genome. The shape and distribution of mitochondria vary with the oocyte maturation and early embryo development. The mutations of mtDNAs and the change of copy number were related to the outcomes of embryonic development. It was found that the growing mtDNA mutations caused the increased copy number of mtDNAs, and that the increased copy number of mtDNAs in blastocyst brought the higher success rate of embryo transfer. It is known that a high proportion of oocytes can not be successfully fertilized or developed to the high-quality embryos despite being chromosomally and morphologically normal. Some embryos with morphological high-quality are fail to be implanted successfully. It is important to increase the efficiency of embryo transfer by improving the oocyte quality from the perspective of mitochondria for the assisted reproductive technology (ART). Related Articles | Metrics

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Role of Long Non-coding RNAs in Spermatogenesis HUANG Jia-lv;CHEN Jun;ZHANG Liu-cheng;WU Jun-xiang;WU Yu-jian;SONG Ning 2016, 35 (4):  317-321.  Abstract ( 1395 )   PDF (774KB) ( 8303 )   Long non-coding RNAs （ｌｎｃＲＮＡｓ） are a group of RNA transcripts with longer than 200 nucleotides and without protein-coding capacity. Recently, it was revealed that the lncRNAs could be involved in the regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and epigenetic levels, and chromatin remodeling. In this review, we summarized the classification of lncRNAs and three major mechanisms including decoys, guides and scaffolds. More and more lncRNAs related to spermatogenesis have been identificated by the next generation sequencing and microarray. The roles and potential mechanisms of lncRNAs in the proliferation, differentiation and maturation of germ cells were introduced, including those lncRNAs as Mrhl, Tsx, HongrES2, Dmr, Tbca16 and NLC1-C. Finally, the study strategy of lncRNAs was discussed. Related Articles | Metrics

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The Application of the GnRH Antagonist in in vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer LIU Xiao-lian;HE Yu-jie 2016, 35 (4):  322-326.  Abstract ( 1357 )   PDF (770KB) ( 8368 )   The long protocol of GnRH agonist for the ovulation induction in infertility treatment has been accepted by assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, in recent years, the GnRH antagonist has also been widely used in clinical practice due to its short-time, safety, no "flare-up" and reserved response. The GnRH antagonist protocol can significantly lower the occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), while it has little undesirable influence in those patients with the normal response. The application of GnRH antagonist has also been tried in those patients with the low response. How to personalize the protocol of GnRH antagonist has been the research hotpot in ART area. We introduced the personalized protocols of GnRH antagonist for those patients with different responses and the other protocols derived from GnRH antagonist. Related Articles | Metrics

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Research Progress of Epigenetic Mechanism of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome CAO Yu-ming;ZHANG Yuan-zhen 2016, 35 (4):  327-330.  Abstract ( 1237 )   PDF (708KB) ( 8320 )   Multiple factors of heritability and environment conjointly participate in the pathomechanism of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The complicated manifestations of PCOS could be related with the epigenetic modification, and the detailed mechanism needs more studies. The epigenetic modifications related to the development of PCOS include DNA methylation, X chromosome inactivation, histone modification, genomic imprinting, non-coding RNA regulation, and so on. For example, those miRNAs expressed abundantly in ovarian tissue play important roles in regulating ovarian function, which participate in multiple biological events including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and cell death. To explore the effect of epigenetics in the pathogenesis of PCOS can provide us new references for the basic research and clinical practice of PCOS in future. Related Articles | Metrics

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Outlook of Stem Cells for the Treatment of Thin Endometrium YU Lu-ping;LIU Ying 2016, 35 (4):  331-334.  Abstract ( 1364 )   PDF (773KB) ( 8342 )   In assisted reproductive technology (ART), the endometrial thickness is a common index of the endometrial function. When the endometrium is too thin to suit for embryonic implantation and clinical pregnancy, it is defined as the thin endometrium. Although there are many treatments for thin endometrium, the effects are not satisfied. Stem cells, including embryonic stem cells (ES), adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), with the ability of self-renewal and differentiation, have been applied in many clinical trials. Studies showed that stem cells can be induced to endometrial cells, and that stem cells can promote the endometrial growth of endometrium, which means that stem cells may be used to treat thin endometrium. In this review, we discussed the research progress on the application of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (ＢＭＳＣｓ), endometrial stem cells (EDSCs), human embryonic stem cells (ｈＥＳＣｓ) and human wharton′s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) in the treatment of thin endometrium, and compared their advantages and disadvantages. Related Articles | Metrics

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Application of Ultrasound in Evaluating the Prognosis of Cervical Conization LI Hui-dong;QU Peng-peng 2016, 35 (4):  335-338.  Abstract ( 1233 )   PDF (734KB) ( 8322 )   In recent years, more and more cervical intraepithelial neoplasia are diagnosed following the extensive cervical screening. The number of patients who need cervical conization is also gradually increased. It is predictable that many patients have fertility requirements. Cervical healing after conization, and whether or not to increase adverse outcomes of pregnancy, receives much concern. Ultrasound as a morphology research method can be used to evaluate the time and degree of cervical healing, and to measure the cervix length and shape, so as to predict adverse outcomes of pregnancy. In this paper, we reviewed the application of ultrasound in evaluating the prognosis of cervical conization, including methodological standard and quantitative analysis. Related Articles | Metrics

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Research Progress on Pathogenic Factors of Duplex Collecting System LI Bin;ZHANG Jian-jun;DUAN Wen-yuan;WANG Tong-jian;JIN Xun-bo 2016, 35 (4):  339-343.  Abstract ( 1382 )   PDF (743KB) ( 8314 )   The duplex collecting system, a malformation of duplex renal pelvis and ureter, is a disease of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). The morbidity of this disease is about 0.07%. There is a broad spectrum of forms, or it may accompany with many anomalies of other organs, such as hypospadia, cryptorchidism, vas deferens absence, and hypoplasia of testis and penis. Some of patients may feel no discomfort all through their life, meanwhile others may get irreversible impairment of renal function due to secondary hydronephrosis and calculi. The family history of the duplex collecting system is the most frequent within all CAKUT. Owing to its incomplete penetrance and the undefined pathogenesis, the genetic research of this disease is a challenge. It was found that this disease is related to gene mutations, copy number variants, and interaction between heredity and environment and some other factors. Some pathogenic factors found in human have also been confirmed in animal models, while others could be found either in animal models or human. We herein reviewed the research progress of the pathogenic factors of duplex collecting system. Related Articles | Metrics

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Roles of Non-coding RNAs in the Regulation of Reproduction DU Chen;XU Yan-qi;CHEN Xiu-juan 2016, 35 (4):  344-347.  Abstract ( 1236 )   PDF (698KB) ( 8356 )   Non-coding RNAs (ncRANs), abounding in higher organisms, form a very complex network of biological regulation, which is the hotspot of biomedicine in recent years. Three kinds of ncRANs, small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA) and PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA), are important members of this regulating network. Recent studies showed that ncRNAs play key regulatory roles in the development, differentiation and apoptosis of germ cells during gametogenesis and the steroidogenesis by the machinery silence transposable elements and their regulating effects on the expression of target genes. Ovarian dysfunction such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian failure (POF) could be related with the aberrant regulation of ncRNAs. In this paper, we summarized the research progress of ncRNAs in follicular development, spermatogenesis and embryonic development. Related Articles | Metrics

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Krüppel-like Factors and Female Reproductive Diseases HUANG Ya-xiong;ZHANG Yuan-zhen 2016, 35 (4):  348-352.  Abstract ( 1364 )   PDF (752KB) ( 8345 )   The diseases of female reproductive system were partially related to the abnormal cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation which is due to the imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, as well as their receptor-related signaling pathways. The complicated regulation of those nuclear receptor-related signaling pathways is mediated by many nuclear factors, such as Krüppel-like factors (KLFs). KLFs are a group of zinc finger proteins, which is closely related to the transcriptional regulation of eukaryotic cells. KLFs are ubiquitously expressed in female reproductive tissues, as the critical co-regulator and integrator of steroid hormone actions. Expression of KLF4 is decreased in the eutopic endometrium in patients with endometriosis (EMs) and in the endometrial cancer tissues. In peri-implantation stage, KLF5 plays an important role in the formation of the receptivity of endometrium which is associated with successful embryos implantation. KLF6 is involved in the development of placenta and the maintenance of pregnancy. KLF9 plays a positive role in the regulation of progesterone receptor and a negative role in the regulation of estrogen receptor. KLF11 as a transcription inhibitor has the potential to inhibit the growth of uterine fibroids and EMs ectopic lesions. It is helpful to study the biological function of KLFs for understanding the pathogenesis of female reproductive diseases. Related Articles | Metrics