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Human eggs remain healthy for decades by putting ‘batteries on standby mode’

Researchers discovered that human egg cells skip a crucial metabolic reaction to maintain their reproductive capacity without losing energy, allowing them to remain dormant in ovaries for up to 50 years. This finding explains why some women with mitochondrial conditions linked to this reaction do not experience reduced fertility.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

PCOS in mothers is linked to increased risk of health problems in their children

Children born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing infections, allergies, and other childhood illnesses by age 13. The study found that children of mothers with PCOS were 32% more likely to be admitted to hospital for various health problems.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

Pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome at risk of heart complications during delivery, study finds

A new study links polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events and pregnancy outcomes during delivery, including preeclampsia and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for heart complications compared to those without the hormone disorder.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 16, 2022

An arms race that plays out in a single genome

Biologists at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a two-sided genomic arms race between satellite DNA and its binding proteins in fruit flies. The study reveals that when these elements interact, significant costs to fitness can occur, including impacts on fertility and cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

Stress may be associated with fertility issues in women

A recent study published in Endocrinology found that exposure to a scream sound may lead to diminished ovarian reserve and decreased fertility in female rats. The researchers discovered that the scream sound reduced estrogen and Anti-Mullerian hormone levels, as well as the number and quality of eggs, resulting in smaller litters.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateMay 10, 2022

UMass Amherst study examines associations between contraceptive methods and early menopause

A UMass Amherst study found associations between oral contraceptive use and certain tubal ligation methods with lower levels of antimüllerian hormone (AMH), a biomarker for ovarian aging. This may suggest an increased risk for early menopause in women who have used oral contraceptives or undergone specific types of tubal ligation.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMenopause·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Obesity may increase risk of some female reproductive disorders

A study published in PLOS Medicine found associations between obesity and various female reproductive conditions. Researchers used Mendelian randomization to investigate causal links between body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and risk of conditions like uterine fibroids and pre-eclampsia.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2022

The origin of reproductive organs

A new study led by Kotaro Sasaki elucidates the early biological processes involved in the development of ovaries and testes in human embryos. Researchers analyzed single-cell transcriptome data to understand gene expression at each developmental stage, providing insights into typical and atypical gonadal development.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 6, 2021

Researchers determine factors associated with ovary removal in patients with ovarian torsion

A retrospective study of patients with ovarian torsion found that older age, larger ovarian size, and gynecologic oncologist performance were linked to increased oophorectomy rates. The study suggests that surgeon ability to diagnose necrosis is poor, and patient race does not impact the likelihood of oophorectomy.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Gynecologic Surgery·DateDec 18, 2020

Mutant tomato helps to crack the secrets of fruiting

A study published in PNAS reveals that fruit development rewires the central metabolism pathway in tomatoes via increased sensitivity to gibberellin. The role of this hormone in fruit-setting ovaries was previously unknown and has significant implications for breeding parthenocarpic fruits.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2020

Genetic analysis suggests distinct subtypes of polycystic ovary syndrome

A study funded by NIH analyzed nearly 900 women with irregular menstrual periods and identified two PCOS subtypes, each associated with distinct groups of gene variants. The reproductive subtype had higher levels of luteinizing hormone and lower BMI, while the metabolic group had a higher BMI and insulin levels.

Study: How to safely remove ovary in girls for best results in fertility preservation

A study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago defines the safest laparoscopic technique for removing ovaries in girls, resulting in better quality ovarian tissue for future transplantation. This technique minimizes damage and maximizes fertility preservation, increasing pregnancy rates after transplantation.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of Pediatric Surgery·DateFeb 3, 2020

Removal of ovary for fertility preservation found safe in girls as young as 5 months

Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago report successful surgical techniques and outcomes for single ovary removal in girls as young as 5 months old. The procedure causes no complications and can be performed on an outpatient basis without delaying cancer or other therapies.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of Pediatric Surgery·DateOct 1, 2018

Non-coding DNA changes sex determination

Researchers have identified a critical non-coding DNA element regulating the Sox9 gene, crucial for male sex development. Deleting this enhancer results in sex reversal in mice, shedding light on the genetic mechanisms underlying sex determination and potentially improving diagnosis for patients with differences in sex development.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2018

PCOS may reduce gut bacteria diversity

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that women with PCOS have less diverse gut bacteria, which may influence the development of the condition and its impact on quality of life. Elevated testosterone levels in women with PCOS were linked to these changes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 23, 2018