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The Vaginal Microbiome
Published in Carlos Simón, Carmen Rubio, Handbook of Genetic Diagnostic Technologies in Reproductive Medicine, 2022
Shahriar Mowla, Phillip R. Bennett, David A. MacIntyre
There is also substantial evidence that the vaginal microbiota influences the reproductive success of the host. Much recent attention has focused on investigating potential links between vaginal microbiota composition and infertility (97–100). Some studies have even proposed vaginal microbiota as a predictive biomarker for in vitro fertilization success (101,102). Despite differences in design and techniques across studies in this area, there is general agreement that Lactobacillus species' dominance of the vaginal niche is associated with successful embryo implantation whereas Lactobacillus species depletion and overgrowth of facultative anaerobes are associated with poorer rates of success. A summary of studies that have used molecular based approaches to characterize the relationship between vaginal microbiota composition and in vitro fertilization success are presented in Table 20.1. The importance of the Lactobacillus species' dominance continues into pregnancy. Vaginal microbiota depleted of the Lactobacillus species have recently been linked with first trimester miscarriage (103) and early data suggests that women who suffer unexplained recurrent miscarriage have higher prevalence of potential pathogens including Atopobium, Prevotella, and the Streptococcus species (104).
Influence of Ovarian Hormones on the Regulation of Luteinizing Hormone and Prolactin Release by Angiotensin II
Published in Craig A. Johnston, Charles D. Barnes, Brain-Gut Peptides and Reproductive Function, 2020
M.K. Steele, L.S. Myers, C.F. Deschepper, W.F. Ganong, K.N. Stephenson, R.L. Shackelford
The ovarian hormones also affect the activity of other brain peptides, like AII, neuropeptide Y, neurotensin, corticotropin releasing hormone, and oxytocin, which have been demonstrated to influence LH release. The “stimulatory” peptides may impinge upon the noradrenergic inputs to the LHRH neuron. Disrupting any one of these inputs, at least on an acute basis, will interfere with the LH surge and ovulation. However, reproductive success is a powerful physiological and behavioral drive. It is likely that, on a chronic basis, elimination of any one of these inputs would still be compatible with normal estrous cyclicity. The brain circuitry responsible for reproductive hormone release is probably redundant and can overcome disruption of any one “facilitatory” element.
Prostaglandins and Semen
Published in Murray D. Mitchell, Eicosanoids in Reproduction, 2020
If the fertilizing success of the single ejaculate is concerned, it may be the neutralization of the macrophage, the polymorphonuclear leukocyte, or the natural killer cell which is the most important aspect of seminal PG function since this would be an immediate one on any cytotoxic cells in the vagina or at the cervical os. However, if long-term reproductive success is concerned, then avoidance of the sensitization of the female immune system to the semen of one or more males is paramount and, in this case, the longer-term immunosuppressive role on the immune system would be critical.
Effects of dietary restriction on cognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Published in Nutritional Neuroscience, 2023
Wenqi Lü, Tingting Yu, Weihong Kuang
From an evolutionary point of view, the survival and reproductive success of all organisms depend upon their ability to obtain food. The advanced cognitive capabilities of the human brain originally evolved as adaptations that enabled successful food acquisition [1]. In other words, passive food deprivation created by harsh reality greatly promoted the cognitive function of human ancestors. In modern society, our eating pattern has shifted to consuming three meals a day plus snacks. High-calorie foods are even popular. This is unusual when viewed in the light of evolution. Some epidemiological data showed that excessive energy intake will increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease, which directly or indirectly affect cognitive function [2,3].
In Pursuit of Pleasure: A Biopsychosocial Perspective on Sexual Pleasure and Gender
Published in International Journal of Sexual Health, 2021
Ellen T. M. Laan, Verena Klein, Marlene A. Werner, Rik H. W. van Lunsen, Erick Janssen
Not all individuals will have equal opportunities for pleasurable sexual experiences (Hall, 2019). More specifically, experiences of sexual pleasure seem embedded in a gendered3 context. Around the world, sexual complaints are more prevalent in heterosexual women than in heterosexual men (Laumann et al., 2005). In most contemporary societies, heterosexual women’s sexual pleasure is still generally subordinated to heterosexual men’s pleasure (Hall, 2019; van Lunsen et al., 2013). In (religious) traditional cultures sexual pleasure of women is judged to be more dangerous and undesirable than that of men, or even considered irrelevant (Hall, 2019), probably because sexual pleasure of women does not appear to be directly related to reproductive success. Sexual pleasure of men, at least pleasure entailing orgasm with ejaculation, is condoned, if not prioritized, as procreational duties depend on it. Consequently, only those problems that interfere with sexual pleasure of men or with procreative sex are deemed worthy of complaint or treatment (Hall, 2019), while sexual issues that are important and distressing to women (and individuals engaging in non-procreative sex), including a lack of sexual pleasure, go unnoticed.
Extracellular vesicle cargo of the male reproductive tract and the paternal preconception environment
Published in Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine, 2021
Ahmet Ayaz, Emily Houle, J. Richard Pilsner
While much is known about male reproductive health, sperm development, and many causes of reproductive disorders, research pertaining to the mechanisms of sperm pathophysiology is still largely unknown. Global increases in male infertility and subfertility are major public health issue that threatens reproductive success. For instance, a recent meta-regression analysis identified a significant decline in sperm concentration (SC) and total sperm count (TSC) by analyzing 42,935 men from various studies which were published between 1973 and 2011. Between these years, among men from 50 western countries, SC and TSC declined 52.4% (−1.4% per year) and 59.3% (−1.6% per year), respectively (Levine et al. 2017). More remarkable, are the data from fertile men between 1977 and 2009 in which large decreases were observed in SC (from 83.8 million/ml to 62.0 million/mL, −0.81 per year) and TSC (from 277.4 million to 209.5 million, −0.76 million per year).