Aurora magazine

A Chinese study could explain why obese men have infertility problems. Researchers have shown that obese people have higher levels of inflammatory markers in the seminal fluid. It also has less sperm and less quality. The cause of all this could be chronic inflammation of the reproductive system.

Obesity causes a large number of disorders, including a marked reduction in fertility. The phenomenon could be linked to another typical disorder: inflammation. Fat cells produce pro-inflammatory proteins. It follows that those who are obese often suffer from chronic inflammations that touch various tissues.

The Chinese researchers compared the levels of inflammatory markers in the genitals of normal and obese guinea pigs. They found that obese guinea pigs showed structural changes in the testes and hormone production. Obese mice had lower levels of testosterone and higher levels of pro-inflammatory proteins. All these elements affected the quality of the sperm and the ability to reproduce the guinea pigs.

The second phase of the study analyzed samples of 272 human volunteers, 82 normal weight, 150 overweight and 40 obese. Obese volunteers showed high levels of pro-inflammatory proteins. Their samples also had less sperm and less motile. This means that in those conditions the only hope for reproducing lay in assisted procreation. Unless you change your lifestyle.

The study went beyond trying a link between obesity and infertility. He also hypothesized that weight loss could be a good strategy to recover at least part of the fertility. In some cases, this could prevent permanent damage and avoid recourse to PMA.

Source: frontiersin.org

Researchers at the University of California have discovered an increase in the number of children with fetal alcohol syndrome in the US. They examined about 6,000 children from four regions: the Pacific Southwest, the Midwest, Rocky Mountain and the Southeast. The analyzes revealed a FAS rate between 1% and 5%.

To determine the precise number of cases, scientists used a comprehensive approach. The study lasted two years, during which the researchers interviewed both mothers and relatives. This allowed them to more precisely diagnose this syndrome with very complex traits. The large amount of different symptoms has in fact always made it difficult to obtain precise information on the FAS.

The previous data reported about 10 children per 1,000 affected by the syndrome. The study found instead that the frequency of fetal alcohol syndrome is between 11 and 50 children every 1,000. The lowest numbers were found in the Midwest, while the highest numbers in the Rocky Mountain area. According to the study, FAS numbers would be comparable to those of autism spectrum disorders.

Researchers diagnosed fetal alcohol syndrome in 222 children. Of these, only 2 had already received the diagnosis. Parents and teachers were aware that there was a problem, but they had not connected it to the FAS. This makes one think of how many cases of undiagnosed syndrome there are in circulation.

Source: universityofcalifornia.edu

Hay-Wells syndrome or AEC syndrome is a malformative syndrome. It manifests itself mainly in three ways:

• Lack of separation of the eyelid margins. One or both eyes are therefore completely or partially closed;
• cleft lip sometimes accompanied by cracking of the palate;
• abnormalities of skin, hair, nails and teeth.

In some cases the eyelid abnormalities cause malformations of the lacrimal glands, with consequent ocular problems. Sometimes there are also defects in the inner ear and the fusion of two or more fingers and toes. In the most severe forms, skin erosions occur, with areas completely devoid of epidermis and the exposed subcutaneous tissue. This post to infections and sometimes also to bleeding.

Hay-Wells syndrome is an inherited genetic disease that affects the tp63 or p73l gene. It is an autosomal dominant transmission, so only one copy of the modified gene is enough for the disease to manifest. In many cases, however, the disease manifests itself sporadically, ie without the gene being inherited from the parents.

The diagnosis of the disease is based first of all on clinical observation, followed by genetic testing. If there are cases in the family, prenatal diagnosis can be made. To date, the treatments are only symptomatic and there is no decisive cure.

Source: telethon.it

In women with endometriosis, the analysis of immature cells of the immune system in the endometrium could predict the outcome of IVF. This is what a study by Trinity College in Dublin says.

Endometriosis is one of the main causes of infertility among women. It is suspected that alterations in the uterine environment impede the implantation of the embryo. Although the cause of the phenomenon is still unclear, it is suspected that it is in the immune system. In fact, pro-inflammatory immune cells are a crucial element in endometriosis. In addition, some studies have shown the possible role of uterine killer cells in all of this.

It is thought that the killer cells of the uterus contribute to the formation of new blood vessels during the development of the placenta. However, the relationship between these cells and the infertility of those suffering from endometriosis is still unclear. The Irish study then analyzed blood and endometrium samples from about 58 women with the disease.

Among the participants, 33 underwent assisted fertilization techniques, including: in vitro fertilization; intrauterine insemination; intracytoplasmic sperm injection; transfer of frozen embryos. Of these, 23 were pregnant and 10 were not. The other 25 study participants conceived naturally after having undergone endometriosis.

The analyzes revealed no significant differences in killer cell levels between women who conceived and those who did not. However, further analysis of the endometrium showed that the women who conceived had higher levels of killer progenitor cells. It is therefore likely that the levels of these cells show how many possibilities there are that the implantation of the embryo is successful.

Source: endometriosisnews.com