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Aim: This study examined the levels of VitD, VitD binding protein (DBP), and free VitD in leiomyomas patients and their association with the quantity, dimensions, and site of fibroid growths. Additionally, we evaluated the potentiality of employing these factors as a biomarker tool for the diagnosis and assessment of uterine fibroid progression. Methods: This study involved the participation of 55 women with leiomyomas and 50 healthy women. We utilized commercial ELISA kits to measure the levels of total VitD and DBP in their serum. Additionally, we calculated the levels of free VitD and the ratio of VitD to DBP. Moreover, we determined the number, size, and location of the leiomyomas in the patients. Results: There were no significant differences in the levels of total VitD between the groups. However, patients had significantly lower levels of free VitD and higher levels of DBP compared to the control group. The size of the largest leiomyomas showed a negative relationship with free VitD and a positive relationship with DBP. Receiver operating characteristic analyses, showed that the cut‐off value for free VitD was 4.47 pg/mL, with a sensitivity of 75.6% and a specificity of 74.4%. The cut‐off value for DBP was 256.2 μg/mL, with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 70.3%. Conclusions: Free VitD and DBP potentially contribute to the development of leiomyomas and are linked to the size of these tumors. The measurement of serum levels of these factors could serve as additional biomarkers for the diagnosis of leiomyomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite performing certain morphological assessments for selecting the best embryo for transfer, the results have not been satisfactory. Given the global tendency for performing quick and noninvasive tests for embryo selection, great efforts have been made to discover the predictive biomarkers of embryo implantation potential. In recent years, many factors have been detected in embryo culture media as a major source of embryo secretions. Previous studies have evaluated cytokines, miRNAs, extracellular vesicles, and other factors such as leukemia inhibitory factor, colony‐stimulating factor, reactive oxygen species, soluble human leukocyte antigen G, amino acids, and apolipoproteins in these media. Given the key role of cytokines in embryo implantation, these factors can be considered promising molecules for predicting the implantation success of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The present study was conducted to review embryo‐secreted molecules as potential biomarkers for embryo selection in ART. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different strategies are applied for cellular cross‐talk and organization in multicellular organisms. Exosomes are a homogenous population of biological nanoparticles (30–100 nm), originated from multivesicular bodies. The exosomes (Exos) could regulate and affect both cellular physiology and pathophysiology in various organs, such as the female reproductive tract, by altering gene pathways and/or epigenetic programming. Besides, engineered Exos have the potential to be used as a novel drug and gene delivery tools. Here in this review, we discussed various aspects of exosome‐based intercellular communication in female reproductive microenvironments. Furthermore, we addressed the findings and issues related to Exos in reproductive biology to give a better view of the involved molecular mechanisms. Moreover, clinical applications of the Exos and their isolation source/methods have been considered to throw some light on the progression of new biological, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches in clinical embryology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the concentration of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) and its soluble receptors (sTNFR I and II) in serum and follicular fluid (FF) at the time of oocyte retrieval and to detect expression of TNF‐α and its receptors by luteinized granulosa cells (GCs). In a cross‐sectional study and through an in vitro fertilization–intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF–ICSI) program, 81 women undergoing oocyte retrieval were recruited. Serum and FF were obtained from 81 women. GCs were pooled from 20 patients (from six different days of oocyte retrievals, 5–16 follicles per patient). TNF‐α and its soluble receptors concentration were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and also their expression by immune cytochemistry and reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. The median TNF‐α concentration in serum was 4.06 pg/ml (interquartile range [IQR], 3.71–6.14) and significantly higher than that in FF with 3.50 pg/ml (IQR, 3.05–5.01), p < 0.001. The sTNFR I and II levels in serum were lower and higher than FF, respectively. The TNF‐α levels in serum and FF of good responders were higher than low responders (p = 0.017 and 0.021, respectively). TNF‐α cut‐off level for low responders versus good responders was 4.174 pg/ml in serum with a pregnancy rate of 25.8% and 40% for below and above of this level, respectively (p = 0.19). For FF, the cut‐off value was 3.89 pg/ml. TNF‐α and its receptors were expressed by GCs. The presence of TNF‐α and its soluble receptors in serum and FF and their expression by GCs suggest an important role for this cytokine in ovarian function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Atherosclerotic plaques, as a hallmark of CAD, cause chronic narrowing of coronary arteries over time and could also result in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The standard treatments for ameliorating AMI are reperfusion strategies, which paradoxically result in ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury. Sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P), as a potent lysophospholipid, plays an important role in various organs, including immune and cardiovascular systems. In addition, high‐density lipoprotein, as a negative predictor of atherosclerosis and CAD, is a major carrier of S1P in blood circulation. S1P mediates its effects through binding to specific G protein‐coupled receptors, and its signaling contributes to a variety of responses, including cardiac inflammation, dysfunction, and I/R injury protection. In this review, we will focus on the role of S1P in CAD and I/R injury as a potential therapeutic target. Sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) mediates its effects through binding to specific G protein‐coupled receptors, and its signaling contributes to a variety of responses, including cardiac inflammation, dysfunction, and I/R injury protection. In this review, we will focus on the role of S1P in coronary artery disease and I/R injury as a potential therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atherosclerosis is identified as the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which could initiate the formation of a blood clot in which its growth to coronary artery can lead to a heart attack. N‐methyltransferase (NNMT) is an enzyme that converts the NAM (nicotinamide) to its methylated form, N1‐methylnicotinamide (MNAM). Higher levels of MNAM have been reported in cases with coronary artery disease (CAD). Further, MNAM increases endothelial prostacyclin (PGI2) and nitric oxide (NO) and thereby causes vasorelaxation. The vasoprotective, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐thrombotic roles of MNAM have been well documented; however, the exact underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified. Due to potential role of MNAM in the formation of lipid droplets (LDs), it might exert its function in coordination with lipids, and their targets. In this study, we summarized the roles of MNAM in cardiovascular system and highlighted its possible mode of actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the expression of paternal antigens by the embryo, pregnancy is considered as a semi‐allograft and so immunological dysregulation is considered as one of the important causes in repeated implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). It has been revealed that lymphocytes immunotherapy (LIT) could be an appropriate approach to prevent pregnancy loss in such patients. Various mechanisms have been suggested for effectiveness of LIT such as enhancing expression of anti‐paternal cytotoxic antibodies (APCA), progesterone‐induced blocking factor (PIBF), anti‐idiotypic antibodies (Ab2), and mixed lymphocyte reaction blocking antibodies (MLR‐Bf), as well as reduction in the T helper 1/T helper 2 ratio and deviation in the pattern of cytokines production. However, there are controversial results about the beneficial effect of LIT treatment in RIF and RPL patients. In the current study, we reviewed findings of LIT in RIF and RPL patients with a focus on possible mechanisms of alloimmunization in preserving pregnancy. Besides, we highlighted possible reasons for mixed results about the effectiveness of LIT and way of solving the problem. Also, we proposed potential laboratory and clinical criteria to recruit patients for LIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During embryo implantation, crosstalk between the endometrial epithelium and the blastocyst, especially the trophoblasts, is a prerequisite for successful implantation. During this crosstalk, various molecular and functional changes occur to promote synchrony between the embryo and the endometrium as well as the uterine cavity microenvironment. In the past few years, growing evidence has shown that endometrium‐derived exosomes play pivotal roles in the embryonic‐maternal crosstalk during implantation, although the exact mechanism of this crosstalk has yet to be determined. The presence of metalloproteinases has been reported in endometrium‐derived exosomes, implying the importance of these enzymes in exosome‐based crosstalk. Thus, in this review, we describe the potential roles of the metalloproteinases of endometrium‐derived exosomes in promoting embryo attachment and implantation. This study could provide a better understanding of the potential roles of exosomal metalloproteinases in embryo implantation and pave the way for developing novel exosome‐based regulatory agents to support early pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]