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Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in female reproductive health; influencing natural conception and the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). An essential component of innate immunity, the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is one of the major mediators of inflammatory responses, and its activation is closely linked to oxidative stress. This interaction contributes to a decline in oocyte quality, reduced fertilization potential, and impaired embryo development. In the ovarian milieu, oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation interact intricately, and their combined effects on oocyte competence and reproductive outcomes are significant. The aims of this review are to examine these molecular mechanisms and to explore therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activity, with the goal of enhancing female fertility and improving clinical outcomes in reproductive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidants have a well-established effect on general health and are essential in preventing oxidative damage to cells by scavenging free radicals. Free radicals are thought to be neutralized by these substances, which include polyphenols, β-carotene, and vitamins C and E, reducing cellular damage. On the other hand, recent data indicates that consuming excessive amounts of antioxidants may have side effects. Apoptosis and cell signaling are two beneficial physiological processes that are affected by excessive supplementation. Other negative effects include paradoxical enhancement of oxidative stress and unbalanced cellular redox potential. Overdosing on particular antioxidants has been associated with increased medication interactions, cancer progression, and fatality risks. Additionally, the complex impacts they may have on fertility might be both useful and adverse, depending on the quantity and duration of usage. This review delves into the dual role of antioxidants and emphasizes the importance of employing antioxidants in moderation. Antioxidant overconsumption may disrupt the oxidative balance necessary for normal sperm and oocyte function, which is one of the potential negative effects of antioxidants on fertility in both males and females that are also investigated. Although modest usage of antioxidants is generally safe and useful, high levels of antioxidants can upset hormonal balance, impair sperm motility, and negatively impact the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The findings emphasize the need to use antioxidant supplements in a balanced way, the importance of further research to optimize their use in fertility treatments, and the importance of supporting reproductive health to avoid adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the cytotoxic effect of bleomycin, mitomycin C (MMC) and Fluorouracil (5‐FU) in combination with electroporation (EP) on human conjunctival melanoma (CM) and normal conjunctival cell lines using 2D and 3D cell culture systems in vitro. Methods: Two CM (CRMM1, CRMM2) and one normal conjunctival epithelial cell line (HCjE‐Gi) were treated with various EP conditions and increasing concentrations of 5‐FU, MMC and bleomycin. Cell survival was assessed by MTT viability assay. All cell lines were seeded to create spheroids and were treated with bleomycin on day 3 and day 8 combined with EP. Spheroids were collected, fixed in buffered formalin and subsequently paraffin embedded for histological assessment of the effects of the treatment on cell viability. Results: CM cell lines were resistant to electroporation alone and showed a reduction in cell number only when treated with 1000 Volts/cm and 8 pulses. HCjE‐Gi cells showed higher sensitivity to electric pulses over 750 Volts/cm. MMC and 5‐FU demonstrated a higher cytotoxicity for the HCjE‐Gi cell line. The CM cell lines were resistant to MMC and 5‐FU. Bleomycin (1 μg/ml) alone had no significant effect on the HCjE‐Gi even when combined with EP conditions ≥750 Volts/cm. In contrast, it significantly (p ‐, paired t‐test) reduced cell viability in the CM cell lines. Spheroids treated with bleomycin and EP showed a reduction in tumour mass and proliferation rates after treatment. Conclusion: Our in vitro study using 2D and 3D models indicates that the application of EP may effectively enhance chemotherapy with bleomycin in CM. This may offer new viable perspectives for CM treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During this study, validated questionnaires were collected from 221 out of 283 patients who attended an ARMD virtual clinic from 19 September 2019 until 18 October 2019 (the remainder of patients did not return the feedback sheet). It would be interesting to see a patient satisfactory questionnaire prior to these clinics and also after two to three years in order to assess whether there is a shift in patient preference to non-medical professionals-led ARMD clinics. Patient's satisfactory outcomes after implementation of follow-up "virtual clinics" in age-related macular degeneration treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Malignant melanomas within the eye present different types of metabolic and metastatic behavior. Uveal melanoma (UM) affects a quarter of a million individuals in the USA; however, the molecular pathogenesis is not well understood. Although UV radiation is a risk factor in cutaneous melanomas, it is not crucial for UM progression. Apart from chromosomal abnormalities, numerous major tumorigenic signaling pathways, including the PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK, Ras-association domain family 1 isoform A and Yes-associated protein/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif signaling pathways, are associated with intraocular tumors. The present review describes the current insights regarding these signaling pathways that regulate the cell cycle and apoptosis, and could be used as potential targets for the treatment of UMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian cancer is fifth in the rankings of cancer deaths among women, and accounts for more deaths than any other gynecological malignancy. Despite some improvement in overall-(OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) following surgery and first-line chemotherapy, there is a need for development of novel and more effective therapeutic strategies. In this mini review, we provide a summary of the current landscape of the clinical use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors in ovarian cancer. Emerging data from phase I and II trials reveals that a combinatorial treatment that includes TKIs and chemotherapy agents seems promising in terms of PFS despite some adverse effects recorded; whereas the use of mTOR inhibitors seems less effective. There is a need for further research into the inhibition of multiple signaling pathways in ovarian cancer and progression to phase III trials for drugs that seem most promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]