Potential clinical value of in vitro spermatogenesis

Silent battles, global insights: anxiety and depression in the world of assisted reproduction

PURPOSE

This study aims to summarize and analyze the existing research on anxiety and depression within the field of assisted reproduction technology, exploring current hotspots, emerging frontiers, and trends, while offering insights for future research directions.

METHODS

Relevant literature on anxiety and depression among assisted reproduction patients was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection up to December 31, 2023. The analysis, encompassing studies, countries, authors, institutions, keywords, and co-citation networks, was visualized using VOSviewer version 1.6.19 and the "bibliometrix" R package version 4.3.1.

RESULTS

A total of 1458 studies were included in the analysis. The literature on anxiety and depression in assisted reproduction patients has shown a fluctuating upward trend. Human Reproduction was identified as the leading journal, with the highest citations across multiple journals. Boivin J emerged as the most prolific author, with Cardiff University contributing the most publications. The USA and China led in terms of both publications and citations. Highly cited studies were predominantly published between 1995 and 2007, with half of the included studies published before 2000. Key research hotspots included evidence synthesis, acupuncture treatment for infertility, and the mental health of patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology, particularly focusing on anxiety and depression.

CONCLUSION

As awareness of psychological health in assisted reproductive technology continues to grow, future research should focus on mitigating anxiety and depression to enhance patient outcomes and patient quality of life. Integrating psychological support and monitoring long-term psychological outcomes are crucial for optimizing assisted reproductive technology success and fostering holistic, patient-centered care.

ASB1 engages with ELOB to facilitate SQOR ubiquitination and H2S homeostasis during spermiogenesis

Male infertility, frequently driven by oxidative stress, impacts half of infertile couples globally. Despite its significance, the precise mechanisms governing this process remain elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that ASB1, the substrate recognition subunit of a ubiquitin ligase, is highly expressed in the mouse testis. Mice lacking the Asb1 gene exhibit severe fertility impairment, characterized by oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Subsequent investigations unveiled that Asb1 knockout (Asb1-KO) mice encountered excessive oxidative stress and decreased hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels in their testes, and severe sperm DNA damage. Notably, the compromised fertility and sperm quality in Asb1-KO mice was significantly ameliorated by administering NaHS, a H2S donor. Mechanistically, ASB1 interacts with ELOB to induce the instability of sulfide-quinone oxidoreductase (SQOR) by enhancing its K48-linked ubiquitination on residues K207 and K344, consequently triggering proteasomal degradation. This process is crucial for preserving H2S homeostasis and redox balance. Overall, our findings offer valuable insights into the role of ASB1 during spermiogenesis and propose H2S supplementation as a promising therapeutic approach for oxidative stress-related male infertility.

Germline stem cells in human

The germline cells are essential for the propagation of human beings, thus essential for the survival of mankind. The germline stem cells, as a unique cell type, generate various states of germ stem cells and then differentiate into specialized cells, spermatozoa and ova, for producing offspring, while self-renew to generate more stem cells. Abnormal development of germline stem cells often causes severe diseases in humans, including infertility and cancer. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) first emerge during early embryonic development, migrate into the gentile ridge, and then join in the formation of gonads. In males, they differentiate into spermatogonial stem cells, which give rise to spermatozoa via meiosis from the onset of puberty, while in females, the female germline stem cells (FGSCs) retain stemness in the ovary and initiate meiosis to generate oocytes. Primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) can be induced in vitro from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells. In this review, we focus on current advances in these embryonic and adult germline stem cells, and the induced PGCLCs in humans, provide an overview of molecular mechanisms underlying the development and differentiation of the germline stem cells and outline their physiological functions, pathological implications, and clinical applications.