The uterus is necessary for the entire pregnancy of healthy females. In this study, we demonstrate that repulsive guidance molecule b (RGMb) might be involved in the regulation of proliferation and apoptosis through Smads and ERK signalling pathways in goat endometrial epithelial cells. The effect of RGMb on endometrial epithelial cells will provide evidences for in-depth study of RGMb in regulating endometrial functions. Photograph by Y. Xue.

Optimisation of medium for culture of one-day-old mice ovaries is of importance as it could serve as a model for studying the follicular growth and dynamics under in vitro condition and developing alternative assisted reproductive techniques for preservation of fertility in cancer patients and conservation of endangered animal species. In the current research, we examined the effect of various hormonal treatments on follicular development and expression of the corresponding factors and concluded that incorporation of gonadotropins, particularly hMG, in culture medium could improve follicular growth and expression of factors regulating follicular development in one-day-old mice ovaries. Image by Zahra Asadi.

The use of medication by men and women in reproductive age has impact on health, fertility, and embryofetal development. What is the safety of continuous use medications, such as anticonvulsants, for example, pregabalin, on male fertility and the impact on their descendants? Studies regarding the use of pregabalin during spermatogenesis and its effect on offspring are scarce. The use of pregabalin, when administered in an animal model, demonstrated a decrease in serum testosterone levels, morphological changes in spermatozoids, and fetal malformations. Photograph by V. F. Mestre.