Exploring the Impact of Reactive Oxygen Species in Human Papilloma Virus Infected Sperm: Implications for Sperm Parameters and Infertility

Madison K.W. Sobarzo Background: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted STI in the world, with an estimated 6.2 million new cases annually.3 HPV is spread through direct skin to skin contact, specifically sexual contact of any sort.2,3 There is currently no cure for HPV, but vaccines…
Featured Abstracts Microbiology Reproduction

The Impact of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Use During Pregnancy on Embryonic Neurodevelopment

Daniela Lopez Background: Perinatal depression is a mood disorder that affects about 7-20% of women during pregnancy.1 To be diagnosed, a woman must experience a major depressive episode during pregnancy according to the DSM-5.2 Currently, first line treatment consists of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), but other treatment options include…
Featured Abstracts Reproduction

The Mechanistic Role of Transcriptional and Post-Transcriptional Changes on Fetal NR3C1 Gene Programming and the Pathogenesis of Prenatal Anxiety and Stress

Jessica Joseph Background: The time of fetal neurodevelopment in utero is highly sensitive, and fetal neuroplasticity-related changes that are mediated through epigenetic related mechanisms have been shown to have lasting effects on brain development.1-7  Elevated levels of maternal stress and anxiety lead to increased levels of glucocorticoids that are transmitted…
Featured Abstracts Reproduction

The Therapeutic Impact of Exercise-Induced Myokine Secretion in Reducing Oxidative Stress (OS) and Minimizing Diagnostic Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Courtney Coe Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders in reproductive-aged women. An imbalance in hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis signaling leads to symptoms such as excess androgens and ovarian dysfunction. Insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinism are major factors affecting those with PCOS.1 Current guidelines for diagnosis…
Endocrinology Featured Abstracts Reproduction

The Role of Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Miscarriage

Varshni Nandakumar Background: Miscarriages are defined as the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation and affect around 10% of all clinically-recognized pregnancies in the USA1. Moreover, there is a clear link between autoimmune conditions and higher incidences of miscarriage. Patients with autoimmune conditions can develop antiphospholipid…
Engineering Medicine Featured Abstracts Gynecology Reproduction

Cord Blood Lymphatic Endothelial Progenitor Cells Exposed to Preeclampsia in Utero Prime Individuals to Form an Abnormal Lymphatic System After Birth

Samantha Pozo Navarro Background: Preeclampsia is a complex, new-onset hypertensive disorder that affects 3-8% of all pregnancies worldwide.1 In this case, hypertension is defined when the mother’s systolic blood pressure is greater than or equal to 140 mmHg and/or her diastolic blood pressure is greater than or equal to 90…
Development Featured Abstracts Reproduction

HLA-G: Immune Regulation in Pregnancy and a Potential Role in Preeclampsia

Phuong-Lan Vo Background: Preeclampsia effects anywhere from 1-10% of pregnant women worldwide and ~4% of pregnancies in the United States.1 Severe preeclampsia is also linked with placental abruption, pre-mature labor, liver failure, intrauterine growth restriction, and maternal death.2 Preeclampsia pathophysiology can be characterized first by impaired invasion of the trophoblast…
Development Reproduction