Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is associated with the dysregulation of type Ⅰ interferon (IFN-I) and inflammatory responses. Here, we revealed that IFN-Is and inflammation were upregulated in villus tissues from RSA patients, accompanied by elevated ring finger protein 145 (RNF145) levels and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) phosphorylation. Moreover, ectopic expression of RNF145 in human embryonic kidney 293 T cells augments IRF3-mediated signalling, leading to the production of IFN-Is and inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistically, RNF145 interacts with IRF3 and induces K63-linked polyubiquitination. Collectively, these findings indicate that RNF145 promotes IFN-I and inflammatory responses in RSA by enhancing IRF3-dependent signalling, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for risk prediction and a therapeutic target for RSA.

After manufacturing changes, the safety and tolerability of the progesterone vaginal ring (PVR) was compared to findings from the similarly designed phase 3 trial. This prospective, open-label, single-arm, multi-center U.S. trial was conducted with women with tubal, idiopathic, male factor, ovulatory dysfunction, or endometriosis-linked infertility. Women underwent ovarian stimulation with highly purified human menotropin 225 IU/day in a standardized long agonist protocol. Weekly administration of PVR started the day after oocyte retrieval (OR), followed by ICSI and fresh blastocyst transfer, and continued for up to 10 weeks. The primary endpoint was spontaneous abortion rate, defined as 2 positive β-hCG tests and an empty intrauterine gestational sac or lacking a fetal heartbeat, or the absence of a viable fetus up to 12 weeks after OR. 254 women were treated with PVR at 14 sites July 2018-July 2019 (mean age 30.8 years, BMI 26.5 kg/m[2], AMH 2.8 ng/mL, FSH 7.0 mIU/mL). Adverse events occurring in ≥ 5% of the population included nausea (8.7%) and headache (5.1%). Incidence of predefined vaginal/cervical adverse events was 2.0%. Fresh embryo transfer was performed in 243 subjects (95.7%). The spontaneous abortion rate was 7.4%, with the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval (11.5%) below the predefined threshold of 15.0%. Clinical pregnancy rates 10 weeks post OR were 43.2%. This trial established a safety bridge between PVR produced via enhanced manufacturing processes and the legacy PVR, with comparable rates of spontaneous abortion. Weekly administration of PVR was well-tolerated with good pregnancy outcomes.Trial registration: NCT03565211 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03565211), registration June 21, 2018, first enrollment July 26, 2018.

Abortions in swine are caused by infectious and non-infectious factors and play an important economic role in the swine industry. Molecular biological testing for relevant pathogens is routine in state-of-the-art diagnostics. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of pathogens associated with abortions in central Europe to prioritize differential diagnoses. We report the detection rates of such pathogens in aborted material (fetuses, placenta) from 199 abortion cases sent to AniCon Labor GmbH/SAN Group Biotech Germany GmbH from January 2021 to July 2023. A key panel of pathogens that were tested in most abortion cases emerged, consisting of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), Chlamydiaceae spp., porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), porcine parvovirus (PPV) and Leptospira spp.. At least one of these pathogens was detected by real-time PCR in 38 of the 199 cases (19.1%). PRRSV (n=16) and Chlamydiaceae spp. (n=12) were most frequently found, whereas PCV2 (n=6), PPV (n=4) and Leptospira (n=2 cases) were detected less frequently. In 14 cases, potentially relevant pathogens outside the key panel were detected by molecular biological or culture methods. Three of those cases were additionally positive for a pathogen in the key panel. In total, pathogens associated with abortions were detected in 24.6% of cases. It is hypothesized that a more comprehensive diagnostic approach will lead to more frequent detection of pathogens not regularly tested by PCR in routine diagnostics.

Toxoplasma gondii is a common protozoan parasite that can cause serious outcomes, especially during pregnancy, including miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, and congenital abnormalities. This study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and explore associated risk factors among women with a history of abortion or stillbirth in Kars, Turkey. A total of 274 women were included -137 with a history of abortion or stillbirth, and 137 healthy controls. Participants completed a 26-item questionnaire assessing possible risk factors for infection. Serum samples were analysed using the micro-ELISA method. In the patient group, IgG and IgM seropositivity rates were 32.8% and 1.5%, respectively while in the control group, IgG and IgM were 35% and 0.7% respectively. Overall, the prevalences of IgG and IgM in the two groups were 33.9% and 1.1% respectively. The difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Significant associations were found in the patient group between seropositivity and factors such as educational level, number of previous pregnancies, abortions, and preterm births, and the source of drinking water (p < 0.05). In the control group, income level, feeding cats in the garden, and consumption of raw milk were significantly associated with seropositivity (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant association was found between T. gondii seropositivity and a history of abortion or stillbirth when compared with the control group. The findings also reveal a relatively high seroprevalence of T. gondii in the region and suggest that several sociodemographic and behavioral factors may contribute to exposure to the parasite. Therefore, public health interventions tailored to local hygiene and dietary habits are recommended.

Background: Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants that accumulate in various tissues, including the placenta. Experimental and clinical studies suggest potential cytotoxic, oxidative, and inflammatory effects that may lead to placental dysfunction and adverse obstetric outcomes. However, high-quality evidence on the clinical relevance of MNPs exposure during pregnancy remains scarce, underscoring the need for systematic evaluation of their impact on maternal and fetal health. Methods: The databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, CENTRAL, Embase, MDPI and Google Scholar were searched for studies published up to September 2025 investigating the relationship between MNPs and obstetric outcomes. Results: Twelve studies were included in this review, with half employing an observational design in human subjects and the other half using experimental studies in murine models. Although the available evidence is limited, there are studies reporting the association between MNPs exposure and premature birth, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, and miscarriage. The most prevalent polymer detected was polyethylene, and the most commonly used MNPs detection techniques were Raman microspectroscopy, digital microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared, and Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Conclusions: This systematic review summarizes current limited insights on the potential effects of MNPs on obstetric outcomes, highlighting possible associations with low gestational age, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, and miscarriage. Findings do not allow causal inference due to heterogeneity in study design, exposure assessment, contamination control, and analytical methodologies.

Congenital anomalies of the reproductive system represent a heterogeneous group of structural and functional abnormalities affecting both male and female genital organs. These anomalies typically arise during embryogenesis and may remain asymptomatic until they are incidentally identified during evaluation for infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, or disorders of sexual development. In females, abnormalities include Müllerian duct anomalies and congenital malformations of the uterus, cervix, vagina, and ovaries, such as Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, septate, unicornuate, bicornuate, and didelphys uteri, and ovarian agenesis and undescended ovaries. In males, congenital conditions such as anorchia, cryptorchidism, hypospadias, ejaculatory duct obstruction, and ejaculatory dysfunction may be associated with impaired spermatogenesis and reduced fertility. Early recognition of these conditions may facilitate timely clinical evaluation and individualized management, which can include surgical correction, hormonal therapy, and reproductive counseling. When appropriate, early diagnosis may support multidisciplinary care, with the aim of optimizing sexual development, preserving reproductive potential, and reducing long-term morbidity associated with congenital anomalies. However, the clinical impact of early detection varies depending on the type and severity of the anomaly. A systematic and multidisciplinary approach may contribute to improved reproductive outcomes and better overall reproductive health in affected individuals. Further research is needed to better define the optimal timing and clinical utility of systematic evaluation strategies in this patient population.