Fertility, Reproduction, and Treatment

This book provides a comprehensive primer on human reproduction, beginning with normal pre-implantation embryo development. It starts with gametogenesis, followed by fertilization, embryo development, and implantation, with each section describing the molecular aspects of each phase. The focus then moves to highlight putative factors that influence fertility, such as environment and lifestyle, while examining molecular and genetic factors associated with both male and female infertility.

Besides providing insights into the fundamental processes of gametogenesis and fertilization, the book highlights new and emerging trends in infertility and assisted reproduction research and care within the context of Bioethics, and emerging technologies like (AI). Thus, several chapters in this book serve as a valuable reference for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive therapy (ART) procedures, describing various methods and tools available for IVF and offering insight into the critical role of the embryology laboratory. Advanced issues of assisted reproduction are outlined in detail, providing readers with a thorough understanding of current practices and emerging technologies. With a dedicated chapter on the bioethics of advanced assisted reproductive technologies, the book exposes readers to the ethical considerations that accompany developments in this field.

This volume is a valuable resource for medical and basic science students, healthcare professionals, embryologists, reproductive endocrinologists, and researchers in the field of reproductive medicine. It will also be of interest to bioethicists, genetic counsellors, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of human reproduction and assisted reproductive technologies. The broad subject areas covered include reproductive biology, embryology, infertility, in vitro fertilization, molecular genetics, bioethics, and clinical reproductive medicine.

The chapters in this book were originally published in the journal Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine and are accompanied by a new Introduction and multiple-choice review questions that conclude every chapter, reinforcing key concepts and facilitating learning.

George Anifandis is a Professor of Embryology in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Thessaly in Greece. He is the Director of the Histology and Embryology Department, Laboratory Director of the IVF Unit of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the University Hospital of Larisa in Greece. He has published more than ninety papers in high-impact factor journals related to sperm and embryo quality and serves as an Associate Editor in more than three international journals, along with his position on the Editorial Board of Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine.

Stephen A. Krawetz is the Charlotte B. Failing Professor of Fetal Therapy and Diagnosis, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics; C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the founding Editor- in- Chief of Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine. His group established that the fitness of the paternal contribution reflects the relative diversity of sperm RNAs as they respond to the environment. They provide a personalized timestamp of the male’s physical and reproductive health for his child.

Peter Sutovsky is Professor of Animal Science at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, Missouri, USA. His research focuses on mammalian gametogenesis, fertilization, and embryonic development, with emphasis on the ubiquitin- proteasome system. He is a Founding Associate Editor of Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a Distinguished Fellow of The Society for the Study of Reproduction.