Aim Vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) is the second most common vaginal infection (20–25%), and about 90% of all VVC cases are caused by Candida albicans. Unprotected sexual intercourse has been implicated as one of the risk factors that lead to an outbreak of VVC. To further investigate the relevance of this particular risk factor, in this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of human semen in the promotion of the growth of C. albicans. Methods The disposable amount of 41 samples of semen obtained from infertility patients were included in this study, with informed consent. The spermogram and physical characteristics of the samples were performed at the Unit; this information was provided with the anonymity of the samples. Samples were inoculated with a calibrated suspension of C. albicans ATCC 10231 in culture media. After the incubation time, C. albicans CFU/mL was determined. Results We found that semen allowed the growth of C. albicans (4.30 ± 1.00 CFU/mL), but not as much as the culture medium (9.45 ± 1.90 CFU/mL). Interestingly, we found that the increase in viscosity impaired significantly C. albicans growth. In addition, in what respects to the rate of multiplication of C. albicans in semen, we observed two different trends. However, we found no relation between these and the physical characteristics of the semen samples in which these behaviors were differently observed. Conclusion Semen has the ability to sustain C. albicans growth, but further studies are needed to elucidate its role in VVC.

Objective To understand which of the controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols used in different patients are associated with greater amounts of oocytes retrieved. Methods The study population was divided into three groups, considering AMH and AFC to obtain the Ovarian Response Predictor Index (ORPI); they were grouped into: G1-Low Reserve (ORPI <0.5); G2-Normal Reserve (ORPI:0.5-0.9); and G3-High Reserve (ORPI≥0.9). 246 cycles were selected in which COS was used: recombinant FSH - follitropin alfa or beta (Protocol 1) or corifollitropin alfa (Protocol 2), both associated with urinary HMG and the GnRH antagonist, with the trigger performed using recombinant hCG or GnRH agonist. Results The number of oocytes obtained was higher in protocol 1 in all groups, with higher counts seen in G1 than in G2 or G3. The number of days required in COS for protocol 2 was greater than for protocol 1 in all groups. The total dose of recombinant FSH alfa or beta / urinary HMG used in protocol 1 was inversely proportional to the ovarian reserve. The lower the ORPI, the greater the average number of international units administered. In protocol 2, there was a need to supplement with higher doses of urinary HMG when compared to protocol 1. The dosage of the GnRH antagonist was dependent on the number of COS days until the trigger was used. In obtaining MII oocytes, the percentages were similar regardless of the trigger used. Conclusions The use of follitropin leads to greater numbers of retrieved oocytes than corifollitropin alfa in all ORPIs. The dose of recombinant FSH used with urinary HMG increases inversely proportional to the ORPI value. The fixed dose of recombinant FSH deposit requires a sharp increase in the dose of urinary HMG.

During the past decades, pharmaceutical companies have been making efforts to find alternative methods to animal-based tests. Several tests have been proposed as models for in vitro testing, including oocyte and bovine embryo produced in vitro in developmental toxicity screening. Under optimal experimental conditions, the in vitro maturation rate of bovine oocytes approaches 90%, the fertilisation rate is close to 80%; however, the success in progressing to blastocyst is almost half of those, attaining only 30–40%. It is also known that after in vivo insemination of normally cycling cows, approximately 85% of the ovulated oocytes will develop into an embryo. In contrast to this, in most in vitro production practises, only 15–20% of the oocytes punctured yield transferable embryos. In fact, from oocyte to embryo development, the competency of the female gamete is mandatory to assure the repeatability and feasibility of the results. The developmental competency of an oocyte can be influenced by several factors, including external components: such as the age of the cow, its nutritional status, body condition score, genetic merit for milk yield, proper function of intracellular molecular mechanisms, as well as the season. In this review, the factors influencing the quality of bovine oocytes that could possibly influence the success of producing embryos in vitro are highlighted.