Stem cell science has the potential to impact human reproductive medicine significantly - cutting edge technologies allow the production and regeneration of viable gametes from human stem cells offering potential to preciously infertile patients. Written by leading experts in the field Stem Cells in Reproductive Medicine brings together chapters on the genetics and epigenetics of both the male and female gametes as well as advice on the production and regeneration of gene cells in men and women, trophoblasts and endometrium from human embryonic and adult stem cells. Although focussing mainly on the practical elements of the use of stem cells in reproductive medicine, the book also contains a section on new developments in stem cell research. The book is essential reading for reproductive medicine clinicians, gynecologists and embryologists who want to keep abreast of practical developments in this rapidly developing field.

The last decade has seen remarkable advances in human ge netics. Once the correct chromosome number of the human genome was ascertained, a wide variety of diseases was rec ognized as due to numerical chromosome anomalies. There followed the discovery that spontaneous abortions are the result of chromosome errors, and specific band patterns of chromosomes allowed identification of minute lesions. The techniques of cell hybridization now allow specific gene assign ment to chromosomes and even to distinct loci on their arms. All this was possible because of the ease with which metaphase chromosomes can be obtained and manipulated. The much older technique of analysis of meiotic chromosomes has taken a back seat in this exciting era. Being much less readily accessi ble, spermatogonial analysis is much less frequently under taken and is less successful. Even more difficult for study is the female meiotic process. Not only is meiosis extraordinar ily long, spanning from before birth to ovulation, the tech niques for its study and the patience required for detailed inquiry have been significant obstacles. At the same time, the suspicion that female meiotic analysis should not only be rewarding but that it may be mandatory has been with us ever since it was recognized that a positive correlation exists between chromosomal nondisjunction and maternal age. Before the intricacies of chromosomal behavior that are re sponsible for nondisjunction are understood, however, it is necessary that we comprehend the normalcy of the process.

In spite of the fact that the process of meiosis is fundamental to inheritance, surprisingly little is understood about how it actually occurs. There has recently been a flurry of research activity in this area and this volume summarizes the advances coming from this work. All authors are recognized and respected research scientists at the forefront of research in meiosis. Of particular interest is the emphasis in this volume on meiosis in the context of gametogenesis in higher eukaryotic organisms, backed up by chapters on meiotic mechanisms in other model organisms. The focus is on modern molecular and cytological techniques and how these have elucidated fundamental mechanisms of meiosis. Authors provide easy access to the literature for those who want to pursue topics in greater depth, but reviews are comprehensive so that this book may become a standard reference.Key Features* Comprehensive reviews that, taken together, provide up-to-date coverage of a rapidly moving field* Features new and unpublished information* Integrates research in diverse organisms to present an overview of common threads in mechanisms of meiosis* Includes thoughtful consideration of areas for future investigation

This book brings together genetics, reproductive biology and medicine for an integrative view of the emerging specialism of reproductive genetics.

It's obvious why only men develop prostate cancer and why only women get ovarian cancer. But it is not obvious why women are more likely to recover language ability after a stroke than men or why women are more apt to develop autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Sex differences in health throughout the lifespan have been documented. Exploring the Biological Contributions to Human Health begins to snap the pieces of the puzzle into place so that this knowledge can be used to improve health for both sexes. From behavior and cognition to metabolism and response to chemicals and infectious organisms, this book explores the health impact of sex (being male or female, according to reproductive organs and chromosomes) and gender (one's sense of self as male or female in society). Exploring the Biological Contributions to Human Health discusses basic biochemical differences in the cells of males and females and health variability between the sexes from conception throughout life. The book identifies key research needs and opportunities and addresses barriers to research. Exploring the Biological Contributions to Human Health will be important to health policy makers, basic, applied, and clinical researchers, educators, providers, and journalists-while being very accessible to interested lay readers.

Infertility affects more than one in ten couples worldwide and is related to highly heterogeneous pathologies sometimes only discernible in the germ line. Its complex etiology often, but not always, includes genetic factors besides anatomical defects, immunological interference, and environmental aspects. Nearly 30% of infertility cases are probably caused only by genetic defects. Thereby experimental animal knockout models convincingly show that infertility can be caused by single or multiple gene defects. Translating those basic research findings into clinical studies is challenging, leaving genetic causes for the vast majority of infertility patients unexplained. Nevertheless, a large number of candidate genes have been revealed by sophisticated molecular methods. This book provides a comprehensive overview on the subject of infertility written by the leading authorities in this field. It covers topics including basic biological, cytological, and molecular studies, as well as common and uncommon syndromes. It is a must-read for human geneticists, endocrinologists, epidemiologists, zoologists, and counsellors in human genetics, infertility, and assisted reproduction.