The effect of 96% ethanol extract of turmeric (<i>Curcuma longa</i> L. syn. <i>Curcuma domestica</i> Val.) on estrogen hormone levels

Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) stands out as the most prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age with 5–10% of women experiencing its effects. Historically known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, its pathology involves various irregularities including heightened androgen levels, insulin resistance, diminished estrogen and progesterone levels, and irregular gonadotropin levels. However, the drugs commonly used to treat PCOS come with multiple side effects and limited efficacy in targeting the disorder’s underlying pathology. Indian kudzu tubers, specifically Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. tubers are a valuable source of phytoestrogens such as puerarin, daidzein, biochanin-A, and formononetin. Phytoestrogens are natural compounds derived from plants that stimulate estrogenic activity through estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), thereby increasing estrogen levels. Hence, the objective of this research was to assess the impact of the ethanolic extract obtained from Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. on the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway in a rat model with induced PCOS using letrozole. Objective To determine the hormonal parameters i.e. estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone level, as well as to evaluate body weight, ovarian weight, and histopathology of the ovary in female rats, we investigated a comprehensive investigation on female Wistar rats examining the therapeutic potential of Pueraria tuberosa on letrozole-induced PCOS. Materials and methods For this aim, animals were divided into six groups (n=6). Control group, untreated letrozole-induced PCOS group (1 mg/kg bwt) for 21 days, PCOS group treated with tuber extract of Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC (100 200 and 400 mg/kg bwt) for 14 days, and PCOS group treated with clomiphene citrate (1 mg/kg bwt) for 14 days. Finally, body and ovarian weight, and hormonal assays (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels) were conducted. Histomorphometric ovarian evaluation of cystic follicles was determined. Results and conclusion The ethanolic extract of Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. tuber exhibited a significant enhancement in both body weight and ovarian weight when compared with the PCOS-induced group. It positively influenced hormonal levels by increasing estrogen and progesterone while decreasing testosterone levels. In addition, the extract normalized the ratio of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels and assessed histomorphometric changes, leading to a reduction in cystic follicles. In summary, the ethanolic extract derived from the tuber of Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. demonstrates the potential to alleviate certain symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. This positive impact is attributed to its components, including puerarin, daidzein, biochanin-A, and formononetin, which exhibit estrogenic and antiandrogenic effects. Notably, in this study, doses of 200–400 mg/kg of the extract were identified as the most effective, suggesting their promise as a potential therapeutic intervention for PCOS.

The present study was designed to estimate the active ingredients in the aqueous extract of fennel Foeniculum vulgare L. fruits and test the effects of different concentrations of the extract on serum estrogen and prolactin levels in female rats. The work was conducted to prepare the aqueous extract in the laboratory, while the secondary active substances in the extract were estimated using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technology. The experiments were conducted in the animal house of the College of Science, Tikrit university,on a total of 12 adult albino virgin female rats divided into four groups, each having three rats.The aqueous extract of the fruit plant was administrated orally to animals at three concentrations (50%, 75%, and 100%) per day for 45 days. The fourth group was the control group that was left without treatment. Blood samples were obtained from the corner of the eye with a capillary tube and the serum was extracted to determine the hormone levels. The results showed that the aqueous extract of fennel fruits contains eleven active secondary metabolites, namely Eucalyptol, Terpinene, Anisole, Camphor, Anethole, Anisaldehyde, Apiole, a-pinene, Estragole, Fenchone, and Limonene, which seemed to played a role in regulating the levels of prolactin and estrogen hormones in rats treated with the extract. The results showed a direct relationship between the concentration of the fruit extract given to the animals and their serum levels of estrogen and prolactin. Increases in the levels of estrogen (44.56 ± 0.90 ng/ml) and prolactin (134.66 ± 0.80 ng/ml) were recorded using the concentration of 100% of the watery extract of Foeniculum vulgare L., as compared to the control group (126.33 ± 1.18; 6.37 ± 0.45 ng / ml, respectively). The results demonstrated the effective role of the aqueous extract of fennel fruits in stimulating estrogen and prolactin in female rats through their content of active compounds, which can be of great importance in stimulating the process of milk secretion in animals.

This research examined the phytoestrogen potential of Calliandra calothyrsus leaf extract in prepubertal female rat (Rattus norvegicus). Sixty weaned female rats (21 days old) were divided into five groups i.e. control (K), negative control which was given 0.5% Na CMC suspension (KN) and treatment groups which were given with C. calothyrsus ethanolic leaf extract doses 25 mg/kg bw (P1), 50 mg/kg bw (P2) and 75 mg/kg bw (P3). The treatment suspension was administered 0.5 mL/rat/day by gavage for 28 days, started at the age of 21st days old. The rats were sacrificed and the blood samples were collected from 4 rats / group at the age of 28th, 42nd and 56th days old, each. The concentration of estrogen hormone levels were measured from blood serum by ELISA kit and were read at 450 nm wavelength with an ELISA Spectrophotometer. Data was analyzed statistically by General Linear Model with 95% of confidence. The result showed that rat’s body weight decreased significantly with the higher doses and the longer the treatment of C. calothyrsus leaf extract due to the anti-nutritive activity of calliandra tannins. The estrogen hormone level was significantly increased at the highest dose. The highest estrogen levels were found in the group of female rats which were given the exctract of 75 mg/kg bw until the age of 42nd days. This results showed that there was a phytoestrogen potential in the C. calothyrsus leaf extract.

Antifertility effect of hydroalcoholic leaves extract of Michelia champaca L.: An ethnomedicine used by Bhatra women in Chhattisgarh state of India

Aging women sustain a large burden for stroke, an observation frequently overlooked in our popularized view of cancer as the killer of women. Accordingly, potential benefits and hazards of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are of increasing interest to female patients at risk for stroke and cerebrovascular disease. Estrogen has been particularly well studied in animal and cell injury models of cerebral ischemia with nearly uniform favorable results, ie, cell salvage from ischemic death pathways. Nevertheless, our ability to translate these favorable data from the bench into positive clinical trials has been quite limited. Furthermore, recent data from large, randomized, clinical trials question the use of HRT for either the primary or secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and stroke. This review will evaluate experimental and clinical evidence for estrogen’s efficacy, or lack thereof, and mechanisms of action in cerebral ischemia and stroke. Animal studies clearly indicate that biologic sex and endogenous sex steroids influence experimental stroke outcome. Histological damage is less in female animals than in age-matched males after focal cerebral ischemia, and the source of this protection is linked to female reproductive steroids.1–3 Furthermore, emerging data suggest that molecular mechanisms of ischemic damage may not necessarily impact identically in male and female brains. For example, ischemic outcome in transgenic mouse strains can be sex-dependent, even when the deleted (or overexpressed) gene is not linked to reproduction.4 Estrogen has been widely shown to acutely protect brain from experimental stroke.5–8 These observations have been consistent across animal models, breeder source, and genetic strain, including strains with genetic hypertension or diabetes. Estrogen treatment to physiologically relevant plasma levels improves histological, physiological, and behavioral outcomes after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, global forebrain ischemia, photothrombotic injury, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Preischemic estrogen treatment …

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem and the most obvious preventive strategy, hormone replacement therapy, has lost favor due to recent findings of the Women's Health Initiative regarding increased risks of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring compound possessing estrogenic activity, is thought to have considerable potential for therapy of osteoporosis. In the present study, resveratrol was found to exhibit bone-protective effects equivalent to those exerted by hormone replacement therapy and decrease the risk of breast cancer in the in vivo and in vitro models. Forkhead proteins were found to be essential for both effects of resveratrol. The bone-protective effect was attributable to induction of bone morphogenetic protein-2 through Src kinase-dependent estrogen receptor activation and FOXA1 is required for resveratrol-induced estrogen receptor-dependent bone morphogenetic protein-2 expression. The tumor-suppressive effects of resveratrol were the consequence of Akt inactivation-mediated FOXO3a nuclear accumulation and activation. Resveratrol is therefore anticipated to be highly effective in management of postmenopausal osteoporosis without an increased risk of breast cancer.

The localization and distribution of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in different segments of oviduct of buffalo during follicular and luteal phases of estrous cycle were investigated using immunohistochemistry. Tissue samples from the different segments of oviduct from 12 buffaloes (six each during follicular and luteal phases of estrous cycle) were collected from slaughter house after assessing the gross morphology of ovaries. In addition, blood samples were collected from the animals before slaughter to estimate levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones. The tissue distribution of estrogen receptor was determined by immunohistochemical technique using one-step polymer HRPO staining system. The estrogen receptor was localized in the lamina epithelialis, propria submucosa, tunica muscularis, and tunica serosa. The maximum localization was observed in the lamina epithelialis, where both ciliated and secretory cell types were positive for ERα. Percentage of positive cells varied during the follicular and luteal phases of estrous cycle. The lining epithelium of oviductal glands was also intensely positive for ERα. No immunostaining was observed in any tunic of the oviduct when the primary antibody was replaced by antibody diluent or buffer, and it served as negative control. The data showed that highest immune positive cells were observed in the ampulla region of the oviduct and these cells were lowest in the utero-tubal junction (p < 0.05). Infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus showed a higher percentage of ERα-positive cells during follicular phase of estrous cycle as compared with those of the luteal phase of estrous cycle (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the percentage positive cells during the two phases of estrous cycle in the utero-tubal junction. Immunogold labeling with anti-ERα antibody confirmed the findings of immunohistochemical study at subcellular level. The higher expression during the follicular phase was directly correlated with the level of estrogen hormone.

Background:Asparagus is a plant with high nutritional, pharmaceutical, and industrial values.Objective:The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of asparagus roots on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and oogenesis in female rats.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult female Wistar rats were divided into five groups, which consist 8 rats. Groups included control, sham and three experimental groups receiving different doses (100, 200, 400 mg/kg/bw) of aqueous extract of asparagus roots. All dosages were administered orally for 28 days. Blood samples were taken from rats to evaluate serum levels of Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinal hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone hormones. The ovaries were removed, weighted, sectioned, and studied by light microscope.Results:Dose-dependent aqueous extract of asparagus roots significantly increased serum levels of GnRH, FSH, LH, estrogen, and progestin hormones compared to control and sham groups. Increase in number of ovarian follicles and corpus luteum in groups treated with asparagus root extract was also observed (p<0.05).Conclusion:Asparagus roots extract stimulates secretion of hypothalamic- pituitary- gonadal axis hormones. This also positively affects oogenesis in female rats.

The current extension of the indications for adjuvant chemotherapy, which predisposes to early menopause, and the media coverage of the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have led patients with a history of breast cancer to seek treatments for estrogen deprivation. In breast cancer survivors, most physicians avoid HRT because of concern regarding the potential promotion of growth of occult malignant cells by estrogens, due to the estrogen dependence of breast cancer. Soy phytoestrogens are being promoted as the 'natural alternative' to HRT and have been available without restrictions for several years as nutritional supplements. In this paper, data on the complex mammary effects of phytoestrogens in epidemiological studies, in in vitro studies, as well as in in vivo studies on animal carcinogenesis are reviewed. The potential benefits and risks of phytoestrogens are analyzed, and the prescription of phytoestrogens to postmenopausal women after breast cancer and the coprescription with the anti-estrogen tamoxifen are discussed. The absence of controlled trials and technical checking of extraction and titration in these preparations on 'free sale' raise a new problem in terms of public health and justify close reasoning and a cautious attitude of physicians, as well as straight information given to women, especially after breast cancer.

Study question Is there a difference in live birth rate during discrepant estrogen levels before the embryo transfer following either hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or natural cycle(NC)? Summary answer The higher estrogen level on the day before embryo transfer may reduce the live birth rate in either HRT or NC. What is known already The endometrial preparation of frozen embryo transfer cycle is to synchronize of endometrium and embryo under the condition of exogenous estrogen and progesterone drugs in HRT or follicle monitoring in NC. Estrogen is crucial and different estrogen levels could imply variations on endometrial preparation. Information on the effect of discrepant estrogen levels before the embryo transfer on reproductive outcomes of women undergoing freezing-all cycles is scarce. Study design, size, duration Retrospective cohort study including 14825 first frozen embryo transfers following IVF/ICSI undergoing freezing-all cycles from January 2016 to December 2020. A total of 12305 (83.0%) patients received NC while 2520 (17.0%) received HRT. Participants/materials, setting, methods Effect of estrogen levels on live birth rates, stratifified by deciles and ROC to determine the cutoff values for estrogen level on the day before embryo transfer.Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for confounders. Main results and the role of chance The live birth rate was 44.7% and 52.4% in HRT and NC respectively. The live birth rate of HRT began to decline when the estrogen level was P60 in the deciles which the cut-off values of ROC was closed with the estrogen level was 891.6 pg/ml. The lower level of estrogen on the day before embryo transfer in HRT corresponds to a higher live birth rate（51.4% vs 32.9%）.The cut-off values of ROC in NC was statistically different with the estrogen level was 194.4 pg/ml. The lower level of estrogen on the day before embryo transfer in NC corresponds to a higher live rate（53.0% vs 48.6%）.After adjusting the possible confounding factors by multivariate logistic regression, it was found that the estrogen level on the day before embryo transfer in HRT and NC was the independent influencing factor of live birth rate with the OR of 0.57 (0.47,0.68) and 0.82 (0.74,0.90), respectively. Limitations, reasons for caution The greatest limitation of this study is its retrospective study. On the other hand, this study was performed using non-PGT cycle, although this is unlikely to affect the results,we cannot exclude the possibility that euploid embryo responds differently to endometrial state in comparison to aneuploid embryo. Wider implications of the findings In freezing-all cycles, the higher estrogen level on the day before embryo transfer may reduce the live birth rate in either HRT or NC. Clinicians should pay attention to the control of estrogen level in luteal phase. Trial registration number Nona

Objective:To investigate the influence of gender difference on the activation of platelets in septic rats.Methods: Totally 20 female and 20 male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: male sham-operated group,female sham-operated group,female septic group,and male septic group,with each group containing 10 rats.Sepsis model in the last two groups was produced by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP);rats in the sham-operated group received no CLP.The rats were sacrificed 24 hours after surgery;the blood samples were collected for blood routine test;and the serum β-TG levels were detected by ELISA assay.Serum estrogen(E2) levels were detected by radioimmunoassay.Results: The blood platelet counts were decreased in both septic rats of both genders;the count in female rats was significantly higher than in the male rats(P0.01).The serum β-TG levels were increased in septic rats of both genders;the level in the female rats was significantly lower than that in the male rats(P0.01).The blood platelets count in female or male septic rats was significantly positive correlation with the level of serum estrogen and the β-TG expression in female or male septic rats was significantly negative correlation with the level of serum estrogen(P0.05).Conclusion: There is a gender difference in the activation of platelets in septic rats,and the endogenous estrogen may have protective effect on the platelets of female septic rats.

In Brief Objective To identify factors associated with long-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and reasons for early discontinuation of it. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in four United Kingdom group general practices. Six hundred fifteen past or present HRT users (representing a response rate of 66%) responded to questionnaires on HRT and potential determinants of long-term use. Main outcome measures were long-term HRT use (at least 6 years) as opposed to short-term use (at most 2 years) and self-reported reasons for discontinuation. Odds ratios (ORs) of long-term use were adjusted for age and other variables, in the same groups, calculated by logistic regression and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Ovariectomy (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.12, 5.97), hysterectomy (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.37, 3.79), previous oral contraceptive use (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.03, 3.01), HRT prescription to prevent osteoporosis (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.04, 3.13), opinion that HRT prevents health problems (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.57, 6.63), opinion that HRT is associated with health risks (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.08, 0.65), and opinion that HRT has cosmetic benefits (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.45, 4.40) were statistically significantly associated with long-term HRT. Women surveyed most often reported side effects and weight gain (each about 30%) as reasons for discontinuation, followed by possible health risks and dislike of menstrual bleeding or hormones (each about 15%). Conclusion Ovariectomy, hysterectomy, and opinions about benefits and disadvantages of HRT were the most important determinants of long-term use, whereas women themselves mentioned side effects and weight gain most frequently as reasons for discontinuing it. Ovariectomy, hysterectomy, prescription for prevention purposes, previous oral contraceptive use, and opinions regarding hormone replacement therapy lead to its long-term use.

Retinal Vessel Diameter

Introduction. The characteristic feature of current trauma in Ukraine and in the world is the prevalence of highly energetic skeletal trauma which is followed by the appearance of combined and multiple injuries with the formation of multiorgan dysfunction and failure. Because of the increase of life duration, the high interest of current traumatology is the investigation process of trauma course in older people. Among them the high interest is given to females in postmenopausal period. The decrease of estrogen level causes very unfavorable ground for the trauma course. However, the influence of severe trauma on changes in proximal and distal transport of sodium in case of hypoestrogenic state is not fully investigated. There is no available data concerning the effectiveness of hormonal replacement therapy in this condition.The goal of the study: is to investigate the influence of cranioskeletal injury on the dynamics of proximal and distal sodium transport in rats with bilateral ovariectomy in the period of late changes of traumatic disease and evaluate the effectiveness of hormonal replacement therapy. Materials and methods. Experiments were performed on 42 non-linear white female rats with the weight of 200-220 g. The model of hypoestrogenic state was performed via surgical removal of the ovaries. 1 month after the gonadectomy in rats skeletal trauma was performed. As a treatment option in one subgroup of rats with gonadectomy and cranioskeletal injury we performed hormonal replacement therapy. The control groups were formed by intact rats and osteoporotic rats 1 month after gonadectomy which were not injured. In control groups and after 1 and 2 months of posttraumatic period we were investigating the functional state of kidneys by performing the water upload method. Afterwards we performed the laboratory checkup of creatinine and sodium levels in serum and urine and additionally calculated the values of proximal and distal sodium transport. Results and its discussion. It was found that the level of proximal and distal sodium transport depends on the estrogen level, the decrease of its secretion leads to the decrease of sodium reabsorption in tubules and the increase in secretion. These changes were more prevalent in proximal tubules. In the course of trauma 1 month after posttraumatic period the value was decreasing in both research groups. However, in rats with gonadectomy the changes were much bigger and stayed at the same level until the 2nd month of the experiment. In rats without gonadectomy these values were achieving the same levels as control group until 2nd month. The use of combined hormonal replacement therapy caused the increase of proximal and distal sodium transport in comparison to the group without receiving treatment. The results that we got though was not achieving the level of rats without gonadectomy, but it showed the perspective for the use of combined hormonal replacement therapy in case of hypoestrogenic state for the decrease of renal dysfunction. Conclusions: Bilateral ovariectomy in female rats after 1 month shows the decrease of proximal and distal sodium levels comparing to rats with preserved gonads. The cranioskeletal injury that happened 1 month after bilateral ovariectomy causes the much bigger decrease of proximal and distal sodium transport comparing to rats with preserved gonads. The use of combined hormonal replacement therapy caused lower changes in proximal and distal sodium transport comparing to rats without this treatment.

Is it safe to prescribe hormonal contraception and replacement therapy to patients with premalignant and malignant uterine cervices?