17β-estradiol Levels Research Articles

Embryonic exposure to water accommodated fraction of crude oil inhibits reproductive capability in adult female marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)

The water accommodated fraction (WAF) of spilled crude oil is a severe threat to the health of marine fish. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of short-term embryonic exposure to the WAF on the ovarian development and reproductive capability of F0 adult female marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma). Following embryonic exposure to the WAF with nominal total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations of 0.5, 5, 50, and 500 μg/L for 7 days, the number of spawned eggs and gonadosomatic indices of F0 adult females were significantly reduced at 130 days postfertilization. In these F0 adult females, the proportion of mature oocytes was significantly lower, the level of 17β-estradiol was lower, and the level of testosterone was greater than those in control group. The mRNA levels of the follicle-stimulating hormone β subunit, luteinizing hormone β subunit, cytochrome P450 aromatase 19b, estrogen receptor α and β, and androgen receptor α and β genes were upregulated, while the mRNA level of the salmon-type gonadotropin-releasing hormone was downregulated in F0 adult females exposed to the WAF during the embryonic stage. Additionally, the methylation level of vitellogenin (vtg) in F0 adult females was significantly elevated, this might have, in turn, downregulated the mRNA level of vtg. The mortality rate of the unexposed F1 embryos was significantly increased and the hatching success was significantly reduced. These results collectively indicated the necessity of incorporating and evaluating the effects of short-term early-life exposure to crude oil in the assessment of risks to the reproductive health of marine fish.

Toxicological effects of nodularin on the reproductive endocrine system of female zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Nodularin is a potent cyanotoxin that has been detected in aquatic environments as well as in the body of aquatic organisms throughout the world, but its effects on the reproductive system are yet to be explored. The present study investigated the toxic effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of nodularin on the reproductive endocrine system of female zebrafish (Danio rerio). After exposure to nodularin for 14 days, decreased gonadosomatic Index (GSI), germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), and decreased level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), 17β-estradiol (E2) level and increased testosterone (T) content in female zebrafish suggested that nodularin may disrupt both oocyte growth and maturation. In support of this data, alteration in different marker gene expression on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal-liver (HPGL) axis was observed. Transcriptional levels of genes related to steroidogenesis including cytochrome P450 aromatase (cyp19a1a) in the ovary and primary vitellogenin genes (vtg1, vtg2, and vtg3) in the liver were down-regulated and marker genes for oxidative stress (sod, cat, and gpx) were up-regulated on HPGL axis. These findings revealed for the first time that nodularin is a potent endocrine-disrupting compound posing oxidative stress and causes reproductive endocrine toxicity in female zebrafish, emphasizing the importance of assessing its environmental risks.

Follow-Up Study of 17-β Estradiol, Prolactin and Progesterone with the Kinetics and Prevalence of T. gondii Infection in Pregnant Women.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. One-third of the world's population has come into contact with this parasite. In Mexico, the prevalence is between 15% and 50% in the general population and 34.9% in women with high-risk pregnancies. In pregnancy, the highest incidence of infection occurs in the third trimester and fetal damage is inversely proportional to gestational age. Maternal hormones play a fundamental role in the immune response. There are very few studies, with controversial results, on the levels of increased hormones and their relationship to the kinetics of T. gondii infections during pregnancy. The aim was to determine the serum levels of 17-β estradiol, prolactin, and progesterone, and their association with anti-T. gondii antibodies' kinetics in pregnancy. Fifty-two pregnant patients were studied. A questionnaire with sociodemographic and clinical aspects was used. Afterward, 10 mL of venous blood was collected by venipuncture every trimester. The concentrations of 17-β estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin were measured, using the ELISA method. In addition, anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were also determined in the first, second, and third trimester. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies was 26.92% in the first and second trimester and 32.7% in the third trimester. In seropositive women, 17-β estradiol increased in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Progesterone increased significantly p < 0.039 in the third trimester in these women, while prolactin increased in the second trimester with a statistical significance of p < 0.021. In addition, 17-β estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin are associated with T. gondii infection during pregnancy. New studies are necessary to clarify the specific mechanisms of immune response related to these hormones during pregnancy.

Development of gonad and brood pouch and expression profiles of cgα, fshβ and lhβ transcripts and plasma 17β-E2 and 11-KT during the first reproductive cycle of farmed big-belly seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis)

Limited data are available regarding the gonadal development of farmed seahorse along with the physiological role of gonadotropins and sex steroids during gonadal maturation. In the present study, we conducted an examination of the developmental stages of gonad and brood pouch during the initial reproductive cycle of the farmed big-belly seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis), and our results showed that males sexually matured half of a month later than females, and the brood pouch emerged at 3.5-month old and then reached the late-stage at 5.5-month old. Meanwhile, the open reading frame (ORF) of gonadotropin subunits (cgα, fshβ and lhβ) of the big-belly seahorse were cloned and characterized, and tissue distribution profiles of their transcripts were analyzed, revealing their detectability across various tissues, with a notable presence observed in the brain tissues. Furthermore, expression profiles of cgα, fshβ and lhβ transcripts and the plasma levels of 17β-estradiol (E2) and 11-ketotestosterone (KT) in farmed big-belly seahorse during the first reproductive cycle were also investigated. The findings indicated that cgα, fshβ and lhβ transcripts exhibited low expressions at the initial development of ovary or testis, raised continuously and reached their peak levels at the period of spawning or spermation, and they kept gradually increasing accompany with brood pouch growth. It is noteworthy that variation of mRNA levels of fshβ were slightly higher than those of lhβ. Besides, the results showed that plasma 11-KT levels presented an increasing trend during testicular development, peaking in fish with III and IV-stage testis and early-stage brood pouch, and plasma 17β-E2 levels were higher in vitellogenic stage of fish with II-stage ovary and early III-stage ovary. Taken together, these data reveal that gonadotropins and sex steroids likely play a role in the regulation of gonad and brood pouch growth in seahorse. These observations not only contribute to clarifying function of reproductive hormones on growth of gonad and brood pouch of seahorse, but also providing an important theoretical foundation for the artificial breeding of seahorses.

Effect of dietary krill oil levels on the regulation of ovary development in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) broodstock

Krill oil is rich in phospholipids and has been proven to significantly promote ovarian development in shrimp. However, the optimal level and related mechanism are unknown. In this study, four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were prepared. These diets included different gradients of krill oil supplementation (3%, 6%, and 9%), with no-krill oil serving as a control. Female Litopenaeus vannamei broodstock with stage I ovarian development were fed these diets for 28 days. The results showed that the inclusion of krill oil in the diet had a positive effect on ovarian development in female shrimp, particularly at the 6% supplementation level. This was evident from the significant improvements in the gonadosomatic index and in the 17β-estradiol, progesterone, and methyl farnesoid levels. Moreover, 6% krill oil supplementation facilitated lipid accumulation in the hepatopancreas, promoted the deposition of yolk granules within the oocyte, and significantly enhanced the mobilization efficiency of triglycerides and total cholesterol from the hepatopancreas to the ovary. The upregulation of the serum metabolites choline and phosphorylcholine promotes the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and triglycerides. Additionally, prostaglandin E2 stimulates the production of ovarian steroid hormones. Acamprosate influences the activity of glutamic acid, potentially leading to a reduction in the secretion of gonadal inhibitory hormones. Multiomics analysis revealed joint enrichment of differentially altered metabolites and differentially expressed genes in pathways involved in arachidonic acid metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, and ovarian steroid synthesis. Additionally, there was significant enrichment in glycerophospholipid metabolism. The expression of the cytosolic phospholipase A2 gene was upregulated in both the lipid metabolism and steroid synthesis pathways. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5- > 4-isomeras, cytochrome P450 2 L1, and prostaglandin H synthase 2 were also upregulated in the ovarian steroid synthesis pathway. In conclusion, supplementing the diet with 6% krill oil is optimal for promoting lipid metabolism and steroid hormone secretion in female L. vannamei broodstock, thereby enhancing ovarian development and maturation.

Effect of silver nanoparticles formulated by Silybum marianum on menopausal urinary incontinence in ovariectomized rats

Abstract Urinary incontinence is the major sign of menopause genitourinary syndrome and is usually related to the sexual dysfunctions. Fifty percent of menopausal women have menopausal urinary tract. Menopause genitourinary syndrome is a hypoestrogenic condition with external sexual, urological, and genital implications. The production of estrogen decline after menopause is an important parameter for urinary incontinence. Recently, nanotechnology has been applied as a remedial option for the genitourinary disease treatment. Silver nanoparticles were mediated by the Silybum marianum aqueous extract for the menopausal urinary incontinence treatment in ovariectomized rats in the current experiment. The green-formulated AgNPs@Silybum marianum were characterized by FT-IR, TEM, SEM, and UV–Vis. The SEM findings prove the spherical morphology with size of 15–60 nm. The ovariectomized rats were treated by AgNPs@Silybum marianum (5 and 20 µg/kg/day) for 56 days. According to the results, AgNPs@Silybum marianum increased the urinary bladder weight and reduced the body weights in comparison with the untreated rats. AgNPs@Silybum marianum rats indicated a dose-dependent amelioration for the acetylcholine contraction index. AgNPs@Silybum marianum also ameliorated the levels of serum 17β-estradiol, urinary bladder hydroxyproline, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, ALP, AST, and ALT in the ovariectomized rats. Based on the experiment results, the recent formulation may be applied for the menopausal urinary incontinence treatment in humans after performing the clinical research.

Glyphosate-based herbicide worsens alterations induced by cafeteria diet on rat uterus.

Exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) and consumption of cafeteria (CAF) diet, which are widespread in Western society, seem to be associated with endometrial hyperplasia (EH). Here, we aimed to evaluate the effects of a subchronic low dose of GBH added to the CAF diet on the rat uterus. Female Wistar rats were fed from postnatal day (PND)21 until PND240 with chow (control) or CAF diet. Since PND140, rats also received GBH (2 mg of glyphosate/kg/day) or water through food, yielding four experimental groups: control, CAF, GBH, and CAF+GBH. On PND240, CAF and CAF+GBH animals showed an increased adiposity index. With respect to the control group, no changes in the serum levels of 17β-estradiol and progesterone were found. However, progesterone levels were higher in the CAF+GBH group than in the CAF and GBH groups. In the uterus, both studied factors alone and in combination induced morphological and molecular changes associated with EH. Furthermore, the addition of GBH provoked an increased thickness of subepithelial stroma in rats fed with the CAF diet. As a consequence of GBH exposure, CAF+GBH rats exhibited an increased density of abnormal gland area, considered preneoplastic lesions, as well as a reduced PTEN and p27 expression, both tumor suppressor molecules that inhibit cell proliferation, with respect to control rats. These results indicate that the addition of GBH exacerbates the CAF effects on uterine lesions and that the PTEN/p27 signaling pathway seems to be involved. Further studies focusing on the interaction between unhealthy diets and environmental chemicals should be encouraged to better understand uterine pathologies.

Genistein effect in cultured ovine ovarian granulosa cells.

Genistein, an isoflavone has the potential to mimic, augment, or dysregulate the steroid hormone production pathways. We hypothesized that genistein affects the granulosa cell (GCs) functions through a series of biochemical, molecular, and genomic cascades. The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of genistein exposure on GCs viability, apoptosis, and steroidogenesis. The present study involved 3/5 days of exposure to genistein on GCs collected from abattoir-derived ovine ovaries at doses of 0, 1, 10, 25, 50, and 100 µM. The harvested GCs were used for growth, cytotoxicity, and gene expression studies related to apoptosis, growth, and steroidogenesis. We observed that genistein had both stimulatory at 10 and 25 µM levels as well as inhibitory effects at 50 and 100 µM levels on the growth and proliferation of GCs. Genistein significantly decreased the levels of 17β-estradiol at higher exposure (50 and 100 µM), whereas the progesterone level increased significantly as the genistein exposure increased. Additionally, genistein could also alter the mRNA expression of the steroidogenic receptor, enzymes, proteins, and growth-related genes suggesting that genistein could potentially alter the steroidogenic pathways. We conclude that genistein can interfere with cell survival and steroidogenesis by exhibiting a dose-dependent biphasic response on the viability, growth-related parameters, and the synthesis of 17β-estradiol in the cultured GCs.

Plasma lipid profile and sex hormone levels in rabbits under paraceta-mol-induced oxidative stress

Changes in the redox balance at different levels, which lead to the accumulation of toxic radicals against the background of a decrease in the content of redox-active compounds, i.e., a state of oxidative stress (OS), are considered the leading pathogenetic factor in pathological conditions. Processes of peroxide oxidation of biological substrates, especially cell membrane lipids and lipophilic compounds have both regulatory and pathological effects in the body of animals and humans. For now, it remains relevant to establish the regularities of interaction of metabolism during OS development. Among the large number of existing OS models, attention is drawn to those that can be reproduced in clinical practice, as a complication of treatment measures or an error in the medical strategy, due to a constant influence on peroxidation processes in the body. Important among such means is paracetamol (acetaminophen, APAP) – one of the most common antipyretic and analgesic drugs. In addition to the known hepato-, nephro- and neurotoxic effects of its long-term and/or excessive use, there are data on reproductive toxicity and disorders of lipid metabolism. Therefore, the aim of our work was to determine the lipid profile and the level of sex hormones in male rabbits during paracetamol-induced OS. The study was performed on male rabbits of the Khila breed. According to the principle of analogs, a control group (n = 12) was formed, which were kept on a standard diet, and an experimental group (n = 12), whose animals were simulated the state of OS by oral injection of a solution of paracetamol with food at a dose of 300 mg/kg of weight body once during 21 days. The following results were obtained by determining the dynamics of changes in biochemical indicators in the rabbit body during chronic injection of paracetamol: in the rabbits of the experimental group, after the injection of paracetamol, the level of diene conjugates was 63.0 % higher, and the content of thiobarbiturate-active products was 1.26 times higher (P ˂ 0.05). A decrease in the activity of the antioxidant defence system was also noted – the amount of reduced glutathione decreased by 35.4 %, and the activity of superoxide dismutase decreased by 25.6 % (P ˂ 0.05). The obtained changes were consistent with the comprehensive indicator of total antioxidant activity, which on the 21st day of the experiment was 34.1 % lower than the values of the control group (P ˂ 0.05). At the same time, the level of steroid hormones also changed during the study – the level of total testosterone gradually decreased (on the 21st day – by 22.8 %, and at the end of the experiment – by 30.9 %, P ˂ 0.05), while the level of 17β-estradiol had an upward trend and on the 21st day was higher than the control indicators by 10.7 % (P ˂ 0.05). Significant changes in lipid metabolism were found in male rabbits – the total cholesterol content on the 21st day of the experiment exceeded the data of control animals by 25.3 %, the level of triacylglycerols – by 42.3 %, and the content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol also increased by 1.1 times (P ˂ 0.05), and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, on the contrary, was reduced by 17.0 % (P ˂ 0.05). In general, the obtained results indicate the relationship between the development of OS with changes in lipid metabolism and the balance of sex hormones, which allows us to use the model of paracetamol-induced OS in rabbits for further research.

Effect of protected fatty acid supplementation on ovarian activity, reproductive hormone profiles and reproduction of Barki ewes under semiarid conditions

Abstract. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of dietary supplementation with rumen-protected fat (calcium soaps of fatty acids, CSFA) and/or hormonal superovulation using equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) on ovarian activity, changes in ovarian hormones, and reproductive performance in Barki ewes under semiarid conditions. A total of 39 non-pregnant Barki ewes, with an average body weight of 34.7 ± 0.25 kg and an average age of 3–4 years, were divided into four groups. The first group (9 ewes) served as the control, while the second group (10 ewes) received double doses of PGF2α, administered 9 d apart, and was superovulated with 600 IU (international unit) eCG. The third group (10 ewes) was supplemented with 30 g per head per day of rumen-protected fat. The fourth group (10 ewes) underwent the same superovulation protocol as the second group and was also supplemented with 30 g per head per day of rumen-protected fat. All the ewes were fed a basal diet. Ovarian activity was detected using ultrasonography during the estrus phase in all the groups, after which all the ewes were naturally bred with Barki rams. The results demonstrated significant (P&lt;0.05) increases in estradiol 17-β (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels in the treated groups compared to the control group. Ewes in all the treated groups exhibited large follicles, with an overall mean diameter (≥5 mm) significantly higher than that of ewes in the control group. Although there were no significant differences between the treated and control groups, the ewes treated with CSFA and/or the eCG hormone showed tendencies to improve the reproductive traits of Barki ewes. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrated a positive effect of CSFA alone or in combination with an estrous synchronization protocol on ovarian activity in Barki ewes, as indicated by the number and size of follicles and the presence of large-sized follicles.

Vitamin D status alters genes involved in ovarian steroidogenesis in muskrat granulosa cells

This study aims to explore the relationship between altered vitamin D (VitD3) status and ovarian steroidogenesis in muskrats during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. During the breeding season, the ovaries of muskrats were observably enlarged and increased in weight, accompanied by elevated serum and ovarian VitD3 status. Vitamin D receptor (VDR), VitD3 metabolic molecules (CYP2R1, CYP27B1, and CYP24A1), and steroidogenic enzymes were immunolocalized in the ovarian cells of muskrats. The mRNA levels of VDR, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, and steroidogenic enzymes were considerably higher during the breeding season compared to the non-breeding season. RNA-seq analysis revealed a prominent enrichment of vitamin-related and ovarian steroidogenesis pathways. Furthermore, the addition of 1,25(OH)2D3 to the muskrat granulosa cells in vitro increased VDR and steroidogenic enzymes mRNA levels and enhanced the 17β-estradiol level. Overall, these findings supported that VitD3 promotes the secretion of steroid hormones, thereby affecting seasonal changes in ovarian function in the muskrats.

Physiological responses on the reproductive, metabolism and stress endpoints of Astyanax lacustris females (Teleostei: Characiformes) after diclofenac and ibuprofen exposure

Diclofenac (DCF) and ibuprofen (IBU) are pharmaceutical compounds frequently detected in aquatic compartments worldwide. Several hazard effects including developmental abnormalities and redox balance impairment have been elucidated in aquatic species, but multiple endocrine evaluations are scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the disruptive physiological effects and toxicity of DCF and IBU isolated and combined, using females of the native freshwater teleost Astyanax lacustris. In regards to NSAIDs bioavailability, the results showed absence of degradation of IBU and DCF after 7 days of exposure. IBU LC50 for A. lacustris was 137 mgL−1 and females exposed to IBU isolated increased thyroxine (T4) concentration at 24 h and decreased after 96 h; DCF exposure decreased triiodothyronine (T3) concentration at 96 h. Circulating levels of 17β-estradiol (E2), cortisol (F) and testosterone (T) were not affected by any treatment. HPG and HPI axis genes fshβ, pomc and vtg were upregulated after 24 h of IBU exposure, and dio2 was downregulated in DCF fish exposed group after 96 h compared to the mixture. Protein concentration was reduced in muscle and increased in the liver by DCF and mixtures exposures at 24 h; while liver lipids were increased in the mixture groups after 96 h. The study point out the capacity of NSAIDs to affect endocrine endpoints in A. lacustris females and induce changes in energetic substrate content after acute exposure to isolated and mixed NSAIDs treatments. Lastly, the present investigation brings new insights into the toxicity and endocrine disruptive activity of NSAIDs in Latin America teleost species and the aquatic environment.

The Role of Cholesterol during the Ovarian Maturation and Lipid Metabolism of Female Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

In previous study, we found that the cholesterol requirement of Eriocheir sinensis was 0.27%, to further investigate the effects of cholesterol on health status, ovarian maturation, and lipid metabolism of female Eriocheir sinensis broodstock. Two diets containing 0% and 0.25% (actually 0.05% and 0.27%) cholesterol were fed to the female crabs (average weight: 49.21 ± 0.11 g) for 4 months and sampled once a month. The results showed that the body weight (BW), survival rate (SR), meat yield (MY), condition factor (CF), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and gonadosomatic index (GSI) of Eriocheir sinensis were significantly affected by treatment time and compared with the cholesterol deficient group, supplementing cholesterol significantly increased BW, HSI, and GSI (P&lt;0.05). In addition, long-term lack of cholesterol will lead to a significant decrease in the activity of ACP, AKP, and SOD and a significant increase in the content of MDA. The histological results showed that cholesterol significantly increased the volume of oocytes (P&lt;0.05). Further studies found that 0.27% cholesterol significantly increased the transcription levels of vtg and vgr in hepatopancreas and ovaries, which may be the main reason for the increase of oocyte size (P&lt;0.05). When fed with 0.27% cholesterol diet, the contents of nutrients in hepatopancreas and ovaries increased significantly, especially lipids and cholesterol (P&lt;0.05). Through the analysis of mRNA expression level of genes related to lipid metabolism, it was found that cholesterol enhanced the transcription level of genes related to lipid synthesis and transport in hepatopancreas, thereby promoting the accumulation of lipid in the organism. Furthermore, compared with control group, the levels of juvenile hormone (JH), 17β-estradiol (E2), methyl farnesoate (MF), and ecdysone in the organism were significantly increased after feeding a diet with 0.27% cholesterol (P&lt;0.05). In summary, supplementing an appropriate amount of cholesterol in the diet can improve the growth performance of Eriocheir sinensis broodstock, enhance the body’s antioxidant and immune system, and promote the accumulation of nutrients in the ovaries, thereby promoting ovarian maturation.

17β-Estradiol Effects in Skeletal Muscle: A 31P MR Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI) Study of Young Females during Early Follicular (EF) and Peri-Ovulation (PO) Phases

The natural variation in estrogen secretion throughout the female menstrual cycle impacts various organs, including estrogen receptor (ER)-expressed skeletal muscle. Many women commonly experience increased fatigue or reduced energy levels in the days leading up to and during menstruation, when blood estrogen levels decline. Yet, it remains unclear whether endogenous 17β-estradiol, a major estrogen component, directly affects the energy metabolism in skeletal muscle due to the intricate and fluctuating nature of female hormones. In this study, we employed 2D 31P FID-MRSI at 7T to investigate phosphoryl metabolites in the soleus muscle of a cohort of young females (average age: 28 ± 6 years, n = 7) during the early follicular (EF) and peri-ovulation (PO) phases, when their blood 17β-estradiol levels differ significantly (EF: 28 ± 18 pg/mL vs. PO: 71 ± 30 pg/mL, p &lt; 0.05), while the levels of other potentially interfering hormones remain relatively invariant. Our findings reveal a reduction in ATP-referenced phosphocreatine (PCr) levels in the EF phase compared to the PO phase for all participants (5.4 ± 4.3%). Furthermore, we observe a linear correlation between muscle PCr levels and blood 17β-estradiol concentrations (r = 0.64, p = 0.014). Conversely, inorganic phosphate Pi and phospholipid metabolite GPC levels remain independent of 17β-estradiol but display a high correlation between the EF and PO phases (p = 0.015 for Pi and p = 0.0008 for GPC). The robust association we have identified between ATP-referenced PCr and 17β-estradiol suggests that 17β-estradiol plays a modulatory role in the energy metabolism of skeletal muscle.

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device is related to early emotional reactivity: An ERP study

Despite the evidence of altered emotion processing in oral contraceptive (OC) users, the impact of hormonal intrauterine devices (IUD) on emotional processing remains unexplored. Our study aimed to investigate how behavioural performance and event-related potentials (ERPs) linked with emotion reactivity and its regulation are associated with hormonal profiles of women using different types of hormonal contraception and naturally cycling women. Women using OCs (n = 25), hormonal IUDs (n = 33), and naturally cycling women in their early follicular (NCF, n = 33) or mid-luteal (NCL, n = 28) phase of the menstrual cycle were instructed to view emotional pictures (neutral, low and high negativity) and use cognitive reappraisal to up- or down-regulate negative emotions, while their electroencephalogram was recorded. Participants rated perceived negativity after each picture and their emotional arousal throughout the task. Saliva samples were collected to assess levels of 17β-estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. As expected, emotional arousal increased throughout the task and correlated positively with perceived negativity. Perceived negativity and the amplitudes of the middle (N2/P3) and later (LPP) latency ERP components increased with increasing stimuli negativity. Emotion regulation modulated perceived negativity and the amplitudes of very late ERP components (parietal and frontal LPP). Moreover, IUD-users showed a higher negative amplitude of the frontal N2 in comparison to all three other groups, with the most consistent differences during up-regulation. Finally, testosterone correlated positively with the N2 peak in IUD-users and NCL women. Overall, our findings suggest that IUD-use and testosterone might be related to altered preconscious processing during the emotion regulation task requiring attention to the stimulus. The study underscores the need for additional research into how different hormonal contraceptives are linked to socio-emotional functioning.

Steroid hormones as a non-lethal assessment of the reproductive biology in male and female blacktip reef sharks

IntroductionOverexploitation of sharks and the destruction of their habitat has led to severe population declines and the need for conservation and management actions. Effective conservation management requires knowledge of the size at which a shark matures and an understanding of their breeding season, fundamental information to maintain appropriate population levels.MethodsHere we used reproductive endocrinology, estrogen and androgen steroids, in combination with rare direct observations of mating, visual monitoring of reproductive status such as gestation and mating scars, as well as parentage analysis, to assess reproductive biology in male and female Chondrichthyans from the wild.Results and discussionLengths at sexual maturity of female and male blacktip reef sharks corresponded closely with plasma 17β-estradiol, testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone measures respectively, but we found considerable variation in androgen levels for mature males. Size at sexual maturity of male and female blacktip reef shark deduced from direct or indirect evidence (mating scars or parentage assignment respectively, corresponded closely with plasma 17β-estradiol, testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone measures respectively, but we found considerable variation in androgen levels for mature males. Females attained sexual maturity from around 121 to 123 cm and males from 104 to 111 cm. The mating season extends from September to February but female 17β-estradiol levels are elevated 1 month prior to mating. Endocrinology has brought additional important information to the reproductive biology and ecology of blacktip reef sharks.

Mannan oligosaccharides as a prebiotic for laying hens: effects on fertility, hatchability, productive performance, and immunity.

This experiment examined how adding mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) to the diet affected fertility, hatching rates, egg production, carcass characteristics, cost-effectiveness, and immune function in laying hens. One hundred and twenty Mandarah chickens (30 hens and 3 roosters per group) were randomly chosen between 34 and 50wk old and divided into four groups. The first group was the control group, which was given just the basal diet. The basal diet was given to the second, third, and fourth experimental groups along with three different levels of MOS (0.1, 0.2, and 0.5g/kg diet, respectively). Results found that hens fed MOS at various levels laid eggs at a significantly higher rate, enhanced egg number, egg mass and feed conversion ratio than the control group (P < 0.05). MOS seemed to improve carcass quality. The best results for egg quality (Haugh unit) and testosterone levels were seen with a dose of 0.5g/kg of MOS compared to the control birds (P < 0.05). All MOS levels led to higher estradiol-17β (E2) levels and better economic efficiency (EE). MOS also improved the hens' immune systems as compared to the control group. Hens-fed MOS had significantly greater levels of antibodies against Influenza viruses (H9N2) and Infectious Bronchitis Virus (P < 0.05). Also, the spleen and thymus gland, both crucial immune system components, were slightly larger (P < 0.05). It's important to note that fertility rates, hatchability, and embryo mortality rates remained similar across all groups. So, our findings suggest that incorporating MOS into the birds' diet enhances their productivity, strengthens their immune system, improves EE, and contributes to the overall health of the hens.

Season affects the estrogen system and the immune response of common carp.

The physiology of ectothermic animals, including fish, is strictly regulated by season-related external factors such as temperature or photoperiod. The immune response and the production of hormones, such as estrogens, are therefore also subject to seasonal changes.This study in common carp aimed to determine how the season affects the estrogen system and the immune response, including the antibacterial response during Aeromonas salmonicida infection. We compared the immune reaction in spring and autumn in the head kidney and liver and found that carp have higher levels of blood 17β-estradiol in autumn, while in the liver of these fish there is a higher constitutive expression of genes encoding vitellogenin, estrogen receptors and Cyp19 aromatase than in spring. Fish sampled in autumn also exhibited higher expression of immune-related genes in the liver. In contrast, in the head kidney from fish sampled in the autumn, the expression of genes encoding estrogen receptors and aromatase was lower than in spring, and a similar profile of expression was also measured in the head kidney for inos, arginases and il-10. In turn, during bacterial infection, we observed higher upregulation of the expression of inos, il-12p35, ifnγ-2, arginase 2 and il-10 in the liver of carp sampled in spring. In the liver of carp infected in spring a higher upregulation of the expression of the genes encoding CRPs was observed compared to fish infected during autumn. The opposite trend occurred in the head kidney, where the upregulation of the expression of the genes involved in the immune response was higher in fish infected in autumn than in those infected in spring. During the infection, also season-dependent changes occurred in the estrogen system.In conclusion, we demonstrated that season differentially affects the estrogenic and immune activity of the head kidney and liver. These results reinforce our previous findings that the endocrine and immune systems cooperate in maintaining homeostasis and fighting infection.

Transcriptomics and metabolomics reveal the regulation of reproductive performance and egg quality of blotched snakehead Channa maculata broodstock induced by a high protein diet

To evaluate the effects of dietary protein on reproductive performance, egg quality and larval health of the blotched snakehead Channa maculata, three groups were designed: a high protein group (HP) with 48% protein content, a low protein group (LP) with 44% protein content, and a control group (C) fed with commercial feed containing 40% protein. The results demonstrated that the HP diet significantly enhanced maternal absolute fecundity, egg size and offspring health; however, it had no impact on fertilization rate and hatching rate. The maternal plasma levels of 11-ketotestosterone, 17β-estradiol, and vitellogenin in the HP group were found to be significantly higher compared to those in the C group. Plasma SOD activity and T-AOC capacity in the HP group were significantly higher than those in the C group, while MDA content showed an opposite trend. The trend of T-AOC in 7 days post-hatching larvae exhibited a consistent pattern with that observed in the maternal. Metabolomics and transcriptomics results indirectly indicated that the differences in reproductive and egg quality of the broodstock were associated with the regulation of arachidonic acid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, cholesterol metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and glycerolipid metabolism. The expression levels of star, zp3, foxo3, tgf-β, ghr, igf, cyp17a1, and cyp19a1 genes associated with reproduction and were significantly upregulated in the HP group. By depleting the abundance of metabolites in key pathway such as the pentose phosphate pathway, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism within the ovary, there is an elevation in arachidonic acid metabolite abundance, thereby facilitating ovarian maturation and regulating egg quality. In conclusion, the high protein diet may affect the reproductive process and egg quality by inducing an upregulation of TGF-beta signaling pathway and ovarian steroidogenesis and arachidonic acid metabolism, leading to increased plasma cholesterol levels and enhanced steroid hormone synthesis.

A prospective study of circulating estrogen in oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Reports suggested that hormone replacement therapy decreased the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to analyze and quantify the serum 17β-estradiol (E2) level by chemiluminescence immunoassay in four groups, Group I (control group with no habit of tobacco and areca), Group II (control group with a habit of tobacco and areca), Group III (potentially malignant disorder-leukoplakia), and Group IV (oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)). It was the first study to evaluate E2 in four study groups with and without the habit of tobacco. The serum analysis was carried out in Cobas e411 analyzer by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analysis. As per the Kruskal--Wallis test, statistically significant rise in estradiol levels in Group IV as in comparison to Group III as compared with Groups II and I. This study proved that irrespective of the gender bias, the female sex hormone, estradiol levels were significantly raised in OSCC patients. This study suggests that E2 may play a vital role in determining the patient prognosis in OSCC with tobacco habit. The confounding results of this preliminary study opened up new advents emphasizing the role of E2 in OSCC. The role of E2 in estrogen receptor regulation can also be a subject of study for targeted therapies in improving the patient's prognosis.