Analysis Of Follicle-stimulating Hormone Research Articles

The Mechanism of Bushen Zhuyun Prescription in Regulating Luteal Phase Deficiency via Intervention of the Kiss1/GPR54 System in the Hypothalamus

Luteal phase deficiency (LPD) is a significant contributor to infertility and miscarriage. Bushen Zhuyun Prescription (BSZY) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that has potential to treat LPD. To investigate the effect of BSZY in treating LPD, SD rats with complete estrous cycles were divided into blank, model, dydrogesterone (DYD), high-dose BSZY (BSZY-HD), and low-dose BSZY (BSZY-LD) groups. All the groups were received mifepristone gavage except for the blank group. The pathological changes were observed in the hypothalamus, and the analysis of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in serum. Additionally, the mRNA and their protein expression levels of estrogen receptor α (ERα), ERβ, G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30), kisspeptin 1 (Kiss1), and GPR54 were assessed; and the key molecules expression in cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway were analyzed. The results revealed that mifepristone treatment caused a decrease in FSH and cAMP levels and an increase in E2 and LH levels, which were normalised in the BSZY treatment groups. The expression of ERα and ERβ mRNA and protein in the hypothalamus was higher in the BSZY groups compared to the blank group. BSZY also resulted in increased expression of Kiss-1, GPR54, and PKA, as well as decreased expression of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), c-Fos, phospho-CREB (p-CREB), and p-c-Fos, compared to model group. No significant difference observed in GPR30 expression between the mifepristone and BSZY groups. The mRNA and protein of Kiss1 and GPR54 were decreased in model group and increased after BSZY treatment, while the mRNA and protein expression of PKA, CREB, c-Fos, p-CREB, and p-c-Fos were also decreased significantly. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that BSZY could effectively regulate hypothalamic ER, interfere with the Kiss1/GPR54 signal transduction system, activate the cAMP/PKA pathway, and regulate key transduction molecules expression of PKA, CREB, c-Fos, there by effecting the level of reproductive hormones and has the potential to treat LPD-related infertility.

Gonadal Hormone Production after Hematopoietic Cell Transplant (HCT) in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD): A Stellar Study

Introduction HCT is the only therapy for SCD with curative intent, but the alkylator chemotherapies used in preparative regimens place patients at high risk for gonadal dysfunction. Adequate ovarian and testicular hormone production post-HCT is important for optimal health. Methods We enrolled children and adults with SCD ≥ 1-year post-HCT ("HCT") in the Sickle Cell Transplant Evaluation of Long-term and Late Effects Registry (STELLAR) and a control group of patients with SCD not treated with HCT ("non-HCT"). We obtained annual surveys of gonadal health using a web-based platform. Surveys were completed by proxies for individuals <18 years and were self-report for individuals ≥18 years. Markers of ovarian reserve or testicular function were measured, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in females and FSH and testosterone in males. The most recent survey was used for analysis when multiple surveys were available. The upper limit of normal (ULN) for age of pubertal onset was defined as 13 years in females and 14 in males, and the ULN for menarche was 15 years. Only females >13 years and males >14 years (ULN for activation of the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis) were included in the FSH analysis. Descriptive statistics were reported as median (Interquartile range [IQR]: 3rd quartile - 1st quartile), mean (min, max) or count (%). Statistical procedures involved a chi-squared test. The effect size was calculated using standard mean difference (SMD). Results Surveys were completed by 48 SCD HCT patients (30 females, 18 males) and 12 SCD control patients (8 females, 4 males). Median age (IQR) at survey completion was 14.8 years (11.8) for female HCT, 16.0 (10.4) for male HCT, 14.5 (11.6) for female non-HCT, and 21.0 (22.8) for male non-HCT. Median age (IQR) at HCT was 8.8 years (6.1) for females and 9.1 years (5.2) for males. Most patients underwent HCT in 2010-2020 (86.7% of females, 78.8% of males). Donor was predominantly matched related (90.0% of females, 94.4% of males) with bone marrow stem cell source (90.0% of females, 94.4% of males). Most patients received myeloablative conditioning (86.7% of females, 94.4% of males). Only female HCT patients (n=8, 32%) reported being told they might need hormones to enter puberty. In females who were ≥15 years, menarche was reported in 11 (78.6%) HCT and all of the non-HCT patients. Current menstruation was reported in 9 (64.3%) HCT and 3 (75.0%) of non-HCT patients, and 10 (71.4%) HCT and 1 (25%) non-HCT females reported ever having taken hormones, including birth control. P-values and SMD can be seen in Table 1. Hormone levels were measured in 68 HCT patients (41 female, 27 male). Most patients underwent HCT from 2010-2020 (82.9% of females; 74.1% of males) using matched related donor (90.2% of females, 92.6% of males) bone marrow (87.8% of females, 85.2% of males) following myeloablative conditioning (87.8% of females, 88.9% of males). For females, the median age at the time of AMH testing was 16.5 years (IQR 9.1) with a mean of 6.8 years (IQR 4.8) post-HCT. Based on the age and assay normal values, AMH levels were normal in 3 (7.3%), low but detectable in 7 (17.1%), and undetectable in 31 (75.6%) of patients. FSH was measured in 12 females who were >13 years and not on hormone therapy (Table 2). The median age at FSH testing was 18.0 years (IQR 5.1), with a mean of 8.7 years (IQR 3.5) post-HCT. FSH levels were normal in 7 (58.3%) and above the ULN in 5 (41.7%), 3 of which were menopausal (>30mIU/mL). Testosterone values were obtained in 15 males who were >14 years with a median age 18.9 years (IQR 5.9) and a mean of 6.9 years (IQR 5.1) post-HCT. The mean testosterone level was 365.8 ng/dl (range 152-592), 13 (86.7%) of which were in the normal range and 2 (13.3%) being low. FSH values in males >14 years were high in 4 (26.7%). Conclusions Nearly all females had diminished ovarian reserve post-HCT, with >75% having undetectable AMH levels. In addition, close to half of the females had elevated FSH levels, some in the menopausal range. However, females with normal FSH and normal or low AMH can consider post-HCT mature oocyte cryopreservation. Most males had normal testosterone levels, but >25% had elevated FSH levels which could be a signal of impaired spermatogenesis. These findings highlight the importance of studying the impact of HCT on gonadal function and the consideration of these outcomes when developing protocols for curative therapy in SCD. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Effectiveness of a low gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist dose in preventing premature luteinizing hormone rise during controlled ovarian stimulation

The current prospective randomized study was designed to test the efficacy of a low dose (0.125 mg/day) of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist cetrorelix in preventing premature luteinizing hormone (LH) rise during controlled ovarian stimulation in comparison with the standard dose of 0.25 mg/day. Ovarian stimulation was started with 225 IU of recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) on day 2 of the menstrual cycle. Cetrorelix was injected daily from day 6 of gonadotropin administration. Blood was sampled from each woman on day 3 of ovarian stimulation and then daily from day 5 onward up to human chorionic gonadotropin administration for analysis of FSH, LH, progesterone, and estradiol. LH rise was defined as serum LH ≥10 mIU/ml. There were 40 patients receiving cetrorelix at 0.25 mg/day and 36 patients receiving cetrorelix at 0.125 mg/day. Premature LH rise was recorded in 10% of patients injecting antagonist at 0.25 mg/day and in 14% of patients administered with antagonist at 0.125 mg/day. These frequencies did not differ statistically. In conclusion, our results suggest that a cetrorelix dose of 0.125 mg/day is effective as the standard dose (0.25 mg/day) in preventing premature LH rise during controlled ovarian stimulation.

Effect of internal iliac artery ligation on ovarian blood supply and ovarian reserve

Background Internal iliac artery ligation is one of the treatment methods used for obstetric hemorrhage. The long-term effects of that intervention on ovarian function remain unknown. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of iliac artery ligation on ovarian blood supply and ovarian reserve.Methods Six patients who had undergone internal iliac artery ligation were recruited as the study group. Six women of the same age, parity and time after delivery who had not undergone the internal iliac artery ligation procedure served as the control group. Quantitative digital angiography and angio-CT of the ovarian arteries and the ovarian branches of the uterine arteries were carried out from 6 to 26 months after the operation. Blood samples were taken on the 3rd day of the menstrual cycle for subsequent hormone analysis of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH).Results Following angio-CT, in the study group, reversed blood flow in the ovarian branches of the uterine arteries was observed: contrast medium flowed from the ovarian arteries towards the ovaries and from the ovarian branches of the uterine arteries to the uterine arteries. In the control group, there was no contrast medium flow from the ovaries towards the ovarian branches of the uterine arteries. Quantitative digital angiography of the ovarian arteries showed that, in the study group, the mean ovarian artery diameter was significantly dilated (p < 0.05). In the study group, AMH levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05), while there were no significant differences in FSH levels between groups (p > 0.05).Conclusions Internal iliac artery ligation in the treatment of obstetric hemorrhage leads to dilation of the ovarian arteries and reversed flow in the ovarian branches of the uterine arteries. These change the blood supply to the ovaries and impair ovarian reserve.

Intermittent nutritional stimulus by short-term treatment of high-energy diet promotes ovarian performance together with increases in blood levels of glucose and insulin in cycling goats

The aim of this study was to determine if short-term intermittent treatments of high-energy diet have any stimulatory effects on ovarian function and metabolic status in goat. Cycling Shiba goats were divided into treatment (TG; n = 6) and control (CG; n = 6) groups. After the detection of ovulation (1st ovulation, Day 0) by ultrasonography, a high-energy diet (250% of maintenance) was fed to the TG from Day 12 to Day 15 (4 days) and from Day 18 to Day 21 (4 days). The high-energy diet comprised 1000 g hay-cubes and 300 g of concentrated feed/head/day (approximately 15 MJ of digestible energy/day). The CG was offered maintenance diet throughout the experiment. Transrectal ultrasound examinations were conducted every other day during the luteal phase and were conducted daily during the follicular phase. Blood samples were collected daily from Day −2 to 7 days after ovulation (2nd ovulation) following the nutritional treatment for analysis of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone, oestradiol, glucose and insulin in plasma. Two wave-like rises in the concentrations of glucose and insulin appeared in response to the intermittent nutritional stimulus. Mean plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin were significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in the TG than in the CG on almost all days during each treatment period. For ovarian performance, the total number of follicles that developed on the day prior to the 2nd ovulation in the TG (7.5 ± 2.7) was significantly higher than that of the CG (4.5 ± 2.6). Ovulation rate of the 2nd ovulation (4.5 ± 1.0) in the TG was significantly higher than that of the 1st ovulation (3.0 ± 0.6) of the TG and than both 1st (2.5 ± 0.5) and 2nd (2.7 ± 0.5) ovulations of the CG. No significant difference was detected in the concentrations of FSH, progesterone and oestradiol throughout the experiment between TG and CG. The present experiment demonstrated that short-term intermittent nutritional stimulus from the luteal phase increased the total number of ovulatory follicles and the ovulation rate in association with increasing plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin in goats.

Analysis of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone by CE with Chemiluminescence Detection Based on Competitive Immunoassay

A competitive immunoassay and capillary electrophoresis with enhanced chemiluminescence detection have been used for determination of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in human serum. The method is based on the competitive immunochemical reaction of FSH and horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled FSH with anti-FSH, CE separation of antibody-bound and free HRP-labeled FSH, then chemiluminescence detection. The detection limit depends on the stability of the immune complex, which depends on analysis time and detector design, and on the chemiluminescence enhancer used. A unique chemiluminescence detector without dead volume or diluent effects was therefore used, and sodium tetraphenylboron was selected as the optimum enhancer. As a result sensitivity was substantially improved. Free HRP-labeled FSH and the immune complex could be separated within 15 min in alkaline borate buffer by use of a potential of 15 kV. Under the optimum conditions a calibration plot for FSH was established in the concentration range 0–100 mIU mL−1; the detection limit was 0.06 mIU mL−1. The concentration sensitivity achieved was 30 times better than that of ELISA.

Autoradiographic analysis of follicle-stimulating hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin receptors in the ovary of immature rats treated with equine chorionic gonadotropin.

The gonadotropin-primed immature rat has become the most common model for the study of follicular development and ovulation. In this study, prepubertal female rats, 23 and 24 days old, were injected s. c. with 5 IU eCG, and ovaries were collected for topical autoradiography of FSH and hCG receptors at 48 or 24 h post-eCG, respectively (i.e., Day 25). In a baseline group, on Day 25 (before eCG), even the smallest preantral follicles with 1 layer of granulosa cells (GCs; primary follicles) possessed FSH receptors, but hCG receptors were found only on the theca of follicles with 2 or more layers of GCs. Human CG receptors were especially prominent in the interstitium that intimately surrounds preantral follicles without any distinction between theca and interstitial cells. There was a discrete theca surrounding antral follicles. Occasionally antral follicles had hCG receptors in the interstitium, but the adjacent theca was negative, suggesting that these follicles might be destined for atresia. By 24 h post-eCG, a now-discrete theca layer with hCG receptors surrounded all preantral follicles except for the primary follicles, which never responded to eCG. The interstitium was hypertrophied and epithelioid, as was the theca surrounding nonatretic preantral and antral follicles. Increased mitotic activity characterized the growing preantral follicle, and for the first time, FSH binding in GCs of antral follicles was greater than in the preantral population. By 48 h post-eCG, the primary follicles were still unresponsive to eCG. FSH receptors were even more pronounced in the GCs of large antral follicles, although hCG receptors were present in the GCs of only one third of the antral follicles, reflecting the small dose of eCG administered. By 48 h post-eCG, receptors in the interstitium were barely detectable. Using this model, the following study considers the functional in vitro changes in steroidogenesis in follicles from the smallest preantral follicles to the largest antral follicles.

Follicular development and reproductive endocrinology during a synchronized estrous cycle in heifers and mature cows displaying contrasting superovulatory responses

Ovarian follicular development and plasma concentrations of progesterone (P4), estradiol-17β (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were compared during a synchronized estrous cycle between heifers and mature cows displaying contrasting superovulatory responses. Six heifers <2 years old with a history of good responses to superovulatory (SOV) treatment and six cows 9 to 13 years old with poor responses to SOV treatments were used. Follicular development was monitored by daily ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected two to three times daily for P4 and E2 and thrice daily for LH and FSH analysis. Intensive sampling (samples every 15 min for 6 hr) was performed at critical periods of follicular development to analyze the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropins. In both cattle groups, a transient increase (P = 0.0001) in E2 occurred 4 to 5.7 d after the preovulatory LH surge or 2.3 d before the dominant follicle reached its maximum size. FSH concentrations increased (P = 0.006) before the emergence of the second cohort of follicles and then decreased despite no change in the concentration of E2. Contrary to our expectation and despite differences between groups in terms of age, number of previous SOV treatments, and divergent responses to superovulation, follicular development was similar in both groups. However, during the luteal phase, concentrations of E2 and FSH and LH pulse amplitudes were less (P ⩽ 0.05) in cows than in heifers. Therefore, follicular development monitored by ultrasonography and endocrine profiles during a synchronized estrous cycle are of limited value to predict quality of embryo donors.

94097698 Diagnostic role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurements during the menopausal transition — An analysis of FSH, oestradiol and inhibin

94097698 Diagnostic role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurements during the menopausal transition — An analysis of FSH, oestradiol and inhibin

Diagnostic role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurements during the menopausal transition--an analysis of FSH, oestradiol and inhibin.

This review examines the role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurement in assessing the significance of symptoms and possible continuing fertility during the menopausal transition. Follicle-stimulating hormone measurement is advocated frequently as a useful diagnostic tool in perimenopausal patients. Several investigators have shown that the serum FSH level increases in the early--mid-follicular and early postovulatory phases in women over the age of 40 years who continue to experience regular menstrual cycles. The serum oestradiol level may fall (although this is controversial) and the immunoreactive inhibin level falls, being inversely correlated with the rising FSH level. When alterations in menstrual cyclicity or flow commence, signalling the onset of the menopausal transition, FSH levels may change abruptly, rising into the normal postmenopausal range and falling again into the range normally seen in young fertile women. Oestradiol and inhibin generally fluctuate in parallel with each other but inversely to FSH, although at times oestradiol in particular may be increased markedly. Postmenopausal FSH levels may be followed by endocrine evidence compatible with normal ovulation. After the menopause, FSH levels rise 10-15-fold, with low oestradiol and undetectable inhibin levels. It is concluded that FSH measurement is of little value, if any in the assessment of women during the menopausal transition because it cannot be interpreted reliably and because, apparently, ovulatory (and, presumably, potentially fertile) cycles may occur subsequent to the observation of postmenopausal FSH levels. Both oestradiol and inhibin are important negative feedback regulators of circulating FSH.

Follicular populations following inhibition of follicle stimulating hormone with equine follicular fluid during early pregnancy in the mare

In two experiments, mares received either charcoal-extracted follicular fluid (treated animals: Experiment 1, n = 6; Experiment 2, n = 6) or saline (control animals: Experiment 1, n = 7; Experiment 2, n = 6). Treatment was given once every 12 h beginning on Day 14 of pregnancy (ovulation = Day 0) and was terminated on Day 30 (Experiment 1) or on Day 41 (Experiment 2). Analysis of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations and follicular endpoints were done for Days 14 to 30 (Experiment 1) and Days 14 to 50 (Experiment 2). In both experiments, there was a significant main effect of treatment due to suppressed concentrations of FSH in the treated group. For the follicular endpoints, the means were significantly reduced in the treated group when averaged over all days for the number of follicles 11 to 15 mm (Experiment 2), 16 to 20 mm, >20 mm, and for the diameter of the largest and second largest follicles (both experiments). The depressed follicular activity (diameter of the largest and second largest follicles and the number of follicles for different diameter categories) following follicular fluid treatment supported the hypothesis that follicular development during early pregnancy in the mare is attributable to circulating concentrations of FSH. The administration of follicular fluid and the resulting suppression of FSH and follicular activity did not have a significant effect on concentrations of progesterone or on the maintenance of pregnancy.

Electrophoretic and gel chromatographic analyses of follicle-stimulating hormone in human serum.

The pleomorphism of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in human serum was investigated by gel chromatography on Sephadex G-200 and zone electrophoresis in agarose suspension. The FSH activity was measured by radioimmunoassay. By gel chromatography FSH in sera from 3 males and 5 females of various ages was eluted within a narrow range after albumin and no sex hormone related pleomorphism was found. Electrophoresis in 0.17% agarose suspension was found to be a technique suitable for analysis of differences in charge of FSH in sera from men and women. A total of 31 sera from 25 individuals was investigated. The results strongly indicate that there is in man a sex hormone related pleomorphism of FSH with less acidic forms of FSH in sera of normal women of fertile age than in sera of men and post-menopausal women. Qualitative analysis of FSH in serum by electrophoresis may become an important complement to the quantitative determinations of the FSH concentration for the clinical diagnosis of reproductive disorders and of FSH producing tumours.