Blood anti-Müllerian Hormone Research Articles

Determination of anti-Müllerian hormone levels in blood and urine in fertile cats

In recent years, blood anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels have been investigated in female animals to diagnose many conditions, such as the presence of ovarian tissue, follicle reserve, and granulosa cell tumors. Since blood collection is an invasive method, diagnosis with a non-invasive method is important in terms of practicality and animal welfare. This study aimed to investigate the presence of AMH in cat urine and determine whether a correlation exists between blood and urine AMH levels. In addition, it was aimed at revealing whether there was a change in blood and urine AMH levels according to ovarian follicle distribution. Twenty-seven healthy, fertile female cats in the follicular phase were included. Following blood and urine sample collection, a routine ovariohysterectomy was performed. Histological analysis of the removed ovarian tissue was used to determine ovarian follicle types. While both AMH and estrogen levels were determined in blood samples, only AMH levels were investigated in urine samples. Blood AMH levels averaged 10.61 ± 0.75 ng/mL (range: 5–16 ng/mL), while urine AMH levels averaged 5.67 ± 0.91 ng/mL (range: 0.2–13 ng/mL). While urinary AMH level was <1 ng/mL in 7 cats, urinary AMH was >1 ng/mL in all remaining cats. While the study demonstrated AMH excretion in urine, no correlation was found between blood and urine AMH values. However, a significant positive correlation was observed between blood AMH levels and serum estrogen levels (P < 0.001). These findings suggest that urinary AMH may be a product of proteolytic degradation, potentially leading to inaccurate estimations of ovarian activity based solely on urine AMH levels.

Dehydroepiandrosterone with a high-fat diet treatment at inducing polycystic ovary syndrome in rat model

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA combined with a high-fat diet (HFD) treatment of reproductive and endocrine metabolism in rats and then identify an ideal model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MethodsThree-week-old female Sprague–Dawley rats were injected subcutaneously with DHEA or oil, fed with or without a HFD, for 21 days, during which body weight, feed intake, and estrous cycle monitoring were carried out. Fasting blood glucose was measured, and serum fasting insulin, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were estimated by ELISA. Serum total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured by colorimetric assay. Whereas, histologic changes in rat ovaries were evaluated by H&E staining. Ovarian steroid hormone synthases and their protein levels (StAR, 3β-HSD2, 17β-HSD1, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and CYP19A1) were examined by Western blotting. ResultsBoth DHEA and DHEA + HFD-treated rats lost a regular estrous cycle; had polycystic ovarian changes, significantly higher serum fasting insulin and testosterone levels; and increased ovarian StAR, 3β-HSD2, and CYP11A1 protein levels. Additionally, rats in the DHEA + HFD-treated group were obese; had elevated fasting blood glucose, TG, DHT, AMH levels and LH:FSH ratios; increased ovarian 17β-HSD1 protein levels. ConclusionDHEA combined with HFD treatment is more effective at inducing PCOS than DHEA alone. The reproductive and endocrine metabolic aspects of this method are more consistent with the clinical characteristics of PCOS patients.

Assessing the clinical diagnostic value of anti-Müllerian hormone in polycystic ovarian syndrome and its correlation with clinical and metabolism indicators

BackgroundThis study investigated the association between Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and relevant metabolic parameters and assessed its predictive value in the clinical diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).MethodsA total of 421 women aged 20–37 years were allocated to the PCOS (n = 168) and control (n = 253) groups, and their metabolic and hormonal parameters were compared. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to investigate associations, binary logistic regression was used to determine PCOS risk factors, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the predictive value of AMH in diagnosing PCOS.ResultsThe PCOS group demonstrated significantly higher blood lipid, luteinizing hormone (LH), and AMH levels than the control group. Glucose and lipid metabolism and hormonal disorders in the PCOS group were more significant than in the control group among individuals with and without obesity. LH, TSTO, and AMH were identified as independent risk factors for PCOS. AMH along with LH, and antral follicle count demonstrated a high predictive value for diagnosing PCOS.ConclusionAMH exhibited robust diagnostic use for identifying PCOS and could be considered a marker for screening PCOS to improve PCOS diagnostic accuracy. Attention should be paid to the effect of glucose and lipid metabolism on the hormonal and related parameters of PCOS populations.

Evaluation of serum anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations following treatment with vitamin D in Holstein Friesian heifers.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in the blood of dairy cattle are associated with the count of antral follicles (AFC), ovarian function. Numerous studies, particularly in human medicine, have shown that vitamin D3 (Vit D3) has a positive effect on AMH levels. To our knowledge, the effects of Vit D3 on serum AMH levels in heifers have not been investigated. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the concentrations of serum AMH in dairy heifers following Vit D3 treatment. The study included 20 healthy non-pregnant Holstein Friesian heifers. These animals came to estrus at least once. All heifers received a single intramuscular dosage of 5 million IU Vit D3 (Cholecalciferol). Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal veins of all animals before and after Vit D3 injection (days 7, 14, and 28) for the measurement of AMH and 25(OH)D concentrations. In our analysis, we observed that after exogenous Vit D3 administration, circular 25(OH)D increased constantly (up to day 28 after Vit D3 injection) in all animals. On day 28, AMH concentrations saw a 10% increase in comparison with those measured the day before the Vit D3 injection. However, a comparison of AMH concentrations measured across days did not reveal statistically significant differences between Day 0, 7, 14, and 28 levels (p = .10). Furthermore, no statistical correlation was observed between the pairs (age-AMH) and (weight-AMH). Considering all times, no correlation was found between 25(OH)D and blood AMH levels. These findings demonstrated that exogenous Vit D3 did not affect serum AMH in Holstein Friesian heifers.

Does Maternal Vitamin D Level Affect the Ovarian Reserve of Female Newborn Infants?

Objective To evaluate whether maternal vitamin D levels affect cord blood Anti Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels, reflecting ovarian reserve, in female offspring. Methods Cord blood AMH from healthy pregnant women delivering term female infants were compared in groups with different maternal vitamin D levels. Results Maternal age, weight gain during pregnancy, usage of vitamin D supplements, newborn birth weight, and 5th-min Apgar scores were significantly higher in the normal vitamin D level group (All p < 0.05). AMH levels were similar among all groups (p = 0.6). There was no significant correlation between newborn AMH and maternal vitamin D levels (rho = 0.006, p = 0.9). The stepwise regression analysis showed that the maternal age and birth weight had lower AMH levels, whereas the maternal vitamin D level did not. (p = 0.03, p = 0.04, p = 0.5, respectively). Conclusion Maternal vitamin D levels did not have a significant effect on AMH, a reflection of ovarian reserve.

Association of Anti Mullerian Hormone with Biochemical markers in womens with and without Polycystic Ovarian disease

Introduction: The frequency of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has come to nearly epidemic extents in ladies of reproductive age around the world. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the foremost common endocrinological problems in ladies. In expansion to chronic oligo-anovulation, the fundamental highlights of the PCOS incorporate raised levels of circulating androgens or clinical hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovary morphology, modified gonadotropin secretion, insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia frequently related with obesity. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the affiliations of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) with biochemical characteristics between ladies with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Material &amp; Method: Study design: Quantitative cross sectional Settings: Lady Wallington Hospital Lahore Duration: Six months i.e. 1st July 2021 to 31st December 2021 Methodology: Quantitative cross sectional study was performed at lady Wallington hospital Lahore. The total numbers of patients were 150. Age of females was in between 18-35 years. The diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome was made according to the Rotterdam ESHRE-ASRM criteria. The various parameters which include Body mass index, lipid profile, Blood sugar levels, FSH, LH, Prolactin, testosterone levels, AMH DHEA-S, HOMA-IR and adiponectin were measured. Collected data was entered in SPSS version 23 and analyzed. Results: Data for females with PCOS and control summarized briefly in table no 1. AMH level have significant p value 0.001 and clearly showed that it is higher in females with PCOS whether fatty or non-fatty than normal or control. Conclusion: In conclusion, AMH levels were essentially higher in ladies with PCOS, in any case of age and BMI, and exhibited no relationship with obesity, insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome-related factors. Only testosterone shown an impact on serum AMH levels in PCOS group, whereas age, adiponectin as well as testosterone altogether related with AMH levels within the control group. Keywords: Polycystic ovarian syndrome, AMH, Gonadotrophin, TSH, Insulin

The relationship of menstrual irregularity with AMH, ghrelin and leptin levels in athletes

Objective: To explore menstrual irregularity rates in female professional basketball and volleyball players and investigate the relationship with Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), ghrelin, leptin levels and biochemical parameters. Material and Methods: Forty-one professional female athletes and forty-one non-athlete controls aged 18-35 years participated in the study. Questioning of menstrual function has been performed and whole blood counts, AMH, leptin, ghrelin and other endocrine and metabolic parameters were evaluated. Results: 41% of female athletes and in 24% of non-athlete controls revealed menstrual irregularities. AMH, ghrelin, leptin levels were similar in athletes and control group (p&gt;0.05). While athletes with menstrual irregularities tend to have lower ghrelin and leptin levels and higher AMH than athletes without irregularities, the difference was not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of endocrine and other metabolic parameters (p&gt;0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between ghrelin and menstrual irregularity (r=-0.240, p=0.031) and a statistically significant positive correlation between AMH and testosterone levels (r=-0.247, p=0.025). There was no significant relationship between other parameters (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions: Although it was not significant, athletes were found to have more menstrual irregularities. The leading factors and preventive measures should be investigated in detail.

Predictive markers for superovulation response and embryo production in beef cattle managed in northwest Mexico are influenced by climate

Important components of a successful embryo transfer program in cattle are the superovulatory response and embryo production. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) have been proposed as biomarkers of the reproductive response in superovulated cattle; however, their predictive ability appears to be influenced by climate. Objective herein was to evaluate AMH and AFC as predictors of the number of ovarian follicles, corpora lutea, collected embryos and transferable embryos in cows managed in northwest Mexico under different climates. Multiparous Simmental beef donor cows were assigned in two experimental climatic groups, cool (January 15– May 14; n=66) and warm (May 15– September 14; n=62). All cows were given a superovulatory treatment, and then subjected to artificial insemination and non-surgical embryo collection. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed to determine AFC. Blood samples were collected to measure blood AMH concentrations. A mixed effects model was used to analyze superovulatory and embryo production responses in cattle including AMH, AFC and climate as fixed effects, age as covariate and herd as random effect. All fixed effects resulted as significant (P<0.05) sources of variation for the evaluated traits, and interactions between AMH/AFC with climate were observed but only for transferable embryos. Pearson correlations were calculated between AMH/AFC with superovulatory and embryo production variables for cool and warm experimental groups, and a regression analyses was performed to quantify these relationships. Cows with either AMH>400 pg/mL or intermediate to higher AFC increased (P<0.05) mean values for superovulatory and embryo production variables, suggesting both AMH and AFC as predictors. Climate also influenced cow responses as number of follicles, corpora lutea, as well as collected and transferable embryos increased 33, 38, 40 and 35%, respectively, during cool- (8-23 °C) compared to warm-climate (24-34 °C; P<0.05). Both AMH and AFC were moderately correlated with number of follicles, corpora lutea and collected embryos (P<0.05) and highly correlated with transferable embryos (P<0.01) during cool climate; conversely, these correlations were low (P>0.05) for donor cows managed in the warm months. Regression analyses suggested that total number of transferable embryos increased 0.005 per 1 pg/mL of AMH and improved 0.484 per 1 unit of AFC. In conclusion, superovulatory and embryo production responses in Simmental beef cows appear to be closely associated with AMH and AFC, which are proposed as predictors for transferable embryos; however, such relationships were only detectable in absence of heat stress.

Anti-Müllerian hormone levels following laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy with subcutaneous abdominal wall lifting for ovarian endometriomas

Purpose of investigation: To examine changes in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels following laparoscopic ovarian endometriotic cystectomy with abdominal wall lifting. Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study analyzed 32 patients with endometriomas who underwent laparoscopic surgery between October 2014 and December 2016 in private and university hospitals. We measured blood AMH levels at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months following a cystectomy. We also examined the correlations of AMH levels with age at time of surgery, bilateral cysts, cyst diameter, and Douglas fossa occlusion. Main outcome measures include the ovarian reserve based on AMH levels. Results: Compared to baseline (2.14 ± 1.66 ng/mL), AMH levels were significantly reduced at 1 (1.22 ± 1.08 ng/mL) and 3 (1.18 ± 1.02 ng/mL) months post-surgery. However, there were no significant differences between baseline and 6 (1.35 ± 1.02 ng/mL) or 9 (1.37 ± 0.95 ng/mL) months post-surgery. AMH levels were significantly reduced in patients aged ≥ 35 years (1.10 ± 0.98 versus 3.15 ± 1.85 ng/mL, P = 0.001), those with bilateral cysts (1.58 ± 0.98 versus 3.15 ± 1.85 ng/mL, P = 0.006), and those with pouch of Douglas occlusion (1.16 ± 0.90 versus 2.93 ± 1.60 ng/mL, P = 0.002). Conclusions: Abdominal wall lifting yielded the same AMH level changes as insufflation, suggesting that their effects on recurrence and preservation of the ovarian reserve following ovarian cystectomy are comparable. Abdominal wall lifting should be proactively considered when performing laparoscopic surgery for patients with endometriosis. If the ovarian reserve is preserved in the long term despite transient postoperative reduction in the ovarian reserve, physicians should consider surgery with consideration of postoperative artificial reproductive therapy for these patients who desire to have children.

Efficacy of a single blood anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration measurement for the selection of Japanese Black heifer embryo donors in herd breeding programs.

We evaluated the relationship between plasma anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations in Japanese Black (JB) heifers at 7−10 months of age and the number of embryos recovered after superovulation treatment in selected ovum pick-up donors, concomitantly with changes in their AMH concentrations before and after parturition. Plasma AMH concentrations in heifers were positively correlated with the total number of follicles (r = 0.647, P < 0.01) and embryos (r = 0.681, P < 0.01) recovered from the animals postpartum, when selected as donor cows, but did not correlate with the total number of transferable embryos. No difference was observed between the plasma AMH concentration at the heifer period and the postpartum period. Additionally, serum AMH concentrations of heifers weakly correlated with the number of follicles and embryos recovered by virgin flush after superovulation treatment at 13−15 months of age. Therefore, a single blood AMH concentration measurement may accelerate intensive JB cattle breeding.

Determination of the relationship between serum anti-Müllerian hormone level and superovulatory response in Simmental cows.

The most significant focal points of the embryo transfer technology are as follows: the selection of donors, the response of the selected donor to the superovulation protocol and the obtained number of the transferable embryos. For this purpose, it is suggested that donor selection can be done by anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, and embryo production is evaluated. AMH is secreted by the granulosa cells of primordial, pre-antral and antral follicles below 4mm in the ovary, independent of FSH. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum AMH levels and the number of corpus luteum (CL), total embryos and transferable embryos that were shaped after a uniform superovulation protocol. For this reason, 48 Simmental cows, which were located at General Directory of Agricultural Enterprises (region, province, etc. instead of the general directorate), were used as donors for the embryo transfer. Blood samples were taken at random, regardless of the stage of animal's sexual cycle. AMH levels were measured by enzyme-linked fluorescent assay (ELFA) method of the miniVIDAS® (bioMérieux SA) using AMH Bovine Test Kit. According to the statistical analyses of the obtained data, AMH levels were positively correlated with CL and total embryos (p<.05). No significant correlations between AMH and transferable embryos were approved (p>.05). It was also determined that each 200pg/ml increase in serum AMH level resulted in one increase in CL number. Overall, considering the positive correlation between AMH level and the obtained number of CL and total embryos after a superovulation treatment, it was concluded that measuring blood AMH level prior to any further costly implementation may be an effective method in donor selection.

SAT-194 Correlation of Capillary and Venous Plasma Measurements of Anti-Müllerian Hormone

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is a member of the transforming growth factor β superfamily which regulates gonadal development and differentiation. AMH is a biomarker for ovarian age and reserve used to assess fertility and predict ovulation induction outcome. It is also a marker for diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), menopausal transition, and gonadal function. As diagnostic testing begins to expand into self-collection and point-of-care capabilities, there is a need to minimize sample volume requirements and include additional sample types. The TAP device, manufactured by Seventh Sense Biosystems (Medford, MA), is a small, easy to use, single push device that collects approximately 100 µL whole blood from the upper arm. As the blood travels through the channels of the device it is mixed with lithium heparin anticoagulant. The device collects capillary blood and is FDA approved for use in hemoglobin A1c measurements. In this study, AMH levels in venous and capillary plasma were compared. AMH was measured by an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay requiring only 40 µL plasma. The performance characteristics of the assay including accuracy, precision, linearity, and limits of quantitation were assessed. The stability of samples stored in the TAP device was also evaluated. Twenty-one female volunteers ages 24 to 67 donated paired venous and capillary blood samples. Venous plasma from donors with undetectable AMH levels was used as a matrix for spike and recovery studies to verify acceptable accuracy and precision across the analytical measurement range (AMR) and establish the lower (LLOQ) and upper (ULOQ) limits of quantitation. The ULOQ and LLOQ were 15 and 0.15 ng/mL, respectively. Accuracy was within 20% and precision within 15% across the AMR. Linearity was evaluated by serially diluting samples with high levels of AMH in AMH-negative pooled plasma. The maximum acceptable dilution was 8-fold. Correlation of venous and capillary results was excellent. A linear least square model resulted in a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.998. Four capillary blood samples were collected from each of three donors for stability analysis. One was processed immediately and used as the baseline. The remaining three samples were stored at 2-8°C in the TAP device for 3, 5 and 7 days before processing. Plasma collected after 5 and 7-day storage in the TAP device was moderately hemolyzed and smaller volumes were retrieved. The hemolysis did not impact AMH measurement. AMH was stable at all time points tested with mean recovery of 104% compared to baseline values. This study shows that very small volumes of venous and capillary plasma can be used to accurately measure AMH levels. The ability to measure AMH in capillary blood via the TAP device allows for quick and reproducible blood collection, potentially outside the healthcare setting, improving access to diagnostic information.

Anti-Müllerian hormone as a biomarker for acute testicular degeneration caused by toxic insults to stallion testes

Recently, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was validated as a reliable marker of testicular damage caused by various chemotherapy drugs in humans and in mice. In horses, the reference values of AMH concentrations in normal stallions, during different seasons of a year, have been recently reported. However, this hormone was not evaluated in subfertile or infertile stallions with testicular damage. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of experimentally induced testicular degeneration on the concentration of AMH in stallions. Severe but transient testicular degeneration was induced in six Miniature horse stallions, in two, separate experiments (three stallions in each experiment), by the administration of a single dose of the contraceptive compound RTI-4587-073(l). Six different stallions served as controls (three stallions in each experiment). Treated and control stallions were switched between the experiments. Concentrations of AMH were determined in 78 samples of blood plasma collected during the first experiment and in 24 samples collected during the second experiment. Furthermore, the expression of AMH in 30 samples of testicular parenchyma, collected from these stallions during the second experiment, was also evaluated, using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and objectively analyzed using computerized methods. During the first experiment, the concentrations of AMH in blood increased significantly in treated stallions (P < 0.05), reaching a 62–151% change from the baseline by day 10 after treatment, before gradually decreasing to the pretreatment levels. There was no change in blood AMH concentration in control stallions. Only a trend to increase AMH concentration was observed in treated stallions during the second experiment (P = 0.055). The labeling for immunoreactive AMH in the Sertoli cells gradually increased after treatment, which was confirmed by the significantly increased IHC optic density score value (P < 0.05) and significantly decreased percentage contribution of negative pixels at fourth week after treatment (P < 0.05). We concluded that AMH is a promising candidate as a biomarker of testicular damage in stallions caused by toxic insults that lead to testicular degeneration.

Different patterns of ovarian recovery after cancer treatment suggest various individual ovarian susceptibilities to chemotherapy.

The relationship between early recovery of menstrual activity and blood anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations were investigated within the first year post-chemotherapy in 32 young patients with breast cancer. All were treated by surgery and the same chemotherapy protocol (three cycles of FEC100 plus three cycles of taxanes). Menstrual activity, blood AMH (using picoAMH ELISA) and FSH concentrations were measured longitudinally before, during and up to 12 months after the end of chemotherapy (six samples per patient). Among the cohort, 17 patients recovered spontaneous cycles at +6 months (fast recovery) whereas the remaining 15 patients were still amenorrheic at that time (slow recovery). Blood AMH differed between these two subgroups at each time of the recovery phase starting at 3 months post-chemotherapy. The AMH patterns were also different: rapid and large increase in the fast recovery versus slow and partial increase in the slow recovery subgroup. No difference in ovarian recovery was observed between patients with a hormone positive or negative tumour. In conclusion, studying the post-chemotherapy patterns of menstrual activity and AMH, two paces of early ovarian recovery are distinguishable in young breast cancer patients who received the same chemotherapy protocol. This suggests different individual ovarian susceptibilities to chemotherapy.

Characterization of anti‐Müllerian hormone in a case of bovine male pseudohermaphroditism

The current report aimed to characterize plasma anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in bovine male pseudohermaphroditism. The blood AMH concentration in a Japanese Black male pseudohermaphrodite calf was compared with pre- and post-pubertal male and female calves and castrated calves. The concentration in the case was higher than in post-pubertal males, castrated males, and pre- and post-pubertal female calves (p<.05), but similar to that in pre-pubertal male calves. After extraction of the testes, the concentration in the case dropped to a certain extent. The extracted testes expressed AMH, as detected by immunohistochemistry. This study is the first to show the characterization of AMH in a male pseudohermaphrodite calf. AMH levels in peripheral blood might be useful to diagnose male pseudohermaphroditism in cattle.

Anti-Müllerian hormone as a marker of embryo production in ruminants

This review describes the role of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in embryo production for assisted reproductive technologies in ruminants. AMH is a marker of healthy follicles and oocytes, a reliable marker of gonadotropin-responsive follicles, and an indicator of longevity and productivity in dairy animals. The best times to measure AMH levels in order to select cows for embryo production is during oestrus and the period after the 12th day of the oestrous cycle. This allows animals with AMH concentrations below 87 pg/mL at oestrus or less than 74 pg/mL for multiple ovulation embryo transfer to be eliminated. Good oocyte donors, which have higher antral follicle counts, can be identified based on their higher AMH levels. In sheep and goats, the blood AMH level can serve as a marker of the animal’s potential to produce high or low numbers of high-quality embryos. A plasma AMH level of 97 pg/mL in sheep has been shown to be the optimum cut-off point to predict fertility and can be useful in selecting replacement ewes.

Prospective evaluation of serum anti-Müllerian hormone dynamics in 250 women of reproductive age treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer

AimWomen of reproductive age with breast cancer generally receive gonadotoxic chemotherapy. Fertility issues are of great concern for them. However, little is known on ovarian damage during chemotherapy and its evolution during long-term follow-up. The aim of this study was to provide a detailed description of serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) evolution during chemotherapy and 24-month follow-up. MethodsThis prospective cohort study was conducted in 250 patients, aged 18–39 years, diagnosed with breast cancer and treated with adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Each patient underwent blood AMH measurement at each chemotherapy cycle, and at 6, 12 and 24 months after chemotherapy. Menses occurrence was also recorded. ResultsMean basal AMH level was 4.19 ± 4.84 ng/mL, and was negatively correlated with age. Serum AMH level rapidly decreased in all patients after each chemotherapy cycle to undetectable levels in most of them, and slowly increased in 45% of the patients during the 24-month follow-up. AMH decrease was significantly associated with age and basal AMH level, but not with cyclophosphamide dose and tamoxifen use. The prevalence of chemotherapy-related amenorrhoea was 92.4% at the end of chemotherapy; women with amenorrhoea being significantly older and having lower basal AMH than women who resumed menses. ConclusionsOur study confirms rapid and deep ovarian reserve alteration in young women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer, and shows moderate AMH recovery in some patients. Although AMH cannot alone predict fertility potential, these new data emphasise the need for post-treatment ovarian insufficiency follow-up, strongly support the use of fertility preservation strategies and may provide new tools for improved counselling.

Changes in peripheral anti-Müllerian hormone concentration and their relationship with testicular structure in beef bull calves

The aim of this study was to clarify the time-course of changes in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and testosterone (T) concentrations in peripheral blood and to determine the relationships between blood AMH concentration and testicular development during the early postnatal and prepubertal periods in beef bull calves. A total of 17 Japanese Black bull calves were enrolled in this study. The wk in which the calf was born (within 6 d after birth) was defined as M 0. Blood samples were taken once in every mo from M 0 to M 6 from each bull calf, and plasma AMH and T concentrations were determined. Of the 17 calves, 10 were castrated at 6 mo of age (prepuberty) and the right testis was histologically examined. Plasma AMH concentration (means ± SE) at M 0, 1, and 2 were 123.5 ± 9.8, 189.6 ± 18.7, and 254.6 ± 14.1 ng/mL, respectively. From M 0 through M 2, plasma AMH concentration was significantly greater each mo than in the previous mo (P < 0.05); however, plasma AMH concentration significantly decreased over the last 3 mo of the study (P < 0.05). The average age at which plasma AMH concentration was the highest was 2.3 ± 0.1 mo of age. Plasma T concentration significantly increased from M 0 (0.18 ± 0.02 ng/mL) until M 6 (6.52 ± 1.41 ng/mL). Plasma AMH and T concentrations at M 4, 5, and 6 were significantly negatively correlated (P < 0.05). Linear regression did not reveal a significant relationship between Sertoli or Leydig cell numbers and plasma AMH or T concentrations, respectively. In conclusion, blood AMH concentration peaks at 2 mo of age and is negatively correlated with blood T concentration from 4 to 6 mo of age. Although prepubertal blood AMH or T concentrations did not reflect Sertoli or Leydig cell numbers at the end of the prepubertal period, blood AMH concentration may be indicative of abnormal Sertoli cells function.

The use of anti-Müllerian hormone as diagnostic for gonadectomy status in dogs

In the veterinary practice, there is a need for a diagnostic tool to check the gonadal status in female dogs because it may be difficult to determine whether a female animal has been spayed or whether there are ovarian remnants. Although less prevalent, a similar situation pertains to male dogs. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is an important regulator of gonadal function and is a specific gonadal product that can be determined in circulation. The objective of this study was to develop and test a canine blood AMH assay as a diagnostic tool to determine the presence of functional gonadal tissue in dogs. A prospective study with a training-validation set paradigm was used. A canine AMH assay was developed and serum and plasma AMH concentrations were determined in blood samples from 46 intact female dogs, 48 spayed females, 50 intact males, and 48 castrated males collected at two separate institutes. Using a training-validation set paradigm, it was found that using cutoff values of 1.1 ng/mL (female) and 5.5 ng/mL (male) AMH, the assay reported excellent specificity and sensitivity of 100% and 90% in female dogs, and good specificity and sensitivity of 100% and 76%, in male dogs, respectively. The sensitivity in male dogs could be further enhanced by including a serum testosterone determination. This newly developed canine AMH assay is a valuable diagnostic tool to determine gonadal status in veterinary medicine.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurements of antimüllerian hormone (AMH) in human blood are a composite of the uncleaved and bioactive cleaved forms of AMH

To determine whether the Beckman Coulter antimüllerian hormone (AMH) Gen II enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detects the uncleaved precursor (proAMH) and/or the active cleaved form (AMHN,C) of AMH. Technical investigation. Community study. Healthy boys and male and female adult volunteers. None. Assay of AMH and Western blot analysis of captured forms of AMH. In blood, AMH in blood consists of both proAMH, the inactive uncleaved precursor, and AMHN,C, the enzyme-cleaved, receptor-competent form. The Gen II AMH ELISA detected both recombinant proAMH and AMHN,C. The noncovalent association of the two cleavage fragments of AMHN,C appears to be necessary for ELISA detection because recombinant free AMHC and AMHN were undetectable. Spike-recovery experiments showed that proAMH was not completely recovered from serum unless it was prediluted 1 hour before the assay. The leading ELISA for AMH provides a composite value of two biologically distinct forms of AMH. It is not known whether proAMH and AMHN,C have identical relationships to ovarian reserve, antral follicle counts, or other aspects of ovarian function. Hence, future research into the physiology and clinical utility of AMH should consider the two forms separately.