Assess Hormone Levels Research Articles

Measurement ofenergy availability in highly trained male endurance athletes and examination of its associations with bone health and endocrine function.

Despite the introduction of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-s) in 2014, there is evidence to suggest that male endurance athletes still present with a high prevalence of low energy availability (LEA). Previous findings suggest that energy availability (EA) status is strongly correlated with impairments in endocrine function such as reduced leptin, triiodothyronine (T3), and insulin, and elevated bone loss. This study aimed to report the current EA status, endocrine function and bone health of highly trained Irish male endurance athletes. In this cross-sectional study, participants (n = 3 triathletes; n = 10 runners) completed a 7-day testing period during the competition season using lab-based measures, to ascertain EA status, hormone level and rates of bone metabolism. Serum blood samples were obtained to assess hormone levels and markers of bone metabolism. Mean EA was < 30kcal/kg lean body mass (LBM)/day in 76.9% of athletes. There was a strong association between LEA and low carbohydrate intake, and lower LBM. Mean levels of insulin, IGF-1 and leptin were significantly lower than their reference ranges. Elevated mean concentrations of β-CTX and a mean P1NP: β-CTX ratio < 100, indicated a state of bone resorption. The EA level, carbohydrate intake, hormone status and bone metabolism status of highly trained male endurance athletes are a concern. Based on the findings of this study, more frequent assessment of EA across a season is recommended to monitor the status of male endurance athletes, in conjunction with nutritional education specific to EA and the associated risks.

Transplantation of the LRP1high subpopulation of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells improves ovarian function in mice with premature ovarian failure and aged mice

BackgroundPremature ovarian failure (POF) has a profound impact on female reproductive and psychological health. In recent years, the transplantation of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) has demonstrated unprecedented potential in the treatment of POF. However, the heterogeneity of human UC-MSCs remains a challenge for their large-scale clinical application. Therefore, it is imperative to identify specific subpopulations within UC-MSCs that possess the capability to improve ovarian function, with the aim of reducing the uncertainty arising from the heterogeneity while achieving more effective treatment of POF.Methods10 × Genomics was performed to investigate the heterogeneity of human UC-MSCs. We used LRP1 as a marker and distinguished the potential therapeutic subpopulation by flow cytometry, and determined its secretory functions. Unsorted UC-MSCs, LRP1high and LRP1low subpopulation was transplanted under the ovarian capsules of aged mice and CTX-induced POF mice, and therapeutic effects was evaluated by assessing hormone levels, estrous cycles, follicle counts, and embryo numbers. RNA sequencing on mouse oocytes and granulosa cells after transplantation was performed to explore the mechanism of LRP1high subpopulation on mouse oocytes and granulosa cells.ResultsWe identified three distinct functional subtypes, including mesenchymal stem cells, multilymphoid progenitor cells and trophoblasts. Additionally, we identified the LRP1high subpopulation, which improved ovarian function in aged and POF mice. We elucidated the unique secretory functions of the LRP1high subpopulation, capable of secreting various chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors. Furthermore, LRP1 plays a crucial role in regulating the ovarian microenvironment, including tissue repair and extracellular matrix remodeling. Consistent with its functions, the transcriptomes of oocytes and granulosa cells after transplantation revealed that the LRP1high subpopulation improves ovarian function by modulating the extracellular matrix of oocytes, NAD metabolism, and mitochondrial function in granulosa cells.ConclusionThrough exploration of the heterogeneity of UC-MSCs, we identified the LRP1high subpopulation capable of improving ovarian function in aged and POF mice by secreting various factors and remodeling the extracellular matrix. This study provides new insights into the targeted exploration of human UC-MSCs in the precise treatment of POF.Graphical abstract

Estradiol associations with brain functional connectivity in postmenopausal women.

Previous studies have found that estrogens play a role in functional connectivity in the brain; however, little research has been done regarding how estradiol is associated with functional connectivity in postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between estradiol and functional connectivity in postmenopausal women. Structural and blood oxygenation level-dependent resting-state magnetic resonance imaging scans of 88 cognitively healthy postmenopausal individuals were obtained along with blood samples collected the same day as the magnetic resonance imaging to assess hormone levels. We generated connectivity values in CONN toolbox version 20.b, an SPM-based software. A regression analysis was run using estradiol level and regions of interest (ROI), including the hippocampus, parahippocampus, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and precuneus. Estradiol level was found to enhance parahippocampal gyrus anterior division left functional connectivity during ROI-to-ROI regression analysis. Estradiol enhanced functional connectivity between the parahippocampal gyrus anterior division left and the precuneus as well as the parahippocampal gyrus anterior division left and parahippocampal gyrus posterior division right. An exploratory analysis showed that years since the final menstrual period was related to enhanced connectivity between regions within the frontoparietal network. These results illustrated the relationship between estradiol level and functional connectivity in postmenopausal women. They have implications for understanding how the functioning of the brain changes for individuals after menopause that may eventually lead to changes in cognition and behavior in older ages.

A review of functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Exploring the molecular pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are a rare subtype of pancreatic cancer and can be divided into functional (30-40%) and nonfunctional subtypes. The different subtypes of functional PanNETs (F-PanNETs) have a variety of classical presentations that raise suspicion for an underlying PanNET. It is estimated that 90% of PanNETs are sporadic, and the PI3K-Akt-mTOR and ATRX/DAXX signaling pathways have been recognized as key genetic pathways implicated in the pathogenesis. The other 10% of PanNETs may occur in the context of familial cancer syndromes such as MEN1. Chromogranin A is the most useful biomarker currently; however, several studies have shown limitations with its use, especially its prognostic value. Synaptophysin is a novel biomarker which has shown promising preliminary results however its use clinically has yet to be established. Blood tests assessing hormone levels, cross-sectional imaging, and endoscopic ultrasound remain at the core of establishing a diagnosis of F-PanNET. The treatment options for F-PanNETs include surgical methods such as enucleation, systemic therapies like chemotherapy and novel targeted therapies such as everolimus. The prognosis for F-PanNETs is more favorable than for nonfunctional PanNETs, however metastatic disease is associated with poor survival outcomes. Researchers should also focus their efforts on identifying novel pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of F-PanNETs in order to develop new targeted therapies that may reduce the need for surgical intervention and on the establishment of novel biomarkers that may reduce the need for invasive testing and allow for earlier detection of F-PanNETs.

Potential biomarkers to predict return to fertility after discontinuation of female contraceptives-looking to the future.

Nowadays there are multiple types of contraceptive methods, from reversible to permanent, for those choosing to delay pregnancy. Misconceptions about contraception and infertility are a key factor for discontinuation or the uptake of family planning methods. Regaining fertility (the ability to conceive) after contraceptive discontinuation is therefore pivotal. Technical studies to date have evaluated return to fertility by assessing pregnancy as an outcome, with variable results, or return to ovulation as a surrogate measure by assessing hormone levels (such as progesterone, LH, FSH) with or without transvaginal ultrasound. In general, relying on time to pregnancy as an indicator of return to fertility following contraceptive method discontinuation can be problematic due to variable factors independent of contraceptive effects on fertility, hormone clearance, and fertility recovery. Since the ability to conceive after contraceptive method discontinuation is a critical factor influencing product uptake, it is important to have robust biomarkers that easily and accurately predict the timing of fertility return following contraception and isolate that recovery from extrinsic and circumstantial factors. The main aim of this review is to summarize the current approaches, existing knowledge, and gaps in methods of evaluating return-to-fertility as well as to provide insights into the potential of new biomarkers to more accurately predict fertility restoration after contraceptive discontinuation. Biomarker candidates proposed in this document include those associated with folliculogenesis, cumulus cell expansion, follicular rupture and ovulation, and endometrial transport and receptivity which have been selected and scored on predefined criteria meant to evaluate their probable viability for advancement. The review also describes limitations, regulatory requirements, and a potential path to clinically testing these selected biomarkers. It is important to understand fertility restoration after contraceptive method discontinuation to provide users and health providers with accurate evidence-based information. Predictive biomarkers, if easy and low-cost, have the potential to enable robust evaluation of RTF, and provide potential users the information they desire when selecting a contraceptive method. This could lead to expanded uptake and continuation of modern contraception and inform the development of new contraceptive methods to widen user's family planning choices.

Studying the effect of hyperoside on recovery from cyclophosphamide induced oligoasthenozoospermia

Oligoasthenozoospermia is becoming a serious problem, but effective prevention or treatment is lacking. Hyperoside, one of the main active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine, may be effective in the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia. In this study, we used cyclophosphamide (CTX: 50 mg/kg) to establish a mouse model of Oligoasthenozoospermia to investigate the therapeutic effect of hyperoside (30 mg/kg) on CTX-induced oligoasthenozoospermia. All mice were divided into four groups: blank control group (Control), treatment control group (Hyp), disease group (CTX) and treatment group (CTX + H). Mice body weight, testicular weight, sperm parameters and testicular histology were used to assess the reproductive capacity of mice and to explore the underlying mechanism of hyperoside in the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia by assessing hormone levels, protein levels of molecules related to hormone synthesis and transcript levels of important genes related to spermatogenesis. Treatment with hyperoside significantly improved sperm density, sperm viability and testicular function compared to untreated oligoasthenozoospermia mice. In mechanism, treatment with hyperoside resulted in significant improvement in pathological changes in spermatogenic tubules, with an increase in testosterone production, and upregulations of Protein Kinase CAMP-Activated Catalytic Subunit Beta (PRKACB), Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (STAR), and Cytochrome P450 Family 17 Subfamily A Member 1 (CYP17A1) for testosterone production. Hyperoside also promoted the cell cycle of germ cells and up-regulated meiosis and spermatogenesis-related genes, including DNA Meiotic Recombinase 1 (Dmc1), Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (Atm) and RAD21 Cohesin Complex Component (Rad21). In conclusion, hyperoside exerted protective effects on oligoasthenozoospermia mice by regulating testosterone production, meiosis and sperm maturation of germ cells.

The effect of acute psychosocial stress on salivary cortisol and testosterone responses in men and women: The role of impulsivity

Personality-like traits such as impulsivity may be associated with interindividual variation in endocrine function and in physiological reactivity to psychosocial stress. This study investigated the relationship between impulsivity, cortisol, and testosterone both in baseline conditions and in response to psychosocial stress in a mixed-sex sample of college students (mean age = 22.275, SD = 4.321). Half of our study participants (total n = 120, 60 male, 60 female) underwent a Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) (n = 60, 31 male, 29 female) and half were in a control condition (n = 60, 29 male, 31 female). All of them provided saliva samples to assess hormone levels at three-time points (i.e., “baseline”, “during”, and “after” either the TSST or control condition) and completed the Eysenck Impulsivity Questionnaire (EIQ). We found positive correlations between the global EIQ score, its dimension ‘venturesomeness’, and testosterone levels when data for males and females were analyzed together. We also found a negative correlation between ‘venturesomeness’ and cortisol changes. The EIQ dimension ‘impulsivity’ influenced cortisol changes in both sexes, whereas the global EIQ influenced testosterone changes only in females in the control condition. Our results highlight potential sex differences in the association between steroid hormones and various aspects of impulsivity and suggest limited effects of impulsivity dimensions on the regulation of cortisol and testosterone levels.

High Housing Density-Induced Chronic Stress Diminishes Ovarian Reserve via Granulosa Cell Apoptosis by Angiotensin II Overexpression in Mice.

Repeated and prolonged stress causes hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) dysregulation. Excessive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity has been linked to inadequate activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, which controls the growth and development of ovarian follicles and oocytes. Therefore, we assessed the ovarian reserve under high-housing-density-induced prolonged stress, and investigated the mechanisms underlying diminished ovarian reserve in this study. Eight-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were housed for 10 weeks under different housing densities. We then assessed hormone levels, performed histology and immunohistochemistry analyses of ovarian follicles, evaluated ovarian mRNA expression, and measured angiotensin II-mediated apoptosis in vitro. More densely housed mice presented increased corticosterone levels and decreased follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormone levels. Moreover, mice exposed to prolonged ordinary stress showed a reduced level of serum anti-Müllerian hormone and an increased number of atretic ovarian follicles. Stressed mice showed increased levels of angiotensinogen and angiotensin II in the ovaries and serum. Furthermore, our in vitro study confirmed that high-housing-density-related stress induced granulosa cell apoptosis, resulting in diminished ovarian reserves. Collectively, our findings highlight the importance of women managing everyday stress to maintain their reproductive health.

Testosterone levels among non-obstructive azoospermic patients 2 years after failed bilateral microdissection testicular sperm extraction: a nested case-cohort study

PurposeTo define the risk of hypogonadism following microdissection testicular sperm extraction in cases of non-obstructive azoospermia. While sperm retrieval by open testicular sperm extraction can be associated with an increased risk of hypogonadism, there is limited data addressing which procedures and which patients harbor the greatest risk.MethodsWe report on a community-acquired, nested, case-cohort of non-obstructive azoospermic patients referred to one clinic after failed bilateral microdissection testicular sperm extraction. Patients were health-matched (1:2) to surgically naïve controls and divided into 2 cohorts based on risk factors for hypogonadism. Among microdissection patients, we compared total testosterone and gonadotropin levels before and > 6 months after surgery. Biochemical hypogonadism was defined as a total serum testosterone level ≤ 300 ng/dL. Hormone levels were compared to risk-matched controls. Comparative statistics were used to assess hormone levels within and between cohorts.ResultsThere were no significant differences in baseline testosterone levels between microdissection patients (n = 26) and risk-matched controls (n = 52). At a mean of 26 months (range 6.2–112.8) post-procedure, mean testosterone levels decreased significantly (73 ng/dL or 16%; CI − 27, − 166; p < 0.01, paired t-test). Among microdissection patients with baseline testosterone > 300 ng/dL, 8/22 (36%) experienced hypogonadism post-procedure. There was a corresponding increase in follicle stimulating hormone (p = 0.05) and a trending increase in luteinizing hormones (p = 0.10).ConclusionA durable decrease in testosterone levels occurs after failed microdissection testicular sperm extraction regardless of baseline risk of hypogonadism. In addition, a significant proportion of eugonadal patients will become hypogonadal after failed testicular microdissection procedures.

A study of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in women of Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) at Tertiary Care Hospital of Gujarat, India

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS) is one of the most common female endocrine disorders. PCOD produces symptoms in approximately 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age (12–45 years old). It is thought to be one of the leading causes of female subfertility. Objectives: To establish correlation among LH, FSH, fasting blood sugar and lipid profile among the women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in order to evaluate their diagnostic and prognostic significance. Materials and Methods: This study includes total 500 female participants of age Group between 18-40 year of age. They were divided in to two groups. Group 1(n=300) includes women having PCOD (Cases Group) and Group 2(n=200) is controls Group. Fasting Blood samples were obtained from all participants to measure Blood sugar, Lipid Profile FSH and LH. Results: The Mean level of Fasting Blood sugar, Serum cholesterol, Serum Triglyceride, Serum FSH and Serum LH is found to be higher in Cases group as compared to controls group and difference among them found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: PCOD is a very complicated endocrine disorder. Blood tests to measure hormone levels, an ultrasound to look at your reproductive organs and thorough personal and family histories should be completed before a PCOD diagnosis is confirmed. Assessing hormone levels serves two major purposes. First of all, it helps to rule out any other problems that might be causing the symptoms. Secondly, together with an ultrasound and personal and family histories, it helps gynecologist to diagnose the cases of PCOD. Keywords: FSH, LH, Lipid Profile, PCOD.

Endocrine Disorders Are Prominent Clinical Features in Patients With Primary Antibody Deficiencies.

Background: Primary antibody deficiencies (PADs) and anterior pituitary dysfunction are both rare conditions. However, recent studies have remarkably reported the occurrence of anterior pituitary dysfunction in PAD patients.Methods: In this cross-sectional, single-center study we evaluated the prevalence of endocrine disorders in adult PAD patients. Our study focused on common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass deficiency (IgGSD), and specific anti-polysaccharide antibody deficiency (SPAD). We assessed hormone levels, performed provocative tests and genetic testing in a subset of patients by direct sequencing of the nuclear factor kappa beta subunit 2 (NFKB2) gene and primary immunodeficiency (PID) gene panel testing by whole exome sequencing (WES).Results: Our results demonstrated that one out of 24 IgGSD/SPAD patients had secondary hypothyroidism and three out of 9 men with IgGSD/SPAD had secondary hypogonadism. Premature ovarian failure was observed in four out of 9 women with CVID and primary testicular failure in one out of 15 men with CVID. In two out of 26 CVID patients we found partial adrenal insufficiency (AI) and in one out of 18 patients with IgGSD/SPAD secondary AI was found. Moreover, in one out of 23 patients with CVID and in two out of 17 patients with IgGSD/SPAD severe growth hormone deficiency (GHD) was found, while one patient with IgGSD/SPAD showed mild GHD. Combined endocrine disorders were detected in two women with CVID (either partial secondary AI or autoimmune thyroiditis with primary hypogonadism) and in three men with IgGSD/SPAD (two with either mild GHD or secondary hypothyroidism combined with secondary hypogonadism, and one man with secondary AI and severe GHD). Genetic testing in a subset of patients did not reveal pathogenic variants in NFKB2 or other known PID-associated genes.Conclusion: This is the first study to describe a high prevalence of both anterior pituitary and end-organ endocrine dysfunction in adult PAD patients. As these endocrine disorders may cause considerable health burden, assessment of endocrine axes should be considered in PAD patients.

106 Assessment of fecal near infrared reflectance spectroscopy to detect and monitor the reproductive status of endangered Amur and Snow leopard females

Feces from captive and wild carnivores can yield valuable information about an individuals’ physiological and reproductive status, diet, and ecology. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a rapid, noninvasive, cost-efficient technique widely used in the agricultural, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries that has gained traction in diagnostic and ecological field applications for herbivore species, such as wild deer, antelope, and giant panda. The aim of this study was to test the transferability of NIRS to measuring reproductive status in feces from 2 endangered carnivore species, the Snow (Panthera uncia) and Amur (Panthera pardus orientalis) leopards. Fecal near infrared spectra analysed with multivariate statistics were used to generate prediction models for estrone-3-glucuronide (E1G) and progesterone (P4). In the E1G NIRS model, fecal samples (n=93) were obtained from 5 female leopards (3 Amur, 2 Snow) at 5 different zoo facilities, whereas for the P4 NIRS model fecal samples (n=51) from only 1 pregnant Amur leopard was available. The hormones were extracted with methanol and quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (C. Munroe), where the sample range for E1G was 0.20-2.17 μg/g and the range for P4 was 0.06-61.89 μg/g. The near infrared spectra (350-2500nm) were acquired with an ASD FieldSpec®3 portable spectrometer (Malvern Panalytical, Malvern, UK), and the chemometric analysis was realised using the Unscrambler® X v.10.4 (CAMO Software AS, Oslo, Norway). Hormone reference values were log transformed before chemometric analysis to account for the heterogeneity of variance. Spectral pretreatment of standard normal variate was applied to the truncated wavelength range 700-240 0nm in order to remove interference from the visible region (350-700nm) due to individual diets that can confer colour variants that alter spectral signatures. Initial principal component analysis for the E1G and P4 datasets models showed &amp;gt;95% of the variation was explained by 4 factors, with no separation of principal component analysis scores between species or reproductive status. Quantitative prediction models using partial least-squares regression on selected wavelength ranges yielded a coefficient of determination for E1G and P4 of 0.10-0.04 and 0.35-0.19 for calibrations and validations, respectively. These near infrared models require further mathematical processing and consideration of sample variation due to diet complexity in carnivores in order to accurately assess hormone levels and monitor reproductive cycles in these species. This work was supported by USDA-ARS Biophotonics Initiative grant #58-6402-3-018.

Ribociclib Plus Endocrine Therapy in Premenopausal Women

Ribociclib Plus Endocrine Therapy in Premenopausal Women

Steroid profiles in both blood serum and seminal plasma are not correlated and do not reflect sperm quality: Study on the male reproductive health of fifty young Swiss men

Steroids play an important role in sperm production and quality. These hormones have been extensively studied in blood, but poorly investigated in semen. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the relationship between sperm quality and steroid profiles in blood and semen in a small cohort of young Swiss men. Another objective was to determine whether the presence of xenobiotics or drugs could influence these profiles.Semen analysis was performed according to WHO guidelines, and steroid profiles in blood serum and seminal plasma were determined by two complementary approaches: a targeted investigation involving the quantification of a limited number of relevant steroids for testing putative correlations with sperm parameters and a global “steroidomic” analysis highlighting their complex metabolic relationship.Results showed that steroid profiles are distinct within blood and seminal fluid. No significant correlation was found between individual steroids measured in blood and in semen, demonstrating the relevance of assessing hormone levels in both fluids. Moreover, testosterone and androstenedione levels were significantly correlated in semen but not in blood. None of the evaluated spermiogram parameters was linked to steroid levels measured in any medium. The steroidomic analyses confirmed that the steroids present in both fluids are different and that there is no correlation with spermiogram parameters. Finally, upon toxicological screening, we observed that all the three samples positive for tetrahydrocannabinol, which is known to act as an endocrine disruptor, displayed low seminal testosterone concentrations.In conclusion, we did not find any evidence suggesting using steroid profiles, neither in blood nor in semen, as surrogates for sperm analyses. However, steroid profiles could be useful biomarkers of individual exposure to endocrine disruptors.

Chronic vulvar pain in a cohort of post-menopausal women: Atrophy or Vulvodynia?

BackgroundAlthough postmenopausal vulvar pain is frequently attributed to vaginal atrophy, such symptoms may be due to vulvodynia, a chronic vulvar pain condition. Given the limited research on vulvodynia in postmenopausal women, the objective of this study was to provide preliminary population-based data on the associations of vaginal symptoms, serum hormone levels and hormone use with chronic vulvar pain in a multiethnic sample of post-menopausal women.MethodsWe used data from 371 participants at the Michigan site of the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) who participated in the 13th follow-up visit. Women completed a validated screening instrument for vulvodynia and provided information on additional vaginal symptoms as well as demographic characteristics, and hormone use by questionnaire. Blood samples were obtained to assess hormone levels. We compared women who screened positive for vulvodynia and women with past or short-duration vulvar pain to women without vulvar pain, using Chi-squared and Fisher’s Exact tests. Relative odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals were calculated using multinomial logistic regression models adjusting for age, body mass index, and race/ethnicity.ResultsCurrent chronic vulvar pain consistent with vulvodynia was reported by 4.0 % of women, while 13.7 % reported past but not current chronic vulvar pain or short-duration vulvar pain symptoms. One quarter of women who reported current chronic vulvar pain did not report vaginal dryness. Women with current chronic and with past/short duration vulvar pain symptoms were more likely to have used hormones during the preceding year than women without vulvar pain symptoms (13.3 %, 17.6 %, 2.0 %, respectively; p < .01). Increased relative odds of current vulvar pain symptoms were associated with each log unit decrease in serum dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, estradiol and testosterone levels at the previous year’s visit.ConclusionSome women who experience chronic vulvar pain symptoms do not report vaginal dryness, and others report continued or first onset of pain while using hormones. Vulvodynia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of postmenopausal women presenting with vulvar pain symptoms.

Is measurement of progesterone level prior to FSH stimulation useful in GnRH-antagonist cycles?

Aim. To reduce patient inconvenience during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, some protocols delay intensive monitoring until mid-follicular stimulation. Others assess hormone levels prior to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) administration, not commencing stimulation until baseline progesterone (P4) levels (< 5 nmol/l) are achieved. Higher P4 levels (> 4.8 nmol/L) on the day of FSH trigger have been implicated in poorer pregnancy rates. This study evaluates the association of P4 levels at day 1–2 in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-antagonist cycles with pre-trigger P4 levels and clinical pregnancy rates (CPRs). Method. All fresh GnRH-antagonist IVF cycles between June 2011 and June 2012, in which pre-FSH P4 levels were not routinely performed (group 1), were retrieved from the IVF Australia database and compared with controls (group 2). Results. There were 163 cycles in each group. P4 levels on the day of trigger were significantly higher in group 1 (3.75 vs. 2.77, p < 0.05). The incidence of pre-trigger P4 levels >4.8 nmol/l was significantly higher in group 1 (30 vs. 16, p < 0.05). The number of oocytes retrieved was higher in group 1 (11.1 vs. 9, p < 0.05), however fertilization rates were significantly lower in that group (53.6% vs. 61.2%, p < 0.05); CPRs were similar between the two groups (27.8% vs. 31.8%, p = ns). Overall, pregnancy rates were lower in cycles with pre-trigger P4 level of > 4.8 nmol/L compared with those with lower levels (15% vs. 32.5%, p < 0.05). Conclusion. We found that measurement of P4 level at early follicular phase was associated with significantly lower pre-trigger levels. However, this did not translate into a difference in CPR between the monitored and unmonitored groups. We have confirmed that elevation in pre-trigger P4 level is associated with halving of the CPR, indicating that the most important P4 measurements are those in the late follicular/pre-trigger phase.

Differences in neonatal exposure to estradiol or testosterone on ovarian function and hormonal levels

Exposure to an excess of androgen or estrogen can induce changes in reproductive function in adult animals that resemble polycystic ovary syndrome in humans. However, considerable differences exist among several types of animal models. Little is known about the molecular features of steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis in the ovaries of rats exposed to different sex steroids as neonates. Here, we evaluated the impact of androgen and estrogen exposure on the ovaries of adult female rats during their neonatal period in the gene expression of Lhr and Cyp17a1, two key players of steroidogenesis. We also assessed hormone levels, folliculogenesis and the theca-interstitial cell population. The study was performed on the second postnatal day in thirty female Wistar rats that were sorted into the following three intervention groups: testosterone, estradiol and vehicle (control group). The animals were euthanized 90days after birth. The main outcomes were hormone serum levels, ovary histomorphometry and gene expression of Lhr and Cyp17a1 as analyzed via quantitative real-time PCR. We found that exposure to excess testosterone in early life increased the LH and testosterone serum levels, the LH/FSH ratio, ovarian theca-interstitial area and gene expression of Lhr and Cyp17a1 in adult rats. Estrogen induced an increase in the ovarian theca-interstitial area, the secondary follicle population and gene expression of Lhr and Cyp17a1. All animals exposed to the sex steroids presented with closed vaginas. Our data suggest that testosterone resulted in more pronounced reproductive changes than did estrogen exposure. Our results might provide some insight into the role of different hormones on reproductive development and on the heterogeneity of clinical manifestations of conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

Why do experienced birds reproduce better? Possible endocrine mechanisms in a long-lived seabird, the common tern

The influence of age or breeding experience on reproductive success in vertebrates is well known but physiological mechanisms came into focus just recently. Assessing hormone levels could allow insights into these mechanisms and reproductive strategies in long-lived species. Prolactin and corticosterone are two hormones involved in breeding decisions: high prolactin values are necessary for expressing breeding behavior whereas corticosterone is related to activity or stress. We analyzed baseline prolactin and corticosterone under field conditions in common terns (Sterna hirundo) between 2006 and 2010. We took 760 blood samples of 346 known birds 9–14days after their clutch completion, obtained via blood-sucking bugs (Dipetalogaster maximus), a non-invasive method with negligible stress for the birds. Many individuals were sampled repeatedly during the study period allowing investigation of hormone change on individual level. Prolactin levels increased during the early breeding career, which was confirmed on individual level, whereas corticosterone levels increased mostly in experienced birds, more pronounced in males. Low hormone levels during the first years of breeding could indicate a reduced ability of the endocrine system to secret hormones or it might express a down-regulation to limit parental expenditure. Higher corticosterone values of males could be related to increased foraging activity. Amongst the oldest birds, prolactin seemed to increase in males but not in females. This possible consequence of female senescence might be compensated by high values of male mates. Body mass showed only a weak positive correlation with prolactin level and no correlation with corticosterone concentration.

Influence of chronic dopamine transporter inhibition by RTI-336 on motor behavior, sleep, and hormone levels in rhesus monkeys.

Dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitors have been developed as a promising treatment approach for cocaine dependence. However, the stimulant effects of DAT inhibitors have the potential to disrupt sleep patterns, and the influence of long-term treatment on dopamine neurochemistry is still unknown. The objectives of this study were to (1) explore the stimulant-related effects of chronic DAT inhibitor (RTI-336) treatment on motor activity and sleep-like measures in male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta; n = 4) and (2) to determine the effect of drug treatment on prolactin and cortisol levels. Subjects were fitted with a collar-mounted activity monitor to evaluate their motor activity, with 4 days of baseline recording preceding 21 days of daily saline or RTI-336 (1 mg/kg/day; intramuscular) injections. Blood samples were collected immediately prior to and following chronic treatment to assess hormone levels. RTI-336 produced a significant increase in locomotor activity at the end of the daytime period compared to saline administration. During the 3-week treatment period, sleep efficiency was decreased and the fragmentation index and latency to sleep onset were significantly increased. Hormone levels were not changed throughout the study. Chronic treatment with RTI-336 has a mild but significant stimulant effect, as evidenced by the significant increase in activity during the evening period which may cause minor disruptions in sleep measures.

Oxidative stress vs hormonal profile in plasma and saliva: application in sport performance

Oxidative stress, a condition defined as unbalancing between production of free radicals and antioxidant defenses, is an important index of health status to monitor wellness and sport performance. Today, many aspects of hormone role in regulating oxidant – antioxidant balance still remain obscure. Physical and psychological stressor, which activate pituitary-adrenal axis, cause oxidative damage (Mancini et al., 2010).Oxidative stress and inflammation are traditionally associated with fatigue and impaired recovery from exercise and antioxidant could play a positive role to reduced inflammation markers and cortisol response (Tidus et al., 1995). Furthermore a relationship between sex hormones and plasmatic Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) was observed. TAC is significantly correlated with total testosterone in male subjects (Mancini et al., 2010). Aim of this work is to obtain first data which correlate plasmatic oxidative stress (TAC and lipid peroxidation) with levels of testosterone and cortisol (T/C),recommended as good markers of training stress (Banfi et al., 1993), during season of a top team of the Italian Soccer League. Furthermore during the same season we assessed the same levels of testosterone and cortisol in saliva and correlated them with obtained data in plasma. To evaluate oxidative stress in plasma we used two validated techniques OXY-Adsorbent and d-ROMs test. The first one measures plasma TAC against a massive oxidative insult induced in vitro by a hypochlorous acid solution while d-ROMs test measures lipid peroxides amount produced by ferrous iron solution action.Our data indicate that there is no correlation between TAC and d-ROMs showing them as the best marker for oxidative stress. There is a correlation between T/C databoth in plasma and saliva with d-ROMs. T/C Ratio decrease from July to January and remainsroughlystable, with aminimumincreasein April both in plasma and saliva. It’s an important result that validate the possibility to assess hormone levels in both physiological fluids and confirm that saliva can be used as an alternative non invasive method to evaluate hormonal levels.