Changes In Reproductive Organs Research Articles

КОМПЛЕКСНАЯ ОЦЕНКА РЕПРОДУКТИВНОГО ЗДОРОВЬЯ ПАЦИЕНТОК С НАРУЖНЫМ ГЕНИТАЛЬНЫМ ЭНДОМЕТРИОЗОМ ПОСЛЕ ХИРУРГИЧЕСКОГО ЛЕЧЕНИЯ

Aim. Complex assessment of reproductive health in patients with external genital endometriosis after surgery. Materials and Methods. The study involved 55 women of childbearing age who received treatment in the department of gynecology of Bauman City Clinical Hospital № 29 and 30 women observed in Central Clinical Hospital № 6. In 2014–2016 the patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for external genital endometriosis. External genital endometriosis of different extent and severity (according to R-AFS) was diagnosed and confirmed using laparoscopic and morphologic assessment methods. 70 patients underwent endometrioma nucleation, and 15 patients with retrocervical endometriosis were subjected to excision of endometrioma with mobilization of the anterior wall of the colon as well as coagulation of endometrioid heterotopias of various sites; all patients were subjected to adhesiolysis. Results. 48 (64%) patients had III–IV stage endometriosis. In 20% endometriosis was diagnosed during surgery. Anthropometric indicators were mostly associated with asthenic type. Emotional and behavioral disorders were observed in 25 (33.3%) patients with tendency to hysterical personality disorder; the rest had mood swing and liability to depression. In less than 60% of patients the severity of endometriosis was significantly related to pelvis pain intensity. The majority of patients were women of asthenic type and with expressed pain syndrome, and hysterical personality disorder according to Beck scale. Conclusion. Individual assessment of pain, anthropometric and personal traits in patients together with complex assessment of morphologic and anatomic changes in reproductive organs make it possible to see a real pattern of disease and condition in women with external genital endometriosis, which helps in choice of surgery volume and appropriate medical treatment.

ICI 182, 780을 투여한 사춘기 수컷 생쥐 생식기관의 조직학적 변화와 시간에 따른 회복

ICI 182, 780을 투여한 사춘기 수컷 생쥐 생식기관의 조직학적 변화와 시간에 따른 회복

Biometrical Changes in Reproductive Organs of Bakharwal Goats with Age

To study the biometry of genital organs of Bakharwal goats, twenty reproductive tracts were collected from slaughterhouses of Jammu during October 2014 to December 2014. Based on the age of slaughtered animals, the reproductive tracts were divided into two groups (group A, age between 12–18 months and group B, age between 24–30 months). For cervix length and width and thickness, the average measurements of group A were 4.31 ± 0.02 cm, 1.24 ± 0.03 cm, 0.54±0.02 and in group B were 4.44 ± cm, 1.37 ± 0.01 cm, 0.61± 0.02, respectively. Similarly in group A, the average size of body of uterus was 3.31± 0.03 cm, ± 0.01cm, 0.56 ± 0.02 cm and in group B, 3.47 ±0.11 cm, 1.60 ± 0.03 cm, 0.64 ± 0.01 cm. The average size of the right horn of uterus in group A was 13.98 ± 0.39 cm, 1.83 ± 0.02 cm, 0.57 ± 0.03 cm and the size of the left horn of uterus was 14.62 ± 0.30 cm, 1.02 ± 0.04 cm, 0.45 ±0.03 cm while the average size of the right horn of uterus in group B was 15.51 ± 0.19cm, 1.90 ± 0.02cm, 0.62 ± 0.26 cm and the size of the left horn of uterus was 15.6 ± 0.35 cm, 1.01 ± 0.04 cm, 0.57 ± 0.02 cm for length, width and thickness, respectively. Mean length of right and left fallopian tube in group A was 18.18 ± 0.25 cm, 17.70 ± 0.28 cm while in group B was 19.11 ± 0.10 cm, 17.90 ± 0.20 cm. In group A the average size of the right ovary was 1.98 ± 0.05cm, 1.00 ± 0.04 cm, 0.66 ± 0.03 cm while in left ovary 1.88 ± 0.26 cm, 1.15 ± 0.15, 0.64 ± 0.04 cm for length, width and thickness, respectively. Similarly, in group B the average size of the right ovary was 2.11± 0.05 cm, 1.10 ± 0.05 cm, 0.60 ± 0.02 cm while in left ovary 2.00 ± 0.02 cm, 1.30 ±0.11 cm. 0.66 ± 0.03 cm, for length, width, and thickness, respectively. It was concluded that the size of genital organs of Bakharwal goat increases with age during 12–18 months to 24–30 months of age.

Effect of sodium arsenite on reproductive organs of female Wistar rats

ABSTRACTThe present study was performed to investigate the subchronic effect of sodium arsenite on female Wistar rats. Mature female rats were divided into 4 groups of 12 animals each. Group I received distilled water, whereas the other 3 groups received sodium arsenite at 10, 30, and 50 µg/L doses for 60 days through drinking water. Half of the animals from each group were dissected after 30 days and the remaining after 60 days. A disruption in estrous cycle was observed with prolonged diestrous and metestrous phases. A significant increase in ovarian surface epithelium and follicular atresia was observed in treated rats (p ≤ .05). A significant decrease (p ≤ .05) in the uterine myometrium was observed. A significant increase (p ≤ .05) in the levels of lipid peroxidation along with decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes was observed. The results revealed that subchronic exposure of sodium arsenite causes degenerative changes in reproductive organs and induces oxidative stress in female rats.

SOME PATHOMORPHOLOGICAL PECULIARITIES OF UTERUSES REMOVED FOR MASSIVE OBSTETRIC HEMORRHAGES

Aim. To detect the most significant factors for development of obstetric hemorrhages taking into account morphological changes in reproductive organs of patients of this group. Materials and methods. Retrospective analysis of 108 histories of deliveries complicated by massive hemorrhages as well as protocols of histological studies of surgical material according to the data of medical institutions of Udmurt Republic for 2010-2012 is presented in the paper. Group I involved 48 delivery histories with placental presentation and chorion villi ingrowth (44,5%), group II - 60 histories of deliveries complicated by uterine hypotonia (55,5%). Results. Women’s anamnesis in both groups had indications to high delivery parity (the current pregnancy is the third and more in 80% of women in both groups), intrauterine interventions (curettage of uterine cavity for spontaneous, artificial abortions) - 61,3% of women in group I and 57,4% in group II, presence of small pelvic inflammatory diseases, disturbed menstrual function by algodismenorrhea and menorrhagia types. The results of histological study showed presence of morphological signs of chronic inflammatory processes in the uterus and appendages. Conclusions. Endometrial alteration (consequences of multiple intrauterine interventions) associated with subacute inflammatory processes in small pelviс organs as well as dysharmonal disturbances and adenomyosis can be considered as the possible risk factors for chorion villi ingrowth and development of obstetric hemorrhages during placental and puerperal periods.

Expression and regulation of avian cathepsin L in the oviduct during molting

Cathepsins (CTSs) are peptidases that have biological roles in degrading extracellular matrix, catabolism of intracellular proteins, and processing of pro-hormones. Of these, cathepsin L (CTSL) is closely associated with morphological changes in reproductive organs required for proper function in mammals, including humans and mice, but little is known about CTSL in avian species. In the present study, the expression of CTSL was investigated in the oviduct of hens during regression and recrudescence in response to molting. Our results revealed that expression of CTSL mRNA increased (P<0.001) when the oviduct underwent regression during the molting period in hens. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemial analyses detected CTSL mRNA and protein predominantly in the luminal (LE) and glandular epithelia (GE) during regression of the oviduct, but not during regeneration of the oviduct. Expression of CTSL decreased in the oviduct of chicks treated with diethylstilbestrol (DES, a synthetic estrogen agonist). Furthermore, we discovered four miRNAs including miR-23b, miR-551, miR-1464 and miR-1803 that regulate expression of the CTSL gene at the post-transcriptional level, which suggests that CTSL mRNA can be regulated by specific miRNAs via 3′-UTR in chickens. Results of the present research suggest that estrogen regulates expression of CTSL during regression of the oviduct during molting and that down-regulation of CTSL is likely a prerequisite for the normal regeneration of oviductal tissues following molting in laying hens.

Clinical Responses and Reproductive Pathological Changes Associated with &lt;em&gt;Brucella melitensis&lt;/em&gt; and it?s Lipopolysaccharides in Female Mice

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease caused by the genus Brucella, in small ruminants it is caused by Brucella melitensis and is a Gram negative, facultative intracellular coccobacillus bacterium. It is characterized by significant reproductive problems and lead to massive economical loses. Hence, this study is designed to observed clinical responses and pathological changes in reproductive organs in female mice via intraperitoneal inoculation. Twenty four healthy female mice were divided into three groups. The treatment groups were inoculated with 1.0 mL of 10 9 wild type Brucella melitensis and 1.0 mL of 10 9 Brucella LPS intraperitoneally while; the control group was inoculated intraperitoneally with 1.0 mL of sterile phosphate buffer. The mice were observed for clinical signs for 10 days of post inoculation. Female reproductive organs were collected after 10 days for histopathological study. Mice in the Brucella group developed severe clinical signs compared to mice infected with LPS. The clinical signs observed were ruffled fur, movement, responsiveness and eye conditions. The pathological changes in the reproductive organs were moderate to severe in the Brucella group in relation to inflammatory cells, mild to moderate necrosis, degeneration; congestion and hemorrhage were also observed. The most affected reproductive organ post inoculation with the wild type Brucella was the ovary especially in relation to the infiltration of inflammatory cells and congestion/hemorrhage. LPS group developed similar lesions with the Brucella group except that the LPS group developed normal to mild necrosis and degeneration. The ovary of the mice infected with LPS developed moderate to severe lesions of inflammation with congestion/hemorrhage but lesser necrosis. In general, the oviducts were moderately inflamed with mild congestion. Some part of the oviduct also showed necrotic and degenerated lesions. Besides that, the vulva of mice in LPS group developed more necrotic lesions compared to the Brucella group. This finding suggests that, Brucella immunogen (LPS) is a good candidate for the development of Brucellosis vaccine.

Anatomical and Histological Changes of Reproductive Organs in Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) Embryos after in ovo Exposure to Genistein

Genistein, an isoflavonoid phytoestrogen, has a similar structure to endogenous estrogen and is also able to produce estrogen-like effects. Administration of exogenous estrogens as well as phytoestrogens causes reproductive abnormalities in adult birds. Here, we examine whether genistein affects reproductive organ development in Japanese quail at the sexually differentiated stage. Genistein (16 and 24 μg/g egg) was injected into the yolk via the blunt end of the fertilized egg prior to incubation. Both concentrations caused Mullerian duct abnormalities in both sexes and ovotestis formation in male embryos. This is the first report that genistein affects reproductive organ development in avian embryos.

Triclosan exhibits a tendency to accumulate in the epididymis and shows sperm toxicity in male sprague-dawley rats

Triclosan (TCS) is considered a potent endocrine disruptor that causes reproductive toxicity in non-mammals, but it is still unclear exactly whether TCS has adverse effects on the sperm or reproductive organs in mammals. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the distribution status of TCS in male reproductive organs of rats, and seek the correlation with the TCS-induced sperm toxicity or reproductive organ damage. Male rats were intragastrically administered with TCS at a dose of 50 mg/kg, the kinetics of TCS in the plasma and reproductive organs were investigated. TCS in testes and prostates both showed a lower-level distribution compared to that in the plasma, which indicates it has no tendency to accumulate in those organs. However, TCS in the epididymides showed a longer elimination half-life (t1/2 z), a longer the mean retention time (MRT), and a lower clearance (CLZ /F) compared with those in the plasma. Besides, the ratios of mean area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)(0-96 h(epididymides/plasma)) and AUC(0-∞(epididymides/plasma)) were 1.13 and 1.51, respectively. These kinetic parameters suggest TCS has an accumulation tendency in the epididymides. Based on this, we investigated the TCS-induced sperm toxicity and histopathological changes of reproductive organs in rats. TCS was given intragastrically at doses of 10, 50, and 200 mg/kg for 8 weeks. Rats treated with the high dose (200 mg/kg) of TCS showed a significant decrease in daily sperm production (DSP), changes in sperm morphology and epididymal histopathology. Considering the histopathological change in the epididymides, TCS may induce the epididymal damage due to the epididymal accumulation of that.

Fetal Exposure of Rhesus Macaques to Bisphenol A Alters Cellular Development of the Conducting Airway by Changing Epithelial Secretory Product Expression

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure early in life results in organizational changes in reproductive organs, but the effect of BPA on conducting airway cellular maturation has not been studied. Late gestation is characterized by active differentiation of secretory cells in the lung epithelium.Objective: We evaluated the hypothesis that BPA exposure disrupts epithelial secretory cell development in the fetal conducting airway of the rhesus macaque.Methods: We exposed animals to BPA during either the second (early term) or the third (late term) trimester. There were four treatment groups: a) sham control early term, b) sham control late term, c) BPA early term (BPA-early), and d) BPA late term (BPA-late). Because cellular maturation occurs nonuniformly in the lung, we defined mRNA and protein expression by airway level using microdissection.Results: BPA exposure of the dam during late term significantly accelerated secretory cell maturation in the proximal airways of the fetus; both Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP) and MUC5AC/5B mRNA and protein expression increased.Conclusions: BPA exposure during late gestation accelerates secretory cell maturation in the proximal conducting airways. We identified a critical window of fetal susceptibility for BPA effects on lung epithelial cell maturation in the third trimester. This is of environmental health importance because increases in airway mucins are hallmarks of a number of childhood lung diseases that may be affected by BPA exposure.

Sex hormone profiles and cellular changes of reproductive organs of mice experimentally infected with C. pseudotuberculosis and its exotoxin phospholipase D (PLD)

Caseous lymphadenitis has been globally a prevalent disease among farmed small ruminants for over a century. As its chronic disease, sex hormone profiles and cellular changes of reproductive organs in infections associated with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosisis and its exotoxin phospholipase D have been very few or absent. This study was conducted to acquire a better way of understanding the reproductive pathophysiology response of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosisis and its exotoxin in mouse model. In this study, 64 healthy mice, 2-3 weeks of old, were divided equally into 3 groups, where the first group of mice were interperitoneally inoculated with 1.0 ml of sterile phosphate buffer solution (PBS), pH 7, the second group of mice were interperitoneally inoculated with 1.0 ml of 10 colony forming unit (CFU) of live C. pseudotuberculosis and the third group of mice were interperitoneally inoculated with 1.0 ml of single dose of exotoxin (PLD) extracted from C. pseudotuberculosis. Following infection, clinical signs were observed and blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture for sex hormone analysis. For microscopic examinations, the mice were euthanized using cervical dislocation approach and the reproductive organs were collected. The results revealed that there was no significant differences (p<0.05) in the concentration of estrogen and progesterone levels between whole cell and exotoxin groups. Concentration of progesterone in PLD treated group (15.37 ± 2.32 pg/ml) was lower than control group (17.61 ± 2.91pg/ml). The concentration of testosterone in C. pseudotuberculosis (2.98 ± 3.70 pg/ml) was significantly (p<0.05) different from both control group (16.58 ± 3.67 pg/ml) and PLD (11.84 ± 3.19 pg/ml). Microscopically, cellular changes were observed in organs included ovaries, uterus, testicles and epididymis. In C. pseudotuberculosis infected group, infiltration of polymorph nuclear leukocytes with congestion, degeneration and necrosis were documented in almost all investigated parameters. For exotoxin PLD infected group, the observed cellular changes included severe hemorrhage, thrombus formation, degeneration, vacuolation and necrosis. Therefore, the results of this study indicated that there were significant differences in sex hormones and cellular changes of reproductive organs associated with infection Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosisis and its exotoxin phospholipase D (PLD).

Reproductive performance in East Greenland polar bears ( Ursus maritimus) may be affected by organohalogen contaminants as shown by physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling

Polar bears ( Ursus maritimus) feed mainly on ringed seal ( Phoca hispida) and consume large quantities of blubber and consequently have one of the highest tissue concentrations of organohalogen contaminants (OHCs) worldwide. In East Greenland, studies of OHC time trends and organ system health effects, including reproductive, were conducted during 1990–2006. However, it has been difficult to determine the nature of the effects induced by OHC exposures on wild caught polar bears using body burden data and associated changes in reproductive organs and systems. We therefore conducted a risk quotient (RQ) evaluation to more quantitatively evaluate the effect risk on reproduction (embryotoxicity and teratogenicity) based on the critical body residue (CBR) concept and using a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. We applied modelling approaches to PCBs, p, p′-DDE, dieldrin, oxychlordane, HCHs, HCB, PBDEs and PFOS in East Greenland polar bears based on known OHC pharmacokinetics and dynamics in laboratory rats ( Rattus rattus). The results showed that subcutaneous adipose tissue concentrations of dieldrin (range: 79–1271 ng g −1 lw) and PCBs (range: 4128–53 923 ng g −1 lw) reported in bears in the year 1990 were in the range to elicit possible adverse health effects on reproduction in polar bears in East Greenland (all RQs ⩾ 1). Similar results were found for PCBs (range: 1928–17 376 ng g −1 lw) and PFOS (range: 104–2840 ng g −1 ww) in the year 2000 and for dieldrin (range: 43–640 ng g −1 lw), PCBs (range: 3491–13 243 ng g −1 lw) and PFOS (range: 1332–6160 ng g −1 ww) in the year 2006. The concentrations of oxychlordane, DDTs, HCB and HCHs in polar bears resulted in RQs < 1 and thus appear less likely to be linked to reproductive effects. Furthermore, sumRQs above 1 suggested risk for OHC additive effects. Thus, previous suggestions of possible adverse health effects in polar bears correlated to OHC exposure are supported by the present study. This study also indicates that PBPK models may be a supportive tool in the evaluation of possible OHC-mediated health effects for Arctic wildlife.

Structural changes in reproductive organs of male rats after estradiol benzoate treatment.

The effects of estradiol benzoate (E2B) at a dose of 50 micrograms/rat/day for 7, 15 and 24 days on histoarchitecture, histocytometry and relative weights of reproductive organs in mature albino rats were investigated. The results revealed that the organ weights, histology of the testis, epididymis, vas deferens and seminal vesicle of treated rats were considerably affected as a consequence of the treatment. The height of germinal/secretory epithelium and tubular diameter of these organs also declined, whereas the peritubular muscle layer thickness of epididymis and accessory gland was increased. In vas deferens, in contrast, the muscle layer was reduced. The induced effects of estrogen were related to the duration of the treatment and support our earlier data that estrogens have a direct effect on the testis.

Morphological Changes in Reproductive Organs and Neuroendocrine Centers Related to Nesting, Mating, and Larvicide Behavior in Eurysternus mexicanus Harold (Scarabaeinae: Eurysternini)

Abstract Morphological changes in the reproductive organs and neuroendocrine centers of Eurysternus mexicanus Harold males and females of known age and behavior were studied in the laboratory. In females, ovarian activity was related to morphophysiological changes in neuroendocrine centers; in males, similar changes influenced glandular reservoirs during several stages: prenesting, copulation, nesting, and infanticide. In females, the activity of the pars intercerebralis and corpus allatum during prenesting is related to vitellogenesis and sexual maturity; during nesting, it is linked to oviposition and nest care. In males, both these periods are characterized by modifications in the neuroendocrine centers relating to the synthesis of accessory gland secretions that accumulate in glandular reservoirs until copulation takes place. Larvicide was committed only during provisional nest care–by 88% of females after copulation during the early days of nest care and by 66% of copulated females when brood balls h...

Exposure to Bisphenol A Prenatally or in Adulthood Promotes T H 2 Cytokine Production Associated with Reduction of CD4 + CD25 + Regulatory T Cells

BackgroundBisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread endocrine-disrupting chemical that can affect humans and animals.ObjectivesWe investigated the effects of adult or prenatal exposure to BPA on T-helper (TH)1/TH2 immune responses and the mechanisms underlying these effects.MethodsTo evaluate the effects of exposure to BPA in adulthood, male Leishmania major–susceptible BALB/c and –resistant C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously injected with 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, and 5 μmol BPA 1 week before being infected with L. major. To evaluate prenatal exposure, female mice were given BPA-containing drinking water at concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 nM for 2 weeks, then mated, and given BPA for another week. Male 10-week-old offspring were infected with L. major. Footpad swelling was assessed as a measure of the course of infection.ResultsMice exposed to BPA prenatally or in adulthood showed a dose-dependent increase in footpad swelling after being infected with L. major. Exposure to BPA in adulthood significantly promoted antigen-stimulated production of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, and IL-13 but not interferon-γ (IFN-γ). However, mice prenatally exposed to BPA showed increased production of not only IL-4 but also IFN-γ. The percentages of CD4+CD25+ cells were decreased in mice exposed to BPA either prenatally or in adulthood. Effects of prenatal BPA exposure were far more pronounced than effects of exposure in adulthood.ConclusionBPA promotes the development of TH2 cells in adulthood and both TH1 and TH2 cells in prenatal stages by reducing the number of regulatory T cells.

Are endocrine disrupting compounds a health risk in drinking water?

There has been a great deal of international discussion on the nature and relevance of endocrine disrupting compounds in the environment. Changes in reproductive organs of fish and mollusks have been demonstrated in rivers downstream of sewage discharges in Europe and in North America, which have been attributed to estrogenic compounds in the effluent. The anatomical and physiological changes in the fauna are illustrated by feminization of male gonads. The compounds of greatest hormonal activity in sewage effluent are the natural estrogens 17Beta-estradiol, estrone, estriol and the synthetic estrogen ethinylestradiol. Androgens are also widely present in wastewaters. Investigations of anthropogenic chemical contaminants in freshwaters and wastewaters have shown a wide variety of organic compounds, many of which have low levels of estrogenic activity. In many highly populated countries the drinking water is sourced from the same rivers and lakes that are the recipients of sewage and industrial discharge. The River Thames which flows through London, England, has overall passed through drinking water and sewage discharge 5 times from source to mouth of the river. Under these types of circumstance, any accumulation of endocrine disrupting compounds from sewage or industry potentially affects the quality of drinking water. Neither basic wastewater treatment nor basic drinking water treatment will eliminate the estrogens, androgens or detergent breakdown products from water, due to the chemical stability of the structures. Hence a potential risk to health exists; however present data indicate that estrogenic contamination of drinking water is very unlikely to result in physiologically detectable effects in consumers. Pesticide, detergent and industrial contamination remain issues of concern. As a result of this concern, increased attention is being given to enhanced wastewater treatment in locations where the effluent is directly or indirectly in use for drinking water. In some places at which heavy anthropogenic contamination of drinking water sources occurs, advanced drinking water treatment is increasingly being implemented. This treatment employs particle removal, ozone oxidation of organic material and activated charcoal adsorption of the oxidation products. Such processes will remove industrial organic chemicals, pesticides, detergents, pharmaceutical products and hormones. Populations for which only basic wastewater and drinking water treatment are available remain vulnerable.

Primer effects by conspecific odors in house mice: a new perspective in the study of primer effects on reproductive activities

Half a century has passed since the first report of the influence of odors on mice. Odors are known to influence behavior (signaling effect) and affect the physiology (primer effect) of mice. This review focuses on summarizing the primer effects found so far in female and male mice. Odors from conspecifics of the opposite sex had the tendency to enhance reproductive activities, whereas odors from conspecifics of the same sex diminish them. Only 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, one of the odor components identified in group-housed females, has been reported to have a suppressive influence on both males and females by lowering reproductive activities. Studies showed progress from the discovery of phenomena to the identification of odor components that cause such changes in reproductive organs and related neuroendocrinological changes. Compared to studies on the mechanisms of primer effects in females, the mechanisms in males are not yet clarified, and detailed studies on effects on the reproductive organs are still in primitive stages especially for males. Hypotheses on the influence of changes in the concentration of testosterone, estrogen, and prolactin on spermatogenesis and sperm maturation after exposure to odors are discussed.

Changes in reproductive organs of female rats treated with bisphenol A during the neonatal period

The effects of neonatal administration of estrogenic agents on rat reproductive organs were examined. Either bisphenol A (BPA; 0.25, 1, or 4 mg/pup) or 10 μg 17β-estradiol (E 2) was given subcutaneously to Sprague–Dawley female rats during the neonatal period from post-natal day (PND) 0 to 9. Animals ovariectomized at 80 days were given subcutaneous injections of 1 μg/kg E 2 for 3 days from PND 94 to 96. Clefts in the clitoris, early vaginal opening, irregular estrous cycles, a decrease in the area occupied by the corpora lutea (CL) in the ovary, and multiple cystic follicles in the ovary were found in the animals treated neonatally with 1 mg BPA. Uterine fluid weight measured after E 2 treatment on PND 94–96 was less than controls. In addition to these abnormalities, unusual body weight gains, persistent vaginal cornification, and lack of CL were observed in females treated neonatally with 4 mg BPA. The ovary weight on PND 80 and uterine fluid weight measured after E 2 treatment on PND 94–96 were less than controls for the 4 mg BPA group. Neonatal treatment with 10 μg E 2 induced similar abnormalities as found in the 4 mg BPA group. These results show that BPA when given during the neonatal period caused changes in female reproductive organs.

Reproductive effects in male and female rats of neonatal exposure to genistein

Sprague-Dawley rats were administered genistein orally at doses of 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg on postnatal days 1 through 5 to examine its effects on reproductive function after puberty. In addition, preputial separation and vaginal opening as endpoints of sexual maturation, estrous cycling, sperm count, serum testosterone concentration, and histopathologic changes of reproductive organs of male and female rats were examined. Body weights of male and female rats exposed to genistein at any dose level examined were lower than those of controls. Timing of preputial separation in males and timing of vaginal opening were not affected by genistein treatment. The number of females showing estrous cycle irregularities was increased by genistein treatment. The fertility of female rats exposed neonatally to genistein at 100 mg/kg was disrupted, while neonatal exposure to genistein did not affect male fertility. Neither sperm counts nor serum testosterone concentration were changed by neonatal exposure to genistein. Female rats exposed neonatally to genistein at 100 mg/kg showed histopathologic changes in the ovaries and uterus, while male rats showed no histopathologic alterations in the gonads. The results of this study indicate that early neonatal exposure to genistein caused dysfunction of postpubertal reproductive performance as well as abnormal development of gonads in female but not in male rats.

Testosterone supplementation in the aging male.

World-wide life expectancy at birth for men and women will have increased by about 20 y during 50 y period between 1950 and 2000. As a result, the proportion of the elderly population is expected to increase significantly in the 21st century. Despite this increase in longevity for men and women, men still have significantly shorter life expectancy of approximately 5 y. To further reduce and prevent debilitating disease and disability in elderly men, a question is whether any type of interventions, such as hormone replacement therapy, may play a role in improving the quality of life as proven in post-menopausal women. Men experience age-related decline of capability physically and mentally. Various symptoms, such as nervousness, depression, impaired memory, inability to concentrate, easy fatigability, insomnia, hot flushes, periodic sweating, reduction of muscle mass and power, bone ache, and sexual dysfunction, are related to this change. The fact that a number of age-related changes resemble features of various hormonal deficiency has led to worldwide interest in the use of various hormonal preparations in an effort to prevent the aging process in elderly men. Even though there have been opinions against hormonal supplementation in the aging male, preliminary studies defining the risk/benefit ratio of androgen supplementation appear to be encouraging. To understand testosterone supplementation in the aging male, this review will discuss the following important topics: physiology of male hormonal balance, changes in reproductive organs in elderly men, endocrine evaluation of the male, pharmacological effects of testosterone on target organs, available preparations for testosterone, and testosterone supplementation.