Chronic Gonadotropin Research Articles

The Effect of Giving Warm Ginger in Reducing Emesis Gravidarum in 1st Trimester Pregnant Women

Due to an increase in the hormone estrogen and progesterone produced by Human Chronic Gonadotropin (HCG), which causes emesis gravidarum, during pregnancy, the mother experiences hormonal changes. This study means to decide the impact of giving warm ginger in diminishing emesis gravidarum in pregnant ladies in the principal trimester PMB Lilis Nurhasanah, S.ST., Keb., Bd. SKM 2024. This exploration utilizes a Semi Trial technique with a One Gathering Pretest Posttest plan. This study's participants were pregnant women in their first trimester who had emesis gravidarum at PMB Lilis Nurhasanah, S.ST., Keb., Bd. SKM upwards of 30 respondents. The examining strategy in this examination is Complete Testing. Shapiro-Wilk normality test analysis yielded sig data (0.05). The Wilcoxon test has a p-worth of 0.000, and that implies there is an impact of giving warm ginger in diminishing emesis gravidarum in first trimester pregnant ladies. This end shows that there is an impact of giving warm ginger in lessening emesis gravidarum in first trimester pregnant ladies at PMB Lilis Nurhasanah, S.ST., Keb., Bd. SKM 2024.

Fetal Leydig cells: What we know and what we don't.

During male fetal development, testosterone plays an essential role in the differentiation and maturation of the male reproductive system. Deficient fetal testosterone production can result in variations of sex differentiation that may cause infertility and even increased tumor incidence later in life. Fetal Leydig cells in the fetal testis are the major androgen source in mammals. Although fetal and adult Leydig cells are similar in their functions, they are two distinct cell types, and therefore, the knowledge of adult Leydig cells cannot be directly applied to understanding fetal Leydig cells. This review summarizes our current knowledge of fetal Leydig cells regarding their cell biology, developmental biology, and androgen production regulation in rodents and human. Fetal Leydig cells are present in basement membrane-enclosed clusters in between testis cords. They originate from the mesonephros mesenchyme and the coelomic epithelium and start to differentiate upon receiving a Desert Hedgehogsignal from Sertoli cells or being released from a NOTCH signal from endothelial cells. Mature fetal Leydig cells produce androgens. Human fetal Leydig cell steroidogenesis is LHCGR (Luteinizing Hormone Chronic Gonadotropin Receptor) dependent, while rodents are not, although other Gαs -protein coupled receptors might be involved in rodent steroidogenesis regulation. Fetal steroidogenesis ceases after sex differentiation is completed, and some fetal Leydig cells dedifferentiate to serve as stem cells for adult testicular cell types. Significant gaps are acknowledged: (1) Why are adult and fetal Leydig cells different? (2) What are bona fide progenitor and fetal Leydig cell markers? (3) Which signaling pathways and transcription factors regulate fetal Leydig cell steroidogenesis? It is critical to discover answers to these questions so that we can understand vulnerable targets in fetal Leydig cells and the mechanisms for androgen production that when disrupted, leads to variations in sex differentiation that range from subtle to complete sex reversal.

Effect of Foeniculum vulgare Mingled Diet upon Growth, Reproduction and Spawning Performance of Guppy Fish

Naturally breeding fish cannot meet the demand of humans. So induced breeding is essential to fulfill this demand. Induced breeding ensures a timely supply of fish seeds having desired characteristics and different techniques can be used for this purpose. In this perspective synthetic hormones, extracts of pituitary hormones, Gonadotropin-releasing hormones, and sometimes Human chronic gonadotropin are used as a spawning inducer for fishes. Plant extracts can also be used as it is a new technique which could be used in aquaculture. The basic aim of our study was to enhance the growth as well as to check the effect of the traditional herb Foeniculum vulgare on the reproductive performance of Poecilia reticulata.
 Methodology: Samples were collected from a local fish shop in Sargodha. Ethanolic extract of Foeniculum vulgare seeds was prepared and mixed with different commercial feed. This feed was given to fish for 90 days to test the effect of Foeniculum vulgare seed extract on growth and reproduction performance. Water quality parameters were also maintained and recorded daily. Fecundity and Gonad somatic index were measured after dissection by removing the ovaries. Fecundity was calculated by counting the number of larvae and eggs seen with the naked eye. The hatching rate was measured by counting the number of hatching in each spawning.
 Results: According to the growth results, different levels of fennel seed extract has a significant effect on weight gain, length gain and survival rates of the fish in different groups. Statistical analysis cleared that T2 showed the highest weight and length gain. The feed Conversion Ratio decreased significantly. Results of reproduction parameters showed that the highest absolute fecundity (9.4 ± 0.19), GSI (8.69 ± 0.2) and spawning have increased in T2 followed by T1, T3, and control respectively. The observation of present research shows that Foeniculum vulgare seed extract can act as an estrogenic compound and growth promoter in commercial aquaculture.

Primary omental pregnancy after in vitro fertilization complicated by hemoperitoneum—how to manage it laparoscopically

To report an uncommon case of primary OP treated laparoscopically. Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is the leading cause of maternal mortality during the first trimester and the incidence increases with assisted reproductive techniques, occurring in approximately 1.5%-2.1% of patients undergoing invitro fertilization.1 Omental pregnancy (OP) is an extremely rare form of EP accounting for less than 1% of all EPs. OP can be classified as primary or secondary on the basis of Studdiford's criteria2. The preoperative diagnosis of OP is complex and usually occur in acute circumstances during a throughout intraoperative evaluation of the abdomen.3-5 A delayed diagnosis poses a serious threat to the survival of the patient; therefore, it is important to remark that EP can exist in unusual locations and prompt surgical intervention may be necessary. A step-by-step narrated video of a rare clinical case and description of the surgical procedure. Tertiary Level Academic Hospital "IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero - Universitaria di Bologna" Bologna, Italy. A 36-year-old woman was referred to our emergency room because of acute abdominal pain and nausea for 2 hours with no signs of hemodynamic instability. The patient also complained that poor vaginal bleeding appeared during the last 24 hours. The patient has undergone a cycle of invitro fertilization with an elective single frozen embryo transfer of a blastocyst on day 5, 2 months before. She had no relevant clinical or surgical history. Diffuse abdominal tenderness and a painful uterus at mobilization were appreciated at clinical examination. A massive hemoperitoneum was diagnosed using transvaginal-transabdominal ultrasound, and no uterine or adnexal lesions were identified. The β-human chronic gonadotropin level was 43.861 mIU/mL, and the hemoglobin value was 10.5 g/dL. On suspicion of a ruptured EP, after detailed counseling and the acquisition of informed consent, a laparoscopic exploration was planned. First, the hemoperitoneum was evacuated to allow visualization of the abdominal cavity. At pelvic inspection, no EP was found. Throughout the exploration of the abdominal cavity, a 4-cm bluish cystic mass of friable consistency was detected infiltrating the omentum and the mesentery. According to Studdiford's criteria, the diagnosis of a primary OP was established. A careful and complete excision of the ectopic implant was performed with an ultrasonic system and required a considerable hemostatic effort using bipolar energy, endoscopic clips, and mechanical compression. The postoperative course was uneventful. The β-human chronic gonadotropin levels gradually decreased to negative values within 29 days after surgery. Omental ectopic pregnancy can be successfully managed with a laparoscopic approach even in an emergency setting. Omental pregnancy can easily be overlooked, even by skilled surgeons, during laparoscopic exploration. It is mandatory that all peritoneal surfaces and the omentum be carefully inspected during surgery in patients without other signs of pelvic EP.We confirm that the patient included in this video gave consent for publication of the video and posting of the video online, including on social media, the journal website, scientific literature websites, and other applicable sites.

Pengaruh Pemberian Jahe Terhadap Penurunan Morning Sickness Pada Ibu Hamil TM 1

Pregnancy is a natural process. During pregnancy, a woman's body usually experiences many changes, including an increase in estrogen and progesterone levels, and the production of the Human Chronic Gonadotropin (HCG) hormone which is caused by stomach acidity, which triggers morning sickness. Nearly 50-90% of women who are pregnant experience nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. So far, treatments have been carried out to relieve morning sickness by giving anti-nausea drugs and also vitamins. Apart from anti-nausea and vitamins, ginger is an alternative herbal treatment used to relieve nausea and vomiting. Ginger is considered to have many components and benefits that are considered to be able to inhibit Serotonin which can help relax muscles in the digestive tract. Objective: To determine the effect of giving ginger on reducing morning sickness in pregnant women TM 1. Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental research design that was one group pretest -posttest design of 20 respondents in the 1st trimester of pregnant women who experience morning sickness using accidental sampling technique. Results: The results of the study using the Wilcoxon test obtained a value of P = 0.000 (P <0.05). Conclusion: There is an effect of giving ginger on reducing morning sickness in first trimester pregnant women

Establishment of embryo transfer in the musk shrew (Suncus murinus).

The present study established techniques to induce pseudopregnancy, in vitro oocyte cultures from pronuclear to 2- to 4-cell stages, and embryo transfer in musk shrews, a reflex ovulator. Offspring were subsequently obtained by transferring in vivo-developed or in vitro-cultured embryos. Female musk shrews received human chronic gonadotropin (hCG), with or without mating stimuli, from vasectomized males to produce pseudopregnant recipients. Embryos at the 2- to 4-cell stage were collected 44-48 h after mating. Another set of embryos was collected 26-27 h after mating and then cultured for 20 h from the pronuclear to 2- to 4-cell stages. Subsequently, embryos were transferred into the oviducts of pseudopregnant recipients 24 or 48 h after the induction of pseudopregnancy. Offsprings were successfully obtained from recipients that received hCG 24 h before embryo transfer, regardless of mating stimuli. These techniques may be valuable for producing transgenic musk shrews.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PROGESTERONE LEVEL ON HUMAN CHRONIC GONADOTROPIN (HCG) TRIGGER DAY AND CLINCAL OUTCOMES OF CLEAVAGE-STAGE EMBRYOS OR BLASTOCYSTS TRANSFER IN ASSISTED REPRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY (ART) CYCLES

Several studies have reported that increased progesterone levels, usually defined as greater than 1.5 ng/mL, occur on the human chronic gonadotropin (hCG) day in approximately 6-30% of COH cycles. The increased serum progesterone level on the day of hCG administration is associated with significantly lower ongoing pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. However, the effect of increased serum progesterone levels on the day of hCG administration in COH cycles on clinical outcomes for different embryos transfer remains controversial.

Efficacy of daily GnRH agonist for luteal phase support following GnRH agonist triggered ICSI cycles versus conventional strategy: A Randomized controlled trial.

Objective:The use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) as an alternative for human chronic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger has potential benefits, but the optimal luteal phase support (LPS) following GnRHa trigger remains to be elucidated. We aimed to investigate a new strategy (daily GnRH agonist for LPS following GnRH agonist trigger) as an alternative for the conventional approach to the patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).Methods:In this randomized controlled trial study, 44 ICSI patients were randomly assigned into two groups: group 1, patients received standard strategy (hCG trigger [10000 IU] and progesterone bid [400 mg/BD] for LPS); group 2, patients received a dose of GnRHa (0.2 mg) for ovulation trigger and subcutaneous injection of GnRHa bid (0.2 mg) for LPS.Results:The pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth rates for the patients undergoing LPS following the GnRHa trigger were similar to those of patients undergoing the standard strategy.Conclusions:We showed that a daily subcutaneous injection of GnRHa for LPS following the GnRHa trigger can be successfully performed as an alternative to the standard strategy, with comparable pregnancy and live birth rates in ICSI patients.

The role of PDE5a in oocyte maturation of zebrafish

The importance of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway in oocyte maturation has recently attracted much attention in vertebrates. Previously, using zebrafish as a model, we have revealed the role of cGMP and the action of cGMP protein kinase (PKG) in oocyte maturation. In the present study, the function of a cGMP specific phosphodiesterase (PDE5a) is further analyzed in oocyte maturation in zebrafish. Two distinct PDE5a coding genes (named PDE5aa and PDE5ab) were identified in zebrafish, and expressed in most adult tissues including ovary. Both pde5aa and pde5ab mRNA are predominantly expressed in the oocyte but not in follicular cells. Two commercial antibodies targeted to mammalian PDE5a and phosphorylated PDE5a were validated in zebrafish, and we found both antibodies can be used to detect PDE5ab and phosphorylated PDE5ab of zebrafish, respectively. Using both antibodies, we found PDE5ab is only expressed in the oocyte and the phosphorylation of PDE5ab in oocyte could be activated during oocyte maturation induced by human chronic gonadotropin. Intriguingly, we found that the oocyte maturation could be stimulated by treatment of either two different PDE5a inhibitors, sildenafil or tadalafil, and such effects could be completely blocked by a PKG inhibitor KT5823 and two gap junction blockers, respectively. All of these results clearly demonstrate the importance of PDE5a in maintaining the oocyte maturation of zebrafish. When compared with mammals, the functional model of PDE5a is different in zebrafish, suggesting the function of PDE5a might shift from the oocyte in fish to the granulosa cell in mammals during evolution.

Investigations on the Relationship Between Ovarian, Endocrine, and Renal Findings in Nonclinical Safety Studies of the γ-Secretase Inhibitor Avagacestat.

Avagacestat, a gamma (γ)-secretase inhibitor that was in development for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, produced ovarian granulosa-thecal cell tumors in rats and dogs and a glomerulopathy with profound proteinuria in female rats. This report describes the results of follow-up investigative studies, including the use of ovariectomized (OVX) rats, to further characterize these findings and determine their mechanism(s). Ovarian proliferative changes in rats likely resulted from: (1) inhibition of Notch signaling pathways regulating ovarian follicular differentiation/development, characterized microscopically as altered ovarian cyclicity and/or ovarian follicular degeneration; (2) subsequent disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis due to ovarian atrophy with decreases in serum estrogen and progesterone (as low as 0.45× and 0.21× controls, respectively); and (3) chronic gonadotropin stimulation and pituitary hypertrophy/hyperplasia in response to the absence of negative feedback. Gonadotropin stimulation in rats was confirmed by increases in serum follicle-stimulating hormone (up to 7.75× controls) and luteinizing hormone (up to 5.84×). A similar nongenotoxic mechanism was likely responsible for the ovarian findings in dogs although changes in serum hormone levels were not detected. The dose- and time-dependent glomerulopathy with progression to chronic progressive nephropathy in female rats appears to be a direct effect of avagacestat and was not ameliorated with coadministration of 17β-estradiol or an antihypertensive (enalapril) and was not present in control OVX rats. In contrast, adrenocortical hypertrophy in female rats was considered secondary to ovarian changes based on the absence of this finding in avagacestat-treated OVX rats and no increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone staining in the pituitary.

Possible role of androgen receptor gene in therapeutic response of infertile men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

ABSTRACTHypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is defined as a dysfunction of hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, which causes impairments in gametogenesis, pubertal maturation, and/or secretion of the gonadal sex hormones. Human chronic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulates the Leydig cells of the testis to secrete testosterone, which is essential for spermatogenesis. Testosterone replacement therapy is one of the possible options to manage HH treatment. Given the fact that testosterone functions are mediated via androgen receptor (AR), the aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the CAG/GGN triple repeat expansion in AR gene can modulate the response to hCG and testosterone treatment in HH men. Sixty-two men who diagnosed with HH and treated with testosterone and hCG were assessed after treatment. They were classified into two groups, 31 subjects with a positive and 31 subjects with a negative response to replacement therapy within 12–18 months. Androgen receptor CAG and GGN repeat numbers were measured in both groups by hot start polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequencing technique. Subjects who reached complete spermatogenesis showed the 20 and 23 as the median numbers of AR CAG/GGN repeats, respectively. In individuals who did not respond to treatment the median length for both CAG/GGN repeats were 23. The average of CAG repeats was statistically lower in patients who had the positive response in comparison to patients who did not respond to hormone therapy (p < 0.05), but the length of GGN repeats were not statistically different between these groups of patients (p > 0.05). The number of CAG repeats are negatively and significantly associated with better hormone therapy response. Our results suggest that the length of CAG repeat polymorphism in AR gene might affect the response to treatment in men suffering from HH, whereas no relationship was found between AR gene GGN repeat polymorphism and testosterone and hCG replacement therapy response.Abbreviations: AR: androgen receptor; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; Gn: gonadotropins; GnRH: gonadotropin-releasing hormone; hCG: human chronic gonadotropin; HH: hypogonadotropic hypogonadism; LH: luteinizing hormone; PCR: polymerase chain reaction

The role of PKG in oocyte maturation of zebrafish

Recently the importance of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway in oocyte maturation has been well demonstrated in several species. However, as the primary downstream effector of the cGMP signaling pathway, little is known on the role of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) in oocyte maturation. In the present study, the expression, regulation and function of PKG in oocyte maturation was investigated in zebrafish. We identified four distinct PKG coding genes (named Prkg1a, Prkg1b, Prkg2, and Prkg3) in zebrafish. All prkgs are expressed in the ovary, and both prkg1a and prkg1b could be regulated by human chronic gonadotropin in follicular cells during oocyte maturation. We found that a cGMP analogue, 8-Br-cGMP, could stimulate oocyte maturation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Such stimulatory effects of cGMP could be totally blocked by a PKG specific inhibitor, KT-5823. Intriguingly, we further found KT5823 could significantly attenuate spontaneous oocyte maturation in intact follicles but not in the denuded oocytes, suggesting that the activity of PKG in follicular cells is important for oocyte maturation. All of these results clearly demonstrate that PKG is involved in oocyte maturation in zebrafish.

Two controls of cell proliferation underlie cancer relapse.

Much progress has been made in understanding the basis of cancer. Current therapies can effectively shrink tumors. But they frequently relapse, metastasize to other locations, and are lethal. Effective therapies are very much needed for preventing this relapse. Creation of a eukaryotic organism commences with one original stem cell, a fertilized egg, which multiplies and differentiates. Mutations of normal stem cells can produce cancer stem cells (CSC). These cells may resist chemotherapy, proliferate, and produce new tumors. Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is composed of two proteins (alpha and beta) that bind to the cell membrane and activate a number of intracellular pathways. hCG has been shown to activate the proliferation of cancer stem cells. Cyclin dependent regulation of the adult cells is created in normal differentiation and replaces the hCG regulation of stem cells. To selectively kill the cancer stem cells conventional cancer therapies could be followed with a therapy based on inactivating human chronic gonadotrophin (HCG). For example chemically modified prostaglandins like RU486 prevent binding of the unmodified steroid to hCG and inactivate hCG.

Особливості ендокринологічного статусу та фетоплацентарного комплексу у вагітних з аденоміозом

The objective: to study the features of the endocrinological status and the fetoplacental complex in pregnant women with adenomyosis, the course of pregnancy and childbirth in these women, to develop new, systematize and improve the existing methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of complications and reproductive losses. Materials and methods. We examined 90 pregnant women who were divided into groups: 30 healthy women – control group, a comparison group of 30 women with adenomyosis receiving classic progesterone therapy and the main group of 30 women with adenomatosis who received advanced preserving, metabolic therapy and diet therapy. The condition of the feto-placental complex, the frequency of IUGR, hemodynamic disturbances on the part of the fetus, and the level of estriol, progesterone, cortisol, chronic gonadotropin (CGL), placental lactogen were evaluated. Results. The main complication in pregnant women with adenomyosis was placental dysfunction (the comparison group was 60.0% and the main group was 33.3%), whose structure was performed by compensated (58.2%) and subcompensated forms (35.8%). The frequency of preterm labor threat was 20.0% in comparison group and 13.3% in main one, while in the control group – 1 case, which is 3.3%. Frequency of SCR was in the comparison group – 20.0% and in the main – 3.3%. Low levels of estriol, progesterone, HHG, placental lactogen, increased cortisol levels in comparison and main groups were determined, and after treatment the indicators of the main group significantly improved. Conclusions. With timely correction of violations, prevention of fetoplacental insufficiency and complex treatment with the use of advanced classical progesterone therapy in combination with metabolic and diet therapy we can significantly reduce the frequency of various complications in pregnant women with adenomyosis. Key words: adenomyosis, pregnancy, non-pregnancy, diet therapy, metabolic therapy, preservation therapy, preventive care.

Association Between Progesterone Elevation on the Day of Human Chronic Gonadotropin Trigger and Pregnancy Outcomes After Fresh Embryo Transfer in In Vitro Fertilization/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Cycles.

Progesterone elevation (PE) during the late follicular phase of controlled ovarian stimulation in fresh embryo transfer in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles has been claimed to be associated with decreased pregnancy rates. However, the evidence is not unequivocal, and clinicians still have questions about the clinical validity of measuring P levels during the follicular phase of stimulated cycles. We reviewed the existing literature aimed at answering four relevant clinical questions, namely (i) Is gonadotropin type associated with PE during the follicular phase of stimulated cycles? (ii) Is PE on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) associated with negative fresh embryo transfer IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles outcomes in all patient subgroups? (iii) Which P thresholds are best to identify patients at risk of implantation failure due to PE in a fresh embryo transfer? and (iv) Should a freeze all policy be adopted in all the cycles with PE on the day of hCG? The existing evidence indicates that late follicular phase progesterone rise in gonadotropin releasing analog cycles is mainly caused by the supraphysiological stimulation of granulosa cells with exogenous follicle-stimulating hormone. Yet, the type of gonadotropin used for stimulation seems to play no significant role on progesterone levels at the end of stimulation. Furthermore, PE is not a universal phenomenon with evidence indicating that its detrimental consequences on pregnancy outcomes do not affect all patient populations equally. Patients with high ovarian response to control ovarian stimulation are more prone to exhibit PE at the late follicular phase. However, in studies showing an overall detrimental effect of PE on pregnancy rates, the adverse effect of PE on endometrial receptivity seems to be offset, at least in part, by the availability of good quality embryo for transfer in women with a high ovarian response. Given the limitations of the currently available assays to measure progesterone at low ranges, caution should be applied to adopt specific cutoff values above which the effect of progesterone rise could be considered detrimental and to recommend “freeze-all” based solely on pre-defined cutoff points.

A Prospective Case-control Trial to Evaluate and Compare the Efficacy and Safety of Atosiban versus Placebo in In vitro Fertilization-embryo Transfer Program.

Background:Recent developments in assisted reproductive technology focus on potential advances to improve its success rate. Atosiban, a combined oxytocin/vasopressin V1a receptor antagonist, is a novel class of drug involved in basic priming of the uterus for successful implantation during embryo transfer (ET).Objectives:The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of atosiban (study group) in ET patients in comparison to placebo (control group) regarding implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and ongoing pregnancy rate and to assess the safety profile of atosiban.Materials and Methods:A total of 320 women undergoing in vitro fertilization-ET at a tertiary care hospital were enrolled in the study. In the study group, atosiban was given as initial intravenous (IV) bolus injection 0.9 ml (6.75 mg), 30 min before ET followed by continuous IV infusion of atosiban. In the control group, placebo (normal saline) was infused at the same rate and dose. Pregnancy was confirmed 14 days after ET by β-human chronic gonadotropin level. IR and CPR were determined by doing transvaginal sonography 3 weeks and 6 weeks postET, respectively.Results:In women with atosiban treatment, the positive pregnancy rate and CPRs were 41.25% and 36.25%, respectively. The IR per embryo transferred was 17.5%. No major side effects of atosiban were noted among enlisted patients. The miscarriage rate and ectopic pregnancy rate were low (12.12% and 4.54%, respectively). Forty-two women had singleton gestation, while twin and triplet pregnancies were encountered in 13 and 3 women, respectively. No congenital anomalies were observed during an antenatal scan at 18–20 weeks in ongoing pregnancies. The positive pregnancy rate, the CPR, and the IR in the control group was 35%, 30%, and 16.5%, respectively, which was significantly lower than the atosiban group.Conclusion:Atosiban reduces uterine contractions and increases endomyometrial perfusion, both of which have potential benefits regarding improved IRs, CPR, and ongoing pregnancy rates. Atosiban has a good embryonic safety profile.

Correlation between Three Pregnancy Characteristics (Age, Parity, βhCG Level) and pAkt Immunoexpression on Complete Hydatidiform Mole

The incidence of hydatidiform mole as pregnancy failure is still high in Asia, leading to high mortality and morbidity. Several risk factors play roles in the occurrence of hydatidiform mole, including age and parity. Until now, β-human chronic gonadotropin (βhCG) is used to predict the risk and development of hydatidiform mole. Akt, also known as protein kinase B (PKB), is a downstream effector of the intracellular phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway, which is a central regulatory pathway for cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, and survival. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between three pregnancy characteristics i.e. age, parity, levels of βhCG and pAkt immunoexpression. Cross sectional study was conducted on 30 samples of complete hydatidiform mole (CHM). The βhCG content was measured by ELISA method. The immunoexpression of pAkt was measured by immunohistochemical staining using the phospho-Akt antibody (Ser473) (736E11) Rabbit mAb # 3787 (CST). Cells with positive pAkt immuno-expression showed brown color. The stronger the intensity of the visible brown color, the higher the level of expression. pAkt immunoexpression level was then expressed as histoscore value, which was calculated using staining intensity and positively-stained-cell distribution number. When the immuno-expression level was high, its histoscore value would be high too. Results of this study showed that the histoscore of pAkt samples ranged from 0-16 with a median value 4, and the most samples (56.7%) had histoscore ≤ 4. Correlation coefficient (p) value that was used in this study was 0.01. Correlation between two variables was significant if p βhCG level and pAkt immunoexpression showed statistically significant correlation (p = 0.00). It was concluded that there was no significant correlation between maternal age and parity and pAkt immunoxpression (p > 0.01), but there was a significant correlation between βhCG levels and pAkt immunoxpression (p

Impacts of GnRH, PMSG and HCG Treatments on Follicular Diameter, Conception and Lambing Rates of Egyptian Ewe Lambs Using Intravaginal Sponges

ABSTRACTThe influence of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), Pregnant Mare SerumGonadotropin (PMSG) and human Chronic Gonadotropin (hCG) on some reproductive responses ofEgyptian ewe lambs was evaluated. Twenty five animals (aged 8 – 12 months and weighed 27 - 33Kg) were divided into 5 groups ( 5 ewe lambs each). Group (1) served as a control, Group (2),received vaginal sponges impregnated with MAP (60 mg medroxy progesterone acetate) for 14 days,during this period, animals fed 3 kg Berseem, (Trifolium alexandrinum) plus 500 gm concentrate /head/ day. Group (3), received vaginal sponges impregnated with (60 mg, MAP) for 14 days, on theday of sponge removal; each animal injected by PMSG (250 IU, I/M). Group (4) animals received1.25 ml Receptal (0.5 μg, GnRH) I/M, on day 0, seven days later, ewe lambs injected with 0.5 mlEstromate (125 μg. PGF2α) I/M, after 48 hours, animals treated with a second dose of GnRH. Group(5) received two injections of (0.5 ml Estromate) at days 0 and 7, respectively, after 72 hours from thesecond dose of PGF2α ewe lambs were injected 0.2 ml hCG. Heat detection was performed and transrectalultrasound scanning also performed to confirm estrus, pregnancy and follicular diameter. Theresults revealed that, administration of PMSG (group 3) reduced the interval to estrus (the onset ofheat /hours) significantly (P< 0.01) compared with control and other groups. Regarding conceptionand lambing rates, groups 2, 3, & 4 had affected significantly (P˂ 0.01) compared to groups 1 & 5.Follicular diameter (mm) tended to increase significantly in treated groups than the control one.Results suggest that, tested hormones have effect on selected reproductive responses of Egyptian ewelambs while administration of PMSG (Group 3) has the best response compared to other hormonaltreatments.

Analysis of different clinical and biological Factors affecting Pregnancy Rate in frozen-thawed embryo transfer

Frozen embryo transfer (FET) is an important part of present-day IVF/ ICSI treatment. There is limited understanding of the factors affecting success rates after FET. The aim of this work to study the Clinical and laboratory factors which affect clinical pregnancy rate after frozen—thawed embryo transfer.Study design: This is three-center prospective study. Analysis was carried out on 150 consecutive FET cycles during the period from 2011 - 2015. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy per cycle. We assessed the independent effect on clinical pregnancy of the following variables: female age, female age at embryo freezing, BMI, primary versus secondary infertility, cause & duration of infertility, LH/FSH ratio, protocol of fresh cycle, serum estradiol level before Human Chronic Gonadotropin (HCG) at fresh cycle, sperm source (testicular or ejaculated), day of freezing, pregnancy in the fresh cycle, storage duration of embryos, cause of, thawing method as well as number of thawed transferred embryo (s).Main results: Pregnancy rate in FET was 31%. Pregnancy rate was 21.6% in patient younger than 30 years old at fresh cycle with RR 2.31 with CI (1.72-7.37). Patients of age at FET more than 35 years to have positive outcome 9.4% of FET with 95% CI= (1.72-7.37).There was absolute risk increase of 2.91 between the two BMI groups (>=30 & 3 thawed embryos was transferred (odds ratio (OR) 0.34 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.12-0.97).Conclusion: Increased number of transferred thawed embryos is associated with increased clinical pregnancy; Age, BMI, cause of infertility, semen parameters, pregnancy at fresh cycle, endometrial thickness on the thawed embryo transfer day and cause of freezing. Number of transferred thawed embryos affected independently the clinical pregnancy rate in FET.

Nuclear progestin receptor (pgr) knockouts in zebrafish demonstrate role for pgr in ovulation but not in rapid non-genomic steroid mediated meiosis resumption.

Progestins, progesterone derivatives, are the most critical signaling steroid for initiating final oocyte maturation (FOM) and ovulation, in order to advance fully-grown immature oocytes to become fertilizable eggs in basal vertebrates. It is well-established that progestin induces FOM at least partly through a membrane receptor and a non-genomic steroid signaling process, which precedes progestin triggered ovulation that is mediated through a nuclear progestin receptor (Pgr) and genomic signaling pathway. To determine whether Pgr plays a role in a non-genomic signaling mechanism during FOM, we knocked out Pgr in zebrafish using transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and studied the oocyte maturation phenotypes of Pgr knockouts (Pgr-KOs). Three TALENs-induced mutant lines with different frame shift mutations were generated. Homozygous Pgr-KO female fish were all infertile while no fertility effects were evident in homozygous Pgr-KO males. Oocytes developed and underwent FOM normally in vivo in homozygous Pgr-KO female compared to the wild-type controls, but these mature oocytes were trapped within the follicular cells and failed to ovulate from the ovaries. These oocytes also underwent normal germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and FOM in vitro, but failed to ovulate even after treatment with human chronic gonadotropin (HCG) or progestin (17α,20β-dihydroxyprogesterone or DHP), which typically induce FOM and ovulation in wild-type oocytes. The results indicate that anovulation and infertility in homozygous Pgr-KO female fish was, at least in part, due to a lack of functional Pgr-mediated genomic progestin signaling in the follicular cells adjacent to the oocytes. Our study of Pgr-KO supports previous results that demonstrate a role for Pgr in steroid-dependent genomic signaling pathways leading to ovulation, and the first convincing evidence that Pgr is not essential for initiating non-genomic progestin signaling and triggering of meiosis resumption.