Estrogen Concentrations Research Articles

Fecal metabolite and blood steroid concentration patterns in relation to reproductive behavior during the ovarian cycle of African lions (Panthera leo)

To develop successful ex-situ breeding programs for the conservation of threatened wildlife, an understanding of reproductive endocrinology in the species of interest is essential. Fecal hormone metabolite patterns are widely used in this regard, but limited information is available regarding how these reflect blood hormone profiles. This study aimed to longitudinally monitor and compare circulating progestagen (sP) and estrogen (sE) concentrations, as well as fecal progestagen (fPM) and estrogen (fEM) metabolite concentrations with observed reproductive behaviors of African lionesses. For 18 months, blood sampling (n = 309) from five captive lionesses took place 1–7 times per week during positive reinforcement training. In parallel, over a period of 9 months, fecal samples (n = 129) from four of these lionesses were searched for daily and collected when found. Daily behavioral monitoring of all females enabled classification of reproductive stage according to presence/absence of characteristic behavioral events (i.e., “allowing mount”, “copulation”, “flirting run”, “lordosis”, “purring”, and “rolling”). Competitive enzyme immunoassays were used for steroid quantification. In total, 11 an-ovulatory and 16 ovulatory cycles (7 pregnancies and 9 pseudo-pregnancies) were assessed. When compared, the pattern of fecal hormone metabolite concentrations matched reproductive behavior more reliably than circulating steroid concentrations. Both sP and fPM patterns were correlated (n = 51; r = 0.86) and enabled identification of luteal phases, which helped to distinguish between pregnant and non-pregnant females. In contrast, detection of estrus by measurement of sE and fEM was not accurate regardless of the matrix evaluated.

Alkylphenols disrupt estrogen homeostasis via diradical cross-coupling reactions: A novel pathway of endocrine disruption

Estrogen, being an essential class of sex hormone, is an important target of endocrine disruption chemicals. It is well known that environmental disruptors could activate or inhibit estrogen receptors, acting as agonists or antagonists, and thus affect the circulating estrogen concentrations. Here, we report enzyme-mediated diradical cross-coupling reactions between alkylphenols (e.g., 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol [DBP], 4-nonylphenol [4-NP], and 4-tert-octylphenol [4-t-OP]) and estrogens (e.g., estradiol [E2]) that generate coupling metabolites and disrupt estrogen homeostasis. Among the phenolic xenobiotics, the screening of metabolic products revealed that alkylphenols had the highest reaction activities and generated coupling metabolites with high abundances (DBP-O-E2, 4-t-OP-O-E2, and 4-NP-O-E2). The coupling reactions were catalyzed by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and verified by the detection of the coupling products in general populations. In vitro and in vivo exposures together with CYP3A4 inhibition demonstrated that cross-coupling reactions of phenols and E2 significantly reduced the normal levels of E2. We further established a unique spin-trapping-based high-throughput screening method to show the existence of diradicals in the coupling reaction. Density functional theory calculations revealed that spin aromatic delocalization was the fundamental cause of the high rebound barrier and sufficient lifetime of phenoxy radicals that enabled phenolic cross-coupling triggered by cytochrome P450. The identified mechanistic details for diradical cross-coupling reactions provide a novel pathway for phenolic chemicals to disrupt estrogen homeostasis.

A randomized clinical trial of transdermal (gel) versus oral estrogen for endometrial preparation in frozen embryo transfer cycle.

The aim of this study was to compare endometrial thickness with the use of transdermal estrogen (gel) versus oral estrogen (pills) for endometrial preparation in the frozen embryo transfer cycle and serum estrogen concentrations during the preparation cycle, side effects, and chemical and clinical pregnancy rates. This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial of women undergoing endometrial preparation for cryopreserved blastocyst transfer. A total of 88 women were randomized, of which 82 completed the study protocol. Of this group, 44 received 6 mg/day of estradiol valerate orally (pills group) and 38 received 4.5 mg/day of estradiol hemihydrate transdermally (gel group). Endometrial thickness was measured using transvaginal ultrasound between the 7 and 10th day of the cycle. Serum estradiol concentrations were measured on the day of initiating the cycle, on control transvaginal ultrasounds, and on the day of embryo transfer. Side effects were documented at each study visit. p<0.05 were adopted as statistically significant. The groups were compared using Student's t-test for continuous variables and chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. There were no significant group differences (p>0.05) in endometrial thickness, biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates, miscarriage rate, blood estradiol concentrations, duration of estradiol administration, or cycle cancellation rates. Endometrial preparation with transdermal estrogen yielded similar reproductive outcomes to oral estrogen with fewer side effects.

The differences of electrical resistance values of vaginal mucus (ERVM) in yearling and mature saanen goats

It has been reported that during the oestrous cycle, an increase in the volume of cervical mucus occurs due to the influence of high oestrogen concentration on vaginal vasodilation, leading to a decrease in the electrical resistance of vaginal mucus (ERVM) as the goat approaches estrus. The present study aims to understand the differences between yearling (n:14) and mature (n:22) Saanen goats when continuous measurements of ERVM were taken by using the digital Draminski® device (Draminski Electronics, Poland). Oestrus was synchronized using intravaginal sponges and the ERVM measurement was taken every 6 hours right after the sponge removal until insemination. The results indicate that ERVM measurements for mature Saanen goats were significantly lower at 0, 6, 12, 30, 36, and 42 hours compared to those of yearling Saanen goats. Additionally, within the yearling Saanen group, there was a significant difference between the measurement taken at the 18th hour and the measurements taken at other time points. Furthermore, as goats approached estrus, the differences in ERVM measurements between mature and yearling Saanen goats disappeared. Based on these results, the ERVM values in yearling Saanen goats can be reliably used for predicting time of estrus, while a more cautious approach should be taken for mature Saanen goats.

Comparative characteristics of healthy pregnant women and non-healthy pregnant women

We carried out a systematic search by using a literature about the issue of our interest in the PubMed and Scopus search databases. We systematically searched the literature published from December 1, 2019 to July 30, 2021 across multiple databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and the WHO COVID-19 database using the following keywords: “COVID-19” and “pregnancy”. Filter by date: March 1, 2020-until March 1, 2021. We have made a review of the literature on the issue of our interest in the PubMed and Scopus search databases. Based on our understanding, we want to present a small literary review. Changes in the cardiorespiratory and immune systems during pregnancy increase woman's susceptibility to severe infection and hypoxic compromise, but at the same time they may also delay diagnosis and source control in those who have only mild upper respiratory symptoms such as sore throat and nasal congestion; the latter are observed in 5% of patients with COVID-19. With gestational rhinitis, it should also be noted that in pregnant women the content of estrogen, β-estradiol increases, which increases the reactivity of the immune system. Therefore, the intensity of seizures during gestation can increase significantly. However, a high con-centration of estrogen disrupts vascular motility, causing vasomotor rhinitis during pregnancy, usually affects a fifth of healthy women in late pregnancy and leads to severe nasal congestion and rhinorrhea; these signs can mask the symptoms of COVID-19, leading to uncontrolled viral shedding and trans-mission. Dyspnea occurs in 18% of patients with COVID-19.

EPIDEMIOLOGIC GEROSCIENCE INNOVATIONS AT THE NEXUS OF REPRODUCTIVE AGING AND WOMEN’S HEALTH

Abstract Signs of reproductive aging in women usually begin in women’s 30s and co-occur with declining circulating estrogen concentrations and irregular menstrual cycle onset. Menopause, defined by cessation in menstruation for ≥1 year, occurs on average at age 51 years, but about 1% experience menopause before age 40. Menopause and reproductive aging contribute to multiple health conditions such as certain cancers; however, a less studied condition is the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). GSM signs and symptoms include vulvovaginal atrophy, vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections, and more. Additionally, menopause leads to increased risk of osteoporosis, dementia, and other aging-related conditions. Given the multifactorial implications of reproductive aging in women’s health, an interdisciplinary geroscience-guided framework for epidemiology of aging is needed to identify biological contributors and consequences of reproductive aging to develop healthspan-enhancing interventions. In this symposium, we present five new developments across multiple stages of reproductive aging, consistent with meeting theme “Building Bridges. Catalyzing Research. Empowering All Ages”. Among women aged 35-60 years, we assess the role of cervical “inflamm-aging” in GSM; diabetes and vaginal dysbiosis associations with GSM; and vaginal microbial and metabolic signatures of urinary conditions/dysfunction. Among women aged ≥65 years, we examine associations of post-hip fracture sex hormones with physical recovery and links between age and type of menopause with Alzheimer’s disease. Building on the 2021 Journals of Gerontology Series A special issue on intersections of reproductive and aging biology, we discuss opportunities to advance reproductive aging and women’s health research by combining molecular assessment with rigorous epidemiology. This is a collaborative symposium between the Epidemiology of Aging, Geroscience, and Women’s Issues Interest Groups.

Lipid profile parameters in men with coronary heart disease in different age categories in connection with sex hormone level

Aim of the study was to investigate the main components of the lipid spectrum of blood serum in patients with coronary artery disease, depending on the level of estradiol (E2), testosterone (T) and age.Material and methods. We examined 161 men aged 35–65 years (median [lower quartile; upper quartile] 53.1 [40.1; 59.4] years) with a history of myocardial infarction more than 30 days before inclusion in the study. Patients were divided into groups by age (35–55 and 56–65 years), as well as according to the content of sex hormones: T ≥ 12 nmol/l and T &lt; 12 nmol/l, E2 ≥ 0.194 nmol/l and E2 &lt; 0.194 nmol/l with double determination.Results. Of the studied components of the lipid profile, the greatest number of significant changes in men with coronary artery disease in different groups, depending on age and levels of sex steroids, had triglyceride (TG) level. In men aged 35–55 and 56–65 years with hypogonadism, TG concentration was higher compared to peers with normal androgen levels. In the older age group, relatively younger male patients, both when comparing a cohort of men with low T and with its normal values, TG content was also higher. In groups of patients with T level &gt; 12 nmol/l and ≤ 12 nmol, when controlling for height and body weight, there is a statistically significant direct association of age in men of 56–65 years with TG concentration (r = 0.483, p = 0.023 and r = 0.549, p = 0.008, respectively). It was found that in patients with coronary artery disease in the age groups of 35–55 years and 56–65 years with E2 content ≥ 0.194 nmol/l, the TG level was higher than in men with normal estrogen concentration (p = 0.008 and p = 0.033, respectively). In a partial correlation analysis with control of height and body weight in men aged 35–55 years with coronary artery disease, a statistically significant relationship was found between the level of E2 ≥ 0.194 nmol/l and TG content (r = 0.566, p = 0.009), a similar relationship independent of anthropometric parameters was verified and in the older age group (r = 0.316, p = 0.011). In a multivariate analysis, the level of TG was determined by E2 concentration, the other variables under consideration did not statistically significantly affect it.Conclusions. Hypogonadism in men in each age group studied is associated with elevated TG content. A significant role in the development of hypertriglyceridemia in men is played by hyperestrogenemia in both age groups, being an independent, independent of androgenic status, proatherogenic factor.

2D:4D-ratios among individuals with amphetamine use disorder, antisocial personality disorder and with both amphetamine use disorder and antisocial personality disorder

BackgroundThere is sufficient evidence that the index-finger-to-ring-finger-ratio (2D:4D-ratio) is associated with testosterone and estrogen exposure during the fetal stage. More specifically, a lower 2D:4D-ratio (that is; a shorter index finger, compared to a longer ring finger) was associated with a prenatally higher testosterone and lower estrogen exposure during the first trimester of the fetal stage. At a behavioral level, among adults, a lower 2D:4D-ratio was associated with a higher competitive performance among both female and male professional athletes, and with personality traits such as higher scores for mental toughness, dark triad traits, and aggressive behavior, and internet use disorder. Here, we tested, if 2D:4D-ratios differed among three clinical samples of individuals with amphetamine use disorder (AUD), antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), or both AUD and ASPD (AUD + ASPD), and when compared to healthy controls. MethodThe sample consisted of 44 individuals (mean age: 32.95 years; 22.7% females) diagnosed either with AUD (n = 25), ASPD (n = 10) or both AUD + ASPD (n = 9), and of 36 healthy controls (mean age: 23.28; 25% females). After a thorough clinical assessment, participants provided the scans of their right-hand palm to measure the lengths of their index finger and ring finger. Further, participants with AUD, ASPD and both AUD + ASPD completed a series of self-rating questionnaires on Dark Triad traits, narcissism sensitivity, and intolerance of uncertainty. ResultsCompared to healthy controls, participants with AUD, ASPD, or AUD + ASPD showed statistically significantly lower 2D:4D-ratios. Participants with AUD + ASPD showed statistically significantly lowest 2D:4D-ratios, compared to participants with AUD and compared to healthy controls. For the clinical sample, a lower 2D:4D-ratio was associated with higher Dark Triad traits. 2D:4D-ratios were unrelated to narcissism sensitivity or intolerance of uncertainty. Higher scores for Dark Triad traits were associated with higher scores for narcissism sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty. ConclusionsCompared to healthy controls, individuals with amphetamine use disorder and concomitant antisocial personality disorder (AUD + ASPD) appeared to have been exposed to particularly high prenatal testosterone and particularly low estrogen concentrations, which, at a behavioral level, might have led to a fast life history for immediate resource acquisition.

Effect of Leptin and Erythropoietin Concentration Levels on the Productive Traits on a Sample of Awassi Sheep

The most interesting results were obtained when studying the Iraqi Awassi female sheep for leptin and erythropoietin. Leptin hormone concentrations the ewes were divided into three groups according to the levels of leptin and erythropoietin concentrations, low, medium and high, as well as progesterone and estrogen concentrations, increase in ewes with medium leptin concentrations. Leptin concentration had no effect on fertility rate, but twins rates increased in ewes with medium leptin concentration. Dams milk components increased with high level of leptin, while other components remained unchanged. Similarly, erythropoietin concentration and progesterone level were linked to ewes fertility, with the highest progesterone value being 0.29 in medium ewes.

#277 : Transcriptome Analysis Revealed a Delayed and Attenuated Estrogen Response in IUA Patients

Background and Aims: Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the endometrium following a variety of insults such as endometrial damage, miscarriage, and infection. Despite current management with intrauterine adhesion separation and adjuvant therapies such as estrogen supplementation, a high recurrence rate and inadequate therapeutic response persist in some patients. More importantly, compromised endometrial proliferation in these patients lead to subsequent infertility. However, effective therapies to improve the impaired response to estrogen have yet to be identified. This study seeks to elucidate the molecular basis for the adverse estrogen response in IUA patients and to identify novel therapeutic targets. Method: Whole-Transcriptome sequencing: proliferative endometrium of normal and IUA patients. Results: By performing differential and enrichment analysis of transcriptomic data, we observed a considerable downregulation of estrogen-relatedgenesets in IUA patients. The expression of enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) serves as a hallmark of transcriptional activation. By identifying eRNAs in transcriptomic data and co-analyzing with ERa ChIPseq and H3K27ac ChIPseq datasets, we identified a series of downregulated eRNAs, which is mediated by estrogen. We further confirmed the downregulation of eRNAs and target genes. Interestingly, the expression of ESR1 is similar in both groups, we performed immunofluorescence analysis and demonstrated a considerable reduction of ERa-positive cells with a loss of nuclear localization in IUA. This finding provides further evidence of the insensitivity of IUA patients to estrogen and suggests a loss of estrogen genomic effects. Furthermore, we found that prolonging estrogen exposure time and increasing estrogen concentration partially enhanced estrogen effects in IUA patients, yet remained compromised, indicating the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Conclusion: The compromised response to estrogen in IUA patients is attributed to the attenuation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERa)-mediated genomic effect.

Using feature optimization and LightGBM algorithm to predict the clinical pregnancy outcomes after in vitro fertilization.

According to a recent report by the WHO, approximately 17.5\% (about one-sixth) of the global adult population is affected by infertility. Consequently, researchers worldwide have proposed various machine learning models to improve the prediction of clinical pregnancy outcomes during IVF cycles. The objective of this study is to develop a machine learning(ML) model that predicts the outcomes of pregnancies following in vitro fertilization (IVF) and assists in clinical treatment. This study conducted a retrospective analysis on provincial reproductive centers in China from March 2020 to March 2021, utilizing 13 selected features. The algorithms used included XGBoost, LightGBM, KNN, Naïve Bayes, Random Forest, and Decision Tree. The results were evaluated using performance metrics such as precision, recall, F1-score, accuracy and AUC, employing five-fold cross-validation repeated five times. Among the models, LightGBM achieved the best performance, with an accuracy of 92.31%, recall of 87.80%, F1-score of 90.00\%, and an AUC of 90.41%. The model identified the estrogen concentration at the HCG injection(etwo), endometrium thickness (mm) on HCG day(EM TNK), years of infertility(Years), and body mass index(BMI) as the most important features. This study successfully demonstrates the LightGBM model has the best predictive effect on pregnancy outcomes during IVF cycles. Additionally, etwo was found to be the most significant predictor for successful IVF compared to other variables. This machine learning approach has the potential to assist fertility specialists in providing counseling and adjusting treatment strategies for patients.

A multiscale model of the role of microenvironmental factors in cell segregation and heterogeneity in breast cancer development.

We analyzed a quantitative multiscale model that describes the epigenetic dynamics during the growth and evolution of an avascular tumor. A gene regulatory network (GRN) formed by a set of ten genes that are believed to play an important role in breast cancer development was kinetically coupled to the microenvironmental agents: glucose, estrogens, and oxygen. The dynamics of spontaneous mutations was described by a Yule-Furry master equation whose solution represents the probability that a given cell in the tissue undergoes a certain number of mutations at a given time. We assumed that the mutation rate is modified by a spatial gradient of nutrients. The tumor mass was simulated by means of cellular automata supplemented with a set of reaction diffusion equations that described the transport of microenvironmental agents. By analyzing the epigenetic state space described by the GRN dynamics, we found three attractors that were identified with cellular epigenetic states: normal, precancer and cancer. For two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) tumors we calculated the spatial distribution of the following quantities: (i) number of mutations, (ii) mutation of each gene and, (iii) phenotypes. Using estrogen as the principal microenvironmental agent that regulates cell proliferation process, we obtained tumor shapes for different values of estrogen consumption and supply rates. It was found that he majority of mutations occurred in cells that were located close to the 2D tumor perimeter or close to the 3D tumor surface. Also, it was found that the occurrence of different phenotypes in the tumor are controlled by estrogen concentration levels since they can change the individual cell threshold and gene expression levels. All results were consistently observed for 2D and 3D tumors.

Glut4 expression in pro-atherogenic monocytes is associated with estrogen induced ROS formation

Abstract Background Glucose transporter (GLUT) 4 was shown to be expressed on monocytes with dynamic alterations. Moreover, increased formation of monocyte related reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an important marker for atherosclerosis and estrogen is known to increase ROS. However, the impact of estrogen on human monocytes have not been investigated. This is of great importance as a high number of aging women receive hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to meno-pause symptoms. This was shown to be associated with high risk for ischemic events. In this study, we investigated the impact of estrogen on human monocytes about membrane expression of GLUT4 and ROS formation. Methods In this pilot study, we investigated human leukocytes from 88 healthy volunteers (54 female and 34 male) and 114 patients (56 female and 58 male) treated in the department of Cardiology, Pneumology and Vascular medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf. Buffy coat was extracted out of whole blood by centrifugation and analysed by flow-cytometry. Amount of CD14+ and CD16+ monocytes was measured in % of all leukocytes in all participants. ROS and GLUT4 expression were assessed for monocyte type in dependence from increasing estrogen concentrations in a sub cohort by in-vitro incubation representing physiological peak and HRT concentrations (0, 500 and 2000 pM). Results Mean age of healthy volunteers was 31,2 years. Mean age of patients was 75,9 years. In patients, 51% were male, 58% had arterial hypertension, 33% diabetes mellitus type II, 16% were smokers and 19% were obese. Antiatherogenic monocytes (CD16+) were stable in males but decreased with age in females (female: r=-0.3130 p=0.0010; male: r=-0.1011 p=0.3946). In contrast, pro-atherogenic monocytes (CD14+) increased with age in females (female: r=0.4013 p=&amp;lt;0.0001; male: r=0.09135 p=0.4389). Increasing estrogen concentrations induced ROS formation in all monocytes in a dose dependent manner (0 – 947±124, 500 - 1312±258, 2000 - 1248±629 geometric mean, p=0.0327 [one-way ANOVA]). Separation in CD14+ and CD16+ monocytes revealed that this effect was only driven by increase in CD14+ monoctyes (0 - 1021±325, 500- 1160±239, 2000 – 513 geometric mean, p=0.0179), whereby CD16+ monocytes did not show relevant increase. GLUT4 membrane expression was inversely related to increasing estrogen levels with decrease in CD14+ (0 - 578±81, 500- 498±55, 2000- 507±41 geometric mean, p=0.0131) and numerical reduction in CD16+ monocytes by high estrogen levels (0- 592±77, 500 - 544±80, 2000- 537±72 geometric mean, p=0.0784) Conclusion In this study, we could show that high estrogen levels induce decrease of GLUT4 membrane expression in human monocytes. This might be associated with increased ROS formation in pro-atherogenic CD14+ monocytes which are already increased with age in women. This might reflect a relevant mechanism for the increased rate of ischemic events by HRT.

Marine-derived Ca-Mg complex influences lipid and glucose metabolism, serum metabolites, colostrum profile, and stress hormone in sows over four-parity periods.

Minerals is required small amounts among various nutrients, but it has a significant impact on sow longevity and reproduction performance. This study was carried out to see the beneficial effects of marine-derived Ca-Mg complex on the reproductive performance of sows during four-parity periods. Seventy-two gilts ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc), with an average body weight of 181 kg, were randomly allocated to three groups; CON (basal diet), 0.3LC (CON - MgO - 0.3% limestone + 0.4% Ca-Mg complex), and 0.7LC (CON - MgO - 0.7% limestone + 0.4% Ca-Mg complex). During parity 3 and 4, the expression level of SCD gene was lower in the umbilical cord of piglets born to 0.3LC and 0.7LC sows compared with the CON sows. During parity 2, 3 and 4, SLC2A2 and FABP4 gene expressions were higher in the umbilical cord of piglets born to 0.7LC sows and the placenta of sows from 0.3LC groups, respectively. Ca-Mg complex increased (p < 0.05) Ca and Mg concentrations in sows and their piglets' serum as well as in colostrum regardless of parities. The serum vitamin D concentration was higher (p < 0.05) in their first parity, whereas serum prolactin and estrogen concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) during the fourth and third parity, respectively. The growth hormone concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in the piglets born to sows during the first and second parity. The fat and immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations in colostrum were higher (p < 0.05) during the third and fourth parity, respectively. A reduction (p < 0.05) in salivary cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine concentrations was observed in 0.3LC and 0.7LC sow groups compared with CON after farrowing regardless of parity, however before farrowing, a reduction in norepinephrine was observed. Before farrowing, the epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) during the first and second parity. After farrowing, the concentration of these hormones was higher during the second parity. Taken together, sows' parity and dietary Ca-Mg complex supplementation influenced serum metabolites, colostrum nutrients, stress hormones as well as the gene expressions related to lipid and glucose metabolism.

Urine levels of estrogen and its metabolites in premenopausal middle-aged women with different degrees of obesity and their correlation with glucose and lipid metabolism

ObjectivesTo determine the levels of estrogen and estrogen metabolites in the urine of premenopausal women with obesity and their correlation with glucose and lipid metabolism. Methords135 premenopausal women were selected from the same area. According to the body mass index (BMI), they were divided into four different groups. High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) was adopted to detect the concentrations of estrogen and estrogen metabolites in the urine. The influencing factors of BMI were analyzed, the correlation between the urinary degrees of estrogen and estrogen metabolites and glucose and lipid metabolism levels was assessed. Results(1) The concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), 16α-hydroxyestrone (16α-OHE1) and 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) gradually increased with increasing BMI (p < 0.05). (2) Stepwise regression analysis displayed that the concentrations of E2, 16α-OHE1 and 2-OHE1 in urine were significantly positively correlated with BMI (p < 0.05). (3) The concentrations of E2, E1, 16α-OHE1, 2-OHE1 and 16α-OHE1/2-OHE1 in urine were greatly positively related to fasting insulin (FIN), Triglyceride (TG), Total Cholesterol (TC) and Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p < 0.05). And they were greatly negatively related to High-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p < 0.05). ConclusionsEarly screening can reflect the degree of obesity and glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in premenopausal middle-aged women, thereby providing guidance for improving the prognosis of obese women.

Early treatment of vulvar synechiae in childhood - prevention of late complications.

Synechiae of the vulva occurs especially in girls in the so-called resting hormonal period with a minimal serum concentration of estrogens. If the external genitalia of the girl are not treated properly, the mucous membrane of the vaginal entrance is not regularly checked and mechanically removed, then the smegma of the opposite mucous membranes of the vulva can stick together. The place of the adhesion of epithelium in the vaginal introitus can be covered by a new epithelium and can create a firm adhesion, synechiae of the vulva, which is usually asymptomatic and is discovered incidentally during pediatric examination. Clinically significant vulvar synechiae can cause impaired bladder evacuation and recurrent lower urinary tract infections. Dissection of synechiae in the stage of conglutination or thin adhesion is performed manually on an outpatient basis, but extensive and firm adhesions must be divided surgically under general anesthesia. Local application of cream with estriol or betamethasone is also used for the therapy of synechiae of the vulva, but this treatment is more time-consuming compared to rapid manual separation and requires good compliance of the girls and their parents. The prevention of synechiae is based on the education of parents by pediatricians and gynecologists about the need for regular checks of the external genitalia and sufficient hygiene.

Ruling out Efficacy of Hormonal Protocols alone or Fortified with Mineral and Bypass Fat for Treatment of Postpartum Anoestrus in Cattle

Background: High milk production and excellent fertility is a dream of livestock owners.The major reproductive disorders which lead to decrease the productivity and reproductive ability of farm animals is postpartum anestrous.Recently, kisspeptin was reported as game changer in the animal reproduction. Kisspeptin increases the number of follicles at wave emergence, oestrus response rate and duration of oestrus. Thus, indicating its potentiality for induction of oestrus in anestrous animals. Methods: The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy of Ovsynch and kisspeptin protocol and need of fortification for treatment of postpartum anestrous.Fifty postpartum anestrous cows were selected. The animals were divided into four treatment groups (10 cows in each) and treated with Ovsynch (Group I), Ovsynch fortified with mineral mixture (MM) and bypass fat (BPF) (Group II), kisspeptin (Group III) and kisspeptin fortified with MM +BPF (Group IV). The remaining 10 cows served as control (Group V). The oestrus response was recorded on the basis of behavioral signs, physical signs and clinico-gynaecological changes. The blood was collected following treatment for hormonal estimation. The pregnancy was confirmed on day 45 post AI using ultrasound. Result: The oestrusresponse was pronounced in Ovsynch as compared to kisspeptin groups. Further, fortification has enhanced the response. The serum oestrogen concentration increased following treatment and was significantly high on day of onset of oestruswith highest concentration in group II. The results indicate Ovsynchdistinguishly succeeded in addressing postpartum anestrus with fortification enhances fertility response.However, kisspeptin also emerged as a potent candidate for the resumption of cyclicity.

Degradation kinetics of veterinary antibiotics and estrogenic hormones in a claypan soil

Veterinary antibiotics and estrogens are excreted in livestock waste before being applied to agricultural lands as fertilizer, resulting in contamination of soil and adjacent waterways. The objectives of this study were to 1) investigate the degradation kinetics of the VAs sulfamethazine and lincomycin and the estrogens estrone and 17β-estradiol in soil mesocosms, and 2) assess the effect of the phytochemical DIBOA-Glu, secreted in eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides) roots, on antibiotic degradation due to the ability of DIBOA-Glu to facilitate hydrolysis of atrazine in solution assays. Mesocosm soil was a silt loam representing a typical claypan soil in portions of Missouri and the Central United States. Mesocosms (n = 133) were treated with a single target compound (antibiotic concentrations at 125 ng g−1 dw, estrogen concentrations at 1250 ng g−1 dw); a subset of mesocosms treated with antibiotics were also treated with DIBOA-Glu (12,500 ng g−1 dw); all mesocosms were kept at 60% water-filled pore space and incubated at 25 °C in darkness. Randomly chosen mesocosms were destructively sampled in triplicate for up to 96 days. All targeted compounds followed pseudo first-order degradation kinetics in soil. The soil half-life (t0.5) of sulfamethazine ranged between 17.8 and 30.1 d and ranged between 9.37 and 9.90 d for lincomycin. The antibiotics results showed no significant differences in degradation kinetics between treatments with or without DIBOA-Glu. For estrogens, degradation rates of estrone (t0.5 = 4.71–6.08 d) and 17β-estradiol (t0.5 = 5.59–6.03 d) were very similar; however, results showed that estrone was present as a metabolite in the 17β-estradiol treated mesocosms and vice-versa within 24 h. The antibiotics results suggest that sulfamethazine has a greater potential to persist in soil than lincomycin. The interconversion of 17β-estradiol and estrone in soil increased their overall persistence and sustained soil estrogenicity. This study demonstrates the persistence of these compounds in a typical claypan soil representing portions of the Central United States.

Naturally menstruating women exhibit lower cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity than oral contraceptive users during the lower hormone phase.

The present study evaluated cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) across the menstrual/pill cycle in naturally menstruating women (NAT women) and women using oral hormonal contraceptives (OCP women). In 21 NAT women (23±4 years old) and 22 OCP women (23±3 years old), cardiovagal BRS and circulating concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were evaluated during the lower hormone (early follicular/placebo pill) and higher hormone (late follicular to early luteal/active pill) phases. During the lower hormone phase, cardiovagal BRS up, down and mean gain were lower in NAT women (15.6±8.3, 15.2±6.1 and 15.1±7.1ms/mmHg) compared with OCP women (24.7±9.4, 22.9±8.0 and 23.0±8.0ms/mmHg) (P=0.003, P=0.002 and P=0.003, respectively), and higher oestrogen (R2 =0.15, P=0.024), but not progesterone (R2 =0.06, P=0.18), concentrations were predictive of lower BRS mean gain. During the higher hormone phase, higher progesterone concentrations were predictive of lower BRS mean gain (R2 =0.12, P=0.024). A multivariate regression model revealed group (NAT or OCP) to be a significant predictor of cardiovagal BRS mean gain in the lower hormone phase when hormone concentrations were adjusted for (R2 =0.36, P=0.0044). The multivariate regression model was not significant during the higher hormone phase (P>0.05). In summary, cardiovagal BRS is lower in NAT compared with OCP women during the lower hormone phase of the menstrual/pill cycle and might be associated with higher oestrogen concentrations. In contrast, during the higher hormone phase of the menstrual/OCP cycle, higher progesterone concentrations were predictive of lower cardiovagal BRS. NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Does cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) differ between naturally menstruating women (NAT women) and women using oral contraceptives (OCP women)? What is the main finding and its importance? The main findings are as follows: (1) NAT women exhibit lower cardiovagal BRS than OCP women during the lower hormone phase of the menstrual or pill cycle; and (2) circulating oestrogen concentrations are significant predictors of cardiovagal BRS during the lower hormone phase, with higher oestrogen concentrations predicting lower BRS. The present data advance our understanding of the effect of endogenous ovarian hormones and OCP use on cardiovascular control mechanisms.

Effects of Reclaimed Water Irrigation on Grain Quality and Endogenous Estrogen Concentrations of Winter Wheat

Reclaimed water irrigation can effectively alleviate the shortage of water resources in arid and semi-arid areas; however, reclaimed water contains organic pollutants that may enter the agricultural production environment through irrigation, such as endogenous estrogens, so people have always paid attention to the safety of reclaimed water irrigation. In this paper, we studied the effects of reclaimed water irrigation, groundwater irrigation, and alternating irrigation of the two water sources on grain quality, as well as endogenous estrogen concentrations of winter wheat and topsoil in the North China Plain during 2015–2016. The results show that the concentrations of crude protein, total soluble sugar, crude ash, crude starch, and reduction-type vitamin C (reduction-type VC) in the winter wheat grains were 12.5–16.4%, 0.85–2.15%, 1.85–3.28%, 61.5–75.0%, and 4.9–16.0 mg/kg, respectively. There were no significant differences in these quality indexes among the irrigation treatments (p &gt; 0.05). The concentrations of endogenous estrogen in the surface soil and winter wheat grain under all irrigation treatments were 0.34–4.01 μg/kg and below the limits of detection (ND)–3.71 μg/kg, respectively. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of endogenous estrogen in the soil and wheat grain among the different irrigation treatments (p &gt; 0.05). The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of the endogenous estrogen in the soil–winter wheat system was 0.08–1.90, and there was no significant difference in the BCF among the irrigation treatments (p &gt; 0.05). Compared with groundwater irrigation, reclaimed water irrigation did not significantly affect endogenous estrogen concentrations in the soil and winter wheat, as well as the bioconcentration factors.