Serum FSH Concentrations Research Articles

Concentrações séricas hormonais em vacas azebuadas submetidas à baixa e alta ingestão alimentar

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência da ingestão alimentar nas concentrações séricas de hormônios reprodutivos e metabólicos em vacas azebuadas. Dezoito vacas foram divididas em dois grupos: 170% (alta ingestão = A) e 66% (baixa ingestão = B) da dieta de manutenção. Com 21 dias nas dietas experimentais, as vacas tiveram o estro sincronizado. Posteriormente, os ovários foram avaliados por ultra-sonografia transretal e sangue foi coletado diariamente até o dia 7 do ciclo (ovulação = dia 1). Na análise estatística, utilizou-se o teste t. As vacas ganharam 1,1 kg por dia no grupo A e perderam 1,5 kg por dia de PV no grupo B. Apesar de não ter havido diferença entre os grupos no diâmetro máximo do folículo ovulatório, o grupo A apresentou pico pré-ovulatório de estradiol sérico menor. Não foi observada diferença entre os grupos quanto ao volume luteal e concentração sérica de progesterona no dia 7 do ciclo e de FSH, IGF-I e insulina séricos no período peri-ovulatório. As dietas experimentais não alteraram a função ovariana e as concentrações séricas de hormônios reprodutivos e metabólicos, com exceção do estradiol, sugerindo que, no grupo de alta ingestão, ocorreu maior metabolismo desse hormônio.

Variations in pituitary-gonadal suppression during intranasal buserelin and intramuscular depot-triptorelin therapy for central precocious puberty. Belgian Study Group for Pediatric Endocrinology.

This study evaluated pubertal development, growth and pituitary-gonadal suppression in 21 patients with central precocious puberty treated with buserelin intranasally and switched after a mean of 2.1 yr to depot-triptorelin given im for 1 year. Arrest or regression of puberty was observed in 12 patients while progression of puberty during therapy was seen in 9 patients (6 on buserelin, 2 on triptorelin and 1 on both therapies). The increment in serum LH and FSH concentrations after sc injection of short-acting triptorelin was greater on buserelin than on triptorelin therapy, particularly in patients with evidence of progression of puberty. Height velocity during therapy showed a reduction which paralleled the decelerating phase of the normal pubertal growth spurt. The rate of bone maturation during therapy was inversely related to pretreatment bone age. Predicted final height showed marked individual variations which were inversely related to predicted adult height before therapy. These data indicate that differences in the nature and route of administration of Gn-RH agonist therapy for central precocious puberty can be of importance for inhibition of pituitary gonadotropin secretion and development of secondary sex characteristics. Height velocity and bone maturation are age-related and the change in predicted adult height depends on pretreatment level.

Anti-FSH antibodies associate with poor outcome of ovarian stimulation in IVF

FSH is required for spontaneous folliculogenesis and is widely used in ovarian stimulation in IVF. Previously, increased concentrations of antibodies against FSH (anti-FSH) have been demonstrated in infertile women. This study aimed to: (i) assess the possible association of anti-FSH with an adverse outcome of IVF with regard to clinical parameters characterizing the ovarian reserve; and (ii) compare serum and follicular fluid (FF) anti-FSH concentrations in relation to follicle size and endocrine markers. IVF patients ( n = 182) subjected to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone-antagonist protocol were assessed for anti-FSH using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Increased concentrations of serum anti-FSH immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgA were associated with impaired ovarian stimulation outcome, with cut-off values >1.0 arbitrary units predicting poor ovarian response (≤3 oocytes) (adjusted odds ratio for IgG = 6.95, P = 0.005 and IgA = 3.60, P = 0.039). FF anti-FSH IgG and IgA were positively associated with serum anti-FSH concentrations and FSH concentration in FF. Additionally, FF anti-FSH IgG increased with follicle growth (linear regression coefficient = 0.02, P = 0.022). Collectively, these data suggest that serum anti-FSH antibodies are associated with poor ovarian response to FSH stimulation in IVF, with anti-FSH IgA and IgG potentially exerting a local FSH antagonizing effect in maturing follicles.

The ReSTAGE Collaboration: defining optimal bleeding criteria for onset of early menopausal transition

Criteria for staging the menopausal transition are not established. This article evaluates five bleeding criteria for defining early transition and provides empirically based guidance regarding optimal criteria. Prospective menstrual calendar data from four population-based cohorts: TREMIN, Melbourne Women's Midlife Health Project (MWMHP), Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study (SMWHS), and Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) with annual serum FSH from MWMHP and SWAN. 735 TREMIN, 279 SMWHS, 216 MWMHP, and 2270 SWAN women aged 35-57 at baseline who maintained menstrual calendars. Age at and time to menopause for: standard deviation >6 and >8 days, persistent difference in consecutive segments >6 days, irregularity, and >or=45 day segment. Serum FSH concentration. Most women experienced each of the bleeding criteria. Except for a persistent >6 day difference that occurs earlier, the criteria occur at a similar age and at approximately the same age as late transition in a large proportion of women. FSH was associated with all proposed markers. The early transition may be best described by ovarian activity consistent with the persistent >6 day difference, but further study is needed, as other proposed criterion are consistent with later menstrual changes.

Analysis of LHX8 mutation in premature ovarian failure

The LHX8 (LIM homeobox 8) gene encodes a LIM homeodomain transcriptional regulator that is preferentially expressed in germ cells and critical for mammalian oogenesis. The authors investigated whether nucleotide changes were present in the LHX8 gene of Caucasian women with premature ovarian failure (POF), as compared with control women. When the authors sequenced 95 Caucasian women with POF, they discovered two novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in intron 3 (c.769+10G>T) and 3' untranslated region (c.1787A>G) of the LHX8 gene. These polymorphisms also were found in controls (n = 94), at frequencies that were not statistically different from those in POF women. Mutations in the LHX8 exons are uncommon in Caucasian women with POF.

EFFECTS OF SUPRA-PHYSIOLOGICAL CONCENTRATIONS OF PROGESTERONE ON THE PATTERNS OF LH SECRETION AND OVARIAN ANTRAL FOLLICULAR WAVE DYNAMICS IN CYCLIC EWES

In the ewe, ovarian antral follicles emerge or grow from a pool of 2–3 mm follicles in a wave like pattern, reaching ≥5mm in diameter before regression or ovulation. There are 3 or 4 such follicular waves during each estrous cycle. Each wave is preceded by a peak in serum FSH concentrations. LH is secreted in a pulsatile manner (1–6 pulses per 6h) but the role of pulsed LH secretion in follicle wave emergence and growth is unclear. Progesterone exerts a negative feedback action on LH secretion. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of supra-physiological concentrations of progesterone on LH secretion and antral follicular dynamics. Starting on day 4 of the estrous cycle, six ewes (treatment group) received subcutaneous progesterone-releasing implants for 10 days. Six ewes (control group) underwent sham surgery. Daily transrectal ovarian ultrasonography and blood sampling was performed on all ewes throughout the estrous cycle. Blood samples were also taken every 12 min for 6h on day 3, day 10 and day 16 of the estrous cycle to characterize the LH secretory pattern. Subcutaneous progesteronereleasing implants resulted in supra-physiological concentrations of progesterone in treatment ewes compared to control ewes (5.3 ± 0.4 vs. 2.6 ± 0.2; P<0.05). During the period of implant insertion, the number of LH pulses (0.50 ± 0.2 vs. 1.50 ± 0.2) was lower in treatment ewes compared to control ewes (P<0.05). There was no difference in the number of FSH peaks or the amplitude of the peaks between the treatment and control ewes (P>0.05). Mean serum estradiol and FSH concentrations did not differ between groups (P>0.05). All ewes had normal follicular wave emergence prior to and during implant insertion. There was no difference in the number of follicles 1-2mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, and ≥5mm in diameter between treatment and control ewes (P>0.05). The estrous cycle length tended to be longer in treatment ewes compared to control ewes (19.3 ± 0.6 vs. 18.0 ± 0.4; P=0.1). There was no difference in the ovulation rate between the treatment and control ewes (P>0.05). We concluded that the subcutaneous progesterone releasing implants suppressed pulsatile LH secretion and tended to prolong the estrous cycle length, but did not affect FSH and ovarian antral follicular wave characteristics. Suppressing LH pulse frequency would not appear to affect ovarian antral follicular wave dynamics in cyclic ewes. (platform)

Continuous administration of low-dose GnRH in mares: II. Pituitary and ovarian responses to uninterrupted treatment beginning near the autumnal equinox and continuing throughout the anovulatory season

We tested the hypothesis that continuous subcutaneous treatment with low-dose GnRH, administered to mares from late September/early October through March, would prevent the development of seasonal anovulation. Quarter Horse mares ( n = 20) were stratified by age and body condition score and assigned randomly to either a saline control ( n = 9) or a GnRH ( n = 11) treatment group. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone was delivered continuously via osmotic minipumps, with sham pumps placed in control mares. Initial pumps were inserted on Day 3 following ovulation or during the follicular phase if the next anticipated ovulation did not occur by 9 October. Delivery rate of GnRH was 2.5 μg/h (60 μg/day) for the first 60 days, followed by 5.0 μg/h (120 μg/day) thereafter. Pumps were replaced every 30 days. Eighty and 100% of all mares had become anovulatory by 1 November and 1 December, respectively, and remained anovulatory through the end of February. Neither serum concentrations of LH throughout the study nor total releasable pools of LH in March differed between groups. Although control mares that exhibited ovulatory cycles after study onset had greater ( P < 0.05) mean concentrations of LH during the follicular phase and metestrus compared to GnRH-treated mares, neither size of ovulatory follicles nor interovulatory intervals differed between groups. Serum concentrations of FSH were not affected by treatment, but were lowest ( P < 0.05) from November through January. Continuous infusion of low-dose GnRH, beginning soon after autumnal equinox and continuing until just after vernal equinox, failed to prevent the occurrence of or to hasten transition from seasonal anovulation.

Effect of a New Phenanthroline Derivative on Testicular Tissue and Serum Testosterone Concentration and its Contraceptive Affects on Adult Balb/C Mouse Strain

In this research, the effect of 2, 6-diaminopyridinum as a new phenanthroline derivative was studied on the hypophysis-gonad axis, testicular tissue and sperm production in male Balb/C mice. Fifty adult male Balb/C mice were divided in five groups. First group was considered as untreated control. Saline was injected to second group and the remaining three groups received intraperitoneal injection of 15, 20 and 25 mg kg(-1) of 2, 6-diaminopyridinum every other day for 20 days. The LD50 was determined to be 35 mg kg(-1) body weight. The testicular tissues were studied morphologically and the serum concentration of FSH, LH and testosterone were measured. The results showed that 25 mg kg(-1) diaminopyridinum decreased the number of germ cells significantly and serum testosterone level with no change on FSH and LH levels. This study indicates that 25 mg kg(-1) of phenanthroline may directly affect testicular tissue causing a lower testosterone level and spermatogenesis in mice.

Seasonal variation in serum concentrations of reproductive hormones and urinary excretion of 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin in men living north and south of the Arctic Circle: a longitudinal study

Seasonal variation in photoperiod or temperature may influence human reproductive biology. The present study evaluated whether seasonal changes occurred in the levels of reproductive hormones and the major melatonin metabolite, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s), in populations exposed to extreme variation in photoperiod and temperature. Two separate cohorts of Norwegian men were recruited from the general population in either of two locations: Tromsø (69.5 degrees N, n = 92) or Oslo (60 degrees N, n = 112), located north and south of the Arctic Circle (66.5 degrees N), respectively. Four blood and 12-h overnight urine samples were obtained on separate occasions over a 12-month period, including during the photoperiod maximum and minimum. Serum concentrations of FSH, LH, testosterone (T), oestradiol (E(2)), SHBG and the urinary excretion of aMT6s were assessed. Statistical analysis using generalized estimating equations indicated that LH levels were lowest during early winter in both locations (both P = 0.01). In Tromsø, free T and E(2) concentrations peaked during early winter (P = 0.02 and 0.003, respectively). In Oslo, free T levels were lowest during early winter (P = 0.06) whereas E(2) levels were lowest during late summer (P < 0.001). Urinary aMT6s concentrations were lowest during early summer in Tromsø and Oslo. Concentrations peaked during early winter in Tromsø (P < 0.001) and during late winter in Oslo (P < 0.001). LH levels exhibited similar changes in both locations, whereas the patterns of changes of the sex steroid concentrations differed, possibly indicating different underlying mechanisms. Excretion of aMT6s was lowest during early summer in both locations, indicating that the long natural photoperiod was sufficient to cause suppression of melatonin secretion. Whether these changes have any biological significance remains uncertain.

Suppression of Serum Luteinizing Hormone in Postmenopausal Women by an Orally Administered Nonpeptide Antagonist of the Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor (NBI-42902)

Context: Parenteral administration of peptide GnRH analogs is widely used in clinical practice for the suppression of pituitary gonadotropins. NBI-42902 is an orally available, high-affinity nonpeptide antagonist of the human GnRH receptor. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and inhibitory effects on gonadotropin secretion of NBI-42902 in postmenopausal women. Design: This was a phase I, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose study with sequential dose escalation. Participants: Fifty-six healthy, postmenopausal women were included. FSH levels were greater than 40 IU/liter, and body mass index was within 20% of ideal values for all subjects. Interventions: Subjects were administered 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, or 200 mg NBI-42902 as an oral solution. Main Outcome Measures: Safety, tolerability, and serum LH and FSH concentrations were evaluated. Results: NBI-42902 was well tolerated. Serum LH concentrations rapidly declined, and dose-dependent suppression was obs...

Ovarian follicular and luteal dynamics in wapiti during seasonal transitions

Transitions from the anovulatory to the ovulatory season ( n = 20) and ovulatory to anovulatory season ( n = 11), were monitored daily by transrectal ultrasonography in wapiti. In 17 of 20 observations, the first interovulatory interval (IOI) was short (9.1 ± 0.3 days; mean ± S.E.M.) compared with later in the ovulatory season (21.3 ± 0.1) and the last IOI (21.2 ± 0.6 days). With one exception, the short IOI were composed of only one wave of follicular development. Subsequent IOI were composed of two or three waves. Maximum diameters of the first two ovulatory follicles were similar (11.3 ± 0.4 mm versus 11.3 ± 0.2 mm), but both were larger ( P < 0.05) than the last two ovulatory follicles of the ovulatory season (10.3 ± 0.3 and 10.1 ± 0.4 mm). Multiple ovulations occurred in three hinds at the first ovulation of the season and in one hind at the second ovulation, but were not at any other time. Day-to-day profiles of CL diameter and plasma progesterone concentration were smaller ( P < 0.05) for short versus long IOI. Maximum diameter (12.8 ± 0.6 mm versus 12.5 ± 0.6 mm) and the diameter profile of the last CL of the season were not different from that of the previous CL. In summary, transition to regular ovulation occurred over a 3-week interval and was preceded by one short IOI (9 days). Multiple ovulations were detected only at the onset of the ovulatory season. The characteristics of the last IOI of the ovulatory season were similar to those reported during the rut. The wave pattern of follicle development was maintained throughout both fall and winter transition periods and follicular wave emergence was preceded by a surge in serum FSH concentrations. Transition to anovulation occurred over a 3-month interval and was marked by a failure of the dominant follicle to ovulate after a typical luteal phase.

Chronic Treatment of Male Tammar Wallabies with Deslorelin Implants During Pouch Life: Effects on Development, Puberty, and Reproduction in Adulthood1

The present study evaluated the effects of chronic GnRH agonist (deslorelin) treatment on sexual maturation in the male tammar wallaby. Slow-release deslorelin or placebo implants were administered to male pouch young (n = 10/group) when they were between 180 and 200 days old, to determine if disruption of the pituitary-testicular axis during development altered the timing of sexual maturation or had long-term effects on adult reproductive function. Deslorelin treatment caused retardation of testicular growth and reduced the serum FSH and testosterone concentrations between 12 and 24 mo of age. Maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis was also delayed in treated animals at 13 and 19 mo of age. Despite these alterations in the pattern and timing of neuroendocrine development, sexual maturation was not permanently blocked in these animals and deslorelin-treated animals reached sexual maturity at the same age as treated animals, as evidenced by a fully functional pituitary-testicular axis and proven fertility at 25 mo of age. The ability of the treated animals to reach puberty at the same time as control animals, despite delayed maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, suggests that puberty in the male tammar wallaby is additionally regulated by other, gonadotropin-independent factors.

Effects of rhFSH dose on ovarian follicular response, oocyte recovery and embryo development in rhesus monkeys

The objective was to study the effects of dose of recombinant human follicular stimulating hormone (rhFSH) for ovarian stimulation in rhesus monkeys. Nineteen pubertal and 109 adult female rhesus monkeys were given 37.5, 18, or 9 IU of rhFSH twice-daily for 8 days (total of 600, 300, or 150 IU of rhFSH per cycle, respectively; designated Regimens 1, 2 and 3). Ovarian responses were assessed with ultrasonography, serum concentrations of E2 and FSH, and by in vitro developmental potential (following IVF) of retrieved oocytes. Regimen 1 had more monkeys with very large follicles (diameter > 8 mm) than Regimen 2 ( P < 0.05), which impaired development potential. However, there were no differences between Regimens 1 and 2 in oocyte recovery, whereas Regimen 3 did not elicit superovulation. The developmental potential of embryos obtained from Regimen 2 was higher than that of Regimen 1, as determined by culture to the blastocyst stage in vitro (proportion of blastocysts relative to collected MII oocytes was 55.8% versus 36.8% in pubertal and 63.8% versus 44.2% in adult monkeys; P < 0.05 for each), and the results of embryo transfer from Regimen 2 were acceptable. In conclusion, we inferred that the optimal rhFSH dose for ovarian stimulation in rhesus monkeys was a total of 300 IU; this dose should be efficacious for ovarian stimulation as the quality or recovered oocytes was higher and the risk of overstimulation was reduced.

Effect of oral administration of dydrogestrone versus vaginal administration of natural micronized progesterone on the secretory transformation of endometrium and luteal endocrine profile in patients with premature ovarian failure: a proof of concept

We aimed to explore the endometrial histology and endocrine profiles on day 21 of an artificial cycle in patients with premature ovarian failure (POF) treated with oral dydrogesterone (DG) or vaginal micronized progesterone. The study was designed as a prospective pilot study at an academic reproductive medicine unit. Six POF patients were included in the study. After estrogen endometrial priming, patients were randomized to receive DG or progesterone in two subsequent cycles. The main outcome measure was the endometrial histology and the endocrine profiles on day 21 of the cycle. Development of endometrial glands corresponded to an early secretory phase in five out of six cases supplemented with DG (out-phase). In contrast, five out of six cases treated with micronized progesterone showed an endometrium corresponding to a mid-luteal phase (in-phase) (P = 0.021 versus DG). There was a significant difference in the mean progesterone value [8.6 versus 0.3 microg l(-1) (P = 0.013)], the mean LH value [12.9 versus 22.5 IU l(-1) (P = 0.049)] and the mean FSH value [13.0 versus 23.9 IU l(-1) (P = 0.047)] between the progesterone and DG group, respectively, on day 21 of the cycle. After estrogen endometrial priming in POF patients, exogenous vaginal micronized progesterone is more effective than oral DG in creating an 'in-phase' secretory endometrium and induces significantly higher progesterone and lower LH and FSH serum concentrations on day 21 of the cycle.

Anti-Müllerian hormone as a predictor of IVF outcome

Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration and antral follicle count (AFC) are two increasingly popular static measures used to predict ovarian reserve prior to IVF treatment. While they have been shown to be good predictors of oocyte yield during ovarian stimulation, their status as indicators of oocyte quality and pregnancy rates is currently uncertain. The present study measured baseline concentrations of serum AMH and FSH, and AFC from 126 women undergoing IVF treatment. These data were then related to IVF outcomes. As expected, patients with lower serum AMH and AFC produced a significantly (P < 0.001) lower number of oocytes compared with patients with higher serum AMH/AFC. Fertilization rates in patients with lower serum AMH were significantly inferior compared with patients with higher serum AMH, irrespective of whether IVF (P = 0.043) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (P = 0.006) was used to achieve fertilization. These low AMH patients yielded fewer oocytes, had lower fertilization rates, generated fewer embryos, and had a higher incidence of miscarriage during fresh transfers, ultimately culminating in a halving of the pregnancy rate per IVF cycle compared with the high AMH group.

High prevalence rate of pituitary incidentaloma: Is it associated with the age-related decline of the sex hormones levels?

Incidental pituitary adenoma is the common finding during brain imaging. According to multistep model of pituitary tumourigenesis genetic alterations provide the initiating event that transforms cells while hormones play a role in promoting cell proliferation. Development of pituitary adenoma in a case of excessive hypophysiotrophic hormones production or reduced feedback suppression by target gland hormones emphasizes the importance of hormonal stimulation in pituitary tumourigenesis. Pituitary hyperplasia has been reported in pregnancy, hypothyroidism and conditions such as CRH or GHRH hypersecretion. Moreover, recent study reported one case of gonadotroph macroadenoma and two cases of gonadotroph cells hyperplasia in patients with Klinefelter syndrome probably due to protracted stimulation of gonadotroph cells because of lack of androgen feedback. Significant changes of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis occurred with aging. In females, after menopause, estradiol level decreases by 35-fold and estrone level by 20-fold that results in increased gonadotropins levels. Similarly, FSH, but not LH, level is increased with advancing age in men, too, although the age-related difference in the level is less in comparison with women. Regarding these data, we hypothesised that high prevalence rate of pituitary incidentaloma in the elderly is associated with age-related decline in sex hormones levels and subsequent lack of feedback suppression leading to permanent gonadotrophs stimulation which is the crucial step in the pituitary tumour development. According to previously mentioned multistep model of pituitary tumourigenesis, incidentaloma will develop only in persons with already present intrinsic pituitary cell defects. However, further studies have to answer the questions of whether the incidence of pituitary tumours is more frequent in elderly, whether women with late onset menopause or those taking long-term hormone replacement therapy have lower rate of pituitary incidentaloma, and finally, is there any correlation between pituitary tumours incidence and serum concentrations of LH, FSH, bioavailable testosterone or estradiol.

Impact of Obesity on female reproductive health: British Fertility Society, Policy and Practice Guidelines

Obesity has a significant adverse impact on reproductive outcome. It influences not only the chance of conception but also the response to fertility treatment, and increases the risk of miscarriage, congenital anomalies and pregnancy complications in addition to potential adverse effects on long term health of both mother and infant. Women should aim for a normal BMI before starting any form of fertility treatment. Treatment should be deferred until the BMI is less than 35 kg/m2, although in those with more time (e.g., less than 37 years; normal serum FSH concentration) a weight reduction to a BMI of less than 30 kg/m2 is preferable. Clinicians should consider deferring treatment to women outside these guidelines. Women should be provided with assistance to lose weight, including psychological support, dietary advice, exercise classes and where appropriate, weight reducing agents or bariatric surgery. Even a moderate weight loss of 5 – 10% of body weight can be sufficient to restore fertility and improve metabolic markers.

Serum concentrations of gonadotropins and steroid hormones of Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis in middle and lower regions of the Yangtze River

As a relatively isolated and unique freshwater population, the Yangtze finless porpoise ( Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis) is the most endangered subpopulation of this species. The objective of this study was to improve our understanding of their reproductive endocrinology by measuring (radioimmunoassay) serum concentrations of FSH, LH, estradiol (E 2), progesterone (P 4) and testosterone (T 2) in free-ranging animals. Blood samples were collected from 66 Yangtze finless porpoises (41 males and 25 females) captured in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Based on significant variation of serum T 2 concentrations in males with body length (BL) >138 cm, we inferred that they were mature; in these animals, there were significant seasonal variations in serum T 2 concentrations, with the highest concentrations in March and April (502.0 ± 319.8 ng/dL, mean ± S.D.) and the lowest in December (79.4 ± 83.2 ng/dL). Serum T 2 concentrations positively correlated with serum concentrations of LH and weakly correlated with serum concentrations of E 2, whereas there was a significant negative correlation between serum LH and FSH concentrations in males >138 cm. The smallest apparently pregnant female porpoise had a BL of 130 cm. Serum P 4 concentrations ranged from 13.2 to 112.4 ng/mL (43.9 ± 28.3 ng/mL) in pregnant females, and fluctuated under 1.0 ng/mL in non-pregnant females with BL > 130 cm. Serum LH concentrations were significantly higher in non-pregnant females >130 cm versus those females <130 cm. To our knowledge, this is the first study of endocrine-related maturity and seasonal breeding characteristics of the Yangtze finless porpoise.

The (TAAAA)n microsatellite polymorphism in the SHBG gene influences serum SHBG levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Hyperandrogenaemia is a common feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) gene was proposed as being a PCOS candidate gene. A possible influence of the microsatellite polymorphism (TAAAA)(n) in the SHBG gene on serum SHBG levels in PCOS patients was investigated. One hundred and twenty-three PCOS patients and 110 age-matched controls were included in the study. Peripheral blood samples were obtained. Genotyping of the (TAAAA)(n) polymorphism in the SHBG gene was performed. Serum LH, FSH, SHBG and total testosterone concentrations were determined. SHBG alleles with 6-11 TAAAA repeats were found. None of the SHBG alleles or genotypes were present at a significantly more frequent rate in PCOS patients compared with controls. Serum SHBG levels were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in PCOS patients compared with controls and were found to be strongly influenced by the (TAAAA)(n) SHBG polymorphism, in both the PCOS (55.3%) and control (33.1%) groups of patients. The (TAAAA)(n) SHBG gene polymorphism might be an important predictor for serum SHBG levels and, consequently, for hyperandrogenaemic clinical presentation of PCOS.

Association of serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin with serum estradiol in pre-, peri- and early post-menopausal women

We investigated changes in serum concentration of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), which is a sensitive marker of vitamin K status, and association of ucOC concentration with estradiol concentration in pre-, peri- and early post-menopausal women. The study population consisted of 193 pre-, peri- and post-menopausal Japanese women aged 39-66 yr. Serum ucOC concentration was measured to assess vitamin K status; serum concentrations of intact osteocalcin (OC) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) were measured as bone formation markers; and urine concentration of N-telopeptide was measured as a bone resorption marker. Serum estradiol and estrone concentrations were measured by a highly sensitive radioimmunoassay. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the lumbar spine. Serum concentration of ucOC in peri-menopausal women was significantly (p=0.0005) higher than that in pre-menopausal women, while serum OC concentration in post-menopausal women for whom 1 yr had passed since menopause was significantly (p=0.0003, p=0.024, respectively) higher than the concentrations in pre-menopausal and peri-menopausal women. Serum ucOC concentration showed a significant negative correlation with estradiol concentration (r=-0.372, p<0.0001) and a significant positive correlation with serum FSH concentration (r=0.324, p<0.0001). Serum OC concentration was positively correlated with serum FSH concentration (r=0.317, p<0.001). The results showed that the change in ucOC concentration during the menopausal transition is different from that in OC concentration. In addition, serum ucOC concentration is closely associated not only with FSH concentration but also estradiol concentration.