Luteinizing Hormone Concentrations Research Articles

Effects of sub-chronic exposure to microcystin-LR on the endocrine system of male rats

Microcystins (MCs) can cause reproductive and developmental toxicity and disrupt endocrine homeostasis in mammals. In the present study, male, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were administrated 3 or 30 μg MC-LR/kg, body mass (bm) per day via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections for 6 weeks. Effects of MC-LR on histology, hormone concentrations, gene transcriptional profiles and protein expressions along the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA), ‐gonad (HPG) and -thyroid (HPT) axes were assessed. Sub-chronic administration with MC-LR caused histological damage to hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal, testes and thyroid and affected relative masses of pituitary, adrenal and testes. The HPA axis was activated and serum concentrations of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) were significantly augmented. Along the HPG axis, serum concentrations of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were diminished, while concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were augmented. For the HPT axis, only concentrations of free tetra-iodothyronine (fT4) were significantly diminished, while concentrations of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or free tri-iodothyronine (fT3) were not significantly changed. Also, several genes and proteins related to synthesis of steroid hormones were significantly altered. Findings of the present study illustrate that MC-LR can cause endocrine-disrupting effects through the disruption of synthesis and secretion of hormones along the HPA, HPG and HPT axes and negative feedback regulation. Also, there could be crosstalk among HPA, HPG and HPT axes. These findings elucidate mechanisms of endocrine-disrupting effects of MCs.

Subsets of preoperative sex hormones in testicular germ cell cancer: a retrospective multicenter study

Preoperative homeostasis of sex hormones in testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) patients is scarcely characterized. We aimed to explore regulation of sex hormones and their implications for histopathological parameters and prognosis in TGCT using a data-driven explorative approach. Pre-surgery serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and prolactin were measured in a retrospective multicenter TGCT cohort (n = 518). Clusters of patients were defined by latent class analysis. Clinical, pathologic and survival parameters were compared between the clusters by statistical hypothesis testing, Random Forest modeling and Peto-Peto test. Cancer tissue expression of sex hormone-related genes was explored in the publicly available TCGA cohort (n = 149). We included 354 patients with pure seminoma and 164 patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT), with a median age of 36 years. Three hormonal clusters were defined: ‘neutral’ (n = 228) with normal sex hormone homeostasis, ‘testicle’ (n = 91) with elevated T and E2, low pituitary hormones, and finally ‘pituitary’ subset (n = 103) with increased FSH and LH paralleled by low-to-normal levels of the gonadal hormones. Relapse-free survival in the hormonal subsets was comparable (p = 0.64). Cancer tissue expression of luteinizing hormone- and follicle-stimulating hormone-coding genes was significantly higher in seminomas, while genes of T and E2 biosynthesis enzymes were strongly upregulated in NSGCT. Substantial percentages of TGCT patients are at increased risk of sex hormone dysfunction at primary diagnosis before orchiectomy. TGCT may directly influence systemic hormonal homeostasis by in-situ synthesis of sex hormones.

Ameliorative Capacity of Rice Husk Extract on Codeine-induced Testicular Dysfunction in Male Wistar Albino Rats

Rice husks (RHs) is an agro waste generated from rice production with limited application. Codeine belongs to the numerous drugs of abuse worldwide and its impact on reproductive injury has been reported. This study was designed to establish the ameliorative potential of brown rice husk extract (RHE) against reproductive damage induced by codeine misuse. Experimental rats were grouped into six groups with six rats per group: Group I received only rat chow and clean water for 30 days. Group II received only codeine 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w) of rats. Group III received only RHE 500 mg/kg b.w of rats. The 4th, 5th and 6th groups received codeine 10 mg/kg/b.w alongside 250 mg, 500 mg and 1000 mg RHE, respectively. Treatments (RHE and codeine) were administered once during the early hours between 9-10 am daily for 30 days, the animals were sacrificed, and blood and tissue samples were harvested. Male reproductive hormones such as testosterone, Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), and sperm quality parameters were assayed. The testis tissues were excised and examined for histopathological changes. The result revealed that high dose codeine administration significantly decreased epidermal morphology, motility, and sperm count as well as testosterone, FSH, and LH concentrations, respectively. The histopathological examination revealed distinct abnormal changes in the codeine control group when compared with the other experimental groups. RHE administration significantly improved the altered assayed parameters.

Factors Associated With Circulating Sex Hormones in Men : Individual Participant Data Meta-analyses.

Various factors modulate circulating testosterone in men, affecting interpretation of testosterone measurements. To clarify factors associated with variations in sex hormone concentrations. Systematic literature searches (to July 2019). Prospective cohort studies of community-dwelling men with total testosterone measured using mass spectrometry. Individual participant data (IPD) (9 studies; n= 21 074) and aggregate data (2 studies; n= 4075). Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health factors and concentrations of total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol were extracted. Two-stage random-effects IPD meta-analyses found a nonlinear association of testosterone with age, with negligible change among men aged 17 to 70 years (change per SD increase about the midpoint, -0.27 nmol/L [-7.8 ng/dL] [CI, -0.71 to 0.18 nmol/L {-20.5 to 5.2 ng/dL}]) and decreasing testosterone levels with age for men older than 70 years (-1.55 nmol/L [-44.7 ng/dL] [CI, -2.05 to -1.06 nmol/L {-59.1 to -30.6 ng/dL}]). Testosterone was inversely associated with body mass index (BMI) (change per SD increase, -2.42 nmol/L [-69.7 ng/dL] [CI, -2.70 to -2.13 nmol/L {-77.8 to -61.4 ng/dL}]). Testosterone concentrations were lower for men who were married (mean difference, -0.57 nmol/L [-16.4 ng/dL] [CI, -0.89 to -0.26 nmol/L {-25.6 to -7.5 ng/dL}]); undertook at most 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week (-0.51 nmol/L [-14.7 ng/dL] [CI, -0.90 to -0.13 nmol/L {-25.9 to -3.7 ng/dL}]); were former smokers (-0.34 nmol/L [-9.8 ng/dL] [CI, -0.55 to -0.12 nmol/L {-15.9 to -3.5 ng/dL}]); or had hypertension (-0.53 nmol/L [-15.3 ng/dL] [CI, -0.82 to -0.24 nmol/L {-23.6 to -6.9 ng/dL}]), cardiovascular disease (-0.35 nmol/L [-10.1 ng/dL] [CI, -0.55 to -0.15 nmol/L {-15.9 to -4.3 ng/dL}]), cancer (-1.39 nmol/L [-40.1 ng/dL] [CI, -1.79 to -0.99 nmol/L {-51.6 to -28.5 ng/dL}]), or diabetes (-1.43 nmol/L [-41.2 ng/dL] [CI, -1.65 to -1.22 nmol/L {-47.6 to -35.2 ng/dL}]). Sex hormone-binding globulin was directly associated with age and inversely associated with BMI. Luteinizing hormone was directly associated with age in men older than 70 years. Cross-sectional analysis, heterogeneity between studies and in timing of blood sampling, and imputation for missing data. Multiple factors are associated with variation in male testosterone, SHBG, and LH concentrations. Reduced testosterone and increased LH concentrations may indicate impaired testicular function after age 70 years. Interpretation of individual testosterone measurements should account particularly for age older than 70 years, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Medical Research Future Fund, Government of Western Australia, and Lawley Pharmaceuticals. (PROSPERO: CRD42019139668).

Acute Effects of Single Versus Combined Inhaled β2-Agonists Salbutamol and Formoterol on Time Trial Performance, Lung Function, Metabolic and Endocrine Variables

BackgroundHigh prevalence rates of β2-agonist use among athletes in competitive sports makes it tempting to speculate that illegitimate use of β2-agonists boosts performance. However, data regarding the potential performance-enhancing effects of inhaled β2-agonists and its underlying molecular basis are scarce.MethodsIn total, 24 competitive endurance athletes (12f/12m) participated in a clinical double-blinded balanced four-way block cross-over trial to investigate single versus combined effects of β2-agonists salbutamol (SAL) and formoterol (FOR), to evaluate the potential performance enhancement of SAL (1200 µg, Cyclocaps, Pb Pharma GmbH), FOR (36 µg, Sandoz, HEXAL AG) and SAL + FOR (1200 µg + 36 µg) compared to placebo (PLA, Gelatine capsules containing lactose monohydrate, Pharmacy of the University Hospital Ulm). Measurements included skeletal muscle gene and protein expression, endocrine regulation, urinary/serum β2-agonist concentrations, cardiac markers, cardiopulmonary and lung function testing and the 10-min time trial (TT) performance on a bicycle ergometer as outcome variables. Blood and urine samples were collected pre-, post-, 3 h post- and 24 h post-TT.ResultsMean power output during TT was not different between study arms. Treatment effects regarding lung function (p < 0.001), echocardiographic (left ventricular end-systolic volume p = 0.037; endocardial global longitudinal strain p < 0.001) and metabolic variables (e.g. NR4A2 and ATF3 pathway) were observed without any influence on performance. In female athletes, total serum β2-agonist concentrations for SAL and FOR were higher. Microarray muscle gene analysis showed a treatment effect for target genes in energy metabolism with strongest effect by SAL + FOR (NR4A2; p = 0.001). Of endocrine variables, follicle-stimulating hormone (3 h Post–Post-TT), luteinizing hormone (3 h Post–Pre-TT) and insulin (Post–Pre-TT) concentrations showed a treatment effect (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsNo endurance performance-enhancing effect for SAL, FOR or SAL + FOR within the permitted dosages compared to PLA was found despite an acute effect on lung and cardiac function as well as endocrine and metabolic variables in healthy participants. The impact of combined β2-agonists on performance and sex-specific thresholds on the molecular and cardiac level and their potential long-term performance enhancing or health effects have still to be determined.Trial registration: Registered at Eudra CT with the number: 2015-005598-19 (09.12.2015) and DRKS with number DRKS00010574 (16.11.2021, retrospectively registered).

Protein kinase B (Akt) blockade inhibits LH/hCG-mediated 17,20-lyase, but not 17α-hydroxylase activity of Cyp17a1 in mouse Leydig cell steroidogenesis

Androgens are produced by adrenal and gonadal cells thanks to the action of specific enzymes. We investigated the role of protein kinase B (Akt) in the modulation of Δ4 steroidogenic enzymes' activity, in the mouse Leydig tumor cell line mLTC1. Cells were treated for 0–24 h with the 3 × 50% effective concentration of human luteinizing hormone (LH) and choriogonadotropin (hCG), in the presence and in the absence of the specific Akt inhibitor 3CAI. Cell signaling analysis was performed by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) and Western blotting, while the expression of key target genes was investigated by real-time PCR. The synthesis of progesterone, 17α-hydroxy (OH)-progesterone and testosterone was measured by immunoassay. Control experiments for cell viability and caspase 3 activation were performed as well. We found that both hormones activated cAMP and downstream effectors, such as extracellularly-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) and cAMP response element-binding protein (Creb), as well as Akt, and the transcription of Stard1, Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1 and Hsd17b3 genes, boosting the Δ4 steroidogenic pathway. Interestingly, Akt blockade decreased selectively Cyp17a1 expression levels, inhibiting its 17,20-lyase, but not the 17-hydroxylase activity. This effect is consistent with lower Cyp17a1 affinity to 17α-OH-progesterone than progesterone. As a result, cell treatment with 3CAI resulted in 17α-OH-progesterone accumulation at 16–24 h and decreased testosterone levels after 24 h. In conclusion, in the mouse Leydig cell line mLTC1, we found substantial Akt dependence of the 17,20-lyase activity and testosterone synthesis. Our results indicate that different intracellular pathways modulate selectively the dual activity of Cyp17a1.

Effects of electroacupuncture on the secretion function of ovarian cells and kisspeptin/kiss1r system in rats with polycystic ovarian syndrome

To observe the effects of electroacupuncture （EA） on hormone secretion function of ovarian granulosa cells and theca cells, as well as the expression changes of kisspeptin and kiss1r in rats with polycystic ovarian syndrome （PCOS）, so as to explore the mechanism of EA for relieving ovarian dysfunction in PCOS rats. Forty-eight SD female rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, EA group and flutamide group, with 12 rats in each group. PCOS rat model was replicated with the gavage of letrozole （0.1 mg/mL, 10 mL•kg-1•d-1）. In the EA group, EA （2 Hz, 2 mA） was used to stimulate "Guanyuan" （CV4） for 20 min each time. In the flutamide group, flutamide solution （50 mg•kg-1•d-1） was administrated by gavage. The treatments were given once daily for 14 days in each group. After the modeling and treatment, the body and ovarian weights of the rats were measured, and the ovarian index was calculated. Using HE staining, the morphological changes of ovary were observed. ELISA was adopted to detect the contents of testosterone （T）, luteinizing hormone （LH） and estradiol （E2） in serum, the contents of E2 and T in the culture medium of ovarian granulosa cells and theca cells, as well as the content of kisspeptin in the ovarian tissue. The positive expression of kisspeptin in ovary was observed by immunohistochemical method, and the protein expression of its receptor kiss1r was detected by Western blot. Compared with the control group, the body and ovarian weights, ovarian index, the contents of T and LH in serum and that of T in the culture medium of theca cells, as well as the content and positive expression of kisspeptin in ovary were all increased （P<0.01, P<0.05）； and the content of E2 in the culture medium of granulosa cells was decreased （P<0.01） in the model group. When compared with the model group, in the EA and flutamide groups, the body and ovarian weights, ovarian index, the contents of T and LH in serum and that of T in the culture medium of theca cells, as well as the content and expression of kisspeptin in ovary were all decreased （P<0.01, P<0.05）； and the content of E2 in the culture medium of granulosa cells was increased （P<0.05, P<0.01）. EA regulates the serum sex hormone levels, the secretion function of the ovarian granulosa cells and theca cells, and the ovarian kisspeptin/kiss1r protein expression in PCOS rats, showing the similar effect as receptor blockade intervention. It is suggested that the improvement of EA in ovarian dysfunction of PCOS rats may be related to the kisspeptin/kiss1r system.

Effects of electroacupuncture on the secretion function of ovarian cells and kisspeptin/kiss1r system in rats with polycystic ovarian syndrome

To observe the effects of electroacupuncture （EA） on hormone secretion function of ovarian granulosa cells and theca cells, as well as the expression changes of kisspeptin and kiss1r in rats with polycystic ovarian syndrome （PCOS）, so as to explore the mechanism of EA for relieving ovarian dysfunction in PCOS rats. Forty-eight SD female rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, EA group and flutamide group, with 12 rats in each group. PCOS rat model was replicated with the gavage of letrozole （0.1 mg/mL, 10 mL•kg-1•d-1）. In the EA group, EA （2 Hz, 2 mA） was used to stimulate "Guanyuan" （CV4） for 20 min each time. In the flutamide group, flutamide solution （50 mg•kg-1•d-1） was administrated by gavage. The treatments were given once daily for 14 days in each group. After the modeling and treatment, the body and ovarian weights of the rats were measured, and the ovarian index was calculated. Using HE staining, the morphological changes of ovary were observed. ELISA was adopted to detect the contents of testosterone （T）, luteinizing hormone （LH） and estradiol （E2） in serum, the contents of E2 and T in the culture medium of ovarian granulosa cells and theca cells, as well as the content of kisspeptin in the ovarian tissue. The positive expression of kisspeptin in ovary was observed by immunohistochemical method, and the protein expression of its receptor kiss1r was detected by Western blot. Compared with the control group, the body and ovarian weights, ovarian index, the contents of T and LH in serum and that of T in the culture medium of theca cells, as well as the content and positive expression of kisspeptin in ovary were all increased （P<0.01, P<0.05）； and the content of E2 in the culture medium of granulosa cells was decreased （P<0.01） in the model group. When compared with the model group, in the EA and flutamide groups, the body and ovarian weights, ovarian index, the contents of T and LH in serum and that of T in the culture medium of theca cells, as well as the content and expression of kisspeptin in ovary were all decreased （P<0.01, P<0.05）； and the content of E2 in the culture medium of granulosa cells was increased （P<0.05, P<0.01）. EA regulates the serum sex hormone levels, the secretion function of the ovarian granulosa cells and theca cells, and the ovarian kisspeptin/kiss1r protein expression in PCOS rats, showing the similar effect as receptor blockade intervention. It is suggested that the improvement of EA in ovarian dysfunction of PCOS rats may be related to the kisspeptin/kiss1r system.

Seasonal changes of vitamin D3 and ovarian steroidogenesis in the wild ground squirrels (Citellus dauricus Brandt)

There is mounting evidence that vitamin D3 regulates female reproductive function critically, while little is known about the function of seasonally variable vitamin D3 in regulating ovarian steroidogenesis. This study examined the seasonal expressions of vitamin D receptor (VDR), vitamin D metabolic molecules (CYP2R1, CYP27B1, and CYP24A1), and steroidogenic enzymes (P450scc, 3β-HSD, P450c17, and P450arom) in the ovaries of the wild ground squirrels (Citellus dauricus Brandt) during the different breeding seasons. VDR, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, and CYP24A1 were shown to be localized in different types of ovarian cells in the wild ground squirrels during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of VDR, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, CYP11A1, HSD3B1, CYP17A1, and CYP19A1 in the ovaries were remarkably higher in the breeding season. Furthermore, RNA-seq data of ovaries revealed that 6036 genes were differentially expressed genes (DEGs); further analysis revealed that several DEGs known to be involved in ovarian steroidogenesis pathway and cellular response to vitamin D pathway were identified. In addition, during the breeding season, the concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone, and 17β-estradiol were greater in the serum of the wild female ground squirrels. This observation was positively correlated with seasonal changes in the concentration of 25(OH)D3, supporting the fact that the 25(OH)D3 content in the ovaries was significantly higher in the breeding season. These findings suggested that seasonal changes in vitamin D3 might regulate the ovarian steroidogenesis of the wild female ground squirrels.

Esculeoside A alleviates reproductive toxicity in streptozotocin-diabetic rats’ s model by activating Nrf2 signaling

This examination studied if Esculeoside A (ESA) alleviates reproductive toxicity in a type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) rat model and if activating Nrf2 underlies this protection. T1DM was established by a single injection of STZ. Aged-matched adult control and STZ-DM rats were administered either the vehicle (5% carboxymethyl cellulose) or ESA (100 mg/kg). An additional group [STZ-DM + ESA (100 mg) + brusatol (2 m/kg] was added. All treatments were conducted for 16 weeks. ESA failed to attenuate weight loss, hyperglycemia, and hypoinsulinemia but significantly attenuated the associated dyslipidemia in STZ-DM rats. In parallel, ESA also enhanced total sperm count, motility, survival, reduced head and tail sperm abnormalities, increased circulatory concentrations of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and Luteinizing hormone (LH), and stimulated the testicular expression of several steroidogenic enzymes (StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, 3β-HSD1) in STZ-DM rats. These observations were associated with a higher testicular increase in the transcription, protein levels, and nuclear activities of Nrf2 that coincided with a reduction in the total levels of MDA and keap1 and a significant increase in the total levels of some antioxidants such as HO-1, SOD, and GSH. In concomitance, ESA reduced the testicular mRNA and nuclear concentrations of NF-κB and depressed the levels of TNF-α and IL-6. Brusatol prevented all these protective effects of ESA. In conclusion, activation of Nrf2 triggers the protective potential of ESA against reproductive toxicity in STZ-DM rats.

Metformin combined with spironolactone vs. metformin alone in polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis.

Due to its high heterogenicity and unclear etiology, there is currently no specific treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Metformin, as an insulin sensitizer, combined with spironolactone, an antiandrogen medication, may exert complementary effects on PCOS. We therefore performed a meta-analysis of trials in which metformin combined with spironolactone was applied to treat PCOS to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination therapy. We retrieved the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM, Wangfang, and VIP databases for literatures published from their inception to December 16, 2022 on the effects of metformin combined with spironolactone in the treatment of PCOS. Inclusion criteria according to P.I.C.O.S criteria were: PCOS patients, metformin combined with spironolactone interventions, metformin alone control group, and randomized controlled trials with the following outcome data: body mass index (BMI), hirsutism score, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (TT), fasting blood glucose (FBG), Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and drug withdrawal. Our results revealed that metformin combined with spironolactone significantly reduced BMI and TT, but that it exerted no significant effects on hirsutism score, or on FSH or LH concentrations. Combined treatment also resulted in a significant diminution in FBG and insulin resistance using the HOMA-IR when the interventional time was greater than 6 months. In addition, the combination did not have a higher occurrence of adverse reactions than metformin alone. Compared with metformin alone, metformin combined with spironolactone therapy may be more effective in reducing BMI and serum androgen levels, but the combination showed no significant effect on the hirsutism score or gonadotropin hormone levels, and was not associated with an elevation in side-effects. Moreover, when the treatment course was greater than 6 months, combination therapy reduced FBG and improved insulin resistance more effectively than metformin alone. However, more research is needed to determine the most effective course of treatment. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022355515.

The impact of acute SARS-CoV-2 on testicular function including insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) in men with mild COVID-19: A longitudinal study.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may affect the male reproductive system as it uses angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2, which is expressed in testicular tissue, as an entry point into the cell. Few studies have evaluated the long-term effects of mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on testicular function, and insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) levels have not previously been assessed during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection on testicular function including INSL3 and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in semen in non-hospitalised men with mild COVID-19. This longitudinal study included 36 non-hospitalised SARS-CoV-2-positive men (median age 29 years). Inclusion was within seven days following a positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction test. Reproductive hormone levels, semen parameters, and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in oropharyngeal and semen samples were assessed during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection (baseline) and at three- and six-month follow-up. Wilcoxon matched-pair signed-rank (two samples) test was used to assess time-related alterations in reproductive hormone levels and semen parameters. Lower plasma testosterone (T) (total and calculated free (c-fT)) and higher luteinising hormone (LH) concentrations were observed during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection (baseline) compared to three- and six-month follow-up. Consequently, ratios of c-fT/LH were lower at baseline compared to three- and six-month follow-up (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). Concomitantly, lower INSL3 concentrations were observed at baseline compared to three-month follow-up (p=0.01). The total number of motile spermatozoa was also lower at baseline compared to six-month follow-up (p=0.02). The alterations were detected irrespective of whether the men had experienced SARS-CoV-2-related fever episodes or not. No SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in semen at any time point. This study showed a reduction in testicular function, which was for the first time confirmed by INSL3, in men mildly affected bySARS-CoV-2 infection. The risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 RNA via semen seems to be low. Febrile episodes may impact testicular function, but a direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 cannot be excluded.

The GLP-1 agonist, Exendin-4, stimulates LH secretion in female sheep.

Our previous studies showed that microinjection into the median eminence of the sheep of glucagon-like peptide- 1 (GLP-1) or its receptor agonist Exendin-4 stimulates luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion but it is unknown whether the same effect may be obtained by systemic administration of the same. The present study measured the response in terms of plasma LH concentrations, to intravenous (iv) infusion of Exendin-4. A preliminary study showed that infusion of 2mg Exendin-4 into ewes produced a greater LH response in the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle than the luteal phase. Accordingly, the main study monitored plasma LH levels in response to either 0.5mg or 2mg Exendin-4 or vehicle (normal saline) delivered by jugular infusion for 1h in the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle. Blood samples were collected at 10 min intervals before, during and after infusion. Both doses of Exendin-4 increased mean plasma LH concentrations and increased LH peripheral pulse amplitude. There was no effect on inter-pulse interval or timing of the preovulatory LH surge. These doses of Exendin-4 did not alter plasma insulin or glucose concentrations. Quantitative PCR of the gastrointestinal tract samples from a population of ewes confirmed expression of the preproglucagon gene (GCG). Expression increased aborally and was greatest in the rectum. It is concluded that endogenous GLP-1, most likely derived from the hind-gut may act systemically to stimulate LH secretion. The present data suggest that this effect may be obtained with levels of agonist that are lower than those functioning as an incretin.

Seminal Histone Deacetylase, Fructose and Serum Reproductive Hormones as Diagnostic Marker in Sub-Groups of Infertile Males

Accurate diagnosis of the cause of infertility assists in the choice of treatment modalities and amelioration of the associated psychosocial problems. The research was carried out using 75 infertile males and 75 males with proven fertility as controls. The anthropometrics (weight, height) were measured and body mass index (BMI) computed. Venous blood was collected from each participant, allowed to clot, and centrifuged to obtain the serum which was analysed for testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations. Semen was collected by masturbation and analysed for sperm quality, seminal fructose concentration, and histone deacetylase (HDAC) activities. A non-significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in weight, height, and BMI; a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in ejaculated volume, serum LH, FSH, seminal fructose concentrations and HDAC activities; and a decrease in sperm count, sperm motility, serum testosterone concentration was observed among subgroups of infertile men. A direct and significant correlation exists between seminal HDAC activities and fructose concentration. Also, an inverse non-significant correlation exists between HDAC activities and spermatozoa motility. Base on the result obtained from this study, it can be concluded that measuring seminal fructose and HDAC activities in addition to routine biochemical and biophysical parameters will assist in diagnostic work up in subgroups of male infertility.

Peri-estrus activity and mounting behavior and its application to estrus detection in Hanwoo (Korea Native Cattle).

This study was conducted to investigate the change in activity and mounting behavior in Hanwoo (Korean Native Cattle) during the peri-estrus period and its application to estrus detection. A total of 20 Hanwoo cows were fitted with a neck-collar accelerometer device, which measured the location and acceleration of cow movements and recorded the number of instances of mounting behavior by the altitude data. The data were analyzed in three periods (24-, 6-, and 2-h periods). Blood samples were collected for 5 days after the prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) injection, and the concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Activity and mounting behavior recorded over 2-h periods significantly increased as estrus approached and were more efficient at detecting estrus than over 24- and 6-h periods (p < 0.05). Endocrine patterns did not differ with the variation of individual cows during the peri-estrus period (p > 0.05). Activity was selected as the best predictor through stepwise discriminant analysis. However, activity alone is not enough to detect estrus. We suggest that a combination of activity and mounting behavior may improve estrus detection efficiency in Hanwoo. Further research is necessary to validate the findings on a larger sample size.

Ovarian reserve in patients with systemic sclerosis

Objective. To evaluate the ovarian reserve in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to analyze the relationship of the concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) with the main manifestations of the disease and therapy. Material and methods. The study included 74 SSc patients aged 18 to 40 years; the control group consisted of 32 healthy women, matched by age. The concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, estradiol (E2) and testosterone was determined by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA), AMH quantitatively using standard chemiluminescent analysis on paramagnetic particles in blood serum. The AMG level of 1.0– 10.6 ng/ml was taken as normative values. Values &lt;1.0 were regarded as a decrease in ovarian reserve. Results. In patients with SSD, the levels of AMH and testosterone were significantly lower than 1.4 [0.5; 2.3] and 0.45 [0.2; 0.96], respectively, versus 2.4 [1.8; 3.3] (p=0.002) and 1.6 [0.97; 2.5] (p=0.0001) in the control. The concentration of prolactin and E2 was recorded higher with SSDs – 22.23 [14.08; 31.18] and 140.2 [102.43; 179.74], respectively, against 10.2 [7.11; 16.68] (p=0.000002) and 95.3 [64.50; 130.0] (p=0.002) in the control. A decrease in the ovarian reserve by the level of AMH was significantly more often detected in patients with SSD in 43% versus 9.4% in the control (p=0.002). The risk of AMH reduction in patients with SSD was 7 times higher compared to the control (OR=7.030; 95% CI: 1.97–25.11). The levels of the hormones studied were comparable in patients with low and normal ovarian reserve. Diffuse form (46.9%) and subacute course of the disease (53.1%) were more often detected in patients with SSD and with low ovarian reserve compared to those with normal ovarian reserve (23.8% (p=0.033); 23.4% (p=0.004)). The frequency of organ lesions of SSDs, immunological disorders, inflammatory markers, and the lipid spectrum in the groups did not differ depending on the level of AMH. There were also no differences in the regimens and doses of treatment with basic anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids. Menstrual cycle disorders were noted by 31% of patients with SSD versus 6.2% in the control (p=0.004). Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) was detected in 6.8% of patients with SSD and none in the control group (p=0.02). Patients with SSD and POI did not differ in age, duration of illness, clinical manifestations and therapy of them without POI.Conclusion. The concentration of AMH and testosterone was significantly lower in patients with. A decrease in ovarian reserve was significantly more often detected in women with SSs. Low ovarian reserve was more often detected in patients with diffuse form and subacute course of the disease. POI was more often observed in the group of SSc.

P-684 Subclinical hypothyroidism and ovarian reserve indices in women with normogonadotropic anovulation

Abstract Study question Does subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) affect ovarian reserve indices in women with Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other forms of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis Dysfunction (HPOD)? Summary answer SCH increases Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration, but has no influence on Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). What is known already In PCOS, anovulation is caused by the arrest of growing follicles due to increased frequency and amplitude of luteinizing hormone (LH) pulses, resulting in increased number of pre-antral and antral follicles, and concentration of AMH. In other cases of HPOD, the causes of anovulation are more diverse and have not yet been clearly identified. Thyroid hormones can modify the function of the HPO axis, affecting the maturation of follicles. While overt hypothyroidism is treated to improve ovulation and fertility, the effect of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and the presence of circulating antithyroid antibodies (ATA) on ovarian function is uncertain. Study design, size, duration A prospective cohort tertiary single-center study (consent no. 1072.6120.172.2022) included women aged 18-45, examined due to menstrual disorders and/or infertility, from July to August 2022. Only women without previously diagnosed thyroid dysfunction were included. All enrolled women gave informed written consent to participate in the study. Participants/materials, setting, methods Women underwent routine gynecological examination and pelvic ultrasound. Blood sample was tested for AMH, FSH, Luteinizing hormone (LH), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) antibodies concentrations. The Rotterdam-ESHRE-ASRM criteria were used to diagnose PCOS and its phenotypes. HPOD was diagnosed according to WHO classification. SCH was defined as TSH &amp;gt; 2.5 uIU/ml with normal thyroid function. The above parameters within subpopulations were calculated using regression analysis, Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc tests. Main results and the role of chance The study included 51 euthyroid women aged 18-40. PCOS was diagnosed in 42/51 (82.35%) women, including PCOS-A phenotype in 31/51 (60.78%), PCOS-B in 5/51 (9.8%), PCOS-D in 6/51 (11.76%) women, and HPOD in 9/51 (17.65%) women. There was a significant positive correlation between the concentration of TSH and AMH in the studied population - with the increase of TSH value, the concentration of AMH increased (r = 0.4, p = 0.0035). The mean AMH concentration significantly differed between the groups and equaled to 55.4, 39.4, 31.1, 24.0 pmol/l in PCOS-A, PCOS-B, PCOS-D and HPOD (p = 0.05), respectively. The mean anti-TPO concentration was significantly different between the groups and was equal to 18.2, 19.0, 14.6, 10.9 U/ml in PCOS-A, PCOS-B, PCOS-D and HPOD (p = 0.05), respectively. There was no significant difference in FSH, LH, TSH, anti-TG concentrations between the groups. Limitations, reasons for caution The limitations of the study are small study group and single-center nature. Wider implications of the findings SCH increases the concentration of AMH, which in PCOS may exacerbate the symptoms of anovulation. Whether treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism affects ovarian reserve indices and improves ovarian function remain a subject of further research. Trial registration number 1072.6120.172.2022

Hormone measurements and histomorphological observations in male Bactrian camels.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis hormones and to determine the morphological changes of the testis. The Bactrian camels were divided into two groups based on their ages. The results showed that the testicular weight was significantly heavier in adult male camels than in pubertal male camels (P < 0.05). There were also significant differences between testicular length, testicular width, and testicular volume (P < 0.05). In the testes of both pubertal and adult male camels, Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes, round spermatids, and elongated spermatids were observed. Adult male camels had more Sertoli cells (P < 0.01) and elongated spermatids (P < 0.05). The concentrations of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were higher in the plasma and testes of adult camels than in pubertal camels (P < 0.05). E2 concentrations were lower in adult camels than in pubertal camels (P < 0.05). The testosterone levels in testicular tissue were higher than in blood plasma in both adult and pubertal stage (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these findings provide supportive knowledge and show the significant differences in terms of testicular volume, testicular hormone concentrations, and testicular morphology between different developmental stages in Bactrian camels.

Validation of urinary reproductive hormone measurements using a novel smartphone connected reader

Home use tests to monitor hormone trends during the menstrual cycle have been available over-the-counter for a long time. However, these tests often depend upon manual readouts and hence may lead to false analysis. Furthermore, a lot of these tests are also not quantitative. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the quantitative home-based fertility monitor, Inito Fertility Monitor (IFM) and to use it to identify novel hormone trends in natural menstrual cycles. There were two aspects to our analysis: (i) Evaluating the efficacy of Inito Fertility Monitor in the measurement of urinary Estrone-3-glucuronide (E3G), Pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG) and Luteinizing hormone (LH), and (ii) A retrospective study of patients' hormone profiles using IFM. To evaluate the efficacy, the recovery percentage of the three hormones from IFM was evaluated using standard spiked solutions, the accuracy of measurement was calculated and the correlation between reproducible values from IFM and ELISA was established. During the validation of IFM, novel hormone trends were also observed. In order to reinforce the observations, a second group of 52 women was recruited. Assessment of the accuracy of IFM and evaluation of the volunteer urine samples was performed in a laboratory. Home assessment of hormone analysis was carried out using IFM. For the validation study, 100 women aged 21–45 years with cycle lengths ranging from 21 to 42 days were recruited. The participants had no previously diagnosed infertility conditions and their cycle lengths did not vary for more than 3 days from the expected cycle length. Daily first morning urine samples were collected from these 100 women. For the second group, 52 women were selected meeting the same criteria set for the validation study and IFM was provided to these women for testing at home. Coefficient of variation and recovery percentage of IFM with respect to laboratory based ELISA. Percentage occurrence of novel hormone trends and AUC analysis of a novel criteria identified for confirming ovulation. We observed that with all three hormones, IFM had an accurate recovery percentage. We found that the assay has an average CV of 5.05% in PdG measurement, 4.95% in E3G measurement and 5.57% in LH measurement. Furthermore, in predicting the concentration of E3G, PdG and LH in urine samples, we show that IFM has a high correlation with ELISA. In this study, we could also reproduce hormones trends across the menstrual cycle that have been observed by previous studies. We also identified a novel criterion for earlier confirmation of ovulation which could accurately distinguish ovulatory from anovulatory cycles with 100% specificity and had an area under the ROC curve of 0.98. In addition, we identified a new hormone trend which could be observed in 94.5% of the ovulatory cycles. The Inito Fertility Monitor is an effective tool for calculating the urinary concentrations of E3G, PdG and LH and can also be used to provide accurate fertility scores and confirm ovulation. We show that certain hormone trends associated with urinary E3G, PdG and LH could be accurately captured using IFM. In addition, we report a novel criterion for earlier confirmation of ovulation compared to existing criteria. Finally, we present a novel hormone pattern associated with most of the menstrual cycles by examining hormone profiles from the volunteers recruited for the clinical trial.Trial registration: The trial is registered at the current controlled trials ISRCTN registry #ISRCTN15534557.

Effects of supplementation with virgin olive oil on hormonal status in half-marathon trained and untrained runners

Several studies have investigated the effects of exercise on hormonal status. Several studies have reported that exercise induce alterations in hormone concentrations. This study focuses on the effects associated to the intake of virgin olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) on hormonal status in half-marathon athletes. The contents of tocopherols, phenolic compounds, Pigment, flavonoids, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical test and activity of the oil on hydrogen peroxide were determined. The consequence of the consumption of virgin olive oil on hormonal status was studied in healthy male athletes of ages between 19–22 years. The participants were separated into three groups of ten subjects each and reserved under distinct regimes for 10 weeks as follows: Group 1 untrained runners receiving 20 ml of olive oil, Group 2 half-marathon runner performing training routines, 5 days a week while receiving 20 ml of olive oil, Group 3 half-marathon runners performing training routines, 5 days a week unsupplemented with virgin olive oil. Blood samples were taken: one day before endurance training programme, after a 10- week endurance training programme, at the end of the training period, two days before the half-marathon race, and 24 hours after the half-marathon race. Plasma was analyzed for testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), cortisol (C) and insulin. The results of this study showed that virgin olive oil of Blanquette variety is characterized by high content of tocopherols, phenolic compounds (25.2 ± 0.07 mg/Kg, 485, 46 ± 1.35 mg/Kg), pigments with 79.34.± 0.92 ppm of Total carotenoids, and a high percentage inhibition of the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and a percentage of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) inhibition was observed (76.03 ± 0.43% and 86.45±0. 28%, respectively). The consumption of this oil was associated with statistically significant increase of Testosterone in supplemented groups compared with runner of non-supplemented group and sedentary controls. Luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration decreased in runners not supplemented with virgin olive oil compared to group 2 runners and sedentary controls. After a 10-week running training program (before half-marathon race) and immediately after a half-marathon race, cortisol only significantly increased (p&lt;0.001) in runners of group 3; it then demonstrated a tendency toward declining 24 hours after a marathon race. This study found that virgin olive oil supplementation can improve hormonal status in half-marathon athletes. Key words: olive oil, monounsaturated fatty acid, tocopherols, exercise, half-marathon