Progesterone Concentrations Research Articles

Impact of progesterone concentration on hCG trigger day on clinical outcomes with cleavage-stage embryo transfer in in vitro fertilization cycles with an antagonist protocol

Objective: To investigate the impact of the progesterone concentration on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger day in fresh cycles versus thawed transfer cycles (the freeze-all strategy) with an antagonist protocol, and to compare the differences in clinical outcomes. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included a total of 2 165 cycles conducted at Henan Provincial People's Hospital with cleavage-stage embryo (at least one top-quality) transfer between January 2017 and December 2023, with serum progesterone levels on hCG trigger day all≤6.34 nmol/L (i.e. 2 ng/ml). Multivariate logsitic regression analysis and curve fitting were performed based on different serum progesterone levels on hCG trigger day [≤3.17 nmol/L (i.e. 1 ng/ml) or 1-2 ng/ml]. Results: Multivariate regression analysis, by using cycle type (either fresh or frozen-thawed cycle) as the exposure variable, showed that the clinical pregnancy rate (≤1 ng/ml: OR=0.93, 95%CI: 0.75-1.14; 1-2 ng/ml: OR=1.05, 95%CI: 0.58-1.87) and live birth rate (≤1 ng/ml: OR=0.90, 95%CI: 0.71-1.13; 1-2 ng/ml: OR=1.53, 95%CI: 0.79-3.00) had no statistically significant differences in group of progesterone concentration ≤1 ng/ml or in group of 1-2 ng/ml. Using serum progesterone levels on hCG trigger day as a continuous variable for curve fitting analysis, the clinical pregnancy rate in fresh or thawed cycles showed no significant changes with increasing progesterone levels. Conclusions: In the antagonist protocol with cleavage-stage embryo transfer (at least one top-quality), when the serum progesterone level on hCG day is ≤2 ng/ml, there are no significant differences in clinical outcomes between thawed cycles and fresh cycles, including clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. Transferred in fresh cycles or choosing the freeze-all strategy could be selected based on the actual situation of the patients.

Effect of a Bacillus subtilis-based direct-fed microbial, on milk yield, milk components, feed intake and plasma hormones and metabolites in lactating Holstein cows

To investigate the effects of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial on milk production and related factors, a study was conducted on Holstein cows (n = 28) starting at 90 ± 11 DIM. The cows were divided into two dietary groups: a control group (CON) that received a total mixed ration (TMR), and a Bacillus-fed group (DFM) that received the same TMR along with a Bacillus subtilis product containing two strains (747 and 1781) in equal amounts. The study lasted for 25 wk and included both primiparous and multiparous cows. The cows were housed in a free-stall barn and were provided with ad libitum TMR, which was fed twice a day. Their daily meals and dry matter intake (DMI) were recorded during wk 1–4 and wk 19–25 using electronic feeders. Milk samples were collected weekly during morning and evening milkings and analyzed for milk fat, protein, lactose, and milk urea nitrogen (MUN). Blood samples were also collected weekly and analyzed for plasma glucose, insulin, cholesterol, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and progesterone concentrations. Additionally, rumen fluid samples were collected and evaluated for various species of bacteria. One of the key findings was that daily 4 % fat-corrected milk production (FCM) was influenced by the interaction between treatment (DFM vs. CON) and parity (primiparous vs. multiparous), with multiparous DFM cows producing 11 % more FCM compared to CON. The DFM cows also had a higher milk fat percentage (4.41 % vs. 4.02 %) and MUN concentrations were 1.0 mg/dL higher in the DFM group. In terms of blood metabolites and hormones, multiparous DFM cows had lower plasma cholesterol, glucose, and insulin concentrations compared to CON multiparous cows. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of plasma IGF1 concentrations, insulin-to-glucose ratios, and luteal phase plasma progesterone concentrations. The analysis of rumen fluid samples revealed that the abundance of Ruminococcus albus and Fibrobacter succinogenes group I was greater in the DFM cows compared to CON cows. Furthermore, during the periods when feed intake was measured, the DFM cows had a 9 % reduction in feed intake and a 14 % improvement in feed efficiency (FCM per DMI) compared to CON cows. In conclusion, the two-strain Bacillus product used in this study (Certillus) showed potential as an effective direct-fed microbial. It was found to increase feed efficiency and milk production by altering the composition of ruminal microbiota and metabolism in the cows.

Progesterone increases metabolism via the pentose phosphate pathway in bovine uterine epithelial cells.

During early pregnancy, glucose is essential for the uterine epithelium and the developing embryo. In cows, progesterone increases the secretion of glucose into the uterine lumen. The uterine epithelium can convert glucose to fructose, but other fates of glucose in the uterine epithelium have been sparsely investigated. Therefore, our objective was to investigate how progesterone influences glucose metabolism in immortalized bovine uterine epithelial (BUTE) cells. BUTE cells were grown to 80% confluence and treated with vehicle (DMSO) or 10 µM progesterone for 24h. Cells were collected and analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was performed on endometrial samples collected from the bovine endometrium on days 1 and 11 of the reproductive cycle. Progesterone treatment increased glucose consumption of BUTE cells. RNAseq identified 3,072 genes regulated by progesterone. KEGG analysis indicated that progesterone altered genes associated with metabolic pathways and glutathione metabolism. Manually examining genes unique to specific glucose metabolic pathways identified an increase in the rate-limiting enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway-glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Functionally, a major product of the pentose phosphate pathway is NADPH, and progesterone treatment increased NADPH levels in BUTE cells. In cows, immunohistochemistry confirmed that glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase levels were higher in the uterine epithelium in the luteal phase when progesterone concentrations are high. Progesterone increased glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase expression and metabolism via the pentose phosphate pathway in the bovine uterine epithelium. This metabolism could provide substrates for cell proliferation, molecules to be secreted into the uterine lumen, or maintain reduction/oxidation balance in the uterine epithelium.

Regulator of G-Protein Signaling 2 Knockout in CD4+ T Cells Promotes Anti-Inflammatory T Cells, Enhancing Ovulation, and Oocyte Yield.

To determine the downstream effects on ovarian function and immune cell differentiation in the ovary and uterus using a model in which RGS2 was knocked out specifically in CD4+ T cells. Laboratory based experiments with female mice. Female congenic (fully backcrossed) and non-congenic (mixed strain) mice with CD4 T cell-specific RGS2 knockout. Four-week-old female CD4 RGS2 knockout (CD4 RGS2 KO ) mice and their littermate controls (CD4 RGS2 CTL ) were subjected to superovulation using pregnant mare serum gonadotropins. Oocyte numbers, lymphocyte populations in the ovary and uterus, and serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations. In non-congenic (mixed strain) mice, CD4 RGS2 knockout (KO) promoted higher oocyte ovulation and increased uterine total leukocyte numbers. Similarly, congenic (fully backcrossed strain) mice showed higher oocyte numbers and increased uterine total leukocytes in the CD4 RGS2 KO mice compared to CD4 RGS2 CTL mice. Pro-inflammatory CD4+ T helper (T H ) 1 and T H 17 cell frequencies in the ovary and uterus were unchanged, while Treg and T H 2 cell frequencies were elevated, along with increased concentrations of estradiol and progesterone in the serum of CD4 RGS2 KO mice. Our study highlights the important role of RGS2 in CD4+ T cells within the context of reproduction. The dysregulation of immune responses due to RGS2 knockout in CD4+ T cells appears to enhance oocyte production. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which RGS2 influences reproductive outcomes, including its impact on fecundability, endometrial receptivity, and successful implantation.

The metabolomic composition of the oviductal fluid is controlled by the periovulatory hormonal context in Bos indicus cows.

In cattle, oviductal function is controlled by the ovarian sex-steroids estradiol and progesterone. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the exposure to contrasting sex-steroid milieus differentially impacts the oviductal fluid composition. Estrous cycles of non-lactating, multiparous Nelore cows were pre-synchronized and then synchronized with a protocol designed two induce ovulation of large (LF group) or small (SF group) follciles. Larger preovulatory follicle (day 0) and corpora lutea (day 4) and greater estradiol (day 0) and progesterone (day 4) concentrations were observed in the LF group. Four days after induced ovulation, oviductal fluid was collected post-mortem. Quantitative mass spectrometry was used to determine the concentration of amino acids, biogenic amines, acylcarnitines, phosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelins, hexoses, prostaglandins and related compounds. Multivariate analyses (OPLS-DA) were conducted to compare the metabolomic signatures of oviductal fluids. Correlation network analysis was conducted to measure the strength and hierarchy of associations among metabolites. Of the 205 metabolites quantified, 171 were detected in at least 50% of the samples and were included in further data analysis. After OPLS-DA analysis, samples of the LF and SF were divided clearly into two non-overlapping clusters. Twenty metabolites had different or tended to have different concentrations in the oviductal fluid when comparing groups. Seven of these 20 analytes had greater concentrations in LF cows. Moreover, total sum of biogenic amines, phosphatidylcholines, and prostaglandins were higher in the SF group. The correlation network showed that the LF group metabolites' concentrations were highly intercorrelated, which was not observed in the SF group. We concluded that the periovulatory endocrine milieu regulates the composition of the oviductal fluid.

Progesterone Concentrations during Uterine Involution in Sahelian Goats

Progesterone Concentrations during Uterine Involution in Sahelian Goats

Reproductive physiology of Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) in Pothwar Plateau, Pakistan

Abstract The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is an “endangered” mammal species that is restricted to four range countries of Asia. The ecology and breeding behavior of Indian pangolins is poorly understood due to a lack of scientific data. Due to heavy poaching and illegal killing, the species population has declined drastically in the last decade. Considering the fact that Indian pangolin has low reproductive output, it needs special conservation measures and authentic information about its breeding ecology. We estimated concentrations of three reproductive hormones from scats using ELISA kits in male and female pangolins inhabiting the Pothwar Plateau, Pakistan, to confirm its breeding pattern in its range. Testosterone levels were found elevated from May (0.59 ng/ml) until October (1.28 ng/ml). Oestradiol levels were raised from May (0.59 pg/ml) until December (2.64 pg/ml). Progesterone concentrations were relatively low from January until March but increased from April (4.85 pg/ml) through December (14.0 pg/ml) with highest concentrations (20.13 pg/ml) in September and October. Mean hormone (testosterone, oestradiol and progesterone) concentrations were elevated in winter compared to summer (p < 0.001). The current study is the first one to quantify hormonal levels in this species, and our findings establish the breeding pattern of Indian pangolin.

In Vitro Screening of Trehalose Synbiotics and Their Effects on Early-Lactating Females and Offspring Mice.

Activities such as childbirth and breastfeeding can cause severe oxidative stress and inflammatory damage to the mother during early lactation, and can affect animal milk production, and the growth and development of offspring. Trehalose alleviates damage to the body by endowing it with stress resistance. In this study, we used trehalose combined with Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium longum, Bacillus subtilis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to explore whether dietary intervention can alleviate oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in early lactation and to evaluate the growth ability, acid production ability, antioxidant ability, non-specific adhesion ability, antibacterial ability, and other parameters to determine the optimal combinations and proportions. The results showed that the synbiotics composed of 2.5% trehalose and 1 × 107 cfu/g of Bifidobacterium longum could regulate the gut microbiota, and promote mammary gland development in dams by reducing progesterone (PROG) content in the blood, increasing prolactin (PRL) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) content, enhancing their antioxidant and immune abilities, and effectively increasing the weight and lactation of early lactating dams. In addition, it can also affect the growth of offspring and the development of the intestinal barrier. These results indicate that trehalose synbiotics have great potential in alleviating oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in early lactation.

Delayed endometrial preparation for the induction of luteolysis as a potential factor for improved reproductive performance in Angus beef heifers with high antral follicle counts.

Antral Follicle Count (AFC) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations are reflective for ovarian reserve and have been associated with improved reproductive performance in cattle. Key events for regulation of uterine receptivity are orchestrated by progesterone. As progesterone concentrations are greater in animals with high than low AFC, we tested the hypothesis, if the resulting improved uterine environment will lead to improved conceptus elongation and endometrial response to interferon tau. For four years, 10 heifers with lowest and highest AFC, respectively, were selected from 120 heifers. Reproductive tracts and blood samples for progesterone and AMH analysis were collected after synchronization and insemination. For a recovered conceptus, length was determined, and interferon tau (IFNT) transcript abundance was analyzed. Endometrial transcript abundance of interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) and oxytocin receptor (OXTR) were analyzed. Progesterone concentrations did not differ between Low and High AFC Group (P= 0.1). A difference in conceptus length was not observed. Endometrial abundance of ISG15 did not differ between Pregnant Low and High AFC heifers. Abundance of OXTR was greater in Open Low AFC than Open High AFC heifers (P< 0.01). Interaction of AMH and Pregnancy Status was determined, with greater AMH in Pregnant than Open High AFC heifers (P< 0.05). Improved uterine environment in High vs. Low AFC heifers did not result in longer conceptuses or improved endometrial response. As the increase in OXTR transcript abundance was only detected in Low AFC heifers, reported differences in reproductive performance might be associated with earlier initiation of luteolysis.

Effect of progesterone concentration on hCG trigger day on clinical outcomes after high-quality single blastocyst transfer in GnRH antagonist cycles.

To investigate whether progesterone levels on the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger day are associated with clinical outcomes in fresh cycles and the first frozen-thawed cycles (the freeze-all strategy) following the transfer of a high-quality single blastocyst. This single-center retrospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing in vitro fertilization with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol from January 2017 to December 2023. The study included the first and second oocyte retrieval cycles with progesterone levels ≤2 ng/ml on hCG trigger day. Clinical pregnancy rates and early miscarriage rates were compared among groups using curve fitting, threshold effect analysis, and multivariable regression. When progesterone levels were between 1 and 2 ng/ml, the pregnancy rate in fresh cycles was only 51% of that in cycles with progesterone levels ≤1 ng/ml (95% CI: 0.33, 0.79, p = 0.0028). And the pregnancy rate decreased by 25% (95% CI: 0.51, 1.09) for frozen cycles, although there was no statistically significant (p = 0.1273). When cycle types were used as a binary variable in multivariate regression analysis, it was found that the clinical pregnancy rate in frozen cycles was 1.84 times higher than in fresh cycles (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.38-2.47). For progesterone levels between 1 and 2 ng/ml, the clinical pregnancy rate in frozen cycles was 2.90 times that of fresh cycles (OR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.59, 5.29, p = 0.0015). Progesterone levels on hCG day had no impact on the clinical pregnancy rate in thaw cycles, nor did they affect miscarriage rates in fresh or thaw cycles (p > 0.05). When progesterone levels on hCG trigger day were between 1 and 2 ng/ml, the clinical pregnancy rate for frozen-thawed cycles of high-quality single blastocyst transfer using an GnRH antagonist protocol significantly surpasses that of fresh cycles, thus elective frozen embryo transfer after the freeze-all strategy is recommended.

Monitoring Estradiol and Progesterone Content of Saanen Goats During Pregnancy

Saanen is a specialized dairy goat breed originating from Switzerland, imported and encouraged to be raised in Vietnam. This article presents the results of a survey of estradiol and progesterone levels during pregnancy in Saanen goats at the Binh Duong Large Livestock Research and Development Center. After monitoring mating, goats were sampled for blood every 7 days until birth, at 6-8 am. Hormone levels were determined by electrochemiluminescence assay, with the Cobas E601 immunoassay system. The results showed that after 14 days of conception, progesterone levels gradually increased (3.21±0.36 ng/ml) and shifted to higher levels, peaking on day 70 of pregnancy (12.28±0.52 ng/ml) (in the 1-2 years old group); corresponding values were 3.18±0.75-11.88±0.92 ng/ml (in the 3-4 years old group). The high value range was maintained throughout pregnancy and decreased rapidly in the 14-21 days before birth in both age groups. Estradiol, maintained at low concentrations from 0.73±0.35 to 2.65±1.25 pg/ml (in the 1-2 years old group); from 0.98±0.48 to 3.27±1.95 pg/ml (in the 3-4 years old group) in the first 21 days of pregnancy and then gradually increased to above 10 pg/ml (in both age groups) on day 28. Estradiol continued to increase and reached a maximum level (205.48±32.81 pg/ml) in group 1 on day 126 and had an average value below 10 pg/ml within 1-2 days after giving birth. The results of this study help diagnose pregnancy, predict gestational age for effective reproductive management, and serve as a reliable reference when using assisted reproductive tools and strategies to improve reproductive performance in goats.

Management of a granulosa-theca cell tumor in a female Rottweiler

A 4-year, multiparous Rottweiler female dog, was presented for breeding management. Dog had clinical signs of proestrus and estrus for &gt; 6 weeks, including cornification of vaginal epithelium and low circulating progesterone concentrations (&lt; 2 ng/ml). Transabdominal ultrasonography of the reproductive tract and measurement of circulating hormones (antimüllerian hormone, Inhibin-B, and progesterone) suggested granulosa-theca cell tumor. Affected ovary was removed via laparoscopy. Histopathology confirmed granulosa-theca cell tumor; dog resumed cyclicity 4 months after surgery, had normal estrus and was successfully mated with a young stud dog. Dog was diagnosed pregnant (30 days after LH surge) via transabdominal ultrasonography; 4 amniotic sacs were detected, and 3 grew to term but were not viable at delivery (via cesarian surgery).

Delaying induction of ovulation and timed AI in a Double-Ovsynch protocol increased expression of estrus and altered first service reproductive outcomes of lactating dairy cows

The objective of this randomized controlled experiment was to evaluate the effect of delaying induction of ovulation and timed artificial insemination (TAI) on expression of estrus before AI and first service reproductive outcomes. A secondary objective was to evaluate the effects of delaying induction of ovulation in a Double-Ovsynch protocol on ovarian function. Lactating Holstein cows (n = 4,672) from 2 commercial dairy farms fitted with sensors for automated detection of estrus were synchronized with a Double-Ovsynch protocol up to the first PGF2α (PGF-L) of the Breeding-Ovsynch portion of the protocol (Pre-Ovsynch: GnRH, 7 d later PGF2α, 3 d later GnRH, 7 d later Breeding-Ovsynch: GnRH, 7 d later PGF2α, 1 d later PGF2α). At PGF-L, cows blocked by parity (primiparous vs. multiparous) and semen used for first service (sex-sorted dairy vs. conventional beef) were randomly assigned to the G56 (n = 2,338) or G80 (n = 2,334) treatments. Cows in G56 had 56 h whereas cows in G80 had 80 h from PGF-L to induction of ovulation with the last GnRH (GnRH2) before AI. For both treatments, TAI occurred ∼16 h after GnRH2. All cows with automated estrus alerts between PGF-L and TAI were inseminated at detected estrus (AIE) without GnRH. Ovarian function and responses to synchronization were monitored based on circulating concentrations of progesterone and examination of the ovaries by ultrasonography. Data for binary outcomes were analyzed by logistic and continuous outcomes with lineal regression. More cows in G80 received AIE and had estrus before AI. Overall, pregnancies per AI (P/AI) did not differ for the G80 and G56 treatments. Cows in G80 that received TAI and had no estrus had fewer P/AI than cows with estrus that received AIE or TAI in G80, and fewer P/AI than cows AIE and cows that received TAI and had or did not have estrus in the G56 treatment. No differences were observed between treatments or for cows with and without estrus for pregnancy loss. Unlike some minor differences between treatments for concentrations of progesterone at GnRH2, the most notable differences in ovarian function were for cows in both treatments with or without estrus that received TAI. Cows with estrus, were more likely to have follicles > 16 mm, had larger follicles before ovulation, and had a greater ovulation risk after AI. Likewise, within the G80 treatment only, cows with estrus that received AIE or TAI had larger follicles, were more likely to have complete luteal regression, had greater ovulation risk, were more likely to have a functional corpus luteum, and had more circulating progesterone after AI. We concluded that delaying induction of ovulation and TAI was effective for allowing more cows to express estrus before AI which had different ovarian function outcomes and greater P/AI than cows that did not express estrus. However, the greater P/AI of cows that expressed estrus was insufficient to compensate for the reduced P/AI of cows that did not express estrus, and thus increase overall P/AI compared with the treatment without delayed induction of ovulation. Detection of estrus before AI in cows undergoing synchronization of ovulation could help identify cows with different likelihoods of pregnancy after insemination.

Progesterone decreases viability and up regulates membrane progesterone receptors expression on the human Chronic Myeloid Leukemia cell line

Progesterone (P4)) has an important effect (activatory or inhibitory) on cell proliferation. Although there is evidence of the impact of progesterone on sex-linked cancers, it can affect other cancer cells expressing P4 receptors (PRs). We evaluated the expression of membrane P4 receptors (mPRs) and the viability in progesterone-treated K562 cells to inspect the possible effects route of progesterone on this (CML) cancer cell line. K562 cells were exposed to various concentrations of progesterone or no exposure for 48 and 72 hours. The percentage of viability and cells that expressed mPRα and mPRβ were evaluated by MTT test and flow cytometry respectively. Progesterone significantly increased the expression of mPRα and especially mPRβ on the surface of K562 cells and significantly decreased their viability (p ≤ 0.05). Progesterone can reduce viability in K562 cells. Our findings showed that progesterone affects its receptor expression on K562 cells. Thus it may influence the performance of K562 cells in addition to its direct effects on these cells (via binding to its receptors).

Influence of menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive phases on strength performance, neuromuscular fatigue, and perceived exertion.

The primary aim of the study was to assess differences in strength performance, neuromuscular fatigue, and perceived exertion across phases of the menstrual cycle [MC; early follicular (eFP), late follicular (lFP), and mid-luteal phase (mLP)] and oral contraceptives [OCs; active pill phase (aPP) and nonactive pill phase (nPP)]. The secondary aim was to analyze the influence of fluctuating serum 17β-estradiol and progesterone concentrations on these parameters in naturally menstruating women. Thirty-four women (21 with a natural MC and 13 using OCs) completed three or two experimental sessions, respectively. Mean propulsive velocity (MPVmean) and total number of repetitions (REPtotal) were assessed during a power [3 × 8 at 60% 1RM (one-repetition maximum)] and hypertrophy squat loading (3 sets to failure at 70% 1RM), respectively. Changes in bench press and squat MPV at 60% 1RM in response to the loadings were used as surrogates for nonlocal and local fatigue, respectively. Total blood lactate accumulation (BLAA) and markers of perceived exertion were assessed in each session. No significant differences between any of the MC or OC phases were observed for MPVmean, REPtotal, nonlocal and local fatigue, and markers of perceived exertion (all P > 0.050). A higher intraindividual 17β-estradiol concentration was significantly associated with a lower MPVmean (P = 0.019). BLAA was significantly higher in the lFP than in the mLP (P = 0.019) and negatively associated with the intraindividual progesterone concentration (P = 0.005). Although 17β-estradiol may negatively influence the MPV, it appears that fluctuations of both sex hormones across the MC and OC phases are not prominent enough to induce significant or practically relevant changes in the assessed parameters.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although a high intraindividual 17β-estradiol concentration was associated with a lower movement velocity, markers of strength performance and surrogates for nonlocal and local fatigue remained unaffected by MC and OC phases. Blood lactate accumulation was significantly reduced in the mLP. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the impact of the MC phases varies greatly among individuals. Individuals with high fluctuations in sex hormone concentrations may experience relevant changes in the assessed parameters.

Investigating the association between hair progesterone, anxiety, sleep quality, and other determinants in South African females

BackgroundAnxiety symptoms and poor sleep quality are common in women. The role of sex hormones, particularly progesterone, in anxiety and sleep quality in women is understudied. Measurement of hair progesterone concentrations (HPC) is a promising method to investigate the effects of progesterone on anxiety symptoms and sleep quality in women. ObjectivesWe analysed sociodemographic, hair-related, and clinical factors associated with HPC and investigated the association between HPC and anxiety severity and sleep quality in a sample of 159 South African women (mean age: 46.5 years; range: 18-79 years). MethodsData were obtained from control participants from the SHARED ROOTS study. HPC were determined using an established liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. Unadjusted and adjusted multiple linear regression models were used to investigate whether sleep quality, measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and anxiety, measured with the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), were associated with HPC. Significant sociodemographic, hair-related, and clinical factors were adjusted for. ResultsHPC was significantly associated with age, duration of sample storage, hormonal treatment, postmenopausal status, and the number of different types of trauma exposures in adjusted models. Neither anxiety severity nor sleep quality was significantly associated with HPC. ConclusionsCertain demographic, hair related, and clinical factors were associated with HPC and need to be considered in future research using HPC. Although anxiety and sleep were not associated with HPC, greater trauma exposure was associated with higher HPC, suggesting an association between severe stress and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis functioning.

The impact of chronic stress on the hormonal state of women affected by hostilities and displaced women

During times of war, refugee women often have high levels of chronic stress due to factors such as war, displacement and uncertainty. The study focuses on examining the hormonal responses of female refugees experiencing chronic stress from war and displacement.The objective: to assess the impact of chronic stress caused by war and displacement on the hormonal balance of refugee women.Materials and methods. 60 women were examined, who were divided into groups: the 1st group included women who were affected by hostilities (20 persons), and the 2nd group included displaced women (20 individuals). In these 40 women the hormonal studies were conducted in the conditions of military aggression in Ukraine. The control group (3rd group) included healthy women who were examined in the pre-war period. All examined women were 20–25 years old with an average body weight of 55–60 kg. Concentrations of progesterone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone, prolactin in the I and II phases of the menstrual cycle (MC), cortisol in the I phase of the MC were determined in blood serum using the enzyme immunoassay method. An analysis of the results of research on the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system in the regulation of the stress response was carried out.Results. In the examined women, various disorders of MC were observed, such as: menometrorrhagia, hypermenorrhea, acyclic uterine bleeding, oligomenorrhea, and amenorrhea. The most pronounced changes in menstrual function were observed in women who were affected by hostilities. Such significant disorders of MC in women of this group coincided with changes in indicators of gonadotropic hormones of the pituitary gland and sex hormones in the blood.A study of the psycho-emotional state of women who suffered from hostilities established that these women have a significant stressful effect of various risk factors on the body. Changes in the levels of cortisol, prolactin and other hormones were detected.Conclusions. Studies have shown that chronic stress affects the hormonal status of women affected by hostilities and of displaced women, including FSH, estradiol, and prolactin levels.A significant increase in the level of FSH in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and an increase in the level of estradiol in the luteal phase were determined, which may indicate a compensatory reaction of the body to stress. A significant increase in the level of prolactin was also found, which can cause disorders of menstrual function and affect the psycho-emotional state.

Clinical and diagnostic evidence of benign endometrial pathology in postmenopausal patients

The objective: to study clinical and diagnostic features of the benign endometrial conditions in the postmenopausal women.Materials and method. 64 postmenopausal patients with various severity of postmenopausal vaginal bleeding were examined. All patients underwent clinical, radiological, laboratory and histological examinations, reproductive history data and body mass index indicators were evaluated. Of them 33 persons were diagnosed with complex endometrial hyperplasia without atypia, 16 women – endometrial polyp and 15 women – hyperplasia with atypia. Routine gynecological examination including abdominal and pelvic examination following transvaginal ultrasound examination for the determination of the uterine and ovarian volume as well, as the endometrial thickness were conducted. Patients included in the study underwent computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging as indicated. All patients with endometrial pathology underwent endometrial biopsy by standard dilatation and curettage or Pipelle-biopsy with histological examination of the obtained material. The concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), estradiol, estrone, progesterone, prolactin, and testosterone were determined in blood serum.Results. It was confirmed that in 87,5% of cases endometrial hyperplasia manifested with vaginal bleeding. Endometrial thickness in examined persons ranged from 14.1±1.6 mm in patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia to 21.3±4.8 mm in patients with complex endometrial hyperplasia without atypia. The study of blood levels of hormones found that postmenopausal patients with endometrial hyperplasia have lower FSH concentration, LH/FSH ratio, estradiol, testosterone levels, with significantly high values of prolactin, DHEA-S and estrone. During the postmenopausal period, hyperplasia was developed in 10% of cases by the presence of bleeding, and 86.2% of cases by the presence of blood spotting. Conclusions. The study suggests that high body mass index, numerous artificial abortions, high blood levels of estrone, DHEA-S and prolactin as well as increased thickness of endometrium influence the frequency of endometrial hyperplasia in postmenopausal women.

Effect of Thyroid Disorders on Some Biochemical Parameters in Women

The current study aimed to determine the effect of thyroid disorder on kidney function, some hormones, total protein, and glucose in women. The study sample was divided into two groups, the first a (control group) healthy women and the second a group of patients with thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism) in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. The results of the current study showed a significant decrease in the concentration of (T3, T4) and a significant increase in the concentration of TSH in the second group when compared with the control group and the third group, while the third group recorded a significant increase in the concentration of (T3, T4). The results of the current study also showed a significant decrease in the concentration of (estrogen) in the second group when compared with the control group and the third group, and a significant increase in the concentration of (progesterone) in the group. The third group was compared with the healthy group and the second group among non-pregnant women. The results also recorded a significant increase in the concentration of(estrogen). In the second and third groups, when compared with the control group in pregnant women, on the other hand, the results indicated a significant increase in FSH concentration and prolactin in the second group when compared with the healthy group, and a significant increase in the concentration of prolactin and LH in the third group when compared with the control group in non-pregnant women. As for pregnant women, the results showed a significant decrease in the concentration of (LH). And a significant increase in the concentration of (prolactin) in the second and third groups when compared with the control group.

Hormonal status of patients with infertility and post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that occurs after a psychologically or physically traumatic event, and characterized by three main clusters of posttraumatic symptoms, as well as chronic and significant disturbances in emotion regulation, identity, and relationships. PTSD is more common in women, which suggests a role for the regulation of female sex hormones in its development.The objective: to study the hormonal status of women with infertility and PTSD.Materials and methods. 112 women with infertility were examined, who were divided into groups depending on the PTSD criteria. The I group included 36 women with PTSD criteria, who were diagnosed with infertility before the onset of the traumatic factor, the II group – 31 patients with fertility disorders which were diagnosed on the background of PTSD, the III group – 45 women with infertility and without signs of PTSD, the control group consisted of 50 healthy women who applied for a routine preventive examination.In all patients, on the 3rd–5th day of the menstrual cycle, the concentrations of prolactin, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone were determined in the blood serum, in the saliva – cortisol, on the 21st day of the cycle – in the blood serum progesterone.Results. It was established that in women with infertility that was developed after the traumatic factor, the prolactin content is significantly higher (59.5±18.9 ng/ml) than in other groups of patients with fertility disorders (36.9±12.3 ng/ml in I group, 34.3±17.9 ng/ml – in the III group) and in the group of healthy women (13.5±5.6 ng/ml). The concentration of estradiol in the I group was within the reference values for the follicular phase of the cycle, but significantly lower (23.4±3.6 pg/ml) than in women of the other groups (from 87.6±14.6 pg/ml in the III group to 103.5±27.8 pg/ml in the group of healthy women). The average concentration of progesterone in the I (3.4±2.7 pg/ml) and II (4.1±2.9 pg/ml) groups was within the reference values, but was probably lower than that of healthy women (23.6±4.9 pg/ml), as well as women with infertility without signs of PTSD (19.4±5.1 pg/ml).In this study the patients with infertility which has developed on the background of PTSD had LH values within the reference normal range (2.0±0.5 U/L), but several times lower than in women with other reasons of infertility (12.0±3.6 U/l – in women with infertility before the development of PTSD, 6.0±1.9 U/l – in women with infertility without PTSD criteria) and in healthy women (9.2±3.4 U/l).An increased level of testosterone beyond the reference values was found only in women of the II group (3.3±1.9 nmol/l), in the other groups the average testosterone concentration ranged from 1.3±0.6 nmol/l in healthy women to 1.5±0.9 nmol/l in the I group and 1.8±0.7 nmol/l in women with infertility without signs of PTSD. Patients with PTSD are characterized by an increased level of cortisol in saliva, which indicates a prolonged reaction of the body to the trauma (8.8±0.3 ng/ml – in the I group, 10.3±0.4 ng/ml – in the II group), in groups without PTSD the level of this hormone in saliva was almost twice as low (5.4±0.2 ng/ml – in the III group and 5.9±0.3 ng/ml – in healthy women).Conclusions. 1. The patients with PTSD and infertility are characterized by high concentrations of cortisol in saliva and a decreased progesterone level in blood serum.2. In patients who had fertility disorders before a stressful event, a decreased estrogen concentration and an increased luteinizing hormone level were found in blood serum, which indicates endocrine disorders as a cause of infertility.3. Prolactin and testosterone levels were found to be higher in the patients with infertility that was developed after a traumatic event than in other women with reproductive function disorders. Both factors are pathogenetically related to the pathological reaction to stress.