Cystic Ovarian Follicles Research Articles

Downregulation of TASK-3 Channel Induces Senescence in Granulosa Cells of Bovine Cystic Ovarian Follicles.

Ovarian cysts are linked to hormone imbalances and altered gene expressions, but the connection between cysts and ion channel expression is understudied. This study explored the role of TWIK-related acid-sensitive K+ (TASK) channels in bovine ovarian cyst formation. The ovarian follicles were split into small (5 to 10 mm in diameter) and large (>25 mm in diameter) groups. Among the measured K+, Na+, and Cl- concentrations in follicular fluid (FF) obtained from small-sized follicles (SFs) and large-sized follicles (LFs), the K+ concentration was significantly lower in LFFF. Quantitative PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry data revealed that TASK-3 expression levels significantly decreased by approximately 50% in LFs and granulosa cells obtained from LFs (LFGCs) compared to the corresponding controls. The TASK-3 protein was localized to the plasma membranes of GCs. The diameters of LFGCs were larger than those of SFGCs. The cell swelling response to exposure to a hypotonic solution (200 mOsm/L) was highly reduced in TASK-3-overexpressing cells compared to vector-transfected cells. TASK-3-knockdown cells showed arrested growth. Senescence markers were detected in LFGCs and TASK-3-knockdown cells. These findings suggest that reduced TASK-3 expression in LFs is associated with the inhibition of GC growth, leading to senescence and cyst formation.

SAT607 Targeted Modulation Of Kisspeptin Neurons Improves Hyperandrogenism And Hyperactive LH Secretion In A Pre-clinical PCOS-like Mouse Model: Implications For Novel Therapeutics In PCOS Women

Abstract Disclosure: E. Coutinho: Employee; Self; Crinetics. L.A. Esparza: None. A.S. Kauffman: Consulting Fee; Self; Crinetics. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common reproductive disorder in women, is characterized by hyperandrogenemia, chronic anovulation, and/or cystic ovarian follicles. Another common hallmark of PCOS is LH hyper-pulsatility, believed to be driven by hyperactive GnRH neurons, but the reason for the increased GnRH secretion still remains unclear. We previously developed a PCOS-like mouse model using chronic letrozole (LET; aromatase inhibitor) and reported that LET females demonstrated multiple PCOS-like phenotypes, including polycystic ovaries, anovulation, hyperandrogenemia, enlarged ovaries, and hyperactive LH pulse secretion. Given the proposed role of hypothalamic arcuate kisspeptin neurons as the GnRH pulse generator, we determined that LET females have markedly elevated Kiss1 and Tac2 expression and increased Kiss1 neuronal activation in the arcuate nucleus, correlating with their hyper-pulsatile LH secretion. Thus, in the LET PCOS-like condition, and perhaps in PCOS women, increased hypothalamic kisspeptin and NKB neuron activity may be fundamental contributors to the hyperactive LH secretion and downstream hyperandrogenemia. We next tested this possibility using chemogenetics in transgenic PCOS-like mice to acutely and chronically suppress kisspeptin neuron activity. Acute inhibition of kisspeptin neurons successfully lowered abnormally high, rapid in vivo LH pulse secretion in PCOS-like females. Likewise, chronic in vivo suppression of endogenous kisspeptin neuron activity for several weeks dramatically lowered both circulating LH and T levels, and reduced ovarian weights, in females previously displaying a PCOS-like phenotype, with a trend towards improvement of overweight phenotype. These data support the hypothesis that overactive kisspeptin neurons may be one possible driver of neuroendocrine PCOS-like phenotypes. Importantly, these findings suggest that modulation of kisspeptin neurons may be a viable, novel therapeutic target to treat hyperandrogenism and hyperactive LH pulsatility in PCOS women. Indeed, although identical studies have not yet been done in humans, our findings complement recent clinical investigations using NKB receptor antagonists or dynorphin analogs to lower LH pulse secretion in PCOS women and other PCOS-like animal models. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Comparative analysis of biochemical, hormonal, and mineral compositions of preovulatory and cystic ovarian follicles in buffalo during the non-breeding season.

This study is a comparative analysis of the biochemical, hormonal, and mineral compositions of follicular fluid in preovulatory and cystic follicles of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). In total, reproductive tracts from 215 buffalo along with intact ovaries were collected randomly from an abattoir. The incidence of cystic conditions found in this study was 3.72% (8/215), involving the right ovary in 62.5% of instances and the left ovary in 37.5% of instances during the non-breeding season. Follicular fluid was aspirated from preovulatory follicles (12-15 mm diameter, oestrogen-active, follicular phase or stage IV corpus luteum on one of the two ovaries, n = 10) and cystic follicles (at least 20 mm diameter, no corpus luteum on any one of the two ovaries, n = 8). The follicular fluid samples were assayed for biochemical components (uric acid, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, total protein, glucose, ascorbic acid, and alkaline phosphatase), hormones (progesterone, estradiol, and insulin), and minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, and cobalt). Cystic follicles had greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, progesterone, copper, zinc, and cobalt, and lesser (P < 0.05) concentrations of uric acid, glucose, ascorbic acid, estradiol, insulin, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus compared with preovulatory follicles. These results indicated the marked differences in follicular fluid composition between preovulatory and cystic follicles in buffalo. Some of the changes were indicative of oxidative stress and disturbed steroidogenesis, two important mechanisms shown to be associated with cystic ovarian disease in various species. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether these differences are directly or indirectly involved in the formation of cystic follicles or are mere manifestations of the condition.

The Effect of Tamoxifen Citrate on Granulosa Cells of Ovarian Follicles in Adult Female Rats: Light Microscopic Study.

Tamoxifen is a drug that has been used extensively as a chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer. It should be taken for a long period, from few weeks up to many years, so it can induce gynecological and nongynecological complications. Present study was conducted to clarify the histopathological effects of tamoxifen intake on the ovarian follicles of rats and evaluate the promising recovery after drug withdrawal. Adult female albino rats (n = 24) were randomly divided into four groups. Group I: Control rats without treatment. Group II: Rats received olive oil vehicle. Group III: Rats received 5 mg/kg daily of tamoxifen dissolved in olive oil by oral administration for 4 weeks. Group IV: Rats received tamoxifen as in Group III then will be kept for another 4 weeks without treatment for recovery. Then, the rats were anaesthetized and the ovaries were removed and prepared for histological assessment by light microscope. The ovarian histological findings in the ovary of Group III revealed an increase in atretic ovarian follicles, appearance of cystic ovarian follicles, and cystic corpus luteum. The granulosa cells of ovarian follicles were disorganized with vacuolation of their cytoplasm, increased number of pyknotic nuclei, fragmented nuclei, and apoptotic bodies. After the withdrawal of drug, the ovarian tissue showed slight improvement with the appearance of some atretic follicles with degenerated oocyte and stromal hyperplasia. Based on the results, tamoxifen induced marked histological changes in the ovary. If tamoxifen is mandatory for the prevention of breast cancer, frequent gynecological examination should be carried out to detect any side effects.

A comparison of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin in dairy cows with ovarian follicular cysts

PICO question&#x0D; In adult dairy cows with ovarian follicular cysts, does treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) compared to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) result in a more rapid return to cyclicity?&#x0D; &#x0D; Clinical bottom line&#x0D; Category of research question&#x0D; Treatment&#x0D; The number and type of study designs reviewed&#x0D; The publications consisted of six non-blinded randomised comparative or controlled trials&#x0D; Strength of evidence&#x0D; Weak&#x0D; Outcomes reported&#x0D; Recovery time, clinical cure, and interval to conception were consistently evaluated. Many studies also evaluated other fertility parameters such as first estrus or first treatment conception, overall pregnancy and conception risks, and breedings per conception&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; At this time, there is insufficient evidence to suggest whether GnRH or hCG is more efficacious for treating ovarian follicular cysts in dairy cattle. Ultimately, further research is essential to elucidate which treatment results in a more rapid return to cyclicity for dairy cattle afflicted with cystic ovarian follicles&#x0D; &#x0D; How to apply this evidence in practice&#x0D; The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.&#x0D; Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Scanning the Future: Veterinary Reproductive Ultrasonography

&#x0D; Reproductive ultrasonography can be an extensively preferred diagnostic modality in farm and companion animals for maximizing reproductive health in future days. The shape, contour, size, and position of the structure being analyzed, as well as its echogenicity, which is determined by the amplitude of the echoes received, are being used to describe ultrasound pictures. Reproductive ultrasonography has introduced a new dimension to animal reproduction by allowing not only visualization of the reproductive tract but also early pregnancy diagnosis, surveillance of embryonic or fetus development, and detection of the estrous cycle phase. Confirmation of ovarian and uterine ailments such as cystic ovarian follicle, endometritis, hydrometra, mucometra, and pyometra can be easily diagnosed for the earliest treatment regimens. The technique is a simple, safe, non-invasive, cost-effective, and practical way to confirm reproductive status in farm and companion animals from 30 days of gestation onwards, and by trans-rectal approach, the earliest diagnosis of pregnancy and non-pregnancy in small ruminants and swine can be confirmed from day 20 onwards. As a result, it appears that veterinary reproductive ultrasonography is an excellent technique for managing fertility in farm and companion animals&#x0D;

Alterations of Cortisol and Melatonin Production by the Theca Interna Cells of Porcine Cystic Ovarian Follicles.

Simple SummaryThe mechanism of follicular cyst formation is largely unknown but changes in follicular composition are known to be involved. In particular, there is abnormal hormone secretion in cystic follicles. Here, we found there was disruption of hormone secretion in the fluid of cystic follicles in sows. The glucocorticoid receptor was highly expressed, and the melatonin receptor was weakly expressed in cystic follicles compared with control follicles. Thus, secretion of steroid hormones in cystic follicles is disrupted and disturbances in signaling via cortisol and melatonin are involved in the development of follicular cysts in sows.(1) Background: Cortisol and melatonin (MT) act in regulating follicular development. We hypothesized that abnormal levels of cortisol, MT, and steroids in theca interna cells might be involved in the development of follicular cysts in sows. (2) Methods: To test this hypothesis, we measured the mRNA levels of enzymes involved in steroid hormone synthesis, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and melatonin receptors (MTRs) in theca interna cells of cystic and normal porcine follicles. (3) Results: The concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and cortisol were greater in cystic follicles than in control ones (p = 0.034, p = 0.020, p = 0.000), but the concentration of MT was significantly lower (p = 0.045). The levels of GR, 11β-HSD1, and 11β-HSD2 were higher in cystic follicles than in control l follicles. MT types 1 and 2 were significantly lower in cystic follicles (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of genes encoding the steroid hormone synthesis enzymes, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), recombinant cytochrome P45011A1 (CYP11A1), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) in theca interna cells of cystic follicles were significantly higher than in control follicles. Thus, there was disruption of hormone secretion in the fluid of cystic follicles in sows. (4) Conclusions: The levels of steroid hormones, cortisol and MT are disrupted in porcine cystic follicles.

Evaluation of hormonal treatments for different scenarios of cystic ovarian follicles in dairy cattle

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different hormonal interventions in the treatment of cystic ovarian follicles (COF) based on different scenarios, including the size of the cyst and the presence of other follicles on the ovaries of dairy cows. A total of 199 Holstein cows with COF in the first 100 days postpartum were enrolled in the study. These cows were randomly assigned to the four following groups: 1) GnRH (G) group: intramuscular (IM) injections of 100 µg gonadorelin acetate on day 0 and 150 µg d-cloprostenol 7-12 days later, 2) double GnRH (DG) group: two IM injections of 100 µg gonadorelin acetate at 6 h intervals on day 0 and d-cloprostenol 7-12 days later, 3) intravaginal progesterone device (IPD) group: insertion of PRID Delta for 7-12 days and injection of d-cloprostenol on the withdrawal of PRID Delta, and 4) control group: IM injection of 2 mL sterile saline on day 0 and 7-12 days later. The cure rate of COF significantly improved in the G and DG groups, in comparison with the IPD and control groups. There was no significant difference between the cows in the G and DG groups. In the control group, animals with ovarian cysts smaller than 2.5 cm had a significantly greater self-cure rate, compared to the other cows. In conclusion, this field study demonstrated a good clinical cure in the groups of cows treated by GnRH. However, no improvement was observed in the reproductive performance of these animals.

MON-437 False Positive I-131 Uptake

BackgroundIodine has high specificity for thyroid tissue hence it plays very important role is management for differentiated thyroid cancer. Despite its high specificity and sensitivity, false-positive I-131 uptake could be seen on whole body scan (WBS).We are presenting a case of false positive intense uptake in lung due to bronchiectasis.Clinical casePatient is a 78-year-old Asian female who initially present with left sided 5.8 cm thyroid nodule. The fine needle aspiration was performed, and the cytology came back as Bethesda category III. Per our institute protocol a molecular mutation panel was sent, which came back with NRAS mutation.She underwent total thyroidectomy and the histology showed 6.2 cm Follicular carcinoma with extensive angioinvasion, oncocyte type. She received adjuvant 165.2 mci of RAI. Per protocol she had a one-week I-131whole body scan.There was intense abnormal uptake in left mid and upper chest. The stimulate thyroglobulin with a TSH of >100mcIU/ml was only 0.17 ng/dl with Tab negative.Patient subsequently had a PET CT which showed a faint diffuse FDG activity noted in the cystic bronchiectasis predominantly in the left apex, lingula, and right middle lobe. Patient informed us that she has history of pulmonary tuberculosis in 1970’s for which she was successfully treated in her home country. We had 10-year-old chest X-ray which showed stable cystic bronchiectasis lesion in the region of intense uptake.DiscussionAlthough I131 whole body scan has high specificity and sensitivity but physician should be aware of potential false positive uptake to avoid unnecessary intervention. In a retrospective evaluation i the most common non-thyroid conditions included were bronchiectasis, lung infection, subcutaneous injection into gluteal fatty tissue, aortic calcification, benign bone cyst, vertebral hemangioma, recent nonthyroidal surgical procedure site, rotator cuff injury, mature cystic teratoma and ovarian follicle cyst). The accumulation of the bronchial secretion is the proposed mechanism of the high false positive uptake in bronchiectasis.Endnotes i Mol Imaging Radionucl Ther 2018; 27:99–106 DOI:10.4274/mirt.37450

Ameliorative Potential of Riboceine, Vitamin D and Calcium on Amodaiquine‐Induced Reproductive Dysfunctions in Female Sprague‐Dawley Rats

BackgroundFemale reproductive functions are susceptible to various disruptive agents including environmental factors and therapeutic agents. Such disruptions often include irregularity of menstrual/estrous cycle and anovulation. Many of the disruptive agents’ mechanism of action is the production of free radicals and it is thus proposed that agents with antioxidant capacity can potentially mitigate their disruptive effects.ObjectiveThis study investigated the ameliorative potential of Riboceine, vitamin D and Calcium.Methods40 female Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into two main groups. Group A, estrous cycle study, and Group B, the ovulation study. Group A consisted of 20 rats divided into 4 sub‐groups. Sub‐group A1 (control) received distilled water, A2‐ Amodiaquine 12 mg/kg body weight, A3‐ Amodiaquine 12 mg/kg and vitamin D 30mcg/kg and Calcium 1800mg/kg, A4‐ Amodiaquine 12 mg/kg and Riboceine 30mg/kg, administered orally, daily for 6 cycles. Sub‐group B1 (control B) received distilled water, B2‐ Amodiaquine 12 mg/kg, B3‐Amodiaquine 12 mg/kg and vitamin D 30mcg/kg and Calcium 1800mg/kg, B4‐ Amodiaquine 12 mg/kg and Riboceine 30mg/kg, administered orally, at 9 a.m on proestrus (only once), to determine the effects of Vitamin D with Calcium and Riboceine on Amodiaquine‐induced anovulation. At the end of the administration, rats were sacrificed to collect blood and ovarian tissue for hormonal, oxidative stress and histological analyses.ResultsThe cycling patterns showed that rats administered only amodiaquine, had prolonged diestrus phases while rats that had co‐administration of amodiaquine and riboceine had elongated estrus phases. Rats administered amodiaquine, vitamin D and Calcium, had almost normal cycling patterns. There was a significant decrease in malondialdehyde concentration of all other sub‐groups compared to control, A1 at p&lt;0.05, with the lowest concentration in sub‐group A4. Glutathione reductase was higher in all subgroups (A2, A3, A4) in comparison to control, but A3 and A4 showed a significant increase when compared to control (A1) at p&lt;0.05. Catalase was highest in A2 and statistically significant compared to the control at p&lt;0.05.The concentration of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) was significantly higher in “A4” when compared to the control at p&lt;0.05. Although other subgroups were higher in comparison to the control, they were not statistically significant. Luteinizing hormone (LH) was highest and significant in A4 compared to the control.The cytoarchitecture of ovaries in A4, and B4 showed well‐preserved cells, especially in A4 in which there were more cystic ovarian follicles seen, compared to A2 and A1. In A3, there were reduced atretic follicles, compared to A2, in which abundant atretic follicles were seen.ConclusionThe results from show that factors that increase fertility chances were observed in all subgroups that had supplements co‐administered with amodiaquine. The results showed that the fertility‐enhancing factors are more pronounced in Riboceine‐treated groups compared with subgroups given vitamin D and calcium.

Hyperactive LH Pulses and Elevated Kisspeptin and NKB Gene Expression in the Arcuate Nucleus of a PCOS Mouse Model.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common reproductive disorder in women, is characterized by hyperandrogenemia, chronic anovulation, cystic ovarian follicles, and luteinizing hormone (LH) hyper-pulsatility, but the pathophysiology isn't completely understood. We recently reported a novel mouse model of PCOS using chronic letrozole (LET; aromatase inhibitor). Letrozole-treated females demonstrate multiple PCOS-like phenotypes, including polycystic ovaries, anovulation, and elevated circulating testosterone and LH, assayed in "one-off" measures. However, due to technical limitations, in vivo LH pulsatile secretion, which is elevated in PCOS women, was not previously studied, nor were the possible changes in reproductive neurons. Here, we used recent technical advances to examine in vivo LH pulse dynamics of freely moving LET female mice versus control and ovariectomized (OVX) mice. We also determined whether neural gene expression of important reproductive regulators such as kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin, is altered in LET females. Compared to controls, LET females exhibited very rapid, elevated in vivo LH pulsatility, with increased pulse frequency, amplitude, and basal levels, similar to PCOS women. Letrozole-treated mice also had markedly elevated Kiss1, Tac2, and Pdyn expression and increased Kiss1 neuronal activation in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. Notably, the hyperactive LH pulses and increased kisspeptin neuron measures of LET mice were not as elevated as OVX females. Our findings indicate that LET mice, like PCOS women, have markedly elevated LH pulsatility, which likely drives increased androgen secretion. Increased hypothalamic kisspeptin and NKB levels may be fundamental contributors to the hyperactive LH pulse secretion in the LET PCOS-like condition and, perhaps, in PCOS women.

Induction of cystic ovarian follicles (COFs) in cattle by using an intrafollicular injection of indomethacin.

The aim of this study was to establish a model to induce cystic ovarian follicles (COFs) in cattle using the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin. Eighteen Holstein-Frisian cattle were synchronized with prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2α) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Ultrasound-guided transvaginal intrafollicular injections were performed in 23 preovulatory follicles with different concentrations of indomethacin 16 h after GnRH administration. An injection of 0.2 ml 35 µM indomethacin solution (resulting in a final concentration of 8 µg/ml in the follicular fluid) was the minimal dosage leading to COF formation. The induced COFs reached a maximum mean diameter of 36.9 ± 4.5 mm eleven days after injection. The estrous cycle was extended to 25–39 days. Luteinization was first observed 4 days after injection, accompanied by a slight increase in plasma progesterone concentration. The bioactivity of indomethacin was demonstrated by the decrease of prostaglandin E2 in the follicular fluid of three animals. The method presented here is minimally invasive and allows for the generation of defined COFs for further investigations.

Steroidogenic, Metabolic, and Immunological Markers in Dairy Cows Diagnosed With Cystic Ovarian Follicles at Early and Mid-Late Lactation.

The etiology of cystic ovarian follicles (COF) remains a conundrum with steroidogenic, immunological, and metabolic dysfunctions linked to its development. Studies suggest that COF development may occur as a result of disruption of the insulin signaling pathway and the severity of a negative energy balance in dairy cows, but mid to late lactation cows diagnosed with COF are unlikely to have issues with energy metabolism. Herein, we characterized the mRNA expression of steroidogenic (LHCGR, StAR, CYP11A1, 3β-HSD, CYP19A), immunological (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TLR-4, TNF), and metabolic markers (IGF-1, IRS1) in follicular fluid; and plasma and follicular fluid levels of E2, IL-1β, glucose, and NEFA in early and mid-late lactation COF cows. Lactating dairy cows were diagnosed as having COF (n = 11, follicle >20 mm persistent for 7 days, absence of corpus luteum, and flaccid uterus) while 11 herdmates cycling with a dominant follicle were classified as the control cows. Cows diagnosed with COF were classified as early lactation (COF-E, n = 5) cows, <35 days in milk (DIM); or mid-late lactation (COF-M/L, n = 6), ≥118 DIM cows. Results revealed that mRNA expression StAR was greater (P < 0.01) in COF-E cows than COF-M/L cows and the control cows. The mRNA expression CYP19A1 was lower (P < 0.01) in COF-E cows and COF-M/L cows than in the control cows. The mRNA expression IL-6 and IRS-1 tended to be greater and lower, respectively, in COF-M/L cows compared to the control cows. The mRNA expression IGF-1 was greater (P < 0.01) in COF-E and COF-M/L cows than in the control cows. The plasma and follicular fluid concentration of NEFA was greater (P < 0.05) in COF-E cows than in COF-M/L and the control cows. Cows with COF-E had disturbances in steroidogenic and metabolic markers, while cows with COF-M/L had steroidogenic, immunological, and metabolic dysregulations, suggesting that COF pathogenesis may vary between early and mid-late lactation dairy cows.

Mercury leads to features of polycystic ovary syndrome in rats

Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal and Hg exposure is associated with various neural, immune, and cardiovascular abnormalities. However, few studies have evaluated Hg’s toxicologic effect on reproductive and metabolic functions. In this study, we assessed whether Hg exposure results in reproductive and metabolic abnormalities. Hg was administered to adult female Wistar rats, mimicking the Hg levels found in exposed human blood, and their reproductive and metabolic function was assessed. Rats exposed to Hg displayed abnormal estrous cyclicity and ovarian follicular development, with a reduction in ovarian antral follicles and an increase in atretic and cystic ovarian follicles. Uterine atrophy with the presence of inflammatory cells was observed in Hg-exposed rats. The presence of abnormal ovarian fat accumulation, as well as increased ovarian lipid drops accumulation, was observed in Hg-exposed rats. Ovarian oxidative stress was also present in the Hg-exposed rats. High fasting glucose levels, glucose, and insulin intolerance were observed in Hg-exposed rats. Thus, these data suggest that Hg exposure led to abnormal reproductive and metabolic features similar to those found in the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rat models.

Unexpected False-positive I-131 Uptake in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Objective:Radioiodine is the most specific radionuclide for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) imaging. Despite its high specificity and sensitivity, false-positive I-131 uptake could be seen on whole body scan (WBS) that may lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary radioiodine treatment. In this study, we aimed to present the I-131 WBS and concomitant single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) images of unexpected false-positive radioiodine uptake along with the patients’ clinical outcomes and the contribution of SPECT/CT imaging.Methods:I-131 WBSs of 1507 patients with DTC were retrospectively reviewed, and anticipated I-131 uptakes (like in breasts or thymus) were excluded from the study. The unexpected false-positive I-131 uptakes with concomitant SPECT/CT imaging were included in the study.Results:Twenty-one patients had 23 unexpected I-131 uptakes on WBS and concomitant SPECT/CT imaging. The vast majority (87%) of these cases were seen on post-therapeutic I-131 WBS. Most of the false-positive I-131 uptakes could be explained by SPECT/CT and radiologic findings, and were secondary to non-thyroid conditions (bronchiectasis, lung infection, subcutaneous injection into gluteal fatty tissue, aortic calcification, benign bone cyst, vertebral hemangioma, recent non-thyroid surgical procedure site, rotator cuff injury, mature cystic teratoma and ovarian follicle cyst). However, the possible reasons of 9 false-positive I-131 uptakes could not be explained by radiologic findings.Conclusion:We suggest that false-positive I-131 uptake and its underlying mechanisms (inflammation, trapping, increased perfusion, etc.) must be kept in mind in patients with thyroid cancer and unexpected findings must be considered together with serum thyroglobulin levels, SPECT/CT and radiologic findings in order to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary radioiodine treatment.

Comparison of metabolites in the follicular fluid of bovine preovulatory and cystic ovarian follicles using nuclear magnetic resonance

Estimation of metabolites in cystic and normal preovulatory follicular fluid through proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) in cattle suffering from cystic ovarian follicle is highly desirable.The trans-vaginal ultrasound guided ablation was used to collect follicular fluid from cystic (15) and normally cycling (8) dairy cattle. NMR spectra of both fluids were recorded at a resonance frequency of 500.13 MHz on a Bruker Avance-500 spectrometer equipped with solid state probe (5 mm). Spectra were phased manually, baseline corrected, and calibrated against 3-(trimethylsilyl) propionic-2,2,3,3-d4 acid at 0.0 parts per million (ppm) using Prometab software running within MATLAB. The cystic ovarian follicle associated metabolites with variable importance in projection (VIP) scores &gt;2 were lactate (1.98 ppm), UDP-G (5.62), pyruvate (2.34 and 2.38) and creatinine/creatine (3.14) in cystic and normal preovulatory follicular fluid.These metabolites showed identifiable peaks, and thus can be used as potential biomarkers for dairy cattle suffering from cystic ovarian follicle.

Comparative Efficacy of Cystic Ovarian Follicle Ablation and CIDR Based Ovsynch in Dairy Cattle

Comparative Efficacy of Cystic Ovarian Follicle Ablation and CIDR Based Ovsynch in Dairy Cattle

Reproductive Performance of Holstein-Friesian Dairy Cows Subjected to Different Treatments for Cystic Ovarian Follicles

Reproductive Performance of Holstein-Friesian Dairy Cows Subjected to Different Treatments for Cystic Ovarian Follicles

Effects of GnRH or PGF2α in week 5 postpartum on the incidence of cystic ovarian follicles and persistent corpora lutea and on fertility parameters in dairy cows

Resumption of ovulatory activity and the timely lysis of the first CL postpartum (pp) are important determinants for the reproductive performance of dairy cows. Cystic ovarian follicles (COFs) and persistent CLs preclude normal ovarian cyclicity and increase the calving interval. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of GnRH on the incidence of COFs and the effect of PGF2α on the incidence of a prolonged luteal phase (PLP) and on fertility parameters in dairy cows. A total of 476 cows were examined ultrasonographically for the presence of a dominant follicle (12–25 mm, without CL >10 mm; n = 237) or a functional CL (≥20 mm; n = 239) between 28 and 35 days pp and were allocated to one of four groups. Cows with a dominant follicle received 10-μg GnRH (buserelin; group F-T; n = 118) or saline (group F-C; n = 119), and cows with a functional CL received 0.5 mg of a PGF2α analogue (cloprostenol; group CL-T; n = 119) or saline (group CL-C; n = 120) on the day of initial examination, defined as Day 0. Cows were reexamined 7 and 21 days (F-T and F-C) and 3 and 24 days (CL-T and CL-C) later, and COFs were treated immediately after diagnosis in all cows. On the basis of the ovarian findings on Days 21 and 24, cows were treated according to a protocol aimed at timely breeding. The incidence of COFs by Days 7 (F-T vs. F-C; 7.6% vs. 16.8%) and 21 (11.0% vs. 21.8%) decreased (P ≤ 0.03) with GnRH; however, this did not lead to a substantial improvement of calving-to-conception interval (means ± standard error of the mean; 107.91 ± 5.70 vs. 117.94 ± 6.63 days), first-service conception rate (42.3% vs. 41.3%), and number of services per conception (2.06 ± 0.12 vs. 2.31 ± 0.15). Treatment with PGF2α decreased (P < 0.0001) the incidence of PLP by Day 24 (CL-T vs. CL-C; 1.7% vs. 17.5%), decreased calving-to-conception interval(91.28 ± 4.77 vs. 101.75 ± 5.03 days), increased first-service conception rate (63.3% vs. 38.7%), and reduced the number of services per conception (1.65 ± 0.10 vs. 2.08 ± 0.12; each P ≤ 0.01). The results indicate that strategic treatment with GnRH or PGF2α in week 5 pp to induce early ovulation and luteolysis reduces the incidence of COFs and PLP, respectively. Initial treatment with PGF2α also enhanced reproductive performance when used in conjunction with a standardized treatment protocol for all cows in week 8 pp (aimed at timely breeding). In contrast, GnRH did not improve fertility parameters of cystic cows in herds where all cows with COFs were treated as expeditiously as possible.

Serum and ovarian follicular fluid concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, glucose, and NEFA in lactating dairy cows with cystic ovarian follicles

Follicular cysts are an important disorder affecting 5 to 30% of dairy cows that leads to abnormal estrous cycle behavior and economic losses due to infertility. The underlying causes of follicular cysts are not fully understood, and responses to therapeutic strategies have been inconsistent. Therefore, veterinarians face challenges in treating cystic ovarian follicles in dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of the pro-inflammatory mediator IL-1-beta (IL1B) and select metabolites found in blood and follicular fluid from 2 groups of cows.