Differences In FSH Research Articles

The Effects of Melatonin Alone or in Combination with Zinc on Gonadotropin and Thyroid Hormones in Female Rats.

Thyroid and gonadotropin hormones play an essential role in the regulation of regulating various physiological functions. The effects of melatonin and zinc (Zn) on these hormones have already been investigated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of melatonin with and without zinc on the levels of gonadotropin hormones and thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)) in female rats. In general, 35 sexually mature female rats were randomly divided into five treatment groups, with each group comprising 7 rats, in a completely randomized design (CRD) during the research. The rats were treated daily with Zn and melatonin via gavage as follows T1 (control 1, basal diet), T2 (control 2, treatment with normal saline) and the other experimental groups, including T3, T4 and T5, were treated with Zn (40 ppm), melatonin (5 mg/kg) or a combination of Zn and melatonin at the same dose. The administration of the drugs was continued for 20 days (daily) . Plasma samples were then taken for the determination of LH, FFH, LH/FSH, estrogen, progesterone, T3, T4 and TSH levels. The results showed no significant differences in FSH and LH levels between treatments. Estrogen, progesterone and TSH levels were higher in the rats receiving 5 mg melatonin per day than in the other groups, but not statistically significant (P>0.05). However, T3 levels decreased significantly in the group receiving 40 mg/kg Zn compared to the other experiments. (P<0.05). The results showed no significant difference between the treatments in terms of T4 levels (P>0.05). In conclusion, no remarkable changes in other variables were observed in female rats receiving melatonin, Zn or a combination of melatonin and Zn, with the exception of T3.

P-690 RESEarch on ovarian reseRVE among Neurologic patients: the RESERVEN study

Abstract Study question Could Multiple Sclerosis (MS) reduce the levels of main ovarian reserve markers, measured through automated systems? Summary answer There is no statistically significant difference in ovarian reserve markers between women affected by Multiple Sclerosis and healthy controls. What is known already Few studies evaluated the issue of ovarian reserve in women affected by MS, so far. The majority of them observed no differences in ovarian reserve markers between women affected by MS and healthy controls. However, interestingly, women with MS in case of a more active disease were observed to have lower levels of ovarian reserve markers. In fact, evidence suggests that an inflammatory status may reduce the ovarian reserve, where autoimmune-related diseases are considered a possible cause of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). Study design, size, duration This is a single-center multidisciplinary prospective case-control (44 cases and 72 controls) study performed from September 2019 to September 2022. Participants/materials, setting, methods Cases were reproductive-age women affected by MS recruited at our MS unit, controls were age- and body mass index (BMI) - matched healthy women recruited at our assisted reproductive technology (ART) unit. During the early follicular phase, a transvaginal ultrasound was performed with sonoAVC software (GE medical systems) for 3D antral follicle count and a blood sample taken for hormonal assays (Anti-Müllerian hormone levels was measured using the Roche Elecsys AMH Plus). Main results and the role of chance There are no differences in age (p = 0.11), BMI (p = 0.96) as per protocol. Moreover, differences in FSH (p = 0.14), LH (p = 0.13), estradiol (p = 0.92), and AMH (p = 0.99) levels were not statistically significant. The 3D antral follicle count showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.03), but following a re-evaluation of pictures in post-processing, removing the small antral follicles (2-4 mm) the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.14). Limitations, reasons for caution We could not assess women before they started on medication for MS. Therefore, we could not exclude that medication have an impact in these results, also because the sample is small and patients were not treated with the same drug. Moreover, all patients were in disease remission at enrollment. Wider implications of the findings This is the first study to evaluate ovarian reserve markers with automated systems. Our results confirmed the ones previously published. However, the interesting data on 3D antral follicle count increased in MS women should be confirmed and studied in order to evaluate if follicular dynamics are altered in Multiple Sclerosis. Trial registration number Not applicable

Effects of PRP Intratesticle Injection in Non-Obstructive Azoospermic Infertile Men in vivo on Spermatogenesis and Reproductive Hormonal Levels(FSH and LH)

Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the absence of sperm in infertile men ejaculate as a result of significant spermatogenesis defects or hormonal malfunction. PRP intratesticular injection may be employed in assisted reproductive technology as a therapeutic effect for this problem. The aim is to assess the level of spermatogenesis and reproductive hormones after PRP autologous intratesticular injection. 50 nonabstructive azoospermia infertile men participated in the current study. The patients were given an intra-testicular injection of platelet-rich plasma using a 1 ml syringe; FSH LH hormonal levels were estimated; if there was no sperm count, the patient should be prepared for a testicular biopsy by the expert doctor. Small number of sperm may be discovered during a biopsy while the testes are being examined in the lab. The therapeutic benefits were seen in 15 patients 3-4 months after using autologous platelet-rich plasma. The results showed that there was a highly significant difference in FSH and LH hormonal levels after PRP injection P(0.001). PRP can help non-obstructive azoospermic infertile males with their testis' structural and functional dysfunction.

Beneficial effects of minocycline on the ovary of polycystic ovary syndrome mouse model: Molecular docking analysis and evaluation of TNF-α, TNFR2, TLR-4 gene expression

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of ovulatory infertility. Inflammation may be involved in the pathogenesis and development of PCOS. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of minocycline on TNF-α, TNFR2, and TLR4 expression levels and the key features of PCOS in a mouse model. Molecular docking was performed by Molecular Operating Environment software. PCOS was induced by estradiol valerate injection (EV) (2 mg/kg/day) in 40 mice. After 28 days, the mice were divided into five groups, including control, PCOS, minocycline control, minocycline PCOS model (50 mg/kg), and letrozole PCOS (0.5 mg/kg). The Levels of FSH, LH, E2, and testosterone were determined by ELISA. H&E staining was used for histological analysis in the ovarian tissues. Docking scores were −10.35, −10.57, and −12.45 kcal/mol for TNFα, TLR-4, and TNFR2, respectively. The expression levels of TNF-α, TNFR2, and TLR4 were detected by Real-Time PCR. PCOS models exhibited acyclicity, a significant increase in E2 levels (P < 0.01), and no difference in FSH, LH, and testosterone. The expression levels of TNF-α, TNFR2, and TLR-4 significantly increased in PCOS (2.70, 7.90, and 14.83-fold, respectively). EV treatment significantly increased graafian follicles (P < 0.001) and decreased corpus luteum (CL) (P < 0.01). Minocycline treatment in PCOS led to a significant decrease in E2 (P < 0.01) and graafian follicles (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in the CL numbers (P < 0.05). Our findings showed the positive effects of minocycline on estradiol level, CL and graafian follicles counts, suggesting that minocycline might inhibit these proteins and improve ovulation in our mouse model of PCOS.

Relationship between sex hormones, lipids and visceral fat area in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective To study the characteristics and correlation of sex hormone levels, blood lipids, and visceral fat area in postmenopausal women with T2DM. Methods A total of 258 cases of postmenopausal T2DM were recruited, including 46 cases of menopause for 1-5 years (group A), 49 cases of menopause for 6-10 years (group B), and 163 cases with menopause more than 10 years (C group). The related clinical information of patients was recorded. Results Compared among the three groups, there were statistical differences in total cholesterol(F=3.287, P=0.039) and testosterone(Chi-Square=8.324, P=0.016). No significant difference in FSH, LH, estradiol, low density lipoprotein, triglyceride, visceral fat area and subcutaneous fat area(P>0.05) among three groups was observed. After correction of confounding factors, FSH was independently positively related with for total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein respectively (P=0.006, P=0.009). LH was independently positively related with total cholesterol(P=0.003) and low-density lipoprotein respectively(P=0.003). Estradiol was independently negatively related with total cholesterol(P=0.014) and low-density lipoprotein(P=0.020), respectively. Testosterone was correlated independently with visceral fat area(P=0.008); FSH, LH, estradiol, and testosterone were not correlated to triglyceride and subcutaneous fat area(P>0.05). Conclusion (1)In T2DM patients with the increase of postmenopausal time, the total cholesterol increases first, and then decreases; testosterone decreases first, and then increases. (2)In T2DM patients, the total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein increase with the increase of FSH and LH, increase with the decrease of estradiol, and the area of visceral fat increases with the testosterone together. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Postmenopausal women; Sex hormones; Blood lipids; Visceral fat area

Sexual dimorphism in postnatal gonadotrophin levels in infancy reflects diverse maturation of the ovarian and testicular hormone synthesis.

The postnatal gonadotrophin surge is sexually dimorphic: FSH levels predominate in girls and LH levels in boys. However, in preterm (PT) girls, both gonadotrophin levels are higher than in PT boys. To evaluate how gonadal maturation contributes to the sex differences in FSH and LH. Monthly follow-up of 58 full-term (FT, 29 boys) and 67 PT (33 boys) infants from 1week (D7) to 6months of age (M1-M6). Analyses were also carried out according to postmenstrual (PM) age in PT infants. Urinary LH, FSH, oestradiol (E2), testosterone (T) and serum inhibin B (InhB) levels. High gonadotrophin levels in PT girls abruptly decreased (P<.001) by M2, corresponding to a PM age of 38-42weeks, and LH levels fell below the levels found in boys. This decrease was parallel to a steep increase in E2 levels (P<.001), and, from M4 to M6, LH and E2 correlated positively in PT girls (P<.01). T levels in PT boys increased earlier than E2 levels in PT girls. In addition, InhB levels were high in PT boys already at D7, in contrast to low InhB in PT girls. InhB and FSH correlated negatively in the whole group (P<.001). Ovarian hormone synthesis is immature and incapable of responding to gonadotrophin stimulus before 38-42 PM weeks in PT girls, which may explain their highly elevated FSH and LH levels. The higher InhB levels in boys compared to girls may explain sexual dimorphism in FSH levels.

The FSHR Polymorphisms Association With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Women of Erbil, Kurdistan in North of Iraq

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder in women during fertilization age that reflects changing clinical symptoms. The genetic concept of PCOS is unclear and no significant genetic association with PCOS has been established. The level of Follicle stimulating hormone FSH is encoded by FSH receptor (FSHR) and abnormal FSHR affects follicle cogenesis and ovary and consist of 9 introns, 10 exons, and the region of chromosome promoter at 2p21. Sample of 93PCOS patients and 52 controls were collected from Province of Erbil in north of Iraq. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood and genotype dissected was improved for the two population of study using PCR-RFLP with the restriction enzyme Eam1105I. The genotype distributions and allele frequency of Ala307Thr polymorphisms of FSHR were not statistically various between the controls and the PCOS patients. Significant elevation of body mass index with all genotype of PCOS was found when compared with controls. There were statistical differences in the BMI and most of the serum hormone and lipid profile parameters including LH, total testosterone, fasting glucose, Cholesterol, HDL and LDL, there were significant various in FSH and LH levels of hormones and HDL, LDL and VLDL with PCOS group conveying different genotypes of Ala307Thr polymorphisms. The variant of Ala307Thr was not associated with PCOS in Kurdistan women; there was no relationship between the POCS and gene of FSHR polymorphism at codons 307. There was a significant difference in FSH and LH levels with PCOS patients conveying different genotypes of Ala307Thr polymorphism.

RCT to evaluate the influence of adjuvant medical treatment of peritoneal endometriosis on the outcome of IVF

Does a 3-month adjuvant hormonal treatment of mild peritoneal endometriosis after laparoscopic surgery influence the outcome of IVF stimulation in terms of number of mature oocytes obtained per cycle? Complementary medical treatment of mild peritoneal endometriosis does not influence the number of oocytes per treatment cycle. Endometriosis is a disease known to be related to infertility. However, the influence of superficial endometriosis-and its treatment-is still a matter of debate. A prospective controlled, randomized, open label trial was performed between February 2012 and March 2014 and embryological and clinical outcomes were measured. Patients with laparoscopically diagnosed peritoneal endometriosis (n= 120) were treated by laser surgery after which they were sequentially randomized by computer-generated allocation to one of the two groups. The primary outcome of the trial was the number of Metaphase II (MII) oocytes. Sample size was chosen to detect a difference of two MII oocytes with a power of 80%. The control group (Group B) received the classical long protocol IVF stimulation, whereas the research group (Group A) had an additional pituitary suppression, of 3 months using a long-acting GnRH agonist, prior to IVF. A total of 120 patients were included in the study, 61 of them in the study group and 59 patients in the control group. One patient of the control group was lost to follow up leading to 58 evaluable patients. There was no difference in terms of the number of MII oocytes obtained per cycle: 8.2 in both groups (difference in MII between A and B: 0.07 [-1.89; 2.04] 95% confidence interval (CI)). Pregnancy rate did not differ, being 39.3% for Group A (24 out of 61 patients) versus 39.7% for Group B (23 out of 58 patients) (95% CI around difference in pregnancy rate between A and B: -0.31% [-17.96%; 17.86%]). However, a significantly (P = 0.025) lower dose of FSH (2561 IU for Group A and 2303 IU for Group B, 95% CI around difference in FSH between B and A: -258.6 IU [-483.4 IU; -33.8 IU]) and a significantly (P = 0.004) shorter stimulation period (Group A 12.3 days and Group B 11.3 days, 95% CI around difference in stimulation period between B and A: -1.03 days [-1.73 days; -0.33 days]) were needed to reach adequate follicle maturation in the control group. The validity of this study is limited to mild peritoneal endometriosis, and does not apply to ovarian endometriosis, which is also commonly seen in infertility patients. There is no indication for complementary medical treatment of peritoneal endometriosis in terms of IVF outcome. On the contrary, stimulation takes longer and requires a higher amount of medication. There was no external funding for this clinical trial in the IVF Center, AZ Jan Palfijn, Ghent. There are no competing interests to declare. EudraCT nr: 2012-000784-25. First registration on 29 February 2012 and re-entered on 23 August 2012, NCT01682642 (due to a change of staff). 8 March 2012.

A randomized study comparing the side effects and hormonal status of triptorelin and leuprorelin following conservative laparoscopic surgery for ovarian endometriosis in Chinese women

ObjectivesDifferent gonadotropin-releasing-hormone agonist (GnRH-a) formulations with different potency and associated side effects, therefore, different compliance and persistence of therapy. This study was to evaluate the difference of hormonal profile and side effects due to hypoestrogenic status after treatment of leuprorelin and triptorelin in Chinese women with ovarian endometrioma after conservative surgical treatment. Study designA total of 302 women underwent laparoscopic excision of ovarian endometriomas with rASRM III and IV were enrolled in the study.Subjects were randomized into two groups with use of a random table. Twenty two patients dropped out during the study. Thus 142 patients had three doses of i.m. leuprorelin (group A) and 138 patients had three doses of i.m. triptorelin(group B) at 4 weeks intervals after surgical treatment. Menopausal symptoms were evalutaed using a questionnaire and serum sex hormonal levels were also measured during the follow-up. ResultsAt week 4 after the treatment, most of the patients in leuprorelin group have no obvious side effects. After 9 weeks, bone pain, hot flashes and sweating, and irregular bleeding were the main side effects and showed no difference between the groups. Anxiety, depression, vaginal dryness, headache, and acne rates were all significantly higher in triptorelin group than in leuprorelin group. A significant difference in FSH (p=0.003), LH (p=0.026) and E2 (p=0.002) levels between the groups were observed after 21 days of the GnRHa treatment. The FSH (p=0.021) and E2 (p=0.033) levels remained higher in the leuprorelin group than the triptorelin group after six weeks of treatment, but the difference of LH(p=0.917) level was no longer discernible. ConclusionLeuprorelin in down-regulating the pituitary-ovarian function was more moderate, and the hormonal levels decrease progressively and gradually, therefore, with lower rate of menopausal symptoms. Leuprorelin acetate maybe better tolerated than triptorelin.

Evaluation of Ovarian Reserve Tests in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Impact of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on fertility may be negative, and ovarian function can be also reduced by autoimmune oophoritis. In this article, we evaluated the ovarian reserve of pre-menopausal women firstly diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This was a prospective controlled study which included twenty women with SLE and twenty healthy women as controls in the reproductive age. Basal levels of FSH, estradiol (E2), and LH on cycle day 3 were measured. All participants underwent transvaginal ultrasonographic examination on the third day of their menstrual periods for the determination of ovarian volume (OV) and total antral follicle count (AFC). A significant difference in FSH, LH, and E2 levels was observed between women with SLE and healthy controls. There was a statistically significant reduction in total AFC and OV in SLE group. Age was associated negatively with AFC, whereas positively with FSH and LH. Menstrual irregularity was significantly higher in SLE patients than control. AFC was the most reliable test to show the menstrual irregularity and negatively correlated each other in women with SLE. In this preliminary study, the first in SLE patients, we illustrated that women with SLE had lower ovarian reserves and higher menstrual irregularity compared with healthy controls according to hormonal and ultrasonographical evaluation.

Evidence That Increased Ovarian Aromatase Activity and Expression Account for Higher Estradiol Levels in African American Compared With Caucasian Women

Serum estradiol levels are significantly higher across the menstrual cycle in African American (AAW) compared with Caucasian women (CW) in the presence of similar FSH levels, yet the mechanism underlying this disparity is unknown. The objective of the study was to determine whether higher estradiol levels in AAW are due to increased granulosa cell aromatase mRNA expression and activity. The design of the study included daily blood sampling and dominant follicle aspirations at an academic medical center during a natural menstrual cycle. Healthy, normal cycling AAW (n = 15) and CW (n = 14) aged 19-34 years participated in the study. Hormone levels in peripheral blood and follicular fluid (FF) aspirates and aromatase and FSH receptor mRNA expression in granulosa cells were measured. AAW had higher FF estradiol [1713.0 (1144.5-2032.5) vs 994.5 (647.3-1426.5) ng/mL; median (interquartile range); P < .001] and estrone [76.9 (36.6-173.4) vs 28.8 (22.5-42.1) ng/mL; P < .001] levels than CW, independent of follicle size. AAW also had lower FF androstenedione to estrone (7 ± 1.8 vs 15.8 ± 4.1; mean ± SE; P = .04) and T to estradiol (0.01 ± 0.002 vs 0.02 ± 0.005; P = .03) ratios, indicating enhanced ovarian aromatase activity. There was a 5-fold increase in granulosa cell aromatase mRNA expression in AAW compared with CW (P < .001) with no difference in expression of FSH receptor. FSH, inhibin A, inhibin B, and AMH levels were not different in AAW and CW. Increased ovarian aromatase mRNA expression, higher FF estradiol levels, and decreased FF androgen to estrogen ratios in AAW compared with CW provide compelling evidence that racial differences in ovarian aromatase activity contribute to higher levels of estradiol in AAW across the menstrual cycle. The absence of differences in FSH, FSH receptor expression, and AMH suggest that population-specific genetic variation in CYP19, the gene encoding aromatase, or in factors affecting its expression should be sought.

Two different formulations with equivalent effect? Comparison of serum estradiol suppression with monthly goserelin and trimonthly leuprolide in breast cancer patients

Data comparing the efficacy of monthly and trimonthly formulations of LHRH agonists are lacking. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of monthly goserelin and trimonthly leuprolide on estradiol levels. A total of 79 early breast cancer patients receiving LHRH agonists for at least 6 months were enrolled in the study. Serum estradiol, FSH and LH levels were measured before drug injection and at the one-month follow-up visit. Thirty-eight patients were treated with goserelin, and 41 patients were treated with leuprolide. Patient characteristics and histopathological variables did not differ between the groups. A comparison of the mean hormone levels between the two groups revealed no significant differences in FSH or estradiol levels (p = 0.143 and p = 0.683, respectively), but the median LH level was higher in the leuprolide group (p = 0.025). Among the patients who did not receive chemotherapy, LH levels were higher in the leuprolide arm (p = 0.028). Additionally, FSH levels were significantly higher in the patients over 40 years old (p = 0.02) and in those with tumours harbouring cERB-B2 receptor (p = 0.05) in the leuprolide group. Three patients (7.9 %) in the goserelin and five patients (12.2 %) in the leuprolide group failed to achieve postmenopausal estradiol levels (p = 0.707). The effects of monthly goserelin and trimonthly leuprolide on estradiol levels did not differ significantly. Further research is required to interpret the variable effects on gonadotropins in each subgroup and the relationship between LHRH agonists and survival.

Smoking and AMH levels in women with normal reproductive history

To investigate the effect of age and smoking on the AMH levels in normal cycling healthy women with normal reproductive history. In 137 women, blood samples were taken on day 3 of a spontaneous cycle. Serum FSH, LH, E2, progesterone and AMH were measured in all blood samples. For the statistical analysis of the data, t test, Pearson's correlation and linear regression analysis were performed. Of 137 women (43%), 59 were smokers. Age was positively correlated with serum FSH and LH levels (r = 0.584, P < 0.001 and r = 0.330, P < 0.001, respectively) and negatively correlated with serum AMH levels (r = -0.882, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in FSH, LH, E2, progesterone and AMH levels between smokers and non-smokers. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that in both smokers and non-smokers, age was the most significant determinant of AMH levels (r = -0.889, P < 0.001 and r = -0.944, P < 0.001, respectively), while smoking was not related to AMH levels. Aging significantly decreases AMH levels in women with normal cycles and normal reproductive history, while smoking does not seem to have significant effects on AMH levels.

Effect of cigarette smoking upon reproductive hormones in women of reproductive age: a retrospective analysis

There is continuing debate concerning the relationship between cigarette smoking and premature ovarian failure. The aim of this retrospective data analysis was to investigate whether smoking has a measurable effect on early follicular serum concentrations of inhibin B hormone, FSH and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in women of reproductive age. A database containing data on age, smoking status and serum concentrations of inhibin B, FSH and AMH was analysed. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the correlation between hormone concentrations and age. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine any significant difference in age between smoking categories and a univariate general linear model was used to compare geometric means and geometric mean ratios of hormone concentrations in relation to smoking status. Serum concentrations of inhibin B were significantly lower in women who had ever smoked cigarettes: F(2,332) = 3.371, P = 0.036. There was no statistically significant difference in FSH or AMH concentrations although a trend towards lower AMH concentrations in smokers was observed. This analysis provides evidence of an advancement of ovarian ageing in women who smoke cigarettes and is relevant to women of childbearing age who wish to avoid premature decline in fertility.

Ovarian reserve in women who remain premenopausal after chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer

To compare markers of ovarian reserve between women exposed to cytotoxic chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer and matched controls. Cross-sectional evaluation of markers of ovarian reserve. Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Faulkner Hospital in Boston, MA. Breast cancer survivors with continued menses after chemotherapy were compared with age-matched, gravidity-matched controls. Antral follicle count (AFC), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), FSH, inhibin B (InB), and E(2) on day 2, 3, or 4 of the menstrual cycle. A Bonferroni correction was performed to correct for multiple comparisons. Twenty survivors and 20 controls were evaluated; 50% of survivors were currently on tamoxifen. Median AFC was 6 for survivors and 9.5 for controls. There were significant differences between the two groups in AFC, AMH, and nonsignificant differences in FSH and InB, all indicating better ovarian reserve in controls. The AFC and AMH levels were highly correlated (r = 0.72). Survivors on tamoxifen had lower AFC, AMH, InB, and higher E(2) than nontamoxifen-treated survivors. Premenopausal breast cancer survivors have diminished ovarian reserve compared with controls.

Heritability of reproductive hormones in adult male twins

Proper functioning of the male reproductive axis depends on complex feedback systems between several hormones. In this study, the genetic contribution of various endocrine components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis is evaluated and previously observed differences in FSH and inhibin B levels between mono- (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins are re-investigated. Inhibin B, FSH, LH, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and testosterone levels were assayed in 128 adult males (20 MZ twin pairs, 7 single MZ twins, 10 DZ twin pairs, 27 single DZ twins and 34 siblings of twins, constituting 10 sibling pairs), aged 15.6-68.7 years. Hormone levels were compared across zygosity groups and heritability estimates were obtained using maximum likelihood variance component analysis. Heritability estimates ranged from 56% (testosterone) to 81% (inhibin B and SHBG). For LH and FSH, the heritability was estimated at 68% and 80% respectively. No mean differences in hormone levels were observed across groups. All measured hormones are highly heritable. A difference in the FSH-inhibin B feedback system between DZ twin males and MZ twin males could not be confirmed.

Clinical and hormonal findings in testicular maturation arrest

To clarify the pathophysiology of maturation arrest (MA), one of the most important causes of male infertility, by examining testicular morphology and biophysical and endocrine profiles of azoospermic patients with MA. Thirty azoospermic men were assessed; 10 were found to have Sertoli-cell only syndrome or chromosomal abnormalities, and 20 to have MA on biopsy. The second group had their clinical variables and findings analysed retrospectively after the diagnosis of MA (mean age 32.1 years, sd 5.2). Johnsen's score, serum hormone levels (follicle stimulating hormone, FSH, luteinizing hormone, LH, testosterone, prolactin and oestradiol), testicular volume, and the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, were evaluated. Patients were categorized into groups according to Johnsen score, i.e. group 1 (<4), group 2 (> or =4 and <6) or group 3 (> or =6). The clinical variables were compared in each group. Hormone levels in almost all patients were in the normal range. FSH was related to the stage of MA; the difference in FSH between groups 1 and 3 was significant (P = 0.006). Serum levels of LH, testosterone, prolactin or oestradiol were similar in all groups. The diameter of the seminiferous tubules was less in group 1 than in group 3 (r = 0.881, P < 0.001) and there was an inverse and linear correlation between the FSH concentration and the diameter of the seminiferous tubules (r = -0.661, P = 0.0028). FSH is the most useful variable for evaluating the severity of MA, even when it is within the normal range. The finding that gonadal hormone concentrations are normal in patients with MA suggests that an abnormality other than a disturbance in the hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis is responsible for MA.

Initial analysis of variability among basal hormone biomarkers of ovarian reserve

The most commonly used biomarker tests of ovarian reserve are basal hormone measurements during the early follicular phase, including mainly FSH but also oestradiol, FSH:LH ratio, and inhibin B. This study was designed to assess prospectively the intra- and inter-cycle variability of serum values of those hormone biomarkers in the early follicular phase of consecutive cycles in a group of women candidates for assisted reproduction. Fifty eumenorrhoeic women underwent blood sampling for hormone measurement on cycle day 3 for three consecutive cycles, and during the first study cycle, daily samples were obtained on cycle days 2, 3, 4 and 5. No significant difference was detected among FSH concentrations and FSH:LH ratios during cycle days 2–5; in contrast, oestradiol and inhibin B were not constant through the early follicular phase. No difference in FSH or inhibin B serum concentrations and FSH:LH ratio on cycle day 3 during three consecutive cycles was noted; however, significant inter-cycle variability for oestradiol serum concentration on cycle day 3 was detected. FSH and inhibin serum concentrations, and FSH:LH ratio varied significantly less than oestradiol on cycle day 3, but inter-cycle variability was similar for the first three hormonal biomarkers of ovarian reserve. There was significantly less intra-cycle variability of FSH serum concentration and FSH:LH ratio than oestradiol and inhibin B serum concentrations. Basal FSH serum concentrations (or FSH:LH ratio) during the early follicular phase showed neither significant inter-cycle nor intra-cycle variability when measured during 3 consecutive months in an assisted reproduction patient population, thus offering greater flexibility of pretreatment sampling.

Gene-specific pituitary gland responsiveness of ovariectomized FecB or FecC carrier and non-carrier ewe crosses with German Mutton Merino, Texel and Suffolk breeds to LHRH before and after oestradiol or progesterone treatments

These studies were undertaken to establish whether there are gene-specific differences in FSH and LH concentrations in the plasma of ovariectomized ewes that are crosses between local breeds (German Mutton Merino, Texel or Suffolk) and carriers and non-carriers of Booroola (FecB) or Cambridge (FecC) genes for prolificacy. The relationships of FSH or LH levels to ovulation rates, predetermined over two oestrus cycles before ovariectomy, were also determined. Ewes that were carriers (F +) or non-carriers (F ++) of Booroola or Cambridge genes included in the studies were: Booroola × German Merino (BM), Booroola × Texel (BT), Cambridge × Cambridge (CC), Cambridge × Suffolk (CS) and Cambridge × Texel (CT). Ovulation rates were significantly higher in the F + genotypes than in the F ++ genotypes. Basal and LHRH-induced FSH and LH secretion in ovariectomized ewes were measured in plasma of blood collected by venipuncture. The effects of oestradiol-17β (E2) or progesterone (P4) implants for 8 days, acting as ovarian feedback hormone, on basal FSH and LH secretion and on pituitary responsiveness to LHRH were also determined. Basal and peak levels of FSH, LH and % responsiveness to LHRH were compared between fecundity genotypes within breeds and between breeds. Basal concentrations of FSH or LH were similar in genotypes within breeds. Both genotypes showed similar responsiveness to LHRH by a significant increase in both FSH and LH secretion. E2 treatment significantly depressed basal FSH and LH secretion; the effect being similar in genotypes within breeds. However, E2 significantly increased pituitary responsiveness to LHRH. P4 only marginally increased basal and LHRH-induced FSH secretion but had no effect on basal LH levels. It significantly increased LHRH-induced LH secretion in FecB but not in FecC ewes. The effect was similar in both genotypes within breeds. No relationships could be established between the concentrations of FSH or LH at basal or peak levels and ovulation rates of the genotypes. BT ewes (F + and F ++) had lower FSH levels than the BM (F + and F ++) as a result of greater sensitivity to E2 and lower responsiveness to LHRH. Consequently, the BT tended to have a lower ovulation rate than the BM. The Cambridge breeds (within genotypes) showed no differences in the levels of basal or LHRH-induced FSH or LH secretion and sensitivities to E2 or P4 were not significantly different. Their ovulation rates were not different either. In conclusion, although both FSH and LH play important roles in follicular development and ovulation, it seems unlikely that the pituitary is a major site for the effects of the FecB and FecC fecundity genes in regulating ovulation rates in heterozygous carriers and in homozygous non-carriers taken from sheep crosses, since there were no gene-specific differences in FSH or LH between fecundity genotypes.

Hormonal response of female goats to active immunization against a recombinant human inhibin alpha-subunit, and establishment of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for caprine follicle-stimulating hormone.

The effect of selective immunosuppression of endogenous inhibin in goats on FSH, LH, progesterone and estradiol-17beta profiles was studied during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Eighteen adult female Boer goats were immunized against the recombinant human inhibin alpha-subunit (hINH-alpha). With the exception of estradiol, which was determined by radio-immunoassay (RIA), all plasma hormone concentrations were determined by ELISA. The ELISA for FSH presented in this paper was established in the authors' laboratory, based on an existing RIA. Mean basal concentrations of FSH were not affected by immunosuppression of endogenous inhibin, nor was there a difference in the amplitude of the pre-ovulatory FSH surge. Immunization against inhibin appears to eliminate the slight secondary rise of FSH occurring 12-20 h after the major surge associated with ovulation. The LH profiles of the immunized goats were characterized by lower basal concentrations both before and after the pre-ovulatory LH surge which itself was reduced by 50% in immunized does. By contrast, concentrations of circulating estradiol were significantly elevated after inhibin-immunization. Progesterone profiles were not affected. Extending immunization into the anoestrous season by a booster injection of hINH-alpha, implicating oestrus induction with a progestagen and eCG, produced no discernible differences in FSH and LH profiles in comparison with nonimmunized control goats. The findings suggest that in goats, paracrine factors may play a more significant role in controlling follicular activity than a feedback mechanism acting via the pituitary.