Development Of Dominant Follicle Research Articles

P-647 Association between PCOS phenotype-D and euploid blastocyst rate per cohort of inseminated oocytes: a matched case-control study versus idiopathic infertile women

Abstract Study question Is there any association between PCOS phenotype-D and oocyte competence defined as euploid blastocyst rate (EBR) per cohort of inseminated oocytes? Summary answer Although higher fertilization and blastulation rates were reported in PCOS phenotype-D women versus idiopathic infertile patients, the EBR per cohort of inseminated oocytes was comparable. What is known already Several studies report poorer oocyte quality and cumulative-live-birth-rate (CLBR) in hyperandrogenic PCOS phenotypes, as defined according to the Rotterdam criteria. Increased androgen concentrations in follicular fluids are indeed associated with elevated serum-LH levels, which can block dominant follicle development inducing atresia and negatively impact fertilization rates and embryo development. Limited evidence exists in phenotype-D PCOS patients, namely women characterized by oligomenorrhea, ovarian PCO morphology and absence of hyperandrogenism. Here, we report the embryological and clinical outcomes in these women during ICSI cycles with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) at the blastocyst stage. Study design, size, duration Retrospective propensity score matched (PSM) case-control study. Among PGT-A cycles conducted by naïve patients with own oocytes (2013-2021), we excluded FNA/TESE. 58 phenotype-D PCOS patients were identified according to the Rotterdam criteria. These patients were matched for maternal age, number of cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs), and sperm quality, with 58 patients with idiopathic infertility, regular cycles, normal ovarian morphology, and no sign of clinical hyperandrogenism. The primary outcome was EBR per cohort of inseminated oocytes. Participants/materials, setting, methods GnRH-antagonist ovarian stimulation, ICSI, blastocyst biopsy, qPCR/NGS-analysis to assess uniform aneuploidies and vitrified-warmed single blastocyst transfers were conducted. The PCOS and control groups were similar for age (35.6±3.0 versus 36.0±3.9 years), COCs (23.1±6.7 versus 23.5±7.6), sperm factor, primary/secondary infertility, hormonal values, BMI (23.8±5.3 versus 22.0±2.8), and duration of infertility (3.6±2.2 versus 3.6±2.0 years). All intermediate embryological and clinical outcomes were assessed as secondary endpoints. Linear/logistic regressions adjusted for confounders were conducted to confirm statistically-significant differences. Main results and the role of chance No difference was reported in maturation rates, but women with PCOS showed better fertilization rates per cohort of inseminated oocytes (76.9±15.2% versus 67.3±20.4%, Mann-Whitney-U-test<0.01), and blastulation rates per cohort of 2PN-zygotes (52±20.4% versus 43.7±20.7%, Mann-Whitney-U-test=0.03). Eventually, PCOS patients obtained more blastocysts than controls (5.8±3.1 versus 4.5±2.9, Mann-Whitney-U-test=0.02), despite similar numbers of metaphase-II oocytes in the groups (16.5±6.1 versus 16.5±7.0). All differences remained significant after adjusting for maternal age and sperm factor. Nevertheless, the euploidy rates per cohort of biopsied blastocysts were similar, thus involving comparable EBR per cohort of inseminated oocytes (21.7±14.1% versus 17.2±16%, Mann-Whitney-U-test=0.12). More patients obtained ≥1 euploid blastocyst in the PCOS versus the control group (N = 56/58, 96% versus N = 47/58, 81%, Fisher’s-exact-test=0.02), independently from maternal age, semen quality, and number of inseminated oocytes (Odds-Ratio: 6.5, 95%CI:1.3-33.7, p = 0.03). Lastly, all clinical outcomes per first vitrified-warmed euploid transfer were similar, thereby involving comparable LBRs (N = 28/54, 51.9% versus N = 26/47, 55.3% in the PCOS and control groups, p = 0.8; Odds-Ratio adjusted for blastocyst quality and day: 1.19, 95%CI:0.5-2.7, p = 0.68). Limitations, reasons for caution Although clinical hyperandrogenism was absent in both groups, biochemical hyperandrogenism was not assessed. Nonetheless, this pilot study paves the way for future more detailed investigations. 24% of cycles in the PCOS group were not concluded, therefore a CLBR comparison would be biased and was not reported. Wider implications of the findings The lower developmental competence in the control group suggests oocyte quality issues, other than chromosomal, underlying their “unexplained infertility” condition. In phenotype-D PCOS women, IVF is effective. Since >50% of this subgroup of women had already failed multiple ovulation-induction and/or intrauterine-insemination attempts, an early referral to IVF deserves further investigations. Trial registration number Not applicable

DINAMIKA OVARIUM PADA SAPI PERANAKAN SIMMENTAL MENGALAMI ESTRUS BERKEPANJANGAN YANG DITERAPI DENGAN HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN (hCG) SECARA INTRAVENA

This study was aimed to identify ovarian dynamics using ultrasonography (USG) in simmental crossbreedcows diagnosed prolonged oestrustreatment with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). A total of four Simmental crossbreed cows diagnosed with prolonged oestrouswere used in this study. The first oestrous observations in all four cows were a control group, where as the next oestrous cycle observation to the same four cows treated with 1500 IU hCG in jugular vein refer to treated group. The observation of ovarian dynamics was started from the first oestrous day until ovulation occurs in the second oestrus cycle using ultrasonography (USG) with a linear rectal probe. At the same time, follicle and corpus luteum (CL) images were recorded every day. Data were analyzed using paired data comparison test (pair sample t-test). The observation results ovarian dynamics on prolonged oestruscows showed that the long of oestrous cycle was 22.5 ± 0.5 days, and there are three follicular wave patterns in oestrous cycle. The first wave of dominant follicle was firstly identified on day 3.3 ± 0.5, reached maximum diameter 12.0 ± 0.3 cm. The second and third dominant follicle appeared on day 10.8 ± 0.5 and 15.8 ± 0.5 cm reached maximum diameter 1.2 ± 0.3 cm dan 1.5 ± 0.3 cm.Therapy with hCG does not significantly affect the dominant follicle’s diameter during oestrous (p>0.05). The conclusion of this study showed that 1500 IU of hCG therapy does not affect the development of dominant follicle, however, it can shorten the duration of oestrous and ovulation time.

P-492 The relationship between dominant follicle development and clinical outcomes of hormone replacement therapy-frozen embryo transfer: a retrospective clinical study

Abstract Study question Dose the dominant follicle development occurred in the hormone replacement therapy-frozen embryo transfer cycles affect the clinical pregnancy outcomes? Summary answer The development of dominant follicles in HRT-FET cycles does not affect the clinical pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate and live birth rate. What is known already The hormone replacement therapy is one of the most commonly used endometrial preparation protocols for frozen embryo transfer due to the convenience of administration and stability of pregnancy outcomes. Howere, here are 4-10% cycles accompanied by the development of dominant follicles.In order to avoid uncontrollable follicular development in HRT cycles, clinicians tried to increase the dosage of exogenous oestrogen or take oestrogen in advance, which still could not totally inhibit follicular growth. In addition, gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist is also used. However, excessive GnRHa use will increase the treatment cost and prolong the treatment time. Study design, size, duration This is a noninterventional, retrospective, observational, single-centre cohort study. From 2012 to 2019, 13251 cycles were included in this study. Participants/materials, setting, methods This study involved 13251 HRT-FET cycles. In 13107 cycles , there was no dominant follicle development in HRT cycles, while in 144 cycles, there was dominant follicle development. We used a multivariable logistic regression model and adopted propensity-score matching, in order to study the impact of dominant follicle development on the clinical pregnancy outcomes of HRT-FET cycles, and aim to clarify the appropriate criteria for canceling HRT-FET cycles with dominant follicle development. Main results and the role of chance Considering the differences in the number of cycles and baseline characteristics between the two groups, we adopted propensity-score matching to identify the cycle cohort with similar baseline characteristics. After propensity-score matching, the baseline characteristics of patients in the two groups were similar. There was no difference in the number of transferred embryos and the proportion of transferred blastocysts between the two groups. There was no significant difference in clinical pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate and live birth rate between the two groups. In addition, univariate analysis was also used to identify confounding factors that may affect clinical pregnancy outcomes). The baseline factors (female age, male age, AFC, baseline FSH level, infertility duration, number of previous embryo transfer cycles) and treatment factors (endometrium thickness, number of transferred embryos and type of transferred embryos) were selected as the adjustment variables of multivariate regression analysis. There was no significant correlation between dominant follicular development in HRT-FET cycles and clinical pregnancy rate (adjusted OR = 1.162, 95% CI: 0.737-1.832, P = 0.52). Limitations, reasons for caution The main limitation of this study is the retrospective design. In addition, there is a significant difference between two groups. In a real life setting, these results are cautiously applicable.Further prospective investigations are needed to elucidate the impact of dominant follicle development on clinical outcomes. Wider implications of the findings Our retrospective study suggests that the development of dominant follicles in HRT-FET cycles does not affect the clinical pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate and live birth rate. Therefore, it is not necessary to cancel the FET cycle immediately when the dominant follicle development is monitored in the HRT-FET cycle. Trial registration number not applicable

The relationship between dominant follicle development and clinical outcomes of hormone replacement therapy-frozen embryo transfer: a retrospective clinical study.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the most used endometrial preparation protocols for frozen embryo transfer (FET) due to the convenience of its administration and stability of pregnancy outcomes. There are several HRT cycles accompanied by the development of dominant follicles. However, the relationship between dominant follicle development and clinical outcomes in HRT-FET cycles remains unclear. We carried out a retrospective cohort study of 13251 cycles at our reproductive medicine center from 2012 to 2019. Total cycles were divided into two groups according to whether there was dominant follicular development. In addition, we conducted a secondary analysis that used propensity-score matching to reduce confounding variables. A univariate and multivariable logistic regression model was further employed to analyze the effect of dominant follicle development in HRT cycles on clinical pregnancy outcomes. There was no significant correlation between dominant follicle development in HRT-FET cycles and the clinical pregnancy rate (adjusted OR = 1.162, 95% CI: 0.737-1.832, P = 0.52). In addition, there was a positive correlation between the basic follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level and the development of dominant follicles, while there was a negative correlation between antral follicle count (AFC), menstrual cycle length and the development of dominant follicles in HRT cycles. The development of dominant follicles in HRT-FET cycles does not affect the clinical pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate and live birth rate. Therefore, it is not necessary to immediately cancel the FET cycle immediately when dominant follicle development is monitored in the HRT-FET cycle.

Developmental and hormonal regulation of FBN1 and OR4M1 mRNA in bovine granulosa cells

Recent studies have reported hormonal regulation of expression of fibrillin 1 (FBN1), the gene that encodes asprosin, in bovine theca cells, however, hormonal regulation of gene expression of FBN1 and the asprosin receptor, olfactory receptor 4M1 (OR4M1), has not been evaluated in granulosa cells (GC). This study was designed to characterize FBN1 and OR4M1 gene expression in GC during development of bovine dominant ovarian follicles, and to determine the hormonal regulation of FBN1 and OR4M1 mRNA expression in GC. GC FBN1 mRNA abundance was greater (P < 0.05) in medium (5.1–8 mm) estrogen inactive (EI) follicles than in large (>8.1 mm) or small (1–5 mm) EI follicles. In comparison, GC OR4M1 mRNA abundance was greater (P < 0.05) in small EI follicles than in large or medium EI follicles. Abundance of OR4M1 mRNA in GC of follicles collected on days 3 to 4 (early growth phase) and on days 5 to 6 (late growth phase) was similar, whereas FBN1 mRNA abundance was greater (P < 0.05) on days 5 to 6 vs days 3 to 4. Hormonal regulators for FBN1 mRNA abundance in cultured small-follicle GC were identified: TGFβ1 causing a 2.45-fold increase, WNT3A causing a 1.45-fold increase, and IGF1 causing a 65% decrease. Steroids, leptin, insulin, growth hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, fibroblast growth factor 9 and epidermal growth factor had no effect on FBN1 mRNA abundance. Abundance of OR4M1 mRNA in GC was regulated by progesterone with 3.55-fold increase, but other hormones did not affect GC OR4M1 mRNA abundance. Findings indicate that both FBN1 and OR4M1 gene expression are hormonally and developmentally regulated in bovine follicles, and thus may affect asprosin production and its subsequent role in ovarian follicular function in cattle.

Ovarian Response can be Predicted in Women with PCOS who have Ovulation Induction with Letrozole

To compare the clinical, metabolic, and hormonal characteristics of patients with and without selected dominant follicles in infertile women with PCOS who used letrozole for ovulation induction. A descriptive cohort study. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Bagcilar Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, from October 2019 to November 2021. Eighty-eight female patients with PCOS, who underwent ovulation induction by giving 5mg/day letrozole, were screened for demographic characteristics, laboratory values, and dominant follicle development. Those who were given letrozole as the first treatment agent, those who took clomiphene citrate (CC) and started letrozole the following month, and those who were treated with letrozole and given letrozole again were recorded separately. Seventy-five patients responded to letrozole and developed a dominant follicle; 13 patients did not develop a dominant follicle. Threshold values were determined for statistically significant parameters between patients with and without dominant follicles. Follicle development occurred in 85.2% of the women. A statistically significant variable in clinical and metabolic values, between ovulating and non-ovulating groups could not be found. There was a significant difference between the two groups for the serum AMH value, total testosterone value, and FSH level. The authors found that follicle response was higher in those with AMH values less than 11.89ng/mL, FSH levels higher than 6.25Iu/L, and total testosterone less than 0.96ng/mL. In this study, the pregnancy rate was found to be lower than in the literature(11%). Among the women with PCOS who had ovulation induction with letrozole, follicle development was higher in women with lower FSH, androgen and AMH values. Letrozole, Aromatase inhibitor, Androgens, Ovulation induction, AMH.

EFFICACY OF USING THE DRUG BASED ON GM-CSF FOR POSTPARTUM OVARIAN HYPOFUNCTION IN COWS

The article presents the results of studying the efficacy of the drug based on granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in cows with postpartum ovarian hypofunction. It has been established that its twofold administration at a dose of 10.0 ml/animal with a 7-day interval ensures the restoration of sexual cyclicity in 90.0% of cows with a reduction in the length of infertility by 18.0-30.1 days and the fertilization coefficient – by 0.56-0.78. A twofold use of the drug based on GM-CSF at a dose of 10.0 ml is accompanied by the development of dominant follicles, the diameter of which is by 46.6% larger compared to saline, an increase in the level of DHEA-S by 2.0 times, estradiol-17β – by 29.3%, which ensures a full manifestation of sexual cyclicity.

LBMON235 Impact Of A Hypocaloric Dietary Weight-loss Intervention On Antral Follicle Dynamics In Women With Obesity And Regular Ovulatory Cycles

Abstract We recently showed that eumenorrheic, ovulatory women with obesity experience suppressed antral follicle dynamics, as evidenced by fewer recruitment events, selectable follicles and dominant follicles. Ovulatory follicles were selected for preferential growth at smaller diameters and lower luteal progesterone production was also observed. Weight loss is posited to improve reproductive function in women with obesity. However, the mechanisms underlying these improvements are unclear. The objective of this study was to contrast ovarian follicular growth and endocrine dynamics in eumenorrheic women with obesity, before and after a weight-loss intervention. | Twelve reproductive age females with obesity (total percent body fat ≥35%) and regular menstrual cycles (21-35 days) were evaluated by serial ovarian transvaginal ultrasonography and venipuncture every-other-day for one complete inter-ovulatory interval (IOI) (pre-intervention) and after a 6-month hypocaloric dietary intervention (post-intervention). The number and diameters of all follicles ≥2mm at each visit were documented offline using the Grid Method. Growth profiles of individual follicles which grew to &amp;gt;7mm were recorded using the Identity Method to document antral follicle recruitment events, selection, and ovulation. Clinical, morphologic, and endocrine features were compared pre- and post-intervention using paired t-tests and mixed models. | Participants lost an average of 9.5±3.8% total body weight (IQR: 7.7-12.6%). Antral follicle counts (AFC) across the IOI were lower post-intervention versus pre-intervention (PINTERVENTION=0. 002), driven by fewer 2-5mm follicles (PINTERVENTION=0. 001). Participants tended to exhibit more recruitment events (Pre: 1. 0±0.7 vs. Post: 2. 0±0.9, P=0. 09) and more selectable (6-9mm) follicles before and after weight loss (4±3 vs. 6±4 respectively, P=0. 07). A greater number of selectable follicles achieved a diameter of &amp;gt;10mm across the IOI post-intervention (PINTERVENTION=0. 001). Ovulatory follicles were also selected at larger diameters after the intervention (Pre: 7.3±2.9mm vs. Post: 10.9±2.6, P=0. 01). Dominant and ovulatory follicle growth kinetics were similar before and after the intervention (All, P&amp;gt;0. 05). Luteal progesterone concentrations were higher in women after the intervention (Pre: 5.3±3.7 vs. Post: 6.3±4.7ng/mL, P&amp;lt;0. 0001). | Eumenorrheic women with obesity demonstrate changes in follicle dynamics with weight loss following a hypocaloric dietary intervention. Development of more dominant follicles, a larger diameter at selection, and increased luteal progesterone production suggests increased responsiveness to gonadotropins with weight loss. Further studies are needed to elucidate the metabolic mechanisms driving any transient or sustained changes in ovarian physiology with hypocaloric dietary interventions aimed at weight loss. Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF hCG IN THE DYNAMICS OF FUNCTIONAL STRUCTURE OF SUPEROVULATED ACEH CATTLE OVARIES USING PREGNANT MARE SERUM GONADOTROPINS

This study aimed to determine the biopotency of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) in stimulating the formation of dominant follicles and the biopotency of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in triggering an increase in the ovulation rate of the natural-estrus donor group and the prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) induced group using female Aceh cattle (n= 20) which were divided into two treatment groups: the group with natural estrus (A) and the group with PGF2α -induced estrus (B). Each donor group was superovulated using the injection of PMSGhCG (A1, B1) and only PMSG (A2, B2). The observations on total follicles and CL were carried out at D10, D14/D+0 and D21/D+7 using ultrasonography (USG). The results showed that PMSG gave a better superovulatory response to the development of dominant follicles (P0.01) at A1, A2, B1, and B2. The administration of hCG hormone 2000 IU i.m. was not able to increase the rate of ovulation. Total follicles after the addition of hCG were also not significantly different between A1:A2 and B1:B2. Statistically, the number of CL in all donor groups in D21 was not significantly different (P0.05). It concluded, superovulation using PMSG gave the same results to the donor cows with natural estrus and the donor cows with PGF2α-induced estrus. The hCG hormone with a dose of 2000 IU injected i.m. was also not able to increase the ovulation rate of Aceh cattle superovulated with PMSG 2500 IU i.m. ____________________________________________________

FISIOLOGÍA RELACIONADA AL USO DE LA ECG EN GANADO DE CARNE Y LECHE

Equine chorionic gonatrophin (eCG) is a high molecular weight glycoprotein produced by endometrial cups in the mare. ECG has primarily LH activity in the mare, but has FSH or LH activity in the cow, depending on the recipient populations in the ovary. Although eCG has been used to induce superovulation in a variety of species, several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of eCG on fixed-time AI (IATF) programs in beef and dairy cattle, and embryo recipients. Under these circumstances, eCG has stimulated the development of the ovulatory dominant follicle and produced ovulation of a larger follicle, resulting in a larger and more functional LC and longer embryo survival. In suckling beef cows, 400 IU of eCG at the time of removal of a progesterone device resulted in increased conception rates after IATF,and in dairy cattle managed in pastoral systems, the eCG administration resulted in a significant increase in pregnancy rates, especially in cows in anestrus. In embryo recipients, treatment with eCG has resulted in increased pregnancy rates after embryo transfer. This presentation will review some of this data and explore strategies to use the potential benefits of eCG to improve bovine reproduction.

Estradiol Signaling at the Heart of Folliculogenesis: Its Potential Deregulation in Human Ovarian Pathologies.

Estradiol (E2) is a major hormone controlling women fertility, in particular folliculogenesis. This steroid, which is locally produced by granulosa cells (GC) within ovarian follicles, controls the development and selection of dominant preovulatory follicles. E2 effects rely on a complex set of nuclear and extra-nuclear signal transduction pathways principally triggered by its nuclear receptors, ERα and ERβ. These transcription factors are differentially expressed within follicles, with ERβ being the predominant ER in GC. Several ERβ splice isoforms have been identified and display specific structural features, which greatly complicates the nature of ERβ-mediated E2 signaling. This review aims at providing a concise overview of the main actions of E2 during follicular growth, maturation, and selection in human. It also describes the current understanding of the various roles of ERβ splice isoforms, especially their influence on cell fate. We finally discuss how E2 signaling deregulation could participate in two ovarian pathogeneses characterized by either a follicular arrest, as in polycystic ovary syndrome, or an excess of GC survival and proliferation, leading to granulosa cell tumors. This review emphasizes the need for further research to better understand the molecular basis of E2 signaling throughout folliculogenesis and to improve the efficiency of ovarian-related disease therapies.

Body status and blood metabolites profiles during resumption of postpartum ovarian activity in yak (Poephagus grunniens).

We examined the changes in body weight (BW), back-fat thickness (BFT) and blood metabolites in relation to postpartum (PP) ovarian activity status in twenty female yaks raised under semi-intensive system. BFT and ovarian activities, like follicle development, ovulation (OV) and corpus luteum (CL) development, were monitored from 4 to 15weeks (wk) PP using ultrasonography. Resumption of ovarian activity was confirmed with ovulation of dominant follicle (DF) and subsequent CL development, and >1ng/ml progesterone concentration in blood plasma sample after 1week of ovulation. Yaks were further classified as cyclic (with CL), acyclic (without CL), and cystic (with >25mm follicular cyst; FC). Within 20weeks PP, 60% yaks resumed cyclic ovarian activity, while 25% failed to initiate cycling activity, and 15% developed follicular cysts. In all categories of yak, BW gradually decreased (p<.05) till nadir; however, nadir reached earlier (p<.05) in acyclic yaks. BFT differed (p<.05) among the yak groups, but it tended to be higher in cyclic yaks as compared to acyclic and cystic. No difference (p>.05) in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) values was found among the different categories of yaks, whereas, beta-hydroxy butyrate (BHB) levels were higher in cystic animals as compared to acyclic and cyclic. Blood glucose levels decreased in all yaks during initial 2weeks after calving. Our findings suggest that yaks with low BW, BFT and glucose levels, and higher BHB values were at risk of delayed resumption of ovarian activity and concomitant development of follicular cysts.

Effect of One-Day Delaying CIDR Administration in 5-Day Cosynch Protocol in Dairy Heifers.

Simple SummaryIn modern dairy farms, the optimum age for first calving is 23 to 25 months, to achieve this goal heifers having to conceive at 15 months of age using fixed-time artificial insemination. Despite the difference of follicular dynamics between heifers and cows, the dairy cow based synchronization protocols need to be modified for dairy heifers. We investigated the effect of one-day delaying administration of intravaginal progesterone device (CIDR) at the beginning of 5-day Cosynch protocol. Pregnancy per AI (P/AI) was significantly declined in CIDR-4 (4-day CIDR application instead of 5 days) group as heifers’ age proceeded. We have shown that there was no benefit of one-day delay of CIDR administration in 5-day Cosynch protocol on P/AI. However, higher P/AI in 5-day CIDR synchronization in aged heifers could reveal the necessity of longer progesterone administration in Cosynch protocol for better fertility.Effect of one-day delaying progesterone administration at the beginning of 5-day Cosynch protocol was investigated in Holstein heifers for the first artificial insemination (AI). Heifers received a synchronized ovulation and timed AI (TAI) with CIDR inserted on day (d) 0 (CIDR-5; n = 206) or d 1 (CIDR-4; n = 192). In both group, GnRH was administered on d 0 followed by a single PGF2α injection and CIDR removal five days later from GnRH. On d 8, TAI and GnRH administration were concurrently conducted. Heifers detected in estrus up to 24 h prior to TAI were inseminated without GnRH administration. Rates of ovulation, accessory CL formation and new dominant follicle development following initial GnRH injection did not differ between groups. P/AI did not differ between CIDR-4 (44.3%, [85/192]) and CIDR-5 (51.9%, [107/206]) groups, respectively. Pregnancy per AI (P/AI) was significantly (p < 0.01) declined as heifers’ age (12–13, 14, 15, 16 and17–21 months) proceeded in CIDR-4 group (55.6%, 52.1%, 37.9%, 35.7%, 32.4%) compared to those in CIDR-5 group (60.0%, 50.0%, 53.9%, 51.5%, 46.2%) respectively. In conclusion, there is no benefit for delaying CIDR administration in 5-day Cosynch protocol in dairy heifers. However, higher P/AI in CIDR-5 group in older heifers can be considered for reproductive management.

Influence of Blood Metabolites on Ovarian Rebound in Postpartum Sahiwal Cows

Present investigation was carried out to study the influence of blood metabolites, viz., glucose and NEFA on ovarian rebound in postpartum Sahiwal cows. Advance pregnant Sahiwal cows (n=14) maintained at Bull Mother Experimental Farm at Anjora, Durg (CG), India were selected and divided into two Groups, Group I comprised of animals (n=7) with BCS ? 2.75 and that of Group II comprised of animals (n=7) with average BCS less than 2.75 at one week before parturition. Trans-rectal ultrasound scanning of ovaries was accomplished in animals of both groups on alternate days from 21 to 51 days postpartum to record the development of dominant follicles (DF). Animals of Group-I without DF recorded higher pre-partum BCS than those with DF (n=3). Non-significant differences were recorded in mean serum glucose concentration between animals of Group-I and Group-II during all days of observation. Significant differences were (p less than0.01) observed in mean serum glucose concentration between animals with and without DF of Group-I on day 20 postpartum (39.79±0.56 vs 43.53±0.29 mg/dl). Animals (n=3) with DF of Group-I showed significantly increasing trend of mean serum glucose level from 20 to 50 days of postpartum, whereas the animals (n=4) without DF recorded similar serum glucose levels between 10 and 40 days postpartum. Significantly (p less than 0.05) higher mean serum NEFA concentrations were recorded in animals without DF than in animals with DF of Group-I on all days from the day of calving to 50 days postpartum, except on day 10. It may be concluded that higher serum NEFA concentration influenced the development of dominant follicle in postpartum Sahiwal cows.

Progesterone dose during synchronization treatment alters luteinizing hormone receptor and steroidogenic enzyme mRNA abundances in granulosa cells of Nellore heifers

The objective was to investigate effects of progesterone (P4) dose on abundance of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHCGR), aromatase (CYP19A1), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B1), and other steroidogenic mRNA transcripts in granulosa cells from dominant follicles. Nellore heifers were assigned to one of six groups: new, first-use controlled internal drug release device (CIDR1) inserted for 5 days (Large-P4-dose-D5; n = 7) or 6 days (Large-P4-dose-D6; n = 8), prostaglandin (PG)F2α administered on D0 and 1 previously-used CIDR (CIDR3) inserted for 5 days (Small- P4-dose-D5; n = 8) or 6 days (Small-P4-dose-D6; n = 8), CIDR1 inserted on D0 and removed plus PGF2α on D5 (Large-P4-dose-proestrus (PE); n = 7), and CIDR3 and PGF2α on D0 and 1, CIDR3 removed plus PGF2α on D5 (Small-P4-dose-PE; n = 7). Duration of P4 treatment (D5 compared to D6) affected abundances of CYP19A1 mRNA transcripts, with there being greater abundances on D6 than D5 (P ≤ 0.05). Heifers treated with the large dose of P4 had a smaller dominant follicle, less serum and intra-follicular estradiol (E2) concentrations (P ≤ 0.05) and lesser LHCGR, CYP19A1, and HSD3B1 transcript abundances (P ≤ 0.05). Heifers treated to induce PE had a larger follicle diameter (P = 0.09), greater intra-follicular E2 concentrations and larger abundances of CYP19A1 mRNA transcript (P ≤ 0.05) than heifers of the D6 group. Overall, treatment with larger doses of P4 resulted in lesser abundances of LHCGR, HSD3B1, and CYP19A1 mRNA transcripts; thus, potentially leading to development of smaller dominant follicles and lesser E2 concentrations.

The potential for intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate as a self-bridging emergency contraceptive

ObjectiveTo examine the rate of ovulatory disruption when intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is administered across graded stages of dominant follicle development. Study designWe assigned enrolled participants to one of three preassigned dominant follicle size groups: 12-14 mm, 15–17 mm and ≥18 mm. We followed dominant follicles via serial transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) until the follicles reached their assigned size, at which time we administered DMPA. For 5 consecutive days thereafter, we followed the follicles via TVUS to observe follicle rupture and obtained serum luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and progesterone concentrations. In the following 2 weeks, we collected serum progesterone concentrations twice weekly to detect possible ovulatory delay or dysfunction. We also collected serum medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) concentrations at 1 and 24 h after DMPA administration to examine against ovulatory outcomes. ResultsTwenty-six of 29 enrolled women completed the study. DMPA suppressed ovulation in 17/26 (65%) and caused ovulatory dysfunction in 1/26 (4%) participants. Larger follicles were more likely to rupture despite DMPA (12–14 mm: 0/10 (0%); 15–17 mm: 3/10 (30%); ≥18 mm: 6/6 (100%); p < .01). Pre-DMPA LH concentrations ranged from 13.8 to 93.7 IU/L (mean 49.0 IU/L) in cases of follicle rupture. We observed no cases of follicle rupture when DMPA was administered through cycle day 12. All 24-h MPA concentrations exceeded those needed for ovulation suppression. ConclusionDMPA suppressed and additionally disrupted ovulation in 65% and 4% of observed cycles, respectively. DMPA may provide effective emergency contraception as well as ongoing contraception if administered prior to an expected ovulation and specifically before the LH surge. ImplicationsDMPA may be an alternative form of emergency contraception that can also self-bridge to ongoing contraception. As ovulation was not observed among any follicles when DMPA was given through cycle day 12, women who initiate DMPA up through cycle day 12 may not require backup contraception.

Ovarian Dynamics, Plasma Endocrine Profile and Fertility Response Following Synchronization Protocols in Crossbred Cows with Cystic Ovaries

Background: Cystic ovarian degeneration (COD) with prevalence of 10-13% is a common and economically important condition in dairy cattle affecting fertility. Predisposing factors and aetiology of ovarian cysts are multifaceted. The most widely accepted cause is either absent, insufficient or wrong time occurrence of pre-ovulatory LH-surge. The accuracy of differential diagnosis of cyst per rectum can be increased by simultaneous use of USG and/or plasma progesterone assay and therapeutic success depends on type and duration of cystic condition. The literature on these aspects in crossbred cows is meagre, hence was planned to differentially diagnose the ovarian follicular and luteal cysts based on clinical, sonographic and endocrine findings and to study the estrus response and conception rates following different treatment modalities of COD in crossbred cattle. Methods: This study was conducted on greater than 90 days postpartum HF crossbred cows with cystic ovaries (n=58) confirmed by per rectal palpation and ultrasonography. The animals with follicular cysts were randomly treated with either conventional Ovsynch or Ovsynch + CIDR protocol (n=10 each) and those with luteal cysts with either Double PG injections 11 days apart or modified Ovsynch protocol (n=16 each) with fixed time AI. A group of six cystic cows was kept as untreated control. Blood samples were collected in heparinized vacutainers, together with trans-rectal ultrasonography, on day 0 (just before initiation of treatment), on day of last PGF2á injection, on day of induced estrus/FTAI and on day 12 post-AI for determination of plasma progesterone and estradiol-17â by RIA technique. Results: The mean diameters and wall thickness of ovarian cysts regressed significantly (p less than 0.01) among responded cows of all four protocols. The estrus induction response within 48-96 hrs of last PG injection with Ovsynch, Ovsynch + CIDR, Modified Ovsynch and Double PG protocols was 90.00, 100.00, 87.50 and 81.25 %, respectively. The conception rates at induced estrus with FTAI for these protocols were 50.00, 40.00, 50.00 and 43.75 %, respectively and the corresponding overall conception rates for 3 cycles’ post-treatment were 60.00, 70.00, 68.75 and 56.25 %, respectively, compared to zero result of control group. The mean plasma progesterone concentration varied highly significantly (p less than 0.01) between periods of treatment in all protocols, the values were lower (p less than 0.01) on day 0 and on day of FTAI than on the day of last PG injection and on day 12 post-AI. The values on day 12 post-AI were significantly higher in conceived than non-conceived cows. The trend of estradiol-17â profile on day of last PG injection was reversed than on day 0. The higher levels of estradiol-17â on day of FTAI were associated with regression of cystic structures and development of new dominant follicles with estrogenic activity concomitant to induced estrus and ovulatory LH surge in most of the animals as evident from USG monitoring, behavioural signs and conception rates.

Intrafollicular injection of nonesterified fatty acids impaired dominant follicle growth in cattle

Dairy cows frequently undergo a state of negative energy balance (NEB) after parturition and some have impaired ovarian functions that result in delayed resumption of estrous cyclicity and development of follicles without ovulation occurring. During the postpartum period, cows undergo body-fat store losses, hormonal changes, fat mobilization and increases in nonesterified fatty acid (NEFAs) concentrations in blood and follicular fluid. The effect of NEFAs on follicular development and function of follicular cells, however, is not fully understood. The aim of this study, therefore, was to study the effect of an intrafollicular injection of a mixture of oleic, stearic and palmitic NEFAs on dominant follicle development and function of granulosa cells in cows that were not in a NEB state. Follicular size was less at 24 and 48 h after administration of NEFAs compared to that of control follicles injected with vehicle only. At 24 h after intrafollicular injection, the relative mRNA transcript abundance for proteins involved in steroidogenesis (CYP19A1, 3BHSD, STAR, FSHR), metabolism (GLUT1, GLUT3, INSR, IRS1, IRS2, SLC27A1, PPARG), and cell proliferation and apoptosis (CCND2; XIAP) in granulosa cells, as well as estradiol concentrations in follicular fluid were similar in control and NEFA-treated follicles. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate increased intrafollicular concentrations of NEFAs in cows that are not in a NEB state has a detrimental effect on follicle development. We propose intrafollicular injection is a useful approach to further investigate the local effects of NEFAs on the function of follicular cells.

Endometrial development during the transition to menopause: preliminary associations with follicular dynamics

Objective: This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the development of functional luteal phase dominant follicles (LPDFs) is associated with increased endometrial growth as women transition to menopause.Methods: Endometrial thickness (ET), follicle development, and hormone production were characterized in ovulatory women of mid-reproductive age (MRA; 18–35 years, n = 10) and advanced reproductive age (ARA; 45–55 years, n = 16). Transvaginal ultrasonography was conducted every 1–3 days during one interovulatory interval to quantify ET and the diameters of follicles ≥2 mm. Blood was drawn at each visit to measure progesterone, estradiol, inhibin A, follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone.Results: In the MRA group, ET was lower (8.87 vs. 10.1 mm) in women with typical versus no LPDFs, in association with greater luteal phase estradiol (91.1 vs. 48.8 ng/l). In the ARA group, luteal phase endometrial growth was greater (12.0 vs. 10.4 mm) in women with typical versus no LPDFs, in association with lower progesterone (10.7 vs. 13.8 μg/l; LPDF effect p < 0.1) and inhibin A (35.6 vs. 51.17 ng/l; p < 0.10).Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that ET may be increased in women who develop LPDFs, in association with reduced luteal phase progesterone and inhibin A, during the transition to menopause. Continued research is required to confirm these findings.

Activation of PPARG inhibits dominant follicle development in cattle

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG, also called NR1C3) is a nuclear receptor of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor family (PPAR). PPARs are involved in the regulation of apoptosis, cell cycle, estradiol and progesterone synthesis, and metabolism. However, the role of PPARs and their regulation during follicular development and ovulation in monovular species remain poorly understood. In this study, a well-established intrafollicular injection model was used to investigate if the PPARG participates in the regulation of dominant follicle development and ovulation in cattle. Findings from this study revealed that the relative mRNA abundance of PPARG was similar between dominant and subordinate follicles around follicle deviation, decreased after the LH surge, and increased before ovulation. In addition, a quadratic correlation was found between PPARG mRNA levels in granulosa cells and progesterone concentration in the follicular fluid. Intrafollicular injection of 50 μM Troglitazone (TGZ; a PPARG agonist) inhibited follicular growth and decreased CYP19A1 mRNA abundance in granulosa cells. These findings indicate that PPARG is involved in the regulation of steroidogenesis, follicle growth and ovulation in cattle.