Effect Of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Research Articles

Double ovulation rate of the first follicular wave follicles is higher in the first follicular wave dominant follicle in the ovary contralateral to the corpus luteum treated with human chorionic gonadotropin five days after estrus in lactating dairy cows.

We examined the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment on double ovulation rate of first-wave follicles five days after estrus in lactating dairy cows. Cows were divided into two groups: 1) Ipsilateral group (IG; n=35), in which the first-wave dominant follicle (DF) was ipsilateral to the corpus luteum (CL), and 2) Contralateral group (CG; n=30), in which the first-wave DF was contralateral to the CL five days after estrus, then 1,500 IU of hCG was administrated. Double ovulation rate was significantly higher in the CG (26.7%) than in the IG (2.9%). This study demonstrate that the double ovulation rate of first-wave follicles was higher in the first-wave DF located in the contralateral ovary to the CL.

The potential effect of human chorionic gonadotropin on vasoproliferative disorders of the immature retina.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is known to be a powerful vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-regulating hormone. It stimulates vascularization of the gravid uterus by upregulating VEGF expression. In the body, hCG activates the same receptor as luteinizing hormone (LH). Like hCG, LH is also strongly proangiogenic. Recently, it has been shown that LH/hCG receptors are present in the retina and that both LH and hCG are found in the eye. In fact, the human eye can synthesize its own hCG. We have previously shown that LH and VEGF are significantly correlated in mammalian eyes, potentially implicating LH-receptor/hCG-receptor activation in intraocular VEGF regulation. Given that elevated VEGF is associated with progression of two vasoproliferative pediatric retinal disorders, retinopathy of prematurity and retinoblastoma, our objective was to determine whether hCG may potentially affect VEGF production and pathologic retinal vascularization in vasoproliferative disorders affecting the immature retina. In this study, we used (a) oxygen-induced retinopathy mouse model (standard model for retinopathy of prematurity) and (b) Y79 retinoblastoma cells (a human cell line derived from immature retinal cells). In the oxygen-induced retinopathy model, number of preretinal nuclei (representing pathologic retinal neovascularization) significantly increases by 57% (P<0.05) in hCG-treated mice. In Y79 cells, VEGF production significantly increases by 37% (P<0.05) in hCG-treated cells. These findings suggest that hCG is potentially able to influence retinal vascularization and VEGF production and thus, the hCG receptor may potentially represent a therapeutic target for vasoproliferative retinal disorders affecting the young eye.

Effect of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin on Gastric Emptying in Female Rats: Is It a Direct Effect or by Induced Hyperthyroidism?

AbstractBackground: Delayed gastric emptying with prolongation of gastrointestinal transit time resulting in nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) which is the most common disorder during the first trimester of pregnancy with significant mor-bidity and adverse birth outcomes, few percentage of women develop a severe form of NVP called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). The mechanism of NVP remains unclear with wide controversy, Several observational studies have suggested that NVP are related to the high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), others relate it to hCG induced transient hyperthyroidism that commonly occur during pregnancy, these studies did not ascertain the possible relationship and mech-anism either which hormone is the direct responsible?.Aim of the Study: To investigate the effect of hCG treatment and thyroid hormone changes on gastric transit in hCG treated female rats.Material and Methods: This study was done on 18 female Wister albino rats, were divided to 3 groups (n=6): Control group (I) treated with saline, hCG treated group (II), and hCG + Methimazole treated group (III). After 2 weeks, at the end of the study, in all group, serum levels of Thyriod stimulating hormone (TSH), free (thyroxine) T4, hCG, estrogen and progesterone were estimated and gastric empting time was calculated. Groups comparison were done by applying one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the relationship between various parameters was evaluated by calculating coefficient of correlation, r.Results: Gastric emptying time was significantly decreased in both hCG treated groups and correlate negatively with hCG levels. Free serum T4 was significantly increased and TSH levels was significantly decreased in hCG treated group (II) in comparison to both control (I) and Methimazole treated (III) groups. Estrogen and progesterone levels showed no significant changes in both hCG treated groups when compared to control.Conclusion: Our results are confirmative of the involve-ment of hCG in the pathogenesis of NVP and HG through a mechanism involving delaying gastric emptying time with no implication of hCG induced hyperthyroidism in this patho-genesis.

Increasing saugeye (S. vitreus × S. canadensis) production efficiency in a hatchery setting using assisted reproduction technologies

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are used to increase fertilization rates in a number of animal species. However, their use with sauger (Sander canadensis), the paternal contributor in the production of the recreationally and economically important saugeye (Sander vitreus × S. canadensis), is limited. State fishery management agencies are periodically unable to meet saugeye production goals due to the inability to collect sufficient numbers of sauger broodstock, as well as a lack of protocols for standardized sperm use during production. Therefore, the need exists to overcome sauger sperm limitation during the saugeye production season using ARTs. Toward this end, we investigated the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on sperm production, determined an efficient sperm-to-egg ratio for fertilization, and validated the use of a densimeter to measure sauger sperm cell concentration for precise sperm addition during fertilization. The effect of hCG on sperm production was evaluated by comparing pre- and post-treatment milt parameters between fish treated with either hCG or saline (control). Treating fish with hCG increased sperm volume relative to saline controls (hCG 0.64 ± 0.19 mL/kg; control: 0.31 ± 0.05 mL/kg). However, sperm cell concentration and total sperm production were unaffected. To determine an efficient sperm-to-egg ratio, fresh milt from several individuals was pooled and used to fertilize walleye eggs at three sperm-to-egg ratios (20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 sperm/egg). The range of sperm-to-egg ratios used in this study did not significantly affect fertilization rates (20,000: 82.67 ± 3.38%, 50,000: 91.33 ± 2.67% and 100,000: 88.67 ± 3.44%). Lastly, by using linear regression to compare densimeter and hemocytometer estimates in serially diluted sperm we were able to accurately estimate hemocytometer estimates (R2 = 0.96, p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study provides tools and standards that can be implemented by hatchery staff to increase saugeye production efficiency and lay the foundation for using ART for sauger and other fish species.

Does luteal phase support by human chorionic gonadotropin improve pregnancy outcomes in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles?

Abstract Objective The present study was aimed to investigation the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration on the implantation and pregnancy outcomes in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Design This is a cross sectional retrospective study. Setting Research and Clinical Center for Infertility of Yazd. Materials and methods Totally, 200 FET cycles categorized into two groups: (A) hCG treatment group (N = 100), the patients received 3 doses of hCG after embryo transfer (ET); and (B) control group (N = 100), the patients received routine protocol. Finally, chemical and clinical pregnancy, and also implantation rates were compared between two groups. Results All the cycles into two groups were matched regarding to demographic and basic characteristics. Moreover, there were significant differences between groups regarding chemical pregnancy ( P = 0.048), clinical pregnancy ( P = 0.041). There was a trend towards decrease of miscarriage rate in hCG treatment group, although differences were not significant (P = 0.434). Conclusion Findings revealed an improvement in pregnancy rates following hCG administration in FET cycles.

Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin treatment after artificial inseminations on conception rate with the first follicular wave dominant follicle in the ovary ipsilateral to the corpus luteum in lactating dairy cows

We examined the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment 5 days after artificial insemination (AI) on conception rate when the first-wave dominant follicle (DF) in the ovaries was either ipsilateral or contralateral to the corpus luteum (CL) in lactating dairy cows. 577 cows from 4 dairy farms were divided into the following two groups 5 days after AI using transrectal ultrasonography: (1) the ipsilateral group (IG; n = 348), in which the DF was ipsilateral to the CL, and (2) the contralateral group (CG; n = 229), in which the DF was contralateral to the CL. IG and CG were further subdivided into two groups: non-treatment groups, which received no treatment (IG, n = 220; CG, n = 128), and hCG treatment group, that was administrated 1500 IU hCG 5 days after AI (IG, n = 143; CG, n = 86). Pregnancy was diagnosed by rectal palpation or transrectal ultrasonography from 53 to 67 days after AI. Conception rate was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the hCG treatment group of IG (40.6%) than in the non-treatment group of IG (21.4%); however, there was no difference in the non-treatment (51.7%) and hCG treatment (43.0%) groups of CG. Parity, farm, days in milk at AI, interaction between the farm and hCG treatment and interaction between the farm and location of the first-wave DF and CL did not affect conception rate. Our results suggest that conception rate can be improved by administrating hCG only to cows with the first wave DF ipsilateral to the CL.

Thyroid disorders in pregnancy

There are significant changes that occur in the thyroid gland and its function during pregnancy, thus making the assessment of thyroid functions in pregnancy substantially important. Normal pregnancy is associated with an increase in renal iodine excretion, an increase in T4 binding proteins, an increase in thyroid hormone production, and thyroid stimulatory effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and the treatment targets are different from women who are not pregnant. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are associated with significant impact on the fetomaternal unit and pregnancy outcomes. Evidence appears to support an association between overt thyroid dysfunction and an increased risk of infertility, and there is strong evidence to recommend treatment for overt hypothyroidism in pregnancy. The recommended treatment of maternal hypothyroidism is the administration of oral LT4.

Human chorionic gonadotropin in vitro: Effects on rat sperm motility and fertilization outcome

Objective: To investigate the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the motility of rat sperm and the fertilization rate following in vitro fertilization. Methods: hCG concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 ng/mL with incubation time of 1 h and 2 h were used in medium to study sperm motility. Then, 25 and 100 ng/mL of hCG with incubation time of 2 h were applied for in vitro fertilization. After 6 h, the number of two pronuclei was counted. Obtained data was subjected to one way ANOVA and Bonferroni-Dun hoc-post test. Results: Total motility and progressive motility of sperms were increased significantly (P<0.05) in hCG experimental group with concentration of 25 ng/L and incubation time of 2 h compared to control group, however, total motility and progressive motility of sperms were decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing dose of hCG. Fertilization rate was decreased significantly (P<0.05) in hCG experimental group with dose of 100 ng/mL compared to 25 ng/mL and control group. Conclusions: The effect of hCG on the rat sperm motility and the rate of their fertility is dose-dependent so that hCG with dose of 25 ng/mL leads to an increase in rat sperm motility and to some extent fertilization rate.

The Effect of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Therapy on Semen Parameters and Pregnancy Rate after Varicocelectomy

Introduction: To study the stimulating effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on spermatogenesis in patients with varicocele and infertility undergoing varicocelectomy. Materials and Methods: In the study, 188 infertile patients with varicocele were included. Open inguinal varicocelectomy was performed. They were randomized into 2 groups and hCG (91 patients) was administered intramuscularly by dosage of 5,000 international units every week for 3 months. A semen analysis was obtained at 6 months, post-operatively and cases were followed for 2 years for pregnancy report. Results: Semen analysis of the patients shows a significant improvement in all parameters 6 months after varicocelectomy without any superiority between the 2 groups. During the follow-up, 56 couples (61.5%) in hCG treated and 22 couples (22.7%) in the group treated only by varicocelectomy achieved pregnancy. Patients treated with varicocelectomy plus hCG therapy had a significant superior pregnancy rate compared to the other group (P=0.0001). Conclusion: Administration of hCG in this group of infertile patients might be helpful in order to enhance pregnancy rate. However some more conclusive studies are needed to be able to recommend such therapy for infertile men due to varicocele.

The effect of estradiol, testosterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin on the proliferation of Schwann cells with NF1 +/- or NF1 -/- genotype derived from human cutaneous neurofibromas.

Dermal neurofibromas are the hallmarks of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Neurofibromas harbor Schwann cells with two different genotypes: Schwann cells which carry the germline mutation and a healthy NF1 allele (NF1 +/-), and a subpopulation of Schwann cells which harbor the so-called second hit leading to inactivation of both NF1 alleles (NF1 -/-). The second hit in the NF1 gene of Schwann cells is considered to be the initial step in the development of neurofibromas. Dermal neurofibromas typically start to grow in puberty, and their number and size increase during pregnancy, indicating hormone responsiveness. This is the first study to address the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the proliferation of human NF1 +/- and NF1 -/- Schwann cells in vitro. In addition, the effects of estradiol and testosterone were also investigated. The results showed that NF1 -/- Schwann cells were more sensitive to estradiol, testosterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin than NF1 +/- cells. Specifically, the proliferation of NF1 -/- Schwann cells was increased by up to 99, 110, and 170% compared to vehicle control when treated with estradiol, testosterone, and hCG, respectively. Interestingly, no effect of estradiol, testosterone, or hCG on the proliferation of the cells with NF1 +/- genotype was observed. To conclude, the somatic second hit in the NF1 gene sensitizes Schwann cells to sex hormones resulting in a highly increased proliferation. Our results highlight the significance of sex hormones in the regulation of neurofibroma growth.

Effect of human chorionic gonadotropin on sexual maturation, sex steroids and thyroid hormone levels in Caspian lamprey (Caspiomyzon wagneri Kessler, 1870).

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on sexual maturation, plasma sex steroids (17β-estradiol, E2 and 17α-hydroxy progesterone (17α OHP)) and thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine, T3 and thyroxin, T4) levels in upstream - migrating Caspian lamprey. During the experiment, 36 fish (24 females and 12 males) in spring 2013 and 36 fish (24 females and 12 males) in fall 2013 were collected from the Shirud River estuary in Mazandaran Province, the Southern Caspian Sea during their upstream migration to the freshwater. All fish were injected with hCG at the doses of 1000, 1500 and 2000 IU.kg BW-1. The injection was a two - step process (50% of hormone in each step) by 12 h interval. After the first injection, fish were retained in the cages in the river beds and 24 hours after the second injection, fish were checked for egg and sperm release after mild abdomen pressure. Blood samples were taken for determining sex steroid levels. Results showed that hCG hormone injections caused increase in migration of germinal vesicle in the oocyte of female and sperm release in males. Significant differences were found in the serum E2 and 17α-OHP levels in hCG - injected fish compared to the control. However, no significant differences were found in serum T3 and T4 levels in the hCG - injected fish. According to the results, the appropriate hCG dosage to induce the reproduction acceleration in Caspian lamprey is 1500-2000 IU.kg BW-1.

Effects of hCG and salmon gonadoliberine analogue on spermiation in the Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis)

This study analysed (i) the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and salmon gonadoliberine analogue (sGnRHa) on the effectiveness of induction of spermiation and (ii) the effect of latency time following the application of those spawning agents on the quantity and quality of the sperm of Eurasian perch, Perca fluviatilis, obtained during out-of-season spawning. For this study, pond-reared fish were used which had been acclimated to the controlled conditions. Three groups were distinguished which were treated with either saline (0.9% NaCl; control group), hCG (500 IU kg−1) or sGnRHa (100 μg kg−1). The fish were kept in a recirculating system at 12 °C throughout the study, during which sperm was collected every two days between the 2nd and 10th day following hormonal treatment. During the study, quantitative (e.g. sperm volume, total sperm production) and qualitative (measured with a computer-assisted sperm analysis system – i.e. CASA) parameters were monitored. The results of the study indicate that the hormonal treatment had a highly beneficial effect on the spermiation rate (100% in experimental groups from day 6 following injection) as well as quantity, which increased 50% in experimental groups (over 2200 × 109 of spermatozoa per kg of body weight) by day 4 following injection. For the sperm quality, both spawning agents tested had a rather positive effect, although sperm motility rate (MOT) was seen to be significantly reduced on day 10 following the application of hCG (MOT = 72.8% ± 8.1), which was not observed after the application of sGnRHa (minimum mean MOT 81.7% ± 6.1). The results clearly indicate that hormonal treatment had a positive effect on spermiation in Eurasian perch, most apparent from day 6 following injection, regardless of the hormonal agent used. Though application of sGnRHa allowed a high volume of high quality sperm to be stripped for two days longer (up to day 10 post-injection) compared to the application of hCG.

The effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin contained in human menopausal gonadotropin on the clinical outcomes during progestin-primed ovarian stimulation

Progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol has recently been demonstrated to be an novel regimen for preventing premature LH surges during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in combination with frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET). Our prospective controlled study was to explore the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) contained in human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) on the clinical outcomes in normalovulatory women undergoing COH with PPOS. A total of 180 patients were allocated into three groups according to the gonadotropin (Gn) used: group A (human menopausal gonadotropin, hMG-A), group B (hMG-B) or group C (follicle stimulating hormone, FSH). The primary outcome measured was the number of oocytes retrieved. The number of oocytes retrieved in group A B C was 10.72±5.78 11.33±5.19and13.38±8.97, respectively, with no statistic significance (p>0.05). Other embryological indicators were also similar (p>0.05). The concentration of serum and urinary β-hCG on the trigger day in group A and B were not associated with embryo results (p>0.05). There was no significant differences in the clinical pregnancy rate (41.67% vs. 51.56% vs. 39.51%, p>0.05) and implantation rate (31.58%vs. 34.75%vs.25.33%) after FET among the three groups. Thus the clinical characteristics were not affected by the hCG contained in hMG in normalovulatory women treated with PPOS.

Protective Effects of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Against Breast Cancer: How Can We Use This Information to Prevent/Treat the Disease?

Breast cancers (BCs) are the most common malignancies among women worldwide. Giving birth to a first child before 24 years of age decreases the BC risk by about half, when women reach menopausal years. The scientific evidence suggests that the actions of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are responsible for this decrease. Human BC cells and tissues contain hCG/luteinizing hormone receptors. The activation of the receptors results in an increase in cell differentiation and apoptosis. Conversely, it decreases the cell proliferation, invasion, and survival. The hCG actions are primarily cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A mediated, require the presence of receptors, and involve blocking the activation and nuclear translocation of the transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). The women with a higher hCG levels during pregnancy tend to have a lower BC incidence and those with the receptor-positive tumors have a longer metastasis-free survival. The long-term benefits of pregnancy/hCG seem to come from permanent signature genomic imprinting and expression changes, which are characterized by low cell proliferation, increased efficiency of DNA repair mechanisms, cell differentiation, and cells resistance to carcinogenesis. These findings could provide clinical opportunities to use hCG for the prevention of BC in this modern era of increasing number of young women in our societies waiting longer than ever to have their first child. In addition, hCG may be useful to reduce and/or eliminate cellular targets of carcinogenic changes during an active ongoing disease.

Hazards of nicotine on the uterus of albino rat and the possible ameliorative role of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Introductions: Smoking is an important cause of increased mortality and morbidity in the developing countries. Nicotine in cigarette smoke is one of the toxic substances which impair the fertility.So, the aim of this work was to study the histological changes induced by nicotine hydrogen tartrate on the endometrium of albino rat and the possible ameliorative effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).Material and Methods: Forty females of Wister albino rats in the normal estrous cycle were selected and used for the experiment. The experimental animals were randomly divided into four groups, each one including 10 female rats. The experiment period was extended to four weeks.Group I was (control group). Group II (Nicotine treated group) was subcutaneously (SC) injected by nicotine hydrogen tartrate as 8 mg/rat three times/week for four weeks. Group III (Nicotine and hCG) was subcutaneously injected with the previous dose of nicotine together with hCG (pregnyl). HCG was subcutaneously injected as 2 IU/rat/day for four weeks. Group IV (hCG group) was subcutaneously injected only with hCG as 2.0 IU/rat/day for four weeks. The specimens were prepared for light and scanning electron microscopic examinations, and morphometric measurements.Results: Nicotine induced decrease in the thickness of the endometrium. The height of the surface epithelium was decreased, the endometrial stromal cells were disrupted and had congested blood vessels. The endometrial glands became small and atrophied. The endometrium showed apparent increase in collagen fibers, a weak PAS reaction and highly positive immunohistochemical staining KI 67. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed flattening of the surface epithelial cells with absent apical microvilli and apparent decrease in the number of pits of the glands. Concomitant administration of nicotine and hCG showed marked improvement in the structures of the endometrium as compared with that of the nicotine-treated group.Conclusion: Nicotine altered the structure of the endometrium and concomitant administration of hCG with nicotine improved it.

Preovulatory Follicle Dynamics, and Ovulatory and Endometrial Responses to Different Doses of hCG and Prediction of Ovulation in Mares

A more precise characterization of the effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment on the preovulatory follicle is needed to improve reproductive efficiency in broodmare management. The objectives of this study were (1) to study the effects of different hCG doses within and among three consecutive estrous cycles on ovulatory response, preovulatory follicle dynamics, and endometrial echotexture; (2) to study the temporal relationship among changes in preovulatory follicle diameter, endometrial echotexture, and estradiol levels; and (3) to analyze a system for prediction of ovulation. In experiment 1, mares were treated with 2,500 IU hCG, 1,500 IU hCG, 500 IU hCG, or saline (controls) and examined by ultrasonography every 6 hours across three consecutive preovulatory periods (n = 135). Similar treatment groups were utilized in experiment 2 (n = 177 preovulatory periods) with examinations performed every six, 12, or 24 hours to test the effectiveness of a prediction of ovulation system. Effective hCG doses (2,500 and 1,500 IU) led to cessation of growth rate and reduction of the preovulatory follicle diameter concurrently with a reduction in systemic estradiol concentration and endometrial echotexture score. A system of prediction of ovulation, based on preovulatory follicle ultrasonographic signs of impending ovulation, was highly accurate for the diagnosis of positive and negative outcomes in both hCG-treated and control groups. However, the effectiveness of this prediction system was reduced due to the false-negative diagnoses that were a reflection of a lack of sensitivity for the detection of nonovulation.

MicroRNA in hormonal mechanisms of regulation of NK cell function

We investigated the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin, estriol, leptin, ghrelin, and kisspeptin on the microRNA expression in separated NK cells. All of these hormones are able to effectively modulate the expression of microRNAs both stimulating and suppressing the cytotoxic potential of NK cells and thereby indirectly regulate the functions of these lymphocytes.

Temporal effects of human chorionic gonadotropin on expression of the circadian genes and steroidogenesis-related genes in human luteinized granulosa cells

Objective: It has been shown in animal models that circadian clock exists in corpora luteum which is essential for maintaining pregnancy. However, it is unknown whether circadian clock exists in corpora luteum and its relation with steroidogenesis in human ovary.Study design: Human luteinized granulosa cells from patients who underwent in vitro fertilization treatment were purified and cultured in vitro. Accumulation patterns of circadian gene and steroidogenesis-related gene mRNAs in human luteinized granulosa cells were observed during the 48 hours after treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) by quantitative PCR.Results: We found that the circadian genes CLOCK, PER2, and BMAL1 were expressed in cultured human luteinized granulosa cells. Among these genes, only expression of PER2 displayed oscillating patterns with a 16-h period in these cells after stimulation by hCG. Expression of CLOCK and BMAL1 did not show significant oscillating patterns. Expression of the steroidal acute regulatory protein (STAR) gene showed an oscillating pattern that was similar to that of PER2. Expression of CYP11A1, HSD3B2, and CYP19A1 increased significantly after hCG stimulation; however, none of these genes displayed significant oscillating patterns.Conclusions: Molecular circadian clock exists in human luteinized granulosa cells and may be related with steroidogenesis in human ovary.

Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin, estradiol, and progesterone on interleukin-18 expression in human decidual tissues

Interleukin (IL)-18 is a proinflammatory cytokine which mediates a myriad of inflammatory responses during pregnancy. Changes in IL-18 levels have been linked to complications during pregnancy. This study was designed to assess the effects of estradiol, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and progesterone on IL-18 expression in human decidual tissues. Uterine deciduas from women with normal pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, and progesterone treated spontaneous abortion were collected, and the effects of hormones on the viability of decidual cells and IL-18 secretion were detected by MTT and ELISA assays. We found that Estradiol, hCG, and progesterone inhibited decidual cell growth independent of dosage and time.IL-18 secretion in the spontaneous abortion group was increased in the decidual cells over time, but all hormones significantly reduced its secretion (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that estradiol, hCG, and progesterone can reduce IL-18 secretion in the cultured endometrial stromal cells from patients who experienced spontaneous abortion to the levels observed following normal pregnancy. Progesterone can significantly reduce IL-18 expression and increase growth of CD56+ CD16− uNK cells, suggesting that these activities may underlie the mechanism by which progesterone improves pregnancy outcomes.

Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin on testicular interstitial tissues in men with non-obstructive azoospermia.

Non-obstructive azoospermia is a severe condition because spermatogenesis per se is disrupted. Although microdissection testicular sperm extraction is the standard therapy for non-obstructive azoospermia, sperm retrieval is unsuccessful in approximately 50% of patients. For these patients, we conducted human chorionic gonadotropin-based salvage hormonal therapy, and sperm retrieval was possible in 10-20% of patients. The objectives of this study were to assess the changes in interstitial lesions in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia and to evaluate the effects of human chorionic gonadotropin on these tissues. Testicular biopsy specimens were obtained from 10 non-obstructive azoospermia patients who failed to obtain spermatozoa and from 10 obstructive azoospermia patients. All non-obstructive azoospermia patients received salvage hormonal therapy after microdissection testicular sperm extraction. Hematoxylin and eosin (H.E.) staining and immunohistochemical staining for steroidogenic acute regulatory protein antibody, the Leydig cell marker, and TE-7 antibody, the fibroblast marker, as well as picrosirius red staining to detect collagen fibers, were performed. We measured interstitial lesions, as Leydig cell area and the other area, with ImageJ software. Interstitial area, excluding Leydig cells, increased up to 12.5% in non-obstructive azoospermia compared with 1.2% in obstructive azoospermia (p<0.01), which was mainly because of fibrosis with TE-7-positive fibroblasts. The increase in interstitial lesions was correlated with Johnsen scores. Interstitial area, excluding the Leydig cells, decreased by 29% after salvage hormonal therapy (p<0.05), indicating improvement of interstitial fibrosis in non-obstructive azoospermia. There were no significant difference in total Leydig cell area and size of each Leydig cells between obstructive azoospermia and non-obstructive azoospermia. After the salvage hormonal therapy, a portion of the Leydig cells became hypertrophied and mean diameter of Leydig cell significantly increased (p<0.01). This study showed anti-fibrotic effects of human chorionic gonadotropin and hypertrophic change of Leydig cells after human chorionic gonadotropin administration.