Effect Of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Research Articles

Immune Modulatory Effects of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin on Dendritic Cells Supporting Fetal Survival in Murine Pregnancy.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are critically involved in the determination of immunity vs. tolerance. Hence, DCs are key regulators of immune responses either favoring or disfavoring fetal survival. Several factors were proposed to modulate DC phenotype and function during pregnancy. Here, we studied whether the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is involved in DC regulation. In vitro, bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) were stimulated in the presence or absence of urine-purified or recombinant hCG (rhCG) preparations. Subsequently, BMDC maturation was assessed. Cytokine secretion of activated BMDCs and their capability to enforce TH1, TH2, TH17, or Treg cell differentiation was determined after rhCG treatment. Moreover, the in vivo potential of hCG-modulated BMDCs to influence pregnancy outcome, Treg cell number, and local cytokine expression was evaluated after adoptive transfer in a murine abortion-prone model before and after conception. Both hCG preparations impaired the maturation process of BMDCs. rhCG treatment did neither alter cytokine secretion by BMDCs nor their ability to drive TH1, TH2, or TH17 differentiation. rhCG-treated BMDCs augmented the number of Treg cells within the T cell population. Adoptive transfer of rhCG-treated BMDCs after conception did not influence pregnancy outcome. However, transfer of hCG-treated BMDCs prior to mating had a protective effect on pregnancy. This positive effect was accompanied by increased Treg cell numbers and decidual IL-10 and TGF-β expression. Our results unveil the importance of hCG in retaining DCs in a tolerogenic state, thereby promoting Treg cell increment and supporting fetal survival.

Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin combined with clomiphene on Serum E2, FSH, LH and PRL levels in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

ObjectiveEffects of human chorionic gonadotropin combined with clomiphene on serum E2, FSH, LH and PRL levels in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome were analyzed.Methods90 patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome treated from January 2015 to March 2016 were randomly and evenly divided into control group and observation group. Patients in the control group were only treated with clomiphene. On the basis of the treatment in control group, human chorionic gonadotropin was added in the treatment of observation group. The changes of E2, FSH, LH, PRL levels were compared between two groups before and after the treatment. Clinical curative effects of patients in the two groups was evaluated. Adverse reactions during treatment in two groups were observed and recorded. The incidence of adverse reactions was calculated.ResultsSerum E2, FSH, LH and PRL levels in the two groups decreased significantly after treatment compared with that before treatment. The difference is statistical significant (P < 0.05). After the treatment, E2, FSH, LH and PRL levels in the observation group were lower than that in the control group and the difference is statistical significant (P < 0.05). Total effective rate was 64.44% in the control group and 93.33% in the observation group. There were statistically significant difference in clinical curative effects in the two groups (P < 0.05). Different degrees of adverse reactions were found in both groups during treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, liver dysfunction. There were 2 cases of nausea, 2 cases of vomiting, 3 cases of anorexia and 1 case of liver dysfunction from the 45 patients in control group. The total incidence of adverse reactions was 17.78% (8/45). There were 1 case of nausea, 1 case of vomiting, 1 case of anorexia and no liver dysfunction from the 45 patients in observation group. The total incidence of adverse reactions was 6.67% (3/45). The total incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionCombined use of human chorionic gonadotropin can significantly reduce serum E2, FSH, LH and PRL levels, improve clinical curative effects and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions. Human chorionic gonadotropin has high application value on the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Comparative effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and Ovaprim™ (sGnRHa + domperidone) on the reproductive characteristics of wild-caught male Longspine scraper, Capoeta trutta (Heckel, 1843)

The effectiveness of two different hormonal treatments or a saline control on sperm characteristics, plasma sex steroids and testes histology of male Longspine scraper, Capoeta trutta (Heckel, 1843) collected from the wild and maintained in captivity were tested. Fish injected with Ovaprim™ had significantly increased gonadosomatic index (GSI) and sperm volume, but had decreased spermatozoa concentration and spermatocrit compared with control. Fish injected with hCG had significantly decreased motility duration of their sperm, as well as decreased spermatozoa concentration and spermatocrit. Both treatments increased seminal plasma pH compared with control, while decreases in osmolality of seminal plasma occurred only in Ovaprim™-treated fish.Hormonal treatments altered the seminal plasma sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), glucose, phosphorus, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations. However, neither treatment affected the seminal plasma potassium (K+), chloride (Cl−), uric acid, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations.The concentration of 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) in the plasma was significantly enhanced by Ovaprim™ treatment, but not by hCG. On the other hand, plasma testosterone (T) was significantly elevated by both treatments.Histological examination of the testes revealed stimulation of testicular maturation following treatment with Ovaprim™, with lobules observed that were filled exclusively with a large number of spermatozoa (spz). In summary, hormonal treatments stimulated steroidogenesis and spermiation in male C. trutta, with highest efficiency of the Ovaprim™ treatment. Therefore, it can be concluded that like many other cyprinids, dopamine inhibitory action was operating in C. trutta, thus requiring anti-dopaminergic and hormonal treatments to overcome this in order to maximize steroidogenesis and induction of spermiation. Statement of relevanceThe research I present in this paper is novel, as:•The effectiveness of exogenous hormones on male C. trutta reproduction under controlled conditions;•The effect of hormonal treatment on a wide range of seminal plasma compositions in C. trutta;•Valuable information which will assist commercial facilities in organizing and, spermiation success in this new aquaculture species.

Luteinising Hormone Releasing Hormone Analogue과 Human Chorionic Gonadotropin 처리가 박대(Cynoglossus semilaevis)의 배정에 미치는 영향

Abstract Experiments were carried out examine short-term effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and long-term effects of luteinising hormone releasing hormone analogue (LHRHa) on milt production of the tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis. In the first experiment, each fish was implanted with a blank cholesterol pellet (control), 100 and 200 μg LHRHa per kg body weight. In the second experiment, fish were injected with either 100, 200, 400 and 800 IU hCG per kg body weight or same volume of marine fish Ringer’s solution. In the first experiment, milt volume was increased in male implanted with 200 μg LHRHa pellet compared with other groups at day 10. Injection of 400 and 800 IU hCG resulted in an increase in the milt volume at hour 96 after the treatment. Although statistical difference is unable to confirm because of small milt volume, compared with the control group, hormone pellet-treated groups had a reduction in the mean spermatocrit (Sct) and sperm concentration (Sc). The results suggest that the increase in milt volume is at least partially gonadotropin (GtH)-dependent and increased milt volume has a relationship with milt hydration.Key words : Tongue sole, Cynoglossus semilaevis, spermiation, hormoneCorresponding author: 061-450-2395, limhk@mokpo.ac.kr2013 .

The influence of thyroid disorders upon the female reproductive function. modern possibilities of phytotherapy

The article summarizes information on aspects of the women’s reproductive system functions disorders on the background of thyroid diseases. Influence of thyroid gland on the reproductive system is realized through peripheral endocrine glands (gonads and adrenal glands), and through the central structure (neurotransmitter and the hypothalamic-pituitary system).Any dysfunction of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) can lead disruption of the menstrual function, cause infertility and miscarriage. Girls hypothyroidism marked menstrual disorders, delayed puberty, amenorrhea.Autoimmune thyroiditis as one of the most common diseases of the thyroid gland is associated with miscarriages. Risk of thyroid dysfunction is increased in such patients in pregnancy.Due to the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin and estrogen on the thyroid gland during pregnancy, there may be transient changes in thyroid hormone levels, which requires differential diagnosis.Thyroid hormones are essential for normal functioning of the mammary glands, affecting their structural elements. Reduced thyroid function significantly increases the risk of mastitis.Protective effect in the treatment of breast diseases has potassium iodide drugs.More than half of women with infertility observed pathology of the thyroid gland, sometimes without clinical manifestations. Every second woman’s menstrual cycle and/or infertility precede thyroid diseases.All women who live in Ukraine (iodine deficiency region) should appoint an individual iodine prophylaxis on the stage of pregnancy planning (potassium iodide drugs at a dose 200 mg/day).Thyroid function should monitor in women with menstrual irregularities, infertility and miscarriage. The most informative is evaluation of thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine and triiodothyronine in blood serum.TazalokТМ as a complex herbal drug is recommended for women with concomitant thyroid pathology and dyshormonal genital diseases.

The efficacy of intrauterine injection of human chorionic gonadotropin before embryo transfer in assisted reproductive cycles: Meta-analysis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) intrauterine injection before embryo transfer on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Searches of PubMed®, EMBASE®, EBSCO, Web of Science®, SCOPUS® and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were conducted to retrieve relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data were extracted and analysed. The meta-analysis included five RCTs (hCG group n = 680; control group n = 707). Intrauterine hCG injection significantly increased rates of biochemical, clinical and ongoing pregnancy compared with controls. There were no between-group differences in implantation or miscarriage rates. Women undergoing IVF/ICSI may benefit from intrauterine hCG injection before embryo transfer.

Is There a Role for Estradiol With Progesterone in Luteal Phase Support With Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Cycles? A Retrospective Controlled Study With Reviewing the Literature

Background: Luteal phase support (LPS) after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a mandatory step. Progesterone is the standard LPS. There is a debate as regards the use of estradiol. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding estradiol to LPS on pregnancy rate in patients treated by ICSI. Methods: A retrospective controlled study was conducted on 68 infertile females scheduled for ICSI through the luteal long agonist protocol. They were divided into two groups as regards the LPS: group 1 (control): 42 patients using progesterone injections intramuscular (100 mg daily) together with two vaginal pessaries 400 mg daily twice daily; group 2 (estradiol): 26 patients where midluteal oral 4 mg estradiol valerate tablet in addition to progesterone as group 1 was used. Clinical pregnancy rate was the primary outcome. Results: There was no significant difference between the two studied groups as regards number of MII oocytes, the cleavage rate, number of embryos and number of class A embryos. As regards the pregnancy rate, it was higher in the estradiol group than in the control group but did not reach the statistical significance, 16 of 26 (61.5%) and 20 of 42 (47.6%) in the treated group versus non-treated group (P = 0.264). Conclusion: Since estradiol level declines in the midluteal phase, patients could benefit from adding estradiol to progesterone in LPS, and at that time the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) used for ovulation triggering on the corpus luteum decreases. The benefit includes an increase in the probability of pregnancy. There is a need for further RCTs that will assess the effect of estrogen addition to progesterone during the luteal phase on the probability of pregnancy. J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2015;4(2):226-231 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jcgo333w

Arginine vasotocin induces calling behavior with a female social stimulus and interacts with gonadotropins to affect sexual behaviors in male Xenopus tropicalis

Arginine vasotocin (AVT) and the mammalian homologue, arginine vasopressin (AVP), modulate vertebrate social behaviors, including vocalizations in male anurans. To study the impact of AVT and social stimuli on calling in male Xenopus tropicalis, we injected males with vehicle, 1μg, or 10μg AVT and recorded vocalizations under four social contexts (no stimulus, with male call playback, with a female, and with call playback and a female). More males called when injected with 10μg AVT. Furthermore, calling males called only when paired with a female. We identified four call types: long fast trill; short fast trill; slow trill; or click. Next, we injected males with vehicle, 10μg, or 20μg AVT and recorded vocalizations with or without a female. AVT treatment did not affect calling in this experiment, but we confirmed that more males, regardless of AVT treatment, called when a female was present. Then we evaluated the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on male sexual behavior. 20IU hCG elevated behavior compared to controls while the 10IU hCG treatment group was not different from either treatment. Last, we examined the effect of AVT on hCG-induced reproductive behavior. Males were injected with 10IU hCG or with 10IU hCG and 20μg AVT. Males receiving hCG and AVT clasped and called significantly more than males receiving hCG only. Our results suggest that AVT and a female stimulus induce vocalizations in a male pipid anuran, X. tropicalis, and the interaction between gonadotropins and neurohormones influences reproductive behaviors in this anuran amphibian.

Human chorionic gonadotropin stimulates spheroid attachment on fallopian tube epithelial cells through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and down-regulation of olfactomedin-1

To study the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on olfactomedin-1 (Olfm1) expression and spheroid attachment in human fallopian tube epithelial cells in vitro. Experimental study. Reproductive biology laboratory. Healthy nonpregnant women. No patient interventions. Luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) and Olfm1 expression in fallopian tube epithelium cell line (OE-E6/E7 cells). OE-E6/E7 cells treated with hCG, U0126 extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor, or XAV939 Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor were analyzed by Western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and in vitro spheroid attachment assay. Human chorionic gonadotropin increased spheroid attachment on OE-E6/E7 cells through down-regulation of Olfm1 and activation of Wnt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. U0126 down-regulated both MAPK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways and up-regulated Olfm1 expression. XAV939 down-regulated only the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway but up-regulated Olfm1 expression. Human chorionic gonadotropin activated both ERK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways and enhanced spheroid attachment on fallopian tube epithelial cells through down-regulation of Olfm1 expression.

Treatment with hCG 4 or 6 days after TAI to improve pregnancy outcomes in repeat-breeding dairy cows

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration 4 or 6 days after timed AI (TAI) on P4 concentration and pregnancy outcomes in repeat breeding dairy cows. All cows were treated by Cosynch protocol before being assigned into 3 groups: CON (n=139): did not receive hormonal treatments; D4 (n=136): received 1500IU hCG 4 days post TAI; and D6 (n=131): received 1500IU hCG 6 days post TAI. Plasma P4 concentration was evaluated on Day of hCG and 12 days post TAI. Pregnancies per AI (P/AI) on Day 45 were greater for D6 (38.9%) than CON (30.9%) groups. Pregnancy losses (PL) were lower for D6 (15.0%) and D4 (26.7%) than CON (37.7%) groups. Treatment by season revealed a greater P/AI and lower PL for D6 (30.3% and 18.2%) and D4 (33.3% and 31.0%) than CON (19.2% and 58.3%) groups during summer, while P/AI was greater for D6 (57.1%) than D4 (30.6%) and CON (37.9%) groups during winter. Treatment by parity indicated a greater P/AI for D4 (46.4%) and D6 (31.6%) than CON (15.8%) groups within primiparous cows. Pregnancy losses were lower for D6 (15.1%) than CON (36.5%) groups within multiparous cows while D4 tended to be lower (13.3%) than CON (50.0%) groups. Plasma P4 concentration on Day 12 post TAI was higher for treated than for CON groups. Applying hCG 6 days after TAI was beneficial in improving P/AI either in summer or winter as a result of reducing PL and increasing P4 concentration.

Molecular characterization and hormonal regulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 in goat ovarian granulosa cells

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) belongs to a group of endogenous inhibitors that control the activity of matrix metalloproteinases and other metalloproteinases. TIMP1 is ubiquitously expressed and implicated in many physiological and pathologic processes. In this study, the full-length complementary DNA of goat (Capra hircus) Timp1 was cloned from adult goat ovary for the first time to better understand the regulatory role of TIMP1. The putative TIMP1 protein shared a high amino acid sequence identity with other species. Real-time polymerase chain reaction results showed that Timp1 was widely expressed in adult goat tissues, and messenger RNA expression was higher in the ovary than in other tissues; meanwhile, increasing expression of Timp1 was also discovered during the process of follicle growth and corpus luteum. We then investigated Timp1 expression patterns in different types of ovarian follicular cells from goats. In small or large antral follicles, Timp1 expression was higher (P < 0.05) in theca cells than in granulosa cells, cumulus cells, and oocytes. Increasing expression of Timp1 in theca and granulosa cells was observed as the variation of the follicle size. Immunohistochemical analyses further revealed the presence of the TIMP1 proteins in follicles at all antral stages of development. The most intense staining for TIMP1 was observed in the theca cells and granulosa cells of large antral follicles and corpus luteum. Timp1 was highly (P < 0.05) induced in granulosa cells in vitro after treatment with the luteinizing hormone agonist, human chorionic gonadotropin. Treatments with forskolin, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate + forskolin could also stimulate Timp1 messenger RNA expression. The effects of human chorionic gonadotropin were reduced (P < 0.05) by the inhibitors of protein kinase A, protein kinase C, MAPK kinase, or p38 kinase, indicating that Timp1 expression could be adjusted by luteinizing hormone–initiated activation of these signaling mediators. Our results suggested that TIMP1 may be involved in regulating ovarian follicle development and ovulation.

Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin on the normal testicular tissue of rats.

To investigate the effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the testicular tissue of young male rats. Male Wistar rats were assigned to groups (10 rats/group).Control Group received subcutaneous saline solution; Group 1 received hCG 50 UI/Kg/dose; and Group 2 received hCG 100 UI/Kg/dose, daily for 15 days. Half was submitted to bilateral orchiectomy on the 16th day and the other half 45 days after the beginning of the hormone application. Testicles were weighed, measured and has their volumes determined. The diameter of the tubules and the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium were measured. Control Group presented the highest values of testicles volume and weight. Rats in the Control presented normal histology. In G1 and G2 atrophy of the seminiferous tubules, apoptosis of germ cells and multinucleated giant cells were observed. Comparing groups, in the first operation Control rats had higher diameter values. In the second operation, the Control was only different from G1. As for thickness, Control had higher values in both operations. Comparing the time of operation, the diameter values were higher in G1 and G2 in the second operation. For all groups, the thickness of the epithelium was higher in the second operation. Human chorionic gonadotropin is gonadotoxic in rats. This effect was temporary and can affect reproductive potential. The total recovery of testicular damage in the studied range could not be proved, and the effects were not dose-dependent.

Regulation of adenylyl cyclase activity in rat testes by acylated derivatives of peptide 562–572 of a luteinizing hormone receptor

One of directions of the search of hormonal signaling systems regulators is the development of peptides that correspond to the cytoplasmic regions of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Modification of the pepti- des with hydrophobic radicals increases their efficiency and selectivity. But currently is not studied as the acti- vity of the peptide depends on the localization of the hydrophobic radicals, their number and the chemical natu- re. The aim of this work was the synthesis of modified by fatty acid radicals derivatives of peptide 562-572 corresponding to the C-terminal region of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), and the study of regulatory ef- fects of the acylated LHR-peptides on the basal and hormone-stimulated activity of adenylyl cyclase (AC) in the rat tissues. To elucidate the effect of localization of hydrophobic radicals and their number the modification of peptide 562-572 only at the N- or C-terminus or at both ends was carried out. To study the effect of hydrop- hobicity the residues ofpalmitic (Pal) and decanoic (Dec) acids were selected. Using a solid phase strategy we have synthesized unmodified peptide NDTKIAKK-Nle-A562-572-KA (1) and five of its acylated analogues, such as N[K(Dec)]DTKIAKK-Nle-A562-572-KA (2), NKDTKIAKK-Nle-A562-572-[K(Dec)]A (3), N[K(Dec)] DTKIAKK-Nle-A562-572-[K(Dec)]A (4), N[K(Pal)]DTKIAKK-Nle-A562-572-KA (5), and NKDTKIAKK-Nle- A562--572-[K(Pal)]A (6). Peptide 6 modified with palmitate at the C-terminus to a large extent increased the ba- sal AC activity and reduced AC stimulating effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the testes of rats, peptides 3 and 4 modified with decanoate at the C-terminus were less effective, but exceeded in activity the un- modified peptide 1, while peptides 2 and 5 acylated at the N-terminus were little active. The action of peptides was characterized by the tissue and the receptor specificity. Thus, the modification of LHR-peptide 562-572 with fatty acid radicals at the C-terminus increases its regulatory effect on the functional activity of the adenyla- te cyclase system in the rat testes, indicating promising the modification of GPCR-peptides with hydrophobic radicals. These data support the hypothesis that the hydrophobic radical to be localized in the locus of GPCR-peptide, where a transmembrane domain is located in the receptor.

Effectof human chorionic gonadotropin on post-ovulatory mid-luteal profile and subsequent pregnancy rate in anestrus buffalo using two synchronization regimes

The present study was aimed to assess the impact of post-insemination human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration on mid-luteal functions and conception rate in Murrah buffalo. The study was conducted on 2 buffalo treatment groups viz., estradiol + controlled internal drug releaser (CIDR) + gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH, n = 27) and ovsynch + CIDR (n = 22). Half of the animals in each group received intramuscular (i.m.) hCG (3000 IU, i.m.) on day 12 post-ovulation while groups served as control. The CG administration on day 12 post-ovulation improved corpus luteum size and progesterone level as well as first service conception rate after timed insemination in buffaloes.

Activation of the PKC Pathway Stimulates Ovarian Cancer Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Expression of MMP7 and MMP101

Postmenopausal women are at a higher risk of ovarian cancer due, in part, to increased levels of gonadotropins such as luteinizing hormone (LH). Gonadotropins and other stimuli are capable of activating two pathways, PKA and PKC, that are altered in ovarian cancer. To determine the role of LH on ovarian cancer, we explored the effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), an LH mimic, and an activator of the PKC pathway, phorbol-12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), on ovarian cancer cell-cycle kinetics and apoptosis in Ovcar3 cells. PMA treatment increased cells in the S phase of the cell cycle and initially increased apoptosis after 4 h before diminishing apoptosis after 8 h. Treatment of ovarian cancer cells with hCG had no effect on these parameters. The PKC pathway is known to differentially regulate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. Results showed that ovarian cancer cells treated with PMA increased MMP7 and MMP10 mRNA levels after 8 h of treatment, and expression remained high after 12 h before decreasing at 24 h. The mRNA expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (BSG), an activator of MMPs, was unaffected by PMA. Due to the role that MMPs play in migration, we investigated the effect of PMA activation of MMPs on ovarian cancer cell migration. The use of the MMP inhibitor GM6001 blocked the increased migratory effects of PMA on ovarian cancer cells. Together, these studies show that activating the PKC pathway causes significant changes in cell cycle kinetics and selective expression of MMPs that are involved in enhancing ovarian cancer cell proliferation and migration.

Androgen Deficiency in Male Rats with Prolonged Neonatal Streptozotocin Diabetes

We studied the diurnal dynamics of testosterone concentration in male rats with 240-day neonatal streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus, which is similar to human type 2 diabetes mellitus. We also studied the effects of intranasal administration of luliberin on testosterone level and the regulation of activities of adenylate cyclase and stimulatory G-proteins in the testicles of diabetic and intact animals by human chorionic gonadotropin. In rats with neonatal diabetes, a decrease in the mean diurnal level of testosterone and its morning rise were observed. The increase in testosterone level 30 min after luliberin administration was significantly reduced in diabetic animals, but no differences in the response to luliberin were observed in intact and diabetic rats 2-6 h after the treatment. The stimulatory effects of human chorionic gonadotropin on adenylate cyclase activity and binding of guanosine triphosphate by stimulatory G-proteins were reduced in the plasma membranes from the testicles of rats with neonatal diabetes in comparison with control specimens. Therefore, rats with neonatal diabetes were characterized by androgen deficiency, which can be related to the impairment of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and reduced sensitivity of the adenylate cyclase system in the testicles of diabetic rats to human chorionic gonadotropin.

Human chorionic gonadotropin increases β-cleavage of amyloid precursor protein in SH-SY5Y cells.

Elevated levels of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, the main component of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease, are the result of excessive β- and γ-cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and/or impaired Aβ clearance in the brain. It has been suggested that high concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) in women contribute to increased Aβ generation after menopause, but the mechanism for this is incompletely understood. We investigated the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), an LH receptor agonist, on APP β-cleavage in the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line. Treatment of these cells with hCG-induced elevated β-cleavage in a dose-dependent manner: administration of 30 mIU but not 10 mIU/ml of hCG significantly increased sAPPβ levels in the cell medium 1.7-fold as measured by ELISA. These results support the notion that LH contributes to elevated Aβ levels at least in part by increasing β-cleavage of APP by β-site APP cleaving enzyme.

The novel effect of hCG administration on luteal function maintenance during the estrous cycle/pregnancy and early embryo development in the pig

Two independent experiments were performed on cyclic (Experiment I) and pregnant (Experiment II) gilts to examine the effect of human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) administration on day 12 of the estrous cycle/pregnancy on ovarian and endometrial secretory function. Animals were divided into hCG Group (injection of 750 IU hCG) and Control Group (injection of saline). In Experiment I, the prolonged lifespan of the corpus luteum (CL), extended progesterone (P4) production (P < 0.05) and delayed luteolysis were found. In hCG Group increased ratio of PGE2:PGFM during 12 hrs period on day 15 (P < 0.05) of the estrous cycle was observed. In both experiments, higher concentrations of E2 in hCG treated gilts (P < 0.05) on days 14-15 of the estrous cycle/pregnancy were found. In Experiment II, hCG injection did not affect P4, PGE2 and PGFM concentrations in blood plasma, but reduced the number of resorbed embryos on day 30 of pregnancy. In the pregnant hCG treated gilts the immunostaining against von Willebrand Factor (vWF) demonstrated an enhanced (P < 0.05) angiogenesis in CLs and endometrium. Furthermore, the flow cytometry revealed an increased (P < 0.05) viability of cells in CLs of hCG Group. An augmented expression of Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (STAR; P < 0.05) and LH/hCG receptor mRNA (P < 0.05) in CLs of hCG Group were observed, but an elevated concentration of protein was confirmed only for STAR (P < 0.05). Our studies revealed, for the first time, that administration of hCG affects PGE2:PGFM ratio during the estrous cycle as well as the development of conceptuses through enhanced angiogenesis and decreased luteal apoptosis in early pregnant pigs.

Secondary Corpora Lutea Induced by hCG Treatment Enhanced Demi‐Embryo Survival in Lactating High‐Yielding Dairy Cows

Using a novel in vivo model considering a low developmental competence embryo (demi-embryo) and a subnormal fertility recipient (lactating high-yielding dairy cow), this experiment evaluated the effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) treatment at embryo transfer (ET) on embryonic size at implantation, embryonic survival and recipient plasma progesterone (P4 ) and bovine pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) concentrations until day 63 of pregnancy. Embryos were bisected and each pair of demi-embryos was bilaterally transferred to recipients (n=61) on day 7 of the oestrous cycle. At ET recipients were randomly assigned to treatment with 1500IU hCG or to untreated controls. Higher (p<0.01) pregnancy rates on days 25, 42 and 63, and embryo survival rate on day 63 were observed in hCG-treated cows with secondary CL than in hCG-treated cows without secondary CL and in untreated cows. Pregnancy rates and embryo survival rate were similar in hCG-treated cows without secondary CL and untreated cows. Embryonic size on day 42 was not affected by treatment with hCG, presence of secondary CL and type of pregnancy (single vs twin). Presence of secondary CL increased (p<0.05) plasma P4 concentrations of pregnant cows on days 14, 19 and 25 but not thereafter and of non-pregnant cows on days 14-21. Treatment with hCG and presence of secondary CL had no effect on plasma PSPB concentrations, which were higher (p<0.05) in twin than in single pregnancies. In conclusion, secondary CL induced by hCG treatment at ET significantly increased plasma P4 concentrations, the survival rate of demi-embryos and the pregnancy rate of high-yielding lactating dairy cows. Embryos were rescued beyond maternal recognition of pregnancy, but later embryonic survival, growth until implantation and placental PSPB secretion until day 63 of pregnancy were not affected by treatment or presence of secondary CL.

Development of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; culture of rat Leydig cells after purification with Nycodenz gradient

The study examined the effect of human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) and/or Insulin Transferring Sodium Selenite (ITS) on the proliferation and development of rat Leydig cells purified by Nycodenz gradient. Leydig cells purity, viability and proliferation after purification and 3 days of cultured were evaluated. Leydig cells 1 × 106 cells/ml were cultured in DMEM containing 10% Newborn Calf Serum (NBCS) and divided into four kinds of treatments 1) as a control, 2) control + 2.5 IU/ml hCG, 3) control + ITS (5 μg/ml insulin, 10 μg/ml transferrin, 5 μg/ml Se), and 4) control + hCG + ITS. Leydig cells purification results showed 91.40% of purity, viability was 98.17% and concentration 7.03 × 106 cells/ml. The addition of ITS and hCG + ITS in DMEM produced Leydig cell proliferation by 88.35% and 90.64% higher than in controls (86.82%) (p p p