Effects Of Reproductive Hormones Research Articles

Therapeutic benefits of central LH receptor agonism in the APP/PS1 AD model involve trophic and immune regulation and are reproductive status dependent

The mechanisms that underly reproductive hormone effects on cognition, neuronal plasticity, and AD risk, particularly in relation to gonadotropin LH receptor (LHCGR) signaling, remain poorly understood. To address this gap in knowledge and clarify the impact of circulating steroid hormones on the therapeutic effects of CNS LHCGR activation, we delivered the LHCGR agonist human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) intracerebroventricularly (ICV) and evaluated functional, structural, plasticity-related signaling cascades, Aβ pathology, and transcriptome differences in reproductively intact and ovariectomized (OVX) APP/PS1 AD female mice. Here we demonstrate that CNS hCG delivery restored function to wild-type levels only in OVX APP/PS1 mice. Spine density was increased in all hCG treated groups independently of reproductive status. Notably, increases in BDNF signaling and cognition, were selectively upregulated only in the OVX hCG-treated group. RNA sequencing analyses identified a significant increase in peripheral myeloid and pro-inflammatory genes within the hippocampi of the OVX group that were completely reversed by hCG treatment, identifying a potential mechanism underlying the selective therapeutic effect of LHCGR activation. Interestingly, in intact mice, hCG administration mimicked the effects of gonadectomy. Together, our findings indicate that CNS LHCGR agonism in the post-menopausal context is beneficial through trophic and immune mechanisms. Our findings also underscore the presence of a steroid-LHCGR mechanistic interaction that is unexplored yet potentially meaningful to fully understand “post-menopausal” brain function and CNS hormone treatment response.

Association between menopausal hormone therapy and the risk of gastric cancer: A Korean nationwide population-based cohort study

ObjectiveGastric cancer (GC) is more common in men than women, but also more common among postmenopausal than premenopausal women. The protective effect of reproductive hormones against GC remains unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the association between menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and the risk of GC in women. MethodsWe investigated the national cohort data of women aged over 40 years who underwent health checkups by the Korean National Health Insurance Service in 2009. After excluding individuals with missing data and those previously diagnosed with cancer, 1,354,621 postmenopausal women were included and divided into groups according to their MHT history. We followed the study population until 2018 and analyzed the hazard ratios (HR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for the incidence rate of GC in a multivariate adjusted model. ResultsThe number of women with and without a history of MHT was 214,723 (15.9 %) and 1,139,898 (84.1 %), respectively. During the mean 8.32 ± 0.8 years of follow-up, a total of 12,496 GC cases developed in the study population (10,962 MHT non-users; 1534 MHT users). In the adjusted model, MHT was associated with a 12 % decrease in the development of GC relative to non-use of MHT (HR 0.88; 95 % CI 0.83–0.93). Exposure to MHT for >2 years was linked to a reduction in GC risk, particularly when initiated before the age of 50, giving a 45 % risk reduction. ConclusionsAccording to our large-scale prospective national cohort study, exogenous MHT is associated with a decreased risk of GC in postmenopausal women.

Effects of Reproductive Hormones in Dairy Farm Animals

Reproductive hormones are utilized in the dairy industry all over the world to improve reproductive effectiveness and, as a result, dairy cow lifespan. The management system of a farm, especially the sort of calving pattern adopted, appears to be a major determinant of variation between countries. The use of pharmaceutical goods like reproductive hormones and antibiotics in animal husbandry, notably dairy production, has been investigated in the recent decade. Consumer concern about food safety, as well as examples of pharmaceutical product misuse, has led to widespread suspicion about using antimicrobials and hormones in industrial agriculture. Hormones aren't involved in the development of resistant bacteria, yet customers are concerned about hormone residues in animal products. One of the most significant aspects of public perception in dairy farming is food safety. Despite their lack of fundamental understanding of the dairy sector, the public is concerned about using reproductive hormones in modern farming, despite the dearth of information regarding their detrimental consequences. On dairy farmed animals, we looked at the effects of oxytocin, progesterone, and prostaglandin. These reproductive hormones are used in milking animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats to boost milk production, reproductive rate, and developmental processes.

Predisposing and Overall Effects of Reproductive Hormones on Breast Cancer: A Review.

Cancer, the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, has been the subject of extensive and quickly changing scientific study and practice. Cancer remains a mystery despite the enormous effort put into understanding the genesis of cancerous cells, the development of malignant tissues, and the process by which they propagate and recur. Cells from humans that have been recruited by cancer and, to some extent, changed into pathogenic organisms or the foundation of tumors serve as agents of destruction. Understanding cancers leads to challenging philosophical issues since they undermine and use multicellular organization processes. Cancer metastasizing cells adopt new phenotypes while discarding previous behaviors. The absence of comprehensive knowledge of this has hampered the development of therapeutics for metastatic illness. For systems-level experimental and computational metastasis modeling, integrating these complex and interconnected features continues to be a problem because metastasis has typically been studied in separate physiological compartments. Lung, breast, and prostate cancers accounted for the bulk of the 18 million new cases of cancer that were diagnosed in 2018. The most frequent cancer in women is breast cancer. Animal experimentation plays a significant role in primary and translational breast cancer research. In theory, such breast cancer models should be comparable to breast cancer in humans in terms of tumor etiology, biological behavior, pathology, and treatment response.

The impact of the menstrual cycle on orthopaedic sports injuries in female athletes.

There is a disparity in sport-related injuries between sexes, with females sustaining non-contact musculoskeletal injuries at a higher rate. Anterior cruciate ligament ruptures are between two and eight times more common than in males, and females also have a higher incidence of ankle sprains, patellofemoral pain, and bone stress injuries. The sequelae of such injuries can be devastating to an athlete, resulting in time out of sport, surgery, and the early onset of osteoarthritis. It is important to identify the causes of this disparity and introduce prevention programmes to reduce the incidence of these injuries. A natural difference reflects the effect of reproductive hormones in females, which have receptors in certain musculoskeletal tissues. Relaxin increases ligamentous laxity. Oestrogen decreases the synthesis of collagen and progesterone does the opposite. Insufficient diet and intensive training can lead to menstrual irregularities, which are common in female athletes and result in injury, whereas oral contraception may have a protective effect against certain injuries. It is important for coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists, doctors, and athletes to be aware of these issues and to implement preventive measures. This annotation explores the relationship between the menstrual cycle and orthopaedic sports injuries in pre-menopausal females, and proposes recommendations to mitigate the risk of sustaining these injuries.

Effects of reproductive hormones on reproductive biology of commonly consumed fish in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Nutritionally proteinous food and feed are required for a balance healthy living. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of some reproductive hormones: human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), Ovaprim (OVA), extract of carp pituitary (CPE) and deoxy- corticosterone acetate (DOCA) on some aspects of reproductive biology of gravid Heterobranchus longifilis and Clarias gariepinus. A 25 number each of gravid males and females H. longifilis and C. gariepinus were employed in this study. Five experimental set up were designed for the study. Each treatment group was dosed with the required amount of the four reproductive hormones while in the fifth treatment breeders were treated with normal saline. This served as the control experimental. All protocol followed standard procedure. Results showed the highest mean value of relative fecundity (148.177) recorded in H. longifilis treated with ovaprim. This was followed by HCG treated C. gariepinus (145.668). Egg fertility rate had the highest mean value of 61.4803 in C. gariepinus treated with ovaprim, followed by 55.583 mean value in H. longifilis with HCG treatment. Egg hatchability mean value of 70.9280 was the highest observed in H. longifilis with ovaprim treatment. The mean values of survival rate were high in both species with OVA and HCG treatment showing values of 61.86% and 61.00% respectively. Treatment of the species with these reproductive hormones yielded good outcomes, except in the case of DOCA. Thus, CPE, OVA and HCG are recommended for breeding of C. gariepinus and H. longifilis.

Effects of gonadal steroids on reward circuitry function and anhedonia in women with a history of postpartum depression

BackgroundReward system dysfunction is evident across neuropsychiatric conditions. Here we present data from a double-blinded pharmaco-fMRI study investigating the triggering of anhedonia and reward circuit activity in women. MethodsThe hormonal states of pregnancy and parturition were simulated in euthymic women with a history of postpartum depression (PPD+; n = 15) and those without such a history (PPD−; n = 15) by inducing hypogonadism, adding back estradiol and progesterone for 8 weeks (“addback”), and then withdrawing both steroids (“withdrawal”). Anhedonia was assessed using the Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms (IDAS) during each hormone phase. Those who reported a 30 % or greater increase in IDAS anhedonia, dysphoria, or ill temper during addback or withdrawal, compared with pre-treatment, were identified as hormone sensitive (HS+) and all others were identified as non-hormone sensitive (HS−). The monetary incentive delay (MID) task was administered during fMRI sessions at pre-treatment and during hormone withdrawal to assess brain activation during reward anticipation and feedback. ResultsOn average, anhedonia increased during addback and withdrawal in PPD+ but not PPD−. During reward feedback, both HS+ (n = 10) and HS− (n = 18) showed decreased activation in clusters in the right putamen (p < .031, FWE-corrected) and left postcentral and supramarginal gyri (p < .014, FWE-corrected) at the withdrawal scans, relative to pre-treatment scans. LimitationsA modest sample size, stringent exclusion criteria, and relative lack of diversity in study participants limit the generalizability of results. ConclusionAlthough results do not explain differential hormone sensitivity in depression, they demonstrate significant effects of reproductive hormones on reward-related brain function in women.

Sex-specific DNA methylation and associations with in utero tobacco smoke exposure at nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes

ABSTRACT Sex-linked differences in mitochondrial ATP production, enzyme activities, and reactive oxygen species generation have been reported in multiple tissue and cell types. While the effects of reproductive hormones underlie many of these differences, regulation of sexually dimorphic mitochondrial function has not been fully characterized. We hypothesized that sex-specific DNA methylation contributes to sex-specific expression of nuclear genes that influence mitochondrial function. Herein, we analysed DNA methylation data specifically focused on nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes in 191 males and 190 females. We found 596 differentially methylated sites (DMSs) (FDR p < 0.05), corresponding to 324 genes, with at least a 1% difference in methylation between sexes. To investigate the potential functional significance, we utilized gene expression microarray data. Of the 324 genes containing DMSs, 17 showed differences in gene expression by sex. Particularly striking was that ATP5G2, encoding subunit C of ATP synthase, contains seven DMSs and exhibits a sex difference in expression (p = 0.04). Finally, we also found that alterations in DNA methylation associated with in utero tobacco smoke exposure were sex-specific in these nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes. Interestingly, the level of sex differences in DNA methylation at nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes and the level of methylation changes associated with smoke exposure were less prominent than that of other genes. This suggests more conservative regulation of DNA methylation at these nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes as compared to others. Overall, our findings suggest that sex-specific DNA methylation may help establish sex differences in expression and function and that sex-specific alterations in DNA methylation in response to exposures could contribute to sex-variable toxicological responses.

The Effects of Sex Hormones on Food Intake, Body Weight, and Fat Composition: A Cross-Species Analysis

Reproductive hormones affect the physiology of eating, body weight, and fat composition differently among the sexes and across multiple species. While the reproductive influences on feeding are known, these studies have been previously limited to just one species in both studies and literature reviews. In addition, discrepancies have also been found across different species. For instance, female mice tend to experience no changes in food consumption whether estradiol is present or not, while female rats experience a decrease in food consumption with the presence of estradiol. The lack of cross-species comparison in these findings leads to a limited understanding of the overall effects of feeding and body composition. Not only are studies limited to one species, but studies are also limited to one sex. Not comparing results to the opposite sex prevents the consideration and realization of the discrepancies in the effects of hormones among the sexes. For example, men with higher levels of testosterone were correlated with healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) levels while women with higher levels of testosterone tend to weigh more than women with normal levels of testosterone. This literature review focuses on inter-species and sex differences of the effects of reproductive hormones on feeding, body weight, and fat composition.

Antigen Presenting Cells Link the Female Genital Tract Microbiome to Mucosal Inflammation, With Hormonal Contraception as an Additional Modulator of Inflammatory Signatures.

The microbiome of the female genital tract (FGT) is closely linked to reproductive health outcomes. Diverse, anaerobe-dominated communities with low Lactobacillus abundance are associated with a number of adverse reproductive outcomes, such as preterm birth, cervical dysplasia, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Vaginal dysbiosis is associated with local mucosal inflammation, which likely serves as a biological mediator of poor reproductive outcomes. Yet the precise mechanisms of this FGT inflammation remain unclear. Studies in humans have been complicated by confounding demographic, behavioral, and clinical variables. Specifically, hormonal contraception is associated both with changes in the vaginal microbiome and with mucosal inflammation. In this study, we examined the transcriptional landscape of cervical cell populations in a cohort of South African women with differing vaginal microbial community types. We also investigate effects of reproductive hormones on the transcriptional profiles of cervical cells, focusing on the contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), the most common form of contraception in sub-Saharan Africa. We found that antigen presenting cells (APCs) are key mediators of microbiome associated FGT inflammation. We also found that DMPA is associated with significant transcriptional changes across multiple cell lineages, with some shared and some distinct pathways compared to the inflammatory signature seen with dysbiosis. These results highlight the importance of an integrated, systems-level approach to understanding host-microbe interactions, with an appreciation for important variables, such as reproductive hormones, in the complex system of the FGT mucosa.

REPRODUCTIVE HORMONE LEVELS AND METABOLIC SYNDROME IN WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME IN SANA'A, YEMEN

Background and Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndromes (PCOs) are the most complex endocrine disorders of the female reproductive system with metabolic and psychiatric manifestations. It affects 5%-10% of women of childbearing age. There are paucity of information on PCOs. Therefore the present study aimed at the effect of reproductive hormones, metabolic syndromes, smoking and khat chewing on the PCOs among women in Sana'a Subjects and Methods: The study included 45 Yemeni women of the age group 18-45 years with PCOS classified into two groups regarding age: Group I 18-29 years old, Group II 30-45 years old and underwent clinical assessment (waist, BMI and sex hormones, blood pressure, glucose, lipids, and insulin), and transvaginal ultrasound. Clinical data, history of other diseases and data of chewing and smoking also collected.” Also the study included 45 healthy control women matched in age with the cases. Results: The prevalence of MS among PCOs patients was 35% and the most prevalent MS risk factors among PCOs patients were waist circumference (WC) 64.4%, and HDL-C 64.4% respectively, while prevalence of triglycerides (TG), hypertension and fasting blood sugar (FBS) were 28.9%, 20% and 13.3%, respectively. PCOs patients had significant increase in serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) (p&lt;0.001), Insulin (p&lt;0.001), HOMA-IR (p&lt;0.001), T testosterone (TT) (p&lt;0.001), DHEA-S (p&lt;0.001) and FBS (p&lt;0.016). Lean PCOs patients had a significant increase in TT than overweight/obese PCOs (p &lt; 0.045) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) was found to be significantly higher in PCOs women with MS (p&lt;0.011). Insulin resistance was significantly higher in PCOs women with hypertension as compared to PCOs women without hypertension (p&lt;0.023). Conclusion: There is a relationship between PCOS and reproductive hormone disorder. Patients had significant increases in serum levels of LH, LH/Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Insulin, TT, and DHEA-S. Also, a relationship was found between the syndrome and infertility, hirsutism, irregular menstruation, polycystic ovaries and multiple sclerosis. Peer Review History: Received: 10 July 2021; Revised: 12 August; Accepted: 6 September, Available online: 15 September 2021 Academic Editor: Prof. Cyprian Ogbonna ONYEJI, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, conyeji@oauife.edu.ng UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewers: Prof. Dr. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, shmahe@yemen.net.ye Dr. DANIYAN Oluwatoyin Michael, Obafemi Awolowo University, ILE-IFE, Nigeria, toyinpharm@gmail.com Similar Articles: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THE TREATMENT RESULTS OF 40 DIVERSE PATIENTS OF ANEMIA

Effect of Sex and Reproductive Status on Inhibitory Control and Social Cognition in the Domestic Dog (Canis familiaris)

Simple SummaryVarious behavioral differences exist between male and female dogs, but very little research has focused on how sex influences cognition. Even fewer studies have taken sex hormones into account. Our aim was to investigate whether dogs’ sex and neutering status can influence two important cognitive traits: inhibitory control and social cognition. Inhibitory control was assessed using the cylinder test. In this task, the dog is required to inhibit reaching for a treat directly through a transparent barrier, and instead go around the barrier to access the treat. Social cognition was assessed using the unsolvable task, during which a food reward is visible but impossible to access. Dogs have three opportunities for action in this situation: (a) persisting with the problem independently, (b) seeking attention from a human, or (c) abandoning the task. Males were more impulsive and independent compared to females, whereas females had greater inhibitory control and were more likely to gaze at a human during a problem-solving situation. Since neutering status did not affect the results, it seems likely that these sex differences arose during early development and were not affected by levels of circulating sex hormones to a great extent.Sex differences in a variety of cognitive traits have long been reported in various species, including dogs. However, only a few canine studies have taken the possible effect of reproductive hormones into account. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sex and reproductive status of pet dogs (N = 1032) on two cognitive traits: inhibitory control and social cognition. Inhibitory control was assessed using the cylinder test, and the dogs’ tendency to initiate social contact with a human during a problem-solving situation was assessed using the unsolvable task. Female dogs had a significantly higher success rate in the cylinder test compared to males, and they spent significantly more time in human-directed behavior during the unsolvable task. In contrast, males spent significantly more time in independent behavior during the unsolvable task. Reproductive status had no significant effect on the results of the cylinder test or the unsolvable task. Our results showed that female dogs asked for more help/used a more cooperative strategy during a problem-solving situation and had greater inhibitory control compared to males. According to our results, it seems likely that these sex differences were not influenced to a large extent by reproductive hormones.

The effect of reproductive hormones on women\u2019s daily smoking across the menstrual cycle

BackgroundWomen attempt to quit smoking less often than men and are less likely to maintain abstinence. Reproductive hormones have been postulated as a reason for this sex difference, though this remains to be clarified. Research suggests that estradiol and progesterone may influence nicotine addiction, though various methodologies have led to inconsistent findings. The current study aimed to directly examine the effect of reproductive hormones on women’s smoking behavior.MethodsOver the course of one menstrual cycle, twenty-one female smokers recorded the number of cigarettes smoked in a day, as well as their perceived need for and enjoyment of cigarettes smoked. Additionally, they provided 12 urine samples for the measurement of the urinary metabolites of estradiol (estrone-3-glucuronide, E1G) and progesterone (pregnanediol glucuronide, PdG). Multilevel modeling was used to examine the effects of hormone levels as well as hormone change on smoking outcomes.ResultsWhen PdG levels were low, they were inversely associated with daily cigarettes smoked. Furthermore, E1G level was negatively associated with both self-reported need for and enjoyment of cigarettes smoked but not the number of cigarettes smoked. Examining the effect of hormonal change on smoking outcomes revealed a significant interaction between change in PdG and E1G on number of cigarettes smoked such that only a simultaneous drop or increase in both hormones was associated with a greater number of cigarettes. Hormonal change effects on need for and enjoyment of cigarettes were not significant.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that (1) elevated progesterone levels lessen the propensity to smoke in women, (2) estrogen levels influence women’s subjective experience of smoking, and (3) simultaneous drops or increases in these hormones are associated with increased smoking.

What has sex got to do with it? The role of hormones in the transgender brain.

Sex differences and hormonal effects in presumed cisgender individuals have been well-studied and support the concept of a mosaic of both male and female "characteristics" in any given brain. Gonadal steroid increases and fluctuations during peri-puberty and across the reproductive lifespan influence the brain structure and function programmed by testosterone and estradiol exposures in utero. While it is becoming increasingly common for transgender and gender non-binary individuals to block their transition to puberty and/or use gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) to obtain their desired gender phenotype, little is known about the impact of these manipulations on brain structure and function. Using sex differences and the effects of reproductive hormones in cisgender individuals as the backdrop, we summarize here the existing nascent neuroimaging and behavioral literature focusing on potential brain and cognitive differences in transgender individuals at baseline and after GAHT. Research in this area has the potential to inform our understanding of the developmental origins of gender identity and sex difference in response to gonadal steroid manipulations, but care is needed in our research questions and methods to not further stigmatize sex and gender minorities.

Androgen regulation of host defenses and response to inflammatory stimuli in the prostate gland.

The prostate gland is a strictly androgen-dependent organ which is also the main target of infectious and inflammatory diseases in the male reproductive tract. Host defenses and immunity of the gland have unique features to maintain a constant balance between response and tolerance to diverse antigens. In this context, the effects of reproductive hormones on the male tract are thus complex and have just started to be defined. From the classical description of "the prostatic antibacterial factor," many host defense proteins with potent microbicidal and anti-tumoral activities have been described in the organ. Indeed, it has been proposed a central role for resident cells, that is, epithelial and smooth muscle cells, in the prostatic response against injuries. However, these cells also represent the target of the inflammatory damage, leading to the development of a Proliferative Inflammatory Atrophy-like process in the epithelium and a myofibroblastic-like reactive stroma. Available data on androgen regulation of inflammation led to a model of the complex control, in which the final effect will depend on the tissue microenvironment, the cause of inflammation, and the levels of androgens among other factors. In this paper, we review the current scientific literature about the inflammatory process in the gland, the modulation of host defense proteins, and the influence of testosterone on the resolution of prostatitis.

19 A NOVEL APPROACH TO COMPARING REPRODUCTIVE STAGE SERUM PROFILES IN MARES USING NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY AND AQUAPHOTOMICS

The capability of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) to detect biomolecules in aqueous solutions, a sub-field of NIR called aquaphotomics, has yet to be fully explored. Aquaphotomics references water absorbance patterns and wavelength shifts in the 1st overtone of the water spectrum as they change patterns with solute composition and concentrations. Recently, NIR was used as a rapid method for detecting oestrus in Holstein raw milk and for monitoring reproductive stages in urine of the Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) and the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Near-infrared spectroscopy detects bond vibrations from organic molecules and water to create unique absorbance patterns, which are used to profile complex mixtures of biomolecules. The objectives of this study are to (1) characterise serum NIR spectral profiles for oestrus, metestrus, and diestrus in mares, and (2) determine if NIR can accurately decipher these reproductive phases from serum due to the biochemical effects of reproductive hormones. Mare oestrus cycles were assessed every other day by ultrasound and serum hormone analysis. Serum was collected via jugular venipuncture on day 0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 of each cycle for 3 consecutive cycles from each mare. Radioimmunoassay analysis of reproductive hormones E2 and P4 was used to validate and characterise the NIR spectra. Spectra were collected from triplicate samples of 200 μL of serum in a 1-mm-path-length quartz cuvette with an ADS FieldSpec®3 spectrophotometer, at room temperature (22°C). Chemometric analysis (Unscrambler® X v.10.4; CAMO Software) included pretreatment with a Savitsky-Golay second-derivative function for visual inspection of spectral features and principal component analysis (PCA), after mean centering, for distinction of reproductive status. Spectral peaks at 1347, 1367, and 1465 nm were unique to serum collected from mares in oestrus exhibiting high E2 (11.87 to 16.88 pg mL−1). Early metestrus is characterised by prominent spectral peaks at 1383 and 1437 nm, corresponding to E2 levels (0.02 to 5.29 pg mL−1) and P4 levels (0.02 to 3.61 ng mL−1). Diestrus peaks were found at 1342, 1426, and 1473 nm, when P4 levels ranged from 5.14 to 9.60 ng mL−1. In our PCA models, 98% of the total variance in serum spectra between any pair of reproductive phases was described in only 3 spectral PCs, (PC1 = 83–86%, PC2 = 9–10%, PC3 = 2–5% of total variance). The PCA scores separated into distinct groups, indicating clear spectral profiles describing each reproductive phase uniquely. In conclusion, PCA analysis and spectral variances indicate that NIR, specifically aquaphotomics, has the theoretical capability to discriminate complex mixtures of biomolecules present in mare serum during oestrus, metestrus, and diestrus reproductive states. Study was supported by USDA-ARS Biophotonics Initiative grant #58-6402-3-018.

Effect of GnRH and hCG on progesterone concentration and ovarian and luteal blood flow in diestrous mares

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of reproductive hormones (GnRH, hCG, LH and progesterone) on the regulation of corpus luteum (CL) and ovarian blood flow. Diestrous mares received a single treatment of saline, 100μg gonadorelin (GnRH), or 1500IU hCG 10days after ovulation. Plasma LH and progesterone concentrations, resistance index (RI) for ovarian artery blood-flow, and percentage of corpus luteum (CL) with color-Doppler signals of blood flow were determined immediately before treatment (hour 0) and at hours 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. In the GnRH group, LH increased (P<0.0001) between hours 0 and 0.25 and then progressively decreased; concentration of LH was not affected in the saline and hCG groups. Progesterone concentration was not different among groups. In the GnRH group, RI tended (P<0.07) to decrease between hours 0 and 1.5 and increased (P<0.01) between hours 1.5 and 4. In the hCG group, two transient RI decreases (P<0.05) occurred before hour 2. The percentage change from hour 0 in the percentage of CL with blood-flow signals was greater at hour 0.5 in the GnRH group than in the saline group and was intermediate in the hCG group. The similarity among groups in progesterone concentration indicated that changes in progesterone were not involved in the GnRH and hCG stimulation of ovarian vascular perfusion. Effects of treatment might have been mediated through LH; however, since hCG biological activity is primarily LH-like, the differences in timing and degree of ovarian and luteal blood flow changes after GnRH or hCG administration in the present study suggest that GnRH might have a direct effect on ovarian blood vessels and vascular control.

Does Ovarian Stimulation for In Vitro Fertilization Affect Colorectal Cancer Risk

The greater age-adjusted risk for colorectal cancer in men than in women is often attributed to estrogen's protective effect in premenopausal women. In addition, postmenopausal hormone use has been associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk. This effect of reproductive hormones has raised the question of whether ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) can affect colorectal cancer risk. In a nationwide Dutch cohort …

Studying the effects of reproductive hormones and bacterial vaginosis on the glycome of lavage samples from the cervicovaginal cavity.

The cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) coating the vaginal epithelium is an important immunological mediator, providing a barrier to infection. Glycosylation of CVF proteins, such as mucins, IgG and S-IgA, plays a critical role in their immunological functions. Although multiple factors, such as hormones and microflora, may influence glycosylation of the CVF, few studies have examined their impact on this important immunological fluid. Herein we analyzed the glycosylation of cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) samples collected from 165 women under different hormonal conditions including: (1) no contraceptive, post-menopausal, (2) no contraceptive, days 1-14 of the menstrual cycle, (3) no contraceptive, days 15-28 of the menstrual cycle, (4) combined-oral contraceptive pills for at least 6 months, (5) depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) injections for at least 6 months, (6) levonorgestrel IUD for at least 1 month. Glycomic profiling was obtained using our lectin microarray system, a rapid method to analyze carbohydrate composition. Although some small effects were observed due to hormone levels, the major influence on the glycome was the presence of an altered bacterial cohort due to bacterial vaginosis (BV). Compared to normal women, samples from women with BV contained lower levels of sialic acid and high-mannose glycans in their CVL. The change in high mannose levels was unexpected and may be related to the increased risk of HIV-infection observed in women with BV, as high mannose receptors are a viral entry pathway. Changes in the glycome were also observed with hormonal contraceptive use, in a contraceptive-dependent manner. Overall, microflora had a greater impact on the glycome than hormonal levels, and both of these effects should be more closely examined in future studies given the importance of glycans in the innate immune system.

Descriptive review: hormonal influences on risk for eating disorder symptoms during puberty and adolescence.

Puberty is an important period of risk for the onset of eating pathology in adolescent females. This review focuses on changes in reproductive hormones during puberty as one specific psychopathogenic mechanism. Studies of puberty and eating disorder-related phenotypes were identified using search databases and the reference sections of previous literature. Correlational studies of adult women and experimental studies of animals provide evidence for the effects of reproductive hormones on eating disorder symptoms. Very few studies of puberty, however, have directly measured or tested the effects of hormonal change in samples of human adolescents. Commonly used measures of pubertal development, such as menarche or self-reported pubertal status, are relatively poor indicators of individual differences in hormones. The extent to which puberty-related hormonal change accounts for elevated risk for disordered eating remains unclear. Future research is necessary to elucidate the specific relations between hormonal change during puberty and risk for disordered eating. In particular, there is a need for longitudinal studies with multivariate measurement of pubertal development, including direct measures of change in reproductive hormones.