Estradiol Hormone Research Articles

Investigating the potential of clinical and biochemical markers to differentiate between functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea and polycystic ovarian syndrome: A retrospective observational study.

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) is a common cause of amenorrhoea, but diagnosis can be challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and biochemical features of FHA, compared to that of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and assess the diagnostic performance of the different parameters for differentiating the two conditions. This was a retrospective observational study. We analysed clinical and biochemical parameters of women diagnosed with FHA and PCOS following specialist assessment at the reproductive endocrine gynaecology clinic, St Mary's Hospital. Compared with PCOS, women with FHA had significantly lower body mass index (BMI; 20.1 ± 2.9 vs. 31.1 ± 7.8 kg/m2 ; p< .0001) and a thinner endometrium (3.75 ± 2.23 vs. 6.82 ± 3.32 mm; p< .0001). Women with FHA had significantly lower luteinising hormone (LH; 3.46 ± 7.31 vs. 8.79 ± 4.98 IU/L; p< .0001), and lower LH to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, estradiol, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine and prolactin levels; there was no significant difference in FSH levels. BMI had the greatest predictive performance for FHA (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.93; p< .001), followed by estradiol (AUC: 0.89;p< .001), LH (AUC: 0.88; p< .001) and LH:FSH ratio (AUC: 0.86; p< .001). Our data provides quantification for diagnostic accuracy of clinical parameters to differentiate FHA from PCOS, namely low BMI, estradiol, LH and LH:FSH ratio. These data could help clinicians more reliably diagnose FHA in women with secondary amenorrhoea.

P–311 Association between serum sex hormones (progesterone and estradiol) and endometrial morphology during the mid-luteal phase

Abstract Study question Is there a relationship between the serum progesterone and estradiol levels and certain morphological characteristics of human endometrium during the mid-luteal phase? Summary answer Serum progesterone is associated with the stromal edema and the abundance and size of basal vacuoles in the endometrium of women during the mid-luteal phase. What is known already Progesterone and estrogen are essential hormones that are necessary to prepare the endometrium for pregnancy. Their serum concentrations during the mid-luteal phase are important criteria for prediction of successful embryo implantation. In addition, a variety of endometrial morphological markers, such as the presence of pinopodes, subnuclear and supranuclear vacuoles, glandular secretion, and stromal edema have been applied for determination of the window of implantation and endometrial receptivity. However, the relationship between these endometrial morphological characteristics and serum levels of progesterone and estradiol is still scarcely studied. Study design, size, duration This is an observational study of 98 women, 25 to 46 years of age (mean 37 years), who had a blood sample and an endometrial biopsy during the mid-lutheal phase (LH + 7) in a natural cycle. The study was conducted between August 2020 and November 2020. Participants/materials, setting, methods Serum progesterone and estradiol were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) on the Cobas e411 analyser (Roche Diagnostics, Germany). The following endometrial morphological characteristics were assessed using light microscopy: (1) basal vacuoles (mean size and percentage of vacuolated glandular cells) (2) apical vacuoles (mean size and percentage of vacuolated glandular cells), (3) pinopodes (percentage of luminal epithelium covered in pinopodes), (4) glandular intraluminal secretion (6-level scoring system), (5) stromal edema (6-level scoring system). Main results and the role of chance The serum progesterone levels ranged between 0.39 and 145.3 ng/ml, with a median of 24.36 ng/ml. The serum estradiol levels varied between 26.91 and 842.89 pg/ml with a median of 124.75 pg/ml. The percentage of cells with basal vaculoles ranged from 0 to 90%, with a median of 38.57%, apical vacuoles (0–50%, 16.83%), pinopodes (0–80%, 23.87%), glandular intraluminal secretion (0–80%, 28.57%), and stromal edema (1–6, 1.42). To examine the association between the serum progesterone and estradiol and the studied endometrial morphological characteristics, the Spearman’s Rho Correlation coefficient for non-paramentric data was used. No correlation was found between serum estradiol levels and the studied morphological variables (p &amp;gt; 0.05). In contrast, the serum progesterone concentration showed a significant negative correlation with the percentage of glandular epithelial cells with basal vacuoles (R= - 0.28; p = 0.03), the mean size of the basal vacuoles (R= - 0.24; p = 0.5) and a significant positive correlation with the stromal edema (R = 0.34; p &amp;lt; 0.01). Limitations, reasons for caution The study was limited in sample size. Wider implications of the findings: The results of this study revealed that serum progesterone is more strongly associated with the occurrence of certain endometrial morphological characteristics during the mid-luteal phase than serum estradiol. These findings are valuable for development of new methods for accurate determination of the window of implantation. Trial registration number Not applicable

High-dose testosterone treatment reduces monoamine oxidase A levels in the human brain: A preliminary report

The sex hormones testosterone and estradiol influence brain structure and function and are implicated in the pathogenesis, prevalence and disease course of major depression. Recent research employing gender-affirming hormone treatment (GHT) of gender dysphoric individuals and utilizing positron emission tomography (PET) indicates increased serotonin transporter binding upon high-dosages of testosterone treatment. Here, we investigated the effects of GHT on levels of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), another key target of antidepressant treatment. Participants underwent PET with the radioligand [11C]harmine to assess cerebral MAO-A distribution volumes (VT) before and four months after initiation of GHT. By the time this study was terminated for technical reasons, 18 transgender individuals undergoing GHT (11 transmen, TM and 7 transwomen, TW) and 17 cis-gender subjects had been assessed. Preliminary analysis of available data revealed statistically significant MAO-A VT reductions in TM under testosterone treatment in six of twelve a priori defined regions of interest (middle frontal cortex (−10%), anterior cingulate cortex (−9%), medial cingulate cortex (−10.5%), insula (−8%), amygdala (−9%) and hippocampus (−8.5%, all p<0.05)). MAO-A VT did not change in TW receiving estrogen treatment. Despite the limited sample size, pronounced MAO-A VT reduction could be observed, pointing towards a potential effect of testosterone. Considering MAO-A’s central role in regulation of serotonergic neurotransmission, changes to MAO-A VT should be further investigated as a possible mechanism by which testosterone mediates risk for, symptomatology of, and treatment response in affective disorders.

Effect of menstrual cycle and female hormones on TRP and TREK channels in modifying thermosensitivity and physiological functions in women.

Thermoregulation is crucial for human survival at various ambient temperatures. Transient receptor potential (TRP) and TWIK-related K+ (TREK) channels expressed in sensory neurons play a role in peripheral thermosensitivity for temperature detection. In addition, these channels have various physiological roles in the skeletal, nervous, immune, vascular, digestive, and urinary systems. In women, the female hormones estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), which fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, affect various physiological functions, such as thermoregulation in hot and cold environments. The present review describes the effect of female hormones on TRP and TREK channels and related physiological functions. The P4 decreased thermosensitivity via TRPV1. E2 facilitates temporomandibular joint disease (TRPV1), breast cancer (TRPM8), and calcium absorption in the digestive system (TRPV5 and TRPV6), inhibits the facilitation of vasoconstriction (TRPM3), nerve inflammation (TRPM4), sweetness sensitivity (TRPM5), and menstrual disorders (TRPC1), and prevents insulin resistance (TRPC5) via each channel. P4 inhibits vasoconstriction (TRPM3), sweetness sensitivity (TRPM5), ciliary motility in the lungs (TRPV4), menstrual disorder (TRPC1), and immunity (TRPC3), and facilitates breast cancer (TRPV6) via each channel as indicated. The effects of female hormones on TREK channels and physiological functions are still under investigation. In summary, female hormones influence physiological functions via some TRP channels; however, the literature is not comprehensive and future studies are needed, especially those related to thermoregulation in women.

Synergistic action of Viteselen with anti-Fasciola drug as a tool for improving fertility and hemato-biochemical biomarkers in Fasciola infected sheep.

Fasciolosis causes public health problems and economic losses all over the world. The present study aimed to evaluate the synergistic action between Viteselen (anti-oxidant) and specific anti-Fasciola drug [Triclalbendazole (TCBZ)] for improving the body condition of F. gigantica naturally infected sheep with reference to some hematological and biochemical biomarkers in their sera. Animals were divided into five groups include G-1 as control non-infected animals, G-2 to G-5 are Fasciola naturally infected animals. G-2 are non-treated animals, G-3 treated with TCBZ, animals in G-4 were injected by Viteselen and those in G-5 were treated by both TCBZ and Viteselen. The results revealed a significant decrease in mean eggs in feces and F. gigantica circulating antigens (FCAg) in sera of TCBZ treated sheep after the 1st week post treatment. Complete disappearance of eggs from feces of drug treated groups was recorded at 21st d.p.t. While the value of FCAg decreased to negative at 14th d.p.t. The highest significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the estimated hematological parameters (RBCs, Hb and TLC), liver enzymes (AST and ALT), oxidative stress and anti-oxidant markers (TAC, MDA, SOD and GSH) and reproductive hormones (Progesterone and Estradiol) was recorded in animals in G-5 followed by G-3. While non-significant improvement was recorded in animals in G-4 in comparison with those in the control group. This improvement increased with increasing the time post treatment. In conclusion; using of Viteselen in association with specific anti-parasitic drug improved the general health parameters and reproductive performance of the investigated sheep.

A causal role of estradiol in human reinforcement learning

The sex hormone estradiol is hypothesized to play a key role in human cognition, and reward processing specifically, via increased dopamine D1-receptor signalling.However, the effect of estradiol on reward processing in men has never been established. To fill this gap, we performed a double-blind placebo-controlled study in which men (N = 100) received either a single dose of estradiol (2 mg) or a placebo. Subjects performed a probabilistic reinforcement learning task where they had to choose between two options with varying reward probabilities to maximize monetary reward. Results showed that estradiol administration increased reward sensitivity compared to placebo. This effect was observed in subjects' choices, how much weight they assigned to their previous choices, and subjective reports about the reward probabilities. Furthermore, effects of estradiol were moderated by reward sensitivity, as measured through the BIS/BAS questionnaire. Using reinforcement learning models, we found that behavioral effects of estradiol were reflected in increased learning rates. These results demonstrate a causal role of estradiol within the framework of reinforcement learning, by enhancing reward sensitivity and learning. Furthermore, they provide preliminary evidence for dopamine-related genetic variants moderating the effect of estradiol on reward processing.

Removal of Estradiol, Diclofenac, and Triclosan by Naturally Occurring Microalgal Consortium Obtained from Wastewater

The occurrence of emerging contaminants like pharmaceutical drugs and personal care products in aquatic systems is now being identified as a potential risk to human health. Since conventional wastewater treatment systems are unable to remove them sufficiently, high concentrations of some of the commonly used drugs are reported to be occurring in many effluents. Microalgae-based systems have been investigated in recent years as an environmentally safe alternative to chemical oxidation methods for elimination of these emerging contaminants. Therefore, a process utilizing the microalgal consortium was assessed for its potential to tolerate environmentally high concentrations of pharmaceutical drugs and also to simultaneously remove the synthetic hormone estradiol, anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac, and antibacterial agent triclosan. The effective concentration with 50% mortality for the consortium was determined for each contaminant as 16, 8, and 8 mg L−1 for estradiol, diclofenac, and triclosan, respectively. These three drugs were then spiked separately in algal growth media at effective concentration with 50% mortality, and the microalgal growth in presence of these drugs and the drug removal was monitored in shake-flask setup. The study shows substantial removal of estradiol 91.73% ± 0.0175, diclofenac 74.68% ± 0.0092, and triclosan 78.47% ± 0.015 by the microalgal consortium during their growth phase. Further, it was observed that degradation of the drugs by microalgae was the prominent removal mechanism and not adsorption. Estradiol and diclofenac did not show any immediate negative impacts on the microalgal growth as seen from the biomass and chlorophyll content measurements. However, triclosan proved detrimental to the microalgal growth as the consortium did not survive beyond 5 days after spiking. Promising results for emerging contaminants removal was obtained, and a treatment system can be designed to remove different drugs from wastewater by using the naturally occurring microalgal consortium.

Changes of Apomorphine-Induced Vaginal Hemodynamics in an Ovariectomized Rat Model Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Probe

IntroductionFemale sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) can be caused by the change in vaginal structure due to the decline of estrogen and one of the main symptoms is vaginal dryness. FSAD is a prevalent problem afflicting women all over the world and thus the interest is growing on the matter, but related studies of monitoring FSAD using a non-invasive optical method barely have been carried out. AimThis study aims to investigate the longitudinal changes in female sexual arousal response induced by apomorphine (APO) administration in the ovariectomized rat using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) probe. MethodsTo elicit sexual arousal, APO was administered subcutaneously to animals (n = 6) before and after ovariectomy, and the changes in oxyhemoglobin (OHb), deoxyhemoglobin (RHb), total hemoglobin (THb) concentration, and temperature on the vaginal wall after APO administration were monitored bi-weekly for 8 weeks. Furthermore, estradiol hormone, vaginal secretion, and body weight have been measured for comparison with the results from vaginal hemodynamics. ResultsAPO administration caused the increase of vaginal OHb and RHb concentration but a decrease in temperature. The amplitude of OHb, RHb, and THb increase induced by APO gradually decreased over 8 weeks after ovariectomy while the decrease in vaginal temperature became profound. The level of estradiol and vaginal secretions also decreased over 8 weeks after ovariectomy, but bodyweight showed an increasing trend. ConclusionsA comparison between the parameters measured from the NIRS probe and the others (estradiol level, amount of vaginal secretion, and body weight) proved that the NIRS has the potential as a monitoring tool to evaluate female sexual arousal response.Jeong H, Lee HS, Seong M, et al. Changes of Apomorphine-Induced Vaginal Hemodynamics in an Ovariectomized Rat Model Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Probe. J Sex Med 2021;18:1328–1336.

The Straw That Broke the Camel's Back: Natural Variations in 17β-Estradiol and COMT-Val158Met Genotype Interact in the Modulation of Model-Free and Model-Based Control.

The sex hormone estradiol has recently gained attention in human decision-making research. Animal studies have already shown that estradiol promotes dopaminergic transmission and thus supports reward-seeking behavior and aspects of addiction. In humans, natural variations of estradiol across the menstrual cycle modulate the ability to learn from direct performance feedback (“model-free” learning). However, it remains unclear whether estradiol also influences more complex “model-based” contributions to reinforcement learning. Here, 41 women were tested twice – in the low and high estradiol state of the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle – with a Two-Step decision task designed to separate model-free from model-based learning. The results showed that in the high estradiol state women relied more heavily on model-free learning, and accomplished reduced performance gains, particularly during the more volatile periods of the task that demanded increased learning effort. In contrast, model-based control remained unaltered by the influence of hormonal state across the group. Yet, when accounting for individual differences in the genetic proxy of the COMT-Val158Met polymorphism (rs4680), we observed that only the participants homozygote for the methionine allele (n = 12; with putatively higher prefrontal dopamine) experienced a decline in model-based control when facing volatile reward probabilities. This group also showed the increase in suboptimal model-free control, while the carriers of the valine allele remained unaffected by the rise in endogenous estradiol. Taken together, these preliminary findings suggest that endogenous estradiol may affect the balance between model-based and model-free control, and particularly so in women with a high prefrontal baseline dopamine capacity and in situations of increased environmental volatility.

Long-acting silk fibroin xerogel delivery systems for controlled release of estradiol

The goal of the present work was to determine and characterize the therapeutic feasibility of silk fibroin xerogels as a potential long-acting estradiol delivery system. Fibroin delivery systems were prepared by the addition of ethanol that besides dissolving the drug, served as an accelerator for the gelation of the extracted silk fibroin solution and thus for the formation of a cross-linked three-dimensional hydrogel with a measured and calculated 34% content of β-sheets. The final drug delivery system was in a form of silk fibroin xerogel, produced simply by removing the solvent from the intermediate hydrogel. Hormone estradiol was used as a pharmaceutically relevant estrogen model to assess the release from fibroin xerogels. Various parameters were considered, such as drug load, the composition of the polymer, and possible interactions between both. The material properties of fibroin xerogel delivery systems were investigated with several analytical methods (electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, swelling, and degradation studies). The in vitro release of estradiol from the fibroin delivery system tested in sink conditions was sustained up to 129 days, which confirms the promising use of fibroin as a novel biopolymer for prolonged release of hydrophobic drugs.

Estrogen-Wnt signaling cascade regulates expression of hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21.

We have generated the transgenic mouse line LTCFDN in which dominant negative TCF7L2 (TCF7L2DN) is specifically expressed in the liver during adulthood. Male but not female LTCFDN mice showed elevated hepatic and plasma triglyceride (TG) levels, indicating the existence of estrogen-β-cat/TCF signaling cascade that regulates hepatic lipid homeostasis. We show here that hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) expression was reduced in male but not in female LTCFDN mice. The reduction was not associated with altered hepatic expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). In mouse primary hepatocytes (MPH), Wnt-3a treatment increased FGF21 expression in the presence of PPARα inhibitor. Results from our luciferase-reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation suggest that evolutionarily conserved TCF binding motifs (TCFBs) on Fgf21 promoter mediate Wnt-3a-induced Fgf21 transactivation. Female mice showed reduced hepatic FGF21 production and circulating FGF21 level following ovariectomy (OVX), associated with reduced hepatic TCF expression and β-catenin S675 phosphorylation. Finally, in MPH, estradiol (E2) treatment enhanced FGF21 expression, as well as binding of TCF7L2 and ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase II to the Fgf21 promoter; and the enhancement can be attenuated by the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) antagonist G15. Our observations hence indicate that hepatic FGF21 is among the effectors of the newly recognized E2-β-cat/TCF signaling cascade.NEW & NOTEWORTHY FGF21 is mainly produced in the liver. Therapeutic effect of FGF21 analogues has been demonstrated in clinical trials on reducing hyperlipidemia. We show here that Fgf21 transcription is positively regulated by Wnt pathway effector β-cat/TCF. Importantly, hepatic β-cat/TCF activity can be regulated by the female hormone estradiol, involving GPER. The investigation enriched our understanding on hepatic FGF21 hormone production, and expanded our view on metabolic functions of the Wnt pathway in the liver.

Co-culture with peritoneum mesothelial stem cells supports the in vitro growth of mouse ovarian follicles.

The important roles played by the ovarian microenvironment and cell interactions in folliculogenesis suggest promising approaches for in vivo growth of ovarian follicles using appropriate scaffolds containing suitable cell sources. In this study, we have investigated the growth of early preantral follicles in the presence of decellularized mesenteric peritoneal membrane (MPM), peritoneum mesothelial stem cells (PMSCs), and conditioned medium (CM) of PMSCs. MPM of mouse was first decellularized; PMSCs were isolated from MPM and cultured and their conditioned medium (CM) was collected. Mouse follicles were separated into four groups: (1) culture in base medium (control), (2) culture in decellularized MPM (DMPM), (3) co-culture with PMSCs (Co-PMSCs), and (4) culture in CM of PMSCs (CM-PMSCs). Qualitative and quantitative assessments were performed to evaluate intact mesenteric peritoneal membrane (IMPM) as well as decellularized ones. After culturing the ovarian follicles, follicular and oocyte diameter, viability, eccentric oocyte percentage, and estradiol hormone amounts were evaluated. Quantitative and qualitative evaluations confirmed removal of cells and retention of the essential fibers in MPM after the decellularization process. Follicular parameters showed that Co-PMSCs better support in vitro growth and development of ovarian follicles than the other groups. The eccentric rate and estradiol production were statistically higher for the Co-PMSCs group than for the CM-PMSCs and control groups. Although the culture of early preantral follicles on DMPM and CM-PMSCs could improve in vitro follicular growth, co-culture of follicles with PMSCs showed even greater improvements in terms of follicular growth and diameter.

Flutamide treatment reveals a relationship between steroidogenic activity of Leydig cells and ultrastructure of their mitochondria

Our present knowledge on interrelation between morphology/ultrastructure of mitochondria of the Leydig cell and its steroidogenic function is far from satisfactory and needs additional studies. Here, we analyzed the effects of blockade of androgen receptor, triggered by exposure to flutamide, on the expression of steroidogenic proteins (1) and ultrastructure of Leydig cells’ constituents (2). We demonstrated that increase in the expression level of steroidogenic (StAR, CYP11A1, 3β-HSD, and CYP19A1) proteins (and respective mRNAs) in rat testicular tissue as well as elevation of intratesticular sex steroid hormone (testosterone and estradiol) levels observed in treated animals correspond well to morphological alterations of the Leydig cell ultrastructure. Most importantly, up-regulation of steroidogenic proteins’ expression apparently correlates with considerable multiplication of Leydig cell mitochondria and subsequent formation of local mitochondrial networks. Interestingly, we showed also that the above-mentioned processes were associated with elevated transcription of Drp1 and Mfn2 genes, encoding proteins implicated in mitochondrial dynamics. Collectively, our studies emphasize the importance of mitochondrial homeostasis to the steroidogenic function of Leydig cells.

Anti-osteoporosis effect of Notopterygium incisum Ting ex H. T. Chang extract in rats

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Notopterygium incisum Ting ex H.T. Chang extract (NICE) on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats.&#x0D; Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a normal group (control) and five ovariectomy (OVX) subgroups: OVX with vehicle (OVX), OVX with positive control drug alendronate sodium tablets (1.8 mg/kg/week), and OVX with varying NICE doses (45, 90, or 180 mg/kg/day). After rats were subjected to ovariectomy for 4 weeks, alendronate or NICE were administered orally daily for 16 weeks. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the L4 vertebrae and right femurs of all rats was estimated. The serum hormones estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC) and telopeptides of collagen type I (CTx) levels of rats were detrmined.&#x0D; Results: The results show that NICE dose-dependently inhibited bone mineral density (BMD) reduction of L4 vertebrae and femurs (p &lt; 0.05). Compared with OVX group, serum E2, FSH and LH levels was significantly increased in osteoporosis rats (p &lt; 0.01), but serum ALP, CTx, and OC concentrations were significantly lower (p &lt; 0.05). On the other hand, bone trabeculae in the three NICE groups and nilestriol group were all wider, while the space and connections increased.&#x0D; Conclusion: These findings indicate that NICE mitigates OVX-induced osteoporosis in rats, and hence can potentially be developed for the management of osteoporosis.

Prognostic effect of serum Estradiol hormone Levelin premenopausal and postmenopausal women with breast cancer

Aim: To evaluate serum estradiol levels in pre and postmenopausal women with breast cancer.Method: The breast cancer female patients were recruited from OPD/IPD of Surgery and Oncology department of SMS Hospital, and evaluated serum estradiol. Patients were divided into two group’s premenopausal and postmenopausal women with breast cancer.Results: Serum estradiol levels are significantly high in postmenopausal women as compared to premenopausal women with breast cancer. The result was significantly higher (p

Thymopentin alleviates premature ovarian failure in mice by activating YY2/Lin28A and inhibiting the expression of let-7 family microRNAs.

ObjectiveThymopentin (5TP) significantly improved typical murine premature ovarian failure (POF) symptoms induced by a high‐fat and high‐sugar (HFHS) diet. However, its effect and mechanism remain unclear.Materials and methodsRNA‐Seq was used to detect the differentially expressed genes among each group. HFHS‐induced POF mouse model was generated and injected with siRNA using Poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) as a carrier.ResultsRNA‐Seq suggested that 5TP promoted the expression of Yin Yang 2 (YY2) in mouse ovarian granulosa cell (mOGC) of HFHS‐POF mice. Luciferase reporter assay indicated that 5TP promoted the binding of YY2 to the specific sequence C(C/T)AT(G/C)(G/T) on the Lin28A promoter and promoted Lin28A transcription and expression. We continuously injected PLGA‐cross‐linked siRNA nanoparticles targeting YY2 into HFHS‐POF mice (siYY2@PLGA), which significantly reduced the therapeutic effect of 5TP. siYY2@PLGA injection also significantly attenuated the upregulation of Lin28a expression in mOGCs induced by 5TP and enhanced the expression of let‐7 family microRNAs, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and division of mOGCs. qPCR results showed that there was a significant difference in the expression levels of exosome‐derived Yy2 mRNAs between POF patients and normal women, and that there was a specific correlation between the expression level of exosome‐derived Yy2 and the peripheral concentrations of the blood hormones pregnenolone, progesterone and oestradiol.ConclusionsThymopentin promotes the transcriptional activation of Lin28A via stimulating transcription factor YY2 expression, inhibits the activity of let‐7 family microRNAs and alleviates the ageing of ovarian granulosa cells, ultimately achieving a therapeutic effect on POF in mice.

Dynamics of changes in the main indicators of reproductive health of women receiving chemotherapy for malignant breast tumors

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world and the most common cancer among women. The use of chemotherapy as a component of comprehensive treatment leads to the development of chemoinduced premature ovarian failure. The aim of the study was to examine the dynamics of changes in the main indicators of reproductive health of women who received chemotherapy for malignant neoplasms of the breast. Reproductive health of patients (levels of antimullerian hormone, estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone, ovarian volume and number of antral follicles) before chemotherapy and one, two, and three years after completion of chemotherapy was studied according to the purpose and objectives of the study. The obtained data were processed using the statistical software package SPSS 20.0 for Windows. Quite significant changes in the reproductive health of women in the study group were manifested in the form of menstrual disorders (oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea), involuntary abortions, inability to conceive. Changes in hormonal status were characterized by a progressive decrease in antimullerian hormone and estradiol levels and an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone levels. In addition, there was a decrease in ovarian volume and a decrease in the number of antral follicles. The dynamics of changes in the studied indicators was characterized by a sharp deterioration during the first year after chemotherapy, followed by less rapid progression. This trend is explained by dystrophic changes in ovarian tissue after chemotherapy, and at a later date – in addition, the age-related involution of the ovaries. The dynamics of changes in the main hormonal and ultrasound parameters of the ovarian reserve indicates significant impairment of reproductive function in women receiving chemotherapy for malignant neoplasms of the breast.

The Potential of Bioactive Compound Moringa Leaf to Improve Rabbit Reproductive Performance

&lt;p class="awabstrak2"&gt;Moringa leaf is a potential animal feed material because it has a complete nutrient content as well as many bioactive compounds. Among its bioactive compounds are phytosterols and isoflavones. This paper aims to describe the importance of moringa leaf as feed supplementation to improve rabbit reproductive performance. The bioactive compounds in moringa leaf have an important role to trigger reproductive hormones.. Phytosterols have a chemical structure similar to that of cholesterol that can be used as precursors of steroid hormones (testosterone, estradiol and progesterone). Isoflavones are one of the flavonoid compounds, also have estrogenic activity and are able to bind with estrogen receptors i.e. ER-α and ER-β. Because of these bioactive compounds, moringa leaves are potential to be utilized as feed supplements as aphrodisiac for bucks, stimulating estrous, and increasing litter size and milk production of does, reduce mortality and increase weaning weight and average daily gain of bunnies.&lt;/p&gt;

Chitosan nanoparticles alleviated endocrine disruption, oxidative damage, and genotoxicity of Bisphenol-A- intoxicated female African catfish

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is widely used in production of plastic products. It can reach the ecosystems affecting aquatic organisms most likely fishes. The purpose of this study was to study the toxic effects of BPA on the biochemical variables and oxidative stress in female African catfish, Clarias gariepinus and to estimate the protective role of chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) against BPA toxicity. Five groups in triplicates of fish were divided as follows: group I was control, group II was treated with CSNPs (0.66 ml/L), group III was exposed to BPA (1.43 μg/L), group IV was treated with BPA (1.43 μg/L) plus CSNPs (0.33 ml/L), and group V was treated with BPA (1.43 μg/L) plus CSNPs (0.66 ml/L) for 30 days. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected at the end of experiment for the biochemical and oxidative stress biomarkers analyses. Results exhibited that serum Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and 17-β Estradiol (E2) were significantly decreased in female catfish. While, serum Testosterone (T.) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) were increased after exposure to BPA. Marked increment in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of hepatic tissue of catfish exposed to BPA. Furthermore, significant reduction in hepatic catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels were decreased significantly in BPA-exposed catfish compared to the control group. However, administration of female C. gariepinus with the low and high doses (0.33 ml/L and 0.66 ml/L) of CNPs restored the biochemical parameters to be close to the normal values of the control group and also, reduced oxidative stress induced by BPA toxicity. This improvement was evident in fish administrated with the high CSNPs dose (0.66 ml/L) compared to catfish exposed to BPA in group (III). Furthermore, the percentage of hepatic DNA damage was detected in group III exposed to BPA alone. However, it was declined after co- administration with both the low and high doses of CSNPs. The study has revealed that treatment with CSNPs has antagonistic functions against the toxicity of BPA in female African catfish.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance exposure and association with sex hormone concentrations: results from the NHANES 2015\u20132016

BackgroundThere is increasing global concern regarding the health impacts of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are emerging environmental endocrine disruptors. Results from previous epidemiological studies on the associations between PFAS exposure and sex hormone levels are inconsistent.ObjectiveWe examined the associations between serum PFAS compounds (PFDeA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOA, PFOS) and sex hormones, including total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), estradiol (E), and serum hormone binding globulin (SHBG).ResultsAfter adjusting for potential confounders, PFDeA, PFOS, and PFHxS exposures were significantly associated with increased serum testosterone concentrations in males. PFDeA, PFOA, and PFOS exposures were positively correlated with FT levels in 20–49-year-old women, while PFOS exposure was negatively associated with TT levels in 12–19-year-old girls. PFAS exposure was negatively associated with estradiol levels including: PFDeA in all females, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOS, and PFOA in 12–19-year-old girls, PFNA in women above 50 years, and PFOA in 12–19-year-old boys, while PFDeA and PFOS exposures were positively associated with estradiol levels in these boys. n-PFOS exposure was positively associated with SHBG levels in men older than 20 and in all females.ConclusionsUsing a large cohort of males and females aged from 12 to 80, we found that PFAS exposure appears to disrupt sex hormones in a sex-, age-, and compound-specific manner. Future work is warranted to clarify the causality and mechanisms involved.