Estradiol Hormone Research Articles

Vitamin D level and hormonal status association in adolescent girls with oligomenorrhea

Research objective: to determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency to identify its association with reproductive hormones in adolescent girls with oligomenorrhea.Materials and methods. The work was carried out according to the results of clinical and instrumental examination of 68 adolescent girls 12–18 years old with oligomenorrhea, who were treated at the Department of Pediatric Gynecology of the State Institution “Institute for Children and Adolescents Health Care of the NAMS of Ukraine”. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the body mass index (BMI): group I – with a body weight deficit (BMI 16.31 ± 0.18 kg/m2), group II – with a BMI within physiological norm (20.0 ± 0.25 kg/m2). All patients underwent a comprehensive clinical and laboratory examination: luteinizing, follicle-stimulating hormones, prolactin, estradiol, testosterone, cortisol, 25(OH)D were determined in blood serum. Multivariate regression analysis was using for analyze the association of gonаdotropic, steroid hormones with vitamin D. The main characteristics of the object discrimination model are presented in the form of tables.Results. The article provides a comparative analysis of the hormonal profile and vitamin D level depending on BMI. It was revealed that a reduced 25(OH)D value was characteristic not only in patients with menstrual dysfunction, but also in peers with normal menstrual function. Schemes that characterize the pituitary-gonadal association with vitamin D were constructed based on the results of multiple regression analysis. Their features were determined in girls with different body weights. In patients with low energy resources there were direct associations between individual indicators of gonadotropins (follicle-stimulating hormone), steroid hormones (estradiol, cortisol) and vitamin D. An inverse association was observed between vitamin D and cortisol and prolactin in girls with balanced energy status.Conclusions. The reduced content of vitamin D is characteristically for patients with menstrual dysfunctions by the type of oligomenorrhea. Associations of gonadotropic, steroid hormones and vitamin D, depending on the energy status (nutrition) of patients with oligomenorrhea were revealed.

Pituitary-gonadal system dysfunction in middle-aged men with an uncontrolled asthma

The functional state of the pituitarygonadal system is investigated in 90 middle-aged men with the uncontrolled asthma and 35 healthy volunteers. According to the severity of the disease, the patients were stratified into two groups: moderate and severe. To assess the symptoms of an androgen deficiency and sexual dysfunction, the Aging Males Symptoms and the International Index of the Erectile Function were used. The activity of the pituitarygonadal system was assessed by determining the serum levels of testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, prolactin, estradiol, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone as well as cortisol. It was found that in patients suffering from asthma, symptoms of androgen deficiency and sexual dysfunction are revealed significantly more often than in the healthy middle-aged men, and the severity of these disorders depends on the severity of the disease. At the same time, in patients suffering from asthma, before the treatment, there was a significant decrease in the serum level of androgens, cortisol, and an increase in the sex hormone binding globulin, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone, depending on the severity of the disease, in comparison with healthy subjects. After the treatment, the levels of sex hormone binding globulin, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were restored, while the levels of androgens and cortisol remained reduced. A significant decrease in the level of prolactin was detected only after the treatment in patients suffering from a severe asthma. Thus, in middle-aged men with an uncontrolled asthma, symptoms of androgen deficiency, and dysfunction of the pituitarygonadal and reproductive systems are significantly more common than in the healthy individuals of the same age. Moreover, the severity of these disorders is influenced not only by the severity of the asthma, but also by the treatment with the systemic corticosteroids.

Ethylbenzene exposure disrupts ovarian function in Wistar rats via altering folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis-related markers and activating autophagy and apoptosis

Ethylbenzene is a hydrocarbon that is extensively used in both industry and in the home and has been reported as toxic to various tissues. Nevertheless, its effect on ovarian function remains unclear. For this purpose, we assessed ovarian tissue morphology, evaluated protein and gene expression related to folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis, and investigated the involvement of both apoptosis and autophagy processes in this effect. Female Wistar albinos rats were treated with 2000, 4000 and 8000 ppm doses of ethylbenzene by inhalation for 30 min daily for one month. Ovaries were then removed and proceeded for histopathological and molecular analyses. We found that ethylbenzene affected folliculogenesis by decreasing the number of growing follicles and increasing the number of abnormal follicles, leading to faster female reproductive aging. Interestingly, it disrupted female reproductive hormone balance, including progesterone, estradiol, testosterone and IGF-1 plasma levels. The latter protein, along with GDF-9, significantly decreased in all ethylbenzene-treated groups, leading to the disruption of follicular cell proliferation and development. TUNEL assay study showed that ethylbenzene exposure significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells. The mRNA levels of genes involved in granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation, such as INSL3, CCND2 and ACTB, were significantly decreased. In addition, LC3 protein expression increased, and its encoding gene was upregulated, suggesting that ethylbenzene treatment induced autophagy. In summary, ethylbenzene exposure caused structural and functional disorders of the ovary by disrupting the normal growth of follicles, altering reproductive hormone balance, inhibiting the expression of key reproductive proteins and triggering autophagy as well as apoptosis.

Detection of Reproductive Hormones in Females by Using 1D Photonic Crystal-Based Simple Reconfigurable Biosensing Design

In this manuscript, we have explored the photonic biosensing application of the 1D photonic crystal (PhC) (AB)NCDC(AB)N, which is capable of detecting reproductive progesterone and estradiol hormones of different concentration levels in blood samples of females. The proposed structure is composed of an air cavity surrounded by two buffer layers of material MgF2, which is sandwiched between two identical 1D sub PhCs (AB)N. Both sub PhCs are made up of alternate layers of materials, SiO2 and Si, of period 5. MATLAB software has been used to obtain transmission characteristics of the structure corresponding TE wave, only with the help of the transfer matrix method. The mainstay of this research is focused on the dependence of the intensity and position of the defect mode inside the photonic bandgap with respect to reproductive hormone concentrations in blood samples, change in the thickness of the cavity region and change in angle of incidence corresponding to TE wave only. The proposed design shows high sensitivity of 98.92 nm/nmol/L and 96.58 nm/nmol/L when the cavity of a thickness of 340 nm is loaded with progesterone and estradiol hormones of concentrations of 80 nmol/L and 11 nmol/L, respectively, at an incident angle of 20°. Apart from sensitivity, other parameters such as quality factor and figure of merit have also been computed to gain deep insight about the sensing capabilities of the proposed design. These findings may pave the path for the design and development of various sensing devices capable of detecting gynecological problems pertaining to reproductive hormones in females. Thus, the simple design and excellent performance makes our design most efficient and suitable for sensing applications in industrial and biomedical fields.

Characteristics of the vaginal microbiome in women with premature ovarian insufficiency

PurposeTo investigate the relationship between vaginal microbial community structure and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).MethodsTwenty-eight women with POI and 12 healthy women were recruited at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital between August and September 2020. Blood samples were collected for glucose tests and detection of sex hormone levels and vaginal secretions were collected for microbial group determination. Vaginal microbial community profiles were analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq system (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA).ResultsCompared to the controls, the serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and the follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone ratio, significantly increased, and oestradiol and anti-Müllerian hormone levels significantly decreased in women with POI. Higher weighted UniFrac values were observed in women with POI than in healthy women. Bacteria in the genera Lactobacillus, Brevundimonas, and Odoribacter were more abundant in the microbiomes of healthy women, while the quantity of bacteria in the genus Streptococcus was significantly increased in the microbiomes of women with POI. Moreover, these differences in microbes in women with POI were closely related to follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, oestradiol, and anti-Müllerian hormone levels and to the follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone ratio.ConclusionsWomen with POI had altered vaginal microbial profiles compared to healthy controls. The alterations in their microbiomes were associated with serum hormone levels. These results will improve our understanding of the vaginal microbial community structure in women with POI.Trial registrationCHICTR, ChiCTR2000029576. Registered 3 August 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=48844.

The effect of serial administration of doxorubicin at the level of main female sex hormones in the experiment

Annotation. The article presents the results of an experimental study of the dynamics of changes in the main female sex hormones with serial use of doxorubicin. The experiments were performed on 45 adult female white rats. The levels of antimullerian hormone, estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone were studied. In total, 4 courses of chemotherapy were performed with an interval of 3 weeks. After each course of chemotherapy, the hormonal status of the experimental animals was studied twice: during the first proestrus after the course (to determine the acute ovarian toxicity of the drug) and during the last proestrus before the next course of chemotherapy (to study ovarian function restoration). The obtained data were processed using the statistical software package SPSS 20.0 for Windows. The dynamics of the levels of studied sex hormones with serial administration of doxorubicin is characterized by wavy dynamics with deterioration immediately after chemotherapy and partial recovery during the period between adjacent courses. Ovariotoxicity of doxorubicin when serial administration in therapeutic doses in the experiment is manifested by significant changes in the levels of major female sex hormones after the second course of chemotherapy.

Abnormal Y chromosome detection in infertile males using multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification

Y chromosome abnormalities are the leading cause of male infertility. The clinical detection of abnormalities is necessary for appropriate genetic counselling. This study describes the prevalence, distribution and characteristics of Y chromosome abnormalities, which should be considered in the clinical management of infertile males. A total of 121 patients with oligozoospermia, 120 with azoospermia and 88 normal individuals were recruited between June 2019 and July 2021. Y chromosome microdeletions were assessed using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). The abnormal Y chromosome prevalence was 30.70%, and it was most common in patients aged 26-40years. The frequencies of azoospermia factor (AZF) deletion, duplication and deletions/duplications were 19.76%, 9.42% and 1.52% respectively. The most common abnormalities were AZFc deletion (19.80%), AZFc partial deletion (40.59%) and AZFc partial duplication (17.82%). Oligozoospermia was associated with an increased incidence of AZF deletion. In the subgroup analysis, patients <30years old with azoospermia exhibited elevated follicle-stimulating hormone levels and oestradiol. Moreover, the incidence of AZF deletion was higher in those with azoospermia (OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.05-5.28; p=0.023) or oligozoospermia (OR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.13-5.79; p=0.008) than in normal individuals for ages ≥30years.

Hormonal state of breeding bulls after a long winter period of operation in the conditions of the Udmurt Republic

Relevance. The study will help to identify new perspectives in breeding; get new data about the biological processes occurring in the body of animals according to the endogenous hormones of breeding bulls. The hormonal-immunobiological relationship in the body of bulls and their adaptive ability in different climatic conditions is a very important issue today.Methods. The work was performed in a temperate continental climate with a long, snowy winter and warm summer in the conditions of the Udmurt Republic in the period from 2020 to 2021 on breeding bulls (n = 27) of modern breeding at the age of 15–69 months. The state of endogenous hormones testosterone, estradiol, thyroxine and cortisol after a long winter period was studied, depending on the age, breed and selection in the normal physiological functioning of breeding bulls. The average serum values of estradiol — 0.517 nmol/l, testosterone — 25.7 nmol/l, thyroxine — 74.7 nmol/l, cortisol — 420 nmol/l, and their cholesterol precursor at the level of 3.2 nmol/l were established in the blood of breeding bulls located in this region. It was found that, depending on age, there are differences in all the studied indicators, however, there is a reliability for thyroxine and cortisol. The concentration of cortisol by selection significantly differs in imported bulls of European selection from the Netherlands at the level of p &gt; 0.05, which characterizes the presence of a certain stress adaptation factor in this group. In terms of variability, a significant difference between min and max indicators was noted for the concentration of testosterone, which varied between 2.4 nmol/l and 60 nmol/l, indicating the individuality of these hormones in breeding bulls in this region.Results. Based on the data obtained, the need to take these data into account when operating breeding bulls and analyzing sperm products, taking into account the concentration of these hormones, as well as the implementation of appropriate preventive measures, is revealed.

New Generation of Meso and Antiprogestins (SPRMs) into the Osteoporosis Approach.

Receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK) and its ligand (RANKL) play key roles in bone metabolism and the immune system. The RANK/RANKL complex has also been shown to be critical in the formation of mammary epithelia cells. The female hormones estradiol and progesterone closely control the action of RANKL with RANK. Blood concentration of these sex hormones in the postmenopausal period leads to an increase in RANK/RANKL signaling and are a major cause of women’s osteoporosis, characterized by altered bone mineralization. Knowledge of the biochemical relationships between hormones and RANK/RANKL signaling provides the opportunity to design novel therapeutic agents to inhibit bone loss, based on the anti-RANKL treatment and inhibition of its interaction with the RANK receptor. The new generation of both anti- and mesoprogestins that inhibit the NF-κB-cyclin D1 axis and blocks the binding of RANKL to RANK can be considered as a potential source of new RANK receptor ligands with anti-RANKL function, which may provide a new perspective into osteoporosis treatment itself as well as limit the osteoporosis rise during breast cancer metastasis to the bone.

Effects of lighting regimes on performance, pineal melanopsin expression and melatonin content in native laying hens aged from 19 to 34 weeks

Melanopsin, a key light sensitive pigment, plays an important role in the regulation of bio-rhythm and photo-adaptation in poultry. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different lighting regimes on performance, pineal melanopsin expression and melatonin content in a native chicken, Beijing You Chicken (BYC) aged from 19 to 34 wk. A total of 900 nineteen-wk-old BYC female chicken having no significant body weight differences were randomly allocated to 3 groups with 3 replicates each, 100 birds each replicate, reared in individually lit floor pens with separate outdoor areas. Three different lighting regimes were used, including continuous 16 h (16L:8D, 6:00–22:00) for group 1, intermittent 16 h (12L:2D:4L:6D, 6:00–18:00, 20:00–24:00) for group 2, and continuous 12 h (12L:12D, 6:00–18:00) for group 3, respectively. The performance was measured for 19 to 34 wk. Serum melatonin (Mel), prolactin (Prl), luteinizing hormone (LH), and 17-beta estradiol (E2) contents were measured at 24 wk, 29 wk, and 34 wk of age, the relative expression of pineal melanopsin gene (Opn4 mRNA) was measured on 1 d at 9:00, 13:00, 17:00, 21:00, 1:00, and 5:00 at 29 wk of age, and at the end of 29 wk and 34 wk. The results showed that the egg mass, egg-laying rate, and feed egg ratio of BYC were not affected by lighting regimes for 19 to 34 wk (P > 0.05), except for the average feed intake (AFI) (P < 0.05). The AFI in the 12L:12D group was significantly higher than that in the 16L:8D group (P < 0.05), but had no difference with that in the 12L:2D:4L:6D group. The pineal Opn4 mRNA level was significantly upregulated in the 12L:2D:4L:6D group and downregulated in the 12L:12D group when compared with 16L:8D group at 29 and 34 wks of age (P < 0.05). The Mel content in the 16L:8D group was lower than that in the other 2 groups at 29 wk of age (P < 0.05), there was no difference in Mel content between 16L:8D group and 12L:2D:4L:6D group at 34 wk of age (P > 0.05). The present study suggested that the pineal melanopsin expression of the birds in the intermittent 16 h lighting group was higher than in the continuous 16 h and 12 h lighting group, and a significant negative correlation was found between melanopsin expression and Mel content at 34 wk of age, which may interact to promote the photo-adaptation of the native chicken and affect the future laying performance.

Identification of key structural features of phosphate and thiophosphate tricyclic coumarin analogs as STS inhibitors

Steroidal sulfatase (STS) is a group of arylsulfatase C enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of steroids. The increase in the circulation of the steroidogenic hormone Estradiol (E2) is responsible for causing breast cancer. Therefore, inhibitors of STS are proved to be an attractive target in the development of lead molecules against breast malignancy. In this work, Quantitative Structural Activity Relationship (QSAR) studies were performed on a dataset of 72 molecules of tricyclic coumarin analogs using random selection in QSARINS software and the statistical technique Genetic Algorithm coupled Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) was employed with the best model prediction R2 = 0.86 and Q2loo = 0.7913. The inclusion of descriptors Mor15m and Mor18v has developed a well-fitted and highly predictable model. Furthermore, the molecular docking and dynamics simulations helped us identify the binding interactions and estimate the stability of the complexes respectively. The binding analysis of the compounds into human sulfatase protein (PDB code: 1P49) resulted in prominent hydrophobic interactions with Arg98, Val486, Phe488, Gly100, Val101, and Lys368. The top-scoring compound 9o and compound 41 were studied for stability analysis in comparison with the standard Irosustat and the RMSD was found to be 5.4 Å. Based on our findings, we report the inclusion of the necessary structural features of coumarin derivatives leads to the development of potent candidates for further development.

The development of the reproductive organs of the hybrid grouper cantik (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus x E. polyphekadion)

Observation of the reproductive organs of the hybrid grouper cantik was carried out. Cantik grouper is the result of cross-breeding between female tiger grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus and male camouflage grouper E. polyphekadion. This study aimed to determine the development of the reproductive organs of cantik grouper. The observed test fishes were 3 fishes of Cantik grouper with a total length of 42 - 49 cm and a bodyweight of 1.45 - 2.26 kg. The parameters observed were the concentarion of estradiol and testosterone in the blood using the ELISA kit, gonad development, and histological maturity level of the gonads. The results showed that the hormone testosterone found in the sample cantik no 1 was 9353 pg/ml, while the hormone estradiol was found in all samples of beautiful grouper in the range of 291 - 1133 pg/ml. From the dissected fish, the gonads had developed and weighed 3.12 - 56.01 g and one sample had a fecundity of 265,800 eggs with an egg diameter of 360-520 micron. Gonadal histology shows oosit development at maturity levels I, II, and IV. This indicates that the crossbreeding between female tiger grouper and male camouflage grouper produces hybrid grouper cantik that are fertile, which is shown by their reproductive organs to have developed well.

Gonad development and blood plasma profile of female bada fish (Rasbora sp.) by giving a combination of the hormones estradiol and spirulina in the feed

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the combination of estradiol-17β hormone and spirulina in feed on blood plasma biochemistry, histology, and gonad development of female bada fish (Rasbora argyrotaenia). The research method were an experimental study using a completely randomized design with four treatment combinations and four replications, namely without the addition of the estradiol-17β hormone and spirulina (P0), the addition of the estradiol-17β hormone at 7 g kg-1 feed (P1), the addition of spirulina at 30 g kg-1 feed (P2) and the addition of the estradiol-17β hormone at 7 g kg-1 feed and spirulina at 30 g kg-1 feed. Female bada fish (4.22±1.28 g) were kept in an aquarium measuring 100x50x50 cm3 with a density of seven individuals per aquarium. Fish were fed the treatment twice daily, with 3% of the biomass for six weeks. The test parameters were estradiol-17β hormone concentration, egg diameter, blood plasma glucose concentration, blood plasma total cholesterol concentration, and gonadal histology observations. The experimental results showed that the concentration of the estradiol-17β hormone in the body plasma of treatments P1 and P3 was statistically significantly different (P&lt;0.05) compared to treatments P0 and P2. The combination of estradiol-17β hormone and spirulina added to the feed gave not significantly different results (P&gt;0.05) on blood plasma biochemistry and egg diameter of bada fish broodstock. A combination of estradiol-17β hormone and spirulina hormones in the feed resulted in better P1 and P3 treatments with higher plasma concentrations of the estradiol-17β hormone. Observations of gonadal development from histology showed that the bada fish gonads belonged to the asynchronous type.

Dynamic changes in serum steroid hormone during the first trimester of pregnancy between infertile women conceiving with and without hormone replacement therapy

ObjectiveRecent advances in cancer treatment and reproductive medicine have made the post-treatment quality of life an important concern for cancer survivors. We aimed to evaluate the safety of sex hormone (estradiol and progesterone) replacement therapy (HRT) in women who conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART) with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. MethodsWe measured serum E2 and P4 levels at 4–10 weeks of gestation in women who conceived naturally or after timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination for infertility without HRT for luteal support (non-HR group; n = 135). We conducted a retrospective comparison of the values from the non-HR group with those of women who conceived by ART with HRT for infertility (HR group; n = 75). ResultsSerum E2 levels were significantly higher in the non-HR group than in the HR group at 5, 6, and 8 weeks of gestation. Similarly, serum P4 levels were significantly higher in the non-HR group than in the HR group at 4, 5, and 6 weeks of gestation. ConclusionsThis study suggests that in cancer reproductive medicine for hormone-dependent breast cancer survivors, HRT administered during the first trimester of a pregnancy after primary disease treatment may not increase the sex hormone levels to levels above those seen in spontaneous pregnancy.

Relationship between Anthropometric, Physical and Hormonal Parameters among Pre-Pubertal Handball Players.

Background: The aims of our study were to investigate the changes in anthropometric and physical parameters and fasting hormonal levels among pre-pubertal female handball players (n = 14, age: 11.53 ± 0.58 yrs, height: 153.36 ± 5.12 cm, body mass: 43.59 ± 6.14 kg) in the pre-season period following 8 weeks of handball training, and to analyze the contribution of hormones, physical performance and anthropometric parameters. Methods: Prior to and immediately following the training period, several anthropometric, strength, and cardiorespiratory variables, including fasting hormonal concentrations (plasma cortisol, estradiol, testosterone and growth hormones) were measured. Athletes performed concurrent resistance and aerobic exercises, including game-based trainings during the 8-week training period. Results: Significant elevations were found in all strength parameters (maximal handgrip strength dominant (D): 16.40%, p < 0.01; non-dominant (ND): 25.15%, p < 0.05; maximal concentric (MVC) torque of quadriceps D: 13.82%, p < 0.05; ND: 12.61%, p < 0.05; MVC torque of hamstring D: 12.14%, p < 0.01; ND: 12.44%, p < 0.01), including plasma cortisol levels (C, 34.30%, p < 0.05) and peak respiratory quotient (5.24%, p < 0.05). Body composition and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) remained unchanged. Percentage changes in thigh (r = 0.316, p < 0.05), hand (r = 0.361, p < 0.05), and hip circumference (r = 0.297, p < 0.05) correlated with C changes. Percentage changes in plasma growth hormone levels (GH) contributed to the magnitude of gains in handgrip strength (r = 0.553, p < 0.05). Percentage changes in maximal exercise pulmonary ventilation (MVE) correlated with elevated C (r = −0.592, p < 0.05). Discussion: Changes in anthropometric variables and fasting hormone levels (estradiol, testosterone and cortisol) were poor indicators of developing VO2max and strength during pre-pubertal years. Physical adaptation may not be explained in consideration of the athletes’ hormonal or anthropometric characteristics. Conclusion: Gradually increased training volume followed by a summer break should be applied to youth handball, considering the anti-hypertrophic responses and the inhibitory effect of elevating C on pre-pubertal maturation.

A Review on Therapeutic Effects of Labisia pumila on Female Reproductive Diseases.

The Labisia pumila (LP) is a traditional plant that is locally known as Kacip Fatimah, Selusuh Fatimah, or Pokok Ringgang by the Malaysian indigenous people. It is believed to facilitate their childbirth, treating their postchild birth and menstrual irregularities. The water extract of LP has shown to contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, ascorbic acid, β-carotene, anthocyanin, and phenolic acid, which contribute extensive antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal. The LP ethanolic extract exhibits significant estrogenic effects on human endomentrial adenocarcinoma cell in estrogen-free basal medium and promoting an increase in secretion of alkaline phosphate. Water based has been used for many generations, and studies had reported that it could displace in binding the antibodies and increase the estradiol production making it similar to esterone and estradiol hormone. LP extract poses a potential and beneficial aspect in medical and cosmeceutical applications. This is mainly due to its phytoestrogen properties of the LP. However, there is a specific functionality in the application of LP extract, due to specific functional group in phytoconstituent of LP. Apart from that, the extraction solvent is important in preparing the LP extract as it poses some significant and mild side effects towards consuming the LP extracts. The current situation of women reproductive disease such as postmenopausal syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome is increasing. Thus, it is important to find ways in alternative treatment for women reproductive disease that is less costly and low side effects. In conclusion, these studies proven that LP has the potential to be an alternative way in treating female reproductive related diseases such as in postmenopausal and polysystic ovarian syndrome women.

Effect of Herbal Aphrodisiac, Dioscorea Bulbifera on Sperm Parameters, Serum Hormonal Levels and Testicular Histology of Wistar Rats

Aim: The present study was aimed at screening phytochemicals of Dioscorea bulbifera extracts and evaluating its effects on male rat reproductive system. Background: Since ancient times, man has found a lot of health benefits from medicinal plants. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 80% of the world population depends on traditional medicine, which is 90% plant-based, for their health needs. In respect of this, men in Africa use herbal medicines in the management of erectile dysfunction and infertility. Amongst thousands of herbs, folklore has implicated Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils in the treatment of piles, dysentery, syphilis, ulcers, cough, leprosy, diabetes, asthma, cancer and infertility. Despite such great health benefits from D. bulbifera, in vitro studies and clinical data in support of its efficacy as an aphrodisiac are scanty. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of Dioscorea bulbifera extracts on Wistar rat sperm parameters, hormonal levels and histology of the testis. Methods: Thirty healthy adult male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups of 6 rats each and were given different treatments of Dioscorea bulbifera extracts by oral gavage at 200 and 400 mg kg-1 body weight. After 8 weeks, body and reproductive organ weights, sperm concentration, hormonal levels and histological structure of the testis were evaluated. A calorimetric method was used to assess the quantity of phytochemical constituents. Results: Testosterone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly (p&lt;0.05) enhanced whereas prolactin levels were significantly (p&lt;0.05) down-regulated in the treated groups. Total sperm motility, sperm concentration and the percentage of progressively motile cells increased compared to the control. All the treated animals showed an increase in body weight, seminiferous tubule diameter and germinal epithelial height with the testes showing all the stages of spermatogenesis. Phytochemical screening of the methanol extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, phenols and saponins. Conclusion: Dioscorea bulbifera has secondary metabolites that seem to stimulate androgenic and anabolic effects. These secondary metabolites appear to be responsible for the positive changes in testicular architecture, serum hormonal levels, caudal sperm concentration and motility parameters. This study supports the ethno-aphrodisiac claims that have been made against it.

Нарушения репродуктивной функции и гормонального профиля у пациенток с АКТГ-секретирующими аденомами гипофиза

Актуальность. Синдром Кушинга (СК) — тяжелая нейроэндокринная патология, которая уже многие годы находится под пристальным вниманием различных специалистов вследствие разноплановости ее осложнений. Гиперандрогения и нарушения менструального цикла, такие как аменорея и олигоменорея, дополняют клиническую картину СК. Цель исследования: оценить состояние фертильной функции и гормонального профиля у пациенток с синдромом Кушинга. Материалы и методы. Под наблюдением по поводу СК находились в период с 2000 по 2019 г. 163 пациентки фертильного возраста. Средний возраст обследуемых составил 27,58 ± 3,40 года (от 17 до 49 лет), длительность заболевания — 4,2 ± 0,2 года. 20 здоровых женщин соответствующего возраста составили группу контроля. Результаты. Пациентки с СК были распределены следующим образом: первая группа — с АКТГ-зависимым СК — 130 (79,7 %), вторая группа — с АКТГ-независимым СК — 30 (18,4 %) и третья группа — с АКТГ-эктопированным СК — 3 (1,8 %). Среди различных репродуктивных нарушений у пациенток с СК преобладали нарушения менструального цикла и вторичная аменорея. Для пациенток первой группы на 14-й день менструального цикла характерным было достоверное снижение базальных уровней лютеинизирующего и фолликулостимулирующего гормонов, снижение уровня овариальных гормонов (эстрадиол, прогестерон) на фоне гиперандрогенемии и достоверное повышение уровня кортизола крови при увеличении показателя АКТГ. Гиперплазия обоих надпочечников диагностирована у 110 (84,6 %) больных с АКТГ-зависимым СК, узелковая гиперплазия обоих надпочечников — у 13 (10 %), инциденталома — у 3 (2,3 %), узелковая гиперплазия одного надпочечника — у 2 (1,5 %). Выводы. У пациенток с синдромом Кушинга наблюдались репродуктивные расстройства: нарушение менструального цикла — у 32,9 %, вторичная аменорея — у 20,4 %. Большая часть нарушений менструального цикла установлена в группе больных с АКТГ-зависимым синдромом Кушинга. Нарушения менструального цикла проявлялись в виде олигоменореи (30 % случаев), аменореи (35 %), полименореи (7,5 %) и вариабельности цикла (7,5 %).

Study the efficacy of cyproterone and metformin in modulation of hormonal disturbances in estrogen valerate induced PCOS in female rats

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder affecting women in child bearing age and is considered the main cause of infertility. This study aims to determine the efficacy of cyproterone 12 mg/ kg and metformin 50 mg/kg as a single oral daily dose for 20 days, in PCOS induced in female rats by estrogen valerate. In untreated group PCOS, the level of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was significantly (P&lt; 0.0001) decrease, while estradiol and testosterone levels were increased significantly (P&lt; 0.0001 and P&lt; 0.001 respectively) in comparison with control group. Both cyproterone and metformin significantly increased LH and FSH levels (P&lt; 0.05) compared to the untreated PCOS group. Both cyproterone and metformin reduced the level of estradiol hormone significantly (P &lt;0.001 and P &lt;0.05, respectively). Cyproterone also decreased the level of testosterone (P &lt;0.0001) compared to the untreated PCOS group, and the testosterone level became less than that recorded in the control group (P &lt;0.05), Metformin also significantly decreased the level of testosterone compared to the untreated PCOS group (P &lt;0.01), but it still more than that in control. According to the results of the current study, we can conclude that cyproterone and metformin showed an efficacy in the treatment of PCO, and can restore the normal hormonal levels and should be considered in the treatment of this disease.

Bioaccumulation, metabolism and endocrine-reproductive effects of metolachlor and its S-enantiomer in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the enantioselective bioaccumulation, metabolism, and toxic effects of metolachlor and S-metolachlor in zebrafish. Five-month-old zebrafish were exposed to metolachlor and S-metolachlor for 28 days, then transferred to clean water and purified for 7 days. In the uptake phase, S-metolachlor was preferentially accumulated at low concentrations, while metolachlor was preferentially accumulated at high concentrations. The two chemicals were metabolized by >70% in zebrafish on the first day and showed same metabolic process. At the accumulation endpoint, S-metolachlor had no significant inhibitory effect on the enzymes activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) and developmental indicators of zebrafish. However, 300 μg/L metolachlor significantly inhibited the enzymes activities of SOD, CAT and GST and affected the liver development. The preferential enrichment of metolachlor at the high concentration may be the reason for its higher toxicity to zebrafish. Further research demonstrated that metolachlor significantly altered the expression of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis-related genes, including gnrh2, gnrh3, lhβ, 17βhsd and cyp19a, thereby reducing the levels of testosterone (T) in females and sex hormones (estradiol and testosterone) in males. S-metolachlor increased the levels of estradiol (E2) in females by altering the expression of HPG axis-related genes such as fshβ, cyp17, 17βhsd and cyp19a. The mechanism of metolachlor and S-metolachlor on the endocrine disrupting effects of zebrafish is different, which may be sex-specific. 7 days after transferring the exposed zebrafish to clean water, most of the enzymes activities, sex hormone levels and related gene expression levels returned to normal, which may be related to the rapid metabolism of the two chemicals.