Serum Estrogen Concentrations Research Articles

17β-estradiol induces hyperresponsiveness in guinea pig airway smooth muscle by inhibiting the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase

High serum estrogen concentrations are associated with asthma development and severity, suggesting a link between estradiol and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). 17β-estradiol (E2) has non-genomic effects via Ca2+ regulatory mechanisms; however, its effect on the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPases (PMCA1 and 4) and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) is unknown. Hence, in the present study, we aim to demonstrate if E2 favors AHR by increasing intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in guinea pig airway smooth muscle (ASM) through a mechanism involving Ca2+-ATPases.In guinea pig ASM, Ca2+ microfluorometry, muscle contraction, and Western blot were evaluated. Then, we performed molecular docking analysis between the estrogens and Ca2+ ATPases.In tracheal rings, E2 produced AHR to carbachol. In guinea pig myocytes, acute exposure to physiological levels of E2 modified the transient Ca2+ peak induced by caffeine to a Ca2+ plateau. The incubation with PMCA inhibitors (lanthanum and carboxyeosin, CE) partially reversed the E2-induced sustained plateau in the caffeine response. In contrast, cyclopiazonic acid (SERCA inhibitor), U-0126 (an inhibitor of ERK 1/2), and choline chloride did not modify the Ca2+ plateau produced by E2. The mitochondrial uniporter activity and the capacitative Ca2+ entry were unaffected by E2. In guinea pig ASM, Western blot analysis demonstrated PMCA1 and PMCA4 expression. The results from the docking modeling demonstrate that E2 binds to both plasma membrane ATPases. In guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle, inhibiting the PMCA with CE, induced hyperresponsiveness to carbachol. 17β-estradiol produces hyperresponsiveness by inhibiting the PMCA in the ASM and could be one of the mechanisms responsible for the increase in asthmatic crisis in women.

Menstrual Cycle Phase has no Influence on Performance-Determining Variables in Endurance-Trained Athletes: The FENDURA Project.

To investigate the effect of the MC and endogenous sex hormone concentrations on performance-determining variables in three distinct MC phases in endurance-trained females. Twenty-one eumenorrheic trained/highly trained endurance athletes completed a standardized test battery during the early follicular phase (EFP), ovulatory phase (OP), and mid-luteal phase (MLP) for either one (n = 7) or two test cycles (n = 14). MC phases were determined using calendar-based counting, urinary ovulation testing, and verified with serum hormone analysis. MCs were retrospectively classified as eumenorrheic or disturbed. Disturbed MCs were excluded from analysis. The test battery consisted of 4-6 x 5-min submaximal stages with stepwise speed increases, a 30-s all-out double-poling ski ergometer test, and a maximal incremental treadmill running test. At a group level, there was no effect of MC phase or the serum concentrations of estrogen and progesterone on peak oxygen uptake (O2peak), oxygen uptake at 4 mmol·L-1 blood lactate concentration, time-to-exhaustion, running economy, or mean 30-s power output (MPO30s). Serum testosterone concentration was positively associated with MPO30s (p = 0.016). Changes in O2peak from EFP to MLP were inconsistent between individuals and across cycles. None of the measured performance-determining variables were influenced by MC phase or serum estrogen or progesterone concentrations. While some individual patterns could be observed, there was no indication that any single MC phase is consistently associated with improved or impaired O2peak on a group level.

Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells attenuate NLRP3-related pyroptosis in autoimmune premature ovarian insufficiency via the NF-κB pathway

Research questionWhat is the effect of exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-Exos) on the pyroptosis and recovery of granulosa cells in autoimmune premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)? DesignIn vitro, KGN cells were exposed to interferon-gamma to simulate immune injury. Samples were collected after a 48 h incubation with MSC-Exos (30 μg/ml). The cell viability, secretion of oestrogen and expression of key molecules in pyroptosis and the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway were tested. In vivo, the BALB/c mouse model of autoimmune POI model induced by zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 was used. Fertility testing and sample collection were applied 4 weeks after the ovarian subcapsular injection of MSC-Exos (150 μg for each ovary). Hormone concentration measurements, follicle counting and pyroptotic pathway analyses were conducted for each group. ResultsIn vitro, MSC-Exos significantly promoted the proliferation rate and secretion of oestrogen, while at the same time suppressing apoptosis and pyroptosis. In vivo, exosomal treatment normalized the irregular oestrous cycles, rescued the follicular loss and increased the pregnancy rate and number of offspring in POI mice. Elevated serum concentrations of oestrogen and anti-Müllerian hormone, as well as decreased concentrations of FSH and interleukin-1β, were shown. Furthermore, MSC-Exos down-regulated the expression of the NLRP3/Casp1/GSDMD pathway and inhibited activation of the NF-κB pathway. ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate for the first time that MSC-Exos exert a significant effect on restoring ovarian function in autoimmune POI in vivo and in vitro by suppressing the NLRP3/Casp1/GSDMD pathway and pyroptosis. The NF-κB pathway may contribute to the regulation of NLRP3-related pyroptosis.

A randomized clinical trial of transdermal (gel) versus oral estrogen for endometrial preparation in frozen embryo transfer cycle.

The aim of this study was to compare endometrial thickness with the use of transdermal estrogen (gel) versus oral estrogen (pills) for endometrial preparation in the frozen embryo transfer cycle and serum estrogen concentrations during the preparation cycle, side effects, and chemical and clinical pregnancy rates. This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial of women undergoing endometrial preparation for cryopreserved blastocyst transfer. A total of 88 women were randomized, of which 82 completed the study protocol. Of this group, 44 received 6 mg/day of estradiol valerate orally (pills group) and 38 received 4.5 mg/day of estradiol hemihydrate transdermally (gel group). Endometrial thickness was measured using transvaginal ultrasound between the 7 and 10th day of the cycle. Serum estradiol concentrations were measured on the day of initiating the cycle, on control transvaginal ultrasounds, and on the day of embryo transfer. Side effects were documented at each study visit. p<0.05 were adopted as statistically significant. The groups were compared using Student's t-test for continuous variables and chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. There were no significant group differences (p>0.05) in endometrial thickness, biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates, miscarriage rate, blood estradiol concentrations, duration of estradiol administration, or cycle cancellation rates. Endometrial preparation with transdermal estrogen yielded similar reproductive outcomes to oral estrogen with fewer side effects.

Combination of androgen and estrogen improves asthma by mediating Runx3 expression.

Objective: Asthma is a chronic heterogeneous airway disease, and imbalanced T-helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cell-mediated inflammation contribute to its pathogenesis. Although it has been suggested that androgen and estrogen were involved in development of asthma, the underlying mechanisms remained largely unclear. Studies have demonstrated that Runx3 could promote naive CD4+ T cells to differentiate into Th1 cells. Hence, our study aimed to explore the potential regulatory mechanism of androgen and estrogen on asthma via modulating Runx3. Methods: First, clinical assessments and pulmonary function tests were conducted on 35 asthma patients and 24 healthy controls. The concentrations of androgen, estrogen, and androgen estrogen ratios were assessed in peripheral blood samples of asthma patients and healthy controls. Then, a murine asthma model was established to explore the effects of estrogen and androgen (alone or in combination) on asthma. Third, an in vitro assay was used to explore the mechanism of combination of androgen and estrogen in asthma. Results: We observed decreased androgen and increased estrogen levels in asthma patients compared with healthy controls. In mice with experimental asthma, there were increased serum concentrations of estrogen and decreased serum concentrations of androgen, intervention with combination of androgen and estrogen alleviated airway inflammations, increased Runx3 expressions and elevated Th1 differentiation. In CD4+ T cells co-cultured with bronchial epithelial cells (BECs), treatment with androgen plus estrogen combination promoted Th1 differentiation, which was mitigated by Runx3 knockdown in BECs and enhanced by Runx3 overexpression. Conclusion: These findings suggest that androgen estrogen combination modulate the Th1/Th2 balance via regulating the expression of Runx3 in BECs, thereby providing experimental evidence supporting androgen and estrogen combination as a novel therapy for asthma.

Marine-derived Ca-Mg complex influences lipid and glucose metabolism, serum metabolites, colostrum profile, and stress hormone in sows over four-parity periods.

Minerals is required small amounts among various nutrients, but it has a significant impact on sow longevity and reproduction performance. This study was carried out to see the beneficial effects of marine-derived Ca-Mg complex on the reproductive performance of sows during four-parity periods. Seventy-two gilts ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc), with an average body weight of 181 kg, were randomly allocated to three groups; CON (basal diet), 0.3LC (CON - MgO - 0.3% limestone + 0.4% Ca-Mg complex), and 0.7LC (CON - MgO - 0.7% limestone + 0.4% Ca-Mg complex). During parity 3 and 4, the expression level of SCD gene was lower in the umbilical cord of piglets born to 0.3LC and 0.7LC sows compared with the CON sows. During parity 2, 3 and 4, SLC2A2 and FABP4 gene expressions were higher in the umbilical cord of piglets born to 0.7LC sows and the placenta of sows from 0.3LC groups, respectively. Ca-Mg complex increased (p < 0.05) Ca and Mg concentrations in sows and their piglets' serum as well as in colostrum regardless of parities. The serum vitamin D concentration was higher (p < 0.05) in their first parity, whereas serum prolactin and estrogen concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) during the fourth and third parity, respectively. The growth hormone concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in the piglets born to sows during the first and second parity. The fat and immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations in colostrum were higher (p < 0.05) during the third and fourth parity, respectively. A reduction (p < 0.05) in salivary cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine concentrations was observed in 0.3LC and 0.7LC sow groups compared with CON after farrowing regardless of parity, however before farrowing, a reduction in norepinephrine was observed. Before farrowing, the epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) during the first and second parity. After farrowing, the concentration of these hormones was higher during the second parity. Taken together, sows' parity and dietary Ca-Mg complex supplementation influenced serum metabolites, colostrum nutrients, stress hormones as well as the gene expressions related to lipid and glucose metabolism.

Ruling out Efficacy of Hormonal Protocols alone or Fortified with Mineral and Bypass Fat for Treatment of Postpartum Anoestrus in Cattle

Background: High milk production and excellent fertility is a dream of livestock owners.The major reproductive disorders which lead to decrease the productivity and reproductive ability of farm animals is postpartum anestrous.Recently, kisspeptin was reported as game changer in the animal reproduction. Kisspeptin increases the number of follicles at wave emergence, oestrus response rate and duration of oestrus. Thus, indicating its potentiality for induction of oestrus in anestrous animals. Methods: The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy of Ovsynch and kisspeptin protocol and need of fortification for treatment of postpartum anestrous.Fifty postpartum anestrous cows were selected. The animals were divided into four treatment groups (10 cows in each) and treated with Ovsynch (Group I), Ovsynch fortified with mineral mixture (MM) and bypass fat (BPF) (Group II), kisspeptin (Group III) and kisspeptin fortified with MM +BPF (Group IV). The remaining 10 cows served as control (Group V). The oestrus response was recorded on the basis of behavioral signs, physical signs and clinico-gynaecological changes. The blood was collected following treatment for hormonal estimation. The pregnancy was confirmed on day 45 post AI using ultrasound. Result: The oestrusresponse was pronounced in Ovsynch as compared to kisspeptin groups. Further, fortification has enhanced the response. The serum oestrogen concentration increased following treatment and was significantly high on day of onset of oestruswith highest concentration in group II. The results indicate Ovsynchdistinguishly succeeded in addressing postpartum anestrus with fortification enhances fertility response.However, kisspeptin also emerged as a potent candidate for the resumption of cyclicity.

Estradiol Concentrations During Estrous in Dairy Cattle and Its Association with Pregnancy and Genotype Diversity

This study determined estradiol concentrations during estrous in dairy cattle and its association with pregnancy and genotype diversity. A total of fifteen female dairy cows that had been identified with their genotype type using the PCR-RFLP method on follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and prolactin (PRL) genes were used in this study. The parameters measured were serum estrogen concentrations during estrous, estrous intensity, and pregnancy. Estradiol concentrations were analyzed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The data were analyzed using a general linear model procedure in the SAS program. The results showed that the average estradiol concentrations in dairy cows during estrous were 60.06±33.25 pg/ml. There was no difference (P&gt;0.05) in estradiol concentrations in different classifications of age, body condition score (BCS), and estrous intensity. Estradiol concentrations in the group that showed success in post-insemination pregnancy were higher and significantly different (P&lt;0.05) from the non-pregnant group. Differences in genotype variations of the FSHR and PRL genes had no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on the estradiol concentrations. In conclusion, estradiol concentrations during estrous were not associated with age, BCS, estrous intensity, and genotype diversity of FSHR and prolactin genes but were associated with pregnancy.

Effects of varying doses of conjugated estrogen on body weight, hormonal and histological alterations of reproductive organs in adult swiss albino female mice

Estrogens are a group of hormones that have diverse effects on both reproductive and non-reproductive organs. Conjugated estrogens are medicine that contains a mixture of estrogen hormones. The study was conducted to observe the effects of varying doses of conjugated estrogen on body weight, hormonal and histological alterations of reproductive organs in adult swiss albino female mice. In this study, 60 female swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) aged 28–30 days with an average body weight of 28.2 ± 1 g were used. At first, the mice were randomly divided into 4 groups each containing 15 mice. Group A was served as vehicle control and fed on standard mice pellet and fresh drinking water. While, groups B, C and D were administered with conjugated estrogen orally at the daily dose rate of 125 μg, 250 μg and 500 μg/kg body weight respectively with 1 mL sesame oil as a vehicle by mixing with feed. The experiment was carried out for 90 days. After humanly euthanized, blood was collected and serum was prepared and organs were collected for histopathology. The results revealed that higher doses of conjugated estrogen resulted in weight loss in premenopausal female mice compared to lower doses. Serum estrogen and thyroxine concentration was increased significantly following the doses of conjugated estrogen. Ovarian histotexture showed congested blood vessels and cystic space with degeneration of follicles and corpus luteum. Uterine lesions included massive macrophage infiltration in endometrium and hyperplasia of glandular epithelium at a lower dose; hyperplasia and hypertrophy of glandular epithelium (pleomorphism) with normal macrophage infiltration in endometrium at a higher dose. Therefore, it can be concluded that oral conjugated estrogen therapy at high dose has more detrimental impacts on body weight and reproductive function compared to lower dose in female adult mice.

The relationship between serum estrogen concentration and post-dural puncture headache: a retrospective study.

Post-Dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a severe and undesirable complication for the patient and anesthesiologist. PDPH is more common in female patients. However, its relationship with plasma estrogen levels has not been demonstrated. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between estrogen levels and PDPH in patients who underwent spinal anesthesia for in vitro fertilization (IVF) with supraphysiological estrogen levels. In this retrospective study, the data of patients between the ages of 18-45 with the following characteristics were included in the study: those who underwent IVF procedure between January 2021 and August 2022, in the ASA I-II risk group, and who underwent spinal anesthesia using a 25 G Quinke-tipped spinal needle at the L3-L4 or L4-L5 vertebra levels. The 48 patients in the study were in two groups according to their estradiol values: 'Supra physiological estradiol levels' (Group I=24 patients) and 'Normal estradiol levels' (Group C=24 patients). The relationship between PDPH and estrogen, progesterone, spinal needle diameter, and patient demographic characteristics were evaluated. The estrogen and progesterone levels of patients in Group I were higher than in Group C (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). PDPH was present in 6 (25%) patients in Group I and 5 (20.8%) patients in Group C (p=0.731). There was no significant correlation between PDPH and estrogen and progesterone levels (p>0.05). Since there is no relationship between the supraphysiological estrogen level and PDPH, high serum estrogen level should not be considered as an additional risk factor for PDPH in the decision of anesthesia type for IVF procedure.

The Combined Effects of Dietary Fat and Estrogen on Survival, 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-Induced Breast Cancer and Prolactin Metabolism in Rats

The relationships between dietary fact concentration (10 or 40% of energy), fat source (corn oil or beef tallow) and estrogen (control, ovariectomy or ovariectomy with estrogen replacement) to 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast carcinogenesis and survival in rats were studied in a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial experiment. Female Sprague-Dawley rats given DMBA (2.5 mg/100 g body wt, intragastric) at 55 d of age were randomly allocated to three groups 48 h later: sham ovariectomy (control), overiectomy (OVX) or ovariectomy with a subcutaneous estrogen implant (OVX+E). Each group was subdivided into dietary groups fed 10 and 40% of energy as corn oil or beef tallow for 70 wk. OVX+E rats exhibited serum estrogen concentrations in excess of physiologic values. Survival at 70 wk for the 3 hormonal groups was control 51%, OVX 67% and OVX+E 13%. Mortality in controls was doubled by feeding a high fat diet; no diet effect was detected in OVX or OVX+E rats. Palpable tumors developed in 74, 14 and 60% of control, OVX and OVX+E rats, respectively. High fat diets approximately doubled the hazard of developing a palpable tumor. Adenocarcinoma prevalence was 58, 12 and 63% in control, OVX and OVX+E rats, respectively. The odds of having any tumor, and adenocarcinoma of an adenoma were multiplied by 3.6, 2.8 and 2.3, respectively, for rats fed high vs. low fat. Additional studies showed that diet had no effect on serum prolactin or estrogen concentrations or metabolism and clearance of intravenously administered radiolabeled prolactin. We demonstrated that high dietary fat concentration enhances breast carcinogenesis independently of cyclic ovarian function, although the presence of estrogen may be a prerequisite for significant dietary modulation. The effect of fat on breast cancer is not mediated by major changes in systemic prolactin metabolism.

CHANGES IN THE VAGINAL CYTOLOGY AND PROGESTERONE AND ESTROGEN SERUM CONCENTRATIONS AFTER TREATMENT OF ANESTRTUM BITCHES WITH A COMBINATION OF FSH AND LH

The current study was designed to evaluate the changes in vaginal cytology and serum progesterone and estrogen concentration in anestrum bitches treated with a combination of FSH and LH. Seven healthy Mongrel anestrum bitches were treated with daily administration of 75 I.U. FSH plus 75 I.U LH for consecutive nine days and another three bitches were kept as a control without any treatment. Treated and control bitches were examined for the percentages of different vaginal-cytology cells, serum concentration of estrogen and progesterone, and signs of proestrus and estrus in a scheduled timeline. Five of the seven treated bitches (71.4%) showed a gradual decrease in the percentage of parabasal cells, a gradual increase in the percentage of cornified and RBCs, a rapid decrease in the estrogen concentration, and an increase in the progesterone concentration. These five bitches showed signs of proestrus and four of them showed male acceptance and were conceived. These five bitches had high estrogen concentrations before initiation of the treatment. The other two bitches had a low estrogen concentration before the initiation of the treatment and after treatment, they showed a gradual increase in the estrogen concentration, but they did not show characteristic changes in vaginal cytology or progesterone concentration. Control bitches had high estrogen concentrations before treatment, but they did not show characteristic changes in vaginal cytology, estrogen and progesterone concentrations, or signs of proestrus up to one month after the end of the treatment. In conclusion, treating anestrum bitches with a mixture of FSH and LH induced characteristic changes in vaginal cytology and serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations in the majority of bitches. These changes were associated with the induction of fertile estrus in more than half of the treated bitches, and this percentage increased to about 80% in bitches having initial high estrogen concentration. Key words: bitch; estrus-induction; FSH-LH, vaginal cytology, progesterone; estrogen

Agonist long protocol improves outcomes of vitrified-warmed embryo transfer in repeatedly thin endometrium

Research questionDoes follicular stimulation using human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) after pituitary down-regulation by a GnRH agonist improve endometrial thickness (EMT) and clinical outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET; using vitrified-warmed embryos) in women with thin endometrium after intensified oestrogen administration (IOA)? DesignThis was a retrospective study. A total of 627 patients attempted 683 FET cycles with at least one previous history of thin endometrium. None of the cycles reached over 7 mm EMT after using oral and vaginal oestradiol for more than 21 days (IOA protocol). A total of 129 cycles proceeded with FET, 305 cycles were cancelled, and 249 cycles involved administration of HMG following GnRH agonist pituitary down-regulation (GnRH agonist + HMG protocol) for further endometrial preparation. ResultsEMT became significantly greater (7.18 ± 1.14 mm versus 6.13 ± 0.63 mm, P < 0.001) using GnRH agonist + HMG compared with previous IOA cycles, but this was not related to serum oestrogen concentrations. A total of 213 cycles after the GnRH agonist + HMG protocol proceeded with FET, showing a significantly increased clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate and live birth rate compared with those after IOA. ConclusionsThe GnRH agonist + HMG protocol for endometrial preparation in FET cycles improves EMT in women with a thin endometrium after IOA and showed significantly better clinical outcomes than IOA. The authors suggest that the GnRH agonist + HMG protocol should be used for EMT that is less than 7 mm after there has been no optimal response to IOA.

Evaluation of Serum Hormones and Biochemical Tumor Markers among Breast Cancer Patients in the South-South Region, Nigeria

Breast cancer remains one of the most frequent malignancies in women and the primary cause of cancer-related death in women all over the world. Hormones and tumor biomarkers have been implicated as possible causes and prognostic biomarkers of breast cancer. The present study investigated the use of serum hormonal levels and tumor biomarkers; Carcinoembrvonic antigen (CEA), and cancer antigen (CA 15-3) for the diagnosis of Breast Cancer, and generation of different subtypes using Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). This study is a cross-sectional study comprising 120 subjects; sixty breast cancer patients, and sixty apparently healthy women who served as control. One hundred and twenty blood samples were collected and analyzed for estrogen, progesterone, Carcinoembrvonic antigen, and cancer antigen. The results showed that the peak age of incidence of breast cancer was 40-49 years. Majority (56.7%) of the cases were menopausal women, while 43.3% were in their premenopausal period. Serum estrogen, cancer antigen, and Carcinoembrvonic antigen concentrations were elevated significantly (p&lt;0.05) in the breast cancer patients than the control group. Premenopausal patients have higher progesterone, estradiol, Carcinoembrvonic antigen, and cancer antigen levels than those during the postmenopausal period. HER2 negative subtype (50.0%) is the most prevalent subtype of breast cancer. 8.4% were triple negative (ER–/PR–/HER2–) cases, while 1.7% were triple positive (ER+/PR+/HER2+) cases. Breast cancer is strongly associated with hormonal changes especially estrogen and progesterone during the premenopausal and postmenopausal periods in women. Thus, the determination of the concentration of estrogen, progesterone, Carcinoembrvonic antigen, cancer antigen, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 statuses could help in the prognosis of breast cancer.

Association of Vaginal Estradiol Tablet With Serum Estrogen Levels in Women Who Are Postmenopausal

Half of women who are postmenopausal have genitourinary discomfort after menopause. Recommended therapies include low-dose vaginal estrogen. Individuals with a history of breast cancer or venous thromboembolism may have concerns about the safety of this intervention. To compare serum estrogen concentrations with the use of vaginal estrogen, 10 μg, tablet vs placebo in women who are postmenopausal. This is a secondary, post hoc analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial of treatment for moderate to severe genitourinary syndrome in women who are postmenopausal. The study was conducted at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute and the University of Minnesota from April 11, 2016, to April 23, 2017. Measurements and data analysis were performed from November 3, 2020, to September 23, 2022. Participants were randomly assigned to vaginal estradiol tablet (10 μg/d for 2 weeks and then twice weekly) plus placebo gel (3 times weekly) or dual placebo for 12 weeks. In this post hoc analysis, baseline and week 12 serum estradiol, estrone, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations were measured by a chemiluminescent assay. Week 12 values of the 3 analytes were compared by baseline participant characteristics. Linear models compared week 12 estradiol concentrations between treatment groups, adjusted for baseline characteristics. A total of 174 women, mean (SD) age 61 (4) years, were included. Those in the estrogen group (n = 88) were more likely to have higher geometric mean (SD) week 12 serum estradiol concentrations (4.3 [2.2 pg/mL]) than those in the placebo group (n = 86) (3.5 [2.1] pg/mL) (P = .01). Adjusted for pretreatment hormone concentrations, age, clinical site, and body mass index, assignment to the estrogen vs placebo treatment group was significantly associated with higher week 12 estradiol concentrations (23.8% difference; 95% CI, 6.9%-43.3%). Most (121 of 174 [69.5%]) participants had enrollment serum estradiol concentrations higher than 2.7 pg/mL. Of women starting treatment at estradiol levels lower than or equal to 2.7 pg/mL, 38.1% (8 of 21) in the estrogen group and 34.4% (11 of 32) in the placebo group had estradiol concentrations higher than 2.7 pg/mL after 12 weeks of study participation (P = .78). Treatment assignment was not associated with week 12 estrone or SHBG concentrations. In this secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, a significant, although small, increase in serum estradiol levels was noted after 12 weeks of vaginal estrogen administration. The clinical relevance of this small increase is uncertain. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02516202.

Melatonin efficacy in comparison with PMSG-HCG program for induction of fertile estruc in Iraqi anestrus bitches

This study was conducted to investigate the ability of melatonin as S/C implant in induction of fertile estrus in bitches, evaluation the treatment with PMSG-HCG in induction of estrus, and monitoring serum concentration of Estrogen and Progesterone before and after treatment, during November (2020) to May (2021) at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq. Therefore, 21 local female dogs aged 2-4 years and two fertile males aged 2-5 years were used for natural insemination. Animals were divided equally into 3 groups including 1st group were treated with Melatonin implant S/C 18 mg /animals, 2nd group were treated with PMSG I.M 30 IU / animal for 7 days, in day 8 hCG I.M 100 IU / animal were injected and 3rd group were left as control (without treatment). After that, the bitches were subjected for clinical examination and behaviors investigation, vaginal smears sampling and hormonal evaluation (estrogen and progesterone). The findings of vaginal cytology reveled that parabasal and superficial cells were predominant during the estrus phase. Animal response recorded a significant increase between all groups, with high significance at 1st group comparing with 2nd and 3rd groups, in addition to high significant difference between 2nd and 3rd groups. Duration of response was significantly longer in 3rd group but lowered in 1st group. Pregnancy rate was higher in the 1st and 2nd group. The number of offspring in Iraqi bitches treated with melatonin for estrus induction G1 was 43 pups in G2 it was 29 pups and 7 pups for G3, the sex of offspring recorded 49.37% females and 50.63% males in total. In conclusion, the use of melatonin for induction of fertile estrus in anestrus Iraqi bitches was effective and safe.

The Effects of BMI and Genetic Variation of Adipokines on Serum Concentrations of Hormones in Untreated Individuals with Breast Cancer; a Pilot Study

Background: Numerous studies have shown an association between hormones secreted by adipose tissues and cancer development. Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the effect of body mass index (BMI) and genetic variation of leptin and adiponectin on serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, and estradiol among untreated breast cancer. Methods: This case-control study was performed on 350 women (175 women with breast cancer and 175 healthy controls), who had not taken any medications. Serum levels of estradiol (17-beta estradiol), leptin, and adiponectin were measured, using the ELISA technique. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of leptin gene (LepG2548A), leptin receptor (Q223, K109R, and K656N), and adiponectin gene (T45G, G276T, C11377G, and 11391A) in blood-isolated DNA were evaluated, using RFLP-PCR technique. Results: Body mass index can affect serum concentrations of hormones and is associated with breast cancer. Also, except for adiponectin C11377G polymorphism, other all genetic variations showed significant relationships with breast cancer. In both groups, BMI was significantly correlated with the mean serum concentrations of hormones, and the risk of breast cancer increased in G2548A, Q223R, K656N, and G276T polymorphisms. The effect of risk allele genotypes on serum concentration of hormones showed that changes in serum concentration of estrogen and leptin in all studied polymorphisms were associated with breast cancer in postmenopausal women. But adiponectin level was only affected by polymorphisms K109R, K656N, and G276 and G11391A. Conclusions: High BMI and genetic variation can affect cancer development by changing the serum concentrations of hormones in different genotypes. Studying various populations’ genetics and lifestyle can help definitive conclusions about genetics and obesity.

Effects of dietary daidzein supplementation on reproductive performance, immunity, and antioxidative capacity of New Zealand White does

This study was conducted to explore the effects of dietary daidzein (DA) supplementation on reproductive functions in rabbit does. A total of 200 New Zealand White does were randomly assigned to four groups and fed a basal diet with no DA (control, CON) or the basal diet supplemented with 85 (DA85), 170 (DA170), and 340 (DA340) mg DA/kg throughout the gestation. Results showed that DA elevated individual embryo weight at 19 days of gestation. DA supplementation at 170 mg/kg also elevated the individual and litter birth weight at parturition (P < 0.05). DA supplementation at 170 and 340 mg/kg elevated the serum concentrations of estrogen and IGF-I at 19 days of gestation (P < 0.05), and elevated the concentrations of leptin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) at parturition (P < 0.05). DA increased the serum concentration of IgG, but decreased the concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and malonic dialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05). DA supplementation at 170 mg/kg increased the serum activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) at parturition (P < 0.05). Moreover, DA elevated the expression levels of critical genes related to reproductive functions such as the progesterone receptor (PGR), estrogen receptor-β (ESRRB), and transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) in the uterus (P < 0.05). DA supplementation at a moderate dose (170 mg/kg) also elevated the expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 2 (NR5A2) in the placenta (P < 0.05). These results suggested that DA can improve the reproductive performance of does, which was associated with elevated serum hormones, immunity and antioxidant capacity, as well as the expression levels of critical genes related to reproductive functions.

Evaluation of lipid profile in postmenopausal breast cancer patients and its association with serum level of thyroid hormones, vitamin D and estrogen

The aim of the present research is to evaluate the lipid profile in postmenopausal breast cancer patients and its association with serum level of thyroid hormones, vitamin D, and estrogen level. In this research, 45 postmenopausal women with breast cancer (BC group) and 45 postmenopausal healthy women (control group) were participated. Serum level of cholesterol, triglyceride, and HDL were measured using spectrophotometry. Serum level of LDL and VLDL was estimated by formula and serum level of TSH, T3, T4, fT4, 25 (OH) D3 and estrogen hormone were determined by the ELISA technique. The obtained results show that the concentrations of HDL-C in BC subgroup (Pvalue less than 0.05) were substantially lower than the healthy group. Although other lipid profile including TC, TG, LDL and VLDL in the BC group was higher than in the healthy group, however, this difference was not significant. Also, T3 level in the BC group was significantly higher than the healthy group (P&lt; 0.05). Finally, the serum concentration of 25-OH- D3 was considerably lower in the BC group (P 0.05) than in the healthy group and the serum concentration of estrogen in the BC group was significantly higher than the healthy group (P &lt; 0.05). A significant positive correlation was observed between T4 and HDL (r=0.33, P=0.02). Also T4 had a significant negative correlation with TG (r= -0.37, p=0.01) and VLDL (r= -0.37, P=0.01). Based on these findings, it can be concluded that thyroid dysfunction, vitamin D deficiency, lipid profile disorders, and high level of estrogen can be considered as risk factors for breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Therefore, routine screening of these parameters in the postmenopausal period is recommended to reduce the incidence of breast cancer.

Female sex hormones and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea in European women of a population-based cohort.

BackgroundThe prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea is higher in women after menopause. This is suggested to be a result of an altered sex hormone balance but has so far not been confirmed in a population-based study.ObjectiveTo investigate whether serum concentration of estrogens and progesterone are associated with the prevalence of sleep apnea symptoms in middle-aged women of the general population.MethodsWe analyzed data from 774 women (40–67 years) from 15 study centers in seven countries participating in the second follow-up of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (2010–2012). Multiple logistic regression models were fitted with self-reported symptoms of sleep apnea as outcomes and serum concentrations of various estrogens and progesterone as predictors. All analyses were adjusted for relevant covariates including age, BMI, education, study center, smoking habits, and reproductive age.ResultsAmong all included women, a doubling of serum concentrations of estrone and progesterone was associated with 19% respectively 9% decreased odds of snoring. Among snorers, a doubling of the concentrations of 17β-estradiol, estrone and estrone 3-sulfate was associated with 18%, 23% and 17% decreased odds of breathing irregularly, and a doubling of the progesterone concentration was further associated with 12% decreased odds of waking up suddenly with a chocking sensation. Other evaluated associations were not statistically significant.ConclusionsMiddle-aged women with low serum estrogen and progesterone levels are more likely to snore and report symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.