Examination Of Vaginal Smears Research Articles

Features of the vagina microbiotope in patients with adenomyosis

The objective: to assess the composition of the vaginal microbiota in women of reproductive age with adenomyosis.Materials and methods. A comprehensive clinical-laboratory and instrumental prospective examination of 224 patients aged 30 to 50 years (average age – 42.0±1.8 years) with adenomyosis, who were included in the main study group, was conducted. The patients of the main group were divided into 2 subgroups depending on the form of adenomyosis – I group (diffuse form) included 106 women, II group (nodular form) – 118 persons. The control group included 84 healthy women of reproductive age with a regular ovulatory menstrual cycle and no history of gynecological diseases.Patients underwent microscopic examination of vaginal secretions, bacterioscopic examination of vaginal smears, stained according to Gram. Lactobacillus cultures were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid analysis.​Results. During the microscopic examination of the vaginal secretion, more than 15 leukocytes in the field of view were detected in 84 (37.5±3.2%) patients of both groups: in 40 (47.9±3.3%) patients of the I group and in 44 (52.1±3.3%) – II group. During the bacterioscopic examination of vaginal swabs, stained according to Gram, no gonococci and trichomonads were found in the main group. Candida fungi were detected microscopically in 158 patients (70.5±3.1%) of the main group: in 71 (66.9±4.6%) of the I group and in 87 (33.1±4.3%) of II group.Genotyping results showed that lactobacilli isolated from women with adenomyosis belonged to seven species: Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus iners, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus amnionii, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus crispatus, and Lactobacillus delbrueskii. The majority of lactobacilli strains have high inhibitory activity against all test strains, except for Candida albicans (39 cases, 46.4%). High adhesion to human erythrocytes was determined by 54.7% (46 cases) of the studied cultures.All lactobacilli strains were resistant to metronidazole, 83.3% (70 cases) to kanamycin, 57.1% (48 cases) to vancomycin, all strains were sensitive to roxithromycin, amoxiclav, and ampicillin. Moderate sensitivity to gentamicin and cefazolin was found in 51.9% (43 cases) of cultures, peroxide-forming activity in 80.9% (68 cases).The use of quantitative diagnostic thresholds has led to significant improvements in diagnostic performance. PCR showed 88% sensitivity and 95% specificity for Gardnerella vaginalis and 96% sensitivity and 97% specificity for Atopobium vaginae.Conclusions. It has been established that bacterial vaginosis and microorganisms associated with bacterial vaginosis are independently associated with adenomyosis. The results of the study confirmed that vaginal microorganisms, which are usually diagnosed in women with adenomyosis, ascend to the endometrium from the vagina vertically, which leads to infection of the upper parts of the genital tract.

Allium ampeloprasum var. Porrum (Alliaceae) Improves Metabolic and Reproductive Disorders Associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Wistar Rats.

To provide scientific evidence of the efficacy of Allium ampeloprasum against female infertility, the effects of the aqueous extract of the said plant (AE) were evaluated in rats with letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). AE was administered orally to PCOS rats at doses of 192, 384, and 768 mg/kg. The positive control was co-treated with clomiphene citrate (1 mg/kg) and metformin (200 mg/kg). Normal and negative controls received distilled water. The vaginal contents of rats were examined daily under a microscope before (7 days) and during treatment. Treatments were administered orally for 15 days, and then, 6 rats from each group were sacrificed for biochemical and histological analyses. The remaining rats were mated with males of proven fertility for 5 days. The daily examination of vaginal smears allowed the evaluation of fertility index. After parturition, additional fertility parameters were determined. Results showed that in PCOS rats, AE decreased body weight (p < 0.001), abdominal fat weight (p < 0.001), serum levels of LH (p < 0.001), testosterone (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p < 0.05), and LDL cholesterol (p < 0.01). HDL cholesterol increased and atherogenic indices decreased (p < 0.001). The number of Graafian follicles and corpora lutea increased, while cystic (p < 0.001) and atretic (p < 0.05) follicles decreased. AE also decreased oxidative stress in the ovaries, restored the estrous cycle, induced uterine epithelial cell hypertrophy, and improved fertility. These effects were attributed to phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and anthocyanins present in AE. The overall results justify the traditional use of A. ampeloprasum against female infertility and suggest its potential use as a dietary supplement for PCOS patients.

Agaricus Subrufescens ameliorates ovarian dysfunction and regulates altered biochemical parameters in rats with Letrozole induced polycystic ovarian syndrome

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to investigate the effects of an ethanolic extract derived from Agaricus subrufescens on rat models exhibiting Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) induced by Letrozole.MethodsA total of thirty female Wistar rats were divided into five groups, each consisting of six rats. The negative control group was administered a volume of 1 mL of a 0.5% solution of carboxy methylcellulose (CMC). Letrozole (1 mg/kg) was administered to additional groups for a duration of 21 days in order to induce polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Animals designated as positive controls were euthanized on the 22nd day. Both the test group and the standard group were subjected to treatment from the 22nd day to the 36th day. The experimental group was administered ethanolic extract of Agaricus subrufescens at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg p.o, while the control group received clomiphene citrate at a dose of 1 mg/kg. The study observed various physiological markers in individuals with polycystic ovarian disease, including estimated blood glucose levels, total cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and hormonal fluctuations such as increased testosterone and estrogen levels, as well as decreased progesterone levels. The presence of menstrual irregularities was confirmed through the examination of vaginal smears and histopathological changes in the ovaries.ResultsThe consumption of Agaricus subrufescens was found to have a significant impact on various physiological parameters, including blood glucose levels, testosterone levels, anovulation, and menstrual irregularity. All therapeutic interventions significantly normalized the levels of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). The rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that were induced by Letrozole exhibited increased levels of urea and creatinine. The findings of this study indicate that the administration of Agaricus subrufescens therapy has a protective effect on renal function, as evidenced by a reduction in serum levels of urea and creatinine. In rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) induced by Letrozole, the inhibition of hepatic synthesis, promotion of ovarian follicle immaturity, and elevation of androgen secretions result in an increase in the weight of the liver and ovaries. The weight of endocrine organs exhibited a decrease across all treatment groups. The histopathological examination of PCOS specimens revealed an increased presence of cysts and theca lutein cells. The group of rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that did not receive treatment exhibited a higher number of cysts compared to the groups that received treatment.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that the administration of Letrozole orally resulted in the development of polycystic ovarian disease. The results indicated heightened levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as alterations in hormone levels such as increased testosterone and estrogen, and decreased progesterone. These hormonal changes were accompanied by menstrual irregularities, which were confirmed through the examination of vaginal smears and histopathological analysis of the ovaries in the control group with polycystic ovarian disease. The treatment groups that received Agaricus subrufescens exhibited a decrease in blood glucose, total cholesterol, and testosterone levels.

Study of the cervical and vaginal microbiota in women with intrauterine pathology and infertility

The widespread introduction of hysteroscopy into clinical practice has significantly expanded the possibilities of diagnosis the causes of infertility. Almost 25% of patients with infertility are diagnosed with intrauterine pathology during hysteroscopy, which is not always identified during ultrasonography and/or hysterosalpingography. The World Health Organization recommends the use of office hysteroscopy in all cases of suspected intrauterine pathology. Among all complications of hysteroscopy, the frequency of which ranges from 0.4 to 6.0%, infectious and inflammatory complications occur most often (0.6-2.5%). Intrauterine interventions disturb the “cervical” protective barrier, which, in the presence of dysbiotic or inflammatory processes of the genital tract, increases the risk of complications. In view of the increase in the frequency of intrauterine pathology, and, accordingly, the frequency of diagnostic and operative intrauterine interventions in women of reproductive age, the development of algorithms for the prevention of infectious and inflammatory complications is relevant.The objective: to investigate the state of the cervical and vaginal microbiota of women of reproductive age with intrauterine pathology and infertility who are preparing for hysteroscopy.Materials and methods. 45 women aged 26 to 45 years (main group) and 30 women of the same age without gynecological pathology (comparison group) were examined before hysteroscopy. A comprehensive study of the state of the cervical and vaginal microbiota, diagnosis of infection with sexually transmitted pathogens, included pH-metry of vaginal contents, bacterioscopic examination of vaginal smears, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results. Indications for hysteroscopy were chronic abnormal uterine bleeding (13.3%), endometrial hyperplasia (8.9%); suspicion of endometrial polyps (8.9%), submucosal myoma (8.9%) or uterine malformations (17.8%); infertility of unclear origin (42.2%). In patients of the main group, inflammatory and dysbiotic processes of the lower part of the genital organs in the anamnesis occurred 5.6 times more often. In 22.2% of the patients of the main group, the normal vaginal pH level was determined (3.8–4.5) versus 60.0% of the women of the comparison group (p&lt;0.05). According to bacterioscopy, normocenosis was found in 28.9% of women in the main group and 43.3% – in the comparison group, while according to PCR normocenosis was determined in 35.6% and 63.3% of cases, respectively. A significant frequency of the intermediate state of the microbiota was estimated (37.8% in the main group and 23.3% – in the comparison group), which correlated with changes in the pH of the vagina (r=0.567). Of the 18 patients in the main group, bacterial vaginosis was diagnosed in 22.2% of cases, vulvovaginal candidiasis – in 4.4%, and chlamydia – in 8.9%.Conclusions. A significant frequency of diseases of the lower part of the genital tract in the anamnesis is typical for patients with infertility and intrauterine pathology. In 77.8% of patients with infertility and intrauterine pathology, a shift in vaginal pH to the alkaline side (&gt; 4.5) is found, which creates conditions for the reproduction of opportunistic and pathogenic microflora. This is confirmed by the low frequency (35.6%) of normocenosis of the cervical and vaginal microbiota at 63.3% in patients without gynecological pathology and correlates with the frequency of intermediate microbiota state. Taking into account the risk of ascending infection during intrauterine interventions, the use of diagnostic methods with high sensitivity and specificity (PCR) is revealed for adequate diagnosis of the state of the cervical and vaginal microbiota, which at the same time will avoid unfounded medical measures.

Effect of antibiotic therapy of genital mycoplasmosis in pregnant cows on cytological and immunological characteristics of vaginal secretions

Purpose: the aim is to study the therapeutic efficacy of the macrolide group antibiotic tulatromycin and its effect on the immunological and cytological characteristics of vaginal secretions.Materials and methods. For the experiment, 2 groups of 8 animals each were formed. The first group - cows without clinical signs of vaginitis with a positive PCR test for Mycoplasma spp.; the second group - clinically healthy cows with a negative PCR test for Mycoplasma spp. The first group of cows, the group for the treatment of genital mycoplasmosis, used the antibiotic traksovet 100 (tulatromycin) at a dose of 2.5 mg per 1 kg of animal body weight, subcutaneously, once 40 days before the expected delivery. Vaginal secretions were collected from both groups of cows, in which the content of Ig G, Ig M, Ig A, sIg A, lysozyme activity and cytological examination of the vaginal smear were determined.Results. The use of tulatromycin in cows with genital mycoplasmosis leads to a decrease in the content of Ig M and sIg A in vaginal secretions, which reach the values of these indicators in healthy animals. A less pronounced positive effect is observed with respect to the activity of the vaginal secretion lysozyme, which, although significantly increased, remains lower than in healthy cows. Cytological examination of vaginal smears against the background of antibiotic therapy showed a significant decrease in the number of epithelium and leukocytes.Conclusion. The use of traksovet 100 antibiotic as etiotropic therapy for cows with genital mycoplasmosis leads to the elimination of the pathogen from the vaginal mucosa in 75 % of sick animals and provides partial restoration of cytological and immunological characteristics of vaginal secretions.

Comparing MitoQ10 and heat therapy: Evaluating mechanisms and therapeutic potential for polycystic ovary syndrome induced by circadian rhythm disruption

ABSTRACT Environmental factors, such as sleep restriction, contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by causing hyperinsulinemia, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and oligo- or anovulation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of circadian rhythm disruption on reproductive and metabolic functions and investigate the potential therapeutic benefits of MitoQ10 and hot tub therapy (HTT). Sixty female rats were divided into six groups: control, MitoQ10, HTT, and three groups with PCOS induced by continuous light exposure(L/L). The reproductive, endocrine, and structural manifestations ofL/L-induced PCOS were confirmed by serum biochemical measurements, ultrasound evaluation of ovarian size, and vaginal smear examination at week 14. Subsequently, the rats were divided into the L/L (untreated), L/L+MitoQ10-treated, andL/L+HTT-treated groups. At the end of week 22, all rats were sacrificed. Treatmentwith MitoQ10 or HTT partially reversed the reproductive, endocrine, and structural features of PCOS, leading to a decreased amplitude of isolated uterine contractions, ovarian cystic changes and size, and endometrial thickness. Furthermore, both interventions improved the elevated serum levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), kisspeptin, Fibulin-1, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 19 (ADAMTS-19), lipid profile, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), oxidative stress markers, androgen receptors (AR) and their transcription target genes, FKBP52 immunostaining in ovarian tissues, and uterine estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) and PRimmunostaining. In conclusion, MitoQ10 supplementation and HTT demonstrated the potential for ameliorating metabolic, reproductive, and structural perturbations associated with PCOS induced by circadian rhythm disruption. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for these interventions in managing PCOS in women.

Effects of time-restricted feeding on letrozole-induced mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome

The present study aimed to investigate whether time-restricted feeding (TRF) ameliorates metabolic and reproductive phenotypes in a letrozole-induced mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Sixty female C57BL/6 N mice were randomly divided into two groups according to the type of food received: either a chow or a 60% high-fat diet. Those mice were subcutaneously implanted with letrozole or placebo pellets at four weeks of age. Then, letrozole-treated mice were randomly assigned to different feeding regimens: (1) TRF for 4 h (ZT12–ZT16) or (2) ad libitum diet. After 4 weeks of dietary intervention, estrous cycles were determined with daily vaginal smear examination, and serial tail-tip blood sampling was performed at 5-min intervals for 2 h to measure the luteinizing hormone (LH) pulse frequency, amplitude, and mean LH levels in the diestrus cycle stage. Letrozole-treated mice in the ad libitum group demonstrated multiple PCOS-like phenotypes including ovulatory dysfunction, polycystic ovaries, and increased body weight, parametrial fat weight, adipocyte size and inflammation, and higher expression of Cyp17, Cyp19, and Fshr in the ovary, and Kiss1r and Gnrh in the hypothalamus, elevated serum testosterone levels, and more rapid and elevated LH pulsatility, with increased pulse frequency, amplitude, and mean levels in the diestrus stage, compared with the controls. After TRF for 4 weeks, those phenotypes reverted to normal levels in letrozole-treated mice, except the percentage of diestrus cycles indicating the arrest of estrous cycling which did not differ between the TRF and ad libitum groups. Our results demonstrate that TRF has therapeutic effects on the reproductive and metabolic phenotypes of a letrozole-induced mouse model of PCOS.

Food Restriction in Mice Induces Food-Anticipatory Activity and Circadian-Rhythm-Related Activity Changes.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by emaciation, hyperactivity, and amenorrhea. To what extent AN-related symptoms are due to food restriction or neuronal dysfunction is currently unknown. Thus, we investigated the relevance of food restriction on AN-related symptoms. Disrupted circadian rhythms are hypothesized to contribute to the pathophysiology of AN. Starvation was induced by restricting food access in early adolescent or adolescent mice to 40% of their baseline food intake until a 20% weight reduction was reached (acute starvation). To mimic chronic starvation, the reduced weight was maintained for a further 2 weeks. Locomotor activity was analyzed using running wheel sensors. The circadian-rhythm-related activity was measured using the tracking system Goblotrop. Amenorrhea was determined by histological examination of vaginal smears. All cohorts showed an increase in locomotor activity up to 4 h before food presentation (food-anticipatory activity, FAA). While amenorrhea was present in all groups except in early adolescent acutely starved mice, hyperactivity was exclusively found in chronically starved groups. Adolescent chronically starved mice showed a decrease in circadian-rhythm-related activity at night. Chronic starvation most closely mimics AN-related behavioral changes. It appears that the FAA is a direct consequence of starvation. The circadian activity changes might underlie the pathophysiology of AN.

Determination of somatic status of girls with chronic vulvovaginitis in the neutral period of life

The objective: a determination of the spread of somatic pathology and polymorphism of the MSM6 gene in the development of chronic recurrent vulvovaginitis in girls. Materials and methods. The study involved 54 girls 1–6 years old. Inclusion criteria: complaints of patients on itching or pain in the genital area, dysuria, the presence of synechiae of the vulva, clinical manifestations of vulvitis during the visual examination. General laboratory diagnostic methods were used (blood test, general urine analysis with determination of ketone bodies, bacterioscopic examination of vaginal smears, vaginal culture for flora and antibiotic sensitivity, determination of glucose levels in blood serum and urine). For diagnosis of lactose malabsorption by polymerase chain reaction, a mutation in the MCM6 gene was studied, the genetic marker of which is C (-13910). Results. The somatic status of patients with chronic vulvovaginitis was presented by pathology of the gastrointestinal digestive tract in 68.5 % cases, atopic dermatitis – 53.7 %, diseases of the respiratory system – 33.3 %, infectious processes of the kidneys and urinary tract – 24.1 %. 77.6 % of girls had nondiabetic acetone syndrome, 75.9 % – dysmetabolic nephropathy. The presence of lactose malabsorption was revealed by homozygosity for the MCM6 gene mutation (C/C) in 26.1% of patients, heterozygosity for the MCM6 gene mutation (C/T) - in 56.5 %, the absence of the MCM6 gene mutation (T/T) was in 8 (17.4 %). Conclusions. In girls in the neutral period of life with chronic vulvovaginitis, non-infectious forms of the disease were found, which were not independent pathology, but associated with other pathological processes of metabolic disorders. Taking into account the obtained data on lactose malabsorption, we consider to include in the examination the algorithm of the verification of the MCM6 gene mutation and examination of urine for lactosuria and blood with lactose load.

Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (using Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract) improve the fertility status of rats with polycystic ovarian syndrome

This study is aimed to investigate the effectiveness of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the fertility status of female rats with estradiol valerate (EV)-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). AgNPs were synthesized using C. zeylanicum extract and characterized by SEM, AFM, FTIR, XRD, zeta potential and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Fifty female rats were divided into five groups (n = 10). The control groups were vehicle control (GI, received corn oil of 0.2 ml only) and PCOS control (GII, received EV only). While, the treatment groups were GIII (treated with C. zeylanicum methanolic extract 200 mg/kg body weight), GIV (treated with metformin 50 mg/kg body weight) and GV (treated with 3.53 mg/kg body weight biosynthesized AgNPs). The treatment duration was 30 days. The protective effects of these treatments against PCOS were assessed by routine vaginal smear examination, sex hormones levels (LH, FSH, E2, progesterone and testosterone), histopathologic features and the fertility rate. When compared with PCOS rats, AgNPs treatment increased serum FSH and progesterone levels and decreased E2 and testosterone significantly. Histopathologic examination showed that the EV-induced PCOS group developed polycysts in their ovaries and those changes reduced or disappeared in the treated groups. Moreover, the treatment with C. zeylanicum extract and AgNPs have effectively improved the estrus cycle as well as the fertility rate in treated groups compared with PCOS group. Our findings suggest that biosynthesized AgNPs can improve the fertility rate and estrous cycle by regulating sex hormones involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS.

Предварительные результаты проспективного сравнительного неинтервенционного исследования по лечению бессимптомной бактериурии у беременных

Introduction. Over the past three decades, the views on the diagnosis and treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women have not undergone any changes. However, the majority of randomized clinical trials concerning the treatment of pathients with this nosology are of low methodological quality and date back to the 60-80s. Since then, diagnostic and treatment protocols have changed dramatically, so the quality of the evidence base is low. In a recent Scandinavian study of higher methodological quality, there was no clear benefit of antibiotic therapy in pregnant women with asymptomatic bacteriuria. Material and methods. This publication is devoted to the interim results of a study that analyzed the efficacy and safety of herbal medicinal product Canephron® N in the treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in 29 pregnant women aged 22 to 34 years at a gestation period of 14-28 weeks. When included in the study, as well as on days 14, 30 and 60, the following laboratory control was performed: general urine analysis, urine bacteriological examination, clinical analysis of vaginal smears, analysis of vaginal microbiota by quantitative PCR Results. In the group of our patients, the distributions by age and gestational age differed from normal, the mean values are presented by the median and were 29 years and 14 weeks, respectively. Already had children – 13 (44.8%) women. In total, 35 microorganisms were isolated in a diagnostically significant titer. Most of the representatives of the Enterococcaceae family were traditionally 57.1%. At the time of inclusion, the median pyuria was 2.5 μl and exceeded the reference values only in 10.3% of patients. Clinical examination of vaginal smears revealed no inflammatory changes. However, an assessment of the vaginal microbiota showed the presence of dysbiosis due to an increase in the amount of obligate-anaerobic microflora in 58.6% and vaginal candidiasis in 10.3% of pregnant women. After 2 months, the 28 pregnant women remaining in the study had no episodes of symptomatic urinary infection. During the herbal drug therapy, there was a decrease in diagnostically significant bacteriuria and signs of the inflammatory process in all patients. The frequency of vaginal dysbiosis was recorded in 10.7% of pregnant women (р&gt;0,05). Conclusion. Thus, our preliminary results shows that the use of Canephron N in pregnant women with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) may be an effective alternative approach comparing the use of antibiotics. The treatment with Canephron N promotes the normalization of the urinary tract microflora and save the intactness of the saprophytic flora, in contrast to antibacterial drugs, and this is especially important in the paradigm of the antibiotics stewardship and the fight against growing antibiotic resistance. Comparative results of the use of antibacterial agents and Canephron N will be analyzed in the next publication, on the basis of which final conclusions will be drawn about the advisability of using herbal medicines to control bacteriuria in pregnant women Conclusion. We have obtained encouraging results from the use of Canephron-N® in patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant. To obtain an evidence base of a recommendatory level, it is advisable to increase the number of observations.

THE PREVALENCE OF TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS PARASITE AMONG WOMEN IN SOME REGIONS OF MAYSAN PROVINCE

Trichomonas vaginalis is an extracellular flagellated parasitic protozoan. It adapts to live in anaerobic conditions of the women's vagina and causes Trichomoniasis, a non-viral, sexually transmitted disease (STD). This parasite spreads in all regions of the world, and the global prevalence rate of vaginal Trichomoniasis in women is higher than in men. It is considered a neglected disease in Iraq, as there are few studies about this parasite, especially in Maysan province, where researches are near absent. In this study, two hundred and twentysix vaginal swabs were collected from women who visited hospitals, health centers, and medical clinics in some areas of Maysan province (Amara district, Al-Kahla district, Al-Maymouna district, Al-Majar Al-Kabir district) during the period from November 10, 2019 to February 10, 2020. The microscopic examination of vaginal smears showed that the overall infection rate was 75.22% (170/226). AL-Kahla district had the highest rate of infection (96.15%), while the lowest was in the Maimouna district (60.00%). The age group 34-40 years had the highest infection rate (86.95%), while the age group 15 years had the lowest infection rate (37.50%). Married women had a higher infection (80.92%) than unmarried women (40.62%). The infection rate among nonpregnant women was high (81.11%) than with pregnant women (78.57%). This study showed that vaginal pH has a significant role in protecting the women vagina from Trichomoniasis, once the highest rate of infection (96.63%) was recorded in the vagina with a pH 6, while no infection was recorded at pH 4. It can be concluded that Trichomoniasis is widely spread among women of the Maysan communities, and the condition was affected significantly by some demographic factors such as age, occupation, marital status, husband polygamous, vaginal secretions, and itching and pH of the vagina.

Influence of Isoflurane Exposure for 15 Consecutive Days on Ovarian Function in Adult Female Mice.

Female infertility after occupational exposure to inhaled anesthetic agents has attracted critical attention, but systematic studies focusing on the impact of inhaled anesthetics on the female reproductive system have not been well-established. We used a murine model to study the effect of isoflurane exposure on infertility in female adult mice and investigated the potential underlying mechanism. One hundred adult female C57 mice were randomly allocated into 5 groups exposed in air containing 0, 2500, 5000, 10 000 or 20 000 ppm isoflurane for 15 consecutive days. Estrous cycle length was measured based on vaginal smear examination, ovarian histopathologic enumeration of follicles, and serum estradiol (E2), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels to assess the effect of isoflurane on ovarian reserve. Compared to the control group, significant prolongation of the estrous cycle of the adult female mice was observed in the 20 000 ppm isoflurane exposure group. Serum AMH was significantly decreased, and FSH and LH levels profoundly increased in the 5000, 10 000, and 20 000 ppm isoflurane exposure groups compared to the control group. The histopathologic examination revealed a reduced number of developing follicles and an increased number of atretic follicles after isoflurane exposure, but the difference was not statistically significant. Thus, exposure to a higher concentration of isoflurane might have an adverse effect on ovarian reserve in sexually-mature female mice.

The leaf aqueous extract of Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv. (Cecropiaceae) improved letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome associated conditions and infertility in female Wistar rats

BackgroundMyrianthus arboreus P. Beauv. (Cecropiaceae) is a medicinal plant used to treat female infertility. The aqueous extract of M. arboreus leaves was found to improve the fertility of healthy female Wistar rats. In the present study, we proposed evaluating the effects of such an extract on an animal model of infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in order to bring scientific evidence to the curative action of this plant against female infertility.MethodsFollowing a 21-day administration (gavage) of letrozole (1 mg/kg), animals with PCOS, indicated by overweight and an estrous cycle blocked in the diestrus phase, were co-treated with letrozole (1 mg/kg) and the aqueous extract of M. arboreus leaves at doses of 20, 110 and 200 mg/kg. The positive control received clomiphene citrate (1 mg/kg) and metformin (200 mg/kg). The negative control received distilled water. Each group of animals was made up of 10 female rats. Vaginal smear was examined 7 days before and during co-treatments. Co-treatments were orally administered for 30 consecutive days and 5 animals per group were sacrificed thereafter for biochemical and histological analyses. The 5 remaining animals in each group were crossbred with males of proven fertility for 5 consecutive days. The daily examination of vaginal smears allowed evaluating fertility index. Following parturition, gestation rate was calculated.ResultsThe aqueous extract of M. arboreus leaves reversed letrozole effects by decreasing body weight, abdominal fat accumulation, and serum levels of LH and testosterone (p < 0.001). Ovarian dynamic was improved and the number of tertiary, Graafian follicles (p < 0.001) and corpus luteum increased while that of cystic (p < 0.001) and atretic follicles (p < 0.01) decreased. These effects were associated with increased serum levels of estradiol, decreased ovarian oxidative stress, the resumption of the estrous cycle, the hypertrophy of uterine epithelial cells and increased fertility index and gestation rate.ConclusionsThese results justify at least in part, the traditional use of M. arboreus against female infertility and suggest that this plant could be a promising alternative treatment to improve symptoms associated with different PCOS phenotypes.

Bisphenol-A analogue (bisphenol-S) exposure alters female reproductive tract and apoptosis/oxidative gene expression in blastocyst-derived cells.

Objective(s):One of the major endocrine-disrupting chemicals, bisphenol-S (BPS) has replaced bisphenol-A due to public health anxiety. The present study evaluated low dosage BPS effect on female reproductive potential, hormonal disruption, and gene expression pathways of blastocyst-derived cells.Materials and Methods:NMRI female mice (5-6 weeks) in the estrous stage were chosen following vaginal smear examination for estrus cycle detection and BPS (0, 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 µg/kg) was administrated subcutaneously for twenty-one consecutive days. After the last administration, blood, ovary tissue and oocytes were collected for further examination. Results:BPS induced oxidative stress in ovarian tissue and reduced hormonal status, LH and FSH, even at low concentration. Furthermore, apoptosis was induced in blastocyst derived cells in BPS administrated mice groups even at low BPS concertation, however, P53 and E2f1 expression were downregulated in doses more than 50 µg/kg, which might indicate apoptosis pathway exchange from P53 dependent to p53 independent pathways. IVF outcome was negatively associated with blastocyst apoptosis gene expression, estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) as well as oxidative status in ovaries. Finally, Stepwise regression indicated that E2f1, Nrf2, catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) could be chosen as predictor values for hatch percentage in IVF outcome.Conclusion:In summary, this study revealed BPS might have detrimental potential in the female reproductive system by oxidation induction and hormonal alteration as well as next generation blastocyst derived cells apoptosis induction. Further studies are recommended for public health assurance of BPS safety especially for female consumed products.

Biochemical and histological evidence of thyroid gland dysfunction in estradiol valerate model of the polycystic ovary in Wistar rats

Thyroid defects and polycystic ovary (PSO) disease are prevalent endocrine problems among humans. While various studies investigated the ovarian function and histological alterations during estradiol valerate model of PCO, yet, there were no available studies examining thyroid gland function and histology. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate linkage between estradiol valerate-induced PCO and the development of thyroid dysfunction in rats. The study comprises 2 groups of male Wistar rats (n = 12), control group and PCO group. PCO was induced by injecting two doses of estradiol valerate with 6 weeks lag period in between. After twelve weeks, PCO was confirmed by vaginal smear examination which showed marked vaginal cornification. In addition, the light microscopic examination of the ovaries revealed chief histological signs of PCO like numerous cysts and damaged follicles. In addition, PCO-induced rats showed decreased serum LH and increased serum FSH levels. Thyroid hypoactivity was confirmed by increased serum TSH and decreased serum thyroid hormones (T3, and T4). Histologically, the thyroid tissue revealed small-size follicles devoid of the colloid and increased connective tissue between follicles. Semithin sections showed hypertrophied and/or flat follicular cells as well as increased resorption colloidal granules. Ultrathin sections showed low height cells with dark nucleus and heterochromatin. Furthermore, PCO-induced rats thyroid gland tissue revealed increased expression of the apoptotic mediator caspase-3. There was also a decrease in the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. In summary, this study provides several effective biochemical and histological evidences for thyroid gland dysfunction in PCO-induced rats.

Canine ovulation timing: A survey on methodology and an assessment on reliability of vaginal cytology.

Ovulation timing in bitches is a routine procedure in small animal practice around the world. It is most frequently used for supporting breeding management, high-risk pregnancy monitoring and determination of the time of parturition. To learn more about how and for what reasons veterinarians interested in small animal reproduction perform canine ovulation timing, an online survey was conducted in 2017. The link to the survey was distributed via the mailing list cafereprod-l@list.cornell.edu and the website, the Twitter account and the Facebook page of EVSSAR. All respondents recommended using quantitative progesterone measurement for ovulation timing alone or in combination with other diagnostic tests. Vaginal cytology was also a commonly used technique. The 63 respondents followed different protocols for sampling and staining vaginal epithelial cells. Interestingly, 50 respondents used vaginal cytology routinely, but only two consider it as a very reliable and another nine as a somewhat reliable test if used alone. In a second project, delegates attending the EVSSAR congress held in Vienna, Austria, in June 2017 had the opportunity to examine seven stained vaginal smear slides under optical microscopy in a blinded approach. The results showed a marked heterogeneity in the identification of vaginal cells and assessment of the time in relation to ovulation. This heterogeneity supports the opinion of survey participants that vaginal cytology alone is not a valid tool for determining the day of ovulation. Results of both projects suggest that there is no standard procedure for the examination of vaginal smears in dogs. It is not recommended to determine the optimal time for mating based on the examination of a single vaginal smear only. According to some comments of survey participants, it is more useful to assess vaginal samples repeatedly and to use the findings to determine when to start progesterone measurement.

Uji Teratogen Ekstrak Akar Jarong (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl.) terhadap Sistem Reproduksi Mencit (Mus musculus L.) Betina

This study aim to determine the teratogens effect of jarong (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl) roots extract on the reproductive system of mice (Mus musculus L.) female Swiss Webster organogenesis during pregnancy.The method used in this study is the method of extraction and  examination of vaginal smears.. The experiment was conducted in August-December 2010, at the Laboratory of Zoology, Department of  Biology Cenderawasih University, Jayapura. The Experiment was carried out by dividing the 20 female mice into 4 groups. One group is a control group and with no treatmen and the  other 3 groups  were tretaed with oral treatments.. The results obtained in the qualitative descriptive analysis. It could be concluded that ethanol extract of jarong (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl) roots cause of accidental poisoning in mice, embryotoxic and causes the effects of teratogens. Key words: Jarong (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl), teratogens effect, mice (Mus musculus L.).Â

Effects of estrus cycle stage on defensive behavior in female Long-Evans hooded rats

This study investigated the influence of the estrus cycle in mediating cat odor-induced unconditioned and conditioned defensive behaviors in female Long-Evans hooded rats. Unconditioned defensive behaviors were assessed during predatory cue exposure; conditioned defensive behaviors were examined 24 h after threat exposure. Estrus phases were determined by microscopic examination of vaginal smears within 10 min of completing the behavioral tests. Compared to no-odor controls, female rats exposed to cat odor exhibited both unconditioned and conditioned defensive behaviors, including elevated levels of freezing, risk assessment and avoidance. Rats in proestrus and estrus exhibited reduced levels of defensive behavior during the unconditioned test trial compared to subjects in diestrus and metestrus. Specifically, estrus stages characterized by high levels of circulating estrogens and progesterone were associated with reduced immobility (i.e. freezing) and enhanced active defense (i.e. risk assessment), profiles that may enable mate seeking and subsequent reproduction in potentially dangerous or novel environments. These results suggest a specific role for ovarian hormone fluctuations in mediating unconditioned fear- and anxiety-like defensive behaviors during exposure to predatory odors.

The cytological examination of vaginal smears in dogs

The cytological examination of vaginal smears is a simple, quick and inexpensive method for determination of the estrous cycle stage in dogs. Also, the procedure of vaginal smear collection is painless for the animal. Smears are examined under light microscope, after they have been stained by a proper staining method. The results are based on the observation of cytological alterations of the epithelium cells under the influence of ovarian hormones.