Follicle-stimulating Hormone Concentrations Research Articles

Effect of ZhuLian's type Ⅱ inhibition needling technique on endocrine metabolism in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance

To observe the effect of ZhuLian's type Ⅱ inhibition needling technique on sex hormones, insulin resistance and ovarian morphology in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), so as to explore its mechanism on regulating endocrine and metabolic dysfunction of PCOS. Twenty-four female SD rats were randomly divided into control, model and ZhuLian acupuncture groups (n=8 in each group). The PCOS model was established by continuous gavage of letrozole combined with high-fat diet. Rats of the ZhuLian acupuncture group were stimulated at "Guanyuan"(CV4) and bilateral "Guilai"(ST29), "Zusanli"(ST36), "Sanyinjiao"(SP6), and "Fenglong"(ST40) by ZhuLian's type Ⅱ inhibition needling technique for 30 min, continuously intervented for 28 days. The body weight was measured before and after modeling and after intervention. The ovarian volume was calculated. HE staining was used to observe the changes of ovarian histology. Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and fasting insulin (FINS) were measured by ELISA. LH/FSH ratio and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were calculated. After modeling, the rats' body weight and the ovarian volume were increased (P<0.05), and the ovaries showed polycystic changes in the model group compared with the control group. And the FINS level, HOMA-IR, LH content and LH/FSH ratio were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the FSH level was decreased (P<0.05). After the intervention, the rats' body weight and ovarian volume were decreased (P<0.05), and a small number of preantral follicles and more antral follicles were observed under microscope, and the levels of LH, LH/FSH, FINS and HOMA-IR were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while FSH content was increased (P<0.05) in the ZhuLian acupuncture group than in the model group. ZhuLian's type Ⅱ inhibition needling technique can improve the endocrine and metabolic disorders in PCOS rats, which may be related to the regulation of endocrine system.

The Role of Sex Hormones on Bone Mineral Density, Marrow Adiposity, and Muscle Adiposity in Middle-Aged and Older Men.

PurposeThe etiology of age-related bone loss is less clear in men. This study is aimed to observe the variations of endogenous sex hormone concentrations with increasing of age in men, and investigate their relations to bone mass, marrow adiposity, and muscle adiposity.MethodsA total of 199 community-dwelling Chinese men (aged 41 to 82 years) were included and measured of serum total estradiol, total testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Vertebral trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) was measured by quantitative computed tomography for all participants, and vertebral marrow fat content and erector muscle fat content were quantified by Chemistry-shift-encoding magnetic resonance imaging in 62 participants.ResultsIn this population, FSH concentration increased (p < 0.001) gradually with aging. Lower vBMD was independently associated with higher FSH concentration (β = -0.216, p < 0.001), but not with total estradiol or total testosterone. For each standard deviation increase in FSH there was a 50% higher risk of an individual having osteopenia or osteoporosis (vBMD < 120 mg/cm3). Marrow fat content and erector muscle fat content were greater in osteopenic and osteoporotic men, but there were no associations with sex hormones concentrations.ConclusionIn summary, FSH but not total estradiol or total testosterone is related to vertebral trabecular vBMD in middle-aged and older Chinese men. Neither marrow adiposity nor muscle adiposity is associated with sex hormones.

Alarin: A new predictive marker in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A case-control study.

There is scant evidence concerning the relationship of alarin concentrations for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) status in the existing literature. Therefore, we aimed to reveal the relationship about predictive value of serum alarin concentrations for PCOS risk in infertile women. This prospective case-control study included a total of 151 infertile women who met eligibility criteria of the study. Infertile women diagnosed with PCOS formed the study group (n=80). Women with diagnoses of unexplained infertility constituted the control group (n=71). The biochemical analyses of serum concentrations of lipid profiles, estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and alarin were performed. There were no differences for the study parameters, including age, body mass index, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total triglyceride, E2, and FSH levels in either group. Serum LH, AMH, alarin concentrations, and antral follicle counts had higher values in the PCOS group compared with the controls. Correlation analysis revealed that serum alarin levels were significantly positively correlated with LH and AMH levels, only in the PCOS group. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that infertile women with high alarin concentrations were significantly more likely to develop PCOS (OR=1.77, 95% CI=0.095-0.332, p < 0.001). Higher serum concentrations of alarin and a positive correlation with serum LH levels were found in infertile women with PCOS. This evidence supported that high alarin concentrations might play a role in the development of PCOS.

Effect on ovarian activity and ovulation inhibition of different oral dosages of levonorgestrel

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of different oral dosages of levonorgestrel (LNG) on ovarian activity and to identify the lowest dosage at which no ovulation occurred. Secondary objectives were to assess return of ovulation after stopping treatment, bleeding pattern, pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters and safety and tolerability. Study designA parallel-group study with adaptive design was performed in 90 healthy women with proven ovulatory cycles. Investigated dosages were LNG 0.095, 0.115 and 0.135 mg per day. Measurements of follicular growth and estradiol (E2) and progesterone concentrations were performed every 3 (±1) days during a 56-day treatment and a post-treatment period. Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone concentrations and multiple-dose PK parameters were determined during treatment. ResultsTwo normal ovulations occurred in the LNG 0.095 mg group, none in the higher dose groups. Most subjects had active follicle-like structures without ovulation (Hoogland-Skouby scores 4). Ovarian activity was more suppressed in the highest dose group than in the other groups. Mean E2 concentrations were 241, 219 and 180 pmol/L during treatment with 0.095, 0.115 and 0.135 mg per day, respectively. PK results showed dose-proportionality. Most subjects ovulated during the post-treatment period. ConclusionLNG 0.115 mg per day was the lowest effective dosage for consistent ovulation inhibition. All investigated dosages were safe and well-tolerated, and mean E2 concentrations were sufficient for prevention of hypoestrogenic side effects. ImplicationsMarketed progestogen-only pills (POP) containing 0.03 mg LNG do not consistently inhibit ovulation. Increasing the dosage to 0.115 mg or 0.135 mg per day, resulting in consistent ovulation inhibition, may improve the contraceptive efficacy of the LNG-POP.

Moxibustion alleviates decreased ovarian reserve in rats by restoring the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

ObjectiveMoxibustion, a common therapy in traditional Chinese medicine, has potential benefits for treating decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). The present study investigates the protective effect of moxibustion in a rat model of DOR and explores the possible mechanisms. MethodsSixty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, DOR, moxibustion (MOX), and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The DOR rat model was established by intragastric administration of 50 mg/kg Tripterygium glycoside suspension (TGS), once daily for 14 days. MOX and HRT treatments were given from the day TGS administration was initiated. The ovarian reserve function was evaluated by monitoring the estrus cycle, morphological changes in ovaries, levels of serum estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), pregnancy rate and embryo numbers. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end-labeling staining was used to identify ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis, while the protein and mRNA expressions of Bax, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) in ovarian tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. ResultsCompared with the DOR group, MOX improved the disordered estrous cycle, promoted follicular growth, reduced the number of atresia follicles, increased the concentrations of serum E2 and AMH, and decreased serum FSH and LH concentrations. More importantly, the pregnancy rate and embryo numbers in DOR rats were both upregulated in the MOX treatment group, compared to the untreated DOR model. Further, we found that the MOX group had reduced apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells, increased Bcl-2 expression and reduced expression of Bax. Furthermore, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was triggered by the moxibustion treatment. ConclusionMoxibustion improved ovarian function and suppressed apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in a rat model of DOR induced by TGS, and the mechanism may involve the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Adaptive potential of cardiovascular system and its relationship with sex hormones and dopamine levels in women of Arkhangelsk Oblast and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug

Aim.To assess the adaptive potential of cardiovascular system in female population of the Russian Arctic territory and its relationship with sex hormones and dopamine levels.Material and methods.The study involved 253 women living in European North (Arkhangelsk Oblast) and Asian North (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug), who were divided into groups of fertile (n=58 and n=70, respectively) and postmenopausal women (n=59 and n=66, respectively). Enzyme immunoassay of serum was used to determine the levels of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones (LH), progesterone, prolactin, total and free testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin. In plasma, dopamine level was identified. Adaptive potential (AP) was estimated according to R. M. Baevsky method.Results.A significant disadaptation was revealed in residents of Asian North compared to European North as follows: the proportion of persons with poor adaptation increases from 16% in European North to 26% in Asian North in fertile women, while the proportion of persons with adaptation failure increases from 9 to 23% in postmenopausal women. The strongest relationships between hormonal parameters and AP level were found in postmenopausal women: in European North, adaptation impairment is associated with higher levels of testosterone at lower concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, LH and sex hormone-binding globulin; in Asian North, adaptation failure is associated with lower values of LH, prolactin, testosterone, and dopamine.Conclusion.A greater AP impairment, which characterizes cardiovascular system adaptation, was noted among Asian North residents. We revealed significant relationships between cardiovascular function and hormonal parameters. In European North residents, poor adaptation is associated with a more androgenic sex hormone profile, while in Asian North — with lower values of LH, prolactin, testosterone and dopamine.

The role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Given the critical central role of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in fertility, it is not surprising that the GnRH neural network is implicated in the pathology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common cause of anovulatory infertility. Although many symptoms of PCOS relate most proximately to ovarian dysfunction, the central reproductive neuroendocrine system ultimately drives ovarian function through its regulation of anterior pituitary gonadotropin release. The typical cyclical changes in frequency of GnRH release are often absent in women with PCOS, resulting in a persistent high‐frequency drive promoting gonadotropin changes (i.e., relatively high luteinizing hormone and relatively low follicle‐stimulating hormone concentrations) that contribute to ovarian hyperandrogenemia and ovulatory dysfunction. However, the specific mechanisms underpinning GnRH neuron dysfunction in PCOS remain unclear. Here, we summarize several preclinical and clinical studies that explore the causes of aberrant GnRH secretion in PCOS and the role of disordered GnRH secretion in PCOS pathophysiology.

Age-Related Changes in the Testicular Morphophysiology of the Cane Rat (Thryonomys swinderianus).

This study evaluated age-related changes in the testicular morphophysiology of the cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) using histological, histochemical, and sex hormonal profile approaches. Twenty (20) pathogen-free male cane rats were used for the investigation. Cane rats were divided into four groups: prepubertal (≤4 months), pubertal (>4 ≤12 months), adult (>12 ≤30 months), and aged (>30 months) of 5 rats each. Blood was collected from the different cane rat groups and processed for sex serum hormonal levels. Testes were also excised and processed routinely for variations in histology, histochemistry (using Masson's trichrome [MT] and Periodic acid-Schiff [PAS]), and histomorphometric evaluations using GIMP2 software. Testosterone concentrations were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) in the prepubertal to adult, while there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in this hormone between adult and aged. The concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) for prepubertal, pubertal, and adult, respectively. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between adult and aged for FSH and luteinizing hormone. Histologically, there were scanty interstitial cells, lack of patent lumen, and incomplete spermatogenetic cell series in prepubertal compared to other age groups. Testicular capsular (MT and PAS) staining intensity increased with age advancement, while in the parenchyma, remarkably high intensity was displayed by the pubertal compared to others. Seminiferous tubular and luminal diameters (LD) significantly (P < 0.05) increased with advancing age whereas epithelial height (EH) was markedly increased in pubertal relative to other groups. In conclusion, these sets of data have shown that reproductive activity is directly related to age and is at maximum in adult cane rat.

Successful Mestrual Regularity and Spontaneous Pregnancies with a Resveratrol-Based Multivitamin Supplement in Women with Idiopathic Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

Abstract Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a clinical syndrome defined by loss of ovarian activity before the age of 40 years and is characterized by menstrual disturbance, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration above 40 IU/l and infertility. In some patients the best option is to conceive spontaneously since many treatment strategies remain unsuccessful or involve eggs donation. In this case report series, we describe the effects of a resveratrol-based multivitamin supplement containing trans-resveratrol, folic acid, vitamin B6, B12 and D, in six women with poor prognosis of pregnancy due to POI and evaluate the achievement of desired conception. These women, aged less then 40 years, suffered from menstrual irregularities, anovulation and infertility. They all had normal karyotype, and no history of ovarian surgery, radiation exposure or chemotherapy. Blood test showed at least two values of FSH above 40 IU/l. Four out of six patients with POI conceived after 3-6 months of a resveratrol-based multivitamin supplement, ultimately giving birth to a full-term baby. Regular menstrual cycle was restored in all patients after two to four months the start of treatment. In conclusion the treatment with a resveratrol-based supplement improved menstrual regularity and suggest a useful potential of this supplementation in some cases of POI.

Impact of adrenocorticotropin hormone administration on the endocrinology, estrus onset, and ovarian function of weaned sows.

Chronic stress affects the reproductive health of mammals; however, the impact of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) level elevation during chronic stress on the reproduction of weaned sows remains unclear. In this study, nine weaned sows with the same parturition date were randomly divided into control group (n = 4) and ACTH group (n = 5). Each group received intravenous administration of ACTH three times daily for 7 days. Blood samples were collected every 3 h after injection. A radioimmunoassay was used to measure the concentrations of cortisol, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17β (E2) in the blood. Estrus was determined according to changes in the vulva and the boar contact test. The mRNA expressions of glucocorticoid receptor, FSH receptor, LH receptor (LHR) in the corpus luteum (CL) were detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that ACTH administration substantially delayed the initiation of estrus and the pre-ovulatory LH peak. The sows of control group ovulated within 10 days and the ovulation rate was 100%, while it was 60% in the ACTH group. Two sows of ACTH group showed pseudo-estrus. The E2 concentrations significantly decreased in the ACTH group at 36 h, 42 h and 66 h of the experimental period. The P4 concentrations in the ACTH group significantly decreased at 132, 138, and 147 h of the experimental period. ACTH significantly reduced the LHR mRNA expression in CLs. In conclusion, long-term repeated ACTH administration affects the endocrinology, estrus onset, and ovarian function of weaned sows.

Reference Ranges of Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Healthy Reproductive-aged Omani Women.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a glycoprotein that belongs to the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, is important for women's health. We aimed to determine the age-specific reference range of serum AMH in healthy Omani women from reproductive ages to menopause. This cross-sectional cohort study was conducted among a group of healthy 20-50 years old Omani women. The participants were required to have body mass index < 32 kg/m2, regular periods, no history of chronic illness, polycystic ovary syndrome, or gynecological operation. They were also required to not be using any hormonal contraceptive. Serum concentrations of AMH, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, progesterone, and hemoglobin A1c were measured. AMH-age nomogram and AMH levels were compared between the six selected age groups. The subjects were 319 Omani women aged 20-50 years. Serum AMH concentrations were found to decrease progressively with increasing age. An exponential model defined as √AMH = 479.02 × 0.91age was selected to explain the reduction in AMH with age (R2 = 0.298). The median AMH levels were 26.61 pmol/L for those aged 20-25 years, 20.89 pmol/L for 26-30 years, 19.92 pmol/L for 31-35 years, 13.71 pmol/L for 36-40 years, 9.24 pmol/L for 41-45 years, and 0.68 pmol/L for 46-50 years. The recommended 2.5th to 97.5th percentiles of AMH level, as reference ranges for various age groups, were found to be: 10.63-55.64 pmol/L (20-25 years), 3.74-61.88 pmol/L (26-30 years), 5.49-47.56 pmol/L (31-35 years), 2.15-48.91 pmol/L (36-40 years), 0.92-41.26 pmol/L (41-45 years), and 0.14-5.10 pmol/L (46-50 years). This study (the first in Oman) determined the age-specific reference ranges of serum AMH in healthy Omani women in the age range of 20-50 years.

Concentrations of urinary parabens and reproductive hormones in Iranian women: Exposure and risk assessment

Parabens are antimicrobial preservatives in a variety of processed foods and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. Parabens may be associated with reproductive and endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age. The first objective of this study was to examine the association between urinary parabens concentrations and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin disorders. The second objective of this study was to calculate the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Margin of Exposure (MOE) to assess the potential risk for endocrine disrupts for each woman based on urinary paraben concentrations. To address these two objectives, a cross-sectional study was designed in the Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah. The association between early morning urinary paraben concentrations and the serum of fasting blood specimens was analyzed using multivariable linear regressions adjusted for confounding variables (i.e., creatinine, age, body mass index, and time spent on physical activity). Among the 96 women who participated in the study, those with BMI> 25 and aged 18–40 years showed higher levels of total urinary parabens. The highest sum of urinary parabens (54,955.16 µg/L) was observed among the women who were using toothpaste several times per day. Almost all the parabens such as methyl paraben(MeP), ethyl paraben(EtP), propyl paraben(PrP), butyl paraben(BuP) had a positive and negative significant association with serum concentrations of FSH and LH (p-value < 0.05). However, no significant association was found between any of the four parabens and serum prolactin hormone (p-value > 0.05). The Margin of Exposure (MOE) approach calculated for all parabens (<10000) showed a potential risk in the studied population. The results suggested that parabens could adversely affect reproductive and endocrine systems in women. Further studies relying on long-term exposure to parabens are necessary to better understand the potential risk of the association between urinary parabens concentrations with reproductive hormones.

Prognostic Value of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Levels in Predicting Survival in Men With Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

The objective of the study was to assess the association between changes in plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the potential effect on idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) in male patients. A total of 116 male patients with IPAH and 53 healthy controls were included from XX Hospital. Plasma FSH concentration was assessed in all participants. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the mortality risk. Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox regression analyses were used to predict the value of FSH on the survival rate of male IPAH patients. The plasma FSH concentration in the IPAH group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p = .017). Nonsurvivors had significantly higher levels of FSH than survivors (p < .0001). FSH levels were positively correlated with World Health Organization Functional Class, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR; p = .023, p < .0001, and p < .0001, respectively) and negatively correlated with 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and cardiac output (CO; p = .004 and p = .010). Cox regression model analysis showed that the levels of FSH were also the independent factors of mortality in male IPAH patients (p < .0001). The IPAH patients with higher FSH levels had higher PVR, lower 6MWD, CO, and a lower survival rate (p = .042, p = .003, p = .029, and p < .0001, respectively). Therefore, we identified that increased FSH levels were associated with disease severity in male patients with IPAH and independently predicted risk of disease and poor survival rate.

Assessment of hormonal homeostasis in women with abnormal uterine bleeding and chronic stress

The objective: to study the concentration of estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones, testosterone, prolactin and cortisol in women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and of chronic psycho-emotional stress.Materials and methods. We examined 100 women of reproductive age with AUB and chronic stress (main group) and 50 patients with AUB without chronic stress (comparison group). 30 women without AUB and chronic stress were included in the control group. The AUB diagnosis was made on the basis of order No. 353 of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine dated April 13, 2016. The concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, prolactin and cortisol were determined in blood serum in all the women in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle using the ELISA method.Results. In patients with AUB and chronic stress, a significant decrease of estradiol by 37.50% relative to healthy women, FSH – 44.42%, LH – 22.12%, progesterone – 38.23% and a significant increase in prolactin by 41.92% and cortisol – 82.96% were established. In the patients with AUB without chronic stress a significant decrease in estradiol level by 23.95%, FSH by 22.09% and progesterone by 21.91%, and a significant increase in cortisol by 21.55% were found. The concentration of testosterone in the main group and the comparison group, as well as changes in the levels of LH and prolactin in the patients of the comparison group, were insignificant relative to the control group. Conclusions. In women of reproductive age with abnormal uterine bleeding and chronic stress, there is a significant decrease in the concentration of estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones in the blood serum, an increase of prolactin and cortisol, and the absence of significant changes in testosterone level in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

Effect of ovarian follicular wave pattern and endocrine characteristics on pregnancy outcome in cows.

The effect of two (2W) versus three (3W) wave patterns of follicular dynamics and concurrent endocrine milieu of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol 17-β (E2) and progesterone (P4) were investigated during one interoestrous interval (IEI) before insemination, on ensuing pregnancy, in 70 lactating Jersey crossbred cows. The findings were evaluated for between [included all (overall) 2W-O and 3W-O cows] and within [after separating pregnant (P) and non-pregnant (NP) cows in 2W and 3W] wave patterns. The propensity of two (58.6%, n=41) and three (41.4%, n=29) wave patterns was similar (p=.15). The IEI, shorter by 2.6days for 2W-O versus 3W-O (p<.0009), predicted wave pattern as 100% 2W-O cows had IEI of ≤21days, present only in 27.6% 3W-O cows (p<.0001). The ovulatory follicle persisted for a significantly shorter duration for 3W-O versus 2W-O cows. The average FSH, LH, E2 and P4 concentrations during the IEI did not differ for between and within the wave patterns. Pregnancy rate (%) of 58.6 versus 41.4 (p=.15) for 2W-O versus 3W-O and 56.1-P versus 43.9-NP (p=.44) for within 2W was similar, but tended to differ for within the 3W pattern (69.0-P versus 31.0-NP, p=.06). The pregnancy outcome was influenced by the age of ovulatory follicle for between the wave patterns and by follicular count as well as FSH surge concentration for within the wave patterns. A shorter luteal phase reduced the pregnancy outcome, a novel finding of the present study.

Productive Performance, Ovarian Follicular Development, Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidative Status, and Egg Quality in Laying Hens Fed Diets Supplemented with Salvia officinalis and Origanum majorana Powder Levels.

Simple SummaryPhytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds which can act to mimic estrogen and cause estrogenic effects via binding to estrogen receptors-α and β. Phytoestrogen enhances laying performance during post-peak laying in hens. Hence, the current study investigated the effects of Salvia officinalis and/or Origanum majorana as phytoestrogen sources on productive performance, ovarian follicular development, lipid peroxidation, antioxidative status, and egg quality in laying hens. A total of 294 (45-week-old Bovans brown hens) were divided into seven experimental groups. The control group was fed with the basal diet; the second and third groups were provided with the same control diet further supplemented with 0.5 and 1 kg/ton Salvia officinalis, respectively; the fourth and fifth groups received the control diet further supplemented with 0.5 and 1 kg/ton Origanum majorana, respectively; while the sixth group was offered a diet supplemented with 0.5 kg/ton Salvia officinalis and 0.5 kg/ton Origanum majorana. Finally, the seventh group received a diet supplemented with 1 kg/ton Salvia officinalis and 1 kg/ton Origanum majorana. The results reveal that dietary supplementation with Salvia officinalis and/or Origanum improved productive performance, ovarian follicular development, antioxidant activity, hormonal status, and steroidogenesis in Bovans brown laying hens.This study aimed to assess the effect of dietary supplementation with different levels of Salvia officinalis and/or Origanum majorana on productive performance, ovarian follicular development, lipid peroxidation, antioxidative status, and egg quality in laying hens. Two hundred and ninety-four 45-week-old Bovans brown hens were allocated into seven groups, with seven replicates of six hens each. The first group was fed with the basal considered as a control (A); the second (B) and third (C) groups were provided with the same control diet further supplemented with 0.5 and 1 kg/ton Salvia officinalis, respectively; the fourth (D) and fifth (E) groups received the control diet further supplemented with 0.5 and 1 kg/ton Origanum majorana, respectively; while the sixth (F) and the seventh (G) groups were offered a diet supplemented with 0.5 kg/ton Salvia officinalis and 0.5 kg/ton Origanum majorana and 1 kg/ton Salvia officinalis and 1 kg/ton Origanum majorana, respectively. No significant effects were observed in the final body weight (BW) and feed intake (FI) of the laying hens. In the diets supplemented with Salvia officinalis and Origanum majorana, the egg weights for groups C, F, and G had significantly higher values only compared to group D. The supplementation of the diets with Salvia officinalis and/or Origanum majorana significantly (p < 0.05) increased the Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol estrogenic hormone concentration, except for Origanum majorana at both levels with regard to estradiol. The dietary utilization of Salvia officinalis and Origanum majorana did not significantly alter the plasma glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), total protein, albumin, globulin, and High density lipoprotein (HDL) parameters. Cholesterol, glucose, triglyceride, and Low density lipoprotein (LDL) were decreased (p < 0.05) in the birds fed with Salvia officinalis and/or Origanum majorana supplemented diets. Moreover, at both doses, the dietary supplementation with Salvia officinalis and Origanum majorana decreased (p < 0.05) the yolk cholesterol and liver Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In addition, the dietary enrichment with Salvia officinalis and/or Origanum majorana decreased (p < 0.05) the palmitoleic and stearic fatty acids’ egg yolk concentration. In contrast, the yolk linoleic fatty acid concentration was significantly increased by Salvia officinalis and/or Origanum majorana. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Salvia officinalis and/or Origanum positively affected productive performance, ovarian follicular development, antioxidant activity, hormonal status, and steroidogenesis in Bovans brown laying hens.

RFRP-3 synchronized with photoperiods regulates the seasonal reproduction of striped hamsters.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of RFRP-3 synchronized with photoperiods on regulating the seasonal reproduction of striped hamsters. The striped hamsters were raised separately under long-day (LD; 16 h light/8 h dark), medium-day (MD; 12 h light/12 h dark) or short-day (SD; 8 h light/16 h dark) conditions for 8 weeks. RFRP-3 and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) mRNA levels in the hypothalamus, testis or ovaries in three groups were detected using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Melatonin (MLT), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations in serum were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The correlation between RFRP-3 and GnRH mRNA and FSH and LH concentrations was also analyzed. MLT negatively regulated the expression of RFRP-3. Significant differences for RFRP-3 mRNA existed in the three groups, which positively correlated with the GnRH and the FSH and LH concentrations. RFRP-3 mRNA levels in the hypothalamus were significantly higher than those in ovaries or testis. RFRP-3 levels in the hypothalamus were significantly lower in female than in male under SD conditions, while those in ovaries were significantly higher than those in testes under LD conditions. MLT decreased RFRP neuron activity, and RFRP-3 regulated the reproduction of striped hamsters.

Alterations of DNA methylation were associated with the rapid growth of cortisol-producing adrenocortical adenoma during pregnancy

BackgroundCortisol-producing adrenocortical adenoma (CPA) during pregnancy rarely occurs in clinic. Growing evidence suggests that DNA methylation plays a key role in adrenocortical adenomas. The present study aims to examine the genome-wide DNA methylation profiles and identify the differences in DNA methylation signatures of non-pregnant and pregnant patients with CPA.ResultsFour pregnant and twelve non-pregnant patients with CPA were enrolled. The pregnant patients with CPA had higher serum cortisol, Estradiol, Progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin concentration, while having lower serum FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and luteinizing hormone concentrations (P < 0.01). Compared with the non-pregnant patients, the duration is shorter, and the growth rate of the tumor is faster in pregnant patients with CPA (P < 0.05). Morphology and cell proliferation assay showed that the percentage of Ki-67 positive cells in CPA were higher in pregnant group than non-pregnant group (8.0% vs 5.5%, P < 0.05). The DNA methylation analysis showed that Genome-wide DNA methylation signature difference between pregnant and non-pregnant with CPA, that the pregnant group had more hypermethylated DMPs (67.94% vs 22.16%) and less hypomethylated DMPs (32.93% vs 77.84%). The proportion of hypermethylated DMPs was relatively high on chromosomes 1 (9.68% vs 8.67%) and X (4.99% vs 3.35%) but lower on chromosome 2(7.98% vs 12.92%). In pregnant patients with CPA, 576 hypomethylated DMPs and 1109 hypermethylated DMPs were identified in the DNA promoter region. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway, Ras/MAPK Pathway and PI3K-AKT Pathway were associated with the development of CPA during pregnancy.ConclusionsGenome-wide DNA methylation profiling of CPA in non-pregnant and pregnant patients was identified in the present study. Alterations of DNA methylation were associated with the pathogenesis and exacerbation of CPA during pregnancy.

Effects of FecB Mutation on Estrus, Ovulation, and Endocrine Characteristics in Small Tail Han Sheep.

The Booroola fecundity gene (FecB) has a mutation that was found to increase the ovulation rate and litter size in Booroola Merino sheep. This mutation is also associated with the fecundity of small-tail han (STH) sheep, an important maternal breed used to produce hybrid offspring for mutton production in China. Previous research showed that the FecB gene affects reproduction in STH sheep, based on litter size records. However, the effects of this gene on estrus, ovulation, and endocrine characteristics in these sheep remain unclear. Here, we analyzed the traits mentioned earlier and compared them among the three FecB genotypes of STH ewes using estrus synchronization. Overall, 53 pluriparous ewes were selected from among 890 STH ewes and subjected to FecB genotyping for experiments to characterize estrous and ovulation rates. FecB heterozygous (+B) ewes presented an earlier onset of estrus (42.9 ± 2.2 h) and a shorter estrous cycle (17.2 ± 0.2 days) (P ≤ 0.05). The ovulation rates increased with the increasing copy number of the B allele (P ≤ 0.01). Ovulation time showed no significant differences among the three FecB genotypes. The serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone, estrogen (E2), and progesterone (P4) were measured in 19 of the ewes. Serum concentrations of E2 and FSH dramatically varied around the time of behavioral estrus. In FecB mutant homozygous (BB) ewes, E2 concentration had two peaks, which were higher (P ≤ 0.05) than those of ++ genotypes. FSH concentration of BB ewes was higher (P ≤ 0.05) than that of the ++ ewes just after estrus. The expression of the estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) gene in the +B genotype was higher than in the other genotypes. Based on the data for the reproductive performance of STH ewes with the three FecB genotypes, our study suggests that the development of follicles in ewes with the B allele is dependent on the response to FSH regulated by E2 in the early stage. +B ewes, exhibiting moderate ovulation and litter size and a shorter estrous cycle, can be highly recommended in sheep crossbreeding systems for commercial mutton production. Moreover, this study provides useful information to conserve better and use the genetic resources of STH sheep in China.

Follicle-stimulating hormone regulates glycolysis of water buffalo follicular granulosa cells through AMPK/SIRT1 signalling pathway.

Glycolysis in follicular granulosa cells (GCs) is the primary source of energy metabolism substrate of oocytes and is closely related to follicular development in mammals. Many physiological functions of GCs are regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In contrast, whether FSH regulates the glycolysis of GCs and its mechanism remains unclear. This study explored the correlation between FSH concentration and glycolysis level of GCs from different diameters of water buffalo follicles, and further explored the mechanism of FSH regulation in glycolysis in vitro cultured GCs. Results showed the variation trend of lactic acid concentration in follicular fluid and the expression level of glycolysis-related genes in GCs were consistent with the variation trend of FSH concentration in follicular fluid from follicles with different diameters. When GCs were treated with FSH in vitro, the expression level of glycolysis-related genes, lactate production and glucose uptake increased correspondingly (p<.05). Furthermore, we found that expression trend of AMPK/Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) pathway-related genes in GCs was consistent with the expression trend of glycolysis-related genes and was positively correlated with FSH concentrations in vivo or cultured in vitro. Activation of SIRT1 increased the expression level of glycolytic key proteins and lactic acid production in GCs, while inhibition of SIRT1 showed the opposite effect. In general, glycolysis in water buffalo GCs in vivo or cultured in vitro was positively correlated with FSH concentration. AMPK/SIRT1 pathway plays an important role in the regulation of FSH on glycolysis in GCs. Our findings will enrich the understanding of FSH regulating the development of water buffalo follicles.