Follicle-stimulating Hormone Stimulation Research Articles

Successful Pregnancy and Delivery after Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Combined with Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease: A Case Report

Background:: Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is extremely rare in the early stage of undifferentiated connective tissue disease. Patients with POI find it difficult to achieve successful pregnancy and delivery. Case Presentation:: A 27-year-old female visited an outpatient department for premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and infertility. She had regular menstrual periods since she was 14 years old and had no history of systemic disease. Laboratory tests showed low estrogen (15 ng/L, range 19.6-144.2 ng/L), elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (34 U/L), low anti-Mullerian hormone (0.1 μg/L), normal prolactin (11.48 ng/mL), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (0.97 mU/L). She demonstrated smaller bilateral ovarian volume and positivity to antinuclear and antiphospholipid antibodies. After the failure of conventional drug therapy and in vitro fertilization, the patient became pregnant naturally after treatment with glucocorticoids. Conclusion:: Immunosuppression could help improve ovarian function and pregnancy outcomes in POI patients, but the therapeutic mechanisms are not clear and should be elucidated with more clinical studies.

Identification of Lipids and Cytokines in Plasma and Follicular Fluid before and after Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Stimulation as Potential Markers for Follicular Maturation in Cattle.

The process of follicle maturation leading to ovulation is a key milestone in female fertility. It is known that circulating lipids and cytokines play a role in the follicle's ability to go through follicular maturation and the ovulatory processes. However, the specific mechanisms are not well understood. We posit that dysregulation of granulosa cells influences the ovarian environment, which tries to adapt by changing released lipids and cytokines to achieve follicular maturation. Eleven non-lactating adult females underwent estrus synchronization with two injections of PGF2α 14 days apart. Daily blood samples were collected for 28 days to monitor steroid hormone production after the second injection. To understand the potential impacts of lipids and cytokines during ovulation, a low-dose FSH stimulation (FSHLow) was performed after resynchronization of cows, and daily blood samples were collected for 14 days to monitor steroid hormone production until ovariectomies. The lipidomic analysis demonstrated increased circulating diacylglycerides and triacylglycerides during the mid-luteal phase and after FSHLow treatment. Cholesteryl esters decreased in circulation but increased in follicular fluid (FF) after FSHLow. Increased circulating concentrations of TNFα and reduced CXCL9 were observed in response to FSHLow. Therefore, specific circulating lipids and cytokines may serve as markers of normal follicle maturation.

Serum organophosphate flame retardants and plasticizers in Chinese females of childbearing age: Association with serum reproductive and thyroid hormones

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are extensively used as flame retardants and plasticizers, but their endocrine disrupting potentials have raised concerns. However, the impacts of OPFR exposures on reproductive and thyroid hormones in females remains unclear. In this study, serum concentrations of OPFRs were investigated, and levels of reproductive and thyroid hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, anti-Müllerian hormone, prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T), and thyroid stimulating hormone, were analyzed in childbearing-age females undergoing in-vitro fertilization treatment from Tianjin, a coastal city in China (n = 319). Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) was the predominant OPFR, with a median concentration of 0.33 ng/mL and a detection frequency of 96.6%. In the whole population, tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) and tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) were positively associated with T (p < 0.05), while triethyl phosphate (TEP) was negatively associated with LH (p < 0.05) and LH/FSH (p < 0.01). Particularly, TCIPP was negatively associated with PRL in the younger subgroup (age≤30, p < 0.05). Moreover, TCIPP was negatively associated with diagnostic antral follicle counting (AFC) in the mediation analysis by a dominating direct effect (p < 0.01). In conclusion, serum levels of OPFRs were significantly associated with reproductive and thyroid hormone levels and a risk of decreased ovarian reserve in childbearing-age females, with age and body mass index being significant influencing factors.

Exploring the expression and potential function of follicle stimulating hormone receptor in extragonadal cells related to abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is identified to play a role in postmenopausal disease and hypothesized to affect abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) onset/progression in postmenopausal women. We aimed to detect FSHR gene expression in AAA tissue and cell types involved in AAA formation. FSH stimulation of human umbilical cord endothelial cells (HUVECs), smooth muscle cells (HUCs) and PMA-differentiated macrophages to assess gene expression of FSHR and various markers. Human macrophages activated with various stimuli were assessed for FSHR gene expression. AAA dataset, AAA tissue samples and AAA-derived smooth muscle cells (SMC) obtained from elderly female donors were assessed for FSHR gene expression. AAA-SMCs were stimulated with FSH to assess its effect on gene expression. Lastly, oxidized low-density-lipoprotein (ox-LDL) uptake and abundance of cell surface protein markers were assessed by flow cytometry after FSH stimulation of human monocytes. FSH stimulation showed similar levels of gene expression in HUVECs and HUCs. Only ACTA2 was downregulated in HUCs. In PMA-differentiated macrophages, gene expression of inflammation markers was unchanged after FSH stimulation. FSHR gene expression was found to be low in the AAA datasets. Female AAA-SMCs show occasional FSHR gene expression at a very low level, yet stimulation with FSH did not affect gene expression of SMC- or inflammation markers. FSH stimulation did not impact ox-LDL uptake or alter cell surface protein expression in monocytes. While FSHR gene expression was detected in human testis tissue, it was below quantification level in all other investigated cell types, even upon activation of macrophages with various stimuli. Despite previous reports, we did not detect FSHR gene expression in various extragonadal cell types, except in occasional female AAA-SMCs. No clear effect on cell activation was observed upon FSH stimulation in any cell type. Our data suggest that a direct effect of FSH in AAA-related extragonadal cells is unlikely to influence AAA.

Identification of common genetic polymorphisms associated with down-regulated gonadotropin levels in an exome-wide association study

To investigate whether common genetic polymorphisms are associated with gonadotropin levels after down-regulation with daily gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and whether the polymorphisms of candidate variants influence the ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropins. Genetic association study. University-affiliated invitro fertilization center. Subjects enrolled in an exploratory exome-wide association study (n = 862), a replication exome-wide association study (n= 86), and a classifier validation study (n = 148) were recruited from September 2016 to October 2018, September 2019 to September 2020, and January 2021 to December 2021, respectively. The included patients were aged ≤40 years and had a basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ≤12 IU/L. All participants received a luteal phase down-regulation long protocol. Genome DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood leukocytes. For the exploratory and replication cohorts, exome sequencing was conducted on a HiSeq 2500 sequencing platform. The multiplex polymerase chain reaction amplification technique and next-generation sequencing also were performed in the exploratory and replication cohorts. For the samples of the validation cohort, Sanger sequencing was performed. The primary endpoint was the gonadotropin levels after down-regulation, and the secondary endpoints were hormone levels and follicle diameters during stimulation, the total dose of FSH, duration of FSH stimulation, number of oocytes retrieved, and clinical pregnancy rate. In the exploratory cohort, we identified that FSHB rs6169 (P=2.71 × 10-24) and its single-nucleotide polymorphisms in high linkage disequilibrium were associated with the down-regulated FSH level. The same locus was confirmed in the replication cohort. Women carrying the C allele of FSHB rs6169 exhibited higher average estradiol level during stimulation (P=6.82 × 10-5), shorter duration of stimulation, and less amount of exogenous FSH (Pduration=0.0002; Pdose=0.0024). In the independent validation set, adding rs6169 genotypes into the prediction model for FSH level after down-regulation enhanced the area under the curve from 0.560 to 0.712 in a logistic regression model, and increased prediction accuracy by 41.05% when a support vector machine classifier was applied. The C allele of FSHB rs6169 is a susceptibility site for the relatively high level of FSH after down-regulation, which may be associated with increased ovarian FSH sensitivity.

Selective Modulation of the Keratoconic Stromal Microenvironment by FSH and LH

Keratoconus (KC) affects the corneal structure, with thinning and bulging outward into a conelike shape. Irregular astigmatism and decreased visual acuity appear during puberty and progress into the mid-30s, with unpredictable disease severity. The cause of KC is recognized as multifactorial, but remains poorly understood. Hormone imbalances are a significant modulator of the onset of KC. This study sought to investigate the role of gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in KC, using a three-dimensional, self-assembled matrix invitro model. Healthy corneal fibroblasts and human KC cells in the corneal stroma were isolated, cultured, and stimulated with stable vitamin C to promote extracellular matrix assembly. Cultures were further stimulated with 2.5 or 10 mIU/mL FSH and 5 or 35 mIU/mL LH. Samples were evaluated for cell proliferation and morphology via BrdU assay and imaging; protein expression was assessed via Western blot analysis. Proliferation was significantly greater in human KC cells compared to healthy corneal fibroblasts with LH stimulation, but no changes were found with FSH stimulation. Additionally, in sex hormone receptors, fibrotic markers, proteoglycans, and members of the gonadotropin signaling pathway were significantly changed, largely driven by exogenous LH. The impact of exogenous FSH/LH in the KC stromal microenvironment was demonstrated. These results highlight the need to further examine the role of FSH/LH in KC and in human corneal homeostasis.

High estradiol levels during a long agonist IVF protocol are associated with decreased food intake, higher leptin concentrations, and lower levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein

PurposeTo study whether different hormonal phases affect appetite regulation, food intake, and concentrations of leptin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) during a long agonist in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocol.MethodsFifty-four infertile women were encountered thrice, the first of which was at the beginning of their period (low estradiol). The other two visits were during a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog downregulation (low estradiol) and at the end of a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation (high estradiol). The first visit was the reference; the women served as their controls. The concentrations of leptin, GLP-1, and hs-CRP were assessed from plasma. Dietary intake was assessed using food records (FRs). In addition, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and plasma levels of estradiol, glucose, HbA1c, insulin, and lipids were monitored. Twenty-six of the subjects also had a postprandial test.ResultsDuring the stimulation protocol, leptin concentrations elevated (P < 0.001), and energy intake decreased (P = 0.03), while estradiol levels increased (P < 0.001). GLP-1 levels unchanged (P = 0.75) and hs-CRP (P = 0.03) concentrations diminished, while estradiol levels increased.ConclusionNo increased food intake or weight gain occurred during the stimulation protocol; thus, leptin may protect from overeating during high estradiol levels, and leptin resistance may not occur during a short follow-up. Also, a favorable anti-inflammatory effect was detected. During this study, we observed no harmful metabolic effects, which might affect negatively maternal health.

Effect of CoQ10 Supplement on Spermogram Parameters and Sexual Function of Infertile Men Referred to The Infertility Center of Fatemieh Hospital, Hamadan, Iran, 2019: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the antioxidant supplement of CoQ10 and placebo in the male infertility treatment. The randomized controlled trial study was designed as a clinical trial. Samples in each group consisted of 30 members. The first group received 1 daily dose of 100 mg coenzyme Q10 capsules and the second group received a placebo treatment. Treatment in both groups lasted 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention of semen analysis, hormonal measurement of testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were done. Sexual function was assessed before and after the intervention by using the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction questionnare. The mean age of participants was 34.07 (5.26) years in the CoQ10 group and 34.83 (6.22) in the placebo one. Normal volume of semen (P=0.10), viscosity (P=0.55), sperm count (P=0.28), and sperm motility (P=0.33) in the CoQ10 group increased without statistically significant differences. But the normal sperm morphology increased with statistically significant differences in the CoQ10 group (P=0.01). There was an increase in normal FSH levels and testosterone levels in the CoQ10 group compared with the placebo patients, but these differences were not statistically significant (respectively P=0.58, P=0.61). The results also revealed that the scores of erectile function (P=0.95), orgasm (P=0.86), satisfaction with sexual intercourse (P=0.61), overall satisfaction (P=0.69) and the score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF, P=0.82) were greater after the intervention in the CoQ10 group than in the placebo group although the difference was not statistically significant. The use of CoQ10 supplement can improve sperm morphology; however, in other sperm parameters and also in some hormones increased after the intervention, this was not statistically significant and therefore the result is not conclusive (registration number: IRCT20120215009014N322).

Co-Culture of Cryopreserved Healthy Sertoli Cells with Testicular Tissue of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) Patients in Culture Media Containing Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)/Testosterone Has No Advantage in Germ Cell Maturation.

Different cell culture conditions and techniques have been used to mature spermatogenic cells to increase the success of in vitro fertilization. Sertoli cells (SCs) are essential in maintaining spermatogenesis and FSH stimulation exerts its effect through direct or indirect actions on SCs. The effectiveness of FSH and testosterone added to the co-culture has been demonstrated in other studies to provide microenvironment conditions of the testicular niche and to contribute to the maturation and meiotic progression of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In the present study, we investigated whether co-culture of healthy SCs with the patient's testicular tissue in the medium supplemented with FSH/testosterone provides an advantage in the differentiation and maturation of germ cells in NOA cases (N = 34). In men with obstructive azoospermia (N = 12), healthy SCs from testicular biopsies were identified and purified, then cryopreserved. The characterization of healthy SCs was done by flow cytometry (FC) and immunohistochemistry using antibodies specific for GATA4 and vimentin. FITC-conjugated annexin V/PI staining and the MTT assay were performed to compare the viability and proliferation of SCs before and after freezing. In annexin V staining, no difference was found in percentages of live and apoptotic SCs, and MTT showed that cryopreservation did not inhibit SC proliferation compared to the pre-freezing state. Then, tissue samples from NOA patients were processed in two separate environments containing FSH/testosterone and FSH/testosterone plus co-culture with thawed healthy SCs for 7 days. FC was used to measure 7th-day levels of specific markers expressed in spermatogonia (VASA), meiotic cells (CREM), and post-meiotic cells (protamine-2 and acrosin). VASA and acrosin basal levels were found to be lower in infertile patients compared to the OA group (8.2% vs. 30.6% and 12.8% vs. 30.5%, respectively; p < 0.05). Compared to pre-treatment measurements, on the 7th day in the FSH/testosterone environment, CREM levels increased by 58.8% and acrosin levels increased by 195.5% (p < 0.05). Similarly, in medium co-culture with healthy SCs, by day 7, CREM and acrosin levels increased to 92.2% and 204.8%, respectively (p < 0.05). Although VASA and protamine levels increased in both groups, they did not reach a significant level. No significant difference was found between the day 7 increase rates of CREM, VASA, acrosin and protamine-2 in either FSH/testosterone-containing medium or in medium additionally co-cultured with healthy SCs (58.8% vs. 92.2%, 120.6% vs. 79.4%, 195.5% vs. 204.8%, and 232.3% vs. 198.4%, respectively; p > 0.05). Our results suggest that the presence of the patient's own SCs for maturation of germ cells in the culture medium supplemented with FSH and testosterone is sufficient, and co-culture with healthy SCs does not have an additional advantage. In addition, the freezing-thawing process would not impair the viability and proliferation of SCs.

The impact of FSH stimulation and age on the ovarian and uterine traits and histomorphometry of prepubertal gilts

This study investigated the effect of age and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) treatment on the estradiol (E2) plasma concentration, ovarian follicle development, endometrial histomorphometry, and ultrasonographic parameters of the ovaries and uterus in prepubertal gilts. Thirty-five prepubertal gilts were grouped according to age (140 or 160 d), and within each age, gilts were allotted to receive 100 mg of FSH (treated; G140 + FSH [n = 10] and G160 + FSH [n = 7]) or saline solution (control; G140 + control [n = 10] and G160 + control [n = 8]). The total dose of FSH was divided into 6 similar doses administered every 8 h (days 0–2). Before and after FSH treatment, blood sample was collected, and transabdominal scanning of the ovaries and uterus was performed. Twenty-four hours after the last FSH injection, the gilts were slaughtered and their ovaries and uterus were processed for histological and histomorphometric analysis. The histomorphometric parameters of the uterus differed (P < 0.05) between prepubertal gilts at 160 d and 140 d of age. Moreover, changes (P < 0.05) in uterine and ovarian ultrasound images occurred between 140 and 160 d of age. Age and FSH treatment did not affect (P > 0.05) E2 plasma concentrations. Follicle stimulating hormone treatment did not affect (P > 0.05) the early stage of folliculogenesis in the prepubertal gilts; however, the number of early atretic follicles decreased (P < 0.05) after the FSH treatment. Follicle stimulating hormone administration increased (P < 0.05) the number of medium follicles and decreased (P < 0.05) the number of small follicles in 140 and 160 d old gilts. In the endometrium, luminal/glandular epithelium height and glandular diameter increased (P < 0.05) after FSH treatment. Thus, injections of 100 mg of FSH stimulate the endometrium epithelium and induce follicular growth to a medium follicle size without affecting the preantral stages in prepubertal gilts; also, the uterine macroscopic morphometry does not change from 140 to 160 d of age.

HORMON YANG BERPERAN DALAM PEMBENTUKAN SPERMATOZOA DAN OVUM

AbstractNormal men after stepping into the adolescent phase, they must produce sperm. Likewise, normal women after reaching the adolescent phase, they must produce ovum. However, there are still many men and women who have produced sperm or ovum and do not know about the hormones that affect on producing sperm or ovum. In males, the hypothalamus secretes releasing factors and stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to produce follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and interstitial cell stimulating hormone (ICSH). The combination of FSH and ICSH will stimulate the testes to produce the hormone testosterone. The hormone testosterone is responsible for sperm production, penis growth, facial hair, and widening of the shoulders. In women, the hypothalamus secretes releasing factors and stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to produce follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH stimulates young follicles until they become mature follicles. Mature follicles due to the influence of luteinizing hormone will rupture, so that the ovum is released from the follicle. Follicles that no longer contain ovum will turn into a corpus luteum. The corpus luteum then produces the hormones progesterone and estrogen to keep the corpus luteum from being damaged.Keywords: Hormones, sperm formation, and ovum formation.

Mechanism of negative modulation of FSH signaling by salt-inducible kinases in rat granulosa cells.

The optimal development of preovulatory follicles needs follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Recent findings revealed that salt-inducible kinases (SIKs) inhibit FSH actions in humans and rodents. This report seeks to increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlled by SIKs that participate in the inhibition of FSH actions in primary rat granulosa cells (GCs). The results showed that FSH causes a transient induction of Sik1 mRNA. In contrast, SIK inhibition had no effects on FSH receptor expression. Next, we determined whether SIK inhibition enhances the effect of several sequential direct activators of the FSH signaling pathway. The findings revealed that SIK inhibition stimulates the induction of steroidogenic genes by forskolin, cAMP, protein kinase A (PKA), and cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB). Strikingly, FSH stimulation of CREB and AKT phosphorylation was not affected by SIK inhibition. Therefore, we analyzed the expression and activation of putative CREB cofactors and demonstrated that GCs express CREB-regulated transcriptional coactivators (CRTC2) and that FSH treatment and SIK inhibition increase the nuclear expression of this factor. We concluded that SIKs target the FSH pathway by affecting factors located between cAMP/PKA and CREB and propose that SIKs control the activity of CRTC2 in ovarian GCs. The findings demonstrate for the first time that SIKs blunt the response of GCs to FSH, cAMP, PKA, and CREB, providing further evidence for a crucial role for SIKs in regulating ovarian function and female fertility.

Granulosa Cell Dysfunction Is Associated With Diminished Ovarian Response in FMR1 Premutation Carriers

FMR1 premutation (PM) carriers are at increased risk of ovarian impairment resulting in diminished ovarian response (DOR) to exogenous follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation. Expanded CGG repeat transcript and RAN-associated protein (FMRpolyG) have been shown to accumulate in cellular aggregates and sequester proteins, thus impairing their function. Sam68 is a multifunctional RNA-binding protein highly expressed in the gonads involved in FSH receptor (FSHR) transcript maturation during FSH-dependent follicular development. The present study examined a possible pathophysiological explanation for DOR to exogenous FSH stimulation in FMR1 PM carriers. We used both a human granulosa cell (GC) line model and human GCs from FMR1 PM carriers to evaluate whether Sam68 is sequestered with expanded CGG repeat transcript. We show that Sam68 is sequestered in GCs, most likely by interaction with the expanded CGG repeat transcript. The sequestration may lead to reduced levels of free Sam68 available for FHSR precursor transcript processing, causing dysregulation of FSHR transcript maturation, and a consequent decrease in FSHR protein levels. Sam68 sequestration may underlie the diminished ovarian response to FSH stimulation in FMR1 PM carriers.

Clinical Features and Management of Suboptimal Ovarian Response During in vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer: Analysis Based on a Retrospective Cohort Study.

Based on dynamic changes of indicators during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and of clinical outcomes of suboptimal ovarian response with different protocols, this study aimed to summarize the clinical characteristics of SOR and provide clinical recommendations. Data of 125 patients with SOR and 125 controls who had undergone appropriate protocols for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer were collected from a single medical center from January 2017 to January 2019. Basic clinical indexes, including age, BMI, antral-follicle count, infertility time, basic follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, LH/FSH ratio, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, androstenedione, prolactin, anti-Mullerian hormone, and thyroid stimulating hormone levels, were analyzed using T-test. Dynamic indexes during COH, including amount and days of gonadotropin, sex hormone levels, and number of large/medium/small follicles at specified time periods, were analyzed using T-test and joint diagnosis analysis with ROC curves. Indexes of laboratory and clinical indicators were analyzed using the chi-square test. For the SOR group, BMI, duration time, and dosage of gonadotropin used for SOR were significantly higher. In the ultra-long/long group, ROC curve analysis showed that the LH/FSH ratio and BMI yielded cutoff values of 0.61 and 21.35 kg/m2, respectively. A combined diagnosis of the two indexes showed higher sensitivity (90%) and specificity (59%). In the GnRH-ant group, ROC curve analysis showed an LH level, an LH/FSH ratio on COH day 2, and BMI yielded cutoff values of 2.47 IU/L, 0.57, and 23.95 kg/m2, respectively. Combining the two indexes with BMI, both showed increased sensitivity (77%) and specificity (72% and 74%). The estradiol level and progesterone level during the late follicular stage in SOR patients were significantly lower than those in control patients for both protocol groups. At each monitoring time, delayed follicular development was observed. The live-birth rate in fresh cycles of the ultra-long/long group and the live-birth rate in cumulative cycles of the antagonist group in the SOR group were lower than those in the control group. SOR had adverse effects on clinical outcome. We provide some threshold values of basic LH/FSH ratio, BMI, COH day 2 LH, counts of follicles, and levels of estradiol/progesterone to be taken as reference to assist the early recognition of SOR.

Effect of fluoxetine on cyclic adenosine monophosphate response to follicle-stimulating hormone in HEK cells

Fluoxetine is an antidepressant that acts as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Fluoxetine has exhibited different mechanisms of action on many different cell lines. In this study, the effect of fluoxetine on cAMP production in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells under the stimulation of bovine follicle-stimulating hormone were examined. HEK cells were incubated for 60 minutes with fluoxetine at different concentrations (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25 and 50 μM), and then cAMP accumulation, ATP level, and AMPK phosphorylation and cell viability were tested. Our results showed that fluoxetine at 25 and 50 μM attenuated cAMP levels in cells after bFSH stimulation. The depletion of cAMP at this concentration is accompanied by a decrease in ATP energy and an increased capacity to phosphorylate AMPK. As such, this study showed that fluoxetine induces a reduction in cAMP accumulation and that it is associated with the AMPK pathway in HEK cells

Hormonal study of the effect of sesame oil in female albino rats whose ovaries had been removed

This study was conducted to investigate the physiological effect of sesame seed oil (Sesamum indicum) in the case of oral treatment on post-menopause and the occurrence of surgical menopause as a result of the removal of the ovaries, by studying the changes in some hormones in the blood serum of adult female albino rats (Albino Rats). as 15 adult rats about three months old, with weights ranging from 160-180 g were used. The animals were randomly divided into three groups with five animals for each group. The first group represented the negative control, which was normal without removal of the ovaries, and the second represented the positive control that was removed The ovaries were completely removed, and the third group completely removed the ovaries and treated them orally with sesame oil at a concentration of 4 ml/ kg of body weight per day for 30 days. The results of laboratory tests for serum samples of the completely removed ovaries group compared to the negative control group showed a significant decrease (P&lt;0.05) in the levels of estrogen and progesterone, while an insignificant increase )P (0.05&lt;in prolactin levels was observed, and significant (P&lt;0.05) for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteal stimulating hormone (LH).

MiRNA expression analysis of the sheep follicle during the prerecruitment, dominant, and mature stages of development under FSH stimulation

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) has been widely reported to influence ovarian follicular development, and miRNAs play a significant role in mammalian follicular development by regulating their target genes. Therefore, it is of interest to explore the roles of miRNAs in sheep follicular development during FSH stimulation. In the current study, we constructed miRNA expression profiles of small follicles (SFs, prerecruitment stage), medium follicles (MFs, dominance stage), and large follicles (LFs, maturation stage). Three and 50 significant differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified in the MF vs. SF and LF vs. SF comparisons, respectively, and none were identified in the LF vs. MF comparison. Oar-miR-10a was significantly downregulated in MFs compared with SFs. In LFs compared with SFs, miR-212-3p, miR-212-5p and miR-202-5p were significantly upregulated, and miR-27a-3p, miR-181a-5p, miR-204-5p, and miR-182-5p were significantly downregulated. Furthermore, we predicted the target genes of significant DEMs and performed functional enrichment analyses of these target genes. Analyses of KEGG pathways and GO terms showed that the putative target genes were significantly enriched in ovarian steroidogenesis, glutathione metabolism, positive regulation of cell differentiation, positive regulation of cell development, and cellular response to oxygen-containing compounds. Analyses of miRNA–gene regulatory networks suggested that miR-181a-5p–CYP11A1, (miR-27a-3p and miR-129-5p)–LDLR, (miR-212-3p and miR-212-5p)–EFNA5, (miR-181a-5p, miR-182-5p, and miR-27a-3p)–INHBA, and miR-182-5p–SOD2 might be involved in follicular development. The present study provides basic data and suggests research directions for further exploration of the roles of miRNAs in sheep follicular development under FSH stimulation.

Superovulation response of Peranakan Ongole (PO) and Simmental cows after FSH stimulation in multiple ovulation and embryo transfer program

Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) is a reproductive technology to increase the livestock population in a short period. The success of ovary stimulation programs is influenced by an individual’s response to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation. In this study embryo production was carried out on local cows represented by Peranakan Ongole (PO) cows and exotic cows represented by Simmental cows. FSH stimulation was performed on 10 PO cows and 10 Simmental cows. On Day-1 Cue Mate® (progesterone) was inserted intravaginally. FSH injection (400 mg) was carried out intramuscularly from D-10 at reduced dose with 12 hours intervals (Day-10: 100 mg; Day-11: 60 mg; Day-12: 40 mg per injection). On Day-12, prostaglandin (PGF2α) was injected and Cue Mate® was removed. Artificial insemination (AI) was performed 48 hours after PGF2α injection for 3 times at 12 hours intervals. The embryo was collected 6 days after the last AI (Day-21). Superovulation response was detected on 70% of PO cows and 90% of Simmental cows. The average number of transferable embryos in Simmental cows (9.11±7.27) was higher than PO cows (7.86±7.78). This research shows that Simmental cows are more responsive to FSH stimulation, and can produce more transferable embryos than PO cows.

Endothelial function and concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha during a long agonist IVF protocol

We examined possible changes in endothelial function during a long agonist in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocol. We measured flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and FMD percent (FMD%) from the brachial artery and plasma levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-〈). We studied longitudinally three time points in 27 women undergoing a long agonist IVF treatment at Kuopio University Hospital. The first visit was at the beginning of their period (low estradiol). The other two visits were during gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog downregulation (low estradiol) and at the end of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulation (high estradiol). The first visit was used as the reference, and the women served as their own controls. During the stimulation protocol, FMD and FMD% remained. Toward the end of stimulation, hsCRP (P = 0.003), IL-6 (P = 0.04), and TNF-〈 (P = 0.008) concentrations all decreased, while estradiol levels increased (P < 0.001). Correlations between estradiol and proinflammatory factors or FMD were, however, non-significant. The only significant correlation appeared between FMD% and hsCRP at Visit 2 (r = 0.485, P = 0.01). In conclusion, IVF stimulation promoted no change in endothelial function, whereas hsCRP, IL-6, and TNF-〈 decreased. These findings indicate that estrogen may improve the cytokine profile among healthy women undergoing IVF, but this is not reflected in endothelial function.

A Novel Hypothesis: A Role for Follicle Stimulating Hormone in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Development in Postmenopausal Women.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dilatation of the abdominal aorta, which can potentially be fatal due to exsanguination following rupture. Although AAA is less prevalent in women, women with AAA have a more severe AAA progression compared to men as reflected by enhanced aneurysm growth rates and a higher rupture risk. Women are diagnosed with AAA at an older age than men, and in line with increased osteoporosis and cardiovascular events, the delayed AAA onset has been attributed to the reduction of the protective effect of oestrogens during the menopausal transition. However, new insights have shown that a high follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level during menopause may also play a key role in those diseases. In this report we hypothesize that FSH may aggravate AAA development and progression in postmenopausal women via a direct and/or indirect role, promoting aorta pathology. Since FSH receptors (FSHR) are reported on many other cell types than granulosa cells in the ovaries, it is feasible that FSH stimulation of FSHR-bearing cells such as aortic endothelial cells or inflammatory cells, could promote AAA formation directly. Indirectly, AAA progression may be influenced by an FSH-mediated increase in osteoporosis, which is associated with aortic calcification. Also, an FSH-mediated decrease in cholesterol uptake by the liver and an increase in cholesterol biosynthesis will increase the cholesterol level in the circulation, and subsequently promote aortic atherosclerosis and inflammation. Lastly, FSH-induced adipogenesis may lead to obesity-mediated dysfunction of the microvasculature of the aorta and/or modulation of the periaortic adipose tissue. Thus the long term increased plasma FSH levels during the menopausal transition may contribute to enhanced AAA disease in menopausal women and could be a potential novel target for treatment to lower AAA-related events in women.