High Estrogen Levels Research Articles

Estrogen upregulates DNA2 expression through the PI3K-AKT pathway in endometrial carcinoma.

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy, affecting up to 3% of women at some point during their lifetime (Morice et al., 2016; Li and Wang, 2021). Based on the pathogenesis and biological behavioral characteristics, endometrial cancer can be divided into estrogen-dependent (I) and non-estrogen-dependent (II) types (Ulrich, 2011). Type I accounts for approximately 80% of cases, of which the majority are endometrioid carcinomas, and the remaining are mucinous adenocarcinomas (Setiawan et al., 2013). It is generally recognized that long-term stimulation by high estrogen levels with the lack of progesterone antagonism is the most important risk factor; meanwhile, there is no definite conclusion on the specific pathogenesis. The incidence of endometrial cancer has been on the rise during the past two decades (Constantine et al., 2019; Gao et al., 2022; Luo et al., 2022). Moreover, the development of assisted reproductive technology and antiprogestin therapy following breast cancer surgery has elevated the risk of developing type I endometrial cancer to a certain extent (Vassard et al., 2019). Therefore, investigating the influence of estrogen in type I endometrial cancer may provide novel concepts for risk assessment and adjuvant therapy, and at the same time, provide a basis for research on new drugs to treat endometrial cancer.

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

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

The Role of Dietary Fats in the Development and Treatment of Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease in women of childbearing age that affects approximately 5-15% of the female population. The etiology of endometriosis is complex, multifaceted, and not fully understood. In endometriosis, which is an estrogen-related chronic inflammatory condition, estrogen plays a major role in endometrial cellular growth. High estrogen levels could be another risk factor for developing endometriosis. The aim of this review is to update knowledge on the impact of dietary fats on the development of endometriosis and chronic inflammation in women with endometriosis and diet therapy. Dietary fat may be linked with the progression and development of endometriosis, but studies have been contradictory due to various issues including sample size, different study designs, and different methodological aspects. Results have shown that the risk of endometriosis may increase with a higher consumption of products rich in saturated fats, especially palmitic acid and trans-unsaturated fatty acids. Monounsaturated fats and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may likely be connected with a lower risk of developing endometriosis and with reductions in the severity of disease. Monounsaturated fats, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and a suitable eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid ratio can be used in diet therapy to improve quality of life by reducing pain and inflammation. Further research is needed in order to fully understand the influence of dietary fats on the risk of development of this disease.

Effects of a training intervention tailored to the menstrual cycle on endurance performance, recovery and well-being in female recreational runners – A randomized-controlled pilot study

Effects of a training intervention tailored to the menstrual cycle on endurance performance, recovery and well-being in female recreational runners – A randomized-controlled pilot study

Dynamics of 17β-estradiol under influence of technological operations during production of dairy products

Safety of milk can decline because of high concentrations of steroid hormones like 17β-estradiol, which is associated with the development of some oncological diseases and reproductive disorders. We studied the effects of thermal processing of raw milk and technologies of production of butter and yogurt on the concentration of 17β-estradiol. For this purpose, we determined the amount of 17β-estradiol in raw milk, after pasteurization under different regimes, boiling and during the production of butter and yogurt. Content of 17β-estradiol was determined using the method of immunoenzymatic analysis. We determined that low-temperature processing of milk at the temperature of 77.0 ± 1.0 °С for 1 min caused no changes in the structure of the estrogenic hormone 17β-estradiol, resulting in practically no changes in its amount in pasteurized milk. We determined that 17β-estradiol in milk is a temperature-stable hormone with no tendencies towards significant decrease when subject to high-temperature processing (85.0 ± 1.0 °С for 1 min) and during boiling, because the amount of the hormone decreased on average by 5%. Therefore, we may state that after pasteurization or sterilization, the concentration of 17β-estradiol in drinkable milk would not be significantly different from its initial amount in raw milk. We determined significant increase in 17β-estradiol in butter (3896.1 ± 67.5 pg/g), as compared with the concentration in raw milk (189.4 ± 12.5 pg/mL), and its insignificant content in buttermilk was insignificant (29.3 ± 1.8 pg/mL). The concentration of 17β-estradiol in milk decreased by 25% during 9-month storage at the temperature of –18 °С and by 20% at the temperature of –9 °С. This process can be applied to butter made from milk of cows at late stages of lactation, which contains high level of estrogen. We determined that the steroid hormone 17β-estradiol did not break down under the influence of dairy acid that accumulates as a result of lactic acid fermentation, both with the participation of mixed microflora of raw milk and pure lactic-acid bacteria of fermentation starter for yogurt. The prospects of the studies are the development of a safe maximum allowable level of 17β-estradiol in raw milk and methodological evaluation at a milk-processing factory.

Human Hepatocyte Nuclear Factors (HNF1 and LXRb) Regulate CYP7A1 in HIV-Infected Black South African Women with Gallstone Disease: A Preliminary Study

Female sex, high estrogen levels, aging, obesity, and dyslipidemia are some of the risk factors associated with gallstone formation. HIV-infected patients on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) are more prone to hypercholesterolemia. Bile acid synthesis is initiated by cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and regulated by hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNF1α, HNF4α, and LXRb). The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of HNF1α, HNF4α, LXRb, and miRNAs (HNF4α specific: miR-194-5p and miR-122*_1) that regulate CYP7A1 transcription in HIV-infected Black South African women on cART and presenting with gallstones relative to HIV-negative patients with gallstone disease. Females (n = 96) presenting with gallstone disease were stratified based on HIV status. The gene expression of CYP7A1, HNF1α, HNF4α, LXRb, miR-194-5p, and miR-122*_1 was determined using RT-qPCR. Messenger RNA and miRNA levels were reported as fold change expressed as 2-ΔΔCt (RQ min; RQ max). Fold changes >2 and <0.5 were considered significant. HIV-infected females were older in age (p = 0.0267) and displayed higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (p = 0.0419), CYP7A1 [2.078-fold (RQ min: 1.278; RQ max: 3.381)], LXRb [2.595-fold (RQ min: 2.001; RQ max: 3.000)], and HNF1α [3.428 (RQ min: 1.806; RQ max: 6.507] levels. HNF4α [0.642-fold (RQ min: 0.266; RQ max: 1.55)], miR-194-5p [0.527-fold (RQ min: 0.37; RQ max: 0.752)], and miR-122*_1 [0.595-fold (RQ min: 0.332; RQ max: 1.066)] levels were lower in HIV-infected females. In conclusion, HIV-infected women with gallstone disease displayed higher LDL-c levels and increased bile acid synthesis, which was evidenced by the elevated expression of CYP7A1, HNF1α, and LXRb. This could have been further influenced by cART and aging.

Risk of thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19 who are using hormonal contraception.

Risk of thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19 who are using hormonal contraception.

No association between developmental instability as a general measure of stress and 2D:4D digit ratios in a non-western sample.

Random deviation from perfect symmetry of organisms is defined as fluctuating asymmetry. Fluctuating asymmetry is widely considered to be a marker of developmental instability, developmental noise and phenotypic quality at the population level. In this study, we investigated hypothesized relationship between 2D:4D digit ratios as a proxy measure of prenatal sex hormones and developmental instability levels in young adult humans. In the study, seven bilateral traits were measured for fluctuating asymmetry, as well as second and fourth digit lengths on both hands of 185 individuals, 87 men (mean age: 22.42 ± 3.37) and 97 women (mean age: 22.88 ± 3.87). The second digit length was divided by the fourth digit length and the resulting value was used as the digit ratio (2D:4D). Composite fluctuating asymmetry was calculated using five bilateral traits displaying fluctuating asymmetry. Only the right hand 2D:4D ratio is lower in men than in women. However, this difference disappears when the effect of digit lengths is controlled. Composite fluctuating asymmetry results reveal that men are more asymmetrical than women. There was no significant relationship between digit ratios and composite fluctuating asymmetry. In this study, the 2D:4D digit ratios appear to be influenced (at least in humans) by different digit lengths. This study also confirms previous studies that digit ratios as a proxy measure of exposure to either high testosterone or estrogen levels during early development does not appear to affect levels of developmental instability.

Pregnancy-induced pituitary apoplexy: Two lives at stake

Pituitary apoplexy in a pregnant woman is a devastating condition that develops secondary to a massive increase in the size of the pituitary gland and hyperplasia of lactotroph cells caused by high estrogen levels of pregnancy. The resultant sudden hemorrhage or infarction into the pituitary gland or a tumor leads to gland destruction with serious consequences like acute adrenal insufficiency, circulatory shock, neurological deterioration, and visual loss. Prompt handling of complications is necessary to prevent maternal and fetal mortality. Resuscitation is aimed at the early correction of hemodynamic instability, fluid-electrolyte abnormalities, hormone deficiencies, and intracranial hypertension. Urgent decompressive pituitary surgery may be required if the patient has rapidly declining vision and neurological status. Management of such patients is challenging and requires multi-disciplinary collaboration. We describe here the emergency handling of pituitary apoplexy in a pregnant woman.

Venlafaxine increases aromatization, reduces apical V-ATPase in clear cells and induces increased number of mast cells and smooth muscle cells death in rat cauda epididymis

Depressive disorders (DD) have affected millions of people worldwide. Venlafaxine, antidepressant of the class of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, has been prescribed for the treatment of DD. In rat testes, venlafaxine induces testosterone (T) aromatization and increases estrogen levels. Aromatase is a key enzyme for the formation of estrogen in the epididymis, an essential organ for male fertility. We investigated the impact of serotonergic/noradrenergic venlafaxine effect on the epididymal cauda region, focusing on aromatase, V-ATPase and EGF epithelial immunoexpression, smooth muscle (SM) integrity and mast cells number (MCN). Male rats were distributed into control (CG; n = 10) and venlafaxine (VFG, n = 10) groups. VFG received 30 mg/kg b.w. of venlafaxine for 35 days. The epididymal cauda was processed for light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) and estrogen alpha (Esr1), adrenergic (Adra1a) and serotonergic (Htr1b) receptors were analyzed. Clear cells (CCs) area, SM thickness, viable spermatozoa (VS) and MCN were evaluated. Apoptosis was confirmed by TUNEL and TEM. The following immunoreactions were performed: T, aromatase, T/aromatase co-localization, V-ATPase, EGF, Cx43 and PCNA. The increased Adra1a and reduced Htr1b expressions confirmed the noradrenergic and serotonergic venlafaxine effects, respectively, corroborating the increased MCN, apoptosis and atrophy of SM. In VFG, the epithelial EGF increased, explaining Cx43 overexpression and basal cells mitotic activity. T aromatization and Esr1 downregulation indicate high estrogen levels, explaining CCs hypertrophy and changes in the V-ATPase localization, corroborating VS reduction. Thus, in addition to serotonergic/noradrenergic effects, T/estrogen imbalance, induced by venlafaxine, impairs epididymal structure and function.

17β-estradiol suppresses H2O2-induced senescence in human umbilical vein endothelial cells by inducing autophagy through the PVT1/miR-31/SIRT3 axis

Objective17β-estradiol (17β-E2) has been implicated in activating autophagy by upregulating SIRT3 (Sirtuin 3) expression, thereby inhibiting the senescence of vascular endothelial cells. Herein, we further examined the molecular mechanisms that regulate SIRT3 expression in 17β-E2-induced autophagy. MethodsReverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction was employed to measure the expression of plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1), microRNAs (miRNAs), and SIRT3, and the dual-luciferase assay was used to determine their interaction. Electron microscopy observes autophagosomes, green fluorescent protein-microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (GFP-LC3) staining, and immunoblot analysis with antibodies against LC3，beclin-1, and P62 were conducted to measure autophagy. Cellular senescence was determined using immunoblot analysis with anti-phosphorylated retinoblastoma and senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining. ResultsWomen with higher estrogen levels (during the 10–13th day of the menstrual cycle or premenopausal) exhibit markedly higher serum levels of PVT1 than women with lower estrogen levels (during the menstrual period or postmenopausal). The dual-luciferase assay showed that PVT1 acts as a sponge for miR-31, and miR-31 binds to its target gene, SIRT3. The 17β-E2 treatment increased the expression of PVT1 and SIRT3 and downregulated miR-31 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Consistently, PVT1 overexpression suppresses miR-31 expression, promotes 17β-E2-induced autophagy, and inhibits H2O2-induced senescence. miR-31 inhibitor increases SIRT3 expression and leads to activation of 17β-E2-induced autophagy and suppression of H2O2-induced senescence. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that 17β-E2 upregulates PVT1 gene expression and PVT1 functions as a sponge to inhibit miR-31, resulting in the upregulation of SIRT3 expression and activation of autophagy and subsequent inhibition of H2O2-induced senescence in HUVECs.

Level of Estrogen in Females-The Different Impacts at Different Life Stages.

Historically, a high level of estrogen in women is regarded as the signature for a longer lifespan than men. Estrogen is known to be responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. Ovariectomy brings on numerous complications such as early menopause, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Thus, ovariectomy impacts the long-term health and lifespan of women. However, the level of estrogen at different life stages should be managed differently. Life quality can be measured in many ways, but mainly it relates to how an individual is doing in terms of being healthy, comfortable, and able to participate in or enjoy life experiences. First of all, ovariectomy not only reduces the level of estrogen but also destroys the reproductive metabolism and potentially other metabolism functions; it may also reduce the lifespan because of the overall impact, not necessary due to the low level of estrogen. Secondly, according to the principal law of the lifespan (PLOSP), the impacts of ovariectomy at different life stages will be different. The objective of this article is to provide readers with a new view of the research on estrogen. Based on the PLOSP, we recapture the estrogen levels at different life stages and explore potential alternative approaches to the manipulation of the levels of estrogen based on the biological features of the difference life stages. Thus, a low level of estrogen in the early life stage may make a woman live longer than a woman with a normal level of estrogen. However, a low estrogen level does not equal ovariectomy. Here, we explain the different impacts of the estrogen levels during different life stages; the effects on the lifespan of the manipulation of estrogen levels at different life stages; and the differences among the estrogen levels, ovariectomy effects, life stages, and lifespan. The personalized manipulation of estrogen levels and relevant growth factors according to the characterization of the life stages may be able to extend the heathy lifespan of women.

Potential Adsorption Affinity of Estrogens on LDPE and PET Microplastics Exposed to Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluents.

Microplastics (MPs) are among the most common pollutants in the environment. Because of their small size, availability, and similarity to natural foods, they are commonly ingested by marine organisms. They can cause health problems in living organisms due to their bioaccumulation potential. It is, therefore, unknown whether endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), in particular estrogens, are capable of adhering to the diverse types of MPs found in water. Two MP polymers (low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyethene terephthalate (PET)) that could pose a threat to fish were tested for estrogen adsorption. The adsorption capacity of MP pellets was studied for 30 days in the effluent and influent of a wastewater treatment-plant. A laboratory simulation was conducted to validate the field and laboratory findings. We found that the concentrations of five types of estrogen ((diethylstilbestrol (DES), estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2)) were higher in the influent than the effluent streams. LDPE and PET MPs exposed to influent water in the laboratory had higher estrogen levels than wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) pellets. The PET pellets showed the highest adsorption affinity to EE2, while the LDPE pellets showed the highest affinity to E2. As a result, this study provided baseline data to investigate the estrogen adsorption capacity in MPs.

Structure of human placental steroid sulfatase at 2.0 angstrom resolution: Catalysis, quaternary association, and a secondary ligand site

Human placental estrone (E1)/dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfatase (human placental steroid sulfatase; hSTS) is an integral membrane protein of the endoplasmic reticulum. This Ca2+-dependent enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of sulfate esters of E1 and DHEA to yield the respective unconjugated steroids, which then act as precursors for the biosynthesis of 17β-estradiol (E2) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), respectively, the most potent forms of estrogens and androgens. hSTS is a key enzyme for the local production of E2 and DHT in the breast and the prostate. The enzyme is known to be responsible for maintaining high levels of estrogens in the breast tumor cells. The crystal structure of hSTS purified from human placenta has previously been reported at 2.6 Å resolution. Here we present the structure of hSTS determined at the superior 2.0 Å resolution bringing new clarity to the atomic architecture of the active site. The molecular basis of catalysis and steroid-protein interaction are revisited in light of the new data. We also reexamine the enzyme’s quaternary association and its implication on the membrane integration. A secondary ligand binding pocket at the intermolecular interface and adjacent to the active site access channel, buried into the gill of the mushroom-shaped molecule, has been identified. Its role as well as that of a phosphate ion bound to an exposed histidine side chain are examined from the structure-function perspective. Higher resolution data also aids in the tracing of an important loop missing in the previous structure.

Abstract 141: Associations Between Sex Steroids And Cardiac Arrest Outcomes

Introduction: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death in both males and females although females tend to have better outcomes. While sex steroids influence cardiovascular disease, and low level of testosterone and high level of estradiol is associated with the risk of SCA, little is known about their changes after a cardiac arrest, and their association to outcomes. We sought to characterize the temporal trajectories in sex steroids (estrogens [estrone and estradiol], progesterone, and testosterone) in the post-return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) phase and determine associations with survival and neurological outcomes. Hypothesis: Sex steroids and their temporal trajectories post-SCA are associated with survival and neurological outcomes. Methods: Plasma samples from SCA patients (n=65, 74% males) were collected at the University of Texas Houston between May 2018-March 2020 at four serial time points (0, 6, 24, 48h) post-ROSC. Quantitative sex hormone analysis was performed using LCMS. Data was analyzed by t-test, Chi 2 test and Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) with p&lt;0.05 indicating significance. Results: There were no differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between males and females. Plasma estrogens peaked at 24 hours, whereas progesterone and testosterone peaked at 6 hours. Estrogens and testosterone were higher in males, while progesterone trended higher in females. Hormonal trajectories did not differ by survival, however, testosterone concentrations were lower in patients with good neurological recovery. Lower estradiol was associated with survival (β: -13.80, p=0.016) adjusting for sex, time, and age, while a lower testosterone was associated with good neurological recovery (β: -0.68, p=0.031) adjusting for time. Conclusion: Increased circulating sex steroid concentrations were observed in the post-ROSC phase after SCA. High levels of estrogens were associated with worse survival independent of sex, and lower testosterone levels were associated with better neurological recovery. A larger sample size and simultaneous measurement of cortisol will be important to better understand the role of sex hormones in outcomes after SCA.

RF01 | PMON77 Low Libido Despite High Testosterone Levels in a Man With FSH-Secreting Pituitary Macroadenoma

Abstract Background Up to 60% of non-functioning pituitary adenomas stain for gonadotrophins on immunocytochemistry but do not secrete excess gonadotrophins. Functioning gonadotroph adenomas with clinical manifestations are extremely rare and majority of these are FSH secreting macroadenomas. Diagnosis may be difficult in pre-menopausal women with high oestrogen and variable FSH levels but in men, the unusually high gonadotrophins give the clues for diagnosis. Clinical Case We present the case of a 37-year-old Caucasian male with clinical manifestations of an FSH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma. He had sexual dysfunction with loss of libido for a year followed by bilateral testicular pain and enlargement (right &amp;gt;left). He was initially investigated under urology and had repeated treatment for suspected epididymitis. The diagnosis came to light many months later when he presented to emergency department with headaches and visual disturbance. Brain imaging confirmed a pituitary macroadenoma (3×2.5×3cm) with optic chiasm compression. He had bilateral superior temporal visual field defects. Pituitary profile showed unusually high FSH 200 IU/L (0.7-11.1), normal LH 7.6 IU/L (0.8-7.6) and a high normal testosterone 27 nmol/L (8.5-29). Prolactin was slightly elevated at 474mIU/L (0-350), cortisol and TSH were in normal range. He had polycythaemia (Haemoglobin 181g/l and HCT 0.51 L/L) and old blood results indicate his haemoglobin was above the upper limit of normal for previous 10 years. This gentleman had a successful transsphenoidal hypophysectomy with near complete resection of pituitary adenoma. His vison improved immediately after surgery. Histology of the resected adenoma showed gonadotroph differentiation and immunoreactivity predominantly with FSH and also with LH and prolactin stains. A day after surgery, his FSH levels dropped to 18 IU/L and LH was undetectable. Symptoms of hypogonadism had gradually worsened post-surgery and 2 months later, his pituitary profile showed severe hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (FSH 3.6 IU/L, undetectable LH and testosterone 0.9 nmol/L). He was started on testosterone replacement which he continues till date. He remains asymptomatic with no testicular pain and the last MR imaging, a year after his surgery showed no recurrence in the pituitary adenoma. Conclusion Testicular enlargement and hypogonadal symptoms with low testosterone levels are recognised features in FSH secreting pituitary adenomas. Our patient had testicular enlargement but consistently high testosterone levels prior to surgery and polycythaemia for many years prior to presentation. This may be due concomitant hypersecretion of both FSH and LH from his pituitary adenoma. The reason for low libido despite high androgen levels was not entirely clear. Symptoms of hypogonadism overlap with many non-gonadal illnesses. A normal testosterone level in most cases would not lead to further endocrine investigations. Our case highlights the need to suspect such rare underlying pituitary pathology when dealing with unusual combination of hypogonadal symptoms, testicular enlargement and normal or high normal testosterone levels. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:30 p.m. - 1:35 p.m., Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Effect of a High Estrogen Level in Early Pregnancy on the Development and Behavior of Marmoset Offspring.

The use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has risen steadily worldwide over the past 3 decades and helps many infertile families. However, ART treatments lead to an abnormal internal environment in the uterus, which may increase the risks of health problems for the offspring. Higher maternal estradiol (E2) is a notable feature in women who use ART treatments, and this has been suggested as a key factor for the risk of diseases in the offspring. In the current study, we have established a marmoset model with a high E2 level in early pregnancy to examine its potential risk to the development and behavior of the offspring. In comparison with the normal group, babies of the high E2 group exhibited lower average survival rates and birth weights. However, those who survived in the high E2 group demonstrated normal vocal production with rich call repertoires, normal speed during locomotion, and normal behaviors in the home cage. In contrast to the normal group, surviving babies of the high E2 group spent more time sleeping during development without signs of sleep disorders. In summary, our study revealed that high estrogen in early pregnancy may cause low survival rates and birth weights of the offspring, though the surviving infants did not show obvious behavioral deficiencies during development. The current study is a valuable and highly important non-human primate study for evaluating the safety of ART treatments. However, it is worth noting that some results did not reach the significant level, which may be due to the small sample size caused by animal shortage stemming from the COVID-19 epidemic.

Metabolic syndrome with involvement of the male reproductive system

Metabolic syndrome is an endocrine disorder that involves systemic alterations of intermediate metabolism, cardiovascular, hormonal, and reproductive systems. It is characterized by central obesity, elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, which lead to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and renal diseases. At the clinical level, the central axis of patients with metabolic syndrome focuses on the prevention of cardiorenometabolic comorbidities, however, it's not common that the physician addresses the issue of male reproduction and its implications. Currently there is increasing evidence that patients with metabolic syndrome have low levels of testosterone, GnRH, FSH and LH and high levels of estrogen which impacts sperm quality, fertility, and sexual health, which can undoubtedly be reversible upon remission of the metabolic syndrome. This review addresses clinically how metabolic syndrome impacts the male reproductive system, addressing male fertility, testicular endocrine function, and sexual health.

Sex-dependent effects of multiple acute concurrent stresses on memory: a role for hippocampal estrogens.

Memory disruption commonly follows chronic stress, whereas acute stressors are generally benign. However, acute traumas such as mass shootings or natural disasters—lasting minutes to hours and consisting of simultaneous physical, social, and emotional stresses—are increasingly recognized as significant risk factors for memory problems and PTSD. Our prior work has revealed that these complex stresses (concurrent multiple acute stresses: MAS) disrupt hippocampus-dependent memory in male rodents. In females, the impacts of MAS are estrous cycle-dependent: MAS impairs memory during early proestrus (high estrogens phase), whereas the memory of female mice stressed during estrus (low estrogens phase) is protected. Female memory impairments limited to high estrogens phases suggest that higher levels of estrogens are necessary for MAS to disrupt memory, supported by evidence that males have higher hippocampal estradiol than estrous females. To test the role of estrogens in stress-induced memory deficits, we blocked estrogen production using aromatase inhibitors. A week of blockade protected male and female mice from MAS-induced memory disturbances, suggesting that high levels of estrogens are required for stress-provoked memory impairments in both males and females. To directly quantify 17β-estradiol in murine hippocampus we employed both ELISA and mass spectrometry and identified significant confounders in both procedures. Taken together, the cross-cycle and aromatase studies in males and females support the role for high hippocampal estrogens in mediating the effect of complex acute stress on memory. Future studies focus on the receptors involved, the longevity of these effects, and their relation to PTSD-like behaviors in experimental models.

Assessment of bacterial diversity associated with assisted reproductive technologies through next-generation sequencing

BackgroundTo assess bacterial diversity in infertile couples with their biochemical pregnancy outcomes. Using a retrospective case-control study design, participants were recruited for collection of vaginal swab, follicular fluid, endometrial fluid, and semen samples. The microbial composition was analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplification with (MinION) Oxford Nanopore Ltd.ResultsOur findings revealed that age and endometrial thickness had a significant impact on the pregnancy success rate of pregnant (P) and non-pregnant (NP) patients receiving IVF, with high levels of luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and progesterone in the P group. In addition, the partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed a difference in microbial composition between the P and NP groups, as well as a higher microbial abundance in non-pregnant patients compared to pregnant patients. After comparison between pregnant patients and non-pregnant patients, pregnant patients had a higher abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria and a lower abundance of Actinobacteria, Fusobacterium, and Bacteroidetes at the phylum level. Non-pregnant patients had a lower abundance of the probiotics lactobacillus and a higher abundance of infections Prevotella and Gardnerella at the genus level. As a result, a disordered microbiota in non-pregnant patients, characterized by a decrease in probiotics and an increase in pathogens, could be used as a possible marker for a higher IVF failure rate.ConclusionAlteration of the microbiota of the reproductive tract or the presence of certain microbes, regardless of the degree of pathogenicity that can affect fertilization, as well as implantation and subsequent embryonic development. This could result in failed fertility treatments and a lower live birth (LBR) rate.