Higher Ovulation Rate Research Articles

374 Early embryonic loss is an important mechanism for maximizing litter size in the pig

Abstract Litter size of commercial dam lines of pigs has seen a significant increase over the last 20 years. Although the current large litter size of gilts and sows can be attributed to improved genetic selection and nutrition, much of the increase in total number born has occurred through the continued increase in ovulation rate over the last four decades. Ovulation rate has increased from 14 in the 80’s to today’s average of 20–25 in commercial dam lines. However, high ovulation rate not only causes increased competition between embryos (uterine crowding), but the number of potential piglets born can out strip the number available teats. In addition, fetal crowding can reduce fetal growth and comprise health and survivability of lighter weight piglets at birth. Since there is usually minimal embryo loss observed up to blastocyst formation and hatching, the majority (20 to 30%) of embryonic loss occurs during Days 10 to 30 of gestation, which encompasses a critical period of conceptus development and differentiation, pregnancy recognition signaling, and onset of implantation. This period of early embryo loss is actually essential for establishing adequate uterine space to support fetal survival for a large litter. The period of rapid conceptus elongation on Day 12 of pregnancy provides a key “selection point” for regulating potential litter size in the pig. Establishing the fundamental roles of conceptus- and uterine-secreted factors is an essential step to develop strategies to increase placental and fetal growth to improve overall health and survivability of piglets before and after birth. During the peri-implantation period of pregnancy, porcine conceptuses produce interleukin-1B2, estrogens, prostaglandins and interferons. CRISPR/Cas9 genomic engineering technology has provided a direct method to evaluate the role of key pig conceptus genes. Loss-of-function studies have increased our understanding of the multiplicity of uterine/conceptus factors that are involved with maintenance of pregnancy.

Indian clinical experience on an innovative product in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome

Indian clinical experience on an innovative product in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome - IJOGR- Print ISSN No: - 2394-2746 Online ISSN No:- 2394-2754 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/j.ijogr.2020.089, Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research-Indian J Obstet Gynecol Res

Physiological effects on rabbit sperm and reproductive response to recombinant rabbit beta nerve growth factor administered by intravaginal route in rabbit does

Beta nerve growth factor (β-NGF) is present in the seminal plasma of some species, including rabbits, acting as an ovulation-inducing factor in camelids. Traditionally, GnRH analogues are used to induce ovulation by intramuscular route when artificial insemination (AI) is performed in rabbit does. A specific rabbit recombinant β-NGF (rrβ-NGF) produced in our laboratory was tested as an alternative method to conventional treatment with GnRH analogues to induce ovulation. In the present work, different concentrations (0, 20, 100 ng/mL and 1, 20 and 100 μg/mL) of rrβ-NGF were added to diluted semen to assess its effect on sperm traits (viability and motility parameters). rrβ-NG was used also, incorporated to the AI dose, to evaluate ovulation response (LH and progesterone plasma concentrations, ovulation rate (OR) and embryo implantation at Day 7) after intravaginal administration. A negative control group stimulated with an empty catheter, and a positive control group inseminated and intramuscularly treated as usual with GnRH were also set up. Results showed that seminal quality was influenced by rrβ-NGF depending on the concentration added, being the highest concentrations tested deleterious for semen. Whereas the highest OR was found in the positive control group (100%), concentrations of 20 ng/mL, 1 μg/mL and 20 μg/mL of rrβ-NGF triggered intermediate OR (30, 60 and 42.9%, respectively), and 100 ng/mL and 100 μg/mL had the lowest OR (20 and 14.3%, respectively). Although LH peak was not observed in the first 2 h after AI in the ovulated females from rrβ-NGF groups, plasma progesterone significantly increased at Day 7, except in those females treated with 20 and 100 μg/mL. Also, 98.4% of ovulated females were pregnant on Day 7. In conclusion, rrβ-NGF added to diluted semen affects seminal quality and provokes ovulation, the development of functional CL and conception by intravaginal route in rabbit does, depending on the concentration added.

The follicular microenvironment in low (++) and high (I+B+) ovulation rate ewes.

Ewes with single copy mutations in GDF9, BMP15 or BMPR1B have smaller preovulatory follicles containing fewer granulosa cells (GC), while developmental competency of the oocyte appears to be maintained. We hypothesised that similarities and/or differences in follicular maturation events between WT (++) ewes and mutant ewes with single copy mutations in BMP15 and BMPR1B (I+B+) are key to the attainment of oocyte developmental competency and for increasing ovulation rate (OR) without compromising oocyte quality. Developmental competency of oocytes from I+B+ animals was confirmed following embryo transfer to recipient ewes. The microenvironment of both growing and presumptive preovulatory (PPOV) follicles from ++ and I+B+ ewes was investigated. When grouped according to gonadotropin-responsiveness, PPOV follicles from I+B+ ewes had smaller mean diameters with fewer GC than equivalent follicles in ++ ewes (OR = 4.4 ± 0.7 and 1.7 ± 0.2, respectively; P < 0.001). Functional differences between these genotypes included differential gonadotropin-responsiveness of GC, follicular fluid composition and expression levels of cumulus cell-derived VCAN, PGR, EREG and BMPR2 genes. A unique microenvironment was characterised in I+B+ follicles as they underwent maturation. Our evidence suggests that GC were less metabolically active, resulting in increased follicular fluid concentrations of amino acids and metabolic substrates, potentially protecting the oocyte from ROS. Normal expression levels of key genes linked to oocyte quality and embryo survival in I+B+ follicles support the successful lambing percentage of transferred I+B+ oocytes. In conclusion, these I+B+ oocytes develop normally, despite radical changes in follicular size and GC number induced by these combined heterozygous mutations.

Artificial propagation of indigenous yellowtail catfish (Pangasius pangasius): Experiences and challenges

Yellowtail catfish, Pangasius pangasius namely deshi pangas is one of the major important native species of Bangladesh. It was available in most rivers of Bangladesh in last two decades. Recently, IUCN Red List of Bangladesh has categorized P. pangasius as an endangered species. To save this species from endangered situation, a sequential experiment was conducted on induced breeding to optimize the hormonal doses of pituitary gland (PG). In this regards, three treatments (double doses administered for female viz. 2 + 8 mg PG/kg, 1.5 + 8.0 mg PG/kg and 2 + 10 mg PG/kg body weight in T1, T2 and T3, respectively whereas single dose for male viz. 2 mg PG/kg, 1.5 mg PG/kg and 2 mg PG/kg body weight in T1, T2 and T3, respectively) have been conducted for induced breeding of P. pangasius. Twelve brood fishes (6 males: 6 females) were used in each treatments for induced breeding of P. pangasius and successfully responded at the age of 4.5+ year of its life, breeds between July and August with a peak in August. Highest ovulation rate (100%), fertilization rate (30.0 ± 0.3%), hatching rate (24.8 ± 0.7%) and survival rate (47.0 ± 12.3% after 72 h) of P. pangasius were found in T3. However, there was no larvae hatched in T1 and a negligible number of larvae hatched in T2 (0.7 ± 0.1%) and died shortly. In larval growth of P. pangasius, the average weight was found 2.0 ± 0.1, 4.4 ± 0.1, 6.9 ± 0.3, 10.1 ± 1.1, 16.4 ± 1.7, 45.5 ± 2.8 and 66.7 ± 3.2 g after rearing in nursery pond at 5, 10, 20, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days, respectively. The findings of the present study have disclosed the first success in induced breeding as well as larval rearing of P. pangasius.

Increased number of large non-atretic follicles and co-dominance effects account for high litter sizes in Bonga sheep.

To understand the ovarian basis for prolificacy of Bonga sheep, a total of 31 ewes were selected based on litter size (LS) records and divided into two groups: High Prolificacy (HP) (n=20) with LS≥2 and Low Prolificacy (LP) (n=11) with LS=1. At a synchronized estrus, follicular dynamics were determined using transrectal ultrasonography. Plasma estradiol concentrations were also monitored. In total 27 ewes were observed in estrus being 9/11 LP (82%) and 18/20 HP (90%). On the day of estrus (day 0), the mean number of large follicles was higher (p<.05) in HP (1.78±0.19) than in LP (1.0±0.28) ewes. Prior to estrus, more (p<.05) medium follicles were visible for HP compared to LP ewes. Plasma estradiol concentrations were higher in HP compared to LP ewes (18.91±0.41 vs. 14.51±0.65pg/ml; p<.05) and similarly was ovulation number (2.3±0.15 vs. 1.28±0. 14; p<.05). Higher ovulation rates and litter size in Bonga sheep are evidenced by the previous presence of more large follicles and the existence of co-dominance effects as most likely medium follicles are selected to ovulate.

Metformin for ovulation induction (excluding gonadotrophins) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Metformin for ovulation induction (excluding gonadotrophins) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Thyroxine Supplementation May Improve Ovulation and Pregnancy Rates in Infertile Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Subclinical Hypothyroidism

This prospective observational study was conducted on 220 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) who were allocated into two groups; group one (n=112) received clomiphene citrate (CC) plus thyroxine while group two received only CC for ovulation induction. Patients receiving CC and thyroxine exhibited higher ovulation rate (p&lt;0.001), higher endometrial thickness (p&lt;0.05), higher number of dominant follicles (p&lt;0.001) and higher pregnancy rate (p&lt;0.001) compared to their counterparts receiving only CC. Thyroxine supplementation improves ovulation and pregnancy rates in infertile patients with PCOS and SCH receiving CC for ovulation induction who are therapy naïve.

Pregnancy rates after laparoscopic ovarian drilling in polycystic ovary syndrome patients following unsuccessful ovulation induction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine pathologies and is a frequent cause of anovulatory infertility affecting 5-20% of reproductive age women1. Medical induction of ovulation is considered the first-line treatment option for infertile PCOS women. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) is currently accepted as a successful second-line treatment in drug-resistant PCOS2. Many authors have reported high ovulation (∼80%) and pregnancy (∼60%) rates following LOD3. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) on the reproductive outcome of anovulatory PCOS women. The results of our study were compared to historical controls from literature. Retrospective cohort study. Women unable to achieve pregnancy with ovulation drugs who underwent LOD from 2013-2018 were included. One physician followed a standard technique for LOD and performed all surgeries. Age, BMI, years of infertility, tobacco or alcohol use, pre and post surgery ovulation rates, pre and post surgery pregnancy rate, time until ovulation and pregnancy after surgery were documented. 136 patients who underwent LOD were included in this study. Demographics were divided as follows: mean age 28.9; mean BMI 22.2 kg/m2, and mean duration of infertility 2.9 years. Race was divided as follows: 58.8% Caucasian, 22.8% Hispanic, 14% African American, 3.7% Asian, 0.7% other. Tobacco use was reported by 4.4% and social alcohol use was reported by 37.5%. 39.0% reported successful ovulation with drugs prior to surgery but were unable to achieve a pregnancy. Ovulation after LOD was reported by 77.2% with a live birth rate of 47.1% and mean time until ovulation of 79.0 days. Statistical analysis showed a woman was 2.27% (95% CI 1.83 - 2.82) more likely to ovulate following LOD. This was considered significant on a Chi Square test (X2 = 69.8, P<0.05). Furthermore, a patient was 1.95% (95% CI 1.48 - 2.58) more likely to achieve a live birth following LOD with a mean time of 241.1 days until pregnancy. This was also considered significant on a Chi Square test (X2=22.9, P<0.05). (Table 1). Our study demonstrates significantly improved ovulation and pregnancy rates in drug resistant PCOS women after LOD. Although our rates are lower than those reported in previous published studies, this may be attributed to 37 out of 136 patients (27.2%) being lost to follow up. Some patients also did not achieve desirable results after the surgery due to other factors like male infertility, marital issues and diagnosis of cancer.Table 1ResultsYesNoUnknownOvulation prior to LOD39.0%58.1%2.9%Ovulation after LOD77.2%7.4%15.4%Pregnancy rate prior to LOD33.1%66.9%n/aPregnancy rate after LOD47.1%25.7%27.2% Open table in a new tab

A novel approach for induced out-of-season spawning of Eurasian perch, Perca fluviatilis

In this study, the systematic development of a protocol allowing an effective advanced spawning of wild Eurasian perch with the use of salmon gonadoliberin analogue (sGnRHa) was undertaken. The novel approach used in this study involved the application of a strategy of the repeated administration of sGnRHa (i.e., the hormone was given in two doses: priming and resolving) along with an additional thermal stimulation of ovulation. Additionally, the developed protocol was tested for its suitability in the controlled reproduction of domesticated broodstock. The obtained results suggested that the best interval between the hormonal treatments is 7 days when a water temperature of 10 °C is kept constant between the two injections and when the resolving injection is followed by rapid increments of temperature up to 12 °C, at which spawning is expected. This study revealed that the most suitable priming dose of sGnRHa was 10 μg kg−1, at which the highest embryonic survival rates (>80%) and spawning efficiency indexes (>500 larvae kg−1) (SEI: representing the number of larvae with an inflated swim bladder obtained from 1 kg of a spawned female) were recorded. Furthermore, in most cases, the application of the resolving injection yielded an embryonic survival rate of over 85% with the highest ovulation rate (100%) and SEI values observed in the group injected with 10 and 25 μg kg−1 at the priming and resolving doses, respectively. Repeated administrations of sGnRHa were more effective than a previous strategy typically applied for the induction of ovulation in Eurasian perch (a single application of sGnRHa or human chorionic gonadotropin). Moreover, the protocol applied to wild perch can be fully transferrable to domesticated broodstock, which makes it a valuable tool for the improvement of controlled reproduction of this species for intensive aquaculture purposes.

Oocyte-derived growth factors and ovulation rate in sheep

The physiological mechanisms controlling ovulation rate in mammals involve a complex exchange of endocrine signals between the pituitary gland and the ovary, and a localized exchange of intraovarian hormones between the oocyte and its adjacent somatic cells. The discoveries in sheep of mutations in bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and bone morphogenetic protein receptor type IB (BMPR-IB) together with recent findings on the physiological effects of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and BMP15 on follicular development and ovulation rate highlight some important differences in the way in which the oocyte may function in mammals with different ovulation rate phenotypes. In sheep, BMP15 and GDF9 have each been shown to be essential for the early and later stages of follicular development. In addition, ovulation rate is sensitive to changes in the dose of either of these two oocyte-derived growth factors. These findings are in contrast to those reported for mice in which GDF9, but not BMP15, is essential for follicular development. The evidence to date is consistent with the hypothesis that the oocyte plays a central role in regulating key events in the process of follicular development and hence, is important in determining ovulation rate. Moreover, it appears that the mechanisms that the oocyte uses to control these processes differ between species with low and high ovulation rate phenotypes.

Gestational nutrition 1: alterations to gestational nutrition can increase indicators of fertility in sheep.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between gestational nutrition, fetal ovarian development and offspring fertility in female sheep and to highlight the potential mechanisms underlying these relationships. Adult sheep (n = 79) were fed either a maintenance or 0.6 of maintenance plane of nutrition for the first 55 days of gestation and thereafter fed ad libitum. Fetuses were collected for analysis at days 55 and 75 of gestation. Female offspring were monitored from birth until 19 months of age. Effects of restricted nutrition were observed on maternal plasma concentrations of progesterone, creatinine, albumin and Ca2+ at day 55 and creatinine at day 75. Concentrations of metabolic factors and steroid hormones in day 75 fetal plasma were not affected by the restricted maternal plane of nutrition. At day 55 of gestation, fetal ovarian germ cell development was not affected by maternal plane of nutrition. At day 75 of gestation ovaries from fetuses whose dams were exposed to restricted nutrition contained more germ cells but had lower germ cell proliferation rates than controls. For female offspring at 8 months of age, the dams gestational plane of nutrition did not affect the onset of puberty, ovulation rate (OR) and antral follicle counts (AFC). At 19 months of age, ewes from dams exposed to the restricted plane of gestational nutrition had higher OR, AFC and progesterone concentrations while concentrations of FSH were lower. In conclusion, while effects on fertility per se are yet to be determined, a reduced maternal plane of gestational nutrition can improve indicators of fertility in female offspring.

Identification of differentially expressed microRNAs in middle-size ovarian follicles of Meishan and Duroc sows

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the roles of miRNA in the development of ovarian follicles in sows with high ovulation rate. The miRNA expression profiles in middle-size ovarian follicles between Meishan and Duroc sows were characterized by Affymetrix miRNA GeneChip. Seven differentially expressed miRNA were identified. KEGG pathways analyzed the predicted target genes of differentially expressed miRNA by using the DAVID website. The MAPK signaling pathway may affect the process of ovarian follicle development. Our study suggested that miR-21, [...]

Adding Prednisolone During Ovulation Induction with Clomiphene Citrate in Lean Women with Clomiphene Citrate Resistant Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Background: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of chronic anovulation; insulin resistance is considered an accepted mechanism for anovulation in PCOS especially in obese patients. Excess adrenal androgens are observed in patients with PCOS. An inverse relationship exists betweenDehydroepiandroste- rone sulfate (DHEAS) the body mass index (BMI). The use of cor- ticosteroids could improve ovulation in PCOS by decreasing serum androgen level. Objective: Evaluation of the efficacy of concomitant administra- tionof prednisolone and clomiphene citrate (CC) for the ovulation inductionin infertile lean women having CC-resistant polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS). Methods: Three hundred infertile lean women with clomiphene ci- trate (CC) resistant PCOS were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1:150 patient received clomiphene citrate (5 consecutive days of 150mg daily starting from the second day of the cycle) and pred- nisolone tablet (10 consecutive days of 10mg daily starting from the second day of the cycle). Group 2:150 patientreceived the same pro- tocol of CC plus placebo (10 consecutive days of 0.5mg folic acid daily starting from the second day of the cycle). All patientsshowed clinical manifestations of Hyperandrogenism (variable degree of hir- sutism and/or acne) where 18 patients were dropped out, and data on all relevant outcomes were available for 282 women and data were analyzed from 143 women in the CC-Prednisolone group and 139 in the CC-placebo group. The main outcome was the ovulation rate. Secondary measures included a number of follicles 18 mm or more, endometrial thickness on day of HCG administration and clinical pregnancy rate. Ovarian follicular response was monitored by trans- vaginal ultrasound and mid-luteal phase serum progesterone. HCG 10000 IU was given when at least one follicle measured 18 mm, and timed intercoursewas advised. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between groups as regards age, duration of infertility, BMI,the serum level of FSH, LH, TSH,and prolactin. The mediannumber offollicles ≥18 mm) at the time of HCG administration and the mean endometri- al thickness wassignificantly higher in the prednisolone group than in the placebo group (P < 0.001).Similarly, there were significantly higher rates of ovulation (58.7% versus 23%) (P < 0.001) in the pred- nisolone group. The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the prednisolone group (p =0.006). Conclusion: The addition of prednisolone to CC in CC-resistant PCOS infertilelean patients was significantlyassociated with a higher ovulation rate, number of ovarian follicles ≥18 mm and en- dometrial thicknesson day of HCG administration, and number of patients becameclinical pregnant

Application of Embryo Transfer Technology to Improve Fertility Using GnRH Plus Progesterone and Estradiol Combination (FTAI) of Local South Pesisir Cow in West Sumatra

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of FTAI on embryo production that used GnRH plus progesterone combination to synchronize ovulation of 3 different parity of donor from local pesisir cows in west Sumatra. This study used timed embryo transfer program using GnRH plus progesterone combination in 3 local pesisir cows and 2 cows in time embryo program using estradiol plus progesterone of donor. Ovarian ultrasonography was performed on d 0 (time of AI) and at flushing to determine ovulatory diameter and ovulation. On d 0 at the time CIDR implant + PGF2α injection and on d 7 started ovsynch protocol administrated by injection GnRH and FSH for FTAI without detection estrus. The number and the quality of embryo was evaluated to determine the fertility of pesisir selatan cows. The result showed that the expression of estrus cows tend to high ovulation rate. The diameter size of a follicle was range from 5 to 15 mm with 10.67±2.96 mm in GnRH plus progesterone and 5 to 14 mm with mean was 8.75±2.05 mm in estradiol plus progesterone (P&lt;0.005). The number of follicle ovulation was 27 in treatment A and 18 in treatment B (P&lt;0.05). The number of CL and embryos was higher in treatment A. CL was 19, with 18 embryos and in treatment B was 9 with 6 embryos. The quality of embryo range from 1-4 grade with the transferable embryos was higher in treatment A than treatment B (P&lt;0.05). There was the linear regression between ovular follicle, CL and number of embryos recovery of local pesisir cows. It was concluded that equal numbers of embryos and transferable embryo by using GnRH plus progesterone combination of local pesisir cows.

Combined Letrozole and Clomiphene versus Letrozole with low dose gonadotropin protocol for ovulation induction in infertile clomiphene-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Comparative study

Objectives: To compare the effect of combined clomiphene citrate (100mg) and Letrozole (5mg) versus Letrozole (5mg) followed by gonadotropin injection for one cycle in CC resistant PCOs patients.Design: Prospective randomized trial.Setting: Infertility Outpatient Clinic and Cytogenetic and Endoscopy Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Zagazig University Hospitals.Study group: About 212 PCOs patients with CC resistance (anovulatory response with CC at a dose of 100-150 mg for 3 cycles) were divided into two groups (106 in each group).Intervention: A studied group was randomly divided into two groups. Group A received combined Letrozole 5mg (2 tablets) in the morning and clomid 100 mg (2 tablets) in the evening from the 3rd day of menses for 5 days, group B received Letrozole 5 mg (2 tablets) from the 3rd day of menses for 5 days followed by human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) injection every other day from cycle day 7. Moreover, ultrasound folliculometry started on cycle day 10 then the dose was adjusted according to follicular size. Both groups received treatment regimen for only one cycle.Results: There was higher ovulation rate (85.8%) in letrozole plus hmG group than in the other group receiving letrozole and CC (80.2%), but with no statistical significant difference (P -value =0.65). But, there was statistical significant difference between both groups regarding stimulation characters including total number of mature follicles (≥18 mm) 2.1 ± 1.01 in combined letrozole and CC was greater in group A than in group B (1.66 ± 0.98) with (P - value = 0.009). Stimulation days were longer in group B (18.2 ± 2.5) than in group A (16.2 ± 2.1). Mean total E2 on the day of hCG administration was significantly higher among patients in the clomiphene-letrozole group as compared with that in the other group of letrozole with hmG ( 650 ± 190.3 and 540 ± 180.5, respectively). Also, higher day 21 serum progesterone in group A (11 ± 1.1) than (9.5 ± 0.9) in group B. But, there was no statistical significant difference in mean endometrial thickness in both groups (A and B) (9.6 ± 1.7 versus 9.8 ± 1.5mm, respectively) (P-value = 0.41). The pregnancy rate did not show any statistical significant difference in both groups (P-value = 0.45) ; 32 patients out of 106 (30.1%) in group A compared with 27 patients (25.4%) in group B. Four cases were aborted in group A compared with 3 cases in group B. Four cases had twin pregnancy in group A with only 3 cases in group B. Also, there was no significant difference between both groups regarding ovarian hyperstimulation ; as there were 2 cases with combined clomid and letrozole group and one case only in letrozole plus hmG group.Conclusion: This study showed that lerozole is an effective medication when combined with CC or sequentially with hmG injection in improving the ovulation and pregnancy rate in CC-resistant PCOs patients with higher results when combined with hmG injection, but did not reach statistical significance.

Association of steroid 17-alpha-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (CYP17) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 628 and dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) SNP939 genotypes with sheep reproductive performance.

In a previous study we investigated the association between two single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes, namely steroid 17-alpha-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (CYP17) SNP628 and dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) SNP939, with two temperaments (calm and nervous) in Australian Merino sheep and concluded that the DRD2 SNP939 T/T genotype combined with the CYP17 SNP628 G/G genotype is associated with a calm temperament and could be used as a potential marker for calm sheep, whereas the DRD2 SNP939C allele combined with the CYP17 SNP628 A/A genotype is associated with a nervous temperament and could be used as a potential marker for nervous sheep. In sheep, the association between temperament and reproductive performance has been determined, but the association of these two SNP genotypes with sheep reproduction has not been investigated. Therefore, using Chinese Sinkiang Merino sheep, the present study investigated the association of the two CYP17 SNP628 and DRD2 SNP939 genotypes with sheep reproductive performance. Sheep with the DRD2 SNP939 T/T genotype combined with the CYP17 SNP628 G/G genotype had a higher ovulation rate, multiple gestation rate, better maternal behaviour and lower lamb mortality. Thus, the results of this study contribute to our knowledge of the association between genotypes and reproduction in sheep, which is beneficial for sheep genetics and breeding.

Clinicopathologic Study of Endometrial and Hormonal Changes after Metformin Therapy in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder of women in reproductive age. PCOS, a complex genetic condition, is a heterogeneous syndrome of clinical and/or biochemical androgen excess, ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovaries. Metformin has been shown to improve fertility in the ovulatory patients with PCOS, inducing not only a high ovulation and pregnancy rate, but also reducing the incidence of miscarriages. Aim of the Work: this study aimed to evaluate the effects of metformin on hormonal profile and endometrial tissue, including pattern of immunohistochemical expression of androgen receptors (AR), in patients with PCOS. Patients and Methods: 50 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were enrolled in this study. Each patient was submitted to detailed history taking, clinical examination including hair all over the body, body weight, body height and body mass index (BMI), transvaginal sonography, laboratory investigations ( LH, FSH, fasting insulin, free testosterone). Endometrial samples were taken for histopathological evaluation and assessment of androgen receptors. These investigations were done before and after three months of metformin treatment. Results: there was a significant decrease of BMI of the studied cases after metformin administration (P value <0.001). Also, there was a significant decrease of LH level after metformin administration from 8.07 ± 2.48 mIU/ml to 6.85 ± 3.5 mIU/ml and a significant decrease of fasting insulin level from 13.5 ± 5.3 before metformin administration to 10.2 ± 6.9 after administration. As regard to pathological results before metformin treatment, histopathological examination of the endometrial specimens revealed features of early proliferative endometrium in 32 cases, late proliferative in 10 cases, while the remaining 8 cases showed features of simple endometrial hyperplasia. Among the 32 cases with early proliferative endometrium, 30 cases progressed to late proliferative endometrium after treatment with metformin, while the remaining 2 cases showed no morphologic changes. Among the 10 cases with late proliferative endometrium, 3 cases progressed to early secretory phase, 3 cases to mid-secretory and 4 cases progressed to late secretory endometrium indicative of ovulation. Regression of hyperplasia was noted in 3 out of the 8 cases diagnosed as simple endometrial hyperplasia. As regard to immunohistochemistry (IHC), we found that women with PCOS exhibited marked increase in endometrial androgen receptors (AR) expression compared to the normal fertile controls (p<0.001). Significant decrease in AR expression in endometrial tissue after metformin therapy was observed (p<0.003). Conclusion: metformin therapy in patients with PCOS restores menstrual cyclicity, induces ovulation and showing decrease in LH level, fasting insulin, and AR expression in endometrial tissue.

Impact of Ultrasound-Guided Transvaginal Ovarian Needle Drilling Versus Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling on Ovarian Reserve and Pregnancy Rate in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Study ObjectiveTo compare the impact of ultrasound-guided transvaginal ovarian needle drilling (TND) versus laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) on ovarian reserve and pregnancy rate in patients with clomiphene citrate (CC)-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DesignA randomized clinical trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SettingA university hospital. PatientsOf 644 patients who presented at an infertility clinic, 246 with CC-resistant PCOS were randomized for treatment. InterventionsPatients were randomly allocated to ultrasound-guided TND (n = 124) and LOD (n = 122). Measurements and Main ResultsOvarian reserve parameters (serum antimüllerian hormone [AMH] and antral follicle count [AFC]) and pregnancy rate at 3 and 6 months were evaluated. At 3 months, patients in the LOD group experienced a significantly lower AMH (p < .001) and a higher ovulation rate (p < .05) with comparable AFC and pregnancy rate to patients in the TND group (p > .05) and a significant decrease in AMH and AFC within each individual group when compared with baseline (p < .001). At 6 months, patients in the LOD group experienced a significantly lower AMH (p < .001), lower AFC (p < .001), higher ovulation rate (p < .001) and higher pregnancy rate (p < .001) when compared with patients in the TND group. This effect started to diminish between the fourth and sixth month with an increase of AMH and AFC compared with baseline values (p < .05). ConclusionsAlthough TND is simple, safe, and less invasive than LOD, its effect on ovarian reserve appears to be transient and diminishes at 6 months. Multicenter studies are warranted to confirm efficacy as a second-line treatment in patients with CC-resistant PCOS.

Trio a novel bovine high-fecundity allele: II. Hormonal profile and follicular dynamics underlying the high ovulation rate.

The newly discovered Trio high-fecundity allele produces multiple ovulations in cattle. This study evaluated (1) size and growth rates of follicles in Trio carriers during a synchronized follicular wave, induced by follicle aspiration; (2) follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) patterns associated with the follicular wave; (3) size of corpora lutea (CL) and circulating progesterone; and (4) intrafollicular estradiol concentrations prior to normal deviation. Trio carriers had mean dominant follicles that were significantly smaller in diameter and volume than noncarriers. Onset of diameter deviation occurred at ∼3 days after the last follicle aspiration in both genotypes despite Trio carriers having much smaller individual follicles. Follicles of Trio carriers grew at a slower rate than noncarrier follicles (∼65% in mm/day or ∼30% in mm3/day) resulting in much smaller individual dominant follicles (∼25% volume). However, total dominant follicle volume, calculated as the sum of all dominant follicles in each animal, was similar in carriers and noncarriers of Trio throughout the entire follicular wave. Circulating FSH was greater in Trio carriers during the 24 h encompassing deviation. Trio carriers had significantly more ovulations than noncarriers, and individual CL volume was smaller, although total luteal tissue volume and circulating P4 were not different. Thus, increased ovulation rate in Trio carriers relates to smaller individual follicles (one-third the volume) near the time of deviation due to slower follicle growth rate, although time of deviation is similar, with increased circulating FSH near deviation leading to selection of multiple dominant follicles in Trio carriers with similar total follicle volume.