Higher Testosterone Concentrations Research Articles

CONSEQUENCES OF THE ASSISTANT REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM IN WOMEN WITH HYPERPLASTIC PROCESSES OF ENDOMETRIUM

In women of reproductive age, reproductive dysfunction is associated with uterine factor, which ranges from 24% to 62% in the population, especially in the case of endocrine and metabolic disorders.
 Literature sources show a significant decrease in fertility in such patients, 38.6% of women report infertility, 11.9% - recurrent miscarriage.
 The aim was to study the effectiveness and consequences of in vitro fertilization programs in patients with infertility and hyperplastic processes of endometrium.
 Materials and methods. A prospective cohort research included 75 patients with history of hyperplastic processes of endometrium and reduced reproductive potential (infertility and history of fetal loss syndrome) - the main group, as well as 40 women without uterine infertility and without menstrual irregularities (comparison group).
 Results. In the main group, the average age of women was significantly higher and 1.4 times - the average body mass index against the data of the comparison group (p <0,05). The share of comorbidity of somatic pathology and proliferative processes of the reproductive system (fibroids, adenomyosis etc.) was significantly higher in the main group (p <0.05). Assessment of reproductive function and obstetric history allowed to establish a significantly higher number of pregnancies, miscarriages and intrauterine interventions in the main group (p <0,05). The results of indicators of hormonal homeostasis showed a tendency to reduce the level of antimullerian hormone, although it corresponded to the reference values, which can be explained by the older age group of patients in the main group and a high concentration of testosterone (p<0.05), that required a longer period of superovulation stimulation and a higher dose of gonadotropins, while chorionic gonadotropin was more often used as an ovulation trigger. Women of the main group had smaller number of mature oocytes, more oocytes with cytoplasmic and extracytoplasmic dysmorphism and low-quality blastocysts versus data in the comparison group. The incidence of biochemical and clinical pregnancies did not differ significantly between groups, whereas the proportion of spontaneous abortions was 6.4 times higher in the case of uterine infertility (history of endometrial hyperplasia and polyposis), which was accompanied by a lower percentage of live births in this category of patients compared to the comparison group (p <0.05).
 Conclusions. The research found a reduced chance of prolonging clinical pregnancy and live birth in patients with history of hyperplastic processes of endometrium, as well as a decrease in the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technology programs due to the weaker response of the ovaries to superovulation stimulation. Patients with history of hyperplastic processes of endometrium had a higher BMI, a high proportion of uterine fibroids, adenomyosis and comorbidity of somatic pathology, which is naturally associated with age and pathogenesis of hyperplastic processes of the reproductive system. Patients of the main group were found to have higher androgenic rates and such following features of superovulation stimulation: appointment of combined drugs FSH / LH, high total doses of gonadotropins and chorionic gonadotropin as a trigger of ovulation, also an increase in the duration of superovulation stimulation with increasing BMI.

The High Testosterone Concentrations of the Bucks Used in the "Male Effect" Is Not a Prerequisite for Obtaining High Ovarian Activity in Goats from Mediterranean Latitudes.

Simple SummaryThe introduction of males to anovulatory females previously separated from males (or even without separation) can induce estrous activity within a few days; this is termed the “male effect”. It is a common reproductive management practice on the extensive and semi-extensive goat farms of the Mediterranean area. High testosterone concentrations at the moment of the induction of the “male effect” are usually considered essential to obtain a high reproductive response from female goats. By controlling the secretion of GnRH, it is possible to control the gonadotropins and testosterone secretion. GnRH agonists have been used to control testosterone concentration in different species. Two experiments were carried out to determine if the contact during the seasonal anestrous of the males with the females modifies the testosterone concentrations and if the use of a GnRH agonist on the bucks to avoid variation in testosterone concentrations when the male effect is induced causes variation in the reproductive response of the does.Two experiments were carried out. Firstly, 54 anestrous females were placed in contact with photostimulated males (Photo; n = 27) or with no photostimulated males (Natural; n = 27). Moreover, a group of bucks treated with artificial photoperiod and a group of bucks subjected to natural photoperiod without contact with females was used (Photo Isolated and Natural Isolated, respectively). In the Natural groups, the testosterone concentrations were similar except for three days after the introduction of the bucks to the does (19.72 ± 4.11 vs. 2.05 ± 0.25 ng/mL for Natural and Natural isolated bucks, respectively, p < 0.05). However, no differences were observed in the Photo groups during the entire experiment. The percentage of females showing estrous was higher in the group of females in contact with photostimulated bucks (96 vs. 74%, respectively, p < 0.05). In the second experiment, a GnRH agonist, deslorelin, was used to regulate the testosterone concentrations of the bucks. Seventy anestrous females were divided into five groups depending on the treatment received by the bucks to which they were exposed: photostimulated bucks (Photo group, n = 14); photostimulated bucks but treated with the agonist at the onset of the photoperiod treatment (Photo-Ago Long group, n = 13); photostimulated bucks but treated with the agonist at the end of the photoperiod treatment (Photo-Ago Short group, n = 15); bucks receiving no photostimulation but treated with the agonist at the end of the photoperiod treatment period (Natural-Ago Short group, n = 13) and bucks receiving no photostimulation nor agonist (Natural group, n = 15). The agonist treatment increased testosterone concentrations after the injection, which remained high for the entire experiment (p < 0.05). Six days after the introduction of the bucks to the does, the testosterone concentrations increased only in the Natural group reaching similar concentrations to the other groups (12.17 ± 6.55, 16.69 ± 4.53, 8.70 ± 0.61, 11.03 ± 1.45 and 14.42 ± 3.64 ng/mL for Photo, Photo-Ago Long, Photo-Ago Short, Natural-Ago Short and Natural bucks, respectively, p > 0.05). No differences in reproductive parameters were observed (p > 0.05). These results demonstrate that, at Mediterranean latitudes, anestrous females can stimulate the testosterone concentrations of bucks after a period of isolation. The high testosterone concentrations are not a prerequisite for an adequate response to the male effect.

Effect of dietary n-3 fatty acid and rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) supplementation on semen quality, sperm fatty acids and reproductive performance of aged male broiler breeders.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of dietary fish oil (FO) and rooibos supplementation on semen quality, fatty acids composition and reproductive performance of aged male broiler breeders. Seventy-two 47-week-old Ross broiler breeder roosters were randomly assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangements to include two FO concentrations (0% and 2%) and 3 rooibos concentrations (0%, 1.5% and 3%) for 13 weeks consecutive. The different diets affected semen parameters significantly (p < 0.05), except for the semen concentration and abnormality of the sperm. The sperm of the FO and 3% rooibos-treated group showed better motility and viability when compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The susceptibility of semen to lipid peroxidation was increased in roosters fed the rooibos-free diets (p < 0.05), but it was reduced (p < 0.05) when the diet was supplemented with 1.5% and 3% rooibos. In addition, at 64 weeks, the highest concentration of testosterone was observed in the roosters fed a diet that included 2% FO and 3% rooibos (p < 0.05); however, the difference in testosterone levels between Week 52 and Week 64 was not significant (p > 0.05). The fertility rate of collected eggs from the FO and 3% rooibos group was higher (p < 0.05) than that of the other groups at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of FO along with rooibos improved seminal quality and reproduction performance in aged roosters.

Abstract P084: Sex Differences In Testosterone On Interleukin-6 At Baseline And In Response To Mental Stress

Introduction: Young and middle-aged women with ischemic heart disease are a high-risk group for morbidity and mortality particularly after a myocardial infarction (MI). This group exhibits higher concentrations of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) at baseline and in response to mental stress compared to men. The reasons for these differences are unknown; however, sex hormones may play a role. While testosterone has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects among men; the role of testosterone on inflammatory cytokines among women has been understudied, and no research has examined the influence of testosterone on IL-6 response to stress. Hypothesis: Among young and middle-aged patients with a recent MI, higher concentrations of testosterone have anti-inflammatory effects among men at baseline and in response to mental stress; but are associated with greater inflammation among women. Methods: We studied 269 patients 61 years old or younger who were hospitalized for a MI in the previous 8 months. We measured plasma IL-6 (pg/mL) before and 90 minutes after mental stress (speech task). Inflammatory response was defined as the difference between IL-6 levels 90-minutes post mental stress and resting values. Serum free testosterone (pg/mL) was measured before mental stress. Differences across sex and time were examined with mixed models for repeated measures after natural log-transformation of IL-6. Results: The mean age was 51 years (range: 26-61); 48% were women and 64% African American. Mean values of free testosterone among men and women were 12.6 pg/mL (range: 0.9-29.0) and 1.8 pg/mL (range: 0.3-15.6), respectively. After adjusting for demographic factors (age, race, income), lifestyle and medical history (BMI, hypertension, diabetes, depression) and medication use, the association of testosterone with the IL-6 response to stress differed by sex (p for testosterone-by-sex-by-time interaction = 0.06). Among men, higher levels of testosterone were associated with lower concentrations of IL-6 at rest (β = -0.04; p = &lt;.0001), but was attenuated after stress (β = -0.001; p = 0.93). This change in slopes across time or inflammatory response for men was significant (p = &lt;.0001). In contrast, among women, higher levels of testosterone tended to be associated with higher IL-6 at rest (β = 0.04; p = 0.07) and after stress (β = 0.04; p = 0.14), indicating no change between time points or inflammatory response to stress (p=0.75). Conclusions: Among young and middle-aged survivors of a recent MI, higher concentrations of free testosterone are associated with lower inflammation among men, but with an opposite trend of higher inflammation among women.

Regulation of Cytokines and Dihydrotestosterone Production in Human Hair Follicle Papilla Cells by Supercritical Extraction-Residues Extract of Ulmus davidiana.

This study was conducted to examine the anti-hair loss mechanism of the supercritical fluid extraction-residues extract of Ulmus davidiana by the regulation of cytokine production and hormone function in human dermal follicle papilla cells (HDFPCs). To investigate the modulatory effects on H2O2-induced cytokines, we measured transforming growth factor-beta and insulin-like growth factor 1 secreted from HDFPCs. To investigate the regulatory effects of supercritical extraction-residues extract of Ulmus davidiana on dihydrotestosterone hormone production, cells were co-incubated with high concentrations of testosterone. The supercritical extraction-residues extract of Ulmus davidiana significantly inhibited the secretion of transforming growth factor-beta but rescued insulin-like growth factor 1 in a dose-dependent manner. The supercritical extraction-residues extract of Ulmus davidiana markedly reduced dihydrotestosterone production. These results suggest that the supercritical fluid extract residues of Ulmus davidiana and their functional molecules are candidates for preventing human hair loss.

Associations between blood sex steroid concentrations and risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in healthy older women in Australia: a prospective cohort substudy of the ASPREE trial

SummaryBackgroundBlood testosterone concentrations in women decline during the reproductive years and reach a nadir in the seventh decade, after which concentrations increase and are restored to those of reproductive-aged women early in the eighth decade. We aimed to establish the association between the concentration of testosterone in the blood and risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality in healthy older women.MethodsSHOW was a prospective cohort substudy of the longitudinal randomised ASPREE trial. Eligible participants were women aged at least 70 years from Australia with unimpaired cognition, no previous MACE, and a life expectancy of at least 5 years. Participants who were receiving hormonal or steroid therapy were ineligible for inclusion. We measured serum concentrations of sex steroids with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and of SHBG with immunoassay. We compared lower concentrations of sex hormones with higher concentrations using four quartiles. Primary endpoints were risk of MACE and all-cause mortality, the associations of which with sex steroid concentrations were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression that included age, body-mass index, smoking status, alcohol consumption, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, impaired renal function, and treatment allocation in the ASPREE trial (aspirin vs placebo). ASPREE is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01038583.FindingsOf the 9180 women recruited to the ASPREE trial between March 10, 2010, and Dec 31 2014, 6358 participants provided sufficient biobank samples at baseline and 5535 were included in the final analysis. Median age at entry was 74·0 years (IQR 71·7–77·7). During a median 4·4 years of follow-up (24 553 person-years), 144 (2·6%) women had a first MACE (incidence 5·9 per 1000 person-years). During a median 4·6 years of follow-up (3·8–5·6), 200 women died (7·9 per 1000 person-years). In the fully adjusted models, higher concentrations of testosterone were associated with a lower incidence of MACE (quartile 4 vs quartile 1: hazard ratio 0·57 [95% CI 0·36–0·91]; p=0·02), as were higher concentrations of DHEA (quartile 4 vs quartile 1: 0·61 [0·38–0·97]; p=0·04). For oestrone, a lower risk of MACE was seen for concentrations in quartile 2 only, compared with quartile 1 (0·55 [0·33–0·92]; p=0·02). In fully adjusted models, no association was seen between SHBG and MACE, or between any hormone or SHBG and all-cause mortality.InterpretationBlood concentrations of testosterone and DHEA above the lowest quartile in older women were associated with a reduced risk of a first-ever MACE. Given that the physiological effects of DHEA are mediated through its steroid metabolites, if the current findings were to be replicated, trials investigating testosterone therapy for the primary prevention of ischaemic cardiovascular disease events in older women would be warranted.FundingThe National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, US National Institute on Aging, the Victorian Cancer Agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, and Monash University.

The Roles of Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Testosterone in Spermatogenesis and Folliculogenesis Revisited.

Spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis involve cell–cell interactions and gene expression orchestrated by luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH regulates the proliferation and maturation of germ cells independently and in combination with LH. In humans, the requirement for high intratesticular testosterone (T) concentration in spermatogenesis remains both a dogma and an enigma, as it greatly exceeds the requirement for androgen receptor (AR) activation. Several data have challenged this dogma. Here we report our findings on a man with mutant LH beta subunit (LHβ) that markedly reduced T production to 1–2% of normal., but despite this minimal LH stimulation, T production by scarce mature Leydig cells was sufficient to initiate and maintain complete spermatogenesis. Also, in the LH receptor (LHR) knockout (LuRKO) mice, low-dose T supplementation was able to maintain spermatogenesis. In addition, in antiandrogen-treated LuRKO mice, devoid of T action, the transgenic expression of a constitutively activating follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) mutant was able to rescue spermatogenesis and fertility. Based on rodent models, it is believed that gonadotropin-dependent follicular growth begins at the antral stage, but models of FSHR inactivation in women contradict this claim. The complete loss of FSHR function results in the complete early blockage of folliculogenesis at the primary stage, with a high density of follicles of the prepubertal type. These results should prompt the reassessment of the role of gonadotropins in spermatogenesis, folliculogenesis and therapeutic applications in human hypogonadism and infertility.

High serum anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations have a negative impact on fertilization and embryo development rates

Research questionWhat is the impact of high serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations on fertilization and embryo development among infertile women undergoing treatment with assisted reproductive technology (ART)? DesignRetrospective study of 1036 infertile women undergoing ART; women were divided into three groups according to serum AMH concentrations: AMH <1.1 ng/ml, 1.1–5.0 ng/ml and >5.0 ng/ml. The fertilization and embryo development rates of patients with different AMH concentrations and after stratification according to age were compared. ResultsWomen with high AMH concentrations were younger and had higher testosterone concentrations (0.4 ± 0.13 versus 0.3 ± 0.12 versus 0.3 ± 0.08 µg/dl, P < 0.001) than women with low AMH concentrations. However, analysis of the embryo development rate showed negative outcomes for women with high AMH concentrations, including a poor fertilization rate (76.3 ± 17.36 versus 82.1 ± 19.15 versus 82.4 ± 25.38, P = 0.003), and poor day 3 embryo development rate (55.6 ± 23.88 versus 62.6 ± 26.52 versus 62.8 ± 32.65, P = 0.014). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed significantly negative correlations of the AMH concentrations with the fertilization rate (P < 0.001) and day 3 embryo development rate (P = 0.006). Subgroup analysis showed that age 30 years or younger had a significant negative correlation with AMH and the embryo development rate, including the fertilization rate (P < 0.001) and day 3 embryo development rate (P = 0.037). ConclusionThese results suggest that high serum AMH concentrations, contributing to a hyperandrogenic environment and leading to decreased oocyte developmental competence, may have a negative impact on fertilization and the early stage of embryo development in women undergoing treatment with ART.

Steroid profiling by UHPLC-MS/MS in dried blood spots collected from healthy women with and without testosterone gel administration

The quantification of a large panel of endogenous steroids in serum by LC–MS/MS represents a powerful clinical tool for the screening or diagnosis of diverse endocrine disorders. This approach has also demonstrated excellent sensitivity for the detection of testosterone misuse in the anti-doping field, especially in female athlete population. In both situations, the use of dried blood spots (DBS) could provide a viable alternative to invasive venous blood collection. Here, the evaluation of DBS sampling for the quantification of a panel of endogenous steroids using UHPLC-MS/MS is described.The UHPLC-MS/MS method was validated for quantitative analysis of eleven free and eight conjugated steroids and was then used for the analysis of DBS samples collected in 14 healthy women during a normal menstrual cycle (control phase) followed by a 28-days testosterone gel treatment (treatment phase). Results were compared with those obtained from serum matrix. Satisfactory performance was obtained for all compounds in terms of selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, combined uncertainty, stability as well as extraction recovery and matrix effects. In control phase, high correlation was observed between DBS and serum concentrations for most compounds. In treatment phase, higher testosterone concentrations were observed in capillary than in venous DBS, suggesting a possible interference resulting from testosterone contamination on finger(s) used for gel application.Steroid profiling in capillary DBS represents a simple and efficient strategy for monitoring endogenous steroid concentrations and their fluctuation in clinical context of steroid-related disorders, or for the detection of testosterone abuse in anti-doping.

Productive performance and economic viability of beef cattle subjected to different castration methods in the Western Amazon

This study aimed to assess the productive performance and economic viability of intact, surgically castrated, and immunocastrated cattle. The experiment was completely randomized with 102 animals divided into three treatments: intact (control group), surgically castrated (group I), and immunocastrated (group II). Animal production indices, circulating testosterone levels, carcass yield and finishing, and profit generated by each method after slaughter were determined. Control group and immunocastrated animals showed a higher (p<0.05) total weight gain (TWG) than surgically castrated animals, with means of 181.85, 170.34, and 148.88 kg, respectively. Average daily weight gain (ADG) in immunocastrated was higher (p<0.05) than that obtained by surgically castrated, not differing (p<0.05) from intact animals, with means of 0.534, 0.466, and 0.570 kg/animal, respectively. The assessment of the degree of finishing showed that surgically castrated animals had an adequate fat deposition (three to six millimeters) and maturity. On the other hand, immunocastrated animals presented 50.0% of carcasses with tolerable classification, 36.11% desirable, and 13.89% undesirable. Control animals had a higher testosterone concentration than the other groups (p<0.05), with a mean of 128.56 ng/dL. Immunocastrated animals had a 60.91% reduction in testosterone concentration compared to control animals. However, these were significantly higher (p<0.05) than surgically castrated animals, which had a mean concentration of 12.34 ng/dL, representing a reduction of 90.4% in comparison with control animals. Therefore, immunocastration reduced the damages caused by surgical castration and qualitatively improved the carcass of Nellore animals, thus joining animal welfare and production. However, intact animals showed higher profitability.

Lifespan decreases with proportion of sons in males but not females of zoo-housed tigers and lemurs.

Several studies have shown higher costs of rearing sons than daughters in mammals where males are larger than females. These studies typically focus on females by examining how the offspring sex ratio during a single reproductive event affected mothers' subsequent reproduction or survival probability. Here, we examine relationships between offspring sex ratio during single or multiple reproductive events and several survival metrics in mothers and fathers, using data from zoo-housed tigers (Panthera tigris) and ruffed lemurs (Varecia sp.). Our analyses failed to reveal an overall cost of reproduction or a higher cost of sons to mothers. In male ruffed lemurs, the proportion of sons produced during early life (before 10years old) was negatively correlated with lifespan later in life. In tigers, males with a higher proportion of sons during their lifetime had shorter lifespans. One likely mechanism is the difference in testosterone levels between males: a high concentration of testosterone can increase the proportion of sons and compromise immune function. Our results suggest studies in wild populations should address the outstanding challenge of understanding consequences of sex allocation for males, and open an opportunity to predict lifespan in an applied conservation context.

#ESHREjc report: are fallopian tubes the unsung hero of reproduction?

The fallopian tubes’ role in reproduction has often been simplified into a dichotomy between open, permitting spontaneous conception, and closed, warranting IVF. The January 2021 edition of the ESHRE Journal Club (#ESHREjc) (Lambalk et al., 2021) featured a study published in Human Reproduction that adds to the growing body of evidence that tubal physiology is more complex and has more clinical implications than commonly thought (Jackson-Bey et al., 2020). The authors studied human fallopian tube specimens in static and dynamic conditions in microfluidic devices to assess the potential influence of a high testosterone concentration versus a regular hormonal milieu. Their results, displaying slower cilia beating and inhibited estrogen signaling in the group exposed to higher testosterone levels, underline how we are only just starting to open Pandora’s box of tubal physiology. Indeed, tubes are part of a complex environment: tubal secretions influence embryo...

Spuriously high testosterone concentrations testosterone gel users: A marker for detection

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Integrating Transwomen and Female Athletes with Differences of Sex Development (DSD) into Elite Competition: The FIMS 2021 Consensus Statement.

Sport is historically designated by the binary categorization of male and female that conflicts with modern society. Sport’s governing bodies should consider reviewing rules determining the eligibility of athletes in the female category as there may be lasting advantages of previously high testosterone concentrations for transwomen athletes and currently high testosterone concentrations in differences in sex development (DSD) athletes. The use of serum testosterone concentrations to regulate the inclusion of such athletes into the elite female category is currently the objective biomarker that is supported by most available scientific literature, but it has limitations due to the lack of sports performance data before, during or after testosterone suppression. Innovative research studies are needed to identify other biomarkers of testosterone sensitivity/responsiveness, including molecular tools to determine the functional status of androgen receptors. The scientific community also needs to conduct longitudinal studies with specific control groups to generate the biological and sports performance data for individual sports to inform the fair inclusion or exclusion of these athletes. Eligibility of each athlete to a sport-specific policy needs to be based on peer-reviewed scientific evidence made available to policymakers from all scientific communities. However, even the most evidence-based regulations are unlikely to eliminate all differences in performance between cisgender women with and without DSD and transwomen athletes. Any remaining advantage held by transwomen or DSD women could be considered as part of the athlete’s unique makeup.

Reply: Exposure of human fallopian tube epithelium to elevated testosterone results in alteration of cilia gene expression and beating

Study question How does exposure to a testosterone rich environment affect the function and gene expression of human fallopian tube epithelium (hFTE)? Summary answer Elevated testosterone level alters several gene transcripts that regulate cilia expression and negatively impacts the rate of cilia beating. What is known already The presence of estrogen in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle increases the human fallopian tube ciliary beating frequency. The luteal phase, triggered by ovulation and increasing progesterone, is marked by a decrease in ciliary beating. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may have twice the serum level of testosterone than ovulatory women. To date, the effect of elevated androgens on the function of the human fallopian tube is not well-understood. We chose to examine the impact of elevated testosterone on hFTE. Study design, size, duration A prospective basic science study of human fallopian tube specimens from reproductive-aged women undergoing benign gynecologic surgery was performed. Fallopian tube removal at a large US academic center was collected and provided to us to continue with epithelium isolation and culturing. A total of 12 patients were analyzed in the study. Participants/materials, setting, methods Fallopian tube epithelium was isolated and exposed to two different conditions: normal with low testosterone concentration of 0.8 nM and PCOS-like, with high testosterone concentration of 2 nM. The study was conducted in both static and dynamic conditions in microfluidic devices for a total of 14 days, after which the tissue was collected for processing including RNA extraction, quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. After the first 7 days of each experiment, a sample of tissue from each condition was imaged to quantify cilia beating frequency. Main results and the role of chance hFTE exposed to the 2 nM testosterone displayed slower cilia beating, inhibited estrogen signaling and decreased expression of the ciliary marker FOXJ1 when compared to stimulation with 0.8 nM testosterone. Large scale data N/A. Limitations, reasons for caution The in vivo response to elevated testosterone may differ from in vitro studies. RNA amount was limited from tissue cultured in the microfluidic devices as compared to static culture. Wider implications of the findings Understanding elevated testosterone in tubal function may explain an additional contribution to subfertility in women with PCOS and other hyper-androgen disorders, aside from oligo-ovulation. Furthermore, this adds to the body of literature of fallopian tube function using a microfluidic device. Study funding/competing interest(s) NIH grants: UH3 ES029073 and R01 CA240301. There are no competing interests.

Effect of Supplementation of Zinc-Methionine on Egg Production, Semen Quality, Reproductive Hormones, and Hatchability in Broiler Breeders.

A biological study was conducted to explore the effect of zinc-methionine (Zn-Met) supplementation on productive, reproductive, and immunological response in broiler breeders. Adult healthy 45-week breeder males (192) and females (288) were used in a completely randomized design. Birds were randomly divided into four treatments consisting of six replicates and fed basal diet (control, 40mg/kg), basal diet supplemented with Zn-Met 20 (T1), 40 (T2), and 60mg/kg (T3). There was no effect (P > 0.05) on body weight and feed consumption among the breeders due to the supplementation of organic Zn. The T3 group had significantly (P < 0.05) higher semen volume, sperm motility, concentration, and live sperm count. The seminal plasma calcium and alkaline phosphatase activity were higher (P < 0.05), and total cholesterol and aspartate transaminase levels were low in the T3 group. Birds fed with additional supplementation of Zn (60mg/kg) had improved both cellular and humoral immunity. Throughout the experimental period, the hen day egg production was comparable (P > 0.05) among the experimental groups. Organic Zn-supplemented group showed significant difference in both the internal and external egg qualities-albumen, yolk index, and shell thickness. The higher dose of organic Zn-fed groups had a significant difference in estrogen and progesterone concentration, and the highest testosterone concentration was observed in the T2 group. Supplementary organic Zn had a significant effect on the concentration of Zn and Cu in the seminal plasma. Serum Zn and Cu concentration was significantly increased due to the supplementation of organic zinc in both male and female breeders. The fertility and hatchability percentage were higher (P < 0.05) in the T2 group. It could be concluded that the additional supplementation of organic Zn (zinc-methionine) at 40mg/kg to the basal diet improved the reproductive performance in broiler breeders.

Serum insulin-like factor 3 quantification by LC–MS/MS in male patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and Klinefelter syndrome

Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is an emerging testicular marker, yet larger studies elucidating the clinical role of INSL3 in patients with hypogonadism are lacking. The aim was to describe serum INSL3 concentrations analyzed by LC-MS/MS methodology in males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) and Klinefelter syndrome (KS). This was a combined study from two tertiary centers in Denmark and France analyzing INSL3 concentrations by LC-MS/MS. In total, 103 patients with HH and 82 patients with KS were grouped into treated (HH: n = 96; KS: n = 71) or untreated (HH: n = 7; KS: n = 11). Treatment modalities included testosterone and hCG. Serum concentrations and standard deviation (SD) scores of INSL3, total testosterone, and LH according to age and treatment were evaluated. In both HH and KS, INSL3 concentrations were low. In HH, INSL3 was low regardless of treatment, except for some hCG-treated patients with normal concentrations. In untreated HH, testosterone was low, while normal to high in most testosterone- and hCG-treated patients. In untreated KS, INSL3 and testosterone concentrations were low to normal, while in testosterone-treated KS, serum INSL3 was low in most patients. INSL3 SD scores were significantly lower in untreated HH than in untreated KS (p = 0.01). The dichotomy between lower INSL3 and higher testosterone concentrations, particularly observed in hCG-treated patients with HH, confirms that INSL3 is a different marker of Leydig cell function than testosterone. However, the clinical application of INSL3 in males with hypogonadism remains unclear.

Clitoridectomy and Urethrostomy in a Pseudohermaphrodite Dog

Background: Hermaphroditism is a rare congenital disease that causes ambiguous sexual features. True hermaphrodites have testicular and ovarian tissue, whereas pseudohermaphrodites have only one type of gonadal tissue, genitalia, but secondary characteristics of the opposite sex. Pseudohermaphrodites are classified as male or female according to their gonads. Treatment of pseudohermaphroditism consists of surgical removal of the gonads including reconstruction of abnormal genitalia, especially if the urethra is involved. Therefore, the objective of this report is to describe a case of a male pseudohermaphrodite in a dog treated with clitoridectomy with urethrostomy.Case: A 7-month-old, mixed-breed dog was referred due to the presence of a flaccid structure similar to a small penis, containing an os clitoris, bulbourethral glands, and urethra protruding from the vulva. Physical examination, complete blood count and serum biochemistry were within normal ranges. Hormonal levels of estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone were 56.39 pg/mL, 127.9 ng/mL, and 0.892 ng/mL, respectively. The abdominal ultrasound and posteriorly the exploratory celiotomy found a normal size prostate and two round organs resembling testicles connected to a uterus-like tubular structure. The patient underwent surgical abdominal exploration that confirmed the ultrasonographic findings and led to gonadohysterectomy. Also, clitoridectomy and urethrostomy were performed to excise the protruded structure and maintain normal urethral patency. The histopathological examination of the clitoris and penis confirmed it was a male genital organ, however, the abdominal structures were compatible with the testicles, epididymis, uterus, and even a broad ligament. These organs are normally found in cases of male pseudohermaphroditism. The testicles were histologically composed of regular seminiferous tubules, single layer Sertoli cells but there were no spermatogenic cells. After ten months of follow-up, the patient was alive, without urination impairment or any other clinical signs.Discussion: The animal presented the protrusion of the penile structure as the sole clinical sign. The reproductive system had a female origin, been possible its masculinization due to high testosterone concentration that induced the development of Wolff ducts, resulting in the formation of the epididymis, deferent ducts, and seminal vesicles. In these cases, it led to an enlarged clitoris. The patient described had hormonal levels compatible with a neutered male/female or a female in anestrus. The clinical signs become evident as the clitoris gets hypertrophied increasing the sensibility, resulting in constant licking of the mucosa, chronic inflammation, and mucopurulent discharge. This patient was diagnosed with male pseudohermaphroditism as it had cryptorchid male gonads along with the uterus and external genitalia of a female dog but containing traces of male genitals such as the os clitoris. Surgery is indicated when there are clinical signs or when the clitoris had an os clitoris or urethra due to an intersex abnormality. The surgical resection of the external male genitalia associated with the excision of the internal reproductive tract treated while preserving the urethra in this animal. Clitorectomy is a simple technique and creates a normal female anatomy ending the clinical signs of the exposed clitoris and improving the quality of life.Clitoridectomy and Urethrostomy in a Pseudohermaphrodite Dog

Typological features of the brain in normal conditions and in cerebral hypoperfusion

Relevance. Stress resistance and cognitive abilities of the patient, forming the personal component of the rehabilitation potential, have a significant impact on the course and recovery period after cerebral hypoxia of various origins. The adaptation of rehabilitation measures to the individual characteristics of the patient will significantly increase the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures for stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this work is to generalize experimental and clinical studies characterizing the influence of individual characteristics of higher nervous activity on the course of cerebral hypoperfusion. Materials and methods . The study of literary sources of scientometric scientific bases for the last 15 years has been carried out. Results . The level of stress resistance is based on alternative biochemical strategies of neuronal metabolism of macroergs and neurotransmitters. At the organismic level, this is realized in a greater base voltage of the stress-activating system and a smaller reserve capacity of the sympathoadrenal system. In general, this leads to more severe cerebral hypoperfusion in stress-resistant individuals and slower recovery and is correlated with a high baseline sympathetic nervous system tone, insulin and testosterone concentrations. At the same time, a low level of stress resistance determines a greater sensitivity to exogenous corrective influences in cerebral hypoperfusion. The level of cognitive ability is associated with astrocytic responses and the organization of synaptic ensembles. The participation of astrocytes in the regulation of glutamate levels probably has a combined effect on both the state of cognitive mechanisms and damage to the components of neuroglial assemblies during hypoxia. This is also due to the release of S100 +, which, in turn, enhances the coordinated oscillations of neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus and may be the cause of greater damage to the cells of the cerebral hemispheres of the brain in animals with a high level of cognitive abilities in the cerebral hypoperfusion model.

The crust of a male: does size matter when females are fertile?

Mammalian odors are frequently sexually dimorphic, with males often exhibiting a stronger, or otherwise distinct, odor relative to females, which can be especially useful for nocturnal species with reduced use of vision. Some male bats exhibit intense odors to attract females and reproduce, presumably as a consequence of a high concentration of testosterone. This usually coincides with the fertile period of females, which can be difficult to recognize visually because female mammals rarely advertise their precise reproductive condition. Recently, a novel odorous crust was discovered on the forearms of adult male fringe-lipped bats, Trachops cirrhosus. To understand its reproductive significance, we explored potential relationships between the size of the crust and testosterone concentration, testes size, female reproductive state, ectoparasite load, and body condition. We sampled bats during the mating season and determined crust size, testosterone concentration (plasma), testes volume, precise reproductive status of females (vaginal smears), body condition (ratio of body mass and forearm length), and ectoparasite load. Crust size (0–38 mm2) was positively correlated both to testosterone concentration (0.7–36.4 ng mL−1) and to relative testes volume (6.3–349.1 mm3). During the sampling period, vaginal smears confirmed that all females were in estrus. Ectoparasite load in males was significantly lower than in females, although both sexes were in similar body condition. Our results suggest that testosterone concentration is a key factor in the exhibition of a larger crust and presumably a stronger odorous signal to estrus females during the reproductive season. Male secondary sexual characteristics are critical for attracting females for mating. Male odor, in particular, can be indispensable in nocturnal species, as visual signals may lose their effectiveness under dark conditions. The most important male hormone, testosterone, increases the development of male exclusive traits, including odors. In the Neotropics, reproductive male fringe-lipped bats exhibit large odorous crusts on their forearms. The largest male crusts correspond with the highest concentration of testosterone, a relationship we find in the mating season, when vaginal smears confirm females are fertile. We also show that males with crusts have low ectoparasite loads. Our results suggest that the male crust could potentially reveal critical information. Our research highlights the significance of testosterone in the expression of male exclusive traits.