Hormones Progesterone Research Articles

Effect of Melatonin Treatment on Reproductive Hormones and Sexual Behaviors in Sheep

In seasonal oestrus animals such as sheep, out-off-season lambing practices and synchronization of oestrus are important in terms of herd management and farm economics. The present study aimed to determine the effects of melatonin implants administered before the breeding season on melatonin, estrogen, progesterone hormone concentrations, and sexual behavior in Tahirova sheep. The study was conducted on 60 Tahirova dairy ewes, aged 1-4 years, and 6 head rams, aged 1-2 years. On June 26, melatonin implants were administered to half of the ewes (18 mg dose/ewe) and rams (54 mg dose/ram). Fifteen days after the implantation of melatonin, all the ewes (530 g/ewe) and rams (660 g/ram) were given supplemental feeding (flushing) with grain feed for a period of 60 days. On August 1, the ewes exhibiting signs of estrus following the introduction of a ram were relocated to individual paddocks, where mating was conducted using the hand-mating method. The frequency of sniffing, touching the ram's scrotum, turning the ram, head-turning, and tail wagging was recorded during the hand-mating procedure. Additionally, the sexual behaviors exhibited by the ram were documented. Furthermore, an investigation was conducted to ascertain whether an interaction occurred within the first minute. The intervals, sexual interaction rate of the ewe, total frequency of sexual interaction, time per sexual interaction, and total sexual interaction time were observed. Blood samples were collected regularly on the initial day, the 21st day, the 42nd day, the 63rd day, the 94th day, and the 129th day for subsequent hormone analysis. Hormonal analyses were conducted using the ELISA method on blood serum samples. The melatonin hormone concentration was observed to be higher in the treatment (MT) group than in the control (C) group on the 63rd day (P=0.0476). The sexual interaction rate of the MT group was found to increase significantly in comparison to the C group (P=0.0045). Additionally, the gestation rate was shorter in the MT group than in the C group (P≤0.05). It can thus be concluded that the melatonin implant, when applied before the breeding season, significantly increases melatonin hormone concentrations on the 63rd day and significantly shortens the periods of gestation in Tahirova dairy sheep.

The ultrastructural changes in the adult rat ovary after administration of copper oxide nanoparticles and the possible ameliorative influence of selenium

ABSTRACT There is an important concern about the potential health and environmental risks that may develop due to exposure to copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs). Selenium is an essential trace element. It supports the expression of a variety of selenoproteins. The present study was designed to study the ultrastructural and biochemical changes in the adult rat ovary after oral administration of CuO-NPs and to assess the possible ameliorative influence of Selenium. Sixty adult female albino rats were divided in two major groups: Group I and Group II. Group I was further subdivided into three groups: Group IA (control), Group IB: received a single high dose of 2000 mg/kg CuO-NPs, Group IC: received selenium (0.5 mg/kg), five days before giving a single high dose of CuO-NPs (2000 mg/kg). Thereafter, given selenium for 14 days. Group II was subdivided into three groups: Group IIA (control), Group IIB: received a small dose of 300 mg/kg of CuO-NPs for 28 days, Group IIC: received selenium (0.5 mg/kg), five days before starting concomitant administration of CuO-NPs (300 mg/kg) and Selenium (0.5 mg/kg) for 28 days. Damage of the ovarian ultrastructural features, increased MDA levels, and decreased serum estrogen and progesterone hormones levels were detected in group IB and group IIB. Group IC and group IIC showed improvement of ovarian ultrastructural, decreased MDA levels, and increased serum estrogen and progesterone hormones levels as compared to group IB and group IIB indicating that Selenium could decrease the damage induced by CuO-NPs in the adult rat ovaries.

The Effect of Contraceptive Pills on the Severity of Visceral Leishmaniasis by Measuring Some Physiological Parameters

Background: Leishmania donovani can cause a serious infection if it is left without treatment. The parasite is transmitted by the bite of an infected female phlebotomine sandfly. The disease is prevalent throughout the world and in at least 88 countries. Objective: This study aims to know the effect of contraceptive pills (OC) on the severity of infection of Leishmania donovani in infected mice, by measuring the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, cholesterol, and total protein in the sera of infected mice. It is taken by dosage in the form of tablets dissolved in water at a dose of 0.012 ml/day and is compared with the drug pentostam, which is given by injection at 0.04 ml/day for a treatment of 21 days. Methods: The animals were divided into five groups, only the first group was uninfected, while the remaining four groups were infected, as follows: The second group was infected only. It was not dosed with pills and was not injected with pentostam treatment., the third group was dosed orally with contraceptive pills, the fourth group was considered a treatment group (pentostam ), and the fifth group was dosed orally with pills and injected with treatment for comparison. Blood was collected from mice after three weeks on the 7, 14, and 21 days in special tubes containing a gelatinous substance for the purpose of conducting the required tests. Results: The results showed that the OC led to a significant increase in all indicators in the third week, which is compared with the drug group pentostam group, Data expressed as mean ± SD and values of ( P>0.05) were considered statically nonsignificant, while (P<0.05) and (P<0.01) were considered significantly different, highly significantly different, respectively. Conclusions: It can be concluded that OC pills had an important role in increasing the severity of parasite infection in laboratory animals through the noticeable increase in the indicators that were measured.

A Nursing Care A Lemon Aromatherapy Intervenstion to Nausea Vomiting and Sleep Disorder in Pregnancy Women In The Working Area of Putri Ayu Health Center Jambi City

Background: Nausea, vomiting and sleep disorders are discomforts that occur during pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting occur due to progesterone hormone levels which also increase the HCG hormone which causes an increase in stomach acid and contraction of the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. Changes in sleep patterns that occur in the first trimester of pregnancy occur starting at 7 weeks due to pressure on the bladder by the enlarging uterus. A study was carried out on lemon aromatherapy as a complementary therapy that can be used to help with these two problems. Objective: This study aimed to provide an applicating of lemon aromatherapy to nausea, vomiting and sleep patterns of pregnant women in the first trimester. Methods: Analysis of case studies showed a reduction in nausea and vomiting after administering the intervention for 7 days. Judging from complaints and PUQE-24 scores which decreased on the first day of intervention with a score of 7 (moderate nausea and vomiting category), on the third day the PUQE-24 score was 3 (mild nausea and vomiting category), on the fifth day with 6 (mild nausea and vomiting) and on the seventh day of intervention a score of 3 (mild nausea and vomiting category). Aromatherapy therapy on pregnant women's sleep patterns was found to help increase pregnant women's sleep hours at night as a relaxing effect. Conclusion: Lemon aromatherapy is effective in helping the problems of nausea, vomiting and sleep patterns of pregnant women in the first trimester. Keywords: Lemon Aromatherapy; Nause and Vomiting; Sleep Disorders, Pregnancy Women

Effect of different doses of cyclobenzaprine-HCl on the reproductive health of female Wistar rats

Background Women often experience significant burdens both at home and in their professional lives, which can lead to physical and mental strain. To manage these challenges, medications such as cyclobenzaprine-HCl, originally developed as a tricyclic antidepressant but reintroduced as a muscle relaxant, are sometimes used. Its effectiveness in treating muscle spasms, localized pain, and limited range of motion in acute musculoskeletal conditions has been well documented. Objective The objective of this study was to explore the potential consequences of cyclobenzaprine-HCl on reproductive health by assessing its influence on female Wistar rats. Materials and methods The study was conducted on 18 adult female Wistar rats, divided into three groups: a control group receiving distilled water and two treated groups with two doses − a low-dose group receiving 1.5 mg/kg of cyclobenzaprine-HCl and a high-dose group receiving 3 mg/kg, administered orally for 30 days. We assessed the impact of cyclobenzaprine-HCl on serum hormonal levels (progesterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone), oxidative stress markers (glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde), histopathological changes in ovaries and uteri, and DNA stability using the comet assay. Results and conclusion The study revealed that cyclobenzaprine-HCl caused hormonal imbalances distinguished by significant increase in estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, and significant decreases in progesterone and luteinizing hormone levels. Dissruptions in oxidative stress markers were characterized by elevated malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels. Histopathological abnormalities included degeneration, deformed follicles, congested blood vessels, and necrosis in the ovarian tissue. In addition, diffused eosinophil infiltration, pyknotic nuclei, glandular hyperplasia, necrosis, and hypercellularity in the uterine tissue. DNA instability was observed in both dosage groups as evidenced by fragmented DNA in the shape of comets. These findings underscore the potential reproductive toxicity of cyclobenzaprine-HCl in female rats, suggesting a need for caution in its use considering its possible adverse effects on reproductive health.

The Effect of Prenatal Exercise and Effleurage Massage Techniques on the Perception of Back Pain in Third Trimester Pregnant Women

The perception of back pain is a common discomfort experienced by women in the third trimester of pregnancy. This pain occurs due to the release of the hormones progesterone and relaxin, which loosen the pelvic ligaments, and due to changes in body posture adapting to fetal development. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of reducing pain before and after implementing prenatal exercises and effleurage massage in third-trimester pregnant women. This research used a quasi-experimental design with only one experimental group and no control group. The study population consisted of all third-trimester pregnant women experiencing back pain, with sampling conducted using accidental sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed with the SPSS program, employing both univariate and bivariate tests. The results of the Paired Sample T-Test showed a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test values, with a significance value (2-tailed) of p = 0.000, < 0.05. The null hypothesis (H0) was rejected, and the alternative hypothesis (Ha) was accepted, indicating a notable difference between the effects of prenatal exercise and effleurage massage before and after treatment in 180 third-trimester pregnant. There is a significant impact of prenatal exercise and effleurage massage on reducing back pain.

Polymeric Nanoparticles: Targeted Delivery in Breast Cancer - A Review

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers affecting the female population worldwide. It is a highly heterogeneous disease mainly classified into three subtypes based on the status of the molecular markers for the hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and epidermal growth factor (HER-2) receptors. Hormone receptor positive breast cancer shows a good prognosis, while tumors that do not show any of these receptors (triple negative breast cancer) are highly invasive. Despite all the conventional therapies for the treatment of breast cancer, it remains the leading cause of cancer deaths of women worldwide. Objective: Chemical grafting of nanoparticles (NPs) with polymers and surface modifiers as a targeted ligand can become an alternative for active targeting. Hence, these polymeric NPs can control drug release with pH-responsive stimuli, and the high selectivity of these NPs allows them to accumulate more inside the cancer cells that overexpress these receptors, leaving normal cells unaffected. Methods: Formulation incorporates various polymers, solvents drug, and stabilizing agents in the aqueous phase. Various techniques discussed in this review are employed for synthesis, resulting in a dry NP formulation. Results: In this context, we shall discuss the development of NPs against distinct forms of cancer malignancies. From here, we know that polymeric NPs can produce a system with good characteristics, effectiveness, and active targeting of different cancer cells. Conclusion: This system is a striking candidate for the targeted drug delivery for cancer therapy, anticipating that NPs could be further developed for various breast cancer therapy applications.

Male-female comparison of vasomotor effects of circulating hormones in human intracranial arteries

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to examine whether there are sex differences in vasomotor responses and receptor localization of hormones and neuropeptides with relevance to migraine (vasopressin, oxytocin, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, amylin, adrenomedullin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)) in human intracranial arteries.MethodsHuman cortical cerebral and middle meningeal arteries were used in this study. The tissues were removed in conjunction with neurosurgery and donated with consent. Vasomotor responses of arteries, after exposure to hormones or neuropeptides, were recorded using a wire myograph. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the expression and localization of their receptors within human intracranial arteries.ResultsVasopressin showed the strongest contractile responses, followed by oxytocin and progesterone. CGRP displayed the strongest vasodilatory response when compared to adrenomedullin, amylin, testosterone and estrogen. No significant differences were observed in vasomotor responses between male and female arteries. The vasomotor effects were supported by the presence of corresponding receptors in the vascular smooth muscle cells. Estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), progesterone receptor (PR), vasopressin 1a receptor (V1aR), and the oxytocin receptor (OTR) were expressed in the walls of both cerebral arteries overlying the cerebral cortex and intracranial arteries of the dura mater. ERα, V1aR, and PR were found to be localized in both smooth muscle cells and endothelium, whereas OTR was exclusively located within the smooth muscle cells.ConclusionsHypothalamic, sex hormones and the pancreas hormone (amylin) receptors are expressed in the human intracranial artery walls. The vasomotor responses revealed no sex differences, however contractile responses to vasopressin was higher and more potent in MMA compared to CCA when pooling data from both sexes. Overall, the hormones estrogen, progesterone and oxytocin, which drop in circulating levels at onset of menstruation, only showed modest vasomotor responses as compared to CGRP. This suggests that their role in inducing menstrual migraine attacks is not directly related to vasomotor responses.Graphical

Mammographic parameters as predictors of molecular subtype of breast cancer: a prospective analysis

BackgroundThe prevalence of breast cancer is increasing globally and its early detection is the need of hour for giving the patient a long disease-free meaningful life. The latest management regimes depend upon the biological behavior of the breast cancer that itself relies upon expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her 2) neu status for its molecular subtyping.AimTo determine the predictive value of mammographic parameters in identifying the estrogen and progesterone hormone receptor status, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her 2) neu expression and molecular subtypes of breast cancer.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted from January 2021 to September 2022 in a tertiary care institute. The study enrolled 51 females with histopathologically proven invasive breast carcinoma. The patients underwent digital mammography followed by tissue biopsy. Mammographic parameters were based on Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) imaging features. The molecular subtypes of breast cancer were grouped into four subtypes based on St. Gallen International Expert Consensus Panel 2013. The mammographic features were then statistically correlated with molecular subtypes of breast cancer.ResultsLuminal type A was the most common molecular subtype in our study [ 17 (33.33%)] followed by triple negative type [10(19.61%)]. Tumors with non-circumscribed margins were predicted to be Luminal A or Luminal B subtype (p value < 0.02). Tumor with microcalcification was strongly predicted to be Her 2 subtype with a statistically significant association (p value < 0.001). Circumscribed tumors with absence of microcalcification were predicted to be triple-negative type of breast cancer.ConclusionsKey features in mammography were significantly associated with breast cancer molecular subtypes. Knowledge of such correlations could help clinicians stratify breast cancer patients according to their likely molecular subtypes, potentially enabling earlier, more effective treatment or aiding in therapeutic decisions in countries where immunohistochemical (IHC) hormone receptor and Her 2 testing is not readily available.

Early postnatal effects of maternal obesity on breast milk composition and breastfeeding outcomes.

Breastfeeding can be challenging in mothers with overweight or obesity-related chronic low-grade inflammation, resulting in negative consequences for the newborn. The pre-gestational body mass index is negatively associated with lactogenesis II, the onset of colostrum secretion. Herein, we evaluated mothers' inflammation, metabolic status, and components of breast milk after birth to associate these factors with their nutritional and breastfeeding status. The study included volunteer mothers, categorized based on their nutritional status and anthropometric parameters, who gave birth in a tertiary maternity hospital. Serum and breast milk samples were collected 24 and 48 hours after birth to determine inflammatory biomarkers (SAA, leptin, CRP, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6, MCP-1, IL-10, and IFN-γ), reproductive hormones (prolactin and progesterone), as well as the breast milk composition (total protein, fatty acid, percentage of fat and Kcal). Furthermore, we conducted a six-month follow-up to assess breastfeeding outcomes. Interestingly, the composition of breast milk did not vary in the different situations analyzed, indicating the stability of the breast milk´s composition in meeting infant needs, regardless of age, nutritional status, and type of birth. Our findings revealed a higher concentration of pro-inflammatory biomarkers (SAA, CRP, TNF-α, IL-8, and IFN-γ) than anti-inflammatory, IL-10, in breast milk. Our study showed that mothers who were overweight after pregnancy had a newborn with a higher birth weight compared to healthy post-pregnancy weight. Our study elucidates the intricate dynamics between maternal weight, inflammation, and breastfeeding outcomes. While maternal overweight or obesity-related inflammation may pose challenges to lactogenesis II and influence newborn birth weight, breast milk remains a stable and reliable source of essential nutrients for infant nourishment. However, the presence of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in breast milk warrants further investigation into its potential implications for infant health.

Effects of Trace Elements and Vitamins on the Synthesis of Steroid Hormones in Follicular Granulosa Cells of Yak.

Yak (Bos grunniens), a special breed of cattle on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, has low fertility due to nutritional deficiency, especially the trace elements. The steroid hormones estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) synthesized by yak follicular granulosa cells (BGCs) are involved in the entire reproductive process. In the present study, we investigated the effects of trace elements and vitamins on yak follicular GCs, including the cellular activity, the synthesis of E2 and P4, and the expression of genes related to steroid hormone synthesis. The results showed that moderate supplementation of vitamin D3 (VD3), strontium (Sr), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) enhanced granulosa cell activity. Within the safe dose range, the addition of vitamin A (VA), VD3, cobalt (Co), Sr, copper (Cu), Mn, Se, and chromium (Cr) significantly increased the synthesis of E2 by GCs, while the addition of VA, vitamin C (VC), VE, zinc (Zn), Sr, Cu, and Cr enhanced the production of P4 in GCs. The changes in steroid synthesizing genes were consistent with the changes in hormone synthesis. This study provides an experimental basis for the addition of trace elements to improve the production performance of yaks.

The Effect Red Betel Leaves (Piper Crocatum) On Pregnancy Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a periodontal disease that easily occurs in pregnant women, such as inflammation of the gums (3). The decrease in pH in the mouth, the influence of the hormones estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy causes gum inflammation (4), so safe therapy is needed such as boiled water from red betel leaves which can improve the oral hygiene status of gingivitis sufferers (11) and the inhibitory power of red betel leaf extract is very potently inhibits microorganisms that cause periodontal disease (12). The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an effect of boiled water from red betel leaves (piper crocatum) on pregnancy gingivitis. The method used in this research is quasi experimental with a pretest-posttest with control group design. The sample studied was 60 pregnant women, consisting of 30 pregnant women in the treatment group and 30 pregnant women in the control group. Data analysis used the Independent T-test. The results of the case group research in the pretest were 15 people (50%) of pregnant women with gingivitis and 13 people (43.6%) in the moderate category, 6 people (20%) in the post test results after intervention without gingivitis and 21 people (70%) in the mild category. ), while in the control group in the pretest, 19 people (63.3%) had mild category of pregnant women with gingivitis, 9 people (30%) in the moderate category, 17 people (56.7%) in the post test after intervention in the mild category, moderate category 11 people (36.7%), as well as the influence of boiled water from red betel leaves (piper crocatum) on pregnancy gingivitis (pvalue 0.000 &lt; 0.05). The conclusion is that boiled water from red betel leaves can reduce gingivitis so it can be used as a safe medicine to reduce gingivitis in pregnant women while maintaining oral and dental hygiene.

Progesterone supplemented uterine epithelial cell co-culture improves in vitro quality embryo production in buffalo

Objectives: The present study was conducted to study the effect of progesterone and uterine luminal epithelial cells monolayer on blastocyst development and hatching rate. Material and Methods: The isolation, culture, and characterization of slaughterhouse-derived uterine epithelial cells were done using standard protocol. The steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone were supplemented in embryo developmental media (EDM), and day 04 embryos were cultured in different groups as progesterone supplementation (T1), co-cultured with epithelial cell monolayer (T2), co-cultured with progesterone supplemented epithelial cell monolayer (T3), or without any treatment (control). Finally, the effect of different treatments was analyzed in terms of blastocyst and hatching rate. Results: The isolated epithelial cells depicted compact cuboidal or columnar morphology at the confluence. Immunocytochemical localization and polymerase chain reaction study revealed positive expression of cytokeratin and absence of vimentin. Significantly higher blastocyst and hatching rates were noted in the T3 group, followed by T2, T1, and control groups. Conclusion: The present study revealed improved in vitro embryo production after co-culturing embryos with progesterone-supplemented uterine epithelial cells in buffalo.

The molecular mechanisms of steroid hormone effects on cognitive function

ObjectiveThere is a lack of information on the molecular mechanisms by which steroid hormones (testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone) regulate cognitive impairment. Thus, we aimed to identify the protective effects of steroid hormones on cognitive function. MethodsWe analyzed the literature on the molecular mechanisms, biological activities, physicochemical properties, and pharmacokinetics of steroid hormones. ResultsSteroid hormones can protect against cognitive impairment by regulating key genes (INS, TNF, STAT3, ESR1). Specific microRNAs, namely hsa-miR-335-5p, hsa-miR-16-5p, and hsa-miR-26b-5p, along with transcription factors NFKB1, PPARG, NR3C1, GATA2, EGR1, ATF3, and CEBPA, play a significant role in this protective mechanism. The involvement in cognitive processes, regulation of phosphorylation, neuronal apoptosis, and signaling pathways related to Alzheimer's disease significantly influence the protein-protein interaction network underlying these effects. Additionally, steroid hormones exhibit anti-hypercholesterolemic properties, anti-inflammatory activity, antitoxic properties, and function as inhibitors of acetylcholine neuromuscular transmission. They also hold promise as therapeutic agents for the treatment of dementia. Promising therapeutic interventions for cognitive impairment include the use of miRNA sponges targeting hsa-miR-16-5p, along with the administration of capsaicin, minocycline, dopamine, sertraline, and minaprine. The gut microbiota species Lactobacillus amylovorus, Paraprevotella clara, Libanicoccus massiliensis, Prevotella oris, Turicibacter sanguinis, and Dubosiella newyorkensis were identified as significant contributors to cognitive impairment and altered levels of steroid hormones. ConclusionSteroid hormones are promising compounds for improving cognitive function. Further research is needed to validate these findings through focused investigations into apoptosis, regulation of neuronal cell death, miRNA sponges, interactions with gut microbiota, and the potential efficacy of pharmaceutical agents.

EFFICACY OF HORMONAL METHODS AS ONE OF THE PILLARS IN THE TREATMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

Endometriosis is a gynecological manifestation of a systemic inflammatory disease that causes chronic pelvic pain and can lead to infertility, characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. This occurs due to retrograde menstruation, which consists of the leakage of part of the menstrual flow into the pelvis, and is common in 90% of women and eliminated by the immune system. However, in a portion of this population, the endometrial tissue proliferates and enters organs such as the intestine and bladder, growing during the menstrual period, which results in complications, intense pain and incapacity in daily life. It is estimated that between 5% and 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide are affected by this pathology, in addition to being the second most common pelvic disorder and the most frequent cause of female pelvic pain. Endometriosis is believed to be caused by the dysregulation of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Thus, the regulation of these hormonal agents through the use of hormonal methods has proven efficacy, as it reduces or even eliminates estrogenic stimulation and consequently improves the quality of life of patients; since this stimulus is the main agent responsible for the growth and permanence of the foci of this disease, which highlights the efficacy of this method as an important pillar in the treatment of endometriosis.

Localization and expression of C1QTNF6 in chicken follicles and its regulatory effect on follicular granulosa cells

C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein 6 (C1QTNF6) is a newly discovered adiponectin analog that plays a significant role in female reproduction. However, its expression and function in chickens remain unclear. In this study, the full-length coding sequence (CDS) of chicken C1QTNF6 was cloned from adult chicken ovary. We demonstrated that the putative C1QTNF6 protein shares a highly conserved amino acid sequence with known bird homologs. Using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we observed that C1QTNF6 is widely expressed in adult chicken follicle tissues, predominantly in granulosa cells (GCs). In vitro, stimulation with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) significantly increased the expression of C1QTNF6 in chicken preovulatory granulosa cells (PoGCs) and prehierarchical granulosa cells (PhGCs), respectively. Overexpression and knockdown experiments in granulosa cells revealed that C1QTNF6 affects the proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells, reducing the expression of steroid hormone synthesis-related genes (STAR, Cyp11a1, Cyp19a1, and 3B-HSD) and hormones (progesterone and estrogen). In granulosa cells (GCs), co-treatment with C1QTNF6 and AdipoRon (an activator of adiponectin receptors) showed that AdipoRon promotes progesterone secretion, while C1QTNF6 inhibits AdipoR1 (adiponectin receptor 1) expression. There was no synergistic effect between C1QTNF6 and AdipoRon in steroid hormone production. Collectively, these findings suggest that C1QTNF6 may be a candidate gene for regulating follicular development and reproductive performance in chickens.

Elevated luteinizing hormone levels during the artificial endometrial preparation cycle do not impact pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer

The effect of an increase in luteinizing hormone levels on pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing artificial endometrial preparation for frozen embryo transfer has not been definitively elucidated. We aimed to investigate the effect of elevated luteinizing hormone levels, measured prior to progesterone administration, on the ongoing pregnancy rate in patients undergoing artificial endometrial preparation for single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer. Patients began taking oral oestradiol valerate on menstrual day 2–3. When the endometrial thickness reached ≥7 mm, they were tested for oestradiol, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone, and luteal phase support was started. The participants were divided into four groups based on luteinizing hormone percentiles, and differences in pregnancy outcomes were examined. No significant differences were observed for on-going pregnancy rate and the other pregnancy outcomes between the groups. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, not the luteinizing hormone levels but the quality of embryo had a significant influence on ongoing pregnancy (p = 0.004; adjusted odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.213–2.675). The elevation of luteinizing hormone levels during artificial endometrial preparation did not have an impact on the ongoing pregnancy or the other pregnancy outcomes.

Original salivary sex hormone data of naturally menstruating athletes and hormonal contraceptive users

ObjectivesThere is a lack of data on salivary sex hormones across the menstrual cycle (MC) or hormonal contraceptive (HC) cycle of elite athletes. We aimed to provide original data on...

Stress and Reproductive Hormones of Free-Ranging Dolphins Across a Natural Salinity Gradient.

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabit environments with variable natural salinities and experience physiological imbalances from extreme salinity fluctuations. Low salinity exposure (≤10) disrupts osmoregulation and increases the production of steroid hormones aldosterone (electrolyte balance) and cortisol (stress response). The effect(s) of high salinity exposure (>35) on steroid hormone production in bottlenose dolphins has not previously been assessed. We measured stress hormones (aldosterone, corticosterone, cortisol, and cortisone) and reproductive hormones (progesterone and testosterone) in three stocks of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins inhabiting different natural salinities across the Gulf of Mexico (0-30, 22-35, 36+). Hormones were extracted from the blubber of 82 remotely biopsied dolphins and quantified using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap Fusion mass spectrometry. A positive correlation was found between cortisol (10.38 ± 0.8 ng/g, n = 13) and salinity (r = 0.62). Aldosterone (58.9 ± 17.2 ng/g, n = 5) was quantified in dolphin blubber for the first time and was detected across the salinity gradient but was not significantly related to salinity levels. Concentrations of testosterone were seasonally variable. This study enhances our understanding of how climate changes and extensive anthropogenic stressors challenge homeostasis in a marine bioindicator species.

Abemaciclib (Verzenio)

Canada’s Drug Agency recommends that public drug plans reimburse Verzenio in combination with endocrine therapy for the adjuvant treatment of adults with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, node-positive, early-stage breast cancer at high risk of recurrence based on clinicopathological features if certain conditions are met. Verzenio, in combination with endocrine therapy, should only be covered in patients whose breast cancer has receptors for the estrogen and progesterone hormones, tests negative for the HER2 protein, has been removed by surgery, and is at high risk of coming back based on clinicopathological features, including 4 or more positive axillary lymph nodes (ALNs), or 1 to 3 positive ALNs plus histologic grade 3 disease, or 1 to 3 positive ALNs plus a tumour size of 5 cm or more, or 1 to 3 positive ALNs plus a Ki-67 score of 20% or more (if tumour size is &lt; 5cm and disease is not grade 3). Verzenio, in combination with endocrine therapy, should only be reimbursed if prescribed by clinicians with expertise delivering systemic treatment and if the cost is reduced.