inhibin-B Concentrations Research Articles

Ameliorative Effect of Lycopene on Follicular Reserve Depletion, Oxidative Damage, Apoptosis Rate, and Hormonal Profile during Repeated Superovulations in Mice.

Superovulation is a crucial step in assisted reproductive technology that involves the administration of gonadotrophins. Repeated superovulations result in severe ovarian damage. The present study investigated the effect of in vivo administration of lycopene on ovarian damage induced by four successive cycles of superovulation. Superovulated mice were simultaneously administered intraperitoneally with saline (R4) or 5 mg/kg lycopene (R4-Lyc). The evaluated parameters were the count of different types of follicles, expression of ovarian antioxidant- and apoptosis-related genes, and serum concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and inhibin-B. Increased numbers of healthy follicles and a decreased count of atretic follicles were observed in mice of the R4-Lyc group compared to those of the R4 group. Moreover, significantly higher mRNA levels of Sod3, Cat, and Nrf2 and lower mRNA levels of Keap1, Tnf, Nfkb, and Casp3, together with decreased H2O2 concentrations and increased total antioxidant capacity, were detected in the ovaries of lycopene-treated mice. Regarding serum reproductive hormones, elevated concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and inhibin-B were evident in lycopene-administered mice. The present study reports a significant role of lycopene in alleviating the ovarian damage induced by multiple hormonal superstimulations, which could help to improve the outcomes of in vitro embryo production.

Anti-Müllerian hormone and inhibin-B concentrations vary cyclically in nonovulating queens within reference ranges established for determining gonadal status in cats.

To define cyclic changes in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin-B, and progesterone concentrations and establish statistically valid, population-based clinical reference ranges in queens. Cyclic queens (fertile, n = 6; infertile, 6) from an institutional breeding colony were blood sampled longitudinally, each for over 2 months, between November 2021 and February 2022, and residual serum samples from intact (n = 205) and ovariohysterectomized (49) queens from clinical submissions were used to establish reference ranges for intact and spayed females. AMH and inhibin-B were measured using commercially available ELISAs, progesterone was measured using an in-house ELISA, and 90% CIs were calculated from these data. AMH and inhibin-B fluctuated in a highly correlated, cyclic pattern in 3 queens that did not ovulate immediately, whereas AMH declined as progesterone increased, indicative of ovulation, which occurred spontaneously early in the sampling period in 3 others; statistically valid reference ranges were established in intact and ovariohysterectomized females. Cyclic changes in hormone profiles were defined, providing relevant context for interpreting results in cases seeking to determine gonadal status (presence or absence of gonadal tissue) on the basis of established, population-based reference ranges reported here for cats for the first time.

The relationship between ultrasonographically measured testicular volumes and cord blood inhibin B concentrations in healthy term male neonates

Serum inhibin B (INHB) concentrations are associated with testicular volumes (TV) in all periods of childhood. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between TV measured by ultrasonography (US) and cord blood inhibin B and total testosterone (TT) concentrations, stratified by mode of delivery. In total 90 male infants were included. Testes of healthy, term newborns were evaluated by US on the third day after delivery. TV were calculated using two formulae: The ellipsoid formula [length (mm) × width (mm2) × π/6] and Lambert formula [length (mm) x width (mm) x height (mm) x 0.71]. Cord blood was taken for the determination of total testosterone (TT) and INHB. TT and INHB concentrations were evaluated according to TV percentiles (<10th, 10th-90th, >90th). There was a strong positive correlation between mean TV calculated with both formulae by percentile group (r = 0.777, r = 0.804, r = 0.846; p < 0.001). Cord blood INHB, but not TT were significantly lower in newborns with TV < 10th percentile compared to those with TV between 10 and 90th percentile and > 90th percentile (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between left and right TV calculated by either formula, and cord blood INHB (r = 0.212, 0.313, 0.320, 0.246,p < 0.05), not TT. There was no significant difference between hormones and TV when grouped by mode of delivery (p > 0.05). The Lambert and ellipsoid formulas are equally reliable in calculating neonatal testicular by ultrasound. INHB concentration is high in cord blood and positively correlated with neonatal TV. Cord blood INHB concentration may be an indicator for early detection of testicular structure and function disorders in neonates.

Abnormal mare behaviour is rarely associated with changes in hormonal markers of granulosa cell tumours: A retrospective study.

Abnormal or undesired mare behaviours are often assumed to be associated with ovarian abnormalities. We aimed to determine the incidence of abnormal behaviours and their association with concentrations of one or more ovarian hormones associated with a granulosa cell tumour (GCT). Retrospective descriptive. A total of 2914 hormonal profile samples submitted with the words behave, behaviour, or behaving in the submission history were analysed. The association between reported abnormal behaviours and concentrations of testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibins and inhibin-B were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using a Chi-squared test of association. Of the 2914 cases that were submitted due to behaviour issues, 2506 (86%) did not have any of the measured hormones reach GCT-like concentrations. The remaining 408 cases had either one (63%), two (25.5%), or three (11.5%) hormones with concentrations consistent with those from confirmed GCT cases. Testosterone had the lowest percent of GCT-like values among the cases (7.7%), compared with AMH (9.4%), inhibins (9.6%) and inhibin B (8.7%). Stallion-like behaviour was significantly associated with increased concentrations of all four hormones. In contrast, aggression, oestrous and other abnormal behaviours were significantly less likely to be associated with increased concentrations of the hormones. Retrospective study, using sample submission history. Overall, the abnormal behaviours among mares, except the stallion-like behaviour, were not associated with increased ovarian hormones. These results highlight the common misassumption about the involvement of the ovaries in 'abnormal behaviours' or 'undesirable behaviours' of mares.

Effect of clomiphene citrate treatment on the Sertoli cells of dysmetabolic obese men with low testosterone levels

Clomiphene citrate (CC) has been shown to restore the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by increasing testosterone (T) levels to physiological levels in patients with dysmetabolic conditions such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the data are unclear regarding the effects on Sertoli cell (SC) function. To study SC function by assessing Inhibin B (IB) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels at baseline and after 3months of CC treatment. This is an ancillary study of a cross-over, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial performed to evaluate androgen response to CC treatment in dysmetabolic obese subjects with low T levels treated with metformin. We evaluated SC function by assessing IB and AMH levels at baseline and after 3months of each treatment in ten dysmetabolic obese subjects with low T levels. In all subjects, the influence of the clinical characteristics, metabolic and hormonal baseline parameters on SC and Leydig (LC) function, evaluated respectively with AMH, IB, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and T levels, was tested. No significant changes were observed for IB and AMH concentrations after each treatment period. Whereas T and oestradiol (E2) levels were shown to be significantly higher in the CC plus metformin phase (CC/Met) only. No clinical, metabolic or hormonal parameters showed significant effects on serum AMH at baseline or after treatments. However, baseline T, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and E2 positively affected IB levels during CC/Met therapy (P=.003, P=.038 and P=.049, respectively). Baseline leptin and FSH had a negative (P=031) and positive (P=.048) respectively role on T levels during CC/Met, as they were statistically significant compared to the placebo period (Plac/Met). Unlike the LC activity, CC was unable to influence SC function, as shown by the lack of IB and AMH serum modifications, thus suggesting an intrinsic nonreversible defect of SC cells in patients with dysmetabolic conditions.

Inhibin-A and Inhibin-B in stallions: Seasonal changes and changes after down-regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis

The biological function of inhibin is mediated by two heterodimers, inhibin-A and inhibin-B. The relative importance of inhibin-A and –B in male reproductive function varies considerably across species with inhibin-B predominating in many species, whereas inhibin-A appears relatively more important in rams. Research reported to date in stallions has examined total or immunoreactive (ir) inhibin which does not distinguish the two heterodimers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize changes in inhibin-A and inhibin-B concentrations in stallions: 1) across season for a period of one year, and 2) after downregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In Study one, serum samples were obtained monthly from five stallions for a period of one year. Serum concentrations of inhibin-A, inhibin-B, testosterone and estrone sulfate were determined by ELISA. In Study two, stallions were treated with the GnRH antagonist, acyline (n = 4; 330 mg/kg acyline IM) or vehicle control (n = 4; vehicle alone) every five days for 50 days. Plasma concentrations of inhibin-A and –B were determined by ELISA at Days 0, 6, 12, 22, 37, 59, 80, 87 and 104 after initiation of acyline treatment. Testis volume was determined by ultrasonography at weekly intervals. In Study 1, both inhibin-A and inhibin-B showed seasonal changes in concentration with highest concentrations in increasing day length and lowest concentrations in short day lengths. Inhibin-B (overall mean 107.8 ± 4.1 pg/mL) was present at 4.7-fold higher concentrations in serum than inhibin-A (overall mean 23.0 ± 0.7 pg/mL). In Study 2, plasma concentrations of inhibin-B but not inhibin-A were significantly downregulated by administration of the GnRH antagonist, acyline. When the HPG axis was downregulated by acyline, testis volume was strongly correlated with inhibin-B (r = 0.73; P < 0.05) but not inhibin-A (r = 0.22; P = 0.20). In summary, inhibin-B appears to be the predominant form of inhibin in the stallion which undergoes seasonal regulation along with other reproductive parameters and is co-regulated with other endocrine parameters of the HPG axis.

Endocrine and metabolic profile of peripubertal Standardbred colts

The objectives of this study were to determine the concentrations of reproductive and metabolic hormones during the peripubertal period and to assess their relationship with testicular development and body fat deposition. Blood samples were collected from 23 healthy Standardbred colts every four weeks for twelve months. Colts were weighed monthly, and percent of body fat and testicular volume estimated by ultrasound. Onset of puberty was determined as the month when testosterone was two standard deviations above the previous mean. Plasma FSH, LH, leptin, estradiol-17β, androstenedione, IGF-1, insulin, inhibin-A, and inhibin-B were analyzed for a seven month peripubertal period. Spring born Standardbred colts underwent puberty at 13 months of age; onset of puberty coincided with exponential testicular growth but did not coincide with an increase in cutaneous body fat deposition or leptin (p > 0.05). Plasma inhibin-B concentrations were significantly increased in the postpubertal period (p < 0.05), but no increase was seen in inhibin-A, androstenedione, FSH, LH, or estradiol-17β. In conclusion, the rise in testosterone and subsequent onset of puberty coincides with rapid testicular growth but is not correlated with an increase in gonadotropins, IGF-1, cutaneous body fat or leptin in the horse.

Inhibin-A and inhibin-B in cyclic and pregnant mares, and mares with granulosa-theca cell tumors: Physiological and diagnostic implications

Studies in mares have examined serum inhibin concentrations using immuno-assays unable to distinguish dimeric inhibin-A from inhibin-B isoforms. Inhibin-A and inhibin-B immuno-assays were used to investigate concentrations in cyclic mares, young and old (6 vs 19 years old, respectively) mares following hemi-ovariectomy, mares during pregnancy and in mares with confirmed granulosa cell tumors (GCTs). Mares with inter-ovulatory intervals of 26 days had ovulatory peaks of inhibin-A averaging 80 pg/mL with a mid-cycle nadir of 5 pg/mL. Inhibin-A and inhibin-B concentrations were highly correlated (r = + 0.79, P < 0.01) though peak and nadir concentrations of inhibin-B were not significantly different. However, the ratio of inhibin-A to inhibin-B (A/B) changed significantly through the cycle, highest at ovulation and <1 (more inhibin-B than –A) at mid-cycle. Two mares with grossly extended inter-ovulatory intervals demonstrated mid-cycle inhibin-A (and inhibin-B) excursions suggestive of follicular waves. Follicle-stimulating hormone was negatively correlated with inhibin-A and –B concentrations in all 6 mares. Hemi-ovariectomy in young mares resulted in a significant decrease in inhibin-A and inhibin-B concentrations one day later (P < 0.05) but older mares did not, suggesting a possible extra-ovarian source(s) of these hormones. Both inhibin isoforms dropped to very low levels during pregnancy (P < 0.0001), inhibin-A (P < 0.0001) more rapidly than –B (P < 0.05), so that inhibin-B became the predominant measured form throughout most of gestation (P < 0.05). Mares with confirmed GCTs had elevated inhibin-B concentrations more reliably than inhibin-A but neither inhibin-A or -B was correlated with anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations. Collectively, concentrations of inhibin-A and –B were aligned with physiological events in healthy mares, though more pronounced cyclic changes were seen with inhibin-A. Inhibin-B concentrations were significantly associated with GCTs (P < 0.01), inhibin-A concentrations were not. While both inhibin-A and –B concentrations track physiological events such as cyclic follicular activity, only inhibin-B concentrations effectively signal ovarian neoplasia in mares.

Biological markers of fertility (inhibin‐B) in HIV‐infected men: influence of HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy

Inhibin B (IB) levels and the IB: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio (IFR), biomarkers of global Sertoli cell function, show a strong relationship with male fertility. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of impaired fertility potential in HIV-infected men and the influence of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on fertility biomarkers. A cross-sectional study with sequential sampling was carried out. A total of 169 clinically stable patients in a cohort of HIV-infected men undergoing regular ambulatory assessment in a tertiary hospital were included. The mean [± standard deviation (SD)] age of the patients was 42.6 ± 8.1 years, all were clinically stable, 61.5% had disease classified as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stage A, and were na?ve to ART or had not had any changes to ART for 6 months (91.1%). Morning baseline IB and FSH concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA), respectively. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with impaired fertility, defined as IB < 119 pg/mL or IFR < 23.5. The mean (± SD) IB level was 250 ± 103 pg/mL, the median [interquartile range (IQR)] FSH concentration was 5.1 (3.3-7.8) UI/L and the median (IQR) IFR was 46.1 (26.3-83.7). The prevalence of impaired fertility was 21.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) 16.3-20.7%]. Negative correlations of body mass index and waist: hip ratio with FSH and IB levels were observed (P < 0.01), while a sedentary lifestyle and previous nevirapine exposure were associated with a decreased risk of IB levels ≤ 25th percentile in multivariate analysis. Only older age, as a risk factor, and sedentary lifestyle, with a protective effect, were independently associated with impaired fertility in multivariate analysis. Global testicular Sertoli cell function and fertility potential, assessed indirectly through serum IB levels and IB: FSH ratio, appear to be well maintained in HIV-infected men and not damaged by ART.

Gonadal and uterine function in female survivors treated by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or bone marrow transplantation for childhood malignant and non‐malignant diseases

To evaluate gonadal function and uterine volume in a cohort of female survivors treated by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or stem cell transplantation (SCT) for childhood malignant and non-malignant diseases. An observational study. S. Matteo Hospital, Pavia, Italy. A cohort of 135 female survivors. A clinical, hormonal, and ultrasonographic evaluation. Thirty-three patients (24%) had non-malignant haematologic diseases (thalassaemia or sickle cell anaemia), 68 (50%) had leukaemia, 23 (17%) had lymphomas, and 11 (8%) had solid tumours. In total, 106 patients had received SCT, preceded by a conditioning regimen. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and Inhibin-B, and uterine volume. The median concentrations of AMH and Inhibin-B in the entire cohort were 0.12 ng/ml (interquartile range, IQR, 0.1-0.5 ng/ml) and 3.5 pg/ml (IQR 0.1-13.2 pg/ml), respectively. In a stepwise ordered logistic regression analysis, conventional chemotherapy for the treatment of malignancies, as opposed to total body irradiation (TBI), was the only oncologically significant predictor of increased AMH levels (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.9-12, P < 0.001). Conditioning treatment before or after menarche did not influence AMH concentrations (P = 0.24). The best predictor of reduced uterine volume was TBI during the preparation for the allograft (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.4-8.4, P = 0.006). Increasing age at treatment (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.95, P = 0.04), chemotherapy, as opposed to other treatments (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.03-0.28, P < 0.001), and solid tumours as opposed to either leukaemia/lymphomas or non-malignant diseases (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.07-0.56, P = 0.002) were associated with larger uterine volumes. Conditioning therapies for SCT, including TBI, had the worst effects on uterine volume and gonadal reserve. Increasing age at treatment and conventional chemotherapy were associated with less detrimental effects on uterine volume.

Study on the association between maternal urinary phthalate metabolites and testicular steroid hormones in the cord blood in a Chinese population

The purposes of our study were to investigate the association between maternal urinary phthalate metabolites and the levels of inhibin B (INHB) and insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) in the cord blood in a Chinese pregnant population. Maternal urine samples in the third trimester of pregnancy of 69 participants were collected and stored, and the samples of cord blood (10 ml) were collected at delivery between June 2011 and September 2012 in a comprehensive hospital of gynecology and obstetrics in Tianjin, China.Four phthalate metabolites, monomethyl phthalate (MMP), monoethyl phthalate (MEP), monobutyl phthalate (MBP), and mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) were measured in the urine samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The levels of INHB, INSL3 in the cord blood were tested by ELISA. Associations of phthalate exposure with INHB and INSL3 levels were determined by spearman correlation and multiple regression model analysis. The median concentrations of observed metabolites in descending order were 49.74 µg/L for MMP, 24.96 µg/L for MEHP, 19.52 µg/L for MEP and 17.73 µg/L for MBP. The median concentrations of INHB and INSL3 were 89.09 and 106.21 ng/L.Significant negative associations between INHB and MMP(β' = -0.252), MEP(β' = -0.363) or the sum value (∑PAEs) (β' = -0.346) were found by the multiple regression model analysis. For INSL3, only the sum value (β' = -0.313) was inversely significantly associated with the levels of INSL3 in the cord blood. Maternal urinary phthalate metabolites were associated with INHB and INSL3 in the cord blood in a Chinese population.

Gonadotropin and Sex Steroid Levels in HIV-Infected Premenopausal Women and Their Association With Subclinical Atherosclerosis in HIV-Infected and -Uninfected Women in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS)

HIV-infected women may experience prolonged amenorrhea, suggesting altered gonadotropin and sex hormone levels. However, the impact of these endocrine disruptions on atherosclerosis has not been evaluated in women living with, or at risk for, HIV infection. We investigated the association of sex hormone and gonadotropin concentrations with subclinical atherosclerosis in HIV-infected and -uninfected premenopausal women in the Women's Interagency HIV Study. Using B-mode ultrasound, the common carotid artery intima-media thickness and distensibility were measured once. Cycle-specific FSH, total estradiol (E2), and inhibin-B concentrations were measured in 584 (414 HIV infected, 170 HIV uninfected) women. Random concentrations of total T, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and SHBG were measured in 1094 (771 HIV infected, 323 HIV uninfected) women. The endocrine analytes were measured at or before the ultrasound visit. Sex hormones, FSH, and SHBG concentrations were compared between HIV-infected and -uninfected women using nonparametric testing. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the association of sex hormones, FSH, and SHBG with carotid artery intima-media thickness and distensibility adjusted for confounders. Separate analyses were conducted by HIV status. Compared with HIV-uninfected women, E2, T, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate concentrations were significantly lower and SHBG was higher in HIV-infected women. Adjusted for the confounders, T was significantly positively associated with distensibility (β-estimate = .04, P = .0005) among HIV-infected women, and the magnitude of association did not differ by CD4 cell count. E2 was significantly positively associated with distensibility among HIV-infected women with CD4 count less than 350 cells/μL. HIV-infected women had reduced estrogen and androgen compared with HIV-uninfected premenopausal women. T deficiency is linked with carotid artery stiffness, regardless of immune suppression, whereas E2 deficiency is linked with carotid stiffness among immunocompromised HIV-infected premenopausal women. Further research is warranted to understand the impact of endocrine dysregulation on the accelerated cardiovascular disease risk in HIV-infected women.

Follicular fluid concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, VEGF, AMH, and inhibin-B in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using GnRH agonist or GnRH antagonist

To compare follicular fluid concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, inhibin-B, VEGF, and AMH in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with a long-luteal GnRH agonist protocol or multiple-dose GnRH antagonist protocol. A total of 80 cycles were included; long-luteal GnRH agonist group (n=40) and multiple dose GnRH antagonist group (n=40). All follicular fluid samples were obtained from mature follicles during oocyte retrieval. IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were measured by immunoradiometric assay. IGF-II, VEGF, AMH, and inhibin-B concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of the studied follicular fluid markers, cycle parameters, and treatment outcomes between GnRH agonist and GnRH antagonist protocols. The long-luteal GnRH agonist protocol and multiple-dose GnRH antagonist protocol seem to have similar effects on the follicular microenvironment in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

In human granulosa cells from small antral follicles, androgen receptor mRNA and androgen levels in follicular fluid correlate with FSH receptor mRNA

Human small antral follicles (diameter 3-9 mm) were obtained from ovaries surgically removed for fertility preservation. From the individual aspirated follicles, granulosa cells and the corresponding follicular fluid were isolated in 64 follicles, of which 55 were available for mRNA analysis (24 women). Expressions of androgen receptor (AR) mRNA levels in granulosa cells, and of androstenedione and testosterone in follicular fluid, were correlated to the expression of the FSH receptor (FSHR), LH receptor (LHR), CYP19 and anti-Müllerian Hormone-receptor II (AMHRII) mRNA in the granulosa cells and to the follicular fluid concentrations of AMH, inhibin-B, progesterone and estradiol. AR mRNA expression in granulosa cells and the follicular fluid content of androgens both showed a highly significant positive association with the expression of FSHR mRNA in granulosa cells. AR mRNA expression also correlated significantly with the expression of AMHRII, but did not correlate with any of the hormones in the follicular fluid. These data demonstrate an intimate association between AR expression in immature granulosa cells, and the expression of FSHR in normal small human antral follicles and between the follicular fluid levels of androgen and FSHR expression. This suggests that follicular sensitivity towards FSH stimulation may be augmented by stimulation of androgens via the AR.

Baseline Inhibin B and Anti-Mullerian Hormone Measurements for Diagnosis of Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (HH) in Boys with Delayed Puberty

The diagnosis of isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) in boys with delayed puberty is challenging, as may be the diagnosis of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) in boys with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD). Yet, the therapeutic choices for puberty induction depend on accurate diagnosis and may influence future fertility. The aim was to assess the utility of baseline inhibin B (INHB) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) measurements to discriminate HH from constitutional delay of puberty (CDP). Both hormones are produced by Sertoli cells upon FSH stimulation. Moreover, prepubertal AMH levels are high as a reflection of Sertoli cell integrity. We studied 82 boys aged 14 to 18 yr with pubertal delay: 16 had IHH, 15 congenital HH within CPHD, and 51 CDP, as confirmed by follow-up. Subjects were genital stage 1 (testis volume<3 ml; 9 IHH, 7 CPHD, and 23 CDP) or early stage 2 (testis volume, 3-6 ml; 7 IHH, 8 CPHD, and 28 CDP). Age and testis volume were similar in the three groups. Compared with CDP subjects, IHH and CPHD subjects had lower INHB, testosterone, FSH, and LH concentrations (P<0.05), whereas AMH concentration was lower only in IHH and CPHD subjects with genital stage 1, likely reflecting a smaller pool of Sertoli cells in profound HH. In IHH and CPHD boys with genital stage 1, sensitivity and specificity were 100% for INHB concentration of 35 pg/ml or less. In IHH and CPHD boys with genital stage 2, sensitivities were 86 and 80%, whereas specificities were 92% and 88%, respectively, for an INHB concentration of 65 pg/ml or less. The performance of testosterone, AMH, FSH, and LH measurements was lower. No combination or ratio of hormones performed better than INHB alone. Discrimination of HH from CDP with baseline INHB measurement was excellent in subjects with genital stage 1 and fair in subjects with genital stage 2.

Concentrations of AMH and inhibin-B in relation to follicular diameter in normal human small antral follicles

The aim of the present study was to determine the intrafollicular concentrations of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin-B and steroids in normal human small antral follicles and to relate them to follicular size. A group of 103 women having one ovary removed for fertility preservation by cryopreservation prior to gonadotoxic treatment served as a source of a total of 272 human small antral follicles. Prior to cryopreservation of the ovarian cortex, fluid from small antral follicles were collected. On the basis of the follicular volume, the diameter was calculated and follicles with diameters from 3 to 12 mm were included. Concentrations of AMH decreased significantly (P < 0.0005) from 1124 +/- 158 ng/ml (mean +/- SEM) in follicles with a diameter of 3 mm to a concentration of 392 +/- 98 ng/ml in 9 mm follicles, followed by a reduction to below 100 ng/ml in 12 mm follicles. The concentrations of inhibin-B rose from 57 +/- 10 ng/ml (mean +/- SEM) in 3 mm follicles to 142 +/- 10 ng/ml in 12 mm follicles (P < 0.0005) with a peak concentration of almost 200 ng/ml in 9-10 mm follicles. Relating hormone concentrations with age showed that even follicles from girls younger than 10 years showed the same range of AMH concentrations as those from older girls or women. The intrafollicular concentrations of AMH become progressively lower with increasing follicle diameters. In contrast, concentrations of inhibin-B increased with increasing follicle diameter with peak values at around 9 mm in diameter. This suggests that AMH and inhibin-B undertake important intrafollicular functions around the time of normal follicular selection in the mid-follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

Concentrations of anti-Mullerian hormone in fluid from small human antral follicles show a negative correlation with CYP19 mRNA expression in the corresponding granulosa cells

Ovaries surgically removed for fertility preservation from a total of 24 women served as a source of human small antral follicles, including the follicular fluid (FF) and the corresponding granulosa cells (GC). The FF was used to evaluate the intrafollicular concentrations of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin-B, estradiol, progesterone, androstenedione and testosterone. In GC mRNA expression of the AMH type II receptor (AMH-r2) was determined and correlated to the mRNA expression of CYP19 (aromatase), FSH-receptor (FSH-r) and LH-receptor (LH-r) and to the hormonal profiles of the corresponding FF. GC and FF from a total of 64 follicles (diameter of 3-9 mm) were evaluated. Concentrations of AMH in FF showed a highly significant inverse correlation with CYP19 mRNA expression in the corresponding GC and with concentrations of estradiol, progesterone and inhibin-B in the FF. However, a small subgroup of follicles exhibited high levels of AMH simultaneously with relative high levels of CYP19 mRNA. In contrast to AMH, mRNA expression of AMH-r2 was significantly positively correlated to the mRNA expression of FSH-r and CYP 19, but failed to correlate to any other measured parameters. These data confirms an intimate correlation between follicular AMH levels, AMH-r2, FSH-r expression and estradiol secretion in the developing human follicle.

Comparative Changes in the Serum Concentrations of Inhibin-B, Prolactin, Gonadotropins and Steroid Hormones at Different Reproductive States in Domestic Turkey Hens

The present study was undertaken to compare the changes in circulating levels of inhibin-B, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol-17beta, progesterone and testosterone during the different reproductive states of turkey hens. Blood samples were collected during different reproductive states, at laying, incubating and out of lay. Inhibin-B was measured by ELISA, while other hormones were determined by Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA). The results revealed highly significant differences among the hen's states for all serum hormone concentrations. The highest levels of inhibin-B and prolactin were observed in incubating hens, while the lowest values were observed in laying hens. In contrast, the highest levels of FSH, LH, estradiol-17beta, progesterone and testosterone were found in the laying group, while the lowest values were found in the incubating group. The progesterone level was higher in the laying group compared with the other groups. These results clearly demonstrate that negative correlation was found between both the inhibin-B and prolactin levels and the gonadotropin and steroid hormone concentrations during the different reproductive states of the turkey hens. In addition, the results suggest that inhibin-B may be involved in control of FSH and LH secretion.

Increased intrafollicular androgen levels affect human granulosa cell secretion of anti-müllerian hormone and inhibin-B

To evaluate whether the follicular fluid concentrations of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin-B, and P become affected by androgen priming before controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment, extending our previous study. Prospective nonrandomized clinical study. University hospital. Patients (N = 45) undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment received androgen priming before controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. All patients received cetrorelix, 3 mg SC, on cycle day 2 and 5. Group I (n = 15) received no other pretreatment. Group II (n = 15) received 2.5 mg once daily of letrozole from cycle day 2 through 8. Group III (n = 15) received letrozole as group II plus 1,250 IU hCG on cycle day 2. Follicular fluid concentrations of AMH, inhibin-B, and steroids. Follicular fluid concentrations of AMH were significantly higher in group III than in groups I and II (2.6 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.6 +/- 0.2 and 1.5 +/- 0.4 ng/mL. Concentrations of inhibin-B were significantly lower in group II and III as compared with group I (27 +/- 4, 27 +/- 3 versus 46 +/- 6 ng/mL, respectively). Follicular fluid P concentrations remained similar in all groups. Granulosa cell production of AMH was significantly augmented and inhibin-B production was significantly reduced by a highly specific pharmacologically induced increase in the intrafollicular androgen levels, suggesting a dual action of androgen on follicular growth and development.

Seminal plasma inhibin‐B level is a useful predictor of the success of conventional testicular sperm extraction in patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia

The value of serum inhibin-B as a predictor of the presence of testicular spermatozoa is still controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the predictive value of the seminal plasma inhibin-B level, which might more directly reflect the secretion by Sertoli cells, and to discriminate between successful and failed testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in non-obstructive azoospermia. Sixty-two patients with non-obstructive azoospermia were examined at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Niigata University Hospital, Niigata, Japan. The level of inhibin-B was measured using a two-site enzyme-linked immunoassay. Testicular sperm were successfully retrieved in 17 of 62 patients (27.4%). The serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were significantly lower and the serum and seminal inhibin-B concentrations were significantly higher in the successful TESE group compared with the failed TESE group. According to the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, the best discriminating seminal plasma inhibin-B level was 27.0 pg/mL (sensitivity 88.2%, specificity 93.3%). The best discriminating serum inhibin-B level was 34.0 pg/mL (sensitivity 70.6%, specificity 95.6%). The area under the ROC curve for seminal plasma inhibin-B was significantly larger than that for FSH and testicular volume. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, only seminal plasma inhibin-B was an independent predictor of the presence of spermatozoa on TESE. Seminal plasma inhibin-B level is a useful predictor of the presence of testicular sperm in men with non-obstructive azoospermia.