Luteinizing Research Articles

The Effects of Three Methods of Luteal Phase Support on Pregnancy Outcomes in Poor Ovarian Responders: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The effectiveness of changing the type of luteal phase support in patients with poor ovarian response (POR) remains unclear based on the available evidence. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of various luteal phase support (LPS) methods, including progesterone alone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) alone, and the combination of progesterone with hCG, in these patients. In this randomized clinical trial, 375 patients diagnosed with POR based on the Bologna criteria underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (ET) cycles at the Royan Institute between November 2015 and June 2019. The patients were allocated randomly into three different LPS groups on the day of oocyte pickup. In the first group, 1500 IU of hCG on the ET day, as well as 4 days after that were administrated intramuscularly. In the second group, the patients received 1500 IU of hCG IM on the ET day, as well as 3 and 6 days after the ET along with vaginal progesterone suppositories of 400 mg twice daily. For the third group, only vaginal suppositories twice daily were administrated from the day of oocyte pick up until the pregnancy test day. The clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth rates were compared among groups using appropriate statistical tests. The data analysis indicated that the three groups were comparable, and there were no significant differences among the groups in terms of implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth rates. The twin pregnancy rate in the hCG-only group was higher than in the other two groups, although this difference did not reach statistical significance (P=0.060). Similar pregnancy and live birth rates were observed among different LPS regimens. Interestingly, the use of two boluses of low-dose hCG (1500) was associated with a slight increase in multiple pregnancies. We suggest this effective method, which is easier and more patient-friendly (registration number: NCT02798653).

Does coenzyme Q10 improve semen quality and circulating testosterone level? a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Seminal oxidative stress has been shown to be a key factor in the development of male infertility. However, the benefits of infertility treatments with antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on semen quality, i.e., semen volume, total sperm number, sperm concentration, total sperm motility, percentage of progressive sperm motility and sperm morphology. In addition, the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on circulating testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and inhibin B levels were evaluated. A systematic review and a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were performed to assess the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on semen quality and serum levels of male reproductive hormones. We conducted a strategic literature search in the Cochrane, EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and collected only RCTs. The data in the collected RCTs were then meta-analyzed according to PRISMA guidelines. Out of 2,144 collected studies, only eight were classified eligible. The studies included a total of 877 male subjects; 462 CoQ10-treated and 415 untreated/placebo-treated. We found significantly higher total sperm counts (SMD -13.38 [95% CI: -16.33, -10.43] P< 0.0001), total (SMD -7.26 [95% CI: -10.15, -4.36] P< 0.00001) and progressive motility (SMD -6.386 [95% CI: -10.04, -2.73] P= 0.0006), and normally formed sperm (SMD -1.96 [95% CI: -3.29, -0.62] P= 0.004) in CoQ10-treated male subjects compared with untreated/placebo-treated male subjects. Nonetheless, there was a significant inter-study heterogeneity in these studies. Moreover, significantly higher serum testosterone (SMD -0.59 [95% CI: -0.79, -0.40] P< 0.00001) and inhibin B levels (SMD -0.92 [95% CI: -1.47, -0.37] P= 0.001) were recorded in CoQ10-treated subjects compared to untreated/placebo-treated subjects. In addition, CoQ10 supplementation significantly lowered serum LH (SMD 1.77 [95% CI: 1.26, 2.28] P< 0.00001) and FSH concentrations (SMD 1.60 [95% CI: 1.38, 1.81] P< 0.00001). Interestingly, there was no significant inter-study heterogeneity in the hormonal studies. However, CoQ10 supplementation had no significant effect on semen volume (SMD 0.12 [95% CI: -0.13, 0.37] P= 0.34) and sperm concentration (SMD -6.69 [95% CI: -16.28, 2.90] P= 0.17). Our study shows that CoQ10 supplementation increases total sperm count, total and progressive sperm motility, and the proportion of normally formed sperm in association with higher serum testosterone and inhibin B levels. Our study therefore supports the view in the literature of a beneficial use of CoQ10 in male infertility treatment. However, further well-designed RCTs with sufficiently large numbers of subjects are required to reach a final conclusion.

Birth defects reporting and the use of dydrogesterone: a disproportionality analysis from the World Health Organization pharmacovigilance database (VigiBase).

Is there an association between dydrogesterone exposure during early pregnancy and the reporting of birth defects? This observational analysis based on global safety data showed an increased reporting of birth defects, mainly hypospadias and congenital heart defects (CHD), in pregnancies exposed to dydrogesterone, especially when comparing to progesterone. Intravaginal administration of progesterone is the standard of care to overcome luteal phase progesterone deficiency induced by ovarian stimulation in ART. In recent years, randomized controlled clinical trials demonstrated that oral dydrogesterone was non-inferior for pregnancy rate at 12 weeks of gestation and could be an alternative to micronized vaginal progesterone. Safety profiles in both mother and child were similar. However, concerns have been raised regarding an association between dydrogesterone usage during early pregnancy and CHD in offspring. We performed a disproportionality analysis, also called case-non-case study, similar in concept to case-control studies, using the WHO global safety database, VigiBase. The study cohort consisted of individual pregnancy-related safety reports, using the ad hoc standardized query (SMQ 'Pregnancy and neonatal topics'). Cases of birth defects consisted of safety reports containing terms related to the 'congenital, familial and genetic disorders' System Organ Class from the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. Non-cases consisted of safety reports containing any other adverse event, in pregnancy-related safety reports. Considering reports since database inception to 31 December 2021, we first compared the reporting of birth defects with dydrogesterone to that of any other drug on the database, then to any other drug used for ART. Secondly, we performed a comparison on the reporting of birth defects for dydrogesterone with progesterone. Results are presented as reporting odds ratio (ROR) and their 95% CI. For each comparison, two sensitivity analyses were performed. Finally, a case-by-case review was performed to further characterize major birth defects and sort anomalies according to classification of EUROCAT. Study cohort consisted of 362 183 safety reports in pregnant women, among which 50 653 reports were related to the use of drugs for ART, including 145 with dydrogesterone and 1222 with progesterone. Of these, 374 (0.7%) were cases of birth defects: 60 with dydrogesterone and 141 with progesterone, including 48 and 92 cases compatible with major birth defect cases according to EUROCAT classification, respectively. Major birth defects reported with dydrogesterone were mainly genital defects such as hypospadias and CHD. A significantly higher disproportionate reporting of birth defects was found with dydrogesterone when compared to any other drug (ROR 5.4, 95% CI [3.9-7.5]), to any other ART drug (ROR 6.0, 95% CI [4.2-8.5]), and to progesterone (ROR 5.4, 95% CI [3.7-7.9]). Sensitivity analyses found consistent results. First, under-reporting, being inherent to pharmacovigilance systems, impedes the measurement of the incidence of adverse drug reactions and can limit the sensitivity of signal detection. Second, drug causality, not being the same for all cases, is challenging for such events and requires further assessment. However, sensitivity analyses showed consistent results. This possible safety signal emphasizes the need for further investigation regarding the fetal safety profile of dydrogesterone. No funding was received for this study. None of the authors have any financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that could influence the design, conductor or reporting of this work. N/A.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Endometrial Scratching in Follicular and Luteal Phases in Pregnancy Rate of Frozen Embryo Transfer Candidate Women

Background: Endometrial scratching (ES) has been reported as a strategy to improve the outcome of IVF. Considering that the follicular phase and luteal phase have their specific characteristics and hormonal secretions, we investigated whether scratching in different phases affects a woman's chances of becoming pregnant following frozen embryo transfer. Methods: A total of 300 frozen embryo transfer candidate women with normal cavities and good embryo quality were randomly divided into two groups: group A with ES in the follicular phase and group B with ES in the luteal phase. In both groups, endometrial scratching was performed before IVF. The rate of pregnancy and baseline characteristics, such as age, education, and embryo quality, were compared between the two groups. Results: Our results showed no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between the women who underwent ES in the follicular phase and those in the luteal phase for the outcome of IVF and chemical or clinical pregnancies. Conclusion: ES in different phases of the cycle preceding frozen embryo transfer did not affect the outcome of pregnancy.

Effect of galanin-like peptide on hypothalamic kisspeptin expression in female Zucker fatty rats.

Kisspeptin and galanin-like peptide (GALP) neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) are involved in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuron-mediated pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. Zucker fatty (ZF) rats display a leptin receptor gene abnormality and suppressed pulsatile LH secretion. ZF rats reportedly exhibit low hypothalamic GALP and kisspeptin expression, and GALP administration induces LH release in ZF rats. Therefore, we performed a histochemical analysis to determine whether GALP-induced LH release is mediated by kisspeptin neurons in ZF rats. All ZF rats were ovariectomized and subcutaneously implanted with an estradiol tube before the central injection of GALP or vehicle. GALP administration increased the plasma LH concentration. However, no significant difference was observed in the number of Kiss1 cells and the proportion of Fos-positive Kiss1 cells. The number of c-Fos-positive GnRH neurons significantly increased after GALP administration. Our results suggest that hypothalamic GALP neurons promote LH release by activating GnRH neurons without the activation of kisspeptin neurons in the ARC.

Association of hormone profile with various respiratory disorders in sulfur mustard-chemical veterans.

Chronic respiratory complications such as asthma, bronchiolitis obliterans, and chronic bronchitis are prevalent among individuals exposed to sulfur mustard (SM). This study investigates the hormonal changes associated with SM-induced respiratory disorders. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 276 male participants exposed to SM during the Iraq-Iran war and 64 healthy controls. Serum levels of various hormones were measured. Testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), luteinizing hormone (LH), DHEA-S/cortisol ratio, and DHEA-S/prolactin ratio were decreased in the SM-exposed group compared to the control group while prolactin level and prolactin/cortisol ratio were increased (P<0.05). The prolactin was increased in bronchiolitis obliterans, chronic bronchitis, and asthma compared to the control group while DHEA-S and DHEA-S/prolactin ratio were decreased in those disorders (P<0.05). The testosterone was only decreased in asthma, and DHEA-S/cortisol ratio was only decreased in bronchiolitis obliterans and chronic bronchitis compared to control and other disorders (P<0.05). The principle component analysis showed that the DHEA-S/cortisol and testosterone/cortisol ratios had the most contributing to interpatient variation in total SM-exposed patients in the principle component 1 (PC1). In patients with asthma and bronchiolitis obliterans, prolactin/cortisol and testosterone/cortisol ratios had the most contributing in PC1 while in patients with chronic bronchitis, the DHEA-S/cortisol and testosterone/cortisol ratios had the most contributing. Hormones including testosterone, prolactin, and DHEA-S or their ratios (DHEA-S/cortisol and DHEA-S/prolactin ratios) had the most alterations as delayed effects of sulfur mustard. Also, DHEA-S/cortisol, DHEA-S/prolactin, testosterone/cortisol, and prolactin/cortisol had the most contributing in changes of hormone profile for SM-induced pulmonary disorders. These data may suggest the best parameters for evaluating of hormone profile of SM-exposed people.

The impact of intermittent fasting on fertility: A focus on polycystic ovary syndrome and reproductive outcomes in Women-A systematic review.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and menstrual irregularities, leading to infertility in many women. Emerging evidence suggests intermittent fasting (IF), particularly time-restricted feeding (TRF), may improve reproductive and metabolic outcomes in women with PCOS by addressing core pathophysiological mechanisms. This systematic review examines the impact of IF on fertility and reproductive hormones in women with PCOS. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library using predefined search terms related to intermittent fasting, fertility, and PCOS. Eligible studies published between 2014 and 2024 were identified following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Inclusion criteria targeted primary research evaluating the effects of IF on reproductive outcomes, menstrual irregularities, and metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using the Caldwell framework. Three studies were included in the review. TRF interventions led to significant improvements in menstrual regularity, with 33-40% of participants reporting normalized cycles. Reductions in total testosterone, free androgen index, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were observed, alongside increased sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). TRF also improved insulin sensitivity, reduced body weight, and decreased inflammatory markers, all of which contribute to enhanced reproductive outcomes. Key outcomes included a 9% reduction in testosterone levels, 26% reduction in the free androgen index (FAI), and significant improvements in menstrual regularity (33-40%). Intermittent fasting, particularly TRF, shows potential as a non-pharmacological intervention to improve reproductive health and fertility in women with PCOS. By targeting hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and menstrual irregularities, TRF offers a promising lifestyle approach. However, larger randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm these findings and establish IF as a standard therapeutic option for PCOS management.

Influence of Menstrual Phase and Symptoms on Sleep Before and After Matches for Professional Footballers.

This study investigated the association of menstrual cycle phase and symptoms with objective and subjective sleep measures from professional footballers before and after matches. Twenty-three non-hormonal contraceptive-using professional footballers (from four clubs) were monitored for up to four menstrual cycles during a domestic league season. Menstrual phases (menstruation, mid-late follicular, luteal) were determined using calendar counting and urinary hormone tests (luteinizing hormone and pregnandiol-3-glucuronide). Players rated the severity of 18 symptoms on the evenings of matches and the following two evenings. Individual daily summed menstrual symptom severity (MSS) scores were calculated. Subjective sleep quality was rated the morning of matches and the following two mornings. Objective sleep (bedtime, waketime, total sleep time [TST], sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency) obtained from actigraphy was measured the night prior to (MN-1), of (MN), and following (MN+1) matches. Linear mixed models were performed for each sleep measure to examine the effects of menstrual phase and symptoms. Bedtime was significantly later for MN (p < 0.001), waketime was significantly earlier for MN+1 (p < 0.001), and TST was significantly longer for MN-1 (p < 0.001). Menstrual phase did not have a significant effect on any sleep variable (p > 0.05). Increased MSS score was associated with increased TST (p = 0.03) and increased waketime (p = 0.03). Increased lower back pain severity and mood changes/anxiety severity were associated with increased waketime (p = 0.048) and TST (p = 0.009), respectively. Overall, bedtime and waketime were affected by the night related to matches, with increased TST the night before a match. Menstrual phase was not related to any objective or subjective sleep variables, whilst increasing menstrual symptom severity was related to later waketime and longer TST.

Role of Seed Therapy on Estrous and Non-Estrous Cycle in Healthy Female Rats.

Seed cycling therapy (SCT) involves the consumption of specific seeds during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle to help balance reproductive hormones. This study aimed to investigate the effects of SCT on healthy female Wistar albino rats to prevent hormonal imbalances. For SCT, a seed mixture (SM1) consisting of flax, pumpkin, and soybeans (estrogenic seeds) was administered at doses of 5.4, 4, 8, and 12 g per 100 g of diet during the non-estrous phase. Another seed mixture (SM2) comprising sunflower, sesame, and chickpeas (also estrogenic) was given at doses of 3.12, 8, and 8 g per 100 g during the estrous phase. A total of 36 female Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups, each containing nine rats: Basal diet, seed cycling 1, seed cycling 2, and seed cycling 3 (SC3). All diets were isocaloric and iso-nitrogenous. The results showed that body weight, feed intake, and water consumption were significantly decreased in the SC3 group (p < 0.05), with increased nutrient digestibility. The tested diets led to significant positive changes in levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, high-density lipoproteins (HDL-c), low-density lipoproteins (LDL-c), LDL-c/HDL-c ratio, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase across both phases of the cycle. There was also a notable increase in estrogen, testosterone, prolactin, and insulin levels (p < 0.05). Ovarian histology results showed normal morphology in the SC3 group, suggesting that this dosage was the most effective. The findings indicate that further studies are warranted to explore the genetic mechanisms underlying phytoestrogen action during reproductive stages.

Ascorbic acid alleviates reproductive toxicity of di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate in female Wistar rats

Objective: To investigate the potential of ascorbic acid in mitigating reproductive toxicity induced by di-(2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in female Wistar rats, focusing on oxidative stress, hormone levels, and gonadotropin receptors expression. Methods: Forty female Wistar rats [30 days old, weighing (60±10)g] were randomly divided into five groups (n=8 per group). Group 1 received corn oil (control). Groups 2 and 3 were administered DEHP at 10 and 100 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.), respectively. Groups 4 and 5 received DEHP at 10 and 100 mg/ kg b.wt., respectively, plus ascorbic acid 100 mg/kg b.wt.. All treatments were given orally for 30 days. Blood and ovarian tissues were collected to assess serum reproductive hormones, gonadotropin receptor gene expression, oxidative stress markers, and apoptosis. Results: DEHP, particularly at the higher dose, significantly decreased hormone levels (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol) and gonadotropin receptor gene expression (FSHR, LHR), while increasing oxidative stress and apoptosis. Co-treatment with ascorbic acid significantly improved these parameters, reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis, and restoring hormone levels and gonadotropin receptor expression. Histopathology revealed fewer atretic follicles and less disruption in ovarian structure in DEHP and ascorbic acid-treated groups compared to those treated with DEHP alone. Conclusions: Ascorbic acid demonstrates protective effects against DEHP-induced reproductive toxicity in female rats, likely through mitigating oxidative stress and normalizing hormone levels and ovarian function.

Sex hormones shape EEG-based functional connectivity in early-stage Parkinson's disease patients.

Parkinson's disease (PD) epidemiology and clinical features are sexually dimorphic. However, there are no data based on EEG functional connectivity (FC). Likewise, the contribution of sex hormones on brain FC has never been evaluated. Here, we aimed to investigate the association between biological sex and sex hormones on cortical FC changes in PD using high-density EEG. This study involved 69 early-stage PD patients (F/M 27/42) and 69 age-matched healthy controls (HC) (F/M 30/39). Sex hormone levels (total-testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH)) were assessed in PD patients. Data were recorded with a 64-channel EEG system. Source reconstruction method was used to identify brain activity. Cortico-cortical FC was analysed based on the weighted phase-lag index (wPLI) in θ-α-β-low γ bands. Network-based statistic (NBS) was used to compare FC between genders in HC and PD and to study the relationship between FC and sex hormones in PD. PD exhibited a hypoconnected network at θ and α bands and a hyperconnected network at β band compared to HC. Male HC showed a hyperconnected network at α-band compared to female HC. Conversely, males with PD showed a hypoconnected network at α-band compared to females with PD. In females and males with PD, E2 positively correlated with α-FC, while gonadotropins positively correlated with β-FC. TT positively correlated with the θ-FC only in males. Sex hormones shape EEG-FC in both males and females with PD, supporting their major influence on PD pathophysiology.

Black Garlic Extract Modulates Endothelin Expression and Ovulatory Function in Monosodium Glutamate Treated Rats.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a widely used food additive, has been associated with various health concerns, including potential reproductive toxicity. This study investigated the protective effects of black garlic (BG) ethanol extract against MSG-induced ovarian damage in rats. Thirty-two female rats in estrus were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8 per group): control (saline), BG (250 mg/kg BW), MSG (4 mg/g BW), and BG+MSG (combined treatment). Treatments were administered daily for 14 days. Ovarian tissues were collected for histopathological, immunohistochemical (IHC), and biochemical analyses. Histopathological examination revealed a significant reduction in cystic follicles in the BG+MSG group compared to the MSG group (p < 0.0001). IHC analysis showed decreased immunoreactivity of endothelin-1 and endothelin-2 in the BG+MSG group compared to the MSG group (both p < 0.01). Biochemical assays demonstrated significantly increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol levels in the BG+MSG group compared to the MSG group (all p < 0.05), while progesterone levels were significantly lower in the MSG group compared to the BG+MSG group (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that BG ethanol extract may mitigate MSG-induced ovarian dysfunction in rats by alleviating degenerative changes in follicles and modulating hormonal levels. This study provides insights into potential natural interventions for MSG-related reproductive toxicity.

Abnormalities in copper status associated with diminished ovarian reserve: A case-control and cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to illustrate the copper status of diminished ovarian reserve in Chinese women, especially the effects of copper, ceruloplasmin, non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper (NCC) and CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD1). This case-control, cross-sectional investigation included women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR group, n = 35) and matched normal ovarian reserve (NOR group, n = 35). The serum levels of copper, ceruloplasmin, NCC, SOD1, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, testosterone, and anti-Müllerian hormone were tested and analyzed. The serum copper concentrations (60.88%), NCC (54.75%) and SOD1 (54.75%) in the DOR group were significantly higher than those in the NOR group (all P < 0.001), and the concentrations of the three markers were higher in most subgroups (P < 0.001). The correlation analysis verified the correlation between copper status and impaired ovarian function. Additionally, linear regression analysis showed that NCC and SOD1 levels were negatively correlated with anti-Müllerian hormone (P < 0.05 or 0.001). Our exploration found significant increases in copper, NCC and SOD1 levels in DOR and suggests a possible link. Copper status is expected to serve as the predictive marker for DOR.

Effect of vitamin D adjuvant therapy on the proportion of regulatory T cells in peripheral blood and pregnancy outcome of patients with recurrent miscarriage.

Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is influenced by immune factors, particularly regulatory T cells, which can impact immune function and miscarriage risk. Vitamin D (VD) is known to regulate the immune system, potentially improving pregnancy outcomes in RM patients. This study aims to assess the effect of VD adjuvant therapy on regulatory T cells and pregnancy outcomes in RM patients. Clinical data from 104 individuals with RM admitted to our hospital between March 2022 and February 2023 were allocated at random to either the VD group (VDG) or the control group (CG), with 52 patients in each group. Both groups received standard treatment; the CG was treated with aspirin, while the VDG received additional VD therapy. Outcomes measured included regulatory T cell proportion, metabolic factors, immune inflammatory markers, and pregnancy outcomes. After treatment, the proportion of regulatory T cells in VDG was considerably higher (p < 0.05). Additionally, triglyceride levels, leptin, fasting blood glucose, and fasting insulin were lower in the VDG, whereas adiponectin levels were higher (p < 0.05). Levels of progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and 25-hydroxy VD were also higher in the VDG (p < 0.05). Furthermore, interleukin-17, gamma interferon, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein were lower in the VDG (p < 0.05). The pregnancy success rate in the VDG was higher, and the preterm birth rate was lower (p < 0.05). Adjuvant treatment with VD can increase the proportion of regulatory T cells in peripheral blood of individuals with recurrent abortion, regulate metabolic disorder, alleviate immune inflammation, and improve pregnancy outcome.

Food intake and the HPT axis in the cichlid fish: The implications of the gut-brain peptide cholecystokinin.

This work aimed to investigate the response of cholecystokinin (CCK) to starvation and its impact on food intake and the reproductive axis of the tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus. The fish subjected to 21 days of starvation showed a significant decrease in CCK immunoreactivity in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and intestine. The administration of injections of 0.5 and 5 μg of sulfated CCK-8 (CCK-8S) over 21 days resulted in a significant, dose-dependent decrease in food consumption. Administration of a high dose of CCK-8S (5 μg) resulted in a substantial decrease in the number of various spermatogenic cells, the intensity of androgen receptor immunoreactivity in the testis, and the percentage area of GnRH-immunoreactive fibres in the pars distalis of the pituitary gland (PPD), concurrent with a significant decline in serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT). Moreover, CCK-8S treatment markedly reduced the in vitro testicular 11-KT level. The results indicate for the first time that CCK influences hypothalamic GnRH release into the pituitary gland, resulting in the inhibition of LH release from the pituitary and affecting testicular spermatogenesis, androgen receptor protein expression, and steroidogenesis in teleosts. In addition, CCK may also directly affect testicular steroidogenesis.

Effect of curcumin on lipid mediators, glycemic index, and oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers in polycystic ovary syndrome: Future directions and current knowledge - A systematic review.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common and important polygenic endocrine disorders among women of reproductive-aged. Current treatments are mostly used only to control the signs and symptoms of the disease, while not being able to completely prevent complications. Curcumin is one of the active compounds in turmeric, which is commonly used for a wide range of metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Therefore, this systematic review was performed to evaluate the effect of curcumin supplementation on PCOS. The current systematic review was performed according to the guidelines of the 2015 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) statements. We searched ProQuest, PubMed, Google Scholar electronic, Scopus, and Cochrane, Embase, and Science Direct databases and on articles published up until November 2024. All of the animal studies (seven studies) and clinical trials (five studies) included in this systematic review that assessed the effect of curcumin on, reproductive hormones and metabolic risk markers in PCOS were published in English-language journals. Most studies supported the beneficial effects of curcumin on folliculogenesis, ovarian histomorphology, and luteinization processes. The effects of curcumin on decreasing the levels of luteinizing insulin resistance luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)and testosterone, were also reported. Curcumin also improved dyslipidemia, but no significant effect on weight loss has been reported. It is suggested that the effect of curcumin in PCOS is more related to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin than to the effects of weight loss. Therefore, this study provides evidence that curcumin can be considered an effective factor in reducing the complications of PCOS. However, due to the low number of human studies in this field, further clinical trials are warranted to verify these outcomes.

Lower Bone Mineral Density in Female Elite Athletes With Menstrual Dysfunction From Mixed Sports.

Menstrual dysfunction (MD) in female athletes might be indicative of the syndrome of relative energy deficiency in sports (REDs), associated with, e.g., impaired bone health, an increased risk of injury, and decreased performance. In the present study, we investigated differences in objective indicators of REDs, bone mineral density (BMD), and blood-based biomarkers in female elite athletes with self-reported MD or eumenorrhoea (CON) from mixed sport disciplines. Athletes reporting < 9 menstrual bleedings within the last year were recruited in the MD group, whereas eumenorrheic athletes with no symptoms of eating disorders were recruited for CON. Of the 24 athletes included, 19 completed the examinations (9 MD; 10 CON, mean age ± SD: 24.8 ± 5.5 years). Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to assess body composition and BMD. Fasted rested blood sampling was performed to assess blood-based biomarkers of bone and endocrine status. Two MD athletes were excluded from the analysis due to suspected polycystic ovary syndrome. Results showed that MD was associated with lower BMD Z-scores across several sites compared to CON (between-group differences ± SE); whole-body Z-score: -1.4 ± 0.5, p=0.03; lumbar spine Z-score: -1.4 ± 0.6, p=0.03; proximal femur: -1.6 ± 0.6, p=0.02). However, no between-group differences in biomarkers of bone turnover were observed. MD was associated with lower plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (p=0.02), prolactin (p < 0.001), and free T 3 (p=0.01). In conclusion, the present data indicate impairment in bone health and endocrine homeostasis in female elite athletes with current MD and underline the importance of MD as a potential indicator of REDs in female elite athletes. Furthermore, these findings call for regular screening of symptoms for early identification of athletes at risk in all sport disciplines and more education of athletes, coaches, and medical staff regarding this issue.

Abnormalities in Blood Parameters in Athletes Taking Anabolic Androgenic Steroidal Agents; an Observational Clinical Study.

Many studies indicate that high and multiple doses of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) for athletic enhancement can result in serious and irreversible adverse effects. A study that includes laboratory blood testing to evaluate the direct effects of AAS agents among users has not been previously undertaken. The purpose of this study was to investigate the adverse effects of the use of AAS by athletes and to determine whether AAS use leads to changes in certain blood parameters. This is an observational study consisting of two stages. First, the participants completed an online questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, and knowledge and attitudes towards AAS. Second, volunteers underwent laboratory blood testing. Analysis was conducted using frequency distributions and percentages of responses across various variables. Thirty-one individuals completed the online questionnaire, 18 of whom continued to stage 2, where blood samples were taken to trace any changes in blood parameters. All the participants were male, with an age range of 24-45 years. The results showed that 94% of the participants used AAS for nontherapeutic purposes. Most participants reported that they take a combination of AAS (96%), as well as in combination with other supplements (74%). The most used combination was testosterone plus growth hormone (45%), and the most used supplements were liver protectors (84%). Seventy-four percent of the participants reported side effects, and 28% had received a medical diagnosis, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia or an infertility. High levels of testosterone, prolactin, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST) and lipid profile, and low luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were observed. The unsupervised use of AAS alone or in combination with other hormones and/or supplements may lead to adverse effects. Further studies with larger samples are needed to draw significant conclusions about the safety of using AAS.

Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology revised diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome: JSOG2024 criteria.

Japanese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit distinct body type characteristics, such that the rate of overweight/obese women is remarkably low. In addition, hyperandrogenism is relatively rare among Japanese PCOS patients. Therefore, these factors are considered in PCOS diagnostic criteria used in Japan. Diagnostic criteria for PCOS were recently revised by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology based on a nationwide survey of PCOS and released on December 5, 2023 (JSOG2024). JSOG2024 criteria diagnosed PCOS according to the following three items: (1) irregular menstrual cycle/chronic anovulation, (2) polycystic ovarian morphology or elevated serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level, and (3) hyperandrogenism or high luteinizing hormone. The presence of all three items is required to diagnose PCOS, after excluding other diseases with symptoms similar to PCOS. We also established AMH cut-off values by age and a system for evaluating ovarian findings useful for both the JSOG2024 and Rotterdam criteria. We anticipate that the JSOG2024 criteria with cut-off values will enhance the treatment of Japanese patients with PCOS and those of other ethnicities with low obesity and hirsutism.

Luteinizing hormone receptor deficiency in immature cumulus-oocyte complexes retrieved for assisted reproduction.

This study investigated whether luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) expression varies in the granulosa cells of individual follicles according to the maturation stage of the oocytes harvested for assisted reproductive technology treatment. We observed minimal to no LHR messenger ribonucleic acid and protein expression in cumulus cells surrounding oocytes arrested in the germinal vesicle stage. Interestingly, their ability to mature was confirmed by rescue invitro maturation, suggesting somatic cell LHR deficiency as a key factor for the retrieval of germinal vesicle oocytes in assisted reproductive technology procedures.