Luteal Phase Of Cycle Research Articles

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

An estimated 8-out-of-10 women experience physiological premenstrual symptoms, 3–30% of these women suffer with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that interfere with daily life, with 1–10% of women suffering from severe PMS symptoms meeting the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD can be considered a subdivision of PMS and is a combination of psychological, behavioural and physical symptoms that can vary in intensity and presents cyclically during the luteal phase of ovulatory menstrual cycles. The diagnosis of PMDD and PMS depends on the timing of symptoms, the severity of symptoms and their impact on quality of life. Physiological symptoms (feeling bloated, headache, acne, mood changes and constipation) that do not impact on daily activities and quality of life are considered to be physiological premenstrual symptoms rather than PMS. There is no association with age, educational status or employment for PMS or PMDD.

Factors that may interfere in estradiol-progesterone plasmatic concentration in the mid-luteal phase of hyperstimulated cycles for IVF/ICSI

Research question: We have demonstrated that plasmatic estradiol in mid-luteal phasel has prognostic value for clinical and ongoing pregnancy rate. This study investigated the possible factors that could interfere in the value of estradiol-progesterone in the mid luteal phase of cycles of IVF/ICSI Design: Retrospective study, including patients ≤39years old and with dosage of estradiol-progesterone and beta hCG 6-7 days after fresh embryo transfer and the influence of several factors or variables upon these hormones. Results: Of 189 cycles of IVF/ICSI with complete hormonal evaluation in mid-luteal phase, we studied the probably influence of ten factors upon plasmatic concentration of estradiol-progesterone. Only four factors had significant influence. Of them, the most important variable was beta hCG concentration (consequence of trophoblastic mass and number of implanted embryos), followed for number collected oocytes, and of litlle importance, scheme of final maturation with luteal phase correction (did not reach statistical difference), and day of transfer. Conclusion: The estradiol-progesterone in the mid-luteal phase, in this research, were influenced by hCG, number of collected oocytes, scheme for final maturation, but the main influence factor was the beta hCG concentration, although not had been a good correlation coefficient between these hormones, due to a large difference in the their concentrations, as seen in the high values observed on the Standard Deviation. The high percentages of clinical and ongoing pregnancies in the ≥500g/ml group, were the result of higher beta hCG levels, due to the larger number of twin pregnancy in this group.

Role of 17 Beta Estradiol in Etiology of Premenstrual Syndrome in Medical Students

Objective: To calculate the incidence of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) in young medical female students. To check relation of serum 17β estradiol with affective symptoms of PMS. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Settings: The Department of Biochemistry, The University of Faisalabad (TUF). Duration: 3 months from September 2017 to November 2017. Methodology: The study groups included 50 controls and 31 patients of the age group 18-28 years. Their symptoms of PMS were noted by questionnaire. Blood sampling of participants was performed in luteal phase of cycle. Serum 17β estradiol was estimated with the help of ELISA. Results: The T-test was used to consider a comparison between the affective symptoms of PMS in patients and controls and for comparison of estradiol between the both groups. While comparing estradiol between the both groups, P value is non-significant. For the symptoms of PMS, P value was significant between patients and control group. Conclusion: It suggests that the fluctuations in serum estradiol level are not the only cause of affective symptoms of PMS in this study. There may be other factors responsible for the symptoms in selected subjects such as life style, dietary habits or genetics.

150-OR: Brain Insulin Sensitivity Is Modulated by Menstrual Cycle

Insulin action in the human brain modulates whole-body metabolism by increasing peripheral insulin sensitivity and suppressing endogenous glucose production. In brain insulin resistance, this modulatory function of the brain is impaired. Experimental evidence from rodents and first observations in humans suggest major differences in brain insulin action between women and men. We therefore investigated effects of brain insulin delivery on peripheral metabolism in the follicular and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Eleven natural cycling women (age: 19-29 years, BMI: 17.8 - 23.8 kg/m²) underwent four hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps. On two days during both the follicular and the luteal cycle phase, participants received intranasal insulin spray and placebo 90 min after initiation of the 210 min clamp in randomized, blinded order. Insulin spillover into the blood was mimicked by an appropriate iv insulin bolus on placebo days. The phase of the menstrual cycle interacted with the type of spray on the subsequent change of glucose infusion rates (GIR) (p=0.01). During the follicular phase, more glucose had to be infused after insulin delivery to the brain as nasal spray compared to placebo administration (p<0.0001; β=0.40±0.06). This difference remained significant after adjustment for plasma glucose and insulin concentrations (p<0.0001). During the luteal phase, GIR were only transiently higher after nasal insulin (p=0.005; β=0.16±0.06), but this depended on the circulating glucose and insulin levels as the difference was no longer present after respective adjustments (p=0.1). In the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, insulin delivery to the brain improves peripheral insulin sensitivity in lean women, comparable to what has previously been described in lean men. However, this response was not detected in the luteal phase, suggesting brain insulin resistance. Brain insulin resistance could therefore contribute to the long known peripheral insulin resistance in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Disclosure C.F.C. Benkendorff: None. J. Hummel: None. A. Vosseler: None. S. Kullmann: None. L. Fritsche: None. A.L. Birkenfeld: None. H. Preissl: None. H. Haering: None. A. Fritsche: None. A. Peter: None. R. Wagner: Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Other Relationship; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. M. Heni: Research Support; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sanofi. Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Funding German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (01GI0925)

GnRH agonists to sustain the luteal phase in antagonist IVF cycles: a randomized prospective trial

BackgroundThe addition of a GnRH analogue to the luteal phase in in vitro fertilization programs has been seldom proposed due to the presence of GnRH receptors in the endometrium. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of triptorelin addition in short antagonist cycles, compared to cycles where the only supplementation was progesterone.MethodsThe primary objective of this study was the study of the effect of Triptorelin addiction during the luteal phase on the live birth rate. Secondary objectives of efficacy were pregnancy rates and implantation rates, as well as safety in terms of OHSS risks. The study was a prospective, randomized, open study, performed in two independent Centers from July 2013 to October 2015. Patients were divided into three groups: a) Regular antagonist protocol, with only luteal progesterone; b) Antagonist protocol with luteal triptorelin as multiple injections, c) Antagonist protocol with luteal triptorelin as single bolus. Descriptive statistics were obtained for all the parameters. Mean and standard deviation were used for all quantitative parameters. Differences between percentages were studied using Chi-square test generalized to the comparison of several proportions.ResultsA total number of 1344 patients completed the study, 786 under the age of 35 years, and 558 over 35 years. It was observed an increase of positive HCG results, Clinical pregnancy rates and Delivery rates when triptorelin was added in the luteal phase, irrespective whether as a single bolus or five injections. This increase was statistically significant both for pregnancy rates and delivery rates. The statistic difference between pregnancies and deliveries obtained with or without luteal triptorelin reached p < 0,01. No increase of OHSS risk was observed.ConclusionsFrom this large study it appears that the concept of luteal phase supplementation should be revisited. From our study it appears that triptorelin addition to the luteal phase of antagonist cycles, either as a single bolus or using multiple injections, is a good tool to optimize ART results.Trial registrationThe study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Provincia di Bergamo (n 1203/2013).

Follicular and Luteal Phases of Estrus Cycle of Tapri and Mixed Goats Under Semi Intensive Management System

Follicular and Luteal Phases of Estrus Cycle of Tapri and Mixed Goats Under Semi Intensive Management System

Sex hormones and number processing. Progesterone and testosterone relate to hemispheric asymmetries during number comparison

Like many visual stimuli, multi-digit numbers are of a hierarchical nature, with whole number magnitudes depending on individual digit magnitudes. Accordingly, multi-digit numbers can be processed in a holistic (whole number magnitudes) or decomposed manner (digit magnitudes). The compatibility effect during number comparison serves as an indicator of decomposed processing. It is characterized by impaired performance for items where the larger number contains the smaller unit-digit. We were recently able to demonstrate, that the compatibility effect indeed depends on an individual's tendency to process visual hierarchical stimuli on a global or local level. Accordingly, factors affecting global-local processing, should also affect number magnitude processing, i.e. the compatibility effect. Among these factors are hemispheric asymmetries, sex differences and sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone, testosterone). In the present study 39 men and 37 naturally cycling women in their luteal cycle phase completed a number comparison task with stimuli randomly presented to the left and right hemifield. As in previous studies, we observed a larger compatibility effect in the right hemifield (left hemisphere) than in the left hemifield (right hemisphere) and in men than in women. However, this is the first study to evaluate the effects of sex hormones on hemispheric asymmetries during number comparison. We found progesterone to relate to increased hemispheric asymmetries in men, but decreased hemispheric asymmetries in women. Additionally, testosterone was negatively related to hemispheric asymmetries in women's compatibility effect in reaction times. These results add to the growing evidence that sex hormones relate to hemispheric asymmetries in cognitive functions.

The cycling brain: menstrual cycle related fluctuations in hippocampal and fronto-striatal activation and connectivity during cognitive tasks

Estradiol and progesterone vary along the menstrual cycle and exert opposite effects on a variety of neurotransmitter systems. However, few studies have addressed menstrual cycle-dependent changes in the brain. In the present study we investigate menstrual cycle changes in brain activation and connectivity patterns underlying cognition. Thirty-six naturally cycling women underwent functional MRI during two cognitive tasks: spatial navigation and verbal fluency. While no significant performance differences were observed along the menstrual cycle, the changes in brain activation patterns are strikingly similar during both tasks. Irrespective of the task, estradiol boosts hippocampal activation during the pre-ovulatory cycle phase and progesterone boosts fronto-striatal activation during the luteal cycle phase. Connectivity analyses suggest that the increase in right-hemispheric frontal activation is the result of inter-hemispheric decoupling and is involved in the down-regulation of hippocampal activation.

Assisted reproductive technologies in cattle reproduction and selection

In vitro technology is one of the most dynamically developing and more and more stable biotechnological methods today accelerating selection, intensifying reproductive and genetic potential of breeding animals, allowing to increase breeding young animals production by one champion cow up to 5–10 calves per year, reduce generation interval and significantly accelerate process of updating and qualitative improvement of livestock. However, obtaining oocytes competent for in vitro development is one of the critical factors determining success of the method and depending on a number of biological and technical factors. This paper presents results of studies on effect of biological factors of direct and indirect impact on efficiency of obtaining oocytes in the system of transvaginal aspiration for the first time conducted in the Republic of Belarus. Yield of excellent and good quality oocytes increased during aspiration during the luteal phase of estrous cycle and remained almost unchanged during aspiration into the follicular phase. Presence of follicles with diameter over 8 mm in the ovaries during aspiration reduced yield of excellent and good quality oocytes averagely by 9.4 percentage points. Removing the dominant follicle 72 hours prior to aspiration allowed increasing the number of aspirated follicles by 41 %, and yield of oocytes – by 22.9 %. Microstimulation of ovaries prior to aspiration by follicle-stimulating hormones FSG-super and Plusset increased efficiency of aspiration in terms of the main indicators by 19.2–45.9 %. Follicular cyst or persistent corpus luteum in one of the ovaries reduced both quantitative and qualitative indicators of aspiration. The data obtained are of practical importance for development of technology for in vitro embryo production in the system of transvaginal aspiration of oocytes which will help to accelerate breeding process and increase efficiency of breeding work in livestock production in general.Acknowledgments. The research was conducted within the two state research programs: “Biotechnology”, subprogram “Development of biological science, biological education and biological industry for 2007–2011 and for the period up to 2020”, “High technologies and equipment for 2016-2020”, subprogram 1 “Innovative biotechnologies–2020”.

Immunohistochemical localization of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in the oviduct of Indian buffalo during follicular and luteal phases of estrous cycle.

The localization and distribution of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in different segments of oviduct of buffalo during follicular and luteal phases of estrous cycle were investigated using immunohistochemistry. Tissue samples from the different segments of oviduct from 12 buffaloes (six each during follicular and luteal phases of estrous cycle) were collected from slaughter house after assessing the gross morphology of ovaries. In addition, blood samples were collected from the animals before slaughter to estimate levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones. The tissue distribution of estrogen receptor was determined by immunohistochemical technique using one-step polymer HRPO staining system. The estrogen receptor was localized in the lamina epithelialis, propria submucosa, tunica muscularis, and tunica serosa. The maximum localization was observed in the lamina epithelialis, where both ciliated and secretory cell types were positive for ERα. Percentage of positive cells varied during the follicular and luteal phases of estrous cycle. The lining epithelium of oviductal glands was also intensely positive for ERα. No immunostaining was observed in any tunic of the oviduct when the primary antibody was replaced by antibody diluent or buffer, and it served as negative control. The data showed that highest immune positive cells were observed in the ampulla region of the oviduct and these cells were lowest in the utero-tubal junction (p < 0.05). Infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus showed a higher percentage of ERα-positive cells during follicular phase of estrous cycle as compared with those of the luteal phase of estrous cycle (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the percentage positive cells during the two phases of estrous cycle in the utero-tubal junction. Immunogold labeling with anti-ERα antibody confirmed the findings of immunohistochemical study at subcellular level. The higher expression during the follicular phase was directly correlated with the level of estrogen hormone.

Immuno Localization of Estrogen Receptor (ERα) and Progesterone Receptor (PR) in Uterus of Buffalo during Follicular and Luteal Phases of Estrous Cycle

The tissue distribution of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) was examined using immunohistochemical technique. Image analysis was done to quantify the immune reactivity. The ERα and PR was localized in luminal epithelium, glandular epithelium, stromal cells, endothelial cells and myometrium and few cells in perimetrium. The immuno staining was observed in the nuclei of cells, however, faint cytoplasmic staining for PR was also observed. Variations were seen in the different tissue compartments of the uterus and during the different phases of the estrous cycle. Significantly higher number of ERα positive cells was observed in lamina epithelialis as compared to stromal cells and smooth muscle cells in myometrium. Significantly higher percentage of ERα positive cells was observed in the lamina epithelialis and lining epithelium of endometrial glands during follicular phase as compared to the luteal phases of estrous cycle (P < 0.05). Higher number of PR positive cells was observed in lamina epithelialis as compared to stromal cells and smooth muscle cells in myometrium (P < 0.05). Higher percentage of PR positive cells was observed in the lamina epithelialis during follicular phase as compared to the luteal phases of estrous cycle (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the immuno reactivity in stromal cells, lining epithelium of endometrial glands and smooth muscle cells of myometrium during the phases of estrous cycle. The study concluded that ERα and PR expressions were higher during follicular phase as compared to the luteal phase.

Review on canine pyometra, oxidative stress and current trends in diagnostics

Pyometra is one of the most important and common disorders in canine. The disease results in life threatening condition associated with septicemia and toxemia. The condition commonly occurs during luteal phase of estrous cycle, generally 4 weeks to 4 months of estrous cycle. The age, parity, breeds, administration of hormones are some predisposing factors of the condition. However, interaction between potentially pathogenic bacteria and hormonally primed uterus is believed to result in pyometra. The disease is initiated in the form of cystic endometrial hyperplasia, which later progresses into purulent uterine content following bacterial infection resulting in pyometra. The disturbance in antioxidant and pro-oxidant balance succeeding bacterial infection results in oxidative stress. The resultant stress further induces endometrial degeneration, immunosuppression and additionally aggravates the condition. An important clinical sign is malodorous, sanguineous or mucopurulent vaginal discharge with general symptoms such as vomiting, polyuria, polydipsia, depression, anorexia and occasionally fever. Till date, ultrasonography is the best diagnostic method while radiology and serological test are also helpful. Recently, the estimation of inflammatory mediators (acute phase proteins and prostaglandin metabolites) has appeared as marker for diagnosis of the pyometra. Determination of levels of inflammatory mediators has emerged as an important diagnostic method because it can be helpful in prognosis of the condition. The pyometra can be best treated by surgical manipulation (ovariohysterectomy); however, hormonal treatment can be given in less severe cases which aimed at reducing the effect of progesterone on the reproductive tract. Together, provision of antioxidants could be helpful in disease recovery along with the determined treatment. In this review, incidence, predisposing factors, etio-pathogenesis, oxidative stress associated with condition, diagnostic methods and treatment are discussed.

Levels of selected cytokines and acute–phase proteins in the serum of dairy cows with cystic ovarian disease and those in follicular and luteal phases of normal ovarian cycle

The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentration of selected cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNFα], interleukin [IL]-6, IL-10) and acute-phase proteins (APPs; haptoglobin [Hp] and serum amyloid A [SAA]) in the serum of cows with follicular and luteal ovarian cysts and in those in the follicular and luteal phases of a physiological ovarian cycle. The study was conducted on 24 Holstein–Friesian (HF) cows: eight cows in the follicular phase of the cycle; the same cows after 10 days when they were in the luteal phase; eight cows with follicular cysts; and eight cows with luteal cysts. Levels of progesterone, 17β-estradiol, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, SAA, and Hp were evaluated in the serum of all examined cows. The concentration of the assessed parameters in the serum was determined using commercially available bovine ELISA kits that were specific for each parameter. The results obtained then showed that values of TNF-α and IL-6 were highest in cows with luteal cysts (p < .001), compared to those with other ovarian structures. The highest level of IL-10 was recorded in cows with two types of ovarian cysts. Furthermore, high values of SAA and Hp were found in cows with two types of cysts; however, these values were higher in cows with follicular cysts. The present study shows that an assessment of the levels of cytokines (pro- and anti-inflammatory) and APPs in the serum may be important in the investigation of the processes underlying the formation and differentiation of ovarian cysts in dairy cows.

Negative cognitive styles as risk factors for the occurrence of PMS and PMDD

ABSTRACTBackground: The purpose of our study is to verify whether elements of cognitive vulnerability to affective disorders may enhance the occurrence of PMS/PMDD.Methods: In total, 293 women with regular cycles took part in the study. The subjects were exposed to failure during the follicular phase or luteal phase, as appropriate, and the attributional style of failure, cognitive triad inventory (CTI) and presence of biased information processing were determined. The mood of the subjects before and after failure was measured, and the depressive mood was screened by CES-D. The occurrence of PMS/PMDD was assessed on the basis of PSST.Results: The women suffering from PMS/PMDD differed from those without PMS in terms of the cognitive triad, the use of positive and negative adjectives when describing themselves and biased information processing. In the luteal cycle phase, considerably greater sadness and irritation were observed in women with PMS/PMDD after experiencing failure, but only in those from the group not taking oral contraceptives.Conclusions: Negative cognitive styles are an important factor in the development of PMS/PMDD. PMDD is similar to major depression regarding cognitive vulnerability. Only in the case of PMDD was biased information processing in the luteal cycle phase recorded.

Endometrial Alterations After the Transfer of Embryonic Remains

In this study, we investigated the expression of mucin 1 (MUC1) mRNA and protein in sheep endometrium at different time points during follicular and luteal phases of estrous cycle, and also determined the effect of steroid hormone treatments and interferon tau (IFNτ) on MUC1 mRNA expression in endometrial cell culture in vitro. In experiment one, 15 Welsh mountain ewes were synchronized to a common estrus and killed at precise stages of estrous cycle corresponding to (1) pre-LH peak, (2) LH peak, (3) post-LH peak, (4) early luteal, and (5) mid-luteal. Reproductive tracts were harvested and mRNA was extracted from the endometrial tissues. Parts of the uterine horns were fixed for immunohistochemistry. In experiment two, mixed populations of ovine endometrial cells (from slaughterhouse material collected at the postovulatory stage of the estrous cycle) were cultured to 70% confluence before treatment with (1) progesterone (P4, 10 ng/mL, for 48 hours), (2) estradiol (E2, 100 pg/mL, for 48 hours), or with (3) E2 priming for 12 hours (100 pg/mL) followed by P4 (10 ng/mL) for 36 hours. These were compared with: (4) IFNτ (10 ng/mL, for 48 hours), and (5) basic medium (Dulbecco Modified Eagle Medium /F12) as control. The results showed that MUC1 mRNA and protein expression in sheep endometrium were highest during the midluteal stage and very low during the post-LH period compared with the other stages (P < 0.05). MUC1 immunostaining in the luminal epithelium was apically restricted and was not significantly different across all stages of estrous cycle except at the post-LH peak where it was significantly low. In cell culture, MUC1 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated by both steroids either singly or in combination (P < 0.05), and downregulated in the presence of IFNτ. In conclusion, endometrial MUC1 expression is cyclically regulated by both E2 and P4 in vivo and in vitro, and directly downregulated by IFNτ treatment in vitro.

Scanning Electron Microscopic Studies on Uterus of Jaffarabadi Buffalo during Follicular and Luteal Phases of Estrous Cycle

The study was conducted on uterus of 20 adult Jaffrabadi buffaloes. Scanning electron microscopic observation showed that the surface of endometrium was folded. Lining epithelium of horn and body consist of ciliated and nonciliated cells. During follicular phase cells were flat, formed hexagonal structure with numerous microvilli, whereas, cells were narrow and polygonal in shape during luteal phase. More number of well-developed ciliated cells were found in follicular phase as compared to luteal phase. Numerous secretory blabs were observed on surface of secretory cells during luteal phase. The folds in the cervix were narrow and deep. The lining epithelium of cervix had ciliated and nonciliated cells. The cilia were more in cranial part than the caudal part of the cervix and present in the form of bunch, which were overlapping the secretory cells. Ciliated cells were more in number during follicular phase. Cervical glands were distributed on the cervical mucosa and ciliated cells were present around the openings of these glands.

Double Stimulation in the Same Ovarian Cycle (DuoStim) to Maximize the Number of Oocytes Retrieved From Poor Prognosis Patients: A Multicenter Experience and SWOT Analysis.

A panel of experts known as the POSEIDON group has recently redefined the spectrum of poor responder patients and introduced the concept of suboptimal response. Since an ideal management for these patients is still missing, they highlighted the importance of tailoring the ovarian stimulation based on the chance of each woman to obtain an euploid blastocyst. Interestingly, a novel pattern of follicle recruitment has been defined: multiple waves may arise during a single ovarian cycle. This evidence opened important clinical implications for the treatment of poor responders. For instance, double stimulation in the follicular (FPS) and luteal phase (LPS) of the same ovarian cycle (DuoStim) is an intriguing option to perform two oocyte retrievals in the shortest possible time. Here, we reported our 2-year experience of DuoStim application in four private IVF centers. To date, 310 poor prognosis patients completed a DuoStim protocol and underwent IVF with blastocyst-stage preimplantation-genetic-testing. LPS resulted into a higher mean number of oocytes collected than FPS; however, their competence (i.e., fertilization, blastocyst, euploidy rates, and clinical outcomes after euploid single-embryo-transfer) was comparable. Importantly, the rate of patients obtaining at least one euploid blastocyst increased from 42.3% (n = 131/310) after FPS to 65.5% (n = 203/310) with the contribution of LPS. A summary of the putative advantages and disadvantages of DuoStim was reported here through a Strengths–Weaknesses–Opportunities–Threats analysis. The strengths of this approach make it very promising. However, more studies are needed in the future to limit its weaknesses, shed light on its putative threats, and realize its opportunities.

Scanning electron microscopic study on the oviduct of buffalo during follicular and luteal phases of estrous cycle

The present investigation was conducted on different segments of oviduct of six buffaloes each during follicular and luteal phases of estrous cycle. The mucosa of different segments of oviduct was thrown into folds which were oriented as primary and secondary folds. The lamina epithelialis was lined with ciliated and non-ciliated cells. Ciliated cells had many kinocilia during the follicular phase. The non-ciliated cells were of two types, viz. secretory and non-secretory type. The infundibulum during the follicular phase had large number of ciliated cells as compared to that of luteal phase. The secretory cells had short, thick and stubby microvillous processes. The ampulla had almost similar ciliation as that of infundibulum. The luminal surface of secretory cells had secretory blebs and secretory material over it. The extent of ciliation decreased towards the uterotubal junction. The ciliated cells were more during the follicular phase as compared to that of the luteal phase.

Effect of season on hormonal profile and some biochemical parameters at different stages of estrous cycles in Baladi goats

Understanding the seasonal patterns of estrus cycle in caprine is crucial to develop the efficient breeding plans in the subtropics. Thus, the aim of the current research was to evaluate the effects of breeding season on hormonal profile and blood biochemical indices at different stages of estrus cycle in normal breeding or out-of-season breeding in goats. Forty-four Baladi goats were monitored for a period of eight months (July–February). Baladi goats exhibit a normal seasonal breeding (NS) at midsummer and continue through the autumn season (68%), with a considerable percentage of females having estrus signs during out-of-season (OS) period (32%). At the mid and late luteal phases of estrus cycles, the NS breeding group had significantly higher serum progesterone level than that reported in the OS group (p = 0.013 and 0.039, respectively). At the estrus and late luteal phases of estrus cycles, the NS breeding group had significantly higher serum β-estradiol level than that reported in the OS group (p = 0.022 and 0.001, respectively). Compared to the OS group, the NS breeding group had significantly higher serum cholesterol at the mid and late luteal phases of estrus cycle (p = 0.001 and 0.016, respectively), and higher serum glucose level in the early luteal phase of the cycle (p = 0.009). In conclusion, the NS breeding goats had superior progesterone (mid-luteal and late luteal phases) and estradiol (estrus and late luteal phases) profiles than that reported in the OS group. This may indicate specific approaches to maintain the breeding efficiency of goats during the out-of-season period.

Appraising cervical mucus: a new approach to evaluating contraceptives

Purpose: Timing of sample collection represents a major source of variability in studies evaluating the effects of administered agents on cervical mucus in naturally-cycling women. We sought to create and validate an artificial model of the cervical mucus cycle using exogenous E2 and P4 replacement in ovarian suppressed women. Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective experiment (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02969590) examining cervical mucus changes in six women during natural and artificial menstrual cycles [leuprolide acetate, estradiol transdermal patch (0.05–0.3 mg/day) and progesterone 200 mg/day]. We collected serum and mucus samples at each visit corresponding to early, mid and late follicular, ovulation and mid-luteal time points in the natural and artificial cycles. We evaluated mucus according to the modified Insler score described in the WHO laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen. Results: We enrolled healthy women between 27 and 40 years of age. All of the subjects achieved a mucus score of ≥10 both in the natural cycle and during peak estradiol replacement levels (0.3 mg/day) in the artificial cycle. During the simulated luteal phase, all mucus scores were ≤5 (median 3.5; range 1–5), similar to scores seen in the luteal phase of natural cycles (median 1; range 1–3). Conclusions: Our artificial cycle model (leuprolide acetate suppression) and dose escalation with estradiol patches produced favourable cervical mucus with mucus scores similar to those in the periovulatory phase of natural menstrual cycles. Additional studies are needed to validate the model for evaluation of mucus effects of contraceptive agents.