Mean Serum Follicle-stimulating Hormone Research Articles

The Effect of Salpingectomy on Ovarian Reserve Using Two Different Electrosurgical Instruments: Ultrasonic Shears Versus Bipolar Electrocautery.

Background Salpingectomy is a common surgical procedure in gynecology performed for various indications. Given its proximity to the ovaries and shared vascular supply, concerns have arisen regarding compromised ovarian reserve post-salpingectomy. Objective We aim to study the effect of two different energy sources (group 1: salpingectomy using bipolar electrocautery followed by division with scissors versus group 2: salpingectomy with ultrasonic shears) on residual ovarian reserve. The effect on ovarian reserve was assessed using serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC), and ovarian size pre- and postoperatively. Materials and methods According to the inclusion criteria, 68 women were included in the study and randomized into the bipolar electrocautery group and the ultrasonic shear group. The final analysis included 34 women in the bipolar electrocautery group and 32 in the ultrasonic shear group. Preoperatively, the ovarian reserve of all women was assessed using FSH, AMH, AFC, and ovarian size. These parameters were then reassessed at three months postoperatively, and the percentage change was analyzed. Results The mean baseline serum AMH and serum FSH values in the bipolar electrocautery group were 3.9 ± 2.9 ng/ml and 6.6 ± 2.1 IU/L, respectively, comparable with the values in the ultrasonic shear group, where serum AMH was 3.2 ± 2.9 ng/ml and serum FSH was 7.3 ± 3.9 IU/L. AFC and ovarian size were comparable between the two groups preoperatively (bipolar electrocautery group AFC was 8 ± 2.2, ovarian size on the right side was 3.3 ± 0.7 cm and on the left was 3.2 ± 0.6 cm; ultrasonic shear group AFC was 5.7 ± 2.3, ovarian size on the right side was 3.4 ± 0.8 cm and on the left was 3.2 ± 0.8 cm). After three months of postoperative analysis, AFC showed a significant fall from the preoperative value in the bipolar electrocautery group compared to the ultrasonic shear group (AFC reduced from 8 ± 2.2 to 5.5 ± 2.3 vs. 8.6 ± 0.5 to 7.9 ± 2.3; p=0.002). The other parameters showed no statistically significant change. Conclusion Our study suggests that ultrasonic shear is safer than bipolar electrocautery for preserving ovarian reserve after salpingectomy. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Assessment of sex hormones and their correlation with the quality of life in male hemodialysis patients

Abstract. In Chronic Kidney disease (CKD) there are various abnormalities in hormonal levels that lead to impairment of sexual functions, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes. Sex hormonal dysfunction not only affects the sexual aspect of human life but has a direct and indirect impact on other aspects like bone health, the central nervous system, and cognitive function. In this study, we looked at the testosterone and gonadotropins levels and their correlation with the quality of life using the SF-36 form.
 Methods. In this cross-sectional observational study, we included 50 male patients on hemodialysis (HD) with a dialysis vintage of at least 6 months. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were done from the mid-week pre-hemodialysis sample. Other hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed as well. Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 form. Further analysis was done to find the correlation between SF 36 score and hormonal levels.
 Results. The mean age of our patients was 34.86±8.12 years and dialysis vintage was 24.24±18.74 months. The mean serum LH level was 8.58±3.56 mIU/ml, the mean serum FSH level was 8.9±4.05, and the mean testosterone was 217.46±96.44 ng/dl. In our study 15 patients (30%) had normal testosterone levels >270 ng/dl, 35 patients (70%) had low testosterone level (<270ng/dl). SF36 score in our study was 54.82±12.81. There was no correlation between LH, FSH levels and quality of life. However, there was a significant positive correlation between testosterone levels and SF-36 score.
 Conclusion. Hypogonadism is common in HD male patients. Testosterone level has a positive correlation with SF-36 scores.

PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE CONNECTED WITH FEMALE INFERTILITY

This study reviewed recent articles on prevalence and risk exposure of pollutants connected with female sterility. Occupational and regular exposure to mixtures of metals and other chemicals induce oxidative stress which further induce hormonal imbalance and result to damage cell membrane, cell apoptosis, damage proteins, lipid and nucleic acid, reduced growth and development of oocytes, increase mRNA in anterior pituitary, reduced follicular development and growth, poor oocytes quality, poor reproductive outcome, damage DNA, embryo fragmentation, implantation failure, abortion, ovarian aging and steroidogenesis, folliculogenesis, impaired placentation, congenital abnormalities and formation of numerous developmental abnormalities. This study revealed an association between environmental contaminants and unexplained infertility, women with unexplained infertility have decreased ovarian sensitivity to gonadotropins, resulting in higher circulating gonadotropin levels, including higher mean serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Asides from environmental contaminant effects on female infertility, exposure to environmental contaminants could also increase the risk of suffering spontaneous abortion, stillbirths, premature delivery, gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy hypertension, preeclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, harm the growing baby leading to foetal abnormality and congenital disabilities To manage female infertility, risk exposures to heavy metals should be reduced to minimal or zero level.

MO865SEX HORMONAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS ON MAINTENANCE HEMODIALYSIS AND CORRELATION WITH QUALITY OF LIFE AND DEPRESSION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM SOUTH INDIA

Abstract Background and Aims Hormonal abnormalities in haemodialysis (HD) patients contribute to quality of life including sexual dysfunction. Whereas Short Form 36 (SF 36) questionnaire deals with the holistic assessment of the quality of life in patients, it is directly impacted by sexual dysfunction or erectile dysfunction in males. In this study we assessed the sex hormone levels in HD patients and its correlation with quality of life (QOL). Method In this single center cross-sectional study, 100 patients (50 males and 50 females) on maintenance HD for more than 6 months were included in the study. In female patients’ sex hormones that included Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Prolactin, Estrogen, Progesterone was assessed in midweek early morning blood sample. In male patients LH, FSH and Testosterone were assessed in midweek early morning samples. QOL assessment was done using SF 36 questionnaire. Results Mean age of our study populations was 33.76+/- 7.86 years with male female ratio of 1:1 and mean body mass index of 20.52 ± 2.89 kg/m2. Presumed chronic interstitial nephritis in was the most common cause of end-stage renal disease (76%) in our study followed by Diabetic Kidney disease (21%). In males, mean serum LH, FSH and Testosterone were 8.58 ± 3.56 mIU/ml, 8.9 ± 4.05, 217.46 ± 96.44 ng/dl respectively with 70% patients having testosterone deficiency. In females, mean serum LH, FSH, Prolactin, estrogen and Progesterone levels were 8.61± 3.86 mIU/ml, 8.08 ± 3.70 mIU/ml, 12.35 ± 5.70 ng/ml, 84.56 ± 27.39 pg/ml and 0.31 ± 0.22ng/ml respectively. Mean SF 36 score in our study was 55.37+/-12.22, in males 54.82+/-12.81 and in females 55.93+/-11.70. The prevalence depression was 53% (50% in males and 56% in females) in our study. There was no significant correlation between SF 36 scores and Beck depression inventory (BDI) scores with LH, FSH in both the genders. In males there was positive correlation between SF 36 scores and testosterone level (r= 0.366), and in females positive correlation between SF 36 score and progesterone level in women HD patients (r= 0.549) was seen. There was a negative correlation between BDI score and progesterone level in women (r=0. -510) and negative correlation between BDI score and testosterone in men (r= -0.371). Conclusion QOL as assessed by SF 36 in patients on HD is low. There was positive correlation between SF 36 scores and testosterone level in males and between SF 36 score and progesterone in females.

Comparison of ovarian striation and ovarian fragmentation in a rat model of ovarian insufficiency

Background/Aim: Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is defined as the depletion of the primordial follicle pool in women under the age of 40. New methods for stimulating ovarian follicle cells are being investigated in order to ensure the continuity of the menstrual cycle and fertility. The present study aimed to compare follicle reserves after ovarian striation or ovarian fragmentation in rats with ovarian insufficiency. Methods: Thirty adult female rats in the estrus phase were randomized into three groups. Group 1 and Group 2 were medicated with intraperitoneal 7.5 mg/kg paclitaxel to create ovarian insufficiency. Group 3 was the control group, and intraperitoneal 3 mL 0.9% sterile saline solution was administered. The first laparotomy was performed to evaluate ovarian insufficiency 1 week after chemotherapy. In Group 1, the right ovarian cortex was striated using an insulin injector. In Group 2, the right ovary was divided into five parts. These five pieces were transferred to the pocket created under the right pelvic peritoneum. In Group 3, only laparotomy was performed. After 1 month, all rats underwent a second laparotomy, and the number of ovarian follicles (primordial, primary, secondary, antral) were compared, as were their serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) levels. Results: There was a significant difference in the number of follicles among all three groups (P<0.05). The number of follicles (primordial, primary, secondary, antral) was significantly higher in the striated group than in the fragmented group (P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups in terms of mean serum FSH and E2 values measured at the second laparotomy (P>0.05). Conclusion: Ovarian striation on the ovary cortex may be a new method for the treatment of ovarian insufficiency.

Effectiveness of a 6-Month 22.5-mg Leuprolide Acetate Depot Formulation With Tamoxifen for Postoperative Premenopausal Estrogen Suppression in Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer.

BackgroundIn patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/premenopausal breast cancer, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogs (LHRHas) are used as standard endocrine treatment. Based on previous clinical studies, 1-month formulations are recommended in most breast cancer treatment guidelines, but long-acting formulations facilitate reductions in side effects and patient discomfort caused by frequent administration. However, few efficacy studies have been conducted on 6-month formulations. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 6-month formulations of LHRHas.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted from January 2018 to December 2019 and involved premenopausal patients with HR+ breast cancer administered 6-month LHRHas as adjuvant treatment after surgery, and those previously administered chemotherapy or other LHRHa types were excluded. Patients’ estradiol (E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were measured before surgery, and their E2 levels were also measured at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months at periodic postsurgical examinations.ResultsA total of 228 patients were included, and the median patient age was 44 (range, 25–54) years. The mean serum E2 and FSH levels before surgery were 69.7 (range, 4–683) pg/mL and 7.3 (range, 0.4–88.9) mIU/mL, respectively, whereas the mean serum E2 level monitored at intervals during the 6-month LHRHa administration was 5.5 (range, 4.0–52) pg/mL. No women menstruated during the follow-up period after the LHRHas administration, and the E2 levels were less than 30 pg/mL in all patients except one.ConclusionsThe 6-month LHRHa formulation adequately suppressed ovarian function in premenopausal patients with HR+ breast cancer. This indicates that long-acting LHRHas can be effectively used for patient convenience and that there is high compliance with long-term use.

Preserved Ovarian Function Following Toxicity With Doxorubicin in Rats: Protective Effect of Nasturtium Officinale Extract

Background: Chemotherapy agents can cause ovarian dysfunction and eventually lead to infertility. This study investigated the effect of nasturtium officinale extract on the ovarian function following the toxicity induced by doxorubicin in female rats. Methods: Forty eight female Wistar rats (180-210g) were randomly divided in six groups as follows: Group I, normal rats receiving 1ml normal saline; Group II and III receiving 25 and 75 mg/kg of the extract daily by gavage for 21 days. Groups IV, V and VI receiving 10 mg/kg doxorubicin intraperitoneally on the first day. In addition, Group IV and V received 25 and 75 mg/kg of the extract, respectively. The serum levels of estrogen, progesterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and ovarian Malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined after 21 days of treatment. The mean numbers of various graafian follicles and corpus lutea were recorded after treatment. Results: The mean serum FSH level in Group VI (0.11±0.01) significantly reduced compared to those in Groups II (0.21±0.05) and III (0.23±0.01), (P&lt;0.05). The mean serum LH and estrogen levels in Group VI (0.16±0.08) reduced insignificantly compared to those in the controls (0.21±0.02), and in Groups II (0.23±0.03) and III (0.22±0.09). A significant reduction in the number of primary, secondary and graafian follicles were observed in Group VI compared to the control group (P&lt;0.05). The serum MDA level significantly declined in Group V compared to that in Group VI (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The nasturtium officinale extract attenuated the toxic effect of doxorubicin on the rat ovaries and protected the cell division in the follicles and the oocytes maturation.

Intravenous infusion of kisspeptin increased serum luteinizing hormone acutely and decreased serum follicle stimulating hormone chronically in prepubertal bull calves

Kisspeptin (KP) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that stimulates the secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone. To determine the acute and chronic effects of KP on serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prepubertal bull calves [12 ± 1 (SD) weeks of age; 96.5 ± 14.5 kg BW] were administered one of four treatments [0.0 (control; CON), 0.125 (L-KP), 0.25 (M-KP), or 0.5 (H-KP) μg of KP/kg BW/hour] by intravenous infusion for 76 h. Blood samples were collected every 15 min for the first (acute; 1–6 h; Day 1) and last (chronic; 71–76 h; Day 4) 6 h of the intravenous infusions. Serum concentrations of LH and FSH were determined by radioimmunoassay. For each day, effects of treatment, time, and interactions on LH and FSH concentrations and pulse parameters were analyzed using procedures for repeated measures with JMP Software (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). There was a treatment effect (P = 0.002) and a treatment × time interaction during Day 1 (P = 0.02) such that LH concentrations were greatest following administration of all doses of KP when compared to CON. However, there was no treatment effect (P = 0.57) or a treatment × time interaction during Day 4 (P = 0.20) on serum LH concentrations. There was a treatment by day interaction (P = 0.02) on mean serum FSH concentrations. Most notably, on Day 4 mean serum FSH concentrations during intravenous infusion of M-KP and H-KP doses were less than that of CON. There was a treatment by day interaction (P = 0.0054) on FSH pulse amplitude concentrations, such that intravenous infusion of all doses of KP on Day 4 decreased FSH pulse amplitudes. In conclusion, acute infusion of KP increased LH concentrations and chronic infusion of KP decreased FSH concentrations. Despite the potential suppression of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis with chronic infusion of KP, there are likely applications of KP, KP analogs, or KP receptor agonists to hasten the onset of puberty in livestock.

Impact of Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy on Serum Follicle Stimulating Hormone: A study among Women with Unilateral Endometrioma

Objective: To evaluae the difference in the serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) before and after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy among women with unilateral endometrioma. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Patel Hospital, Karachi from April to December 2017. All women of reproductive age (20-40 years) having ultrasonographic indings of 2 unilateral endometrioma of more than 4 cm and body mass index <30kg/m were enrolled. All women were subjected to laproscopical removal of ovarian cyst. The serum FSH were measured preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Mean change in ovarian FSH level was noted. The mean difference in FSH level pre and post laproscopic cystectomy were taken as mean change. Results: Of 83 women with unilateral endometrioma, mean age of the women was 24.51±2.85 years. 2 There were 59 (71%) women with normal weight (BMI 18-25 kg/m ) whereas multiparity was observed in 42 (51%) women. A significant increase in the serum FSH was observed post operatively, i.e. the mean serum FSH pre-operatively was 5.69±1.15 mIU/mL while serum FSH post-operatively was 7.68±1.55 mIU/mL. The mean change of 1.99 mIU/mL was noted (p-value <0.001). A signiicant increase in serum FSH level was observed when stratiied on the basis of age (p-value <0.001), BMI (p-value <0.001), cyst size (p-value <0.001), duration of symptoms (p-value <0.001), marital status (p-value <0.001), occupation (pvalue <0.001), education (p-value <0.001), and parity (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: A considerable upsurge in the serum FSH level was noted after laparoscopic cystectomy among women with unilateral endometrioma.

Evaluation of the Effect of Pentoxifylline on Cisplatin-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Rats

Chemotherapy is associated with male infertility. Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloro-platinum (II) (CDDP) as a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of cancers has been reported to most likely induce testicular toxicity. Administration of antioxidants, such as pentoxifylline (PTX) may reduce some Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) of CDDR Therefore, this study investigated the potentially protective effects of PTX on CDDP-induced testicular toxicity in adult male rats. For this purpose, 42 male rats were randomly divided into 7 groups. The rats were orally preheated with PTX at the 3 doses of 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg once a day for 14 successive days. On the 14th day of the study, they were intraperitoneally (IP) administered with a single dose of CDDP (7 mg/kg). Finally, the sperm/testis parameters, serum levels of reproductive hormones, including testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) as the pivotal endocrine factors controlling testicular functions, and histopathological changes of testis tissue were examined. Pretreatment with the two doses of 75 and 150 mg/kg PTX indicated significant increases in the sperm count and motility induced by CDDP administration. The right and significantly left testis weights were decreased following the treatment with 300 mg/kg of PTX plus CDDP. However, 75 mg/kg of PTX plus CDDP showed the best near-to-normal histopathological features. The results demonstrated that PTX alone enhanced some parameters, such as the sperm count, while reducing other parameters, including sperm fast motility and germ layer thickness. Furthermore, despite testosterone or LH levels, the mean serum FSH level was significantly augmented by the doses of 75 and 150 mg/ kg. It was concluded that PTX administration cannot reduce CDDP-induced testicular toxicity even at high doses (e.g., 300 mg/kg), while it seemed to partially intensify CDDP toxicity effects at a dose of 75 mg/kg. Thus, further research is required in this regard.

Correlation between Reproductive Hormonal Level and Osteoporosis among Women in Mongolia.

Background:Postmenopausal osteoporosis is the most common bone metabolic disease associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteopathic fragility fractures, which can lead to significant morbidity. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2) levels and bone mineral density (BMD) across the stages of menopause in Mongolian women.Methods:Two hundred sixty participants aged 50.1±4.4 years were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were obtained from each participant and analyzed using ELISA. Data were first stratified and analyzed by bone mineral density status (osteoporotic, osteopenic, and normal) and then by menopause status. Between group differences were analyzed using t-tests, and correlations were assessed using the Spearman rank order test, with Bonferonni correction. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package Statistical Software version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Significance was set at p<0.05.Results:The mean menopausal age was 48.4±3.4, which is comparable to the Mongolian population mean menopausal age. The mean serum estradiol level in the normal BMD group was 18.3±13.1 pg/ml and 15.8±10.7 pg/ml in the osteoporotic group. The mean serum FSH in the normal BMD group was 54.5±44.1 pg/ml and 81.3±34.2 pg/ml in the osteoporotic group. The mean serum LH level in the normal BMD group was 53.1±41.2 and 75.1±26.1 pg/ml in the osteoporotic group. The mean T and Z score were lower in the osteoporotic group. FSH and LH levels significantly differed across menopause stages in that those who were post-menopausal had higher levels compared to those who were pre- or peri-menopausal. Both hormones, FSH and LH, showed weak negative correlations with BMD level, but not E2. There were significant negative correlations between FSH and Speed of Sound (SOS) (r=−0.16; p<0.01), and between osteoporosis with age (r=−0.30, p<0.05) and number of childbirths (r=−0.14 p<0.05).Discussion:Osteoporosis is a significant problem with associations to hormone levels in post-menopausal women. In our study, mean serum estradiol levels decreased with age, and the mean FSH and LH levels were higher in women of later menopausal stage. Further study is warranted to investigate the bone related studies to establish better statistical references among Mongolian women.

Age-specific serum anti-mullerian hormone and follicle stimulating hormone concentrations in infertile Iranian women.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is secreted by the granulosa cells of growing follicles during the primary to large antral follicle stages. Abnormal levels of AMH and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) may indicate a woman's diminished ability or inability to conceive. Our aim is to investigate the changes in serum AMH and FSH concentrations at different age groups and its correlation with ovarian reserves in infertile women. This cross-sectional study analyzed serum AMH and FSH levels from 197 infertile women and 176 healthy controls, whose mean ages were 19-47 years. Sample collection was performed by random sampling and analyzed with SPSS version 16 software. There were significantly lower mean serum AMH levels among infertile women compared to the control group. The mean AMH serum levels from different ages of infertile and control group (fertile women) decreased with increasing age. However, this reduction was greater in the infertile group. The mean FSH serum levels of infertile women were significantly higher than the control group. Mean serum FSH levels consistently increased with increasing age in infertile women; however mean luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were not consistent. We have observed increased FSH levels and decreased AMH levels with increasing age in women from 19 to 47 years of age. Assessments of AMH and FSH levels in combination with female age can help in predicting ovarian reserve in infertile women.

Association between Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Reproductive Hormones in Adolescents and Young Adults

Association between Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Reproductive Hormones in Adolescents and Young AdultsAbstract Number:2130 Meng-Shan Tsai*, Chien-Yu Lin, Ching-Chun Lin, Ta-Chen Su, and Pau-Chung Chen Meng-Shan Tsai* Taiwan National University, Taiwan, E-mail Address: [email protected] Search for more papers by this author , Chien-Yu Lin Department of Internal Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan;School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan, Taiwan Search for more papers by this author , Ching-Chun Lin Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Taiwan Search for more papers by this author , Ta-Chen Su Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Taiwan Search for more papers by this author , and Pau-Chung Chen Department of Public Health and Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan;Department of Environmental and Occupatio, Taiwan Search for more papers by this author AbstractBackground: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are highly bio-accumulative environmental pollutant. Some animal and epidemiological studies have proved that PFASs exposure disrupt the homeostasis of endocrine system and have health effects. The reproductive system is more susceptible and vulnerable to environmental pollutant than the other system in human body. However, few studies explore the association between PFASs and reproductive hormone in children and adolescence. Aims: The purpose of this study is to investigate the association of PFASs and reproductive hormone in young group.Methods: We recruited 540 subjects in the Young Taiwanese Cardiovascular Cohort. Serum level of PFASs were analyzed by a Waters ACQUITY UPLC system coupled with a Waters Quattro Premier XE triple quadrupole mass spectrometer; the level of serum reproductive hormone were measured by immunoluminometric assay in an architect random access assay system. We examined the association among serum level of PFASs and reproductive hormone by multiple linear regression.Results: Adjusted mean serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) significantly decreased (p for trend = 0.04) across different categories (<25th, 25–50, 50-75 and >75th percentiles) of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in male subjects aged 12-19. Female serum FSH in age 12-19 also decreased (p for trend = 0.01) across different categories of perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUA). On the other hand, there was a significantly negative association (p for trend = 0.04) between different categories of PFOS and female serum testosterone in age 12-19.Conclusions: We found that serum concentration of PFASs was negatively associated with serum level of FSH and testosterone in Taiwan adolescent population. Further studies are needed to clarify whether these associations are causal.

Reproductive Hormonal Profile of Post-menopausal Women in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Background: Assessment of the concentrations of reproductive hormones during postmenopause has been suggested as a confirmatory test for menopause due to Original Research Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(5): 1269-1278, 2014 1270 irregularities in rise and fall of sex hormones in menopausal transition. In this study, we assessed the concentrations of estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in post-menopausal women in Ebonyi state, Nigeria. In addition we tried to establish if relationships exist between the pituitary hormones and the ovarian (sex) hormones and between the reproductive hormones and age and body mass index (BMI). Method: The study population comprised forty post-menopausal women of mean age 59.6 years and forty young female adult controls of mean age 27.8 years. Blood samples were collected into heparin container and the serum used for the analysis of estrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH using ELISA method. Result: Post-menopausal women had significantly (P<0.001) higher mean serum FSH and LH concentrations compared to their controls. In contrast, the control group had significantly (P<0.001) higher progesterone and estradiol levels compared to the postmenopausal women. There was inverse correlation (P<0.01) between estradiol and FSH levels, but no significant correlations were observed between FSH and Progestrone; LH and Progestrone; and LH and Estradiol respectively. In addition, after adjusting for BMI, the concentrations of LH was significantly associated with age (P<0.01) but FSH, estradiol and progesterone levels were not. Furthermore, estradiol and FSH levels were significantly associated (P<0.001 and P<0.05) with BMI after controlling for age. Conclusion: The present findings underscore the importance of understanding the reproductive hormonal profile of post-menopausal women and the need to consider age and body mass when studying hormonal changes of menopausal women. These data may help clinicians make optimal therapeutic decisions for hormone replacement therapy and life-style changes that may reduce the risk of some of the conditions associated with menopause.

Correlation between anti-Müllerian and follicle-stimulating hormone in female infertility

Background: Follicle development is dependent on the interrelationship of many hormones, such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-Mόllerian hormone (AMH). Ovary-specific expression in granulosa cells of growing nonselected follicles makes AMH an ideal marker for the size of the ovarian follicle pool. Thus, the objective was to study the variability of AMH during menstrual cycle and relationship between serum AMH and FSH in infertile women and to observe their relation with antral follicle count (AFC) as to determine, which is a better predictor of infertility. Materials and Methods: This study includes 75 infertile women in aged 30-40 years. Blood samples were taken at day three for serum AMH and FSH levels, and AFC was done. AMH was estimated again on day 14 of the menstrual cycle. Results: Mean serum AMH and FSH were 1.18 ± 0.57 ng/ml and 9.09 ± 2.51 mIU/ml on day three of menstrual cycle. Mean AMH levels on day fourteen was 1.12 ± 0.53 ng/ml, which was not significantly different from day three AMH level. There was a significant inverse relationship between serum AMH and FSH concentration (r = −0.488, P < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between AMH and AFC (r = 0.641, P < 0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant inverse correlation between serum AMH and FSH levels in infertile women and we consider AMH, a better predictor of ovarian reserve as it is relatively stable throughout the cycle. Furthermore, there is was positive correlation between AMH and AFC, denoting reduction of AMH levels in serum is the first indication of a decline in the follicular reserve.

Effect of noise stress on male rat fertility, and the protective effect of vitamins C and E on its potential effect

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of noise on the fertility of male rats, and to assess the effect of vitamins C and E on its potential effect. Materials and methodsForty adult male rats were randomly divided into five equal groups. Group 1 (control) was not exposed to noise. Groups 2–5 were exposed to noise of 90–130dB and 300–350Hz from 19.00 to 07.00h every day for 50days; group 2 received vitamin C and group 3 received vitamin E. Group 4 received vitamins C and E concomitantly and group 5 received no vitamins. After 50days, the serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and testosterone were measured. Each rat was then left for 1week with three female rats, for mating. Pregnant females were killed humanely after 19days of pregnancy and evaluated for the presence and number of viable, dead and absorbed fetuses. ResultsThe mean serum FSH level was statistically significantly different between the control and groups 2 (P<0.05) and 5 (P<0.001). The mean serum LH level differed significantly between the control and groups 2 (P=0.05), 3 (P<0.05) and 5 (P<0.001). The mean serum testosterone level was significantly different between the control and group 5 (P<0.001). Serum FSH, LH and testosterone levels in group 5 were significantly different from all the others (P<0.001). The pregnancy rates in females mated with groups 1 and 5 were statistically different (P<0.05). Comparing groups 1–4, there was no difference in the occurrence of abnormal pregnancy (P>0.05), but group 5 values were significantly different from the others (P<0.001). ConclusionThese data strongly suggest that noise stress has a significant effect on the fertility of male rats.

Association between follicle-stimulating hormone receptor polymorphisms and reproductive parameters in young men from the general population

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) regulates gametogenesis through binding to its receptor (FSHR). In women, the Thr307Ala and Asn680Ser polymorphisms in the FSHR gene affect reproductive function, but it is not clear whether they have any impact on spermatogenesis and have mainly been investigated in infertile men of varying ages. The aim of the present study was therefore to examine whether these genetic variants of the FSHR influence reproductive parameters in men from the general population. Men aged 17-20 years (n=313) were genotyped. All men provided a semen sample and a blood sample for hormonal measurements and DNA extraction. They underwent a medical examination and analyses of possible associations between Thr307Ala and Asn680Ser polymorphisms and hormonal and sperm parameters were subsequently carried out. Men homozygous for Thr307/Asn680 had a lower mean serum FSH concentration (3.07 vs. 3.65 IU/l, P=0.009), and higher mean serum estradiol (94.0 vs. 86.1 pmol/l, P=0.001), sex hormone-binding globulin (33.6 vs. 31.3 nmol/l, P<0.0001), and total testosterone (19.1 vs.17.9 nmol/l, P<0.0001) concentrations compared with men with other genotypes. In addition, sperm concentrations (71.9 × 10 vs. 70.8 × 10/ml, P=0.040) and the total sperm counts were higher (212 × 10 vs. 206 × 10, P<0.0001) and their testes volumes were larger (left: 11.5 vs. 11.0 ml, P<0.0001; right: 12.4 vs. 11.6 ml, P=0.002). As in women, the results from the present study indicate that variants of the FSHR influence reproductive parameters in men.

The impact of serum FSH and estradiol on postmenopausal osteoporosis related to time since menopause

Aim: To determine the impact on osteopenia/osteoporosis of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol levels and time since menopause in a group of Turkish postmenopausal women. Methods: Four hundred and thirty-three healthy postmenopausal women seen at the Marmara University Menopause Outpatient Clinic were enrolled for this prospective cohort study. The women were allocated to one of three groups according to the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar vertebrae and total hip, as measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Serum FSH, estradiol levels, age and time since menopause were compared between the groups. Results: The mean serum FSH, LH, estradiol and testosterone levels for women with normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic BMD at lumbar vertrebra L1-L4 and total hip were comparable. Time since menopause had a stronger predictive value for low BMD (osteopenia or osteoporosis) in the lumbar and hip areas than did serum FSH or estradiol levels. Conclusions: Our study showed that neither FSH nor E2 has a strong impact on postmenopausal BMD. However it appears that time since menopause has a weak non-significant association with postmenopausal osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Further evidence that FSH causes bone loss independently of low estrogen

IntroductionThe premise that menopause causes osteoporosis was firstproposed by Fuller Albright at the Massachusetts GeneralHospital [1]. His hypothesis linking the loss of sex steroidsto bone loss led to estrogen hormone replacement therapy(HRT) becoming the first successful treatment for osteo-porosis [2]. More recently, however, a finer re-examinationof menopausal bone loss has revealed that nearly half oflifetime loss occurs within the first 5 years [3, 4]. Bone lossaccelerates dramatically during the late peri-menopause,and can, in fact, be most rapid up to 3 years before the lastmenstrual period [3–5] (Fig. 1a). During this early phaseup to 5 years before the last menstrual period, estrogenlevels are relatively unperturbed, whereas follicle-stimu-lating hormone (FSH) levels are rising to compensate forfailing ovaries [6, 7] (Fig. 1b). These most rapid rates ofbone loss cannot conceivably be explained by low estro-gen; other pathophysiological mechanisms must play adominant role.In the early 2000s, we showed that pituitary hormonescan directly affect the skeleton by bypassing their usualendocrine targets. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) wasfirst documented to regulate bone remodeling directly byacting on both osteoclasts and osteoblasts [8]. Not only didthis study attribute the osteoporosis of hyperthyroidism, inpart, to low TSH levels, it set forth a new paradigm for theexistence of a pituitary-bone axis (Fig. 2). As part of thisparadigm shift, we later discovered that FSH directlystimulates bone resorption [9]; thus the idea that rising FSHlevels during the late peri-menopause could potentiallycontribute to the bone loss traditionally attributed solely tolow estrogen [10]. We are by no means limiting the provenimportance of low estrogen in causing bone loss. Instead,we suggest circumstances, such as the late peri-menopause,where FSH may play a dominant role.Several studies have confirmed direct effects of FSH onbone. Amenorrheic women with a higher mean serum FSH(*35 IU/L) have greater bone loss than those with lowerlevels (*8 IU/L) in the face of near-equal estrogen levels[11]. Likewise, in a recent study, patients with functionalhypothalamic amenorrhea, in whom both FSH and estrogenwere low, showed slight to moderate skeletal defects [12].Furthermore, women harboring an activating FSH receptor(FSHR) polymorphism, rs6166, have lower bone mass andhigher resorption markers [13]; this attests to a role forFSHRs in human physiology, and perhaps, even humanpathophysiology. Consistent with these human studies,exogenously administration of FSH to rats augmentedovariectomy-induced bone loss [14, 15]. Moreover, an FSHantagonist reduced bone loss post-ovariectomy, as well asthat induced by exogenous FSH [14, 15].Clinical correlations between bone loss and serum FSHlevels have been documented extensively. Most impressiveis the Study of Women’s Health across the Nations(SWAN), a longitudinal cohort of 2,375 peri-menopausalwomen. Not only was there a strong correlation betweenserum FSH levels and markers of bone resorption, a changein FSH levels over 4 years predicted decrements in bone

Circulating concentrations of ovarian steroids and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in ewes with 3 or 4 waves of antral follicle emergence per estrous cycle

The mechanism governing the number of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) peaks and emerging follicular waves in ruminants remains unknown. The main purpose of the present study was to examine the relationships between progesterone (P(4)) levels, circulating concentrations of FSH and antral follicular development throughout the interovulatory interval in sheep. We retrospectively analyzed and compared daily serum concentrations of (P4), FSH and estradiol (E2) obtained in cyclic (November-December) Western White Face ewes (Columbia×Rambouillet) that had 3 (n=10) or 4 (n=19) follicular waves per estrous cycle. Follicular growth was monitored in all animals by daily transrectal ultrasonography. Mean P(4) concentrations were greater (p<0.05) in sheep with 4 waves per cycle compared to their counterparts with 3 waves of follicular growth. The ewes with 3 waves exceeded (p<0.05) animals with 4 follicular waves in mean serum FSH concentrations on days 0-2, 6, 7, 9-11, 14 and 15 post-ovulation. Animals with 4 follicular waves exceeded (p<0.05) the ewes with 3 waves in mean serum E(2)> concentrations on days - 1, 2 and 10 of the estrous cycle studied (day 0=ovulation). The present results are supportive of the notion that luteal P(4) is an important endocrine signal, which controls the periodicity of FSH peaks and the number of emerging follicular waves in cyclic ewes.