Mg Of Estradiol Valerate Research Articles

Therapeutic potentials of the caffeine in polycystic ovary syndrome in a rat model: Via modulation of proinflammatory cytokines and antioxidant activity.

Recent studies have shown that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects about 6% of women worldwide. It is associated with reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. Caffeine is naturally found in tea, cocoa, and coffee. It has been shown that caffeine can change hormonal profiles, stimulate ovulation, and enhance fertility. Therefore, in this study, the effects of caffeine on rats with PCOS were investigated. For this purpose, 40 female rats were divided into five groups: (1) control group (without any intervention), (2) sham group (administration of olive oil as a caffeine solvent), (3) PCOS group (injection of 2 mg of estradiol valerate for each rat), (4) caffeine group (administration of 37.5 mg/kg caffeine for each rat), and (5) PCOS + caffeine group. After 21 days of treatment, the ovaries of rats were removed and prepared for further evaluations, including hematoxylin and eosin staining, TUNEL assay, real-time PCR, and biochemical analysis. Administration of caffeine in PCOS mice considerably reduced both the volume of the ovary (P < 0.05) and follicular clusters (P < 0.01). However, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were dramatically active in the PCOS + caffeine group compared to others (P < 0.05). Besides, caffeine treatment in PCOS mice led to Bax reduction and increased Bcl-2 expression. On the other hand, the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in PCOS + caffeine group was high compared to other groups. We found that caffeine can reduce apoptosis and inflammation in PCOS ovaries and enhance the unpleasant symptoms of PCOS.

Comparison of the Reproductive Outcome Between 2 and 4mg Daily Doses of Estradiol After Hysteroscopic Adhesiolysis: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis-Retrospective Cohort Study.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of two postoperative doses of estradiol valerate (2 and 4 mg/day) on reproductive outcomes in patients with moderate to severe intrauterine adhesions (IUAs).MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary reproductive medical center between January 2018 and December 2019 to compare the reproductive outcomes of two doses of estradiol valerate (2 and 4 mg daily) after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. All patients received adjuvant postoperative treatment with a Foley catheter, hyaluronic acid gel, and medication therapy. Hysteroscopy was repeated every 7 days after surgery. Multivariate regression analysis and propensity score matching (PSM) were performed to minimize intrinsic bias.ResultsA total of 212 patients with moderate to severe IUAs were included: 74 patients received 2 mg of estradiol valerate daily and 138 patients received 4 mg of estradiol daily postoperatively. No significant differences were found in the reproductive outcomes between the two groups, including clinical pregnancy rates. The multivariable regression analyses both before and after PSM also showed that there was no significant difference in the menstrual improvement and clinical pregnancy rates between the two groups.ConclusionsWe suggest the use of a lower dose (2 mg/day) of estradiol valerate as an adjuvant therapy for IUAs to minimize estrogen-related side effects.

P–301 Intrauterine instillation of autologous platelet rich plasma for thin endometrium improves the outcome of frozen embryo transfer cycles

Abstract Study question How does the intrauterine instillation of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) affect the endometrial thickness and live birth rate in frozen embryo transfer cycles? Summary answer Intrauterine instillation of autologous PRP resulted in significant improvement in endometrial thickness. The live birth rates were satisfactory post-PRP instillation. What is known already Autologous Platelet rich plasma (PRP) had resulted in significant improvement in endometrial thickness, when instilled intrauterine in women with thin endometrium in FET cycles. Study design, size, duration A retrospective observational study was performed at a tertiary care university teaching hospital in South India. 35 women who received intrauterine autologous PRP during endometrial preparation for frozen embryo transfer from June 2017 to December 2020, were included. Patients who underwent donor oocyte recipent cycles, those with a history of tubercular endometritis, Asherman syndrome, previous intrauterine manipulations such as manual removal of placenta, and uterine anomalies were excluded. Participants/materials, setting, methods All the women underwent endometrial preparation in artificial cycles by depot GnRH agonist suppression and HRT (Hormone replacement therapy) was initiated by 4–6 mg of estradiol valerate and stepped up as required. Autologous PRP was offered to all women who had endometrial thickness &amp;lt; 7 mm on day 16 of HRT. PRP was prepared by the two-step centrifugation method and administered intrauterine by IUI catheter. The patients underwent repeat evaluation after 5 days post-PRP instillation. Main results and the role of chance Optimal response to PRP was considered as the attainment of an endometrial thickness (ET) ≥ 7mm after 5 days of post-PRP. 25 (71.4%) had an optimal response to PRP. There was a significant improvement in the endometrial thickness(mm) in the study participants following PRP instillation: 6.3 ± 0.6 vs. 7.1 ± 1.2; P = 0.0001.The study participants were divided into two groups based on their response to intrauterine PRP instillation. Those who optimally responded to PRP were categorized as Group A and those who didn’t were categorized as Group B. The study participants of both the groups were comparable by their demographic characteristics such as age, cause of infertility, indications for ART, and the dose of estradiol valerate before PRP. The dose of estradiol valerate (mg) after PRP was significantly higher in Group B compared to Group A: 19.9 ± 4.9 vs. 15.6 ± 3.9; P = 0.014. A total of 26 women underwent embryo transfer and 9 (25.7%) women had cycle cancellation. Of these 22 were from Group A and 4 from Group B. The pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth rates were 36.3%(8/22) and 25% (1/4); 31.8% (7/22) and 25% (1/4); and 31.8% (7/22) and 25% (1/4), respectively. Limitations, reasons for caution As the study was retrospective in nature and the PRP was offered only in patients who had consented, there was a significant bias. Hence the results of the study should be interpreted with caution. Further large prospective RCTs (Randomised controlled trials) are required to confirm our findings. Wider implications of the findings: Autologous PRP may enhance the response to the estrogen preparations. It may produce satisfactory live birth rates and reduce cycle cancellations in a reasonable proportion of patients with thin endometrium in FET cycles. However, these findings should be confirmed by dose finding clinical trials, and studies involving a comparison group. Trial registration number Not applicable

Synergic effect of bee pollen and metformin on proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells: Rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of infertility associated with metabolic complications. Several classes of pharmacological agents have been used to manage PCOS. These drugs have shown adverse effects. Various studies showed the bee pollen (BP) as a substance rich in phytoestrogens. This study aimed to investigate the effects of BP and metformin alone and in combination with proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells in the rat model of PCOS. In this experimental study, 54 Wistar rats (180-210 g), was injected 2mg of estradiol valerate intramuscularly and six rats were considered as control. After 60days, the rats were divided into control, sham, and experimental groups. The rats were treated with bee pollen (50, 100, and 200mg/kg) and metformin (300mg/kg), either individually or in combination. Ovarian histology assessment was examined by H&E staining. The serum levels of NO and TNF-α were evaluated. The expressions of P53 and Ki67 were measured by IHC. In the BP and metformin-treated PCOS group, the preantral and antral follicles increased, and cystic follicles significantly decreased (p<.01). The levels of TNF-α, NO, as well as the expressions of Ki67 were decreased in the treated groups compared to the PCOS group (p<.01). On the contrary, apoptosis increased in the groups treated with BP compared to the untreated group (p<.01). BP individually or synergistically with metformin improved the symptoms of PCOS.

Potential Therapeutic Effect of Bee Pollen and Metformin Combination on Testosterone and Estradiol Levels, Apoptotic Markers and Total Antioxidant Capacity in A Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with metabolic disorder as well as infertility. Many traditional remedies have been reported to show estrogenic and antioxidant potential. Bee pollen is a natural com- pound, reported as one such remedy. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of BP extract and metformin (MET) on estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) levels, apoptotic markers, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) inarat model of PCOS.Materials and MethodsIn this experimental study, 54 female Wistar (n=6/group) rats received 2 mg of estradiol valerate (EV) intramuscularly and 6 additional rats were considered the control without EV injection. The rats were treated with BP (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg), MET (300 mg/kg) and BP+MET (50 BP+300 MET, 100 BP+300 MET, and 200 BP+300 MET mg/kg). Serum levels of E2 and T were assessed by ELISA method. TAC of serum was also determined. The expressions of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 (Cas-3), and Sirt-1 genes were evaluated by real-time poly- merase chain reaction (PCR). Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA.ResultsIn the untreated PCOS group E2 and T levels (P<0.01), and Bcl-2 (P=0.007) expression were increased, but TAC (P=0.002) and expression of Bax (P=0.001), Cas-3 and Sirt1 (P<0.01) were decreased significantly. The levels of E2 and T, as well as the expressions of Bcl-2 were decreased in all treated groups compared to the untreated PCOS group (P<0.01). On the other hand, TAC and expression of Bax, Cas-3 and Sirt1 were increased in the BP- and MET-treated groups (P<0.05).ConclusionBP and MET synergistically improved serum E2, T and TAC levels, and expression of apoptotic genes.

Lame cows have a subdued hypothalamus-pituitary axis as revealed by LH release in response to exogenous endocrine challenges

Lameness is a serious concern in cows due to its multilevel effects and increasing incidences. The ability of anterior pituitary and hypothalamus to release LH, a prime reproductive hormone, is unknown in lame cows. Our study tested this ability by exogenous endocrine challenge using Buserelin acetate (GnRH analogue) and estradiol valerate (EV). The study included moderately lame (L; n=7) either cyclic (LC; n=3) or anestrus (LA; n=4); and normal cyclic, non–lame (NL; n=5) cows. Progesterone blocks LH release, so it was lowered by injecting PG in cyclic cows. After 14 h, all cows were given a walk for 5 min and immediately thereafter injected with 0.008 mg GnRH and 4 h later with 1 mg of EV. Blood plasma progesterone, cortisol and LH were quantified, periodically. There was a significant delay in the onset (105.0 vs 75.0±7.0 vs 54.0±9.0 min) and duration (22.5±5.3 vs 80.0±10.8 vs 117.0±2.7 min) of LH surge in LA vs LC vs NL cows; the surge was absent in two LA cows. The altered LH profile was attributed to a 3 fold (in L) vs 1.6 fold (in NL) rise in cortisol. LH released (ng/ml) in response to EV was also low in LA (31.5±2.4) and LC (69.9±7.2) than NL (79.2±7.0) cows. In conclusion, lame cows subjected to walk exhibited reduced pituitary response to release LH following exogenous GnRH as also a reduced ability of hypothalamus to stimulate LH release in response to exogenous estradiol.

Effects of vitex agnes castus on hormonal imbalances in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background: The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies in women. Its incidence is assessed at 6-8% of the female population in the reproductive age. It is caused by an imbalance of the female sex hormones and higher levels of male hormones called androgens.Methods: In women with PCOS, the ovaries make more androgens than normal. High levels of these hormones affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation. Hence the hormonal imbalance were studied in three groups. In the present study ,8mg of estradiol valerate was used to induce PCOS in female albino rats. The levels of leutinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, Estradiol, Progesterone, and Prolaction were studied.Results: The phytochemical analysis of vitex agnus castus was carried out and the positive effects of vitex agnus castus on the hormonal irregularities of PCOS were also studied. The present findings indicated that vitex agnus castus was found to be rich in phytochemicals.Conclusions: The hormonal levels highly reflect the underlying hormonal imbalance in PCOS and the results obtained in the present study also proved that vitex agnus castus is more efficient in reversing the adverse effects of hormonal imbalance of PCOS.

Effects of different add-back regimens on hypoestrogenic problems by postoperative gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment in endometriosis.

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of different add-back regimens on hypoestrogenic symptoms during postoperative gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist treatment in endometriosis patients.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included reproductive-aged women who underwent conservative laparoscopic surgery for ovarian endometriosis and received add-back therapy during a 6-month course of GnRH agonist therapy after surgery. Participants received one of four different add-back regimens: 1 mg of estradiol valerate, 2.5 mg of tibolone, or a combination of 1 mg of estradiol and 2 mg of drospirenone or 0.5 mg of norethisterone acetate. Changes in quality of life, hypoestrogenic symptoms, and bone mineral density were compared according to add-back regimens.ResultsA total of 57 participants completed a 6-month course of GnRH agonist and add-back therapy. All components of quality of life did not differ across groups. However, within the same treatment group, social relationship factors decreased significantly with estradiol valerate and tibolone alone, and environmental factors decreased significantly with estradiol valerate alone. Menopausal Rating Scale score did not change significantly, but the incidence of hot flushes significantly decreased with a combination of estradiol and norethisterone acetate. Bone mineral densities at the lumbar spine declined significantly after treatment in all groups except with a combination of estradiol and norethisterone acetate.ConclusionThis preliminary study suggests that an add-back regimen containing estradiol valerate and norethisterone acetate may have better efficacy in terms of quality of life, hypoestrogenism-associated symptoms, and bone mineral density.

Effect of bee venom on IL-6, COX-2 and VEGF levels in polycystic ovarian syndrome induced in Wistar rats by estradiol valerate

BackgroundPolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a low-grade inflammatory disease characterized by hyperandrogenemia, hirsutism, chronic anovulation and vascular disorder. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are triggered by inflammatory stimuli and lead to angiogenesis and pathogenesis of the ovary. Honeybee venom (HBV) contains an array of biologically active components possessing various pharmaceutical properties. This study was designed to assess the possibility of HBV application as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent to suppress levels of the main inflammatory mediators IL-6, COX-2 and VEGF.To induce PCOS, 1 mg of estradiol valerate (EV) per 100 g of body weight was subcutaneously (SC) injected into eight-week-old rats. After 60 days, 0.5 mg/kg of HBV was administered Intraperitoneal (IP) for 14 consecutive days, and the results of PCOS treatment were investigated. Rats were then anesthetized with CO2, and the ovaries were surgically removed. Serum IL-6 was detected by the ELISA kit. Immunoexpression of COX-2 and VEGF were examined in three groups: EV-induced PCOS, HBV-treated PCOS and control animals.ResultsThickness of theca layer, number and diameter of cysts and levels of IL-6 significantly decreased in HBV group relative to PCOS group. The immunohistochemical analysis showed an increase in COX-2 and VEGF expression in PCOS group whereas HBV-treated rats presented weak and irregular immunostaining.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the beneficial effect of HBV may be mediated through its inhibitory effect on serum IL-6 level and ovarian COX-2 and VEGF expression.

Estrogen requirements in girls with Turner syndrome; how low is enough for initiating puberty and uterine development?

We conducted this study to find the adequate initial estrogen dose for adolescent girls with Turner Syndrome (TS). We reviewed the medical records of 19 girls with TS and premature ovarian failure (POF), aged 13 to 17 years, who were referred to our adolescent gynecology clinic for ERT. Nine patients were treated with 0.5 mg estradiol valerate (EV) and 10 patients were treated with 1 mg EV as an initial estrogen dose for 1 year. Breast development, changes in uterine size and bone mineral density were measured before and after 1 year of ERT. All patients showed breast budding after 1 year of ERT regardless of estrogen dosage. Uterine development in patients treated with 1 mg EV advanced farther in 1 year of treatment than in patients given 0.5 mg EV. In patients treated with 1 mg EV, uterine length increased by 39.8% and AP fundal diameter by 46%, increments greater than in patients receiving 0.5 mg EV. After 1 year of ERT, bone mineral densities (BMD) increased significantly in both groups, although BMD did not differ significantly between the groups. In conclusion, ERT with 1mg of EV, as a starting dose induced better uterine development than 0.5 mg in prepubertal girls with TS.

The effect of adding oral oestradiol to progesterone as luteal phase support in ART cycles – a randomized controlled study

IntroductionLuteal phase support in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles is still controversial. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding oral oestradiol to progesterone during ART cycles.Material and methodsIn this prospective case control study, infertile women under 35 years old who were candidates for IVF/ICSI cycles in Royan Institute were enrolled. A long gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist protocol was used for ovarian stimulation. Patients were randomly divided into two groups for luteal phase support: the control group received vaginal administration of progesterone supplementation alone starting on the day after oocyte retrieval and continued until the tenth week if the chemical pregnancy test was positive. In the oestradiol group, 2 mg of oestradiol valerate was initiated orally with progesterone. The control group received a placebo instead of oestradiol.ResultsNinety-eight women were studied as oestradiol (N = 47) and control groups (N= 51). There were no significant differences in the mean number of retrieved oocytes, number of transferred embryos, or chemical and clinical pregnancy rates between the two groups. Although the serum progesterone concentration was higher in the oestradiol group in comparison to the control group on day 7, 10 and 12 after embryo transfer, these differences were not statistically significant.ConclusionsThe results suggested that adding oral oestradiol to vaginal progesterone supplementation does not improve the chemical and clinical pregnancy rates of IVF/ICSI cycles.

Effect of 17-beta Estradiol on Adipocyte Lipin-1 Expression in OLETF Rat

Background: 17 beta-estradiol is known to play an important role in glucose homeostasis. Lipin-1 is a nuclear protein that is essential in adipocyte differentiation and it is considered to play a role in ectopic fat deposition and the redistribution of fat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 17 beta-estradiol on the lipin-1 expression in the adipocytes of OLETF rats, which is an animal model of diabetes. Methods: The OLETF rats were divided into 3 groups, 1) the sham-operation group (SHAM) 2) the castrated group (CAST) and 2) the castrated and estradiol treatment group (EST), and all the rats were at 6 weeks of age. LETO rats were used as a control group (LETO). 0.1 mg of estradiol valerate was injected subcutaneously every 4 weeks in the rats of the EST group. The visceral and subcutaneous tissues were isolated to evaluate the lipin-1 protein expression. The lipin-1 expression was measured in human visceral and subcutaneous preadipocytes. Results: Less body weight gain was observed in the EST group compared with that of the SHAM group. In addition, improvement in the glucose tolerance was observed in the EST group. The lipin-1 expression in visceral fat was decreased in the SHAM and CAST groups, but it was but recovered in the EST group. The lipin-1 expression in the subcutaneous fat was decreased in the SHAM, CAST, and EST groups. Conclusion: Long term estradiol treatment in OLETF rats reduces the body weight gain and improves the glucose tolerance. Estradiol enhances the lipin-1 protein expression in the visceral adipocytes, but not in the subcutaneous adipocytes.

Effect of Artificial Cooling and its Combination with Timed Artificial Insemination on Fertility of Holstein Heifers During Summer

Correa-Calderón, A., Leyva, C., Avendaño, L., Rivera, F., Diaz, R., Alvarez, F.D., Ardon, F. and Rodriguez, F. 2009. Effect of artificial cooling and its combination with timed artificial insemination on fertility of Holstein heifers during summer. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 35: 109–112. In order to evaluate artificial cooling and timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol on fertility during summer months, 90 Holstein heifers were randomly and equally assigned to three treatments: a) control group (S) with visual heat detection and insemination a.m-p.m after heat detection; b) a group (TAI+C) using a norgestomet ear implant (3 mg) plus an injection of 3 mg of norgestomet and 5 mg of estradiol valerate. The implant was removed after 9 d and 500 IU i.m ofeCG were administered at the same time, plus a cooling period with spray and fans beginning at time of implantation until 21 d after AI; c) a third group (C) with heat detection and AI a.m-p.m, starting the artificial cooling when animals initiated in the treatment until 21 d after AI. Temperature-humidity index (THI) averaged 85 during the trial. T3 concentration increased in treatment groups. Conception rate among treatment groups was similar (P>.05). Artificial cooling increased heifers comfort and TAI plus cooling did not show any improvement on fertility.

24-Hour Serum Levels of Growth Hormone, Prolactin, and Cortisol in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women: The Effect of Combined Estrogen and Progestin Treatment

Previous studies of the effects of hormone therapy (HT) on levels of growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), and cortisol have yielded conflicting results. The present study analyzed 24-hour profiles of these hormones before and after estrogen/progestin treatment (EPT) in 17 healthy premenopausal women 45 to 51 years of age and 18 postmenopausal women 58 to 70 years of age. Using a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind design, hormone levels were sampled at 20-minute intervals for 24 hours, before and after 6 months of EPT. Premenopausal women received cyclic EPT with 2 mg of estradiol valerate for 16 days, followed by estradiol plus 1 mg of norethisterone acetate (NETA) for 12 days. Postmenopausal women received continuous EPT with 2 mg of estradiol valerate plus 0.7 mg of NETA. Some women in each of these groups received placebo. Mean 24-hour levels of both GH and PRL were lower in postmenopausal than in premenopausal women. Average serum concentrations were 1.0 versus 1.8 mU/L, respectively, for 24-hour GH, and 6.8 versus 10.0 ng/ml for PRL. No such difference was found for either GH or PRL following EPT, at which time baseline hormone levels were comparable in pre and postmenopausal women. Mean postmenopausal 24-hour levels of GH and PRL were higher during EPT than in control subjects, as were daytime GH levels and nighttime PRL concentrations. No differences in serum cortisol were observed. In premenopausal women, mean nighttime PRL and cortisol levels were higher during EPT than in placebo recipients. Postmenopausal PRL levels and premenopausal levels of GH and PRL were higher at night than during the day, whether or not subjects were receiving EPT.

Exposure of adult rats to estradiol valerate induces ovarian cyst with early senescence of follicles

Environmental and therapeutic estrogens are known to play an important role in modulating the reproductive life and pubertal maturation in males as well as in females. Animal studies have shown that exogenously administered estrogen induces follicular cysts. However, the probable mechanisms underlying this abnormal ovarian development and its impact on steroidogenesis have been ill defined. The present study was therefore carried out to understand the ontogeny of ovarian pathology owing to adult estrogenisation. Regularly cycling female Holtzman rats were sacrificed at one week, two weeks, three weeks and four weeks after a subcutaneous administration of 2 mg of estradiol valerate (E 2V). The effect of this supra-physiological estrogen on serum endocrine profiles, development of follicular cysts, follicular apoptosis and expression of markers of folliculogenesis viz., estrogen receptor (ER)-β, inhibin A and progesterone receptor (PR) were studied. Results indicate a temporal augmentation of steroidogenesis, which was associated with induction of follicular cyst with theca cell hyperplasia and induction of apoptosis in the primary and secondary follicles of the ovaries. Immuno-histochemical localization showed an increase in inhibin A with a reduction in ER-β and PR indicating early maturation, poor follicle growth and granulosa cell differentiation. Results indicate that exposure to exogenous estrogen in adulthood can have deleterious effects on the ovarian physiology and endocrinology which may ultimately lead to cystogenesis, loss of follicle pool and early senescence.

Embryo production and quality of Holstein heifers and cows supplemented with β-carotene and tocopherol

The hypothesis was that the intramuscular injection (i.m.) of β-carotene associated to tocopherol improves cow ( n = 86) and heifer ( n = 91) embryo production and quality. Time of estrus was synchronized in animals with an ear implant with 3 mg of norgestomet associated with an i.m. injection of 6 mg of norgestomet and 10 mg of estradiol valerate (CRESTAR ®, Intervert International B.V., Boxmeer, Holland) and superovulated by 8 i.m. FSH/LHp injections (400 IU-heifers and 500 IU-cows) in decreasing concentrations at 12 h intervals. Animals were inseminated 12 and 24 h after observed onset of estrus and embryos recovered 7 days later. Animals were randomly allocated to one of three treatments: (1) vegetable oil vehicle (control), (2) 800 mg of β-carotene and 500 mg of tocopherol (T800) and (3) 1200 mg of β-carotene and 750 mg of tocopherol (T1200). Supplemental injections were given at the day norgestomet implants were inserted and at first superovulatory injection. An index (Embryo Quality Index or EQI) was proposed to more precisely evaluate embryo quality (excellent*1 + good*2 + regular*3 + poor*4 + degenerate*5 + unfertilized ova*5)/total. There was an interaction between physiological stage (heifer or cow) and treatment on EQI ( P = 0.01) and on the proportion of viable embryos ( P = 0.03), where both variables were improved in T1200 cows, but not in heifers. The average EQI for heifers and cows in control, T800 and T1200 were 2.6 ± 0.3 and 3.6 ± 0.3; 2.5 ± 0.3 and 3.6 ± 0.3; 2.9 ± 0.3 and 2.7 ± 0.3, respectively. The average total number of viable embryos was greater ( P = 0.01) in supplemented cows (3.5 ± 1.1; 5.4 ± 1.4 and 7.5 ± 1.2 in control, T800 and T1200, respectively), but less ( P = 0.01) in heifers (7.5 ± 1.2; 5.6 ± 1.2 and 4.0 ± 1.1 in control, T800 and T1200, respectively). Supplementation injections of β-carotene associated to tocopherol improved embryo quality in superovulated Holstein cows, in the present experimental conditions and may be advantageous in similar embryo production systems. However, at dosages applied in the present experiment, this treatment should not be recommended for nuliparous heifers.

Bone mineral density in users of two kinds of once-a-month combined injectable contraceptives

Objective The objective of this descriptive study was to compare bone mineral density (BMD) between users of two kinds of once-a-month combined injectable contraceptives (CICs) and control subjects. Subjects and Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study included 97 women aged between 20 and 45 years using CICs containing either 25 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate and 5 mg of estradiol cypionate for 12–82 months or 50 mg of norethindrone enanthate and 5 mg of estradiol valerate for 12–60 months, matched by age (±1 year) and body mass index (BMI; kg/m 2) (±1) with users of the TCu 380A intrauterine device as control subjects. BMD was evaluated at the midshaft of the ulna and at the distal section of the radius of the nondominant forearm using double X-ray absorptiometry. Results There was no difference in BMD between users of either CIC and nonusers at either section of the forearm studied. There was also no difference in BMD between users of the two CICs at either section of the forearm. Conclusions Women aged between 20 and 45 years, currently using one of these two kinds of CICs, presented BMDs similar to those of control subjects paired by age and BMI.

Effect of oral hormone replacement therapy on plasma homocysteine levels

Various inherited or acquired conditions can lead to mild or severe hyperhomocysteinemia, which has toxic effects on the vascular endothelium. It has been reported that hormone replacement therapy is associated with decreased homocysteine plasma levels, but this is still a controversial issue. To compare homocysteine plasma levels in women before and after 3 months of oral hormone replacement therapy. Twenty-four women were selected to take part in the study. Blood samples were collected immediately before hormone replacement therapy (cyclic association of 2 mg of estradiol valerate and 1 mg of cyproterone acetate) and three months after the beginning of hormone replacement therapy. Samples collected before hormone replacement therapy were used as controls. Plasma homocysteine levels and the presence of C677T mutation in the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase gene were evaluated in all participants. The methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation was detected in 8 women (33.3%) in heterozygosis, in 3 (12.5%) in homozygosis, and 13 women (54.2%) did not present the mutation. No significant differences were observed in homocysteine levels before and after three months of oral hormone replacement therapy, regardless of the C677T genotype. The results obtained indicate that homocysteine plasma levels are not affected after three months of oral hormone replacement therapy.

Estrogen decreases neointimal hyperplasia and improves re-endothelialization in pigs

Background 17-β-estradiol inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration and accelerates endothelial cell repair in response to balloon injury. The aim of this study was to determine whether administration of estrogen is associated with decreased neointimal hyperplasia after stenting in the porcine model. Methods and results Twenty-two farm female pigs 7 months old were oophorectomized and at the third day normal saline (11 pigs) or 20 mg of estradiol valerate (11 pigs), modified release, were administered intramuscularly. At the 10th day after oophorerectomy, 1 or 2 stainless steel stents were implanted in the right coronary artery in each pig, and at the 17th day, normal saline or 10 mg estradiol valerate, modified release, were administered intramuscularly in the two groups. Pigs were sacrificed 28 days after stent implantation and histomorphometric analysis of the coronary arteries was performed (20 stents from the estrogen and 18 stents from the control groups). In the estrogen group, neointimal proliferation area was 1.42 ± 0.55 mm 2, whereas in the control group, 1.96 ± 0.89 mm 2 ( p = 0.02). Area stenosis was 39 ± 13% and 49 ± 16% in the two groups, respectively ( p = 0.07). Re-endothelialization was 2.67 ± 0.34 and 2.22 ± 0.46 in the two groups, respectively ( p < 0.010). The injury score was similar between the two groups. Conclusions These data suggest that intramuscular administration of estrogen accelerates the endothelial cell repair in response to injury and reduces intimal hyperplasia in the porcine model.

Morning and evening administration of hormone therapy in perimenopausal women

Although hormone therapy (HT) has long been used for climacteric symptoms to the authors’ knowledge there has been no study on the best time to take the medication. The present study compares the efficacy of HT medication taken in the morning or evening to relieve the climacteric symptoms. A crossover randomized clinical study was conducted on 73 perimenopausal women with moderate to severe climacteric symptoms and no contraindication for HT use. All received Cycloprogynova therapy (Schering Germany) i.e. 1 daily tablet containing 2 mg of estradiol valerate for 11 days followed by a daily tablet of 2 mg of estradiol valerate in combination with 0.5 mg of norgestrel for 10 days and a hormone-free interval of 7 days. The study participants were randomly allocated to a treatment group. Group 1 took the hormone medication in the morning (8:00 AM) and group 2 in the evening (8:00 PM) for 2 months and then exchanged schedules. The severity of symptoms was determined using the Estrogen Deficiency Syndrome Scoring System before treatment 2 months after treatment and at the end of treatment at 4 months. (excerpt)