Ovarian Activity Research Articles

Post-transcriptional regulation of Dufour’s gland reproductive signals in bumble bees

Pheromone communication is a key mechanism by which the reproductive division of labor is maintained within insect communities. Understanding how pheromones evolved to regulate social behavior requires knowledge of the molecular regulation of their production. However, even in cases where pheromones were identified, our understanding of their biosynthesis and molecular regulation remains limited. Bumble bees provide a unique system to explore pheromone biosynthesis since workers produce ester sterility signals in their Dufour’s gland that differ from gyne-specific esters and are not produced by queens. These esters are hypothesized to be produced in the exocrine gland where they are stored, and indeed queens, gynes and workers differ significantly in the expression of Dufour’s gland genes coding to enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of esters. However, a previous transcriptome analysis revealed no gene expression differences in the Dufour’s gland of workers despite differences in both ester production and ovarian activation, suggesting that ester production may be regulated lower down. Proteomics of the Dufour’s gland of queens, gynes, and workers recovered over 2400 proteins and broadly matched the previous RNAseq data. However, more than 100 differentially expressed proteins were found between the worker groups, including key enzymes in fatty acid biosynthesis, indicating that the regulation of reproductive signal biosynthesis in workers is done post-transcription. Overall, our data provide evidence that pheromone biosynthesis in the Dufour’s gland is caste specific, that gynes and workers are likely using different enzymes to make their respective wax esters, and that the regulation on pheromone production in queens, gynes and workers is likely done at different regulatory levels, with workers signals being subjected to regulation at the protein level.

Functional characterisation of human recessive DIS3 variants in premature ovarian insufficiency.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterised by the loss or complete absence of ovarian activity in women under the age of 40. Clinical presentation of POI varies with phenotypic severity ranging from premature loss of menses to complete gonadal dysgenesis. POI is genetically heterogeneous with >100 causative gene variants identified thus far. The aetiology of POI varies from syndromic, idiopathic, monogenic to autoimmune causes the condition. Genetic diagnoses are beneficial to those impacted by POI as it allows for improved clinical management and fertility preservation. Identifying novel variants in candidate POI genes, however, is insufficient to make clinical diagnoses. The impact of missense variants can be predicted using bioinformatic algorithms but computational approaches have limitations and can generate false positive and false negative predictions. Functional characterisation of missense variants, is therefore imperative, particularly for genes lacking a well-established genotype:phenotype correlation. Here we used whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify the first case of a homozygous missense variant in DIS3 (c.2320C > T; p.His774Tyr) a critical component of the RNA exosome in a POI patient. This adds to the previously described compound heterozygous patient. We perform the first functional characterisation of a human POI-associated DIS3 variant. A slight defect in mitotic growth was caused by the variant in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae model. Transgenic rescue of Dis3 knockdown in Drosophila melanogaster with human DIS3 carrying the patient variant led to aberrant ovarian development and egg chamber degeneration. This supports a potential deleterious impact of the human c.2320C > T; p.His774Tyr variant.

Anti-Müllerian hormone signaling in the ovary involves stromal fibroblasts: a study in humans and mice provides novel insights into the role of ovarian stroma.

What is the involvement of ovarian stroma in the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) signaling pathway and which stromal cells are involved? Mouse and human ovaries show high expression of AMH receptor II (AMHR2) in the stromal fibroblasts surrounding the follicles and activation of the post-AMHR2 pathway by recombinant AMH was evidenced by increased phosphorylation of SMAD1,5 and 9, increased expression AMHR2 and upregulation of αSMA, suggesting fibroblast activation to initiate myofibroblast differentiation. AMH secreted by small growing follicles, regulates ovarian activity. It suppresses initial primordial follicle (PMF) recruitment and FSH-dependent growth. AMH signal transduction is mediated by AMHR2, activating intracellular SMAD proteins and other signaling cascades to induce target-gene expression. Although AMHR2 expression has been reported within the follicle unit, there is evidence suggesting it may be identified in the stroma as well. Fresh murine ovaries were extracted from BALB/c mice (6 weeks old; n = 12 and 21 days old; n = 56). Frozen-thawed ovarian fragments were obtained from 10 women, aged 18-35, who had undergone ovarian tissue cryopreservation and donated frozen ovarian tissue for research. Murine (6 weeks old) and human donor ovaries were immunostained for AMHR2 and Collagen 1α/αSMA/VCAM1, with additional vimentin staining in mice. Murine (21 days old) and human donor ovaries were used for fibroblast isolation and subsequent 7-day cultures. Prior to assessing AMH effects on isolated fibroblast culture, purity validation tests were implemented to ensure the absence of epithelial, immune, endothel, granulosa, and theca ovarian cell populations. The fibroblast culture's homogeneity was validated by RT-qPCR and western-blot assays, confirming negativity for E-cadherin, CD31, aromatase, CYP17A1, and positivity for αSMA and vimentin. Fibroblasts were then subjected to rAMH treatment in vitro (200 ng/ml) for 0-72h, with an additional time point of 96 h for human samples, followed by RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunocytochemistry (ICC) for AMHR2 expression. AMHR2 post-receptor signaling was examined by pSMAD1,5,9 levels via western blot. Activated fibroblast marker, αSMA, was assessed via western blot and ICC. Immunostaining of mouse and human ovarian tissue showed that stromal cells around follicles at all developmental stages exhibit high AMHR2 expression, while granulosa cells of growing follicles show considerably lower levels. The majority of these AMHR2-positive stromal cells were identified as fibroblasts (Collagen1α in mice and human; vimentin in mice). RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunostaining were performed on cultured mouse and human fibroblasts, confirming that they consisted of a pure fibroblast population (αSMA/vimentin positive and negative for other cell-type markers). A total of 99.81% (average 28.94 ± 1.34 cells/field in mice) and 100% (average 19.20 ± 1.39 cells/field in human samples) of these fibroblasts expressed AMHR2 (ICC). rAMH treated cultured fibroblasts showed increased pSMAD1,5 and 9 levels, demonstrating the effects of AMH on its downstream signaling pathway. pSMAD1,5 and 9 expression increased, as detected by western blot: 1.92-fold in mice (48 h, P = 0.026) and 2.37-fold in human samples (48 h, P = 0.0002). In addition, rAMH treatment increased AMHR2 protein expression, as observed in ICC (human): a 2.57-fold upregulation of AMHR2 Mean Fluorescence Intensity (MFI) (96 h, P = 0.00036), and western blot, showing a 4.2-fold time-dependent increase (48 h, P = 0.026) in mice and 2.4-fold change (48 h, P = 0.0003) in human donors. Exposure to rAMH affected AMHR2 transcription upregulation, with a 6.48-fold change (72 h, P = 0.0137) in mice and a 7.87-fold change (72 h, P < 0.0001) in humans. rAMH treatment induced fibroblast activation (αSMA positive), demonstrating the dynamic effects of AMH on fibroblast behavior. αSMA expression elevation was detected in ICC with a 2.28-fold MFI increase in humans (96 h, P = 0.000067), and in western blot with a 5.12-fold increase in mice (48 h, P = 0.0345) and a 2.69-fold increase in humans (48 h, P ≤ 0.0001). Activated AMHR2-positive stained fibroblast fractions were solely located around growing follicles, in both human and mice. In addition, a small population of AMHR2-positive stained theca cells (VCAM1 positive) was observed. N/A. Ex vivo, fibroblast gene expression might be changed by adhesion to the tissue-culture plate. Nevertheless, cultured fibroblasts (with and without rAMH) are subjected to the same conditions. Observations or significant differences can therefore be considered reliable. In addition, the presented effect of rAMH on fibroblasts is not directly linked to the known inhibitory effect of AMH on follicle activation. Clarifying the populations of AMH-responsive cells in the ovary provides a foundation for further investigation of the complex AMH signaling across the ovary. The composition of AMH-releasing and -responsive cells can shed light on the communication network between follicles and their environment, which may elucidate the mechanisms behind the AMH inhibitory effect on PMF activation. This work was financially supported by grants from the Kahn Foundation. There are no competing interests in this study. N/A.

Effect of Choline Inositol and Metformin Combination Versus Metformin Alone on Ovarian Activities in PCOS Iraqi Women: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a predominant endocrine sickness disturbing females. It is marked via unequal menstrual cycles, hyper-androgenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Furthermore, PCOS is linked to several health issues, including insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. PCOS management encompasses a range of strategies and treatments. Medications acting on hormones, including insulin sensitizers such as inositol and metformin, are commonly used to treat PCOS symptoms. Also choline is other potential therapies that could improve reproductive health. It has been suggested to be beneficial in various aspects of fertility, including endocrine disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Aim of the study: The current study aims to determine the effect of choline inositol and metformin combination versus metformin alone on ovarian. Materials and methods: This study was performed at the Maternity and Paediatrics Teaching Hospital in ALdiwaniyah Province, Iraq. The study involved a total of (150) patients at (18- &lt;40) years. A gynecologist uses Rotterdam criteria and ultrasound ovarian morphology in the selection of PCOS patients. The study consisted of several groups: G1 is a thirty women had received oral Metformin 500 mg bid during meal for last three months and served as metformin group. G2 is a thirty women had received choline inositol supplement 500/500 mg per- oral twice daily for last three months and served as the choline inositol supplement group. G3 is a thirty women had received choline inositol and metformin combination, they received with the same above dose for last three months and served as the choline inositol and metformin combination group . G4 is a thirty women who have not received any treatment for PCOS and served as new diagnosis PCOS group. Finally G5 is a thirty healthy women control group (control group). Characteristics included body mass index, type of period (regular, irregular ,amenorrhea ) were evaluated for all the participants. Furthermore, follicle and ovary volume were measured for all women .Additionally, serum hormonal levels [prolactin, (FSH), (LH), (TSH)], test were done. Results: There was no important alteration in the mean age, TSH and prolactin among the five groups. The results showed that metformin had significantly lowered in BMI but the addition choline inositol to metformin showed more significantly lowering in BMI but new PCOS group had higher significant BMI than other groups followed by choline inositol group. Rate of amenorrhea and rate of cycle irregularity stayed considerably upper in metformin grouping paralleled to choline inositol and choline inositol + metformin combination groups but this rate was more significantly higher in new PCOS compared to other groups. Metformin had significantly higher LH level compared to other groups but choline inositol + metformin and choline inositol groups had significantly lower LH level and there were no significance in the mean of LH between Choline inositol + metformin and choline inositol groups. Moreover, choline inositol + metformin group showed more significant FSH normal followed by metformin and new PCOS then by choline inositol and lastly control group. Choline inositol followed by metformin showed a significance in the mean of follicle and ovary volume but when adding choline inositol to metformin it showed more significant improvement in follicle and ovary volume ,so positive pregnancy was only seen in choline inositol + metformin as compared to other groups.

Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Combined With Metformin on Ovarian Function Compared to Metformin Alone in Iraqi PCOS Patients

Background: Data about the response of ovary function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to metformin treatment are controversial and the use of metformin in women with this syndrome combined with CoQ10 has never been assessed previously using the current study design. Research objective: to figure out the effect of Co Q10 and metformin combination in contrast to monotherapy using metformin on ovary activity in PCOS Patients and methods: The present study included 150 patients with an age range of 20 to less than 35 years. Patients were categorized into five groups: CoQ10 groups who were treated using 10 mg per-oral (bid), metformin group (positive control group) and they received metformin as 500 mg per-oral (bid), combination groups who received both agents with similar doses as above, newly diagnosed group who received no treatment and finally newly diagnosed PCOS. Each group included 30 women. Pediatrics and Maternity Teaching Hospital in Adiwaniyah Province (Iraq) was the location of sample collection. Beginning of study was at September the 21st 2023 and extended to March 31st 2024. Data about age and body mass index were included in the study. Ultrasound assessment of ovarian volume and antral follicle volume was carried out before and after treatment.Results: Comparison of mean ovary volume among research cohorts is shown in table 2. Statistically notable variance was reported in average ovary volume across research cohorts (p &lt; 0.001). Mean ovary volume was highest in newly diagnosed PCOS group and it was lowest in negative control group and combination group. The volume was comparable in CoQ10 group and metformin group; however, combination group had significantly lower mean ovary volume in comparison with either treatment approach alone (p &lt; 0.05). Statistically notable variance was reported in average follicle volume across study cohorts (p &lt; 0.001). Average follicle volume was lowest in newly diagnosed PCOS group and it was highest in negative control group. The volume was comparable in CoQ10 group and metformin group; however, combination group had significantly higher mean follicle volume in comparison with either treatment approach alone (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Both treatment approaches using metformin alone or CoQ10 alone produces significant improvement in ovary volume and antral follicle volume in women with PCOS; however, combination of both agents resulted in more significant improvement.

Recovery of ovarian activity and uterine involution in postpartum primiparous Hanwoo cow

Recovery of ovarian activity and uterine involution in postpartum primiparous Hanwoo cow

Assessment of the efficacy of a gonadotropin releasing factor (GnRF) analog to suppress ovarian function in gilts under pre-clinical and clinical conditions.

The administration of a gonadotropin releasing factor (GnRF) analog to pigs has proven to induce antibodies against endogenous GnRF. In gilts (young female pigs), the subsequent blocking of GnRF activity by specific antibodies results in a temporary suppression of ovarian activity and sexual maturation. One pre-clinical and two clinical studies were conducted to assess the ability of the GnRF analog to produce immunologically suppression of the ovarian function, preventing gilts from reaching puberty before harvest, at 27 weeks of age. In the three studies, a significant reduction of size and weight of reproductive organs and gilts in oestrus was demonstrated in vaccinated gilts compared with intact gilts. A significant increase in anti-GnRF antibody levels in sera was observed after the 2nd dose, which lasted until the end of the study in each of the protocols used. Progesterone levels were significantly reduced from 6 to 8 weeks after 2nd vaccination in clinical studies 2 and 1 respectively, and from 6 weeks after 2nd vaccination in the pre-clinical study. Estradiol levels were below the limit of detection for clinical study 2 and significantly reduced in vaccinated gilts at the end of the pre-clinical study and the clinical study 1. Vaccination of gilts with a GnRF analog with two different protocols (1st dose from 10 to 14 weeks of age, and a 2nd dose 8 or 4 weeks later) was effective in reducing the development of puberty for at least 9 weeks post 2nd dose. These results confirm the flexibility of vaccination programs for veterinarians and producers which can be adapted to pig management practices in commercial farms.

Ovarian and Uterine Morphology in Minipuberty: Associations with Reproductive Hormones. A COPANA Study of 302 girls.

Female minipuberty is characterized by complex dynamics of circulating reproductive hormones, while the relationship between ovarian and uterine morphology and reproductive hormones remains to be elucidated. To investigate the association between reproductive hormones and ovarian as well as uterine morphology by transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) at minipuberty. Secondary analysis from The Copenhagen Analgesic Study (COPANA) (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04369222). Healthy infant girls (n=302, age 3.4 months (0.4) mean (±SD): mamma tissue diameter (mm), n=300. TAUS: uterine volume (n=230), endometrial thickness (n=255), ovarian volume, antral follicle count (total/2-4mm/≥5mm) (n=203).Blood samples (n=269/302=89%): AMH, FSH, LH, inhibin B (immunoassays), progesterone (PROG), androstenedione (Adione), testosterone (T), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) (LC/MS-MS).Statistics: Pearson/Spearman´s correlation coefficient (parametric/non-parametric data). Total follicle count correlated positively with ovarian volume (r= 0.606, p<0.001), AMH (r=0.378, p<0.001), inhibin B (r=0.251, p<0.001), and negatively with FSH concentrations (r=-0.327, p<0.001). Larger follicles (≥5mm) correlated positively with AMH (r=0.264, p<0.001), inhibin B (0.230, p=0.002), E1 (r=0.209, p=0.004), E2 (r=0.269, p<0.001), PROG (r=0.160, p=0.031) and T (r=0.210, p=0.004) and negatively with FSH (r=-0.183, p=0.015). Circulating E1 and E2 levels correlated with the size of estrogen-responsive tissue sizes: E2 vs. uterine volume (r=0.134, p=0.054), E2 vs. endometrial thickness (r=0.155, p=0.020), E1 and E2 vs. mammary tissue diameter (r=0.213 and r=0.198, respectively, both p < 0.001). Correlations between reproductive hormones and the number of antral follicles suggest that negative feedback in the female HPG axis is established during minipuberty, with ovarian activity promoting uterine and glandular breast tissue growth We provide normative data of infant ovarian- and uterine morphology directly implementable to a clinical setting.

Homoeopathic Management of Menopause: A Comprehensive Review

Background: Menopause signifies a crucial physiological shift in a woman's journey, denoting the halt of menstrual cycles caused by the gradual decline in ovarian activity. Conventional management options, such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), are effective but not devoid of risks and limitations. In contrast, homeopathy offers a holistic approach to symptom management, aiming to address the underlying cause of menopausal disturbances. Aim and Objective: By critically analyzing clinical studies, randomized controlled trials, and observational research, this paper seeks to elucidate the role of homeopathy as an alternative and complementary therapy for menopause. The objective is to provide insights into the potential benefits of homeopathy and contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting its use in menopausal care. Methodology: A comprehensive search strategy was done to identify relevant literatures from databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. The selection of eligible studies was conducted according to predefined criteria for inclusion and exclusion. Results: Our findings resulted into nine studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and clinical trials. These studies collectively provided evidence of the efficacy of homeopathic medicines in managing various menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Conclusion: The reviewed literature suggests that homeopathy offers a promising avenue for managing menopausal symptoms, providing an alternative or complimentary approach to conventional therapies. Individualized treatment strategies tailored to each woman's unique symptomatology appear particularly beneficial. However, further clinical trials are needed to fully elucidate the efficacy and mechanisms of action of homeopathic interventions in menopausal care.

Saliciylic Acid is also Effective Along with Abscisic Acid and Gibberellic Acid in the Orchid Post-Pollination Process

The aim of this study is to determine the endogenous hormone activities of abscisic acid (ABA), Jasmonic acid (JA) and Salicylic acid (SA) in compatible (Intraspecific = ISP) and incompatible pollination (Intergeneric = IGP) in stigmatic ovaries during orchid post-pollination process. It was designed to be Himantoglossum robertianum in ISP experiments and Himantoglossum robertianum and Orchis italica in IGP experiments. Polynariums taken from O. italica have been applied with needles to the flower stigmas of H. robertianum. Ovaries with stigma from both pollination types were taken separately for each day for a total of 10 days and quantitative endogenous hormone analyzes have been performed by LC-MS/MS. After all, SA hormone has been detected for the first time in both ISP and IGP, but only ISP values were significant. The statistical analysis revealed that while SA is significant in only ISP, ABA values were found to be highly significant in both ISP and IGP. ISP9 also showed high significance. Additionally, ABA values were generally higher than SA values, especially in IGP experiments. The results also emphasized the importance of ovarian endogenous hormone activities for the first time. JA was not detected in the analysis.

The effect of vitamin C on the recovery of activity and survival of autografted ovaries through inhibition of oxidation and inflammation

Ovarian tissue autografting is a valuable clinical option to help restore fertility in women with cancer. However, many follicles are lost due to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, which depletes follicles after grafting. We aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin C, an antioxidant with anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties, on improving the structure and function of autografted ovaries in mice. Thirty-six female NMRI mice (4–5 weeks old) were divided into three groups of 12: control (no grafting), autograft + vitamin C (50 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally), and autograft + saline (100 µl/day/animal, intraperitoneally). After the ovarian autografting and before the start of the experiment, each group was further divided into 7-day and 28-day subgroups. Seven days after ovary autografting, serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and inflammatory factors were measured. On day 28, ovarian histology, DNA fragmentation, and estradiol and progesterone levels were assessed. Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test, with significance set at p<0.05. In the autograft + vitamin C group, there were significant increases in the mean total volume of the ovary, cortex (p<0.05), medulla, number of follicles, and levels of IL-10, progesterone, estradiol, and TAC (p<0.001), compared to the autograft group. Conversely, the rate of apoptosis and serum levels of MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α were notably reduced in the autograft + vitamin C group (p<0.001). These results suggest that vitamin C can significantly enhance the recovery of autografted ovaries through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Effects Of Gonadotrophins on Ovarian and Uterine Activities in Pentazocine-Treated Rats

Effects Of Gonadotrophins on Ovarian and Uterine Activities in Pentazocine-Treated Rats

Premature ovarian insufficiency.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a cause of infertility and endocrine dysfunction in women, defined by loss of normal, predictable ovarian activity before the age of 40 years. POI is clinically characterized by amenorrhoea (primary or secondary) with raised circulating levels of follicle-stimulating hormone. This condition can occur due to medical interventions such as ovarian surgery or cytotoxic cancer therapy, metabolic and lysosomalstorage diseases, infections, chromosomal anomalies and autoimmune diseases. At least 1 in 100 women is affected by POI, including 1 in 1,000 before the age of 30 years. Substantial evidence suggests a genetic basis to POI. However, the cause of idiopathic POI remains unknown in most patients, indicating that gene variants associated with this condition remain to be discovered. Over the past 10years, tremendous progress has been made in our knowledge of genes involved in POI. Genetic approaches in diagnosis are important as they enable patients with familial POI to be identified, with the opportunity for oocyte preservation. Moreover, genetic approaches could provide a better understanding of disease mechanisms, which will ultimately aid the development of improved treatments.

Chitosan-coated probiotic nanoparticles mitigate acrylamide-induced toxicity in the Drosophila model

Acrylamide (ACR) with its extensive industrial applications is a classified occupational hazard toxin and carcinogenic compound. Its formation in fried potatoes, red meat and coffee during high-temperature cooking is a cause for consideration. The fabrication of chitosan-coated probiotic nanoparticles (CSP NPs) aims to enhance the bioavailability of probiotics in the gut, thereby improving their efficacy against ACR-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Nanoencapsulation, a vital domain of the medical nanotechnology field plays a key role in targeted drug delivery, bioavailability, multi-drug load delivery systems and synergistic treatment options. Our study exploited the nanoencapsulation technology to coat Lactobacillus fermentum (probiotic) with chitosan (prebiotic), both with substantial immunomodulatory effects, to ensure the stability and sustained release of microbial load and its secondary metabolites in the gut. The combination of pre-and probiotic components, called synbiotic formulations establishes the correlation between the gut microbiota and the overall well-being of an organism. Our study aimed to develop a potent synbiotic to alleviate the impacts of heat-processed dietary toxins that significantly influence behaviour, development, and survival. Our synbiotic co-treatment with ACR in fruit flies normalised neuro-behavioural, survival, redox status, and restored ovarian mitochondrial activity, contrasting with several physiological deficits observed in the ACR-treated model.

Metabolic Risk in Patients with a Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency.

Objective: Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) represent conditions of different severity, characterized by an earlier-than-expected decrease in ovarian activity. The present study aims to compare metabolic disturbances between women with DOR and patients with POI from a different origin. Materials and methods: A total of 226 women (28 healthy women; 77 individuals with DOR, and 121 patients with POI/36 with Turner syndrome [TS] and 85 with non-TS POI/) have been studied retrospectively. Data concerning anthropometric indices, and metabolic parameters were collected. Results: Patients with DOR, non-TS POI, and TS had increased blood pressure and liver enzymes, pronounced insulin resistance, and worse lipid profiles than controls (p < 0.008 for all). TS patients had significantly higher ASAT, GGT, and TSH levels compared to non-TS POI and DOR individuals. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes tended to be higher in TS women compared to other groups. The prevalence of previously diagnosed polycystic ovarian syndrome was lower in the non-TS POI patients than in the DOR patients (p = 0.005). Conclusions: patients with decreased ovarian function suffer from insulin resistance, abnormal lipid profile, and subtle hepatic disturbances, irrespective of the severity of the condition and the presence of chromosomal aberrations.

An evolutionarily conserved pathway mediated by neuroparsin-A regulates reproductive plasticity in ants.

Phenotypic plasticity displayed by an animal in response to different environmental conditions is supposedly crucial for its survival and reproduction. The female adults of some ant lineages display phenotypic plasticity related to reproductive role. In pharaoh ant queens, insemination induces substantial physiological/behavioral changes and implicates remarkable gene regulatory network (GRN) shift in the brain. Here, we report a neuropeptide neuroparsin A (NPA) showing a conserved expression pattern associated with reproductive activity across ant species. Knock-down of NPA in unmated queen enhances ovary activity, whereas injection of NPA peptide in fertilized queen suppresses ovary activity. We found that NPA mainly affected the downstream gene JHBP in the ovary, which is positively regulated by NPA and suppression of which induces elevated ovary activity, and shadow which is negatively regulated by NPA. Furthermore, we show that NPA was also employed into the brain-ovary axis in regulating the worker reproductive changes in other distantly related species, such as Harpegnathos venator ants.

The effects of the activation of TLR2/TLR1 on in vitro angiogenesis in an immortalized ovine luteal endothelial cell line.

Activation of TLR2/TLR1 alters in vitro formation of capillary-like structures and induces inflammatory processes in ovine luteal endothelial (OLENDO) cells. Postpartum bacterial infections of the uterus affect uterine physiology and ovarian activity, causing fertility problems. The outer membrane component of Gram-negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharide, is involved in the initiation of the local inflammatory processes, and other bacterial toxins, particularly lipopeptides, have also been shown to be potent cytokine inducers, acting via Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2). However, the possible adverse effects of TLR2 on ovarian and luteal activities have not yet been investigated in depth. The strong expression of TLR2 in the blood vessels of the corpus luteum led us to hypothesize that TLR2 activation might participate in the disruption of luteal vascular functionality. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of Pam3CSK4 (Pam3CysSerLys4), a synthetic triacylated lipopeptide and TLR2/TLR1 ligand, on the functionality of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC), endothelial cell invasion, and in vitro capillary-like network formation in an immortalized ovine luteal endothelial (OLENDO) cell line. Pam3CSK4 treatment of OLENDO cells disrupted in vitro tube formation but had no effect on GJIC or migration of OLENDO cells. Furthermore, Pam3CSK4 induced the expression of NFKB, IL6, and IL8 in OLENDO cells. Additionally, the basal availability of TLRs (TLR1-10) and TLR co-receptors (MYD88, LY96/MD2, and CD14) in OLENDO cells was confirmed by conventional PCR. Finally, the activation of TLR2/TLR1 appears to alter in vitro formation of capillary-like structures and induce inflammatory processes in OLENDO cells.

Steroid metabolism and hormonal dynamics in normal and malignant ovaries.

The ovaries are key steroid hormone production sites in post-pubertal females. However, current research on steroidogenic enzymes, endogenous hormone concentrations and their effects on healthy ovarian function and malignant development is limited. Here, we discuss the importance of steroid enzymes in normal and malignant ovaries, alongside hormone concentrations, receptor expression and action. Key enzymes include STS, 3β-HSD2, HSD17B1, ARK1C3, and aromatase, which influence ovarian steroidal action. Both androgen and oestrogen action, via their facilitating enzyme, drives ovarian follicle activation, development and maturation in healthy ovarian tissue. In ovarian cancer, some data suggest STS and oestrogen receptor α may be linked to aggressive forms, while various oestrogen-responsive factors may be involved in ovarian cancer metastasis. In contrast, androgen receptor expression and action vary across ovarian cancer subtypes. For future studies investigating steroidogenesis and steroidal activity in ovarian cancer, it is necessary to differentiate between disease subtypes for a comprehensive understanding.

TREATMENT OF CLINICAL ANOESTRUS IN ARABIAN MARES BY A PROSTAGLANDIN F2 α|ή‎|‎ωϧΔΔ ‎‎|‎ ‎

A synthetic prostaglandin F2 α(PGF2 α) analogue, luprostiol* , was used in treatment of clinically anoestrus Arabian mares that suffered from abnormal persisting luteal function. Thirty two anoestrus mares were selected for this study after careful examination of their breeding history and a thorough genital examination which included rectal palpation of the genital tract and ovaries. The genital examination also included a vaginoscopy of the vagina and cervix. These mares were diagnosed as clinically anoestrus during the spring and summer months breeding season and received a single intramuscular injection of the prostaglandin F2 α. Twenty six mares (81%) responded to the treatment and came to oestrus within 2-4 days. Ovarian activity of the induced oestrus was monitored by rectal palpation and the mares were bred twice according to their follicular development. A total of 13 mares (54%) became pregnant as a result of the treatment and pregnancies were confirmed later by rectal palpation. This study reveals that the majority of non-cycling mares during the spring and summer months breeding season are in a prolonged luteal function rather than inactive ovaries or ‘true anoestrus. The study also demonstrates the efficiency of Iuprostiol in the treatment of clinically anoestrus mares.

APPLICATION OF OVASCAN AND PROGESTERONE CONCENTRATION FOR PREDICTION OF OVULATION DURING ESTRUS IN THE MARE

The estrous cycle of 8 Arabian mares was followed for one year, by visual observation of the estrous behaviour and by teasing with a stallion. Serum progesterone concentration was determined by RIA, Vaginal electric resistence was studied with aid of Ovascan, comapared with the changes in the reproductive tract as determined by rectal examination for prediction of ovulation. The changes in the reproductive tract and the behavioural manifestations expressed during the cycle indicated that the experimental mares were exhibiting estrous year arround, however, 75% of the cycles were observed during the months from March to August and 25% during the. rest of the year. The total number of cycles exhibited by the mares averaged 68 cycles, of these 22 cycles were observed during Summer, 20 during Spring, decreased to 13 cycles during Fall and 13 during Winter. the length of the estrous cycle ranged between 24-26. 31 days, the average estrus length ranged between 5.5-8.6 days andthe luteal phase ranged from 19.04-24.87 days. The ovascan readings showed decline by 50 degrees, constantly, a day preceeding ovulation, compared to the readings during the rest of estrus days and this finding was confirmed by rectal palpation of the reproductive tract in succeeding day which disclosed the disappearance of the mature follicle and the: presence of the ovulation site on the ovary, consequently, the estrous signs faded away gradually within 24-48 hours of the ovuletion. Serum progesterone concentration, during’ the estrus and one day before ovulation ranged between 0.58 -1.05 ng/ml, while mean luteal phase concentration was 10.2820.89 ng/ml. The results of the present study disclosed that the mares in Iraq could be bred any time of the year and it is most probable that measurement of progesterone concentration will have more practical application for monitring ovarian activity and estrus prediction, if. a rapid system of measurment made avilable (as progesterone strip). The application of Ovascan proved effecient tool for prediction of ovulation in the mare, providing information for synchroniztion of service with ovulation, a mean augmenting fertility and avoiding rectal palpation which hinder service.