Ovarian Hormone Levels Research Articles

Does the interplay of emotion-related personality traits and reproductive hormones predict individual variation in emotion recognition?

Person-related variation has been identified in many socio-cognitive domains, and there is evidence for links between certain personality traits and individual emotion recognition. Some studies, utilizing the menstrual cycle as a hormonal model, attempted to demonstrate that hormonal fluctuations could predict variations in emotion recognition, but with merely inconsistent findings. Remarkably, the interplay between hormone fluctuations and other person-related factors that could potentially influence emotion recognition remains understudied. In the current study, we examined if the interactions of emotion-related personality traits, namely openness, extraversion, and neuroticism, and the ovulatory cycle predict individual variation in facial emotion recognition in healthy naturally cycling women. We collected salivary ovarian hormones measures from N = 129 (n = 72 validated via LH test) women across their late follicular and mid-luteal phases of the ovulatory cycle. The results revealed a negative association between neuroticism scores and emotion recognition when progesterone levels (within-subject) were elevated. However, the results did not indicate a significant moderating influence of neuroticism, openness, and extraversion on emotion recognition across phases (late follicular vs. mid-luteal) of the menstrual cycle. Additionally, there was no significant interaction between openness or extraversion and ovarian hormone levels in predicting facial emotion recognition. The current study suggests future lines of research to compare these findings in a clinical setting, as both neuroticism and ovarian hormone dysregulation are associated with some psychiatric disorders such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Correlation of Serum Electrolytes and Ovarian Hormones Levels in Premenstrual Syndrome

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a recurrent psychological and physical symptom that may occur during the late luteal phase of menstrual cycle and resolve with menstruation in the women. Alteration of serum electrolyte levels in accordance with ovarian hormonal fluctuations has some association with PMS which affect their regular activities and reproductive life. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the correlation of serum electrolytes and ovarian hormones levels in premenstrual syndrome among the 30 young unmarried women with PMS from July 2016 to June 2017 in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Bangladesh. Results: In the non-PMS and PMS group, the mean of serum sodium level was 139.97±1.30 and 140.93±1.68 mmol/L, and serum potassium level was 4.20±0.32 and 4.17±0.31 mmol/ L. The mean of serum estrogen level was 177.10±6.90 and 283.53±5.73 pg/ml and serum progesterone was 19.35±2.55 and 14.67±2.20 ng/ml in the group A and B. Premenstrual scores of irritability, abdominal bloating, backache, depression, fatigue, breast tenderness, headache, anxiety were significantly higher in comparison to those of postmenstrual scores in PMS group (p<0.05). Serum estrogen level (r= +0.558) and serum progesterone level (r= -0.408) were correlated with PMS symptoms scores in PMS group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of the current study showed that the PMS group has some physical and psychological symptoms as a result of fluctuations in ovarian hormone levels and biochemical markers during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2023; 31: 21-25

Preliminary evidence of increased alcohol use associated with ethinyl estradiol levels in women using oral contraceptives

Alcohol use is highly prevalent in young adult women and rates of alcohol use disorder are rising rapidly in this population. Further, emerging evidence suggests that circulating levels of ovarian hormones influence alcohol consumption, with increased consumption associated with higher estradiol and lower progesterone levels. However, less is known about the influence of synthetic hormones (contained in oral contraceptive (OC) pills) on alcohol use. The current study examined the influence of OC pill phase, ethinyl estradiol (EE) levels, and progestin levels on self-reported alcohol consumption in healthy female drinkers. Young adult female drinkers using OCs (N = 21) reported alcohol use across one OC pill pack using the Timeline Followback and provided blood samples during both pill phases to measure synthetic hormone levels. We compared alcohol use between OC pill phases (active vs. inactive) using linear mixed effects models for repeated measures and examined correlations between alcohol use and EE and progestin levels. Results showed that women with higher EE levels reported increased alcohol consumption (r = 0.56, p = 0.01) and binge drinking (r = 0.45, p = 0.04) in the active pill phase. Progestin levels and pill phase were not significantly associated with alcohol consumption. These findings provide preliminary data suggesting increased levels of EE from OC pills are associated with excessive alcohol consumption in women. Further research is needed to determine if EE plays a causal role in increased alcohol consumption. This line of research could inform female-specific AUD prevention and treatment strategies among the large subpopulation of women using hormonal contraceptives.

The effects of short-term and long-term phthalate exposures on ovarian follicle growth dynamics and hormone levels in female mice†.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and diisononyl phthalate are widely used as plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride products. Short-term exposures to phthalates affect hormone levels, ovarian follicle populations, and ovarian gene expression. However, limited data exist regarding the effects of long-term exposure to phthalates on reproductive functions. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that short-term and long-term exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or diisononyl phthalate disrupts follicle dynamics, ovarian and pituitary gene expression, and hormone levels in female mice. Adult CD-1 female mice were exposed to vehicle, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, or diisononyl phthalate (0.15ppm, 1.5ppm, or 1500ppm) via the chow for 1 or 6months. Short-term exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (0.15ppm) and diisononyl phthalate (1.5ppm) decreased serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels compared to control. Long-term exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and diisononyl phthalate (1500 ppm) increased the percentage of primordial follicles and decreased the percentages of preantral and antral follicles compared to control. Both phthalates increased follicle-stimulating hormone levels (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate at 1500ppm; diisononyl phthalate at 1.5ppm) and decreased luteinizing hormone levels (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate at 0.15 and 1.5ppm; diisononyl phthalate at 1.5ppm and 1500ppm) compared to control. Furthermore, both phthalates altered the expression of pituitary gonadotropin subunit genes (Cga, Fshb, and Lhb) and a transcription factor (Nr5a1) that regulates gonadotropin synthesis. These data indicate that long-term exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and diisononyl phthalate alters follicle growth dynamics in the ovary and the expression of gonadotropin subunit genes in the pituitary and consequently luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone synthesis.

SAT412 Effects Of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy On The Connectivity Of Intrinsic Brain Networks

Abstract Disclosure: C.C. Pedreira: None. S. Tchir-Bourgeois: None. S. Tuli: None. A. Giancola: None. C. Loxton: None. A.S. Keuroghlian: None. M. Misra: None. J.M. Andreano: None. Background: Previous research has indicated that both acute gonadal hormone treatments and fluctuations in ovarian hormone levels over the course of the menstrual cycle can significantly alter patterns of communication between brain regions, particularly regions involved in affective processing. However, the neural effects of prolonged exogenous gonadal hormone exposure, as in gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), are not presently well-understood. A better understanding of the influence of GAHT on intrinsic network connectivity could point the way towards improved GAHT treatment regimens that minimize affective side effects.Objective: To characterize the effects of estradiol and testosterone treatments in GAH on patterns of connectivity within and between the brain’s intrinsic networks.Methods: 5 transgender individuals receiving GAHT (estradiol n =3, testosterone n = 2) were scanned using functional magnetic imaging (fMRI) at rest at two timepoints: baseline, prior to treatment, and 6 months into GAHT. The time course of neural activity was computed for each voxel in the brain, then tested for correlation with each other voxel to develop a whole-brain connectome for each participant. Connectomes were then analyzed in two ways: 1) maps of average connectivity to two regions of interest found in previous research to differ between cis and transgender people (the anterior insula and temporal pole) were generated for each participant. These maps were then compared between baseline and 6-month timepoints. 2) Overall network structure of the brain was generated a priori for each participant at each timepoint using a community detection algorithm. Network assignments were then compared between timepoints, noting regions whose connectivity shifted between networks after GAHT.Results: 2 of 3 participants treated with estradiol exhibited a significant reduction of connectivity to the anterior insula throughout the brain, most notably within the medial temporal lobe and cingulate cortex. Both participants receiving testosterone treatment showed reduced anterior insula connectivity, although connectivity to the cingulate cortex, particularly the mid-cingulate, was preserved. Estradiol did not significantly affect connectivity of the frontal pole, although testosterone produced a widespread reduction in frontal pole connectivity. Community detection analysis indicated a shift in connectivity to the salience network from the default mode network in the medial temporal lobe following estradiol treatment. Testosterone treatment was associated with greater connectivity in medial frontal regions to the frontoparietal network. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence indicates that both estradiol and testosterone treatment can produce significant changes in the connectivity of affective regions in the brain, as well as reorganization of the brain’s network structure. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

FRI379 The Gonadotoxic Effects Of Cyclophosphamide And Busulfan On Ovaries In CD-1 Mouse Model

Abstract Disclosure: M. Thonen: None. H. Jiang: None. Y. Luan: None. R. Dong: None. A. Wadhwa: None. S. Kim: None. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) involves the transfer of healthy donor stem cells to replace a recipient's dysfunctional bone marrow. It can be used for both malignant diseases (eg lymphoma or leukemia) and non-malignant diseases (eg sickle cell anemia). Chemotherapy and/or radiation are usually required to deplete the recipient's bone marrow before transplant, also known as conditioning regimens. Alkylating agents including cyclophosphamide (CY) and busulfan (BU) are frequently involved in these regimens. Primary ovarian insufficiency in young female patients secondary to conditioning regimens presents a challenging fertility complication. Studies show that there may be unbalanced ovarian hormonal levels and decreased ovarian function in young female cancer survivors, however, limited studies have explained the mechanism of medication-induced ovarian toxicity in an animal model. This study aimed to investigate the gonadotoxic effects of CY and BU in CD-1 strain mice and to delineate the underlying mechanism of the gonadotoxic outcomes, eventually suggesting possible fertoprotectants for HSCT recipients’ fertility preservation.Sixteen one-month-old female CD-1 mice (n=4/group) were subcutaneously injected with solvent, BU, CY, or BU+CY, respectively, over the course of six days. The doses (144 mg/Kg BU and 300 mg/Kg CY) and injection plan were adjusted to clinical doses. One week after the last administration, the ovaries and female reproductive tracts were harvested. The samples were embedded in paraffin, then continuously sectioned into 5 μm thickness. The specimen was stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and TUNEL assays. Different stages of follicles were counted individually by two team members. The serum levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), 17-β-estradiol, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured. Additional immunofluorescence staining for AMH, inhibin α, and Ki-67 was also performed. All mice survived treatment and appeared grossly normal. The average ovary weight was significantly lower in BU-based treatment groups compared to control and CY alone groups. The primordial (p<0.0001) and primary follicles (p=0.01) in BU, CY, and BU+CY groups were lower than the control group. The average AMH level in the BU-based treatment groups was also significantly lower than in the control and CY-alone group. Our results indicate CY and BU regimens individually were gonadotoxic, reducing the ovarian reserve in CD-1 mice with a synergistic toxic effect when used in combination. Decreased AMH reveals the conditioning regimens are toxic to granulosa cells and the ovarian reserve. Future studies are needed to elaborate possible pathways of chemotherapy-induced ovarian follicle death and the toxicities of other regimens to improve fertility outcomes and better care for female patients receiving HSCT. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) alleviate excessive autophagy of ovarian granular cells through VEGFA/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in premature ovarian failure rat model

BackgroundPremature ovarian failure (POF) is one of the leading causes of female infertility and is accompanied by abnormal endocrine, seriously affecting female quality of life. Previous studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation is a promising therapeutic strategy for POF. However, the mechanism remains obscure. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) on ovarian function in the POF rat model and explore the underlying mechanisms.MethodsThe ovarian function was evaluated by ovarian morphology, histology, estrous cycle, hormone levels (AMH, E2, FSH, and LH), and fertility ability to investigate the effect of hUC-MSCs on the POF rats model. The cytokines levels were assayed in serum using protein array to explore the mechanisms of hUC-MSCs therapy for POF. The excessive autophagy levels were evaluated using a co-culture system of 3D MSCs spheroids with human ovarian granulosa cell line (KGN) or primary ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) to understand the paracrine effect of hUC-MSCs on GCs. The related proteins expression of autophagy and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was detected using Western Blotting and/or in various inhibitors supplement to further demonstrate that vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) secreted by hUC-MSCs can alleviate excessive autophagy of ovarian GCs via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The ovarian culture model in vitro was applied to confirm the mechanism.ResultsThe ovarian function of POF and the excessive autophagy of ovarian GCs were restored after hUC-MSCs transplantation. The protein array result demonstrated that VEGF and PI3K/AKT might improve ovarian function. in vitro experiments demonstrated that VEGFA secreted by hUC-MSCs could decrease oxidative stress and inhibit excessive autophagy of ovarian GCs via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. The ovarian culture model results confirmed this mechanism in vitro.ConclusionThe hUC-MSCs can alleviate excessive autophagy of ovarian GCs via paracrine VEGFA and regulate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby improving the ovarian function of POF.

Phytocompositions of ayurvedic medicine in the restoration of menstrual health in women of early reproductive age who have survived moderate and severe form of COVID-19

Research objectives: to evaluate the effectiveness of phytotherapy in the treatment of menstrual health disorders in women of early reproductive age after a moderate and severe form of the coronavirus disease.Material and methods. 104 women of early reproductive age with menstrual health disorders that occurred 3 months later after moderate or severe COVID-19 were under observation and 34 gynecologically and somatically healthy women of the control group who did not suffer from COVID-19. Female patients with COVID-19 were randomly divided into two groups: the main group (n=53) and the comparison group (n=51). The performed examination included: study of complaints, general and gynecological anamnesis, physical and gynecological examination, ultrasound examination of pelvic organs, determination of hormonal profile. All patients with COVID-19 received a comprehensive rehabilitation program, which included diet therapy, vitamin and mineral complexes, psychotherapy. In addition to the complex rehabilitation program patients of the main group received ayurvedic phytocompositions Femicycle or Femimens for 6 months.Results. It has been established that the moderate and severe course of the coronavirus infection affects the reproductive system of early reproductive aged women and leads to menstrual health disorders, among which irregular menstruation, premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea dominate. Levels of pituitary, adrenal, ovarian and thyroid serum hormones were within the reference norm in most cases, but have statistically significant deviations from similar indicators of healthy control women who did not have COVID-19. One-third of women of early reproductive age after moderate to severe COVID-19 had elevated prolactin levels. Ayurvedic phytocompositions Femicycle and Femimens in a comprehensive rehabilitation program for post-COVID menstrual health disorders led to a faster recovery of menstrual health and a full hormonal recovery.Conclusions. Ayurvedic phytocompositions Femicycle and Femimens are effective and safe naturopathic drugs for restoring menstrual health in women of early reproductive age after experiencing moderate to severe COVID-19.

Effects of Ovarian Hormone Levels on Stress, Cigarette Craving, and Smoking in a Laboratory Relapse Paradigm Among Females Who Smoke Daily.

Females, versus males, have shown a slower decline in smoking prevalence, greater smoking-related mortality and morbidity, and tend to have more difficulty achieving and maintaining abstinence. Identifying sex-specific risk factors is needed to improve outcomes. Though ovarian hormones have been evaluated for their role in smoking and relapse, measures tend to be static and infrequent, failing to capture the influence of increasing or decreasing levels. The present study evaluated the effect of static and fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones (ie, progesterone, estradiol, and estrogen to progesterone [E/P] ratio) on stress reactivity, cigarette craving, and smoking during a laboratory relapse paradigm. Female participants (assigned female at birth) reporting daily cigarette smoking (N = 91, ages 18-45) were recruited from the community. Participants provided daily salivary ovarian hormone levels leading up to a laboratory session, in which stress was induced and stress reactivity, cigarette craving, latency to smoke, and ad-libitum smoking were measured. Static levels of estradiol were associated with stress reactivity (β = 0.28, SE = 0.13) and static E/P ratio was associated with smoking in the laboratory (HR = 1.4). Preceding 3-day changes in estradiol and E/P ratio, but neither static levels nor preceding 3-day changes in progesterone were associated with stress reactivity, cigarette craving, or smoking in a relapse paradigm. Ovarian hormones are among several sex-specific factors involved in the complex neuroendocrine response to stress, and their interaction with other biological, social, and psychological factors in the real-world environment is not yet fully understood. Findings of the present study provide novel information regarding the role of ovarian hormones among female participants who smoke daily in stress reactivity and smoking in the context of a laboratory relapse paradigm and highlight several avenues for future research. We found that same-day estradiol levels were associated with increased subjective stress reactivity and same-day estrogen to progesterone ratio was associated with increased likelihood of smoking in a relapse paradigm. Ovarian hormones are among several sex-specific factors contributing to the complex neuroendocrine response to stress, and their interaction with other biological, social, and psychological factors in the real-world environment is not yet fully understood.

Acupuncture regulates the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in polycystic ovarian syndrome-related abnormal follicular development through LncMEG3-mediated inhibition of miR-21-3p

BackgroundThe main features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are abnormal follicular development and ovulatory dysfunction, which are caused by excessive apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells. Acupuncture has been shown to improve follicular development abnormalities in patients with PCOS, but its mechanism is unknown. This study hypothesized that the mechanism of acupuncture on follicular development abnormalities in PCOS patients is the inhibition of granulosa cell apoptosis through LncMEG3-mediated regulation of miR-21-3p.MethodsA PCOS-like rat model was established using subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Acupuncture was performed on rats for 15 d (CV-4, RN-3, CV-6, SP-6 and EX-CA 1). Ovarian morphology was observed by HE staining, and sex hormone and AMH levels were detected by ELISA. Primary granulosa cells were isolated from each group of rats to assess the association of acupuncture treatment, LncMEG3, miR-21-3p, and granulosa cell apoptosis in rats with PCOS.ResultsLncMEG3 and miR-21-3p were highly expressed in the ovarian granulosa cells of rats with PCOS, and LncMEG3-mediated regulation of miR-21-3p was involved in the development of PCOS in rats. Silencing of MEG3 attenuated sex hormone dysregulation and ovarian histopathological changes in PCOS rats and promoted follicle cell development and maturation. In addition, silencing MEG3 increased the viability and number of granulosa cells. In addition, silencing MEG3 further inhibited early and late apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in PCOS rats. Acupuncture improved polycystic ovarian morphology and sex hormone levels in PCOS rats. Acupuncture intervention increased the viability and number of granulosa cells. Acupuncture intervention inhibited early and late apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in PCOS rats by targeting miR-21-3p via LncMEG3.ConclusionThese results suggest that acupuncture can downregulate LncMEG3, thereby targeting and regulating miR-21-3p to suppress early and late granulosa cell apoptosis and normalize their proliferation. These factors ultimately compensate for abnormal follicular development. These findings shed light on the clinical potential of acupuncture as a safe treatment for follicular developmental abnormalities in PCOS.

Effects of ABVD chemotherapy on ovarian function: epidemiology, hormonal dosages and ultrasound morphologic analyses in 270 patients with Hodgkin's disease.

Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) is a lymphoproliferative disease typically diagnosed in the young. The excellent results obtained with current treatment lead to long survival with age-related complications affecting patients' survival and quality of life. One issue affecting HL patients is infertility. This problem can be easily overcome in males with seminal liquid cryopreservation, however, in females it is more complex either in terms of the quality of the cryopreserved material or the patients' age at diagnosis. Moreover, not all chemo- or radio-therapies have the same negative impact on fertility.The main objectives of this study was to collect epidemiological information on HL patients involved in fertility preservation counseling and to analyze the impact of ABVD (adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine), the standard treatment for HL, on ovarian function, hormonal levels and ovarian and uterine tissue morphologies. Patterns of fertility preservation were also reported. Data were obtained from 270 female patients at HL onset who were interested in fertility counseling prior to therapy initiation. Each patient was assessed at HL diagnosis for levels of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and 17β-oestradiol (17β-oe), with additional assessments at 6 and 12 months after chemotherapy. Patients were evaluated with ultrasound scans to study the number of ovarian follicles and the degree of uterine thickness at the same timepoints. The average patient AMH level showed a statistically significant reduction at 6 months after chemotherapy (p=0.05) and by the 12 month time point returned to near pre-chemotherapy values. FSH and 17β-oe levels did not significantly vary throughout the study period. ABVD chemotherapy was associated with a significant reduction of both ovarian follicles and endometrial thickness at the 6 month time point followed by a recovery at the 12 time point in both ovaries. Different results were observed when patients changed treatment to a more intensive one. Based on the results from the hormonal measurements and the follicle echography, it appears that the toxic effect of ABVD on fertility is transient, whereas, in contrast, more intensive therapies may potentially be more harmful and long-lasting.

Daily ovarian hormone exposure and loss of control eating in adolescent girls: A registered report.

The daily biobehavioral factors that precipitate loss of control eating (LOCE) in adolescent girls are not well known. Ovarian hormone levels are key biological factors associated with the etiology of eating disorders in adolescent girls. Yet, models on how daily ovarian hormone exposure predicts LOCE in adolescent girls are underdeveloped. The goal of this study is to examine the daily patterns and mechanisms of ovarian hormone levels on LOCE across the menstrual cycle in adolescent girls and the mediating roles of food-related reward anticipation and response inhibition. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) paired with daily hormonal sampling will be used to examine (1) daily associations between within-person hormones and LOCE, and (2) the mediating role of within-person food-related reward anticipation and response inhibition. Normally cycling adolescent girls who have reached menarche will provide daily saliva samples for hormone analysis and complete EMA for 35 days. During EMA, girls will report LOCE and will complete task-based and self-report measures of food-related response inhibition and reward anticipation. This work has implications for the development of new real-world biobehavioral models of LOCE in adolescent girls, which will guide theory improvements and treatment for LOCE. Results will provide preliminary evidence for treatment targets for novel interventions for adolescent girls-for example, a response inhibition intervention. Adolescent eating disorders are severe mental health conditions, often marked by loss of control eating. Estrogen and progesterone play a role in the development and persistence of loss of control eating. The current study will examine how daily exposure to estrogen and progesterone predicts loss of control eating in adolescent girls and identify possible daily mechanisms linking estrogen and progesterone exposure and loss of control eating.

Sex and Estrous Cycle Are Not Mediators of S-Ketamine's Rapid-Antidepressant Behavioral Effects in a Genetic Rat Model of Depression.

Recent preclinical and clinical studies have shed light on the possible impact of sex and estrous/menstrual cycle on ketamine's antidepressant action but with incongruous results. The preclinical studies that have shown the effects of ovarian sex hormones have not done so in animal models of depression. Thus, the aim of the present study is to scrutinize the acute behavioral responses to a subanesthetic dose of S-ketamine in males vs females and in different estrous phases in free-cycling females in a well-powered translational approach. We evaluated the behavioral sensitivity to 20 mg/kg S-ketamine (i.p.) in male and female Flinders Sensitive Line rats (FSLs) and their counterpart Flinders Resistant Line rats (FRLs) subjected to the open field and forced swim tests. Female rats were disaggregated into different estrous phases, and the behavioral outcomes were compared. Acute administration of S-ketamine had robust antidepressant-like effects in FSLs. Within our study power, we could not detect sex- or estrous cycle-specific different antidepressant-like responses to S-ketamine in FSLs. Fluctuations in the levels of ovarian sex hormones across different estrous cycles did not behaviorally affect S-ketamine's rapid-acting antidepressant mode of action. No sex-related or estrous cycle-related impact on behavioral despair was observed even among FRLs and saline-treated FSLs. We conclude that physiological oscillations of estrogen and progesterone levels neither amplify nor diminish the behavioral antidepressant-like effect of S-ketamine. In addition, fluctuations of ovarian sex hormones do not predispose female animals to exhibit enhanced or reduced depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviors.

Choice Reaction Time in Different Phases of the Menstrual Cycle in Healthy Females: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The gonadal hormone output of females fluctuates monthly, and the endometrium, ovaries, and other genital organs undergo physical changes. It is known that women experience fluctuations in mood, energy, and cognitive abilities during different phases of their Menstrual Cycle (MC). Reaction Time (RT) is utilised to measure the ability of brain processing. The present study analysed the effect of various phases occurring in the MC on choice RT. Aim: To determine whether hormonal changes that occur throughout the MC and its phases may have any effect on cognition. Materials and Methods: An observational analytical crosssectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. The study duration was six months, from August 2021 to April 2022. A total of 50 apparently healthy females aged 18-25 years were included in the study. The subjects with a history of normal and regular MC for the last six months were included. The Choice Reaction Time (CRT) with visual and auditory stimuli was analysed using an RT apparatus developed by Anand Agencies, Pune, India. In CRT, random auditory and visual stimuli were given to the subjects, and they had to react accordingly. The RT apparatus timer started when the stimuli were given, and it automatically stopped when the subject reacted, providing the RT. RT was noted in the subjects on four occasions: two days prior to menstrual bleeding (premenstrual), the 2nd day during menstruation, the 8th day (follicular phase), and the 18th day after menstrual bleeding (luteal phase). The average value of each type of Visual Reaction Time (VRT) and Auditory Reaction Time (ART) in the various menstrual phases was noted and analysed. The level of significance in the various menstrual phases was analysed with inferential statistical study using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparison Tukey’s post-hoc test. Results: In the present study, prolongation of visual and ART was seen in the luteal phase. There was prolongation of VRT when the luteal phase was compared to the menstrual and follicular phase, but the difference was not statistically significant (p<0.05). While in ART, there was prolongation when the luteal phase was compared with the premenstrual, menstrual, and follicular phase, but the difference was not statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: The current study reveals that there was a non significant prolongation of visual and ART in the luteal phase of MC when CRT was analysed. Thus, it was observed that there was no influence of fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones on ART and VRT in various phases of the MC while conducting CRT.

Studying the Inter-Peak Latencies of Auditory Brainstem Response in Menopause Women

Background: Changes in auditory function have been noted in post-menopausal women attributed in part to the lower levels of ovarian hormones. Decreased levels of ovarian hormones may alter auditory neurotransmission time, as evaluated by Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR). Thus, objective of this study was comparison of mean inter-peak ABR latencies in post-menopausal women compared to non-menopausal women.
 Methods: In this cross-sectional study, research sample consisted of 60 women as case group in the age range of 45-55 years, who were post-menopausal and had normal hearing. The control group with similar characteristics were non-menopausal. Two groups were estimated by ABR and then the means of the variables that had a normal distribution were compared with each other by independent t-test. 
 Results: All differences between two groups were not significant, as follows; Mean I-III inter-peak ABR latencies (p-value=0.714), mean III-V inter-peak ABR latencies (p-value=0.691) and mean I-V inter-peak ABR latencies (p-value=0.483).
 Conclusion: Menopause does not cause abnormal results in auditory brainstem responses.

Evaluation of the Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: Changes in auditory function have been noted in post-menopausal women attributed in part to the lower levels of ovarian hormones. Decreased levels of ovarian hormones may alter auditory neurotransmission time, as evaluated by Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR). Thus, the objective of this study was to compare the mean inter-peak ABR latencies and post-menopausal women compared to non-menopausal women.
 Methods: In this cross-sectional study, research sample consisted of 60 women as case group in the age range of 45-55 years, who were post-menopausal and had normal hearing. The control group with similar characteristics were non-menopausal. Two groups were estimated by ABR and then the means of the variables that had a normal distribution were compared with each other by independent t-test. 
 Results: All differences between two groups were not significant, as follows; Mean I-III inter-peak ABR latencies (p-value=0.714), mean III-V inter-peak ABR latencies (p-value=0.691) and mean I-V inter-peak ABR latencies (p-value=0.483).
 Conclusion: Menopause does not cause abnormal results in auditory brainstem responses.

Comparison of the effect of licorice vaginal cream and estrogen vaginal cream on sexual function of postmenopausal women: An RCT.

Menopause is a stage in woman's life that some women experience in middle age and some at a younger age (premature menopause). Low levels of ovarian hormones, during menopause can lead to various complications. Menopause is one of the factors that can affect a woman's sexual function. The present study was conducted to compare the effect of licorice vaginal cream and estrogen vaginal cream on the sexual function of postmenopausal women. In this randomized clinical trial study, 82 postmenopausal women who were referred to health centers in Ilam, Iran from July to November 2020 were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 41/each). One group was given estrogen vaginal cream 2%, and the other vaginal licorice cream 2%. Participants used the 2 medications for 14-day periods each. We used the finite randomization method. Data collection questionnaires, including a demographic information questionnaire before treatment and a female sexual function index questionnaire were completed before, one month after the medication, and 2 months after using the medication. The mean score of sexual function in the licorice group was 17.86 4.37 and increased to 20.31 4.63 at the end of the study. The mean score of sexual function in the estrogen group was 17.14 3.99 and increased to 22.97 5.09 at the end of the study (p = 0.015). The effect of estrogen vaginal cream on the sexual function of postmenopausal women was greater than licorice vaginal cream.

Estrogen receptors mediate the antidepressant effects of aerobic exercise: A possible new mechanism.

This study aimed to examine whether aerobic exercise exerts mood-modulating effects through an estrogen signaling mechanism. The experiment was divided into two parts. The first part is to compare the three modeling methods to obtain the most obvious method of depression-like phenotype for further study in the second part. The first part of ovariectomized rats (age, 13 weeks) was tested when rats were 14 or 22 weeks old or in the sixth week after 3 weeks of chronic restraint stress. The second part was to treat the animals with the most obvious depression-like phenotype in different ways, placebo treatment or estradiol (E2) replacement therapy was administered, aerobic training, or estrogen receptor antagonist treatment. The cognitive (Barnes maze and 3-chamber social tests), anxiety-like (open-field and elevated plus maze tests) and depression-like (sucrose preference and forced swim tests) behaviors of rats in both parts were analyzed to study the effects of estrogen depletion and aerobic exercise. Rats did not develop depressive symptoms immediately after ovariectomy, however, the symptoms became more pronounced with a gradual decrease in ovarian hormone levels. Compared with the placebo or control groups, the exercise and E2 groups showed improved performance in all behavioral test tasks, and the antidepressant effects of aerobic exercise were comparable to those of estrogen. Moreover, the estrogen receptor antagonist has markedly inhibited the antidepressant effects of aerobic exercise. Estrogen receptors may mediate the antidepressant effects of aerobic exercise. In addition, an increasingly fragile ovarian hormonal environment may underlies chronic restraint stress-induced depression.

Effects of chronic tamoxifen treatment in female rat sexual behaviour

The medial preoptic (MPN) and the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei (VMN) modulate the estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent female sexual behavior, a response that is inhibited by tamoxifen (TAM), a modulator of the steroid receptor activation. With the objective to assess TAM action in the brain areas involved in the modulation sexual cues, an animal model on long-term TAM therapy to intact female rats, was used to mimic the 5-year prophylactic TAM therapy offered to women at higher risk of breast cancer. After three months treatment, female sexual behavior with a stud male rat was evaluated. Upon sacrifice, the brains were removed and the MPN and the ventrolateral division of the VMN were screened for the effects of TAM in the expression of ERα, ERβ and progesterone receptor. Results show that TAM inhibited the receptive component of the female sexual behavior. Even though TAM decreased estrogen and progesterone levels to values similar to the ones of estrous and diestrus rats, the biochemical data failed to demonstrate such possible causation for the behavioral response. In fact, TAM administration induced a constant low level of ovarian hormones that changed the pattern of ER and PR expression as well as receptor co-expression in the brain areas regulating the behavioral response, dissimilar to the ones seen in the cycle phases with the same low hormone levels. Nevertheless, present data suggests that by affecting ER- and/or PR-dependent mechanisms, TAM may modulate the hypothalamus, a region known to participate in several social behaviors.

Combined effects of the contraceptive hormones, ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, on the use of place and response memory in gonadally-intact female rats

During maze navigation rats can rely on hippocampus-mediated place memory or striatum-mediated response memory. Ovarian hormones bias whether females use place or response memory to reach a reward. Here, we investigated the impact of the contraceptive hormones, ethinyl estradiol (EE) and levonorgestrel (LNG), on memory bias. A total of 63 gonadally-intact female rats were treated with either 10 μg/kg of EE alone, 20 μg/kg of LNG alone, both 10 μg/kg of EE and 20 μg/kg of LNG together, or a sesame oil injection with 5% ethanol as a vehicle control. Rats in the control condition were tested during the diestrus phase of the estrous cycle in order to control for the low circulating levels of gonadotropin and ovarian hormones that occur with oral contraceptive administration. Rats treated with LNG alone had a bias towards the use of place memory compared to diestrus phase control rats. This bias was not observed if LNG was administered in combination with EE. Rats treated with EE or EE+LNG did not have a statistically significant difference in memory bias compared to rats in the control group. These data show that synthetic hormones contained in oral contraceptives administered to females influence which cognitive strategy is predominantly used during navigation.