Ovarian Weight Research Articles

Induced reproduction of yellow-tailed lambari (Astyanax lacustris) with Ovopel® and buserelin acetate as alternatives to the protocol with carp pituitary extract.

The objective of this study was to evaluate reproductive traits in adults of Astyanax lacustris subjected to different spawning inducers. The study involved 240 females (12.54 g ± 2.33 and 7.66 cm ± 0.63 cm) and 240 males (5.83 g ± 0.39 g and 6.14 cm ± 0.64 cm), all at reproductive age. Three different inducers were evaluated: (i) 0.4 pellets of Ovopel®/kg of body weight; (ii) 0.5 ml of buserelin acetate/kg of body weight; and (iii) carp pituitary extract (CPE) (5.5 mg CPE/kg body weight for females and 2.5 mg CPE/kg body weight for males), as well as saline solution (without hormone). The degree-hours for spawning were greater (P<0.05) for the Ovopel® treatment (with 204.93) than in the treatment with CPE (183.2). Ovary weight and gonadosomatic index were higher (P<0.05) in CPE and Ovopel® treatments when compared to buserelin acetate. The number of oocytes per female, absolute and relative fecundity were greater (P<0.05) for Ovopel® and CPE treatments. Fertilization rate was higher (P<0.05) in treatment with buserelin acetate (82.3%) in relation to Ovopel® (72.33%) and CPE (62.40%) treatments, and the highest (P<0.05) hatching rates were achieved with buserelin acetate and Ovopel®. The number of larvae per female body weight was greater (P<0.05) when Ovopel® was used. In conclusion, Ovopel® proves to be a more effective reproductive inducer for induced reproduction of A. lacustris when compared to CPE and buserelin acetate.

Protective effects of leonurine hydrochloride on pyroptosis in premature ovarian insufficiency via regulating NLRP3/GSDMD pathway.

Premature ovarian insufficiency is common in clinically infertile patients. The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3)/Gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway plays a key role in premature ovarian insufficiency. Leonurine (Leo) is one of the important active ingredients extracted from Leonurus japonicus Houttuyn, which can inhibit NLRP3 activation. However, whether leonurine hydrochloride plays a protective role in premature ovarian insufficiency through actions on NLRP3/GSDMD signaling is not yet known. After cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian insufficiency was established in female mice, Leo was injected intraperitoneally over four weeks to evaluate the ovarian function and anti-pyroptosis effects using the metrics of fertility, serum hormone level, ovary weight, follicle number, expression of NLRP3/GSDMD pathway-related proteins, and serum IL-18 and IL-1β levels. Intraperitoneal administration of leonurine hydrochloride was found to significantly protect fertility and maintain both serum hormone levels and follicle number in mice with premature ovarian insufficiency. Mice treated with leonurine hydrochloride consistently resisted cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian damage by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, Caspase-1 and GSDMD in both ovarian tissue and granulosa cells, which led to lower levels of IL-18 and IL-1β in the serum (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.001). Intraperitoneal administration of leonurine hydrochloride prevents cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian insufficiency in mice by inhibiting NLRP3/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis.

Growth and reproductive performance of broiler breeders reared to puberty under the open-sided housing in a tropical environment

Context The paradox of broiler breeders combined with harsh environments is of significant concern, particularly to broiler breeder farmers in tropical environments. Despite this, there is a paucity of information on the comparison of the performance of broiler breeders in tropical climates. Aims The trial aimed to evaluate the comparative growth and reproductive performance of three common broiler breeders (Marshall (MS), Arbor Acres (AA) and Ross (RS)) raised in the tropical environment in Nigeria. Methods In total, 240 day-old female broiler breeder chicks were used, 80 each strain, in four replicates of 20 birds each. According to the breeders’ guides, the rearing of the chickens was conducted in an open-sided poultry house until puberty. Weekly determination of percentage mortality (%MORT), feed intake (FI), liveweight (LW), weight gain (WG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was performed. Weekly hen-day egg production was monitored in each strain from oviposition. Key results The liveweights of chickens were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) affected by strain. Ross and Marshall had higher (P &lt; 0.05) weight gain than did Arbor Acre at the first 8 weeks of age. The feed intake of Arbor Acres was higher than that of Marshall, which was higher than the values recorded in Ross between the 8th and 16th weeks of age. The FCR of Arbor Acres and Ross was similar but lower (P &lt; 0.05) than that of Marshall breeders between Weeks 17 and 25. The rudimentary ovarian weights were higher in Ross than in Arbor Acres at the sixth week of age. However, at Week 20, the ovary weight was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher in Ross than in Marshall and Arbor Acres. Hen-day egg production of Marshall breeder was higher (P &lt; 0.05) than Ross at Weeks 24 and 25. Conclusions The three broiler breeder strains had the potential for better reproductive performance under Nigerian tropical conditions, especially the MS if the liveweight could be harnessed. Implications The findings in this study may support farmers to make the right decision on the choice of broiler breeder strains so as to maximise productivity under conventional open-sided housing in tropical environments.

Feeding and reproduction of striped snakehead Channa striata (Bloch, 1793) inhabiting the Gangetic river system

The striped snakehead Channa striata is a valuable food fish and has a high market value. The feeding and natural breeding grounds of this economically important fish species have been reduced due to increasing anthropogenic activities and habitat alterations in the Gangetic River system. The present study was undertaken to assess the feeding and reproductive biology of C. striata, which is widely distributed in India and many other Asian countries (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, China, etc.). A total of 400 fish specimens were collected from three sites on three different rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India. Feeding habits, feeding intensity, gonadosomatic index, fecundity, maturity stages based on macroscopic studies, and sex ratio were examined. C. striata was found to be a carnivorous species (dominantly piscivorous). The feeding intensity varied according to season and fish size, with a higher intensity being observed during pre-spawning and post-spawning seasons. The reproductive biology of the striped snakehead from the Gangetic River system demonstrated that the gamete maturation occurred during May to July. The fecundity of C. striata ranged from 3652 to 48,450 eggs. Fecundity was linearly correlated with body length, body weight, and ovarian weight. The average ratio of males to females was observed to be 1:3.2.

MiR-22-3p ameliorates the symptoms of premature ovarian failure in mice by inhibiting CMKLR1 expression.

Premature ovarian failure (POF) affects many adult women less than 40 years of age and leads to infertility. This study was aimed at exploring the improving effects of miR-22-3p on the symptoms of POF in mice by inhibiting chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1) expression. Female mice were intraperitoneally injected with cyclophosphamide to construct POF mice models. Lentiviral vectors containing miR-22-3p, short hairpin RNA (sh)-CMKLR1, and overexpression (oe)-CMKLR1, respectively, or in combination, were injected into the ovaries of both sides of POF mice. miR-22-3p and CMKLR1 expression in ovarian tissues of mice was assessed, and the targeting relationship between miR-22-3p and CMKLR1 was predicted and verified. Serum estradiol (E2), anti-Mullerian hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were assessed. Ovarian weight was weighed, and pathological changes and the number of primordial follicles, primary follicles, secondary follicles, and atresia follicles were observed. Apoptosis of ovarian tissues was determined. In ovarian tissues of POF mice, miR-22-3p expression was decreased while CMKLR1 expression was increased. miR-22-3p up-regulation or CMKLR1 down-regulation restored sex hormone levels, improved ovarian weight and the number of primordial follicles, primary follicles, and secondary follicles, and reduced the number of atresia follicle and ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis in POF mice. miR-22-3p targeted CMKLR1, and overexpressing CMKLR1 reversed the ameliorative effects of miR-22-3p overexpression on POF mice. Our research highlights that overexpressed miR-22-3p down-regulates CMKLR1 to ameliorate the symptoms of POF in mice. Therefore, the miR-22-3p/CMKLR1 axis could improve the symptoms of POF.

Effect of coumestrol on the biochemical constituents of ovary and uterus of pups of Female albino rats

In the current research, attempts were undertaken to evaluate the impact of coumestrol on some biochemical constituents of rats of F1 generation when these animals reached the ages of 2,4, and 6 months. The administration of coumestrol at different doses of 5,10 and 25 ug/kg during different days of pregnancy (Group-1 on the 10th and 13th day) and (Group-2 on the 15th and 18th day) caused a substantial rise in different parameters like the wet weight of uterus and ovary, protein contents, glycogen contents, the acid phosphatase, and alkaline phosphatase activity even at the age of 6 months.

Features of changes in morphometric indicators of ovaries of laying hans during postnatal ontogenesis

The peculiarities of changes in the linear size and weight of ovaries of oviparous hens at different physiological stages of postnatal ontogenesis have been studied. The absolute indicator of the linear size and weight of the egg of hens is characterized by an intensive increase from the first 15 days of postnatal ontogenesis to 35 days, as well as the duration of this condition up to 120 days, physiological maturity, that the highest at 168 days, a decrease in this indicator to 570 days due to the stage of generative extinction of ovarian function at the stages after 168 days, morphometrically established that the coefficient of increase in indicators is higher in weight compared with linear dimensions in the period from 15 to 570 days of postnatal ontogenesis. It was also established that the cytoplasm of the oocyte is homogeneous, weakly basophilic, the nucleus is somewhat shifted to the periphery, the chromatin is in a dispersed state, and the nucleolus is clearly visible in the nucleus. Follicular epithelium is single-layer squamous. The nuclei of epithelial cells are hyperchromatic, flattened, the cytoplasm is weakly basophilic. Around the follicle lies loose connective tissue, the main cellular elements of which are fibroblasts.

Aflibercept suppresses ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: an experimental study in rats.

In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of the antiangiogenic medications, namely, aflibercept and cabergoline in the prevention and treatment of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in a rat model. A total of 36 female Wistar rats were randomly allocated to one of the five groups, including disease-free and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome controls: Group no OHSS (control, n=6) received saline only intraperitoneally (i.p.); group just OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome only, n=6) received 10 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin and 30 IU human chorionic gonadotropin subcutaneously to produce ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome; group cabergoline+OHSS (cabergoline+ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, n=8) received 100 μg/kg oral cabergoline; group aflibercept (12.5 mg/kg)+OHSS (aflibercept+ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, n=8) received 12.5 mg/kg i.p. aflibercept; and group aflibercept (25 mg/kg)+OHSS (aflibercept+ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, n=8) received 25 mg/kg i.p. aflibercept. The groups were compared for ovarian weight, immunohistochemical vascular endothelial growth factor expression, spectrophotometric vascular permeability evaluated with methylene blue solution in peritoneal lavage, and body weight growth. Vascular endothelial growth factor immunoexpression was substantially greater in the just OHSS group (22.00±10.20%) than in the aflibercept (12.5 mg/kg)+OHSS (7.87±6.13%) and aflibercept (25 mg/kg)+OHSS (5.63±4.53%) groups (p=0.008 and p=0.005, respectively). Post-hoc tests indicated that cabergoline, 12.5 mg/kg aflibercept, and 25 mg/kg aflibercept decreased vascular permeability compared to the untreated ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome group (p=0.003, p=0.003, and p=0.001, respectively). JOH group had the heaviest ovaries, whereas aflibercept (25 mg/kg)+OHSS group had the lightest. In terms of body weight gain, cabergoline+OHSS group was substantially greater than the aflibercept (12.5 mg/kg)+OHSS and aflibercept (25 mg/kg)+OHSS groups (p=0.006 and p=0.007, respectively). Aflibercept, an antiangiogenic medication, decreased ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome by lowering the vascular permeability and vascular endothelial growth factor expression.

Histopathological Alterations in Ovarian and Uterine Treated with Extract and Fraction of Kebar Grass (Biophytum petersianum)

Kebar grass (Biophytum petersianum) is being used traditionally by the people of West Papua to increase fertility. The effects of extracts and fractions of Kebar grass on the estrus cycle duration and estrus phase in rats were evaluated. The present work was designed to investigate the effects of administration of kebar grass extract and its fraction on the histopathological changes in the ovaries and uterine of rats. The female rats were treated with carboxy methyl cellulose sodium (CMC sodium) 1 % (group I), ethynile estradiol (group II), extract kebar grass (group III), n-hexane fraction (group IV), ethyl acetate fraction (group V), and water fraction (group VI) of kebar grass via gavage daily for 7 days. At days 7th and 14th, 3 rats in each group were euthanized. Uterine and ovarian collected and weighed. Hematoxylin-Eosin staining and the paraffin technique were used for histological preparation. Data were analyzed by One Way ANOVA followed by the Duncan test. The Kebar grass has an effect to increase ovarian and uterine weight, increasing most of the number of follicles especially primary follicle and uterine thickness. The treatment with ethyl acetate fraction of kebar grass (group V) constantly showed more effective results than the other kebar grass treatment.

Beneficial effects of Teucrium polium hydroalcoholic extract on letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in rat model.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that disrupts the menstrual cycle and causes infertility. Considering the increasing use of medicinal plants, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Teucrium polium L. on letrozole-induced PCOS in female rats. Six groups of rats (n=7 each) were evaluated. The control group received 1% carboxy methyl cellulose as vehicle, while the five other groups received letrozole 1 mg/kg orally for 21 days. After PCOS induction, the rats were orally administered T. polium extract (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) or metformin (200 mg/kg) for 28 days. Subsequently, body and ovarian weights and serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone were measured. Finally, the ovarian tissues were isolated for histological examination. There were no significant changes in weekly body weight in any group. After 21 days of letrozole administration, PCOS induction was confirmed by estrous cycle irregularities and increased LH and testosterone levels. After treatment with the hydroalcoholic extract of T. polium, testosterone and LH levels were significantly reduced in all groups (P<0.05). Histological studies of ovaries in the metformin and T. polium groups exhibited normal follicular development with fewer and smaller cystic follicles than those in the PCOS group. The hydroalcoholic extract of T. polium improves serum levels of sex hormones, restores ovarian morphology in PCOS-induced rats, and is a good candidate for further clinical trials.

Biometrical and histological study of reproductive organs of indigenous cattle in Bangladesh

Reproductive anatomy is vital for successful reproductive management and has significance for application of assisted reproductive biotechnology. This study was carried out to characterize biometrically and histologically reproductive organs of 50 slaughtered female cattle (&lt;3 years; n=25, 3 to ≤5 years; n=25). The measurements (length, weight and width) of the right segment of the studied reproductive organs were greater compared to the left segment. No significant difference (p&gt;0.05) was observed between left and right ovary length, width and weight within and between age groups. The length of ovaries were 1.92±0.19 cm and 1.95±0.04 cm at &lt;3 years; 2.16±0.21 cm and 2.17±0.19 cm at 3 to ≤5 years; width were 1.09±0.14 cm and 1.17±0.10 cm at &lt;3 years and 1.31±0.10 cm and 1.46±0.11 cm at 3 to ≤5 years and the weight were 1.77±0.41 gm and 2.20±0.57 gm at &lt;3 years; 1.79±0.45 gm and 2.54±0.14 gm at 3 to ≤5 years in the left and right ovaries, respectively. Oviduct length, width and weight did not differ significantly (p&gt;0.05) between the left and right oviducts within and between the age groups. Oviduct length (16.36±0.78 and 17.58±0.97 cm), width (0.21±0.02 and 0.26±0.33 cm) and weight (0.72±0.03 and 0.81±0.11 gm) was found for the right oviduct at &lt;3 years and 3 to ≤5 years and for left oviduct length, width and weight were 16.20±0.65 and 16.64±0.86 cm; 0.19±0.02 and 0.23±0.03 cm; and 0.69±0.04 and 0.79±0.13 gm, at &lt;3 years and 3 to ≤5 years, respectively. However, uterine horn length differed significantly (p&lt;0.05) between age groups in the left (16.18±1.18 vs 27.45±2.98 cm) and the right horn of the uterus (17.45±1.40 cm vs 28.35±2.88 cm). On the other hand, uterine horn width and weight were not differed significantly between the left and right segments within and between the age groups. Uterus body length and weight were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher at 3 to ≤5 years compared to &lt;3 years old cow. The average weight, length and width of uterine body were 44.40±7.33 gm vs 21.49±5.91 gm; 7.89±0.61 cm vs 5.87±0.43 cm; 3.46±0.27 cm vs 2.76±0.34 cm at &lt;3 years and 3 to ≤5 years, respectively The whole uterus weight was also differed significantly (p&lt;0.05) at &lt;3 years (47.18±14.92 gm) and 3 to ≤5 years (86.07±11.98 gm). Histological studies showed ideal characteristics of cattle oviduct and uterus. In nutshell, the right ovary was larger in length, wider in diameter, and heavier in weight as compared to left one in indigenous cattle of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 51 (4): 169-177

Treatment of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in a Mouse Model by Cannabidiol, an Angiogenesis Pathway Inhibitor.

Studies suggest that ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can be treated by reducing the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, due to the side effects of commercially available VEGF-reducing drugs, they can be ruled out as a suitable treatment for OHSS; therefore, researchers are looking for new medications to treat OHSS. This study is aimed at investigating the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in an OHSS model and to evaluate its efficacy in modulating the angiogenesis pathway and VEGF gene expression. For this purpose, 32 female mice were randomly divided into four groups (eight mice per group): control group, group 2 with OHSS induction, group 3 receiving 32 nmol of dimethyl sulfoxide after OHSS induction, and group 4 receiving 30 mg/kg of CBD after OHSS induction. The animals' body weight, ovarian weight, vascular permeability (VP), and ovarian follicle count were measured, and the levels of VEGF gene and protein expression in the peritoneal fluid were assessed. Based on the results, CBD decreased the body and ovarian weights, VP, and corpus luteum number compared to the OHSS group (p < 0.05). The peritoneal VEGF gene and protein expression levels reduced in the CBD group compared to the OHSS group (p < 0.05). Also, CBD caused OHSS alleviation by suppressing VEGF expression and VP. Overall, CBD downregulated VEGF gene expression and improved VP in OHSS.

Pivotal role of High-Mobility Group Box 2 in ovarian folliculogenesis and fertility

BackgroundHigh-Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) and HMGB2 are chromatin-associated proteins that belong to the HMG protein family, and are involved in the regulation of DNA transcription during cell differentiation, proliferation and regeneration in various tissues. However, the role of HMGB2 in ovarian folliculogenesis is largely unknown.MethodsWe investigated the functional role of HMGB1 and HMGB2 in ovarian folliculogenesis and fertilization using C57BL/6 wild type (WT) and HMGB2-knockout (KO) mice. Ovarian tissues were obtained from WT and HMGB2-KO mice at postnatal days 0, 3, 7, and 2, 6 months of age, then performed immunohistochemistry, qPCR and Western blotting analyses. Oocyte fertilization capability was examined by natural breeding and in vitro fertilization experiments.ResultsIn HMGB2-KO mice, ovary weight was decreased due to reduced numbers of oocytes and follicles. Natural breeding and in vitro fertilization results indicated that HMGB2-KO mice are subfertile, but not sterile. Immunohistochemistry showed that oocytes expressed HMGB2, but not HMGB1, in neonatal and adult WT ovaries. Interestingly, in HMGB2-KO ovaries, a compensatory increase in HMGB1 was found in oocyte nuclei of neonatal and 2-month-old mice; however, this was lost at 6 months of age.ConclusionsThe depletion of HMGB2 led to alterations in ovarian morphology and function, suggesting that HMGB2 plays an essential role in ovarian development, folliculogenesis and fertilization.

The Photoperiod Regulates Granulosa Cell Apoptosis through the FSH-Nodal/ALK7 Signaling Pathway in Phodopus sungorus.

The photoperiod regulates the seasonal reproduction of mammals by affecting the follicle development, for which the granulosa cells provide nutrition. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) were raised under different photoperiods to study the ovarian status and explore the potential mechanism of the follicle development mediated by the FSH-Nodal/ALK7 signaling pathway. Compared with the moderate daylight (MD) group, the short daylight (SD) group exhibited a significant decrease in the ovarian weight and increase in the atretic follicle number and granulosa cell apoptosis, whereas the long daylight (LD) group showed an increase in the ovarian weight, the growing follicle number, and the antral follicle number, but a decrease in the granulosa cell apoptosis. Based on these findings, the key genes of the Nodal/ALK7 signaling pathway controlling the granulosa cell apoptosis were studied using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. In the SD group, the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration significantly decreased and the Nodal/ALK7/Smad signaling pathways were activated, while the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PIK3)/Akt signaling pathway was inhibited. The BAX expression was significantly increased, while the Bcl-xL expression was significantly decreased, leading to an increase in the caspase-3 activity, the granulosa cell apoptosis, and ovarian degeneration. However, in the LD group, the FSH concentration significantly increased, the Nodal/ALK7/Smad signaling pathway was inhibited, and the PIK3/Akt signaling pathway was activated. Taken together, our results indicate that the photoperiod can regulate the apoptosis of the granulosa cells by regulating the concentration of FSH, activating or inhibiting the Nodal/ALK7 signaling pathway, thereby affecting the ovarian function. Our research provides an important theoretical basis for understanding the photoperiod-regulated mechanisms of the mammalian seasonal reproduction.

Ketogenic diet restores hormonal, apoptotic/proliferative balance and enhances the effect of metformin on a letrozole-induced polycystic ovary model in rats

ObjectivePolycystic ovaries (PCO) is a hormonal disorder that is a leading cause of infertility. The formation of multiple persistent cysts and hormonal imbalance are hallmarks of PCO. Recent clinical studies reported a beneficial effect of the ketogenic diet (KD; high-fat, low-carbohydrate) on PCO. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the KD alone and in combination with metformin on letrozole-induced PCO in female rats. MethodsFemale rats were grouped into control and PCO (letrozole; 1 mg/kg for 21 days). The PCO group was subdivided into PCO (non-treated), PCO-metformin (300 mg/kg), PCO rats fed with KD only, and PCO rats treated with metformin and fed with KD. All groups continued to receive letrozole during the 21-day treatment period. At the end of the experiment, serum and ovaries were collected for further analysis. ResultsThe untreated-PCO rats showed increased testosterone, LH/FSH ratio, and ovary weights. Disturbed apoptosis and proliferation balance were evident as a low caspase-3 activation and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and increased TGF-β expression. The KD improved the letrozole-induced effects, which was comparable to the effect of metformin. Combining the KD with metformin treatment additively enhanced the metformin effect. ConclusionOur results indicate that the KD has a protective role against PCO in rats, especially when combined with metformin. This study reveals a potential therapeutic role of the KD in PCO, which could prompt valuable future clinical applications.

Melatonin Mitigates Cisplatin-Induced Ovarian Dysfunction via Altering Steroidogenesis, Inflammation, Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, and PTEN/PI3K/Akt/mTOR/AMPK Signaling Pathway in Female Rats.

Ovarian damage and fertility impairment are major side effects of chemotherapy in pre-menopausal cancer patients. Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug. The present study was designed to assess the ameliorative effects of melatonin as an adjuvant for fertility preservation. Thirty-two adult female Wistar rats were divided randomly into four equal groups: Control, Melatonin, Cisplatin (CP) treated, and CP + Melatonin treated. The cisplatin-treated group showed decreased body and ovarian weights, decreased serum E2 and AMH, increased serum LH and FSH, reduced ovarian levels of SOD, CAT, GSH, and TAC, and increased ovarian MDA. The histopathological examination of the cisplatin-treated group showed deleterious changes within ovarian tissue in the form of damaged follicles and corpus luteum, hemorrhage, and inflammatory infiltrates with faint PAS reaction in zona pellucida, increased ovarian collagen deposition, and marked expression of caspase-3 immune reaction in granulosa and theca cells, stroma, and oocytes. Alongside, there was a significant downregulation in the mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes, IL10, AMPK, PI3K, AKT, mTOR, and PTEN, while TGF-β1, IL1β, IL6, TNF-α, NF-Kβ, P53, p38-MAPK, JNK, and FOXO3 mRNA expressions were upregulated in cisplatin-treated rats' ovarian tissue. Coadministration of cisplatin-treated rats with melatonin reversed these changes significantly. In conclusion, melatonin's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities could modulate ovarian disturbances induced by cisplatin and preserve fertility.

A mouse model mimicking gender-affirming treatment with pubertal suppression followed by testosterone in transmasculine youth.

Can mice serve as a translational model to examine the reproductive consequences of pubertal suppression with GnRH agonist (GnRHa) followed by testosterone (T) administration, a typical therapy in peripubertal transmasculine youth? An implanted depot with 3.6 mg of GnRHa followed by T enanthate at 0.45 mg weekly can be used in peripubertal female mice for investigating the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy in transmasculine youth. There is limited knowledge available in transgender medicine to provide evidence-based fertility care, with the current guidelines being based on the assumption of fertility loss. We recently successfully developed a mouse model to investigate the reproductive consequences of T therapy given to transgender men. On the other hand, to our knowledge, there is no mouse model to assess the reproductive outcomes in peripubertal transmasculine youth. A total of 80 C57BL/6N female mice were used in this study, with n = 7 mice in each experimental group. We first assessed the effectiveness of GnRHa in arresting pubertal development in the female mice. In this experiment, 26-day-old female mice were subcutaneously implanted with a GnRHa (3.6 mg) depot. Controls underwent a sham surgery. Animals were euthanized at 3, 9, 21 and 28 days after the day of surgery. In the second experiment, we induced a transmasculine youth mouse model. C57BL/6N female mice were subcutaneously implanted with a 3.6 mg GnRHa depot on postnatal day 26 for 21 days and this was followed by weekly injections of 0.45 mg T enanthate for 6 weeks. The control for the GnRH treatment was sham surgery and the control for T treatment was sesame oil vehicle injections. Animals were sacrificed 0.5 weeks after the last injection. The data collected included the day of the vaginal opening and first estrus, daily vaginal cytology, weekly and terminal reproductive hormones levels, body/organ weights, ovarian follicular distribution and corpora lutea (CL) counts. GnRHa implanted animals remained in persistent diestrus and had reduced levels of FSH (P = 0.0013), LH (P = 0.0082) and estradiol (P = 0.0155), decreased uterine (P < 0.0001) and ovarian weights (P = 0.0002), and a lack of CL at 21 days after GnRHa implantation. T-only and GnRHa+T-treated animals were acyclic throughout the treatment period, had sustained elevated levels of T, suppressed LH levels (P < 0.0001), and an absence of CL compared to controls (P < 0.0001). Paired ovarian weights were reduced in the T-only and GnRHa+T groups compared with the control and GnRHa-only groups. N/A. Although it is an appropriate tool to provide relevant findings, precaution is needed to extrapolate mouse model results to mirror human reproductive physiology. To our knowledge, this study describes the first mouse model mimicking gender-affirming hormone therapy in peripubertal transmasculine youth. This model provides a tool for researchers studying the effects of GnRHa-T therapy on other aspects of reproduction, other organ systems and transgenerational effects. The model is supported by GnRHa suppressing puberty and maintaining acyclicity during T treatment, lower LH levels and absence of CL. The results also suggest GnRHa+T therapy in peripubertal female mice does not affect ovarian reserve, since the number of primordial follicles was not affected by treatment. This work was supported by the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research grants KL2 TR 002241 and UL1 TR 002240 (C.D.C.); National Institutes of Health grants F30-HD100163 and T32-HD079342 (H.M.K.); University of Michigan Office of Research funding U058227 (A.S.); American Society for Reproductive Medicine/Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility grant (M.B.M.); and National Institutes of Health R01-HD098233 (M.B.M.). The University of Virginia Center for Research in Reproduction Ligand Assay and Analysis Core Facility was supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD/NIH grants P50-HD028934 and R24-HD102061. The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Dysregulation of intraovarian redox status and steroidogenesis pathway in letrozole-induced PCOS rat model: a possible modulatory role of l-Carnitine

Abstract Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive disorder associated with several endocrine and metabolic alterations. The mechanism underlying this syndrome is controversial. On the other hand, drugs used for the treatment are associated with several side effects and poor in controlling PCOS phenotype. l-Carnitine (LC) has been reported to have a significant regulatory function on the redox and metabolic status of female reproductive system. Nevertheless, its regulatory pathways to regulate PCOS are still under investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of LC on the steroidogenic pathways, oxidative stress markers and metabolic profile in letrozole (LTZ)-induced PCOS rat model. Methods For this aim, animals were divided into four groups (n = 6). Control group, untreated letrozole-induced PCOS group (1 mg/kg bwt) for 21 days, PCOS group treated with l-Carnitine (100 mg/kg bwt) for 14 days and PCOS group treated with clomiphene citrate (2 mg/kg bwt) for 14 days. Finally, body and ovarian weight, metabolic state(glucose and lipid profile), hormonal assays (testosterone, 17 β estradiol, LH and FSH levels), intraovarian relative gene expression (CYP17A1, StAR, CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 genes), ovarian redox state (malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione content (GSH) and catalase enzyme activity (CAT)) as well as serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were detected. Also, histomorphometric ovarian evaluation (number and diameter of cystic follicles, granulosa cell thickness and theca cell thickness) as well as immune expression of caspase-3 of granulosa cells of cystic follicles were determined. Results LC significantly improved ovarian redox state (GSH, MDA and CAT), steroidogenic pathways gene expression (CYP17A1, StAR, CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 genes), hormonal profile (Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and estradiol), metabolic state (Glucose and lipid profile) histomorphometric alterations and decreased caspase 3 immune reaction of granulosa cells. Conclusion l-Carnitine supplementation can ameliorate the PCOS phenotype through its energetic, antioxidant and antiapoptotic functions as well as steroidogenesis regulatory role. This protocol could be modified to produce the best therapeutic benefits, and it could be regarded as a prospective therapeutic intervention for PCOS.

Effect of intraperitoneal docetaxel on ovarian function in mice

Taxanes are important chemotherapeutic agents used to manage breast cancer and gynaecological malignancies. However, ovarian toxicity induced by the taxane docetaxel (DOC) is of great concern. We investigated DOC-induced toxicity in the ovaries of female CD1 strain mice. The mice were divided into control (saline), DOC-5 (5 mg/kg DOC), and DOC-10 (10 mg/kg DOC) groups and administered saline or DOC on the first day of the study and two weeks later. Two weeks after the second dose, the ovaries were removed for analysis after inducing superovulation. Ovary weight, the number of secondary follicles, and the total number of follicles were reduced after DOC administration. Additionally, the expression levels of caspase-3 and the pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death (BIM) increased. Our findings suggest that high-dose DOC induces damage to growing follicles; however, it may not affect primordial follicles. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Docetaxel (DOC) is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents used to manage various cancers. Some in-vitro studies have examined paclitaxel-induced ovarian toxicity; however, limited research on DOC is available. What do the results of this study add? We investigated DOC-induced ovarian toxicity in female CD1 strain mice at 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg. We found that DOC reduced ovary weight, the number of secondary follicles, and the total number of follicles, with the higher dose having a higher effect. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the knowledge about the effect of DOC on ovarian function.

Body Characteristics, Performances and Protein Metabolism in Hy-Line Brown Hens Subject of Natural Moult

The paper aimed to present the evolution of food intake, body weight, laying performance, mortality, ovary and oviduct weight and protein metabolism in 63-week-old natural moulted Hy-Line var. Brown hens housed in industrial system. Ingested crude protein, serum protein, albumin, globulins, uric acid, and total manure nitrogen were monitored for eight weeks of moult to characterize the protein metabolism of the hens. Spontaneous moult of the Hy-Line Brown hybrid is characterized by a decrease in food intake by up to 35.0%, a decrease in body weight by up to 31.6%, a significant increase in mortality (1.45% vs. 0.66% in non moulting hens), by stopping of the laying process, a 67.2% decrease of the ovary weight and 54.3% decrease of the oviduct weight versus non-moulted gens. The serum level of uric acid was increased during the period of massive moult revealing a high protein catabolism. Total nitrogen manure was decreased during the period of massive moult, a fact attributed to the decrease in food intake. Eight weeks after the onset of the spontaneous moult process, the reported changes of moulted hens were no longer significantly different from those of non-moulted hens.