Parameters In Female Mice Research Articles

Impact of metabolic syndrome on cardiovascular, inflammatory and hematological parameters in female mice subjected to severe sepsis

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on female Swiss mice subjected to severe polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). MetS was induced in neonatal Swiss mice by subcutaneous injection of monosodium glutamate (MSG) at 4mg/g body weight from day 1 to day 5 after birth, while animals in the control group (CTL) were treated with equimolar saline solution at the same volume and period. On the 75th day of life, the CLP model was used to induce severe polymicrobial sepsis. For inflammatory parameters, we assessed nitric oxide (NO), determined by the cadmium/Griess technique, and quantified IL-6 and IL1β using the ELISA technique. Glucose levels were measured 24h before and after CLP using a glucose monitor, and the lipid profile was assessed using commercial kits. Cardiovascular parameters were measured using the CODA platform, and hematological evaluation was determined by standard counting. Unlike male mice, MetS did not alter the survival of females subjected to severe sepsis. Both CTL and MetS CLP groups exhibited hypotension and hypoglycemia, accompanied by leukopenia and increased inflammatory cytokine IL-6. The cytokine IL1β Only increased in MetS CLP group compared to CTL CLP and MetS Sham. It was also observed that MetS attenuated some parameters during sepsis, such as hematological parameters and resistance to NO increase. We can conclude that the obesity paradox theory is not observed in females. Thus, our findings provide new insights for the literature linking MetS and sepsis.

Blackberry extract prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced depressive-like behavior in female mice: implications for redox status, inflammation, and brain enzymes

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of Rubus sp. extract on behavioral and neurochemical parameters in female mice submitted to experimental model of depression induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results indicated that Rubus sp. extract protected against depressive-like behavior induced by LPS. Moreover, the administration of Rubus sp. extract was effective in preventing the increase in reactive species and nitrites levels, as well as the decrease in catalase activity induced by LPS in the cerebral cortex. In the serum, the Rubus sp. extract was effective in preventing the decrease in catalase activity induced by LPS. Treatment with Rubus sp. extract attenuated the increase in acetylcholinesterase activity induced by LPS in the cerebral cortex. Finally, blackberry extract also downregulated IL-1β levels in cerebral cortex. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that treatment with Rubus sp. exerted antidepressant, antioxidant, anticholinesterase and anti-inflammatory effects in a model of depressive – like behavior induced by LPS in female mice. This highlights Rubus sp. as a potential therapeutic agent for individuals with major depressive disorder.

The effect of letrozole treatment on the fertility and embryos parameters in female mice: Histological and hormonal study

Objective: To evaluate how letrozole affects reproductive hormones and embryos in mature female mice.Method: The investigative study was conducted from December 2021 to February 2022 at the Pathology Departmentof Kut Technical Institute, Al-Kut, Iraq, and comprised adult female albino mice weighing 23-25g. The mice were dividedinto control group A, those receiving 1.5mg/kg/day letrozole in group B, and those receiving 2.5mg/kg/day letrozolein group C. The intervention lasted 14 days. Blood samples were collected under anaesthesia by heart puncture forhormonal testing. Data was analysed using SPSS 15.Results: Of the 30 mice, 10(33.3%) were in each of the 3 groups. Right and left ovaries of mice in groups B and Cshowed a significant rise in multi-follicular cells compared to group A (p<0.05). Follicle-stimulating hormone, oestrogenand progesterone concentrations as well as luteinizing hormone increased significantly in the intervention groupscompared to the control group (p<0.05). The impact of letrozole on embryos was significant in groups B and Ccompared to group A.Conclusions: Letrozole was found to have a positive effect on reproductive parameters and hormones in mice.Keywords: Mice, Ovary, Letrozole, oestrogen, Progesterone, Luteinizing hormone.

Energy metabolism and behavioral parameters in female mice subjected to obesity and offspring deprivation stress

This study aimed to evaluate the behavioral and energy metabolism parameters in female mice subjected to obesity and offspring deprivation (OD) stress. Eighty female Swiss mice, 40 days old, were weighed and divided into two groups: Control group (control diet, n = 40) and Obese group (high-fat diet, n = 40), for induction of the animal model of obesity, the protocol was based on the consumption of a high-fat diet and lasted 8 weeks. Subsequently, the females were subjected to pregnancy, after the birth of the offspring, were divided again into the following groups (n = 20): Control non-deprived (ND), Control + OD, Obese ND, and Obese + OD, for induction of the stress protocol by OD. After the offspring were 21 days old, weaning was performed and the dams were subjected to behavioral tests. The animals were humanely sacrificed, the brain was removed, and brain structures were isolated to assess energy metabolism. Both obesity and OD led to anhedonia in the dams. It was shown that the structures most affected by obesity and OD are the hypothalamus and hippocampus, as evidenced by the mitochondrial dysfunction found in these structures. When analyzing the groups separately, it was observed that OD led to more pronounced mitochondrial damage; however, the association of obesity with OD, as well as obesity alone, also generated damage. Thus, it is concluded that obesity and OD lead to anhedonia in animals and to mitochondrial dysfunction in the hypothalamus and hippocampus, which may lead to losses in feeding control and cognition of the dams.

Evaluation of the protective effect of melatonin on oocyte, embryo and ovarian tissue parameters in female mice exposed to acetamiprid.

Acetamiprid (ACP) causes infertility and its effect appears to occur via oxidative stress. Melatonin has antioxidative properties. Thus, in this experimental study, we examined the protective effect of melatonin against toxic pathologic changes from ACP on reproductive system parameters of female mice. The study included 30 female mice divided into 5 groups (6 mice in each group), as follows: Saline (control group); ACP (10, 20 mg/kg); ACP (10mg/kg) + melatonin (10mg/kg); and ACP (20mg/kg) + melatonin (10mg/kg). All mice were given intraperitoneal injections daily for one month. The groups were evaluated for ovarian histopathological changes and oocyte quality based on in vitro fertilization (IVF) parameters. ACP induced histological damages in the ovaries of mice and caused increases in the number of atretic follicles and decreases in the quality of oocytes based on IVF parameters. These alterations were significantly reduced by melatonin. Melatonin can decrease the toxic effects of ACP in the female reproductive system of mice. Further studies are needed.

Social Isolation Influences Endocrine and Metabolic Parameters in Female Mice Depending on Estrous State

Social distancing is a critical public health strategy employed to reduce the transmission of respiratory illnesses, such as COVID‐19. Studies conducted throughout the pandemic suggest that social distancing measures, including staying at home, simultaneously lead to an increased experience of isolation and loneliness. Social isolation is of potential concern because previous research in both humans and non‐human animals demonstrates that reduced social interaction has detrimental effects on mental and physical wellness, including an increase in mortality rate. Despite this background, less is known about how social isolation affects physiological parameters in a comprehensive manner, especially in females. We therefore conducted this study to investigate the extent to which social isolation simultaneously impacts multiple physiological and behavioral variables related to stress, metabolism, and reproduction. To do this, we housed three‐week‐old female Swiss‐Webster mice individually or in groups of three for five weeks. We measured body weight and food consumption each week of the experiment. During the last two weeks of treatment, we tracked the estrous cycle, using vaginal cytology to determine estrous states. After four weeks of housing treatment, we used closed system respirometry to measure oxygen consumption rate as an approximation of whole‐body metabolic rate. At the conclusion of the study, we collected blood in order to measure leukocyte counts, blood glucose concentration, and serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations. Individually housed females consistently consumed more food compared to group‐housed females. While there was no effect of social isolation on the length or proportion of time spent in the different estrous phases, the effects of isolation on other physiological variables depended on estrous state. Our preliminary results suggest that body weight, oxygen consumption rate, number of large lymphocytes, blood glucose concentration, and serum progesterone concentration were higher in individually housed females in diestrus, compared to group‐housed females in diestrus. In contrast, serum estrogen concentration was lower in individually housed females in diestrus, compared to group‐housed females in diestrus. Taken together, these findings suggest that social isolation has a substantial body‐wide effect on physiology and health in females, potentially mediated through a direct effect on ovarian hormone secretion. Furthermore, these findings highlight the importance of studying how stressors impact female physiology in naturally cycling animals.

Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies on an antidiabetic polyherbal formulation in mice


 
 
 
 Purpose: To investigate the acute and sub-acute toxicity of an Indonesian polyherbal formulation in experimental mice.
 Methods: Young and healthy Swiss albino mice of both sexes (5 – 6 weeks old), weighing 24 – 25 g were used in this study. Acute toxicity test was conducted in the mice using OECD 425 method and AOT425StatPgm software to determine the polyherbal formulation’s lethal dose (LD50) value, while the sub-acute toxicity test was performed for 28 days using OECD 407 method, by measuring hematological and clinical biochemistry parameters, as well as examining the histology of the liver and kidneys. The acute toxicity test consisted of the following dose groups: 175, 550, 1750 and 5000 mg/kg, while sub-acute toxicity test dose groups were 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg. Each group consisted of 5 male and 5 female mice.
 Results: Based on the results obtained, LD50 value of the polyherbal formula was >5000 mg/kg. Repeated doses for 28 days showed significant differences (p < 0.05) for white blood cells (WBC) and platelet parameters in male mice, and for mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and platelet parameters in female mice. However, the values were within normal limits. With regard to clinical biochemical parameters - aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and albumin - there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the test groups. Furthermore, no changes were observed in their histological features.
 Conclusion: The evaluated polyherbal formulation can be considered safe for use in mice. However, clinical trials in diabetic patients at the proposed doses are required to ascertain the formulation’s safety profile.
 
 
 

Nobiletin Prevents High-Fat Diet-Induced Dysregulation of Intestinal Lipid Metabolism and Attenuates Postprandial Lipemia.

Nobiletin is a dietary flavonoid that improves insulin resistance and atherosclerosis in mice with metabolic dysfunction. Dysregulation of intestinal lipoprotein metabolism contributes to atherogenesis. The objective of the study was to determine if nobiletin targets the intestine to improve metabolic dysregulation in both male and female mice. Approach and Results: Triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) secretion, intracellular triglyceride kinetics, and intestinal morphology were determined in male and female LDL (low-density lipoprotein) receptor knockout (Ldlr-/-), and male wild-type mice fed a standard laboratory diet or high-fat, high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet ± nobiletin using an olive oil gavage, radiotracers, and electron microscopy. Nobiletin attenuated postprandial TRL levels in plasma and enhanced TRL clearance. Nobiletin reduced fasting jejunal triglyceride accumulation through accelerated TRL secretion and lower jejunal fatty acid synthesis with no impact on fatty acid oxidation. Fasting-refeeding experiments revealed that nobiletin led to higher levels of phosphorylated AKT (protein kinase B) and FoxO1 (forkhead box O1) and normal Srebf1c expression indicating increased insulin sensitivity. Intestinal length and weight were diminished by HFHC feeding and restored by nobiletin. Both fasting and postprandial plasma GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1; and likely GLP-2) were elevated in response to nobiletin. Treatment with a GLP-2 receptor antagonist, GLP-2(3-33), reduced villus length in HFHC-fed mice but did not impact TRL secretion in any diet group. In contrast to males, nobiletin did not improve postprandial lipid parameters in female mice. Nobiletin opposed the effects of the HFHC diet by normalizing intestinal de novo lipogenesis through improved insulin sensitivity. Nobiletin prevents postprandial lipemia because the enhanced TRL clearance more than compensates for increased TRL secretion.

Anogenital Distance as a Biomarker of Prenatal Estrogen Action and Risk Factor of Reproductive Disorders in Offspring

The aimof this research was to study an anogenital distance of the offspring of laboratory mice after prenatal exposure to estrogens.Material and methods. The study included sexually mature laboratory mice and their mothers that were injected with various single doses of estrogen preparations intramuscularly at the E 11.5 gestation stage. The mice of the experimental group C-50 were injected with 2% oil solution of synestrol, dosage 50 μg/kg, the mice of the control group were injected with olive oil, dosage 0.2 μg/kg. The mice of the experimental group F-100 were injected with 0.4 ml of 0.0005% fulvestrant oil solution, dosage 100 μg/kg, the mice of the control group were injected with sterile castor oil, dosage 0.8 μg/kg. The body weight, the anogenital distance (AGD), the AGD index were measured in sexually mature offspring of laboratory mice, male and female. The data obtained were statistically processed.Results.The exposure of male offspring to synestrol, dosage 50 μg/kg, caused an AGD reduction compared with the mice in the control group. Fulvestrant, dosage 100 μg/kg, blocked estrogen receptors; as a result, only androgen receptors worked, the fact leading to an increased masculinizing effect; with this effect a slight increase in AGD was observed in male offspring compared to the mice of the control group. The AGD parameters in female mice of the experimental group C-50 decreased compared with the mice of the control group; this parameter can be considered as a feminizing delayed effect. The female mice of the experimental group F-100 showed no statistically significant changes.Conclusion.The study of dose-dependent effects of prenatal estrogen administration demonstrated both stimulating and inhibitory effects of hormones on the AGD parameters. The study of AGD dependence onthe prenatal effect of estrogens allows early identification of pathological changes in the reproductive system of the offspring.

Effect of Dietary Ginger as Feed Additive on Gastrointestinal Integrity, Hepatic Condition and Metabolic Parameters of Female Mice

Present work aimed to study the influence of dietary ginger inclusion in female mice on gastrointestinal integrity, hepatic condition and metabolic parameters. Thirty female mice (18± 2 g) were assigned into 3 groups; control group fed standard rodents’ basal diet, ginger 2% and ginger 5% mice were basal diet supplemented with 2% and 5% ginger powder, respectively for 30 days. Weight gain, feed conversion (FCR) and efficiency (FER) ratios were recorded. Serum liver enzymes, lipid profile, total protein and albumin were measured beside estimation of hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Gastric, intestinal and hepatic histopathology were performed as well as intestinal histomorphometry. Results revealed improvement in FCR, FER and most tested biochemical parameters, in 2% ginger group than control. Hepatic MDA and GSH were significantly (P<0.05) increased and decreased, respectively in 2% ginger group. However, ginger 5% group exhibited improvement in intestinal histomorphometry while adversely affected gastric mucosa and hepatic tissue histopathology. Also increased hepatic MDA and reduced GSH were prominent in 5% ginger group along with mild gastric and hepatic lesions. The administration of dietary ginger by 2% dose could be beneficial mice model however, increasing the dose to 5% could produce adverse effects on hepatic integrity and gastric mucosa.

Androgen Suppresses In Vivo and In Vitro LH Pulse Secretion and Neural Kiss1 and Tac2 Gene Expression in Female Mice.

Androgens can affect the reproductive axis of both sexes. In healthy women, as in men, elevated exogenous androgens decrease gonad function and lower gonadotropin levels; such circumstances occur with anabolic steroid abuse or in transgender men (genetic XX individuals) taking androgen supplements. The neuroendocrine mechanisms by which endogenous or exogenous androgens regulate gonadotropin release, including aspects of pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, remain unknown. Because animal models are valuable for interrogating neural and pituitary mechanisms, we studied effects of androgens in the normal male physiological range on in vivo LH secretion parameters in female mice and in vitro LH secretion patterns from isolated female pituitaries. We also assessed androgen effects on hypothalamic and gonadotrope gene expression in female mice, which may contribute to altered LH secretion profiles. We used a nonaromatizable androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), to isolate effects occurring specifically via androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Compared with control females, DHT-treated females exhibited markedly reduced in vivo LH pulsatility, with decreases in pulse frequency, amplitude, peak, and basal LH levels. Correlating with reduced LH pulsatility, DHT-treated females also exhibited suppressed arcuate nucleus Kiss1 and Tac2 expression. Separate from these neural effects, we determined in vitro that the female pituitary is directly inhibited by AR signaling, resulting in lower basal LH levels and reduced LH secretory responses to gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulses, along with lower gonadotropin gene expression. Thus, in normal adult females, male levels of androgen acting via AR can strongly inhibit the reproductive axis at both the neural and pituitary levels.

Chemogenetic Suppression of GnRH Neurons during Pubertal Development Can Alter Adult GnRH Neuron Firing Rate and Reproductive Parameters in Female Mice.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons control anterior pituitary, and thereby gonadal, function. GnRH neurons are active before outward indicators of puberty appear. Prenatal androgen (PNA) exposure mimics reproductive dysfunction of the common fertility disorder polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and reduces prepubertal GnRH neuron activity. Early neuron activity can play a critical role in establishing circuitry and adult function. We tested the hypothesis that changing prepubertal GnRH neuron activity programs adult GnRH neuron activity and reproduction independent of androgen exposure in female mice. Activating (3Dq) or inhibitory (4Di) designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) were targeted to GnRH neurons using Cre-lox technology. In control studies, the DREADD ligand clozapine n-oxide (CNO) produced the expected changes in GnRH neuron activity in vitro and luteinizing hormone (LH) release in vivo. CNO was administered to control or PNA mice between two and three weeks of age, when GnRH neuron firing rate is reduced in PNA mice. In controls, reducing prepubertal GnRH neuron activity with 4Di increased adult GnRH neuron firing rate and days in diestrus but did not change puberty onset or GABA transmission to these cells. In contrast, activating GnRH neurons had no effect on reproductive parameters or firing rate and did not rescue reproductive phenotypes in PNA mice. These studies support the hypothesis that prepubertal neuronal activity sculpts elements of the adult reproductive neuroendocrine axis and cyclicity but indicate that other PNA-induced programming actions are required for full reproductive phenotypes and/or that compensatory mechanisms overcome activity-mediated changes to mitigate reproductive changes in adults.

Effects of Irisin Compared with Exercise on Specific Metabolic and Obesity Parameters in Female Mice with Obesity.

Objective: We aimed to analyze the changes in metabolic parameters after administration of irisin to obese female mice. Materials and Methods: Sixty mice aged 5-6 weeks were randomized into three groups as irisin, exercise, and control. The control and irisin group remained sedentary, whereas the exercise group started free wheel exercising 6 weeks after the start of the study. The irisin group received irisin after 20 weeks. All mice were sacrificed at the 22nd week of the study, and obesity-related metabolic parameters were analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference between the irisin and exercise groups in weight gain (P > 0.05). By contrast, weight gain in the control group was significantly higher compared with the irisin and exercise groups (P < 0.05). Serum bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), ghrelin, insulin, kisspeptin, leptin, and visfatin levels were statistically lower in the irisin and exercise groups compared with the control group, but no significance was detected between the irisin and exercise groups (P < 0.05 for all parameters). Conclusion: Similar to the effect of exercise, irisin injections resulted in the amelioration of certain obesity-related parameters such as the concentration of adipokines, BMP4, insulin, and ghrelin. Its role as a potential alternative to exercise needs to be further studied.

When will my mouse die? Life span prediction based on immune function, redox and behavioural parameters in female mice at the adult age

The identification of predictive markers of life span would help to unravel the underlying mechanisms influencing ageing and longevity. For this aim, 30 variables including immune functions, inflammatory-oxidative stress state and behavioural characteristics were investigated in ICR-CD1 female mice at the adult age (N = 38). Mice were monitored individually until they died and individual life spans were registered. Multiple linear regression was carried out to construct an Immunity model (adjusted R2 = 75.8%) comprising Macrophage chemotaxis and phagocytosis and Lymphoproliferation capacity, a Redox model (adjusted R2 = 84.4%) involving Reduced Glutathione and Malondialdehyde concentrations and Glutathione Peroxidase activity and a Behavioural model (adjusted R2 = 79.8%) comprising Internal Locomotion and Time spent in open arms indices. In addition, a Combined model (adjusted R2 = 92.4%) and an Immunity-Redox model (adjusted R2 = 88.7%) were also constructed by combining the above-mentioned selected variables. The models were also cross-validated using two different sets of female mice (N = 30; N = 40). Correlation between predicted and observed life span was 0.849 (P < 0.000) for the Immunity model, 0.691 (P < 0.000) for the Redox, 0.662 (P < 0.000) for the Behavioural and 0.840 (P < 0.000) for the Immunity-Redox model. Thus, these results provide a new perspective on the use of immune function, redox and behavioural markers as prognostic tools in ageing research.

Nanosized titanium dioxide-induced premature ovarian failure is associated with abnormalities in serum parameters in female mice.

BackgroundExposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) that are widely used in food, medicine, sunscreen products and cosmetics is reported to cause ovarian damage and lower fertility in animals. However, the potential effects of TiO2 NPs application on premature ovarian failure (POF) have rarely been evaluated to date.MethodsIn this study, female mice were continuously exposed to TiO2 NPs at doses of 2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg via gavage instillation for 30 days, and investigated the serum hormones and autoimmunity markers associated with POF.ResultsExposure to TiO2 NPs resulted in POF, reductions in the levels of estradiol, progesterone and inhibin B and increases in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone ratio, anti-Müllerian hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, free tetraiodothyronine, anti-nuclear antibody and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody levels in serum.ConclusionExposure to TiO2 NPs induced POF triggered by alterations in hormones and autoimmunity markers. Our findings highlight the necessity for significant caution in handling and usage of TiO2 NPs by female consumers.

Reproductive Alterations in Chronically Exposed Female Mice to Environmentally Relevant Doses of a Mixture of Phthalates and Alkylphenols.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous compounds that modify hormone biosynthesis, causing adverse effects to human health. Among them, phthalates and alkylphenols are important due to their wide use in plastics, detergents, personal care products, cosmetics, and food packaging. However, their conjoint effects over reproductive female health have not been addressed. The aim of this work was to test the effect of chronically exposed female mice to a mixture of three phthalates [bis (2-ethylhexyl), dibutyl, and benzyl butyl] and two alkylphenols (4-nonylphenol and 4-tert-octylphenol) from conception to adulthood at environmentally relevant doses. These EDCs were administered in two doses: one below the minimal risk dose to cause adverse effects on human development and reproduction [1 mg/kg body weight (BW)/d of the total mixture] and the other one based on the reference value close to occupational exposure in humans (10 mg/kg BW/d of the total mixture). Our results show that both doses had similar effects regarding the uterus and ovary relative weight, estrous cyclicity, serum levels of progesterone and 17β-estradiol, and expression of key elements in the steroidogenesis pathway (acute steroidogenic regulatory protein and CYP19A1). However, only the 1-mg/kg BW/d dose delayed the onset of puberty and the transition from preantral to antral follicles, whereas the 10-mg/kg BW/d dose decreased the number of antral follicles and gonadotropin receptor expression. In addition, we observed changes in several fertility parameters in exposed females and in their progeny (F2 generation). In conclusion, our results indicate that chronic exposure to a complex EDC mixture, at environmentally relevant doses, modifies reproductive parameters in female mice.

Histological and Hormonal Study on Effect of Clomiphene Citrate (CC) on Some Reproductive and Embryonic Parameters in Female Mice}

Histological and Hormonal Study on Effect of Clomiphene Citrate (CC) on Some Reproductive and Embryonic Parameters in Female Mice}

Physiological and histological effects of (zinc and iron) oxide nanoparticles on some fertility parameters in female mice

Nowadays nanoparticles have widespread application in various industriesbecause of their special and unique features, there are many studies in sideeffects of nanomaterial. This study done by 40 white female mice withevery other day intraperitoneally injection of low and high doses of both ofZnO kg of body weight) and FeOnanoparticles (5 and 40 mg/kg). After a 15 days period, the mice weresacrificed and blood samples were collected for hormone analysis, andtissue samples for morphometric studies.Statistical Analysis shows significant differences in LH, Estrogen,Progesterone hormone levels between groups, while there are insignificantdifferences in Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level between thegroups compared with its level in the control group.The results also show that the highest level of LH reach 7.2 mIU/ml in thegroups treated with low dose of zinc oxide, the highest level of FSH reach4.58 mIU/ml in the groups treated with low dose of zinc oxide, the highestlevel of Estrogen hormone reach 69.5 ng/ml in the groups treated with lowof dose zinc oxide and the highest level of Progesterone reach 1.9 ng/ml inthe groups treated with high dose iron oxide. We conclude from the resultsthat the low doses of ZnO has benefits in increasing fertility through highlevel of reproductive hormones, while the high levels of nanoparticlesreduce fertility and there is a relation between FeO nanoparticles andprogesterone levels which may need more future studies.Morphometric study of the ovary show increase in Follicular stagesnumber range in the group treated with Low dose ZnO in compare with itsrange in the control groups. The lower range was belong to the grouptreated with the high dose of FeO. No significant differences has beenfound in the diameter mean of the different follicular phases between thegroup treated with low dose of ZnO NPs in compared with the controlgroup. High dose of ZnO NPs cause significant increase in the diametermean of Primordial follicles in compared with the control group. Low andhigh dose FeO NPs treated groups show significant reduction in thediameter mean of the different follicular phases in compared with thecontrol group.

Chronic Mild Stress Causes Bone Loss via an Osteoblast-Specific Glucocorticoid-Dependent Mechanism.

Chronic stress and depression are associated with alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal signaling cascade and considered a risk factor for bone loss and fractures. However, the mechanisms underlying the association between stress and poor bone health are unclear. Using a transgenic (tg) mouse model in which glucocorticoid signaling is selectively disrupted in mature osteoblasts and osteocytes [11β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD2)OB-tg mice], the present study examines the impact of chronic stress on skeletal metabolism and structure. Eight-week-old male and female HSD2OB-tg mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates were exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS) for the duration of 4 weeks. At the endpoint, L3 vertebrae and tibiae were analyzed by micro-computed tomography and histomorphometry, and bone turnover was measured biochemically. Compared with nonstressed controls, exposure to CMS caused an approximately threefold increase in serum corticosterone concentrations in WT and HSD2OB-tg mice of both genders. Compared with controls, CMS resulted in loss of vertebral trabecular bone mass in male WT mice but not in male HSD2OB-tg littermates. Furthermore, both tibial cortical area and area fraction were reduced in stressed WT but not in stressed HSD2OB-tg male mice. Osteoclast activity and bone resorption marker were increased in WT males following CMS, features absent in HSD2OB-tg males. Interestingly, CMS had little effect on vertebral and long-bone structural parameters in female mice. We conclude that in male mice, bone loss during CMS is mediated via enhanced glucocorticoid signaling in osteoblasts (and osteocytes) and subsequent activation of osteoclasts. Female mice appear resistant to the skeletal effects of CMS.

The Effect of Cost Effective and Useful Diets on Blood Parameters in Female Mice

The high rate of cardiovascular disease is due to excessive intake of animal protein. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the replacement of the soybean as a cost effective protein on the blood parameters. 110 immature female Balb/c mice three weeks of age were randomized, into eleven groups of 10 animals each based on following diets: 1) low protein, 2) full protein without soybean, 3) full protein with 20% soybean, and 4) full protein with 40% soybean,. The animals received their diet orally on a daily basis for three and six months. At the end of the study period, the blood samples were collected and blood parameters were measured. The data were analyzed with SPSS software using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Results: In the groups that received 20% and 40% soybean diet, the cholesterol, LDH, glucose, creatinine and urea levels showed meaningful decrease, and total protein level showed a significant increase in comparison with the other groups (P However, the mean values of ALT, AST, ALP, triglyceride, calcium and phosphorus did not show significant change among experimental groups (P 0.01). Results of the present study indicated that soybean as a cost effective protein could be suitable replacement for animal protein and soybean may have beneficial effects on health like reduction of cholesterol, LDH and urea.