Plasma Estradiol Concentrations Research Articles

Alcohol intake and endogenous sex hormones in women: Meta-analysis of cohort studies and Mendelian randomization.

The mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced breast carcinogenesis are not fully understood but may involve hormonal changes. Cross-sectional associations were investigated between self-reported alcohol intake and serum or plasma concentrations of estradiol, estrone, progesterone (in premenopausal women only), testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in 45 431 premenopausal and 173 476 postmenopausal women. Multivariable linear regression was performed separately for UK Biobank, European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, and Endogenous Hormones and Breast Cancer Collaborative Group, and meta-analyzed the results. For testosterone and SHBG, we also conducted Mendelian randomization and colocalization using the ADH1B (alcohol dehydrogenase 1B) variant (rs1229984). Alcohol intake was positively, though weakly, associated with all hormones (except progesterone in premenopausal women), with increments in concentrations per 10 g/day increment in alcohol intake ranging from 1.7% for luteal estradiol to 6.6% for postmenopausal dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. There was an inverse association of alcohol with SHBG in postmenopausal women but a small positive association in premenopausal women. Two-sample randomization identified positive associations of alcohol intake with total testosterone (difference per 10 g/day increment: 4.1%; 95% CI, 0.6-7.6) and free testosterone (7.8%; 4.1-11.5), and an inverse association with SHBG (-8.1%; -11.3% to -4.9%). Colocalization suggested a shared causal locus at ADH1B between alcohol intake and higher free testosterone and lower SHBG (posterior probability for H4, 0.81 and 0.97, respectively). Alcohol intake was associated with small increases in sex hormone concentrations, including bioavailable fractions, which may contribute to its effect on breast cancer risk.

102 Estradiol and follicular growth are associated with estrous behavior monitored by an accelerometer in grazing beef cows

Abstract In beef cattle, 40% of cows that display estrus do not remain pregnant after embryo transfer (ET). Estrus is a physiological behavior influenced by the concentration of sex-steroids. The use of accelerometer devices for estrus detection is a common practice in dairy operations. It remains unclear if this same artificial intelligence software can accurately measure reproductive behavior in beef females. We hypothesized that estrous variables detected by an accelerometer are associated with ovarian, hormonal, pregnancy outcome, and fertility-related variables measured in the cow. Fifty Bos indicus-influenced, cyclic, primiparous cows were fitted with an accelerometer collar (SCR Engineers, Israel) and a breeding indicator (Estrotectâ) to detect estrus after a synchronization protocol in five subsequent experimental replicates (n = 50*5 = 250). Only cows that showed estrus (d 0) remained in the study. The following variables were used from the accelerometer software: Activity Peak, Rumination Nadir, Estrus Duration, and Heat Index, calculated by proprietary algorithms. Dominant follicle (DF) diameter and plasma concentration of estradiol were measured on d -2 (day of progesterone device removal) and on d 0. On d -1 and d 4, endometrial thickness and luminal fluid accumulation were measured by ultrasonography. On d 7, two embryos were transferred/cow. Pregnancies were diagnosed on d 45 and terminated. After 30 d, a new replicate started. Cows included in at least two replicates that remained pregnant 100%, 99-50%, or less than 50% were classified as fertile, sub fertile, and infertile, respectively. Estrus display was recorded for 166 cows (66%). Estrus detection by accelerometer and Estrotect had excellent agreement rate (kappa coefficient 0.76). Cows detected in estrus only by Estrotect had 66% less pregnancy/ET than cows in estrus by both (9/21 vs. 97/145; P = 0.01). The DF diameter on d 0 was not associated with accelerometer variables. Cows with greater and moderate Activity Peak had a greater growth rate of the DF from d -2 to d 0 than lower Activity Peak cows (interaction day*Activity Peak; P = 0.06). Estradiol on d -1 was positively associated with the Activity Peak (P < 0.0001). Cows with lower Activity Peak had a thicker endometrium on both d -1 and d 4 (P=0.02), and greater uterine luminal fluid score on d -1 (P=0.03). Fertility status was not associated with any accelerometer variables. In conclusion, the Activity Peak is associated positively with estradiol concentration and DF growth, however no association was found with pregnancy outcome and fertility. Therefore, the main advantage of accelerometers in beef ranches is the ability to detect estrus at a similar accuracy as breeding indicators, using less labor. Future enhancements in hardware and software to allow prediction of pregnancy outcomes are expected to increase reproductive efficiency in cow-calf operations.

Sex-steroid hormones and risk of postmenopausal estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer: a case-cohort analysis.

Sex-steroid hormones are associated with postmenopausal breast cancer but potential confounding from other biological pathways is rarely considered. We estimated risk ratios for sex-steroid hormone biomarkers in relation to postmenopausal estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, while accounting for biomarkers from insulin/insulin-like growth factor-signaling and inflammatory pathways. This analysis included 1208 women from a case-cohort study of postmenopausal breast cancer within the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Weighted Poisson regression with a robust variance estimator was used to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of postmenopausal ER-positive breast cancer, per doubling plasma concentration of progesterone, estrogens, androgens, and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Analyses included sociodemographic and lifestyle confounders, and other biomarkers identified as potential confounders. Increased risks of postmenopausal ER-positive breast cancer were observed per doubling plasma concentration of progesterone (RR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.44), androstenedione (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.45), dehydroepiandrosterone (RR: 1.15, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.34), total testosterone (RR: 1.11, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.29), free testosterone (RR: 1.12, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.28), estrone (RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.48), total estradiol (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.39) and free estradiol (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.41). A possible decreased risk was observed for SHBG (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.05). Progesterone, estrogens and androgens likely increase postmenopausal ER-positive breast cancer risk, whereas SHBG may decrease risk. These findings strengthen the causal evidence surrounding the sex-hormone-driven nature of postmenopausal breast cancer.

Circulating endogenous sex steroids and risk of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in men and women.

Thyroid cancer (TC) is substantially more common in women than in men, pointing to a possible role of sex steroid hormones. We investigated the association between circulating sex steroid hormones, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and the risk of differentiated TC in men and women within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition (EPIC) cohort. During follow-up, we identified 333 first primary incident cases of differentiated TC (152 in pre/peri-menopausal women, 111 in post-menopausal women, and 70 in men) and 706 cancer-free controls. Women taking exogenous hormones at blood donation were excluded. Plasma concentrations of testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, estradiol, estrone and progesterone (in pre-menopausal women only) were performed using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method. SHBG concentrations were measured by immunoassay. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression models adjusted for possible confounders. No significant associations were observed in men and postmenopausal women, while a borderline significant increase in differentiated TC risk was observed with increasing testosterone (adjusted OR T3 vs T1: 1.68, 95% CI: 0.96-2.92, ptrend = .06) and androstenedione concentrations in pre/perimenopausal women (adjusted OR T3 vs T1: 1.78, 95% CI: 0.96-3.30, ptrend = .06, respectively). A borderline decrease in risk was observed for the highest progesterone/estradiol ratio (adjusted OR T3 vs T1: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.28-1.05, ptrend = .07). Overall, our results do not support a major role of circulating sex steroids in the etiology of differentiated TC in post-menopausal women and men but may suggest an involvement of altered sex steroid production in pre-menopausal women.

Intervening effects of progesterone combined with estradiol on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in ovariectomized mice and the underlying mechanisms

Background: Estrogen and progesterone are closely related to the occurrence of diabetes, and the progestogenic and estrogenic effects in the development of diabetes are related to their blood levels and the organism state, and it is not clear what effect their combination will be. The present study was to investigate the interaction between estrogen and progesterone in the development of diabetes mellitus. Methods: A model of type 1 diabetes mellitus（T1DM）was established in ovariectomized (OVX) mice by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ), and the levels of plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide, progesterone, and estradiol, the changes of islet cells, the expressions of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), Glucokinase (Gck), Glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-P) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PCK) were detected after chronically injected different doses of progesterone and 17β-estradiol subcutaneously for 4 weeks. Results: Progesterone and 17β-estradiol could delay the occurrence of T1DM induced by STZ in ovariectomized mice, but there was no dose-response relationship; progesterone (2mg/kg) and 17β-estradiol (0.1mg/kg) injected separately or jointly could make the plasma concentration of estradiol and progesterone reaches the physiological dose range, which markedly inhibited the increase of the blood glucose induced by STZ, improved the glucose tolerance, protected islet cells, promoted C-peptide and insulin secretion, up-regulated skeletal muscle GLUT4 and liver Gck expressions, but significantly down-regulated the expressions of liver PCK and G-6-P mRNA. Conclusions: The physiological dose of progesterone combined with estradiol has certain synergistic effects in delaying the occurrence of diabetes, the mechanisms are probably related to the protection of islet cells, the promotion of insulin release, skeletal muscle glucose transport, and liver glucose metabolism.

VERAPAMIL, NIFEDIPIN VƏ DILTIAZEMIN QANIN PLAZMASINDA ESTRADIOLUN QATILIĞINA TƏSIRININ TƏDQIQI

The effect of long-term intake of calcium antagonists on the concentration of estradiol in the blood was studied. The studies were carried out on 82 female white rats, grown in laboratory conditions, weighing 180-230 grams, which have reached puberty at the Scientific Research Center of the Azerbaijan Medical University. Verapamil 5, 25 mg/kg (Isoptin, Abbot Laborato-ries S.A., Italy), nifedipine 5, 10 mg/kg (Farmadipin, Farmak Ukraine), diltiazem 5, 20 mg/kg (Diltizem-L, MNIS-Istanbul ) were used in the research. ) was used. The concentration of estra-diol in blood plasma was determined by enzyme immunoassay using the BioScreen MS-500 de-vice. Blood was taken from the hearts of experimental animals under ether anesthesia. To de-termine the concentration of the hormone estradiol in the blood, a set of reagents "Eliza Kit Es-tradiol" was used. Estradiol levels were 3.9% lower and 40.4% higher with verapamil (5 mg/kg) compared with control females in females receiving long-term treatment with nifedipine at a dose of 5 mg/kg. With long-term use of diltiazem at a dose of 5 mg/kg, the concentration of es-tradiol differed by 3.3% (p>0.05). With a corresponding increase in doses, nifedipine 10 mg/kg (65.0±2.4) > diltiazem 20 mg/kg (39.3±0.7) > verapamil 25 mg/kg (34.3±0.7) increased the con-centration estradiol.

In ovo o,p'-DDT exposure induces malformation of reproductive organs and alters the expression of genes controlling sexual differentiation in Japanese quail embryo.

In ovo exposure to o,p'-dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (o,p'-DDT) impairs reproduction by inducing malformation of the reproductive organs in birds, although the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we examined the effects of o,p'-DDT on the development of the reproductive organs, the expression of genes controlling sexual differentiation, and the plasma concentrations of testosterone and estradiol in Japanese quail embryos. o,p'-DDT-containing sesame oil was injected into the yolk sac on Embryonic Day (E) 3 at a dose of 500, 2,000, or 8,000 μg per egg. On E15, the reproductive organs were observed; the gonads and Müllerian ducts (MDs) were sampled to measure the mRNA of steroidogenic enzymes, sex steroid receptors, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and AMH receptor 2 (AMHR2); blood samples were collected to assay plasma testosterone and estradiol levels; and the gonads were used for histological analysis. o,p'-DDT dose-dependently increased the prevalence of hypertrophic MDs in females and residual MDs in males. In female MDs, o,p'-DDT dose-dependently decreased estrogen receptor (ER) α, ERβ, and AMHR2 mRNA expression. o,p'-DDT dose-dependently induced left-biased asymmetry of testis size, and ovary-like tissue was found in the left testis after exposure to 8,000 μg per egg o,p'-DDT, although asymmetric gene expression did not occur. o,p'-DDT did not affect ovarian tissue but did decrease 17α-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase mRNA expression and dose-dependently increased ERβ mRNA expression. o,p'-DDT decreased plasma testosterone concentrations in females. These findings suggest that o,p'-DDT induces hypertrophy of the MDs and ovarian tissue formation in the left testis. Abnormal MD development may be linked to altered gene expression for sensing estrogens and AMH signals.

Frequency and Characteristics of Postoperative Neuropathy in Individuals on Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy Undergoing Gender Affirmation Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Introduction Gender affirmation surgery includes procedures of the face, larynx, chest, reproductive system, external genitalia, and adipose tissue performed to ameliorate incongruence between gender identity and phenotype. The annual number of gender affirmation surgeries performed in the United States has increased significantly. There have been no investigations into the frequency of peripheral neuropathy after gender affirmation surgery, which is an important topic, given transgender individuals are at increased risk for delaying necessary medical care. After appreciating a number of cases of postoperative neuropathy in our clinical practice, we hypothesized that gender affirmation surgery is a high-risk procedure for postoperative neuropathy. Methods We conducted a one-year, monocentric, retrospective cohort study utilizing clinical data of individuals on gender-affirming hormone therapy undergoing gender-affirmation surgery under general anesthesia. The study included transgender women, assigned male at birth, receiving antiandrogen, progesterone, or estrogen therapy (target range plasma estradiol concentration 90-200 pg/ml) and transgender men, assigned female at birth, receiving antiestrogen or testosterone therapy (target range plasma testosterone concentration 320-1000 ng/dl). The primary objective was to estimate the incidence of postoperative peripheral neuropathy, defined as new numbness, paresthesia, neuropathic pain, or muscle weakness occurring in a peripheral innervation territory. Secondary objectives were to summarize the clinical presentation of neuropathy and investigate for associations between procedure characteristics and neuropathy. Results We identified nine cases of postoperative peripheral nerve injury in 232 consecutive gender affirmation procedures establishing an incidence of 3.9%. All injuries were associated with surgery longer than six hours and were characterized by sensory deficits including numbness 89% (8/9) and tingling 56% (5/9), which were diagnosed by postoperative day one. Conclusions Our results suggest that gender affirmation surgery is a high-risk procedure for postoperative neuropathy, with an incidence similar to other high-risk procedures, and an incidence that is higher than the general surgical population. However, given this has not been previously reported and our study includes a heterogenous population from a single institution, our results should be considered hypothesis generating. Additional studies that include multiple institutions are needed to confirm our findings and identify modifiable risk factors for postoperative neuropathy.

Unveiling the Effects of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Seed Essential Oil as a Diet Supplement on the Biochemical Parameters and Reproductive Function in Female Common Carps (Cyprinus carpio)

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil on the health of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). A total of 120 healthy fish were provided with feed containing 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of F. vulgare oil for 60 days. Findings revealed that the oral administration of 200 mg/kg of F. vulgare oil significantly increased final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Plasma biochemical enzyme levels remained unchanged in 200 and 400 mg/kg treatments, whereas they were found to be significantly increased in treatments with 600 mg/kg. Although no significant alterations in glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels were observed, the treated groups exhibited significant increases in total protein, albumin, globulin, and creatinine levels. Results also indicated significantly decreasing levels of glutathione peroxidase, whereas superoxide dismutase activity increased. The gonadosomatic index showed notable improvement in the 200 and 400 mg/kg groups. Furthermore, plasma concentrations of estradiol and testosterone were significantly affected by doses of 400 and 200 mg/kg. Findings suggest that, following the administration of F. vulgare extract, the reproductive and general health of the fish appears to be improved. Nevertheless, it is recommended to supplement fish diets with up to 200 mg/kg of F. vulgare extract to improve their reproductive and general health. Concentrations above this limit can potentially cause harm.

Plasma estradiol profile after administration of different types of estradiol esters in acyclic mares.

Although the use of different estradiol esters has been extensively studied in hormonal protocols in cows, such information is lacking in mares. The present study aimed to assess the effects of treatment with the same doses and administration frequency of estradiol cypionate, estradiol benzoate and 17β estradiol on plasma estradiol (E2) concentrations of acyclic mares and correlate the E2 profile to the endometrial edema score. Sixteen treatments were performed in 14 mares randomly divided into three groups: EB (n=5), EC (n=5) and 17β (n=6), receiving 10mg on day 0 (D0), 6mg on D1 and 4mg on D2 of estradiol benzoate, estradiol cypionate, and estradiol 17β, respectively. Blood samples, rectal palpations and ultrasound evaluations were performed once daily, starting before the first estradiol treatment (D0) until edema disappearance or D8. Moderate to high edema was observed in all groups 24h after the first estradiol administration. Edema persisted above score 2 until D7, D5 and D4 in groups EC, EB and 17β, respectively. Higher edema was found on D2 in EB group compared to 17β, on D6 and D7 in EC compared to 17β, and on D8 in EC compared to EB (p≤0.05). Maximum E2 concentrations were detected on D1 in groups: EB, showing a sharp decrease from D2 to D3 (p<0.0001); and 17β, where no differences were observed between treatment days (p≥0.05). In the EC group, maximum concentrations were observed on D2, which remained high from D2 to D4 compared to the other days (p<0.0001). Plasma concentration of E2 was higher in EB than the other groups on D0 and D1, and EB>EC>17β on D2. Plasma E2 concentrations and edema score were positively correlated, being moderate in groups EB and EC and weak in the 17β group. In conclusion, the most pronounced plasma E2 concentration was observed in EB group 24h after the administration of the first dose. Estradiol concentrations peaked 48h after EC administration, while a distinct peak was not observed in a 24h interval evaluation in the 17β group. Moreover, high edema does not necessarily reflect on high E2 concentrations in acyclic mares.

CANNIBALISM PERFORMANCE OF ASIAN REDTAIL CATFISH (Hemibagrus nemurus) FED RATION SUPPLEMENTED WITH DIFFERENT DOSES OF 17α-METHYLTESTOSTERONE

One of the obstacles in Asian redtail catfish hatchery is the high cannibalism incidence. Cannibalism is associated with aggressive behavior caused by hormonal metabolism especially of testosterone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of testosterone administration on the cannibalism incidence in the Asian redtail catfish juveniles. The experiment was conducted by rearing fish with initial length of 4.09±0.19 cm in 16 of 20 L aquariums with a density of 2 fish L-1. The experiment was designed with a completely randomized design with 4 treatments which were different level of 17α-methyltestosterone supplementation in feed, i.e., 0 mg kg-1 feed (A) as control, 7.5 mg kg-1 feed (B), 15 mg kg-1 feed (C), and 30 mg kg-1 feed (D). Each treatment has 4 replications. Fish fed experimental diet (40% protein) 4 times a day to satiation for 30 days. The parameters observed were type and index of cannibalism, aggressive behavior, survival rate, normal mortality, growth performance, hormones concentrations (estradiol, testosterone, and cortisol), and water quality. The results showed that cannibalism type II (the fish eaten completely or missing) and cannibalism index increased with the increasing doses of testosterone administration in the feed with the highest cannibalism incidence was 40.63%. The highest survival rate was found in treatment B (73.75±2.50%) and was not significantly different from the control treatment (69.38±2.39%). No differences in testosterone concentration and in the growth performance among the treatments. However, there was a trend of decrease in the estradiol concentration of Asian redtail catfish juveniles fed ration supplemented with the increasing doses of 17α-methyltestosterone. Based on the results obtained in this research, estradiol changed in the body's plasma, it appears that there was a role for plasma estradiol concentration in controlling cannibalism of Asian redtail catfish juveniles. It concluded that the testosterone administration affected the cannibalism incidence in the Asian redtail Catfish.

Plasma estradiol profile after administration of different types of estradiol esters in acyclic mares.

Although the use of different estradiol esters has been studied extensively in hormonal protocols in cows, such information is lacking in mares. The present study aimed to assess the effects of treatment with the same doses and administration frequency of estradiol cypionate (EC), estradiol benzoate (EB) and 17β estradiol (17β) on plasma estradiol (E2) concentrations of acyclic mares and correlate the E2 profile to the endometrial edema score. Sixteen treatments were performed in 14 mares randomly divided into three groups: EB (n=5), EC (n=5) and 17β (n=6), receiving 10mg on day 0 (D0), 6mg on D1 and 4mg on D2 of estradiol benzoate (Sincrodiol®, Ouro Fino, Brazil), estradiol cypionate (E.C.P®, Zoetis, Brazil), and estradiol 17β (17βeta®, Botupharma, Brazil), respectively. Blood samples, rectal palpations and ultrasound evaluations were performed once daily, starting before the first estradiol treatment (D0) until edema disappearance or D8. Plasma E2 was quantified by radioimmunoassay. Endometrial edema was scored as: 0= lack of edema, 1=mild, 2=moderate, 3=high and 4=exaggerated. Mean estradiol plasma concentrations were analyzed by general linear model of variance with repeated measures. Median edema scores were compared by Kruskal Wallis followed by Mann Whitney tests while Spearman's correlation test was used to correlate E2 concentrations and edema score. Moderate to high edema was observed in all groups 24h after the first estradioladministration. Edema persisted above score 2 until D7, D5 and D4 in groups EC, EB and 17β, respectively. Higher edema was found on D2 in group EB compared to 17β, on D6 and D7 in group EC compared to 17β, and on D8 in group EC compared to EB (p≤0.05). Maximum E2 concentrations were detected on D1 in groups: EB (190±83.3 pg/mL), showing a sharp decrease from D2 to D3 (p<0.0001); and 17β (44.99±15.0 pg/mL), where no differences were observed between treatment days (p≥0.05). In the EC group, maximum concentrations were observed on D2 (81±43.8 pg/mL), which remained high from D2 to D4 compared to the other days (p<0.0001). Plasma concentration of E2 was higher in group EB than the other groups on D0 and D1, and EB>EC>17β on D2. Plasma E2 concentrations and edema scores were positively correlated, being moderate in groups EB and EC (EB: r=0.47; EC: r=0.45, p<0.01) and weak in the 17β group (r=0.39, p<0.0001). In conclusion, the most pronounced plasma E2 concentration was observed in group EB 24h after the administration of the first dose. Estradiol concentrations peaked 48h after EC administration, while a distinct peak was not observed in a 24h interval evaluation in the 17β group. Moreover, high edema does not necessarily reflect on high E2 concentrations in acyclic mares.

Impact of growth trajectory on sexual maturation in layer chickens.

Recent studies showed that apart from photostimulation, metabolic triggers may independently activate sexual maturation and egg production in chickens. However, the origin, mode of action, and specific target(s) of this metabolic control remain unknown. Beyond body weight (BW), we hypothesize that body composition (BC) and associated specific metabolic signals are involved. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the BW and BC thresholds triggering spontaneous sexual maturation in layer pullets under different growth trajectories. Day-old Lohman LSL lite and Lohman brown lite chicks (n = 210 each) raised in brooding cages under ad libitum (AL) feeding until 8weeks of age were randomly allocated into individual cages and assigned to one of 3 experimental growth profiles; AL, breeder's target (T), restricted 20% below target (R), (n = 70 birds/profile/strain). Birds had free access to water throughout the trial. All hens were maintained on 10h of light (10lux) throughout the rest of the study. Blood and tissue samples were collected throughout the study to measure plasma estradiol (E2) concentrations and organ weights, respectively. Furthermore, carcasses were subjected to Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) analyses. All analyses were completed with SAS using the MIXED procedure. Results show that R treatment slowed (p < 0.001) growth, delayed age at first egg (FE) and egg production (p < 0.001) and resulted in lower BW at FE (p < 0.001), lower ovary weight and number of follicles (p < 0.001) compared to AL in both strains, whereas, the strain significantly impacted body weight (p < 0.0001), ovary weight (p < 0.001), BW at FE (p < 0.001), age at FE (p < 0.001), egg production (p < 0.0001), E2 (p < 0.0001) and body composition (p < 0.05). For DEXA, AL feeding (p < 0.001) increased fat deposition compared to R. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between plasma E2 and bone mineral content (p < 0.01) and bone mineral density (p < 0.01). In conclusion, feed allocation impacted growth and BC in a strain dependent manner which resulted in differing age at sexual maturation and egg production. Furthermore, a body fat threshold between 10% to 15% appears to be required for the occurrence of spontaneously sexual maturation in laying hens.

Response of the hen ovary to eCG treatment: Insight into morphology and expression of genes related to steroidogenesis and vitellogenesis

The present study aimed to examine the effect of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) treatment on the chicken ovarian folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. The expression of vitellogenesis-related genes in the liver was also investigated. Laying hens were injected with 75 I.U./kg of body weight/0.2 mL of eCG, once a day for 7 successive days. On day 7 of the experiment hens, including control hens which were receiving vehicle, were euthanized. The liver and ovarian follicles were harvested. Blood was collected daily through the whole experiment. The eCG treatment resulted in the cessation of egg laying after 3 or 4 days. The eCG-treated hens had heavier ovaries with a higher number of yellowish and yellow follicles arranged in a non-hierarchical way in contrast to ovaries of control hens. Moreover, these birds had elevated plasma estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) concentrations. The molar ratios of E2:progesterone (P4) and T:P4 were increased in chickens injected with eCG. Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed changes in mRNA abundances of steroidogenesis-associated genes (StAR, CYP11A1, HSD3β, and CYP19A1) in ovarian follicles: white, yellowish, small yellow, and the largest yellow preovulatory (F3-F1) as well as VTG2, apoVLDL II, and gonadotropin receptors in the liver. In general, the abundances of gene transcripts were higher in eCG-treated hens than in control hens. Western blot analyses showed an elevated abundance of aromatase protein in the prehierarchical and small yellow follicles of eCG-treated hens. Unexpectedly, there was presence of both FSHR and LHCGR mRNA in the liver and the level of expression was shifted in eCG-treated hens. In summary, eCG treatment leads to disruption of the ovarian hierarchy with accompanying changes in circulating steroids and ovarian steroidogenesis.

Dietary n-3 PUFA augments pre-ovulatory follicle turnover and prolificacy in well-fed ewes

The present study evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on preovulatory follicle (POF) turnover, prolificacy, and endocrine and metabolic milieu in Malpura sheep. Fifty cyclic ewes with 3–3.5 body condition scores on a five-point scale were allocated equally to two groups (n = 25) following estrus synchronization and were supplemented with 0.6 mL/kg body weight of n-3 PUFA-rich fish oil (FO) or palm oil (PO) as control, for 60 d following an acclimatization period of 7 d. All ewes were mated with sexually active rams at the end of the supplementation period. On ultrasonographic ovarian scanning at the last fourth estrus, the mean number of POFs was 77.8% greater (P < 0.01) in FO ewes than in the PO ewes. The proportion of ewes with multiple ovulations two months after the beginning of supplementation was 56% in the FO group as compared to 8% in the PO group. The number of fetuses was 46% higher (P < 0.01) in the FO than in the PO ewes at d 45 of gestation. At lambing, the twinning percent in the FO ewes was three times greater than in the PO ewes (27.3 vs. 9.1%). Plasma cholesterol, estradiol, and insulin concentrations were lower (P < 0.01) in ewes fed with FO than those offered PO group at the end of the feeding period. It was concluded that the dietary supplementation of n-3 PUFA-rich FO in well-fed Malpura ewes improved the number of follicles and ovulation rate which led to an increased prolificacy, accompanied by a reduction of plasma cholesterols, estradiol, and insulin.

The Temporal Associations of B-Mode and Power-Doppler Ultrasonography, and Ovarian Steroid Changes of the Periovulatory Follicle and Corpus Luteum During Luteogenesis and Luteolysis in Jennies.

This study aimed to determine the associations between B-mode and Power-doppler ultrasonography and ovarian steroids of the periovulatory follicle and respective corpus luteum (CL) during luteogenesis and luteolysis in jennies. Twenty-four periovulatory follicles/estrus of correspondent one inter-ovulatory interval (n=12 jennies) were assessed in the study. B-mode ultrasonography and teasing were carried out once day until the detection of a periovulatory follicle (≥28 mm, uterine edema, and signs of estrus). Thereafter, jennies were monitored at 4-hour-intervals by B-mode and Power-doppler ultrasonography. Closer to ovulation, jennies were hourly checked. Each CL was checked daily from luteogenesis to luteolysis. Plasma concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were assessed daily with chemiluminescence immunoassay. Granulosa echogenicity and thickness increased from -36 hour to -1 hour before ovulation in 70% of follicles (P < .05) and were strongly associated with impending ovulation (r=0.80 and r=0.70, respectively). The follicular-wall blood flow increased from -72 to -24 hour pre-ovulation, while the estradiol concentration declined from 42 pg/mL by -72 hour to 31.6 pg/mL by 24 hour before ovulation (P < .05). The vascularization of the periovulatory follicle decreased from 62% (-36 hour) to 37% (-1 hour) before ovulation (P < .05). The CL vascularization and progesterone concentration gradually increased, reaching the peak at 11- and 10-day after the ovulation, respectively (P < .05). The CL vascularization started to decline 3 day before luteolysis, while progesterone concentrations started to drop 4 day before luteolysis (P < .05). In conclusion, the structural changes of the periovulatory follicle detected on B-mode and Power-doppler can be used to detect impending ovulation in donkeys; however, Power-doppler, but not B-mode ultrasonography, can be used to assess CL function in jennies.

Забруднювач довкілля бісфенол А порушує програмування статевої поведінки у жіночого потомства щурів

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a common environmental pollutant and, due to its estrogenic properties, can cause disorders of the reproductive and other physiological systems of the body, especially in males. It is known that in male rats it disrupts the sexual differentiation of the brain (SDB) of the fetus in utero. Studies of the effects of perinatal exposure of fetuses and newborn females through the mother’s body under the conditions of long-term administration of BPA during pregnancy and lactation did not reveal significant changes in SDB. Identification of long-term endocrine, neuromorphological, and behavioral consequences of exposure of female rat fetuses to a low dose of BPA administered to mothers during the last week of pregnancy, which corresponds to the temporal period of SDB, was the aim of this study. Rats were orally administered BPA suspended in Dorfman gel at a daily dose of 25 μg/kg b.w., which is 200 times less than the NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) for rats, via a gavage, or, as a positive control, estradiol diacetate (E2D) subcutaneously at a dose of 10 μg/kg b.w., during 15-21 days of pregnancy. Control animals received gel without BPA. The levels of estradiol, testosterone, and corticosterone in blood plasma, the response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to acute immobilization stress, sexual behavior, and the histological structure and karyometric parameters of neurocytes of the medial-preoptic nuclei (MPN) of the hypothalamus were studied in adult female offspring. Prenatal exposure to BPA or E2D decreased the concentration of estradiol in the blood plasma, while the levels of testosterone and corticosterone remained normal. In the females of the BPA and E2D groups, a masculinization of sexual behavior (mounting to a receptive female, approaching her, etc.) was observed, which, according to the number of lordosis reactions in the presence of a sexually experienced male, not accompanied by her defeminization. Changes in the morphology of the MPN, which belongs to the sex-dimorphic area of the brain, conformed to the masculinization of female sexual behavior due to prenatal exposure to a low dose of BPA. Karyometry of neurocytes of the hypothalamic MPN of rats revealed no difference between the control and the BPA group. The response of the HPA axis to immobilization stress did not change in both experimental groups. It is found for the first time that maternal exposure of in utero female rat fetuses to an ultra-low relative to the NOAEL dose of BPA during the last gestational week, which corresponds to the critical period of SDB impairs programming of sexual behavior in the direction of its masculinization and causes hypoestrogenemia at adulthood. Disorders of sexual behavior conformed to morphological changes of the hypothalamic MPN. The unidirectionality of functional disorders induced by prenatal exposure to BPA and the reference estrogenic drug E2D indicates that they are caused by the estrogenic properties of both substances.

The impact of FSH stimulation and age on the ovarian and uterine traits and histomorphometry of prepubertal gilts

This study investigated the effect of age and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) treatment on the estradiol (E2) plasma concentration, ovarian follicle development, endometrial histomorphometry, and ultrasonographic parameters of the ovaries and uterus in prepubertal gilts. Thirty-five prepubertal gilts were grouped according to age (140 or 160 d), and within each age, gilts were allotted to receive 100 mg of FSH (treated; G140 + FSH [n = 10] and G160 + FSH [n = 7]) or saline solution (control; G140 + control [n = 10] and G160 + control [n = 8]). The total dose of FSH was divided into 6 similar doses administered every 8 h (days 0–2). Before and after FSH treatment, blood sample was collected, and transabdominal scanning of the ovaries and uterus was performed. Twenty-four hours after the last FSH injection, the gilts were slaughtered and their ovaries and uterus were processed for histological and histomorphometric analysis. The histomorphometric parameters of the uterus differed (P < 0.05) between prepubertal gilts at 160 d and 140 d of age. Moreover, changes (P < 0.05) in uterine and ovarian ultrasound images occurred between 140 and 160 d of age. Age and FSH treatment did not affect (P > 0.05) E2 plasma concentrations. Follicle stimulating hormone treatment did not affect (P > 0.05) the early stage of folliculogenesis in the prepubertal gilts; however, the number of early atretic follicles decreased (P < 0.05) after the FSH treatment. Follicle stimulating hormone administration increased (P < 0.05) the number of medium follicles and decreased (P < 0.05) the number of small follicles in 140 and 160 d old gilts. In the endometrium, luminal/glandular epithelium height and glandular diameter increased (P < 0.05) after FSH treatment. Thus, injections of 100 mg of FSH stimulate the endometrium epithelium and induce follicular growth to a medium follicle size without affecting the preantral stages in prepubertal gilts; also, the uterine macroscopic morphometry does not change from 140 to 160 d of age.

Synthetic microfiber exposure negatively affects reproductive parameters in male medaka (Oryzias latipes)

Microplastics not only accumulate in the bodies of fishes and cause damage to the organs, but also cause many other problems, such as reduced reproductive capacity, by acting directly or indirectly on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis (HPG axis). In this study, we investigated the changes in HPG axis-related genes in male medaka (Oryzias latipes) exposed to fiber-type microplastics. We confirmed the progression of vitellogenesis, a sign of endocrine disruption, in male fish. In the microfiber-exposed group, microfiber accumulation was confirmed in the gills and intestines. One week after exposure to two different concentrations of microfibers (500 and 1,000 fibers/L), the fish showed increased expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone receptor (LH-R) mRNA. From day 10 of exposure to the microfibers, there was an increase in the expression of the gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) mRNA and a decrease in the expression of GnRH and LH-R mRNA. There was an increase in the cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19a) mRNA expression and plasma estradiol (E2) concentration in the 1,000 fibers/L exposure group. High vitellogenin (VTG) mRNA expression was confirmed seven days after exposure in the 1,000 fibers/L group, which was consistent with the VTG mRNA expression signals detected in the liver using in situ hybridization. These results suggest that microfiber ingestion may cause short-term endocrinal disruption of the HPG axis in male medaka, which in turn may interfere with their normal maturation process.

Sleep-related factors and circulating levels of sex hormones in premenopausal Japanese women.

Sleep disruption and circadian disruption have been proposed to be risk factors of breast cancer. The present study examined the associations of sleep-related factors, referring to night shift work, sleep habits, and sleep disturbances, with the plasma levels of sex hormones in premenopausal Japanese women. Study participants were 432 women who had regular menstrual cycles less than 40 days long. Information on their history of night shift work and sleep disturbances was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. Information on their sleep habits, such as usual wake-up times, bedtimes, and ambient light level while sleeping, was obtained in an interview. The participants' height and weight were measured. Plasma concentrations of estradiol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), FSH, and LH were also measured. After controlling for the phase of the menstrual cycle and other covariates, more years of night shift work ≥ once a week during the past 10 years was significantly associated with a lower SHBG and a higher free estradiol level. Shorter sleep duration was significantly associated with the higher total, bioavailable, and free testosterone levels. Sleep disturbance by awaking after sleep onset was significantly associated with a high free estradiol level. The data suggest that long-term night shift work, short sleep duration, and arousal during sleep are associated with higher estradiol or testosterone levels in premenopausal women.