Postovulatory Phase Research Articles

ОРГАНІЗАЦІЯ ТА ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ ТАНЦЮВАЛЬНО-ОЗДОРОВЧИХ ЗАНЯТЬ ЗІ СТУДЕНТКАМИ В СПОРТИВНОМУ НАВЧАЛЬНОМУ ВІДДІЛЕННІ

Introduction. The literature data prove the necessity to reorganize the physical education (PE) of female students. This can be expressed, on the one hand, in taking into consideration the menstrual cycle (MC) phases when distributing and orienting physical loads, and on the other hand, in searching for methodological approaches, aimed at improving the body functional state. Incorrect structure of the PE process can negatively affect the functional state of young female athletes and the preservation of their health. Purpose. To study the influence of specially formed dancing health-improving classes on the functional state of female students’ bodies (taking into account the phases of MC) and to evaluate their effectiveness. Methods. 26 female students of the sporting training department were under supervision: two groups of 13 persons – the main group and the control one. They were examined at the beginning and at the end of the academic year. Two exercises were performed. Each lasted for 3 minutes, with a three-minute break. The intensity of the first exercise was selected so that the heart rate did not exceed 120-125 beats per minute, and 140-145 beats per minute for the second one. Besides, pulse and arterial blood pressure were measured in the initial condition before the start of the test, as well as after its completion. On the base of these measurements, the systolic blood volume was calculated according to Starr’s formula. The maximum oxygen consumption (MOC) was calculated according to Karpman’s formula. The mental working capacity was determined by means of the Landolt Ring test. The mathematical processing of the obtained data was carried out. Results. The background indicators of heart rate in two groups both at the beginning and at the end of the academic year were within the limits of physiologically normal conditions, the differences in the heart rate indicators of the groups were unreliable. The similar measurements were done after the female students had performed the two stages of exercises. They showed that in the main group the cardiovascular system indicators at the end of the academic year were more favorable. Against the background of a higher PWC170 indicator, they had not so high indicators of systolic and minute volumes of blood, as the control group students had. This proved a more economical functioning of the circulatory system in the process of physical activity. If the MOC at the beginning of the academic year was almost identical and was about 2.3 l/min for both groups, at the end of the second semester, the students of the main group significantly increased MOC, while in the control group it only slightly increased. At the end of the academic year, we recorded a close relationship between the PWC170 and the speed of information processing (r = 0.97) in the postmenstrual period. At the same time, a high correlation with the percentage of correct decisions was kept. In the period of ovulation, the relationship of the PWC170 with the time of test solution and the analysis of one sign remained the same as in the first survey. During the post-ovulatory phase, the dependence between the PWC170 and the speed of information processing increased. During the premenstrual and menstrual phases the stable relationship between the indicators of mental and physical capacity was not found. Conclusion. It has been established that under the influence of annual dancing health-improving classes the female students improved the state of the cardiorespiratory system, increasing the efficiency of its functioning in the course of physical work, which ensured an improved physical efficiency, an increase of work capacity and, most importantly, a significant increase of the maximum oxygen consumption.

Metabolomic profiling of bovine oviductal fluid across the oestrous cycle using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

In the present study we tested whether regulation of the metabolome in bovine oviductal fluid depended on the stage of the oestrous cycle, the side relative to ovulation and local concentrations of steroid hormones. Luminal fluid samples from both oviducts were collected in the preovulatory, postovulatory, mid- and late luteal phases, from cyclic cows at a local abattoir (18-27 cows per stage and side). The metabolomes were assessed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-NMR). In all, 39 metabolites were identified, among which the amino acid glycine and the energy substrates lactate and myoinositol were the most abundant at all stages. The concentrations of 14 metabolites varied according to the stage of the oestrous cycle in at least one side relative to ovulation, of which four (choline, glucose-1-phosphate, glycine and pyruvate) were correlated with intraoviductal progesterone or oestradiol concentrations. Glucose-1-phosphate was most affected by the stage of the cycle, with four- to sixfold higher levels in luteal than periovulatory stages. These results provide new knowledge on the regulation of secretory activity in the oviduct and may help optimise culture media for gamete maturation, IVF and embryo production.

Analysis of the functional state of students in the process of healthy training exercises in different phases of the ovarian-menstrual cycle

Aim: to substantiate the application of a rational program of health-training sessions in the educational process of physical education of students in different phases of the ovarian-menstrual cycle. Material: in study participated students (n=127), who did not have deviations in health (the main medical group). According to the results of the tests were determined: heart rate; blood pressure; vital capacity of the lungs. To determine physical performance was used Harvard step-test. Physical exercises from the main means of health fitness were used differentially and dosed. Results: It was established that the consideration in the phases of the ovarian-menstrual cycle of indicators of the functional state, changes in well-being and working capacity give an opportunity: planning loads in the training process; adjustment of volume and intensity of loads. We recommend to schedule the load of our program as follows: in the menstrual phase - the development of flexibility (moderate load); in the postmenstrual phase - development of coordination, overall endurance; in ovulatory - speed development; in postovulatory - development of special endurance; in premenstrual - the development of strength, flexibility. In the postmenstrual and postovulatory phase, a high level of physical working capacity, functional state of the cardiopulmonary system has been registered. It also has a positive effect on body weight correction in the women students. Conclusions: When developing programs of health training sessions with women students it is necessary to take into account the phases of the ovarian-menstrual cycle.

Limited Evidence Suggests a Protective Association Between Oral Contraceptive Pill Use and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Females: A Systematic Review.

Context:Female athletes aged 14 to 18 years are at particular risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Hormonal factors are thought to predispose them to this injury. Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) might reduce ACL injury risk, although the literature appears controversial.Objective:To evaluate the association between OCP use and ACL injuries in women. The secondary objective was to determine the rates of ACL injuries in the pre- and postovulatory phases of the menstrual cycle in OCP and non-OCP (NOCP) users.Data Sources:Searches were performed across 4 reference databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane), abstracts from 6 specialty societies, ClinicalTrials.gov, and reference lists of relevant papers.Study Selection:We included studies investigating the association between OCP use and ACL injuries in females of any age or the distribution of ACL injuries across the menstrual cycle in OCP and NOCP users.Study Design:Systematic review.Level of Evidence:Level 3.Data Extraction:Data regarding study design, population characteristics, OCP details, outcome definitions, analytic methods, and results were extracted from the included studies. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.Results:The search yielded 1305 citations, of which 7 retrospective observational studies met the inclusion criteria. Two large case-control studies with higher methodological quality suggested that OCP use may reduce the risk of sustaining an ACL injury. Five comparative studies examining injury distribution across the menstrual cycle in OCP and NOCP users had conflicting findings, were heterogeneous, and were limited by low methodological quality.Conclusion:The evidence suggests OCP use may reduce the risk of ACL injury; however, no conclusions can be drawn regarding differences in risk of ACL injuries between OCP and NOCP users across the menstrual cycle. Studies were limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity, and methodological concerns.

Significance of glutathione peroxidases in endometrium function: facts, hypotheses, and research perspectives

Enzymes of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) family, together with peroxiredoxins, form thiol peroxidase superfamily, the property of which is the thiol-dependent catalysis of the hydroperoxide reduction. This property determines them as antioxidant protectors. Among human GPXs the eight forms are known, five of which are selenium-dependent (GPX1,2,3,4, and 6). The most number of facts supporting the substantial role of GPX in functioning of endometrium are linked with the GPX3, which is the secretory GPX. The number of candidate progesterone response elements in the promoter of GPX3 gene prevails over the number of candidate estrogen response elements; GPX3 is upregulated gene during postovulatory phase of reproductive cycle and during pregnancy; in the endometrial stroma, the transcription of Gpx3 is stimulated through the transcription factor HIF1α. Using laboratory animals, the spatial and temporal coincidence of Gpx3 activation and blastocyst implantation was observed. It was confirmed that GPX3 decreases hydrogen peroxide concentration in endometrium in pregnant animals and during in vitro decidualization. The vulnerability of reproductive function to physiological stress at the insufficient expression of GPX3 is hypothesized. The GPX3 enzymatic activity in endometrium is poorly investigated. The has been hypothesized that selenium-containing medications are effective in the endometrium receptivity improvement and in the supporting the normal embryo development (especially during the influence of physiological stressors) by the maintenance of the posttranscriptional, selenium-dependent stage of GPX3 biosynthesis in endometrium. Probably, the GPX3 expression can be increased by the steriods with gestagenic activity (through the increase of Gpx3 transcription, analogously to effect of progesterone). In contrast with the «classic» GPX (GPX1) and probably with most of other members of GPX family, GPX3 has a wide thiol specificity. It is proposed to assess the activity of GPX3 using the reduced homocysteine and cysteine as thiol substrates instead of the reduced glutathione.

Вплив занять бодібілдингом на фізичні якості кваліфікованих спортсменок у різні фази специфічного біологічного циклу

Purpose: to conduct researches of influence of classes of the sportswomen who are going in for bodybuilding and fitness-bikini on manifestation of physical qualities in different phases of the ovarian-menstrual cycle. Material & Methods: researches were conducted in sports fitness-clubs of Kharkov Feromon, Gorod, “King” with the qualified sportswomen who are going in for bodybuilding and fitness-bikini within 3 months of the preparatory period in number of 14 people. We used as methods of the research: the analysis of references and testing of level of motive qualities in separate phases of OMC. Results: the theoretical analysis of features of the accounting of phases of OMC at sportswomen is submitted and the testing of the level of development of physical qualities in different phases of the specific biological cycle at the qualified sportswomen, who are going in for bodybuilding, is held. Conclusions: the received results demonstrate that physical efficiency of the qualified sportswomen, who are going in for bodybuilding, is not identical in phases of the ovarian-menstrual cycle. It is revealed that the best conditions for performance of considerable exercise stresses in post-ovulatory and post-menstrual phases of OMC, therefore it is expedient to plan them in the preparatory periods of the qualified sportswomen, who are going in for bodybuilding.

Ultrastructural and physico-chemical characterization of saliva during menstrual cycle in perspective of ovulation in human.

Human saliva is a potential diagnostic fluid and any alteration in body might be reflected in saliva so that saliva is considered as "mirror of the body". Variations in salivary hormone level, ultra structure, pH, flow rate, buffering capacity and electrolytes level are found during menstrual cycle in regard to ovulation. Thirty healthy volunteers were used for the assessment of physico-chemical changes in saliva. Reproductive cycle was categorized as pre-ovulation phase (5 to 12 days), ovulation phase (13 or 14 days) and post-ovulation phase (15 to 25 days) according to salivary arborization test and hormonal analysis. Estradiol and luteinizing hormone was gradually increased and attained peak at the level of 2.28 ± 0.20 pg/mL and 1.35 ± 0.41 mIU/mL respectively during the ovulation phase. The electrolytes result clearly indicates that the influx of common electrolytes is important for crystallization and help to induce clear ferning pattern in ovulation phase. Sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) were found to be high during ovulation phase only. Average salivary pH was 7.5, 7.1, and 7.3 during ovulation, pre- and post-ovulation phases respectively. Buffering capacity of saliva was normal during pre- and post- ovulation phases. In contrast, in ovulation phase the buffer capacity was slightly higher. At the first time, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed the ultra structure difference of saliva during menstrual cycle. During ovulation phase a compact network-shaped mesh was appeared; such structure was not appeared in pre- and post ovulation phases. Additionally, we observed the saliva is arrayed as a fine mosaic-like structure during ovulation. Based on physico-chemical properties and hormonal levels may lead to develop a detection kit/sensor for detecting the ovulation phase in human.

Differential gene expression in porcine oviduct during the oestrous cycle.

The oviduct undergoes changes under the influence of steroid hormones during the oestrous cycle. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying oviductal regulation are not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to identify the gene expression profile of the porcine oviduct in different stages of the cycle using microarray technology. A systematic study was performed on animals at four different stage: prepubertal gilts, and sows in the preovulatory, postovulatory and luteal phase of the oestrous cycle. The porcine oviduct expressed a total of 4929 genes. Moreover, significant differences in the expression of several genes were detected as the oestrous cycle progressed. Analysis of the differentially expressed genes indicated that a total of 86, 89 and 15 genes were upregulated in prepubertal gilts, preovulatory and luteal sows respectively compared with levels observed in postovulatory sows. Moreover, 80, 51 and 64 genes were downregulated in prepubertal, preovulatory and luteal animals respectively compared with the postovulatory sows. The concentrations of 10 selected transcripts were quantified by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to validate the cDNA array hybridisation data. Conversely, for some genes, localisation of corresponding protein expression in the oviduct was analysed by immunohistochemistry (i.e. cholecystokinin, glutathione peroxidase 2, mucin 1, phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein 4 and tachykinin 3) and mass spectrometry analysis of oviductal fluid allowed identification of peptides from all five proteins. The results of the present study demonstrate that gene expression in the porcine oviduct is clearly regulated during the oestrous cycle, with some oviductal proteins that could be related to several reproductive processes described here for the first time.

Study Gestation Length in Bitch in Relation to Mating Carried Out at Different Intervals and Progesterone Hormone Concentration Following Optimum Vaginal Cornification

A clinical study was designed to record the gestation length in bitches after mating at different intervals after the onset of peak vaginal cornification. All the bitches which were subjected to pregnancy diagnosis at 30 to 35 days after mating by abdominal palpation or ultrasonography examination. Animals which were found pregnant were selected for the study and were kept under observation till completion of pregnancy and duration of gestation was calculated as the interval from the day of first mating to the onset of whelping. Blood samples for estimation of serum progesterone concentration were obtained on the first day peak vaginal cornification and on which they were recommended to be mated. The serum progesterone concentration was also very low on the first day of peak vaginal cornification and serum progesterone concentration on day three was also suggestive of LH surge. However, on day five, the serum progesterone concentration was also very high and was indicative of post ovulatory phase. Gestation period is not significant in those animals which were bred on day one and three (66.80 ± 0.70) and on day three and five (65.80 ± 0.27a) but there is a significant difference between group I and II with group III (62.25 ±1.27b) it appears that the LH surge is likely to occur between days two and four after the onset of peak vaginal cornification.

Вплив тренувальних навантажень на психофізіологічні показники гандболісток у різні фази менструального циклу

Purpose: to carry out the analysis of results of the research of influence of training loads on psychophysiological indicators of handball players to different phases of the menstrual cycle. Material & Methods: the researches were conducted on the basis of the Zaporizhia handball women's teams of superleague (16 women of 16–19 years old); research methods: analysis of references, questioning, psychophysiological methods of the research, integrated assessment of functional state and methods of mathematical statistics. Results: results of own researches of functional and mental states, and also changes of effectiveness ratio of game actions at handball players of high qualification are presented to different phases of the menstrual cycle. Conclusions: the received results demonstrate that the best conditions for manifestation of functionality of organism of the studied sportswomen are the post-ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. The next period, in which handball players can carry out exercise stresses of a little smaller power, is the post-menstrual phase.

Age-dependent changes in inflammation and extracellular matrix in bovine oviduct epithelial cells during the post-ovulatory phase.

The mammalian oviduct is an essential site for sperm storage, the transport of gametes, fertilization, and embryo development-functions that are aided by cytokines secreted from oviduct epithelial cells (OECs). Aging leads to cellular and organ dysfunction, with infertility associated with advanced maternal age. Few studies have investigated age-dependent changes in the oviduct as a possible cause of infertility, so we compared OECs from young (30-50 months) versus aged (more than 120 months) cattle. Next-generation sequencing was first used to identify age-related differences in gene expression. Several proinflammatory-related genes (including IL1B, IL1A, IL17C, IL8, S100A8, S100A9, and TNFA) were activated in OECs from aged (more than 120 months) compare to young (30-50 months) individuals, whereas genes associated with extracellular matrix-related factors (COLs, POSTN, BGN, and LUM) were down-regulation in aged OECs. Indeed, IL1 B and IL8 abundance was higher in aged OECs than in young OECs. Young OECs also tended to proliferate faster, and the revolution frequency of young, ciliated OECs was higher than that of their aged counterparts. In contrast, aged OECs possessed more F-actin, an actin cytoskeleton marker associated with reduced elasticity, and contained high levels of reactive oxygen species, which are mediators of inflammation and senescence. These different functional characteristics of bovine OECs during the post-ovulatory phase support the emerging concept of "inflammaging," that is, age-dependent inflammation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 815-826, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in bovine oviducts is higher in the postovulatory phase than during the oestrus and luteal phase.

Whether macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the bovine oviduct is important for early embryogenesis has not been well substantiated. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that bovine oviduct expresses higher levels of MIF during the post-ovulation phase. Both ampullary and isthmic samples were collected from Japanese black heifers during oestrus (Day 0; n=5), postovulation (Day 3; n=6) and luteal phase (Days 9-12; n=5). MIF mRNA and protein were extracted from the ampullary and isthmic samples and their levels measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis respectively. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry was performed on frozen ampullary and isthmic sections using antibodies against MIF. MIF mRNA and protein expression was higher in the postovulatory phase than during oestrus and the luteal phase (P<0.05). Fluorescent immunohistochemistry confirmed that in all phases of the oestrous cycle evaluated, the primary site of MIF expression in the ampulla and isthmus was the tunica mucosa. In conclusion, the bovine ampulla and isthmus have higher MIF expression during the postovulatory phase. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of MIF in bovine oviducts.

Increased mRNA expression of selected antimicrobial peptides around ovulation and during inflammatory processes in the bovine endometrium postpartum

In the uterus, the first pathogen confrontations take place at the luminal endometrial epithelium. Therefore, it is required that these cells have the potential to recognize and respond to a bacterial infection. Antimicrobial peptides (AMP), part of the innate immune system in addition to cytokines, are principal effector molecules of mucosal immunity against pathogens. One important family of AMP that can permeabilize bacterial membranes is the beta-defensin (DEFB) family, which includes the following members: DEFB1, DEFB4A, and DEFB5, lingual AMP, and tracheal AMP. The bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein is also a cationic AMP that results in the death of bacteria. Another AMP family is the S100 calcium-binding protein (S100A) family including the following members: S100A8, S100A9, S100A11, and S100A12. These AMP exert their antimicrobial action through chelation of several ions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate mRNA expression patterns of selected AMP in bovine endometrial cells collected (1) at different stages of the estrous cycle (postovulatory, early-to-mid luteal, late luteal, and pre-ovulatory phase); (2) during the puerperium depending on uterine health status (healthy, subclinical, or clinical endometritis) starting on Day 24 to 30 postpartum for 3 weeks on a weekly basis; and (3) in vitro after co-culturing with Bacillus pumilus at three different multiplicities of infection (MOI 1, 5, and 10) up to 6 hours. The results reported that the mRNA expression of all candidate AMP, except DEFB1, S100A8, and S100A9, was estrous cycle dependent. In particular, around the time of ovulation, the transcription level of most AMP was higher (P < 0.05) compared with the luteal phase. Almost all candidate AMP mRNA expression was dependent on uterine health status, with a higher transcription level (P < 0.05) in inflamed endometrial tissues, especially during the late stage of the puerperium (Day 45–51 postpartum). Members of the DEFB family were nearly unaffected in their mRNA expression in primary endometrial cells co-incubated with B. pumilus. However, S100A8 and S100A9 mRNA contents were higher after 4 and 6 hours of co-incubation with B. pumilus compared with untreated controls. In conclusion, higher mRNA expression of the candidate AMP around ovulation or in inflamed endometrial tissue during the puerperium suggests their crucial role in uterine innate immunity in the defense against invading bacteria.

Variation in circulating antimüllerian hormone precursor during the periovulatory and acute postovulatory phases of the human ovarian cycle

To determine whether the relative quantity of circulating AMH precursor (proAMH) declines relative to levels of the active form (AMHN,C) in the periovulatory phase of the ovarian cycle. Longitudinal study. Local community. Sixteen women aged between 18 to 30years with regular menstrual cycles between 25 to 35days long. None. Serum concentrations of proAMH and total AMH (proAMH and AMHN,C combined) measured by immunoassay, with relative levels of proAMH expressed as the AMH prohormone index (API = [ProAMH]/[Total AMH] × 100). The mean API in the 11 eligible women fell from 20.7 during the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge period to 18.7 during the acute postsurge period. No statistically significant differences in the API were observed among samples taken at single time points in the early follicular, midfollicular, midluteal, and late luteal phases. This study suggests that activation of AMH by proteolytic enzymes is largely stable throughout the ovarian cycle. However, there is a subtle but robust decrease in the level of proAMH relative to AMHN,C in the acute postovulatory period. This may indicate that periovulatory increases in prohormone convertases cause increases in proAMH cleavage rates. Alternatively, rapid changes in the hierarchy of follicle developmental stages during ovulation may result in changes in the relative ratios of proAMH and AMHN,C.

Surgical Timing and the Menstrual Cycle Affect Wound Healing in Young Breast Reduction Patients.

Young female subjects are known to have the highest baseline menstrual hormone levels of any female age group. Studies have found an association between hormone levels and wound healing. This has been researched in the orthopedic, gynecologic, and dermatologic literature, and more recently, in young patients undergoing augmentation mammaplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the timing of surgery relative to the menstrual cycle plays a role in surgical complications following bilateral reduction mammaplasty. All female patients aged 25 years or younger with a documented last menstrual cycle undergoing a bilateral reduction mammaplasty from 2005 to 2013 were reviewed. Surgical timing and postoperative complications relative to the last menstrual cycle were recorded. The preovulatory phase referred to days 1 to 14 after the patient's last menstrual cycle, whereas the postovulatory phase referred to days 15 to 28. Forty-nine patients met inclusion criteria. Undergoing bilateral reduction mammaplasty during the postovulatory phase was associated with development of wound dehiscence and hypertrophic scarring (p < 0.005), which were the most common postoperative complications. Surgery in the preovulatory or postovulatory phase did not affect hematoma, seroma, wound infection, or nipple-areolar complex necrosis rates (p > 0.05). Age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, large resection mass, and medical comorbidities did not affect wound dehiscence or scar hypertrophy rates (p > 0.05). Young patients undergoing bilateral reduction mammaplasty during the postovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle have an increased risk of wound healing issues and poor scarring. This may be attributable to hormonal fluxes occurring during this phase and the already high hormone levels in this population.

Monitoring of ovarian activity by measurement of urinary excretion rates using the Ovarian Monitor, Part IV: the relationship of the pregnanediol glucuronide threshold to basal body temperature and cervical mucus as markers for the beginning of the post-ovulatory infertile period.

Do the basal body temperature (BBT) shift and the cervical mucus markers for the beginning of the post-ovulatory infertile phase (POIP) of a menstrual cycle agree with the corresponding urinary pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG) threshold value? Perfect agreement between the cervical mucus markers and BBT shift and the hormonal definition of the start of post-ovulatory infertility occurred for only 7-17% of the cycles. The PdG threshold of 7.0 µmol/24 h is an objective and accurate marker for the beginning of the POIP. The rise in serum progesterone also produces the BBT shift and changes in cervical mucus which determine the mucus peak. Serum progesterone and urinary PdG are closely correlated when variations in urine volume are taken into account. Individual menstrual cycle profiles of urinary PdG excretion rates for 91 fertile cycles from normally cycling women were analysed to identify the day of the beginning of the POIP. These days were compared with those determined by the day of the BBT shift +2 days, the day of the mucus peak +4 days and the later of these two indicators. The study lasted 3 years. A total of 62 women with normal menstrual cycles were recruited from three centres: Palmerston North, New Zealand; Sydney, Australia and Santiago, Chile. The cycles were displayed individually in a proprietary database program which recorded the PdG excretion rates, the BBT shift day and the cervical mucus peak day. A group of 15 women from a separate Chilean study had PdG urinary data measured as well as their day of ovulation determined by ultrasound. The BBT and cervical mucus markers differed significantly in their identification of the beginning of the POIP when compared with the PdG excretion rate of 7.0 µmol/24 h. The observation that the BBT shift day and the mucus peak day could be identified even though the PdG excretion rates were still at baseline levels in some cycles could lead to an unexpected pregnancy for women using these natural family planning (NFP) indicators. The study consisted only of fertile cycles from women with regular cycles of 20-40 days duration. All the women were intending to avoid a pregnancy during the study, thus the limits of the fertile window were not tested. The NFP signals occurring earlier than the PdG threshold day could lead to an unexpected pregnancy. The signals occurring on the same day or later than the PdG threshold would not lead to unexpected pregnancies, but would require extra abstinence that could lead to non-compliance with the NFP method. A possible improvement in reliability of NFP methods is suggested. This study (project #90905) was funded by the NDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP). D.G.C. currently works for a diagnostic development company, Science Haven Ltd. The other authors have nothing to declare.

Applying SWATH Mass Spectrometry to Investigate Human Cervicovaginal Fluid During the Menstrual Cycle.

Inherent interindividual and intraindividual variation in the length of the menstrual cycle limits the accuracy of predicting days of peak fertility. To improve detection of days of peak fertility, a more detailed understanding of longitudinal changes in cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) biomarkers during the normal menstrual cycle is needed. The aim of this study, therefore, was to characterize longitudinal changes in CVF proteins during the menstrual cycle using a quantitative, data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry approach. Six serial samples were collected from women (n = 10) during the menstrual cycle. Samples were obtained at two time points for each phase of the cycle: early and late preovulatory, ovulatory, and postovulatory. Information-dependent acquisition (IDA) of mass spectra from all individual CVF samples was initially performed and identified 278 total proteins. Samples were then pooled by time of collection (n = 6 pools) and analyzed using IDA and information-independent acquisition (Sequential Windowed Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectra [SWATH]). The IDA library generated contained 176 statistically significant protein identifications (P < 0.000158). The variation in the relative abundance of CVF proteins across the menstrual cycle was established by comparison with the SWATH profile against the IDA library. Using time-series, pooled samples obtained from 10 women, quantitative data were obtained by SWATH analysis for 43 CVF proteins. Of these proteins, 28 displayed significant variation in relative abundance during the menstrual cycle (assessed by ANOVA). Statistical significant changes in the relative expression of CVF proteins during preovulatory, ovulatory, and postovulatory phases of menstrual cycle were identified. The data obtained may be of utility not only in elucidating underlying physiological mechanisms but also as clinically useful biomarkers of fertility status.

Urine 3-hydroxykynurenine is higher during the postovulatory phase than in the preovulatory phase indicating a higher vitamin B6 requirement.

The relationship between l-tryptophan to nicotinamide metabolism and the menstrual cycle of Japanese women was investigated. Nine metabolism intermediates from urine samples collected during the preovulatory and postovulatory phases were measured. Only urine 3-hydroxykynurenine was higher in the postovulatory phase than in the preovulatory phase. This increase in 3-hydroxykynurenine suggests a decreased reaction of 3-hydroxykynurenine → 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid catalyzed by kynureninase, a vitamin B6 enzyme.

Treatment with human chorionic gonadotrophin before ovulation increases progestin concentration in early equine pregnancies

For prevention of early conceptus loss in the horse, treatment with progestins has become common practice. In cattle, treatment with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) during the early postovulatory phase stimulates endogenous progesterone synthesis, which is an important factor for maintenance of early pregnancy via stimulation of endometrial function and conceptus development. In the present study we have therefore investigated the influence of treatment with hCG either for induction of ovulation or during the early luteal phase on plasma progestin concentrations, size of the corpus luteum and size of the conceptus in early pregnant mares. We hypothesized that hCG treatment stimulates progestin secretion and conceptus development. In Experiment 1, induction of ovulation with hCG (1500IU i.v.; n=14) significantly increased progestin concentration between days 5 and 15 after ovulation compared to untreated controls (n=28; p<0.05; e.g. day 5 hCG i.v.: 17.2±1.9, control: 13.9±0.8ng/ml). A significant interaction (p<0.05) of hCG treatment with size of the conceptus between days 30 and 40 of pregnancy was detected. In Experiment 2, treatment of mares with hCG (5000IU) on day 5 after ovulation (n=12) did neither affect progestin secretion (e.g. day 8 hCG: 15.4±1.6, control: 17.6±1.2ng/ml) nor luteal tissue area (e.g. day 8 hCG: 9.0±0.7, control: 7.6±1.4cm2) compared to untreated mares (n=9). In conclusion, treatment of mares with hCG for induction of ovulation within 48h before ovulation but not on day 5 of the luteal phase stimulates progestin secretion and may enhance conceptus development via stimulation of endometrial function during early pregnancy.

Assessment of Reproductive Function in Southern African Spiny Mice (Acomys spinosissimus) using Faeces as Hormone Matrix

For spiny mice, detailed long-term data on reproductive endocrine function is lacking, as limited blood volumes make frequent collections of individual plasma samples for hormone monitoring impractical. To provide the necessary tools in order to fill this gap, this study examined the suitability of two enzyme immunoassays for monitoring male and female reproductive function in the southern African spiny mouse (Acomys spinosissimus) based on faecal hormone analysis. Fourteen non-pregnant and one pregnant female and 24 male spiny mice were wild-caught and subsequently monitored under controlled conditions. Thirteen of the 14 non-pregnant females revealed elevated faecal progestagen metabolite concentrations with eight individuals showing indications of a luteal phase. Two females showed two post-ovulatory luteal phases with estimated cycle lengths of 16 and 18 days, respectively. The pregnant female had an elevated (231%) mean faecal progestagen metabolite level compared with the overall mean baseline hormone concentration determined for the 14 non-pregnant females. Males exposed to a long photoperiod, simulating summer-related breeding activity, exhibited a 47.8% increase in faecal androgen metabolite levels compared with males exposed to a short photoperiod. Collectively, the data demonstrated that reproductive endocrine function can be monitored in male and female spiny mice by measuring respective faecal hormone metabolites.