Reproductive Hormone Profiles Research Articles

The effects of tualang honey on female reproductive organs, tibia bone and hormonal profile in ovariectomised rats - animal model for menopause

BackgroundHoney is a highly nutritional natural product that has been widely used in folk medicine for a number of therapeutic purposes. We evaluated whether Malaysian Tualang honey (AgroMas, Malaysia) was effective in reducing menopausal syndrome in ovariectomised female rats; an animal model for menopause.MethodsThe rats were divided into two control groups and three test groups. The control groups were sham-operated (SH) and ovariectomised (OVX) rats. The SH and OVX control rats were fed on 0.5 ml of distill water. The rats in the test groups were fed with low dose 0.2 g/kg (THL), medium dose, 1.0 g/kg (THM) and high dose 2.0 g/kg (THH) of Tualang honey in 0.5 ml of distill water. The administration was given by oral gavage once daily for 2 weeks. The reproductive organs (uterus and vagina), tibia bone and aorta were taken for histopathological examination while serum for hormonal assays.ResultsAdministration of Tualang honey for 2 weeks to ovariectomised rats significantly increased the weight of the uterus and the thickness of vaginal epithelium, restored the morphology of the tibia bones and reduced the body weight compared to rats in the ovariectomised group. The levels of estradiol and progesterone, in honey treated groups were markedly lower than that in the OVX group. At low doses (0.2 g/kg; THL group) of Tualang honey there was an increased in serum free testosterone levels compared to OVX group (P < 0.01). Progesterone concentrations was significantly decreased in the OVX group as compared to SHAM group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsTualang honey was shown to have beneficial effects on menopausal (ovariectomised) rats by preventing uterine atrophy, increased bone density and suppression of increased body weight. Honey could be an alternative to HRT.

The relationship of menopausal status and rapid menopausal transition with carotid intima-media thickness progression in women: a report from the Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study.

The onset of menopause has been associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk factors. However, little information is available about the rapidity of the menopausal transition and its relationship to the development of preclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our objective was to assess whether the rate of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) progression over time differs according to 1) menopausal status and 2) rapidity of the menopausal transition. We evaluated 203 community-based women aged 45-60 yr without previously diagnosed CVD who underwent three repeated measurements of cIMT as a measure of preclinical CVD over 3 yr. Menopausal status was ascertained at each visit based on menstrual cycle parameters and reproductive hormone profiles. Of these, 21 remained premenopausal, 51 transitioned, and 131 were postmenopausal throughout the observation period. Age-adjusted cIMT progression rates were similar among premenopausal, transitioning, and postmenopausal women. In the 51 transitioning women, age was not related to rate of cIMT progression. However, the rapidity of menopausal transition was related to cIMT progression: women transitioning from pre- to postmenopause within the 3-yr period had a higher rate of cIMT progression compared with women with a slower transition. Statistical adjustments for the significant covariates of systolic blood pressure, body mass index, race, cigarette smoking, or hormone therapy use did not alter the findings. Among healthy women undergoing repeated cIMT measurement, a more rapid menopausal transition was associated with a higher rate of preclinical CVD progression measured by cIMT. Further work is needed to explore potential mechanisms of this effect.

Fecal Steroid Profile of Female Javan Gibbons (Hylobates moloch) Maintained in Pairing-Typed Cage

Estrone conjugate (E 1 C) and pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG) were predominant steroid metabolites of estrogen and progesterone in feces of most primates and could be used to evaluate ovarian function. These metabolites were determined along with records of genital swelling throughout 3-4 months period from three female Javan Gibbons ( Hylobates moloch ) maintained in pairing-typed cage at Schmutzer Primate Center, Jakarta (Ullah) and at Taman Margasatwa Taman Sari, Bandung (Donna and Citah). Following methanolic extraction of lyophilized fecal powder, samples were analyzed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for E 1 C and PdG. In all of the three females observed, both hormone profiles did not indicate any regular cycle of ovarian function even though genital swellings were sometimes observed. In one female (Donna) the hormone patterns showed clear signs of cycle irregularities with extended luteal phase of 40 days and erratic pattern of follicular phase. Of the other two females, no ovarian cycle was found. The data indicate that the fecal steroids analysis is a practical and valuable diagnostic tool for providing reliable information on ovarian function in Javan Gibbon. Factors affected reproductive hormonal profile should be taken in consideration in trying to achieve success in captive breeding program for this species.

Plasma concentration of progesterone and 17β-estradiol of black-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) during the estrous cycle

Plasma concentration of progesterone and 17beta-estradiol of black-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) during the estrous cycle. The agouti is a game animal that have been raised in captivity for conservation and sustainability purposes. However, the management of wild animals in an intensive breeding system requires an assertive knowledge of its reproductive parameters, one of the most important features for production improvement. Besides, little information is available regarding changes in reproductive hormone profiles in agouti. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hormonal profile of progesterone and 17beta-estradiol during the estrous cycle of the agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha). The hormones were analyzed by radioimmunoassay. Blood samples were collected without sedation twice a week. The concentrations of progesterone were as follows: proestrus 0.78 +/- 0.39 ng/ml, estrus 2.83 +/- 2.34 ng/ml, metestrus 1.49 +/- 1.24 ng/ml, diestrus 3.71 +/- 1.48 ng/ml. In the estrous phase, an increase in the progesterone level was observed during a period of 24h. The average 17 beta-estradiol levels were as follows: proestrus 2 030.98 +/- 961.00 pg/ml, estrus 1 910.56 +/- 650.54 pg/ml, metestrus 1 724.83 +/- 767.28 pg/ml, diestrus 1 939.94 +/- 725.29 pg/ml. The current results suggest that the progesterone plasma concentration during the estrous cycle in the agouti has a similar increasing, stabilizing and decreasing pattern, as in domestic mammals. Agoutis have two phases of follicular development, as two periods of 17beta-estradiol peaks were observed, the first one in the metestrus and the second during the proestrus. Spontaneous ovulation seems to occur after the progesterone peak, possibly indicating that this hormone is associated with the ovulatory process. A more detailed investigation is needed for better understanding of how progesterone influences ovulation. Studies on the involvement of progesterone in follicular rupture can be carried out, using steroid biosynthesis inhibitors and observing the effect of this hormone on ovarian activity of proteolytic enzymes in the follicular wall.

Endocrine Characterization of the Reproductive Axis in Highly Prolific Lacaune Sheep Homozygous for the FecLL Mutation1

A prolific allele named FecL(L) is known to segregate in the meat breed of the French Lacaune sheep on the basis of ovulation rate record. To gain more knowledge about the physiological effects of FecL(L), ewes homozygous for FecL(L) (L/L) were compared to wild-type ewes (+/+) for ovarian phenotype and reproductive endocrine profiles. At the ovarian level, the increased ovulation rate in L/L ewes was associated with an increased number of antral follicles of greater than 3 mm and with preovulatory follicles being, on average, 1 mm smaller. Intrafollicular estradiol and testosterone concentrations were not significantly different between the two genotypes. In contrast, L/L large follicles (>or=6 mm) had lower intrafollicular progesterone concentration. At the molecular level, expressions of ovarian markers, such as CYP19A1, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, LHR, and INHA, were not significantly different between the two genotypes. In contrast, FSHR and STAR mRNA levels increased in granulosa cells from L/L ewes. Plasma concentrations of estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and progesterone measured across a synchronized estrous cycle revealed a significant increase in estradiol levels during the follicular phase, a precocious LH surge, and an increase in progesterone level during the luteal phase of L/L ewes compared to +/+ ewes. Circulating concentrations of FSH were not different between the two genotypes. The precocious LH surge was associated with an increase in frequency of LH pulsatility during the follicular phase. At the pituitary level, mRNA levels for LHB, FSHB, GNRHR, and ESR1 were not significantly different between the two genotypes. In contrast, ESR2 mRNA expression was decreased in L/L ewes compared to +/+ ewes. Based on ovarian phenotype and endocrine profiles, these findings suggest that the mutation in the FecL gene affects ovarian function in a different way compared to other known prolific mutations affecting the bone morphogenetic protein signaling system in the ovine species.

Sleep and the Endocrine Brain

Sleep and the Endocrine Brain

Reproductive Performance, Milk Composition, Blood Metabolites and Hormone Profiles of Lactating Sows Fed Diets with Different Cereal and Fat Sources

Different dietary cereal sources and fat types in the lactation diet were evaluated to investigate their effects on reproductive performance, milk composition, blood metabolites and hormones in multiparous sows. Twenty-four sows were randomly assigned to one of four treatments according to a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each treatment had 6 replicates comprising 1 sow. Two cereal (corn or wheat) and two fat (tallow or soybean oil) sources were used to prepare iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets. Sows fed corn-based diets lost less body weight (p = 0.003) and backfat thickness (p = 0.034), consumed more feed (p = 0.032) and had shorter wean-to-estrus interval (p = 0.016) than sows fed wheat-based diets. Fewer piglets and lower body weight of piglets (p 0.05) of dietary fat source and its interaction with dietary cereal source on sow body condition and reproductive performance were observed during lactation. Feeding of a corn-based diet improved (p<0.05) sow milk total solid, protein and fat, increased blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.032) and triglyceride (p = 0.018), and decreased blood creatinine (p = 0.011) concentration at weaning when compared with sows fed wheat-based diets. Sows fed corn-based diets had higher concentration of insulin (p = 0.048) and LH (p<0.05) at weaning than sows fed wheat-based diets. The results indicate that feeding corn-based diets to lactating sows improved sow body condition and reproductive performance compared with wheat-based diets regardless of fat sources.

Evaluation of semen variables, sperm chromosomal abnormalities and reproductive endocrine profile in patients with chronic hepatitis C

To evaluate reproductive endocrine profile, sperm chromosomal abnormalities, and semen quality in patients with chronic hepatitis C. In all, 82 patients with chronic hepatitis C, aged 18-60 years, were recruited for the study; 76 age-matched healthy male volunteers served as controls. All participants provided a medical history and had a complete physical examination and routine semen analysis. Two blood samples were drawn from each participant at 15-min intervals to determine the resting levels of luteinizing-hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, testosterone, oestradiol, and sex hormone-binding globulin. The hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis was assessed using the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) test. All participants also received an injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and serum testosterone was determined before the hCG injection and on the third day afterwards. Conventional karyotype analysis and triple-colour fluorescence in situ hybridization for chromosomes X, Y and 18 were conducted in all patients and controls. The mean basal serum levels for LH, FSH, and testosterone in patients with hepatitis C was significantly lower than the mean for normal controls (P = 0.01). The injection of GnRH analogue did not yield significantly higher FSH and LH levels in the patients than in normal controls (P = 0.001). In patients with chronic hepatitis C, the mean total sperm count, motility and normal morphology was significantly lower than in controls (P = 0.001). There was a significantly greater frequency of disomy in men with chronic hepatitis C than controls for chromosomes 18, X, and Y (P = 0.01). Patients with chronic hepatitis C are at risk of showing sperm chromosomal abnormalities, the incidence of which is higher in patients with more advanced disease. Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism is caused by the selective loss of pituitary gonadotrophin function. Further studies are needed to replicate our results.

Serum Levels of p,pʼ-DDE and Reproductive Hormone Profile in Male Greenhouse Workers of Morelos, Mexico

ISEE-0233 Background: Some evidence suggests that organochlorine pesticides (OC) have estrogenic, antiestrogenic and androgen-interfering properties, however the data regarding association between these compounds and hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis function are limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between OC exposure, as assessed by serum levels of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene (p,p'-DDE), and reproductive hormone profile in male greenhouse workers of Morelos, Mexico. Methods: During the period July-September 2004, we interviewed and collected blood and urine samples from 104 male greenhouse workers. The questionnaire included information on their socioeconomic characteristics, tobacco and alcohol use, presence of chronic and acute diseases, occupational history and anthropometry. Serum levels of p,p'-DDE were analyzed by gas chromatography. Serum samples were analyzed for FSH, LH, Testosterone, Estradiol, Inhibin B and Prolactin by enzymatic immunoassay. We also analyze urinary levels of dialkylphosphates (DAPs: dmp, dmtp, dmdtp dep, detp, dedtp) by gas chromatography. Associations between serum levels of p,p'-DDE and male reproductive hormones (transformed to their natural logarithm) were evaluated using multiple linear regression models. Results: After adjusting for potential confounders (age, body mass index and DAPs urinary levels), we found that p,p'-DDE levels were negatively associated with testosterone serum levels (β = −.000042, P = 0.000) and positively with inhibin B (β = .000120, P = 0.002). No association was observed between serum levels of p,p'-DDE and the other hormones. Conclusion: The results of this study show that there are significant differences in the male hormonal profile according to serum p,p'-DDE levels, and provides additional support for that OC exposure can affect hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis function in humans.

Association Between Organophosphates Pesticides Exposure and Reproductive Hormone Profile in Male Greenhouse Workers

ISEE-0484 Background and Objective: Organophosphates pesticides (OP) are considered endocrine disruptors because of their capacity to block or activate hormone receptors and/or alter hormone metabolism. The main objective was to assess the relationship between urinary DAP levels and hypophysary and male sexual hormones in Mexican greenhouse workers. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted from July 2004–May 2005. A total of 137 men (18 to 52 years old) agreed to participate in this study during the rainy season (July and October 2004) and 85 of them accepted during the dry season as well (December 2004–May 2005). A general questionnaire, blood and serum samples were taken a day after pesticide application. Urine dialkylphosphates (DAP) were analyzed by gas chromatography and serum FSH, LH, testosterone, estradiol, inhibin B and prolactin by enzymatic immunoassay. Serum levels of p,p'-DDE were analyzed by gas chromatography and serum PON1 activity towards phenylacetate, paraoxon and diazoxon were determined as described by Richter and Furlong 1999. Molar quantities (mmol/L) of dimethyl DAP and diethyl DAP were calculated. We used multivariate Generalized Estimated Equation (GEE) models to assess those associations adjusted by age, state of residence, body mass index, years working in greenhouses, paraoxonase and arylesterase activity, and p,p'-DDE levels. Results: The results of this study showed a positive association between urinary dimethyl DAP and serum FSH levels (β = 0.152; P = 0.001), prolactin (β = 0.115; P < 0.001) and a negative association with testosterone (β = –0.108; P = 0.01). A negative association was also observed between diethyl DAP and testosterone (β = –0.245 P = 0.001) and inhibin B (β= −0.297; P = 0.045) and a positive association with prolactin (β = 0.222; P < 0.001). No association was observed between urinary DAP levels and the remaining hormones. Conclusion: Organophosphate exposure do alter hypophysary and male hormonal profile independently of other well known endocrine disruptors such as p,p'- DDE.

Impact of bariatric surgery on female reproduction

To evaluate the current literature on the impact and potential mechanisms of surgical weight loss on female reproduction, with a focus on changes in reproductive hormone profile, fertility status, measures of ovarian reserve, efficacy of oral contraception, sexuality, and pregnancy. Appraisal of articles relevant to surgical weight loss and female reproduction. The altered reproductive hormone profile associated with morbid obesity seems to reverse, either partially or totally, after surgical weight loss. Although bariatric surgery seems to improve fertility status and many of the complications associated with obesity in pregnancy, it may be linked to oral contraceptive failure. Although müllerian-inhibiting substance is a direct measure of ovarian reserve, its level changes with obesity and after surgical weight loss. There is a decrease or no change in the risk of miscarriage after bariatric surgery. An improvement in sexual function may follow dramatic surgical weight reduction; however, the possibility of a detrimental influence afterward can occur. The increasing popularity of bariatric surgery in reproductive-age women calls for greater clinician awareness of its impact on female reproduction.

Efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 on Semen Parameters, Sperm Function and Reproductive Hormones in Infertile Men

We determined the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on semen parameters, sperm function and reproductive hormone profiles in infertile men. A total of 212 infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia were randomly assigned to receive 300 mg coenzyme Q10 (Kaneka, Osaka, Japan) orally daily (106 in group 1) or a similar placebo regimen (106 in group 2) during a 26-week period, followed by a 30-week treatment-free phase. Two semen analyses, acrosome reaction test, immunobead test for antisperm antibody, and determination of resting levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, testosterone and inhibin B were done in all participants. Blood and seminal plasma total coenzyme Q10 was also assessed. Significant improvement in sperm density and motility was evident with coenzyme Q10 therapy (each p = 0.01). Using the Kruger classification sperm morphology evaluation revealed an increase in the percent of normal forms in the coenzyme Q10 group (p = 0.07). A positive correlation was found between treatment duration with coenzyme Q10 and sperm count (r = 0.46, p = 0.03) as well as with sperm motility (r = 0.45, p = 0.04) and sperm morphology (r = 0.34, p = 0.04). The coenzyme Q10 group had a significant decrease in serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone at the 26-week treatment phase (each p = 0.03). By the end of the treatment phase the mean +/- SD acrosome reaction had increased from 14% +/- 8% and 15% +/- 8% to 31% +/- 11% and 16% +/- 10% in the coenzyme Q10 and placebo groups, respectively (p = 0.01). Coenzyme Q10 supplementation resulted in a statistically significant improvement in certain semen parameters. However, further studies are needed to draw a final conclusion and evaluate the effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on the pregnancy rate.

Effects of valproate or lamotrigine monotherapy on the reproductive endocrine and insulin-related metabolic profile in Chinese adults with epilepsy: A prospective randomized study

Cross-sectional studies have suggested that valproate treatment may be associated with hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenism in women. Few prospective data are available. We evaluated the reproductive endocrine and insulin-related metabolic parameters in men and women with untreated epilepsy randomized to valproate (n=44) or lamotrigine (n=37) monotherapy for 12 months. On treatment, there was no significant difference in fasting serum insulin concentrations between the two groups. In women (n=40), there was no significant difference between the two groups in change from baseline in serum total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, luteinizing hormone, or follicle-stimulating hormone. In men (n=41), follicle-stimulating hormone concentration significantly decreased in patients taking valproate compared with those on lamotrigine as early as 3 months after treatment. Greater attention should be paid to investigate the potential impact of valproate on reproductive function in men.

Do stress hormones suppress helper reproduction in the cooperatively breeding red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis)?

In the cooperatively breeding red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis), male helpers are subordinate to male breeders and do not mate with females, even when unrelated to the breeding female within their group or through extra-group matings, yet exhibit reproductive hormone profiles similar to those of breeders. We investigated whether reproduction might be suppressed in helper males via high levels of the stress hormone corticosterone. We also examined effects of group size and season on corticosterone levels by comparing baseline and maximal plasma levels of corticosterone between helper males and breeding males, and among helper males and breeders of both sexes living in groups of different sizes throughout the reproductive cycle. We also measured plasma levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone to examine other potential hormonal differences between helpers and breeders. Male status did not explain variation in any hormones; therefore, our data do not support the hypothesis that helper males are reproductively suppressed via corticosterone or the other hormones investigated. However, the presence of two or more helper males in a group tended to reduce baseline corticosterone in breeding and helper males, but not breeding females, suggesting that helper males reduce parental effort of other male group members. Seasonally, maximal corticosterone peaked during the nestling provisioning phase for breeding and helper males, but not breeder females, suggesting that males show an increased response to stressors posing a potential threat to survival of offspring.

Characterizing the reproductive hormone milieu in infertile women with diminished ovarian reserve

To elucidate the reproductive hormone profiles in association with a diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Prospective observational study. Academic tertiary care infertility practice. Eight regularly cycling infertile women diagnosed with DOR as the underlying contributor to infertility and 14 age-comparable healthy controls. Daily morning urine voids were collected during one menstrual cycle. Urinary excretion of gonadotropins (FSH, LH) and metabolites of estrogen (E; estrone conjugate) and P (pregnanediol 3 glucoronide) during an entire menstrual cycle in women with DOR and healthy controls. Women with DOR demonstrated significantly higher urinary FSH levels in the early follicular phase, exaggerated amplitudes, significantly protracted durations of LH, concomitant FSH surges, and significantly impaired luteal phase urinary excretions of estrone conjugate and pregnanediol 3 glucoronide compared with the controls. Women with DOR demonstrate reproductive hormone profiles that are distinct from age-comparable controls, share similarities with profiles previously described during menopause transition, as well as exhibit unique features not previously recognized in the context of reproductive aging.

33 REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF CLONED DOGS DERIVED FROM SOMATIC CELL NUCLEAR TRANSFER

Several cloned dogs have been successfully produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer. However, there is no investigation of its reproductive characteristics including changes of hormone and ovarian follicles in cloned dogs. Thus, this study was to examine the onset of puberty, follicular dynamics, and reproductive hormone profiles in cloned beagle dogs. Two female cloned beagles, derived from fetal fibroblasts, were compared to 2 individual age- and weight-matched female beagles produced by natural breeding. All dogs were examined twice weekly from 6 months for the presence of swelling of the vulva and serosanguineous vaginal discharge, which were used as markers of the onset of proestrus. From the first day of proestrus, jugular venous blood samples were collected twice a day for hormonal analysis. Also, from the day when progesterone concentration was &gt;1 ng mL–1 until 5 days after ovulation, blood sampling was carried out 3 times a day. Ultrasound examination of ovaries and uterus was performed daily from the onset of proestrous until 5th day post-ovulation. Cloned female dogs (332.5 ± 1.5 days) reached puberty later than controls (300 ± 8 days). The mean number of ovarian follicles was 4.5 ± 0.5 v. 6.5 ± 0.5 for clones and controls, respectively. The largest size of ovarian follicles in clones and controls detected by ultrasound were 0.6 ± 0.03 v. 0.69 ± 0.07 cm, respectively. It took 8 days from the initiation of vulvar bleeding to the LH peak in all beagles. Moreover, there were no differences in the profile of hormonal changes (LH, FSH, estradiol, and progesterone) in cloned and control beagles. These results demonstrate that cloned dogs have normal development of reproduction. This study was financially supported by the Korean MEST, through KOSEF (grant # M10625030005-08N250300510) and the BK21 program for Veterinary Science.

Seizure type, antiepileptic drugs, and reproductive endocrine dysfunction in Indian women with epilepsy: A cross‐sectional study

There is paucity of data regarding occurrence of reproductive endocrine disorders in Asian women with epilepsy (WWE) on antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy. To determine the occurrence of reproductive endocrine disorders in Indian WWE, by seizure type and the AED use. Consecutive 427 reproductive age WWE receiving various AEDs were screened for the occurrence of menstrual abnormalities, weight change, and hirsutism. Of these, 53 WWE with menstrual disturbances and/or hirsutism were further evaluated for ovarian morphology and reproductive hormonal profile. Menstrual abnormalities and/or hirsutism were observed in 83 of 427 (19.4%) WWE irrespective of epileptic seizure type; of these, 50 (60.2%) received valproate, 21 (25.3%) received carbamazepine, 11 (13.3%) received phenytoin, and one (1.2%) received phenobarbitone as the primary AED. Almost half of valproate-treated women had significant weight gain and obesity. Among 53 of 83 women evaluated further, 23.5% and 63.6% of valproate-treated women, 25% and 58.3% of carbamazepine-treated women, and none and 20% of phenytoin-treated women had polycystic ovaries (PCO) and hyperandrogenemia (HA), respectively. Valproate-treated women had significantly higher frequency of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) (11.8% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.0001) and mean serum testrosterone levels (1.78 vs. 1.36 ng/ml, p = 0.03), compared with women treated with other AEDs. Limitations include small number of women in antiepileptic subgroups and a high drop out rate in women who underwent ultrasound and endocrinological investigations. Menstrual abnormalities, weight gain, obesity, and PCOS are frequent and significantly higher in WWE receiving valproate, independent of seizure type.

HIV and the menopause

Dramatic improvement in the survival of the HIV population has occurred with the ascendance of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). In the foreseeable future, HIV-infected women who acquired disease during the peak years of the epidemic are expected to survive to experience menopause and even years beyond. The HIV epidemic may be viewed as 'mature', as its earlier victims become part of the geriatric population. Research about the process of menopause in HIV-infected women and, conversely, about HIV infection in women undergoing menopause is currently limited. Existing research suggests that the process of menopause is affected by HIV infection, inasmuch as infected women appear to experience menopause at an earlier age, with greater symptomatology, and with different reproductive hormone profiles compared with HIV-uninfected women. HIV infection also appears to affect bone mineral density, cardiovascular disease and cognition, with some age-related interactions. Lifestyle and demographic factors have pervasive importance for both HIV infection and the menopause in women. This article reviews the current state of knowledge about the menopausal process in HIV-infected women, and the common conditions in postmenopausal women that are likely to be affected by HIV infection. Clinicians should appreciate the potential role of HIV infection in caring for menopause-aged women.

Implementing artificial insemination as an effective tool for ex situ conservation of endangered avian species

Approximately 503 of the known species of birds are classified as ‘endangered’ or ‘critical’. Captive propagation programs have proven useful in maintaining genetic diversity and restoring wild populations of certain species, including the Peregrine falcon, California condor and Whooping crane. Artificial insemination (AI) has the potential of solving problems inherent to reproductive management of small, closed populations of endangered birds, including dealing with demographic instability, physical and behavioral disabilities, sexual incompatibility, lack of synchrony, and need to maintain gene diversity. In this review, we address the necessary methods and factors that allow AI to be applied effectively to manage rare bird populations. It is clear that semen availability and quality are the greatest limiting factors to implementing consistently successful AI for birds. Behavioral sensitivity to animal handling and the ability to minimize stress in individual birds also are keys to success. Multiple, deep vaginal inseminations can improve fertility, particularly when semen quality is marginal. Laparoscopic methods of semen transfer also have produced fertile eggs. All of these practices leading to successful AI remain dependent on having adequate basic knowledge on female reproductive status, copulatory behavior, endocrine profiles and duration of fertility, especially as related to oviposition. The overall greatest challenge and highest priority is defining these normative traits, which are highly species-specific.

Effects of endurance exercise on the reproductive system of men: The “exercise-hypogonadal male condition”

An increasing number of investigative research studies point to participation in endurance exercise training as having significant detrimental effects upon reproductive hormonal profiles in men. Specifically, men chronically exposed to this type of exercise training exhibit persistently reduced basal (resting-state) free and total testosterone concentrations without concurrent LH elevations. Men displaying these symptoms have been deemed to exhibit the "exercise-hypogonadal male condition". The exact physiological mechanism inducing the reduction of testosterone in these men is currently unclear, but is postulated to be a dysfunction (or perhaps a readjustment) within the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular regulatory axis. The potential exists for the reduced testosterone concentrations within exercise-hypogonadal men to be disruptive and detrimental to some anabolic-androgenic testosterone- dependent physiological processes. Findings on this point are limited, but do suggest spermatogenesis problems may exist in some cases. Alternatively, reductions in circulating testosterone concentrations could have cardiovascular protective effects and thus be beneficial to the health of these men. Present evidence suggests the exercise-hypogonadal condition is limited to men who have been persistently involved in chronic endurance exercise training for an extended period time (i.e., years), and it is not a highly prevalent occurrence (although, a thorough epidemiological investigation on the topic is lacking in the literature). Many questions regarding the male reproductive endocrine adaptive process to exercise training still remain unanswered, necessitating the need for much further investigation on the topic, especially with respect to the exercise-hypogonadal condition.