Reduction In Follicle-stimulating Hormone Research Articles

Betulinic acid protects against ovarian impairment by decreasing F-2 toxin-induced oxidative stress and inflammation associated with the downregulation of p38 expression in mice

F-2 toxin is an estrogenic mycotoxin that causes reproductive disorders in animals. Betulinic acid (BA) is a natural pentacyclic lupane-structure triterpenoid that has diverse pharmacological activities. In this study, the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of BA and its underlying mechanism are explored in F-2 toxin-triggered mouse ovarian damage. We found that BA alleviated the F-2 toxin-induced ovarian impairment by stimulating follicle growth, reducing inflammatory cell infiltration, repairing damaged mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Simultaneously, BA not only reversed F-2 toxin-induced reduction of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in the serum, but also restrained the protein expression of the estrogen receptors α (ERα) and ERβ. Moreover, BA restored the balance of F-2 toxin-induced ovarian redox system disorders. Subsequently, we found that 0.25 mg/kg BA played an anti-inflammatory role in the F-2 toxin-induced ovarian impairment by decreasing interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA expression, as well as inhibiting p38 protein expression. These data demonstrated that BA exerts its protective effect on F-2 toxin-induced ovarian oxidative impairment and inflammation by inhibiting p38 expression, which implies a natural product-based medicine to ameliorate F-2 toxin-caused female reproductive toxicity and provides a detoxifying method for food contaminated by mycotoxin.

#98 : Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Administration’s Efficacy in Patients with Low Ovarian Reserve: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Aims: Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a novel therapeutic approach has been utilized in multiple aspects of medicine because it contains stem cells and growth factors. There is still controversy over the effectiveness of this strategy in managing infertile women with low ovarian reserve due to the lack of evidence-based studies. This study aimed to systematically investigate and meta-analyze the best available evidence from clinical trials evaluating the impact of autologous platelet-rich plasma on low ovarian reserve. Methods: Systematic searches in electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar use relevant search terms. We included infertile women with low ovarian reserve in single-arm clinical trials. Ovarian reserve parameters were measured before and after PRP injection into the ovaries. Data were extracted from each eligible study, then pooled (meta-analysis). The risk of bias (RoB) was evaluated using RoB 2 assessment tools. Results: Three hundred and one articles were collected and excluded, leaving six eligible studies, then classified into two subgroups: poor ovarian response (POR) and primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Following PRP injection, infertile women showed an improvement in ovarian reserve. There was a significant increase in anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level (MD = 0.12, 95% CI [0.005; 0.23], I2=99%, subgroup differences p=0.33), a significant increase in antral follicle count (AFC) (MD = 1.88, 95% CI [0.86; 2.89], I2=93%, subgroup differences p=0.67), with a non-significant reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level (MD = 0.32, 95% CI [0.18; 0.46], I2=94%, subgroup differences p=0.02). According to the RoB’s assessment, the original research studies’ overall quality was a low risk of bias. Conclusions: Autologous platelet-rich plasma may increase AMH and AFC, but not FSH. Although it was discovered beneficial in enhancing ovarian reserve and effective for ovarian rejuvenation, further research with a large number of samples and strong evidence is still required.

Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Review of Susceptibility to Type 2 Diabetes.

The polycystic ovarian syndrome affects many women today. Previous research has demonstrated a direct link between it and serious ailments such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and infertility. Originally thought to be a reproductive disorder, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is now understood to be a metabolic and psychological disorder. Women of reproductive age suffering from PCOS undergo hormonal imbalances in which progesterone, insulin, and testosterone are produced in excess. PCOS exhibits a variety of characteristics as well as a heterogeneity of symptoms, including acne, hirsutism, androgenic alopecia, irregular menstruation, infertility, obesity, and mood disorders like despair and anxiety. Chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and an elevated threat of coronary artery disease are some of its defining characteristics. PCOS develops due to interacting genetic and environmental factors. From a gynaecological curiosity, it grew into a multisystem endocrinopathy. It is fascinating to learn how hormonal issues result in gynaecological problems. Insulin resistance, compensatory hyperinsulinism, and an increase in ovarian androgenic hyperresponsiveness to circulating insulin are all directly related to hyperandrogenism and anovulation. Independent of weight, insulin resistance is more common with PCOS and plays a crucial role in the syndrome's metabolic and reproductive complications. Anovulation, polycystic ovaries, and elevated luteinizing hormones, which increase circulating androgen, are all caused by a reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone. High androgen levels cause hyperinsulinemia, which leads cells to become insulin resistant and makes PCOS patients more likely to develop diabetes mellitus. Later research established that women with polycystic ovarian shape and persistent anovulation are the only ones susceptible to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is thus a distinct characteristic of the condition. The purpose of this review paper is to investigate how PCOS ultimately results in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Ameliorative effect of fractionated low-dose gamma radiation in combination with ellagic acid on nicotine-induced hormonal changes and testicular toxicity in rats.

Nicotine is an active pharmacological ingredient in cigarette smoke, which may negatively influence the male reproductive system and fertility. This study aims to investigate the effect of fractionated low-dose radiation (fractionated-LDR) and/or ellagic acid (EA) on nicotine-induced hormonal changes and testicular toxicity in rats. Nicotine was administrated orally (1mg/kg) for 30days, afterward, rats were treated with LDR (2 × 0.25Gy/1-week interval), EA (10mg/kg, 14 consecutive days p.o.), or a combination of both fractionated-LDR and EA. Rats were sacrificed 24h after the last dose of treatment, then testes were dissected for histopathology examination, along with some biochemical parameters in serum and testicular tissue were evaluated. Nicotine-induced oxidative stress was evidenced by an increase in testicular thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and a decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Additionally, the activities of testicular androgenic enzymes were decreased, and the activity of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was significantly increased. The hormonal changes were verified by a noticeable reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone serum levels. Histological evaluation revealed that the testicular seminiferous tubules structure was distorted. On the contrary, fractionated-LDR plus EA attenuated the negative changes caused by nicotine observed through biochemical and histological findings. Accordingly, the exposure to fractionated-LDR combined with EA may be a promising candidate for treating hormonal changes and testicular toxicity caused by nicotine.

Premature ovarian failure of autoimmune etiology in 46XX patients: is there a hope?

To evaluate the efficacy of live bee stings at fertility points and acupuncture in treating symptoms and managing infertility in premature ovarian failure (POF) of autoimmune etiology. Patients with primary POF were allocated randomly into two groups: group I: subjected to acupuncture at specific fertility points and group II: subjected to live bee stings at sites of fertility points. A total of 24 cases show significant reduction of Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level to normal range with gradual decline over the study duration: 13 cases in group I and 11 cases in group II. Eight cases got pregnant while the other 13 cases regained normal menses but still infertile. Both bee sting therapy and acupuncture were effective in reduction of FSH levels with restoration of regular menstrual patterns and restoration of fertility. The bee sting therapy was superior in the pregnancy rate, while acupuncture was superior in alleviation of symptoms.

Histological and hormonal studies of calabash chalk on ovarian function in adult female wistar rats

Abstract Introduction: Calabash chalk is a naturally occurring mineral, chiefly composed of fossilized sea shells. It is prepared from clay and mud mixed with other ingredients, including lead, arsenic, sand and wood ash. Clay consumption is correlated with pregnancy, and also to eliminate morning sickness in women. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of calabash chalk on the ovarian function in adult female Wistar rats. Methods: Eighteen (18) adult female Wistar rats. Group A served as the control group, group B received 40 mg/kg body weight of Non-salted calabash chalk while group C received 40 mg/kg body weight of Salted calabash chalk for 14 days. On day 15, the animals were sacrificed for histological and biochemical examination. Results: Results showed a significant (P< 0.05) reduction in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels of the treatment groups when compared with the control group and an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels of the treatment groups when compared with the control group. Histological examination of the ovaries showed severe deterioration of the ovarian follicles, necrosis and follicular atresia. Conclusion: Calabash chalk is toxic to ovarian function. These alterations have been shown to be the leading cause ofinfertility in female rats. Hence, proper monitoring, education, and regulation of the product is needed.

Antimalarial Therapies and Infertility:A Comprehensive Review

Apart from other factors associated with infertility, scientific literatures had shown that synthetic and herbal antimalarial agents are also associated with reproductive disorders. However, there is paucity of review update on the reproductive toxicity posed by these antimalarial agents. With the aid of the internet data base, relevant literatures on this subjects matter were reviewed in this evaluation. Among the synthetic and herbal antimalarials investigated, Quinine, Piperaquine phosphate, Chloroquine, Proguanil, halofantrine hydrochloride, Pyrimethamine, Arthemeter- Lumefantrine, ACTs (artesunate), Artemether, Azadirachta indica (Neem), Phyllanthus amarus, Alstonia boonei , except (sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine), were associated with diverse reproductive toxicities. Proposed mechanisms of such toxicities include; reduction in follicle stimulating hormone, leuteinizing hormone and testosterone levels, impairments in sperm parameters, antifolate (Pyrimethamine) activity, anti-androgenic activity, distortion of the blood-testis barrier formed by the sertoli cells and increase reactive oxygen species (ROS). On this basis, antimalarial therapies (synthetic and medicinal plants) should be used with caution, especially during pregnancy. Also, reproductive toxicities of new antimalarial drugs being launched into the marked should be screened to ascertain their safety.

Follicle‐stimulating hormone is associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in Chinese women over 55 years old

Obesity and diabetes are related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A reduction in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is associated with obesity and diabetes in postmenopausal women. Thus, we aim to investigate whether FSH is associated with NAFLD in women over 55 who were postmenopausal with a high probability. Our data were obtained from the 2014 Survey on Prevalence in East China for Metabolic Diseases and Risk Factors. A total of 1635 women at the age of 55-89 years were selected. The degrees of fatty liver were categorized into mild and moderate-severe hepatic steatosis groups by ultrasonography. FSH and other sex hormones were measured by chemiluminescence. A total of 366 (22.4%) and 417 (25.5%) women had mild and moderate-severe hepatic steatosis, respectively. FSH was negatively correlated with waist circumference, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and other metabolic factors (all P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, estradiol, and total testosterone, increased quartiles of FSH were associated with significantly decreased odds ratios of mild and moderate-severe groups (both P for trends <0.05). After further adjustment for waist circumference and HOMA-IR, FSH was no longer associated with mild hepatic steatosis. The association of FSH with moderate-severe hepatic steatosis was attenuated by waist circumference and HOMA-IR but persisted in the fully adjusted model (P for trend <0.01). Follicle-stimulating hormone was negatively associated with NAFLD in women over 55 years old. Adiposity and insulin resistance explained most of the association of mild hepatic steatosis and partially explained the association of moderate-severe hepatic steatosis with FSH.

Effects of growth hormone and low dose estrogen on bone growth and turnover in long bones of hypophysectomized rats.

Pituitary hormones are recognized as critical to longitudinal growth, but their role in the radial growth of bone and in maintaining cancellous bone balance are less clear. This investigation examines the histomorphometric effects of hypophysectomy (Hx) and ovariectomy (OVX) and the subsequent replacement of growth hormone (GH) and estrogen (E), in order to determine the effects and possible interactions between these two hormones on cortical and cancellous bone growth and turnover. The replacement of estrogen is of interest since Hx results in both pituitary and gonadal hormone insufficiencies, with the latter being caused by the Hx-associated reduction in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). All hypophysectomized animals received daily supplements of hydrocortisone (500 microg/kg) and L-thyroxine (10 microg/kg), whereas intact animals received daily saline injections. One week following surgery, hypophysectomized animals received either daily injections of low-dose 17 beta-estradiol (4.8 microg/kg s.c.), 3 X/d recombinant human GH (2 U/kg s.c.), both, or saline for a period of two weeks. Flurochromes were administered at weekly intervals to label bone matrix undergoing mineralization. Whereas Hx resulted in reductions in body weight, uterine weight, and tibial length, OVX significantly increased body weight and tibial length, while reducing uterine weight. The combination of OVX and Hx resulted in values similar to Hx alone. Treatment with GH normalized body weight and bone length, while not affecting uterine weight in hypophysectomized animals. Estrogen increased uterine weight, while not impacting longitudinal bone growth and reduced body weight. Hypophysectomy diminished tibial cortical bone area through reductions in both mineral appositional rate (MAR) and bone formation rate (BFR). While E had no effect, GH increased both MAR and BFR, though not to sham-operated (control) levels. Hypophysectomy reduced proximal tibial trabecular number and cancellous bone area, and increased trabecular separation. Both GH and E reduced cancellous osteopenia, although employing different mechanisms. GH reduced the decrease in trabecular thickness, whereas E reduced the decrease in trabecular number and the increase in trabecular separation. Hypophysectomy reduced both Tb.MAR and Tb.BFR while treatment with GH enhanced them. This investigation has shown that Hx and GH have a dramatic impact on selected static and dynamic indices of rat cortical and cancellous histomorphometry. Furthermore, the mechanisms of action of GH and E differ, and suggest that some of the skeletal changes associated with Hx are caused by deficiencies in estrogen as well as deficiencies in growth hormone.

Injectable contraception with depot medroxyprogesterone acetate. Current status.

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) the only injectable contraception approved in the United States in 1992 is used by 8-9 million women in more than 90 countries. DMPA inhibits ovulation by the reduction of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) plasma levels. The contraceptive efficacy of the usual dosage of 150 mg every 3 months is extremely high. In a World Health Organization-sponsored multi-center study no pregnancies were reported among 607 women (452 patient-years) using this regimen. Other trials have reported failure rates ranging from zero to 0.7% of women experiencing an accidental pregnancy during 1 year of use. The typical failure rate has been estimated as 0.3% which is comparable to the contraceptive efficacy of subdermal implants or tubal sterilization. Use of 300 mg every 6 months is associated with a higher failure rate of 2.3%. Following injection of 150 mg ovulation does not occur for at least 14 weeks. DMPA should be initiated within 5 days of delivery and the first Depo-Provera injection should be deferred until 6 weeks postpartum in nursing women. Episodes of irregular bleeding and spotting lasting 7 days are frequent during the first months of use. About 50% of women using DMPA for 1 year have amenorrhea. Women with diabetes should be monitored while using DMPA; but use of DMPA was not associated with significant changes in coagulation parameters. A 1979 WHO study found no increased risk of breast cancer in users on the other hand it markedly reduced the risk of endometrial cancer for 8 years following discontinuation. Bone density in 30 women who had used DMPA for 5 years was lower than in non-users although osteoporosis was not evident. Almost 70% of DMPA former users conceived within 12 months after discontinuation. Headache dizziness abdominal bloating mood changes alopecia and weight gain may occur in DMPA users. DMPA is particularly suitable for women with hemoglobinopathy. DMPA is safe and effective in appropriately selected patients.

On the mechanism of the antitumor effect of thio-tepacombined with estrogens in rat mammary cancer

Treatment of rats with inoculated cancer of the mammary glands (RMK-1) by means of Thio-Tepa (2 mg/kg daily) in combination with hexoestrol (0.2 mg daily) intensified the antiblastic effect, provoked a marked reduction of the follicle-stimulating hormone level in the hypophysis and changes in the ovaries, indicating a reduction of follicle-stimulating hormone in the organism. The mechanism of enhanced antiblastic effect produced by a combination of Thio-Tepa with estrogens in cancer of the mammary gland is associated with a greater depression by estrogens of the follicle-stimulating hypophysis hormone production as one of the hormones determining the proliferative processes in the mammary gland tissue. The data obtained indicate a possibility of a combined chemo- and hormone-therapy, in which the chemopreparations may be used in combination with hormones not only as inhibitors of the tumor growths, but also as stimulants of their growth.