Changes In Reproductive Hormones Research Articles

Chlorantraniliprole (Coragen® 20% SC) exposure induced reproductive toxicity mediated by oxidative stress, apoptosis, and sperm quality deficient in male Wistar rats.

Pesticides can adversely affect reproduction by causing congenital abnormalities, fetal demise, and infertility. The reproductive toxicity of coragen, a modified ryanodine receptor-targeting insecticide with chlorantraniliprole concentrations of 20%, was examined in male rats. Twenty-one healthy male rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the control group, two orally administered with low (500mg/kg) and high (1000mg/kg) doses of coragen for 8weeks. Exposure to coragen resulted in significant, dose-dependent changes in male reproductive hormones, steroidogenic enzymes, and an imbalance in the oxidant-antioxidant system. The treated groups revealed significantly higher lipid peroxidation levels than the control group. The effects were accompanied by damage to testicular tissue, modified testicular lactate dehydrogenase, reduced sperm motility and viability, and heightened sperm abnormalities. Elevated levels of pro-apoptotic proteins (caspase-3 and Bax) and decreased levels of anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2) provided evidence of apoptosis in both treatment groups. Moreover, coragen induced substantial DNA damage in the testicular tissue. The results indicate that the reproductive impairment caused by coragen may be ascribed to oxidative stress, hormonal disturbance, apoptosis, and damage to testicular DNA and finally might result in infertility and compromised reproductive function.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Female Reproductive Aging.

Female reproductive aging often affects women's emotional, physical, and physiological well-being. Ovarian aging is characterized by fluctuations in reproductive hormones and determines the age at which menopause occurs. Understanding potentially modifiable factors that influence this process is essential for addressing health disparities, improving quality of life, and informing relevant public health strategies. This review synthesizes in vivo, in vitro, and epidemiological findings about the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), specifically heavy metals and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on female reproductive aging. Most in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that heavy metals alter ovarian morphology, folliculogenesis, and steroidogenesis. Evidence regarding the effects of PFAS is limited and inconsistent. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that heavy metals are associated with a higher risk of diminished ovarian reserve (indicated by decreased anti-Müllerian hormone) and earlier menopause, with limited findings regarding reproductive hormone changes. PFAS exposure has been associated with decreased estradiol and earlier menopause but not significantly with ovarian reserve. Gaps in the literature require more comprehensive epidemiological research on the effects of EDCs on female reproductive aging, including ovarian reserve, age at menopause, and vasomotor symptoms, to inform future interventions to reduce hazardous exposures and improve women's health.

Sleep disturbance and menopause.

Sleep problems are among the most prevalent and bothersome symptoms of menopause. This review characterizes menopausal sleep disturbances, describes biopsychosocial predictors, and summarizes the evidence supporting pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment options. Recent studies found that sleep changes are early indicators of perimenopause and sought to disentangle the respective impacts of menopausal status, hot flashes (HFs), and changes in reproductive hormones on peri-/postmenopausal sleep problems. Both HFs and reproductive hormones predicted sleep problems, but neither solely accounted for the myriad changes in sleep, thus highlighting the contribution of additional biopsychosocial risk factors. Inconsistencies across studies were likely due to differences in study design and methodology, participants' menopausal stage, and the presence of sleep complaints. Recent studies support the use of psychological (cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia) and pharmacological (e.g., neurokinin B antagonists) treatments in addition to hormone therapy. Sleep problems are common and of critical import to women during the menopausal transition, significantly influencing treatment preferences and satisfaction. Thus, sleep problems should be routinely assessed from a biopsychosocial perspective and treated with evidence-based interventions throughout menopause. Treatment selection should be based on diagnosis and careful assessment.

A novel method for estrous cycle staging using supervised object detection

The estrous cycle regulates reproductive events and hormone changes in female mammals and is analogous to the menstrual cycle in humans. Monitoring this cycle is necessary as it serves as a biomarker for overall health and is crucial for interpreting study results. The estrous cycle comprises four stages influenced by fluctuating levels of hormones, mainly estradiol and progesterone. Tracking the cycle traditionally relies on vaginal cytology, which categorizes stages based on three epithelial cell concentrations. However, this method has limitations, including time-consuming training and variability among researchers. This study assesses the feasibility and reliability of two previous image classification models as well as introducing an alternative method of machine learning to address the challenges posed by manual vaginal cytology and image classification. An object detection-based machine learning model, Object Detection Estrous Staging (ODES), was employed to identify cell types throughout the estrous cycle in mice. A dataset of 730 vaginal cytology images with four different stains was used, with 335 images for training, 45 for validation, and 350 for testing. A novel, accurate set of rules for classification was derived by analyzing training images. ODES achieved an average accuracy of 80% in classifying cycle stages, comparable to human accuracy (66%) and previous image classification models (41–79%). The efficiency of ODES, processing 100 test images in just 2.67 minutes, makes it a valuable tool for large-scale neuropsychiatric studies involving female rodents and also encourages the integration of this variable into neurological and psychiatric research. These results demonstrate that ODES offers a fast, reliable, and accessible method for estrous cycle monitoring, potentially improving how researchers approach sex-based variables in neuropsychiatric studies.

The effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on anthropometric, hormonal, metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers in pre-and post-menopausal women: a prospective cohort of Saudi women.

The menopausal transition significantly affects cardiometabolic health, primarily due to changes in reproductive hormones, particularly decreased estrogen levels and relative androgen excess. Adult Muslim women, both pre-and post-menopausal, are mandated to observe Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) every year. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate RIF's effects on pre-menopausal (PRE-M) and post-menopausal (POST-M) healthy women's cardiometabolic health markers. This study further evaluated the relationship between tested markers and the participant's basic variables, such as BMI and body fatness. Due to differences in physiological and metabolic biomarkers between groups, RIF is likely to impact PRE-M and POST-M women differently. This study included 62 healthy women (31 PRE-M, aged 21-42 years, and 31 POST-M, aged 43-68 years) who observed RIF. Anthropometrics, sex hormones, lipid profile, pro-inflammatory (TNF-α), anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines, the oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and aging biomarker insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1); all were tested 1 week before and at the fourth week of Ramadan. Body weight, BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage (BFP), fat mass, fat mass index, triglycerides, and diastolic blood pressure significantly (p < 0.05) decreased at the end of Ramadan in both groups in comparison to the pre-fasting period. Contrarily, HDL, SOD, GPx, and IL-10 significantly (p < 0.05) increased in both groups. Estrogen levels significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in PRE-M women, whereas significantly (p < 0.05) increased in POST-M women. The progesterone levels, TAC, MDA, and IGF-1 remained unchanged in both groups. TNF-α significantly decreased in both groups, but the magnitude of reduction was higher in PRE-M women. Sex hormones and some metabolic biomarkers, especially in POST-M women, variably exhibited positive or negative relationships to BMI and BFP. RIF may influence the levels of estrogen, TNF-α, and IL-10 through improvements in metabolic health, reductions in body fat, activation of autophagy, modulation of immune responses, and changes in hormonal regulation. The RIF was generally associated with improved anthropometric, metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers in both PRE-M and POST-M healthy women. Adhering to healthy dietary and lifestyle guidelines by pre-and post-menopausal women during Ramadan may foster the health benefits gained.

Testicular histopathology and its association with germ cell numbers, serum concentrations of reproductive hormones, and semen quality.

It is well-established that spermatogenesis, semen quality, and reproductive hormones are interlinked. It is, however, less well-described how various specific testicular histopathologies are linked to reproductive hormones and semen quality. To describe the detailed relationship between specific testicular histopathologies and the serum concentrations of reproductive hormones and semen quality. Descriptive histological patterns on testicular biopsies from 4245 patients referred for andrological workup in our clinic between 1990 and 2022 were grouped according to a published histological coding system: (1) complete spermatogenesis (completeSPG, n=3171), (2) reduced spermatogenesis (reducedSPG, n=657), (3) heterogeneous (hetArrest, n=226), and (4) homogeneous (homArrest, n=191) spermatogenic arrest at the spermatocyte or spermatid stage. As a proxy for the number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids, immunohistochemical staining for MAGE-A4, PIWIL1, and TNP1 were quantified on a representative set of biopsies (n=100). Serum concentrations of FSH, LH, T, SHBG, and inhibin B (n=1813) and semen parameters (n=833) were available. Compared with the completeSPG group, the number of spermatogonia was only reduced in the hetArrest group, while the number of spermatocytes and spermatids were lower in all groups. All groups had significantly higher FSH and LH and lower T, free T, and inhibin B concentrations when compared with the completeSPG group, except for the homArrest group, where inhibin B was unaffected. The hetArrest group had the lowest number of germ cells, the most pronounced change in reproductive hormones, and the lowest sperm counts. We found a strong correlation between the number of germ cells present and the corresponding serum concentrations of FSH, LH, T, and inhibin B. A histopathological pattern of heterogeneous spermatogenic arrest is associated with a more severe phenotype than a pattern of homogeneous arrest, and the group with reduced spermatogenesis showed the mildest phenotype.

Developing an educational resource for people experiencing eating disorders during the menopause transition: A qualitative co-design study

BackgroundThe pronounced changes in reproductive hormones, such as oestradiol and progesterone, that occur during the menopause transition can contribute to increased risk of eating disorder onset or exacerbate a pre-existing eating disorder. Despite this heightened risk, there is a lack of available education and support that takes into consideration the unique challenges of experiencing an eating disorder during the menopause transition. This research aimed to qualitatively explore the perspectives of people with a lived experience of an eating disorder during the menopause transition, and to co-design a support option that addressed their unmet needs.MethodsA Double Diamond co-design process was followed involving four phases: discover, define, develop, and deliver. Seventeen women in Australia with a lived experience of an eating disorder during the menopause transition participated in online workshops across the four phases to identify their unmet health educational needs in experiencing an eating disorder during this transition, develop potential solutions and ultimately deliver a prototype solution in the final phase. All online workshops were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. The findings from the previous phase informed the next leading to the prototype creation.ResultsQualitative thematic analysis identified six major themes across the four phases; lack of awareness of the intersection of menopause and eating disorders, lack of education, limited and stigmatising services, learning from lived experience, resource impact and resource development.ConclusionsFindings from this study provided preliminary acceptability of a novel online resource to address the unmet educational needs of people experiencing an eating disorder during the menopause transition. Overall positive feedback on the potential for the resource to improve knowledge and empower treatment-seeking was provided by women with lived experience.

BS O02 - Impact of Bariatric surgery on Obesity Indices and Reproductive Hormones: A Prospective Study in Morbidly Obese Women

Abstract Background Obesity, defined by a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher, is influenced by genetics, socio-economic, and cultural factors. Genetic predispositions affect metabolism and energy regulation, while environmental factors like sedentary lifestyles and poor food environments worsen obesity. Obesity disrupts hormonal balances, impacting sex hormone levels and menstrual cycles, leading to infertility in women. This hormonal imbalance affects oocyte quality and ovulation. Bariatric surgery offers significant weight loss and metabolic improvements, enhancing reproductive hormone profiles and insulin sensitivity. Our study explores how sleeve gastrectomy affects BMI and hormone levels, aiming to understand its impact on obesity management and reproductive health. Method This prospective observational study examines the effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on reproductive hormones and ovarian function in 32 morbidly obese women, adhering to Helsinki Declaration ethics. Participants, aged 18-50 with no menopause or chronic illness, consented to the study. Exclusions included those with polycystic ovary syndrome, recent reproductive organ surgery, or recent infertility medications. The study assessed changes in BMI, antral follicles, anti-Müllerian hormone, and reproductive hormones before surgery and at 6 and 12 months post-surgery. Blood samples and transvaginal ultrasounds were conducted preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively to monitor outcomes. Results The study involved participants with an average age of 33 and a mean BMI of 42.12. Significant changes were observed post-sleeve gastrectomy at 6 and 12 months (p &amp;lt; 0.001). At 6 months, BMI decreased by 9.24 units, AMH levels dropped from 3 to 2.5 ng/mL, and antral follicle counts in both ovaries declined. By 12 months, BMI decreased by 16.47 units, AMH levels fell to 2 ng/mL, and antral follicle counts further reduced. Hormonal changes included increases in FSH, LH, and estradiol, while SHBG levels rose, and free testosterone levels decreased significantly. Conclusion Individual hormone responses to weight loss and surgery necessitate personalized obesity treatments. Tailoring surgical approaches and care to hormonal profiles can optimize outcomes and reduce complications. Monitoring AMH levels post-surgery can offer insights into reproductive effects, aiding clinical management and counseling for women with obesity-related infertility. We highlight the significant impact of sleeve gastrectomy on physiological parameters in obese individuals, especially regarding reproductive health and metabolic regulation. The findings enhance understanding of the changes associated with bariatric surgery and its potential benefits for metabolic and reproductive health.

COVID-19 and Reproductive Function: A Detailed Review of Fertility Outcomes, Sperm Alterations, and Vertical Transmission Concerns

Background:The global COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, raises concerns about its effects on reproductive health. Emerging evidence suggests potential impacts on male and female fertility, including hormonal changes, immune responses, and organ damage, though the virus’s direct influence on reproductive tissues and vertical transmission remains unclear. Objective:This review summarizes current evidence on COVID-19’s effects on male and female reproductive health, focusing on sperm count, fertility, and vertical transmission. Methods:A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Peer-reviewed studies were included based on their relevance to reproductive outcomes, sperm count, hormonal changes, and vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Results:Most studies found no direct evidence of SARS-CoV-2 in male or female reproductive tissues. However, a temporary decline in sperm count and quality has been reported in men recovering from COVID-19. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly increased luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, were observed in some male patients. In females, the presence of ACE2 receptors in reproductive organs suggests a potential risk, but no conclusive evidence of impaired fertility has been found. Vertical transmission remains uncertain, with isolated cases reporting elevated IgM antibodies in newborns. Conclusion:Although direct evidence of SARS-CoV-2 impacting fertility is limited, temporary reproductive disruptions in males, including reduced sperm count, have been noted. The risk of vertical transmission remains unclear. Further research is essential to determine COVID-19’s long-term reproductive effects.

Quantifying the seasonal reproductive cycle in three species of Malagasy fruit bats with implications for pathogen and population dynamics.

Bats (order Chiroptera) are hosts for highly virulent zoonotic pathogens. Many bats demonstrate seasonally varying antiviral responses, including antibody responses which have been observed to peak during the nutritionally depleted dry-season and female gestation periods, suggesting some impact of resource deficits on bat virus immunity. Given the frequent overlap in these energetically demanding periods, it is likely that endocrinological changes associated with pregnancy might partially explain the aforementioned pattern in antibody dynamics. Regardless, we know little about the seasonality of reproduction in many fruit bat species, despite the importance of reproductive biology to informing conservation management (e.g. population viability) and disease dynamics. Here, we aimed to elucidate the reproductive biology of three species of endemic fruit bat native to the island of Madagascar: Pteropus rufus, Eidolon dupreanum, and Rousettus madagascarensis. To do so, we leveraged plasma samples collected in part with a longitudinal field study, from 2018 to 2020. We adapted three standard reproductive assays previously validated in humans to quantify seasonal changes in reproductive hormones for bats and applied a mixture model approach to determine hormone cutoffs for pregnancy. As expected, we found that pregnant females showed the highest levels of estradiol and progesterone and adult males the highest levels of testosterone. Additionally, female P. rufus and R. madagascariensis showed clear seasonality in reproduction with peaks in estradiol and progesterone in August and October, respectively. Seasonality was less clearly discernible in the female E. dupreanum and male data. In general, we found that the commercially available assays were successful in quantifying endocrinological hormones for bats; when paired with histological embryo sections or field data, these offer a powerful tool to elucidate bat reproductive calendars.

(067) EFFECTS OF ORAL TESTOSTERONE UNDECANOATE ON SEMEN PARAMETERS IN HYPOGONADAL MEN: AN INTERIM ANALYSIS OF A PROSPECTIVE PILOT STUDY

Abstract Introduction Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is commonly prescribed for men with hypogonadism. While injectable testosterone preparations are widely used, oral testosterone formulations have become an increasingly popular treatment option due to their ease of administration and avoidance of repeated intramuscular injections. However, the effects of oral testosterone on semen analysis (SA) parameters and male fertility potential remain understudied. Objective To evaluate changes in semen analysis parameters, including sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, among hypogonadal men receiving oral testosterone undecanoate therapy. Methods A pilot prospective study was conducted enrolling hypogonadal men. Exclusion criteria included prior TRT, use of clomiphene citrate or human chorionic gonadotropin, and azoospermia. Participants received oral testosterone undecanoate for 3 months. SA evaluating sperm concentration, motility, and volume were performed at baseline and 3 months. Concurrent biochemical assessment included measurement of reproductive hormone levels and hematocrit. An interim blood draw was made for drug titration to the therapeutic testosterone range. Baseline and follow-up semen parameters and hormonal values were compared using paired statistical tests. The primary outcome was a change in semen parameters after 3 months of oral testosterone therapy. Results At the interim analysis with 5 patients enrolled thus far, the mean age was 39.6 years (SD: 5.36). Overall, only one patient became azoospermic. When excluding him, a statistically significant increase in total testosterone levels was observed between baseline and follow-up (220.60 ± 42.54 ng/dL vs. 704.67 ± 188.83 ng/dL, p = 0.02), as well as for free testosterone (62.64 ± 9.78 ng/dL vs. 221.98 ± 43.78 ng/dL, p = 0.01). No significant differences were detected between baseline and follow-up values for estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, or hematocrit levels. Semen analysis parameters, including sperm concentration, motility, and volume, did not demonstrate statistically significant changes from baseline to 3-month follow-up. These preliminary findings are summarized in Table 1. Conclusions In this pilot study expected increases in total and free testosterone levels were achieved, confirming adequate treatment. No significant changes in semen parameters or other reproductive hormones were observed after 3 months of treatment. Larger scale studies are needed to fully evaluate the effects of oral testosterone formulations on semen quality and male fertility potential. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Disclosures: Consultant for AbbVie, Marius, Tolmar, Endo, Petros, Boston Scientific, Coloplast, Halozyme Investor: Sprout.

Exploring the relationship between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and male fertility: A meta-analytic and meta-regression perspective on hormonal and seminal factors

Objective: To explore the relationship between Hashimoto's autoimmune hypothyroidism (HT) and male fertility, focusing on hormonal and seminal factors. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, covering studies published from January 2000 to March 2024. Studies investigating the impact of HT on semen quality parameters and reproductive hormones were included. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: A total of 8 studies with 8965 participants were included. HT significantly affected semen quality and reproductive hormone levels. Specifically, there was a notable decrease in progressive morphology (SMD= -0.78; 95% CI: -1.40 to -0.17; P=0.01) and sperm motility (SMD= -1.151; 95% CI: -1.876 to -0.425; P=0.002). In addition, there were no significant changes in reproductive hormones, although there were elevated levels of luteinizing hormone (SMD=0.437; 95% CI: 0.000 to 0.874; P=0.050) and follicle-stimulating hormone (SMD=0.293; 95% CI: -0.171 to 0.758; P=0.216), with a slight impact on testosterone levels (SMD= -1.143; 95% CI: -2.487 to 0.200; P=0.095). Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis provides robust evidence of the detrimental effects of HT on semen quality and reproductive hormones, underscoring the necessity for thorough evaluation and management of thyroid function in male infertility assessments.

The Effects of Saturated and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Reproductive Performance and Reproductive Hormonal Changes in Dairy Cows at the Transition Period

Reproductive success is crucial in dairy farming as it heavily relies on the consumption of a complete mixed ration for the diet. The current study investigated the effects of adding saturated (SFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to dairy cows' diets on reproductive performance and reproductive hormones during the transition period. A total of 30 Holstein dairy cows were randomly divided into three groups (10 animals in each group), based on parity and body condition score. The cows had an initial body weight of 567.5 ± 40.3 kg (mean ± SD), a body condition score of 3.5 ± 0.26 out of 5 (mean ± SD), and a parity of 1.7 ± 0.02 (mean ± SD). The control group received a balanced ration meeting all the nutrient requirements according to the National Research Council (NRC) guidelines. The SFA group received 1.4% of dry matter (DM) as palm oil (RumiFat®), while the omega group had 5% of DM as safflower (a source of n-6 fatty acids) added from 21 days before parturition to 21 days after, and 4% of DM as flaxseed (a source of n-3 fatty acids) added from 21 to 42 days after parturition. In the Omega group, estradiol concentration significantly increased on artificial insemination (AI) day (12.54 pg/mL). Additionally, serum prostaglandin F2-alpha concentration was significantly higher in the omega group (0.732 pg/mL on day 7 and 1.68 pg/mL on day 14) compared to other groups. The control group exhibited the highest progesterone concentrations at 14 and 21 days post-calving compared to the other groups, other groups. whereas the omega group highest concentration five days after AI. The omega group also showed a significantly higher mean number of follicles &gt;10mm and larger ovulatory follicle diameter. Moreover, a higher percentage of pregnant cows at 120 days in milk, fewer open days, and lower service per conception were observed in the omega group compared to the other groups. In conclusion, supplementing dairy cows' diets with PUFAs during the transition period positively influenced ovarian function, hormone levels, and reproductive performance.

Ameliorative potentials of diosmin and hesperidin fractions on chlorpyriphos-induced changes in reproductive hormones, sperm characteristics, and testicular glycogen in male Wistar rats.

Reproductive deficiency is a major outcome of pesticide exposure sequel to cellular oxidative damage to sex organs. Flavonoid possess potent antioxidant capacities to mitigate pesticide related cellular injury. The present investigation examined the mitigative effect of micronized purified fractions of diosmin and hesperidin on reproductive hormones, sperm parameters, and testicular glycogen in male Wistar rats after sub-chronic Chlorpyriphos (CPF) exposure. Twenty-five male Wistar rats (120-145g) were randomly allocated five rats per group. Group I (DW) received distilled water (2ml/kg), Group II (S/oil) received soya oil (2ml/kg), Group III (DAF) received Daflon at 1000mg/kg, Group IV (CPF) received Chlorpyriphos (7.74mg/kg), and Group V (DAF + CPF) received Daflon (1000mg/kg) followed by CPF (7.74mg/kg) after 30min of Daflon. This regimen was administered daily for 60days. After cervical venesection under light chloroform anesthesia, blood samples were examined for levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone. Each rat's testicular tissue was quickly cut, collected, and glycogen evaluated. Sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and viability were measured in the right caudal epididymis. Results revealed that the untreated CPF group had significantly lower FSH, LH, testosterone, testicular glycogen, and sperm concentration. Additionally, CPF group sperm characteristics were abnormal compared to other groups. These reproductive hormones, testicular glycogen, and sperm parameters improved in the Daflon-treated groups. Hence, pre-treatment with flavonoid fractions of diosmin and hesperidin mitigated CPF-induced reproductive toxicity.

Male Reproduction and Health after Recovery from COVID-19 Infection

Objective. To study the reproductive hormones, semen quality, psychology, and sexual function of childbearing age men after recovery from Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection. Materials and Methods. We recruited 387 men of childbearing age who recovered from COVID-19 infection and underwent prepregnancy health checks at the Reproductive Center of Shandong Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January to March 2023 as study subjects. Routine semen analysis and reproductive hormones were performed. The clinical symptoms, anxiety, depression, erectile function, and premature ejaculation questionnaire were investigated during the COVID-19 infection period. A control group of 226 men of childbearing age who were not infected with COVID-19 between August 2022 and October 2022 were selected based on questionnaire responses, reproductive hormones, and semen parameters. Results. The main clinical symptoms during COVID-19 infection of the 387 research subjects were fever (342/387, 88.37%), muscle pain (155/387, 40.05%), anosmia (124/387, 32.04%), cough (106/387, 27.39%), throat pain (53/387, 13.70%), nausea and vomiting (16/387, 4.13%), and testicular discomfort (5/387, 1.29%). The rates of anxiety and depression were 11.37% (44/387) and 32.82% (127/387), respectively; erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) of the research subjects were accounted for 32.30% (125/387) and 6.98% (27/387). The IEF-5 score (P&lt;0.001) decreased significantly compared to the control group, while the PHQ-9 score (P&lt;0.001), the rate of increased ED (P&lt;0.001), and the rate of depression increased (P&lt;0.001). There were statistically significant differences in liquefaction time (P&lt;0.05), the progressive sperm motility (P&lt;0.05), total sperm motility (P&lt;0.05), the rates of progressive sperm motility &lt;32% (P&lt;0.05), and total sperm motility &lt;40% (P&lt;0.05) between the 1 month, the 2 months after recovery from COVID-19 and controls. Circular cell counts (P&lt;0.05) at 2 and 3 months were lower than in the controls. No changes in reproductive hormones before and after recovery from infection. Conclusion. COVID-19 infection exacerbates depression and ED. It has a sustained effect on sperm motility and liquefaction time in men. The effects of COVID-19 infection on semen persist for approximately 2 months, with recovery occurring in the third month. Reproductive hormone levels do not appear to be continuously affected after recovery from COVID-19.

Lycopene supplement mitigates polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs)-induced reproductive alteration in rats via modulation of steroidogenic enzymes, inhibition of apoptosis and oxido-inflammatory reaction

Increasing levels of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in the environment poses huge global health threat. Prolonged exposure to PS-MPs results in both male and female infertility, with a deleterious effect on reproductive health. In rats, the disruptive effects of chemotoxicants have been countered by lycopene (LYC). This study examined the protective benefits of lycopene (LYC) against spermatological damage and hormonal alterations brought on by polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in male rats. Twenty Wistar rats were split into four groups of five rats, each consisting of: the control group, the PSMPs treatment group, the PS-MPs + LYC co-treatment group, and the LYC supplementation group. Severe testicular histological damage was seen to have resulted from exposure to PS-MPs. The PS-MPs treatment dramatically reduced the antioxidant enzyme activities while raising the levels of ROS and MDA, thus reducing sperm progressive motility. Also, spermatological damage and hormonal alterations brought on by polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) were also prevented by the effects of lycopene (LYC). In conclusion, LYC supplementation has the ability to reduce the harmful effects of PS-MPs on the male reproductive system. Accordingly, LYC prevented PS-MPs-induced spermatological damage and reproductive hormonal changes in rats via its anti-oxidant, androgenic, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory properties.

Changes in Reproductive Hormones Levels Following Administration of Hydroethanolic Extract of Azanza garckeana Fruit in Cadmium Chloride Exposed Female Wistar Rats

There have been many claims of aphrodisiac and other beneficial attributes of Azanza garckeana fruit by both tradomedicinal practitioners and some early scientific investigations; the present study, thus, set out to investigate the changes in reproductive hormones following administration of hydroethanolic extract of azanza garckeana fruit (HEAGF) in cadmium chloride exposed female Wistar rats. Thirty five (35) female Wistar rats weighing 230±10 grams were divided into 7 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 served as negative control that received 1ml of distilled water; Group 2 served as positive control and received oral dose of 10mg/kg body weight of CdCl2 (or Cd); Group 3 had Clomiphene citrate (0.3mg/ml) + Cd; Group 4 received Vitamin E (0.3mg/ml) + Cd; Group 5 received 250mg/kg HEAGF+ Cd; Group 6 received 500mg/kg HEAGF+ Cd and Group 7received 1000mg/kg HEAGF+ Cd. All treatments were done orally and daily for 28 days. Blood samples were collected, and serum levels of reproductive hormones including estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured using ELISA and spectrophotometric technique. The results showed that CdCl2 exposure significantly (P&lt;0.05) decreased FSH level but non-significantly (P&gt;0.05) decreased LH level while increasing oestrogen and progesterone levels compared to the negative control group. However, administration of HEAGF, especially the 250mg/kg bw dose most appreciably restored the hormonal balance towards normal levels. In conclusion, although, the findings of the present study highlights the potential therapeutic value of HEAGF in improving the adverse effects of an environmental toxin―CdCl2 on female reproductive health indicators, further studies may be necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action prior to its clinical exploration and possible recommendation for supplementation in reproductive disorders associated with a heavy metal toxicity.

Maternal intake of paracetamol during pregnancy and biomarkers of male fecundity in young adult sons

Paracetamol is suggested to have endocrine disrupting properties possibly affecting fetal programming of reproductive health that might lead to impaired semen quality and changes in reproductive hormones. In this longitudinal study, we included 1058 young adult men born 1998–2000 into the Danish National Birth Cohort with follow-up at 18–21 years of age. The exposure, maternal intake of paracetamol, was modelled in three ways: dichotomized, trimester-specific, and as duration of exposure categorized into: short (1–2 weeks), medium (3–9 weeks) or long duration (>9 weeks) vs. no intake. Outcomes included semen characteristics, self-measured testis volume, and reproductive hormone levels. We used negative binominal regression to estimate the percentage difference and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each outcome. In total, 547 (48%) sons were prenatally exposed to paracetamol due to maternal intake at least once. Maternal intake of paracetamol during pregnancy was not associated with any of the biomarkers in the dichotomized or trimester-specific exposure models. For duration of exposure, sons of mothers with long duration of maternal intake of paracetamol showed tendencies towards lower semen concentration (-14% [95% CI: -31%; 8%]), a higher proportion of nonprogressive and immotile spermatozoa (8% [95% CI: -4%; 21%]) and higher DNA Fragmentation Index (16% [95% CI: -1%; 36%]) compared to son of mothers with no intake. Maternal intake of paracetamol during pregnancy was not clearly associated with biomarkers of male fecundity in adult sons. However, it cannot be ruled out that long duration of maternal intake of paracetamol might be associated with impaired semen characteristics.

Exploring edible bird nest's potential in mitigating Wi-Fi's impact on male reproductive health.

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of edible bird nest (EBN) against the detrimental impact of Wi-Fi on male reproductive health. Specifically, it examines whether EBN can mitigate Wi-Fi-induced changes in male reproductive hormones, estrogen receptors (ER), spermatogenesis, and sperm parameters. Thirty-six adult male rats were divided into six groups (n = 6): Control, Control EBN, Control E2, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi+EBN, and Wi-Fi+E2. Control EBN and Wi-Fi+EBN groups received 250 mg/kg/day EBN, while Control E2 and Wi-Fi+E2 groups received 12 μg/kg/day E2 for 10 days. Wi-Fi exposure and EBN supplementation lasted eight weeks. Assessments included organ weight, hormone levels (FSH, LH, testosterone, and E2), ERα/ERβ mRNA and protein expression, spermatogenic markers (c-KIT and SCF), and sperm quality. Wi-Fi exposure led to decreased FSH, testosterone, ERα mRNA, and sperm quality (concentration, motility, and viability). EBN supplementation restored serum FSH and testosterone levels, increased serum LH levels, and the testosterone/E2 ratio, and normalized mRNA ERα expression. Additionally, EBN increased sperm concentration in Wi-Fi-exposed rats without affecting motility or viability. EBN plays a crucial role in regulating male reproductive hormones and spermatogenesis, leading to improved sperm concentration. This could notably benefit men experiencing oligospermia due to excessive Wi-Fi exposure.

Reproductive endocrine changes in relation to calcium metabolism in layers experimentally infected with Escherichia coli

Aim: This study determined calcium metabolism-related reproductive endocrine changes associated with Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection in layer chickens. Methods: A total of 20 laying chickens (20 weeks old) were acquired and assigned, into two groups (infected and controlled) of 10 layers each. Birds in the infected group were challenged with 0.5 ml of bacterial aliquot containing 109 colony forming units (CFU) of the bacteria, intratracheally. Two (2) ml of blood were collected from each bird in both groups and used for biochemical analyses. Results: Escherichia coli infection in layers caused decrease in mean oestrogen profile from day 6 reaching the lowest value (332.6 ± 5.41 pg/ml) on day 28 post infection (pi) that differed significantly (p &lt; 0.05) from the corresponding value in the control group. The mean plasma progesterone profile and mean plasma calcium concentration in the infected group decreased from day 4 and 6 pi, respectively, and reached the lowest significant (p&lt;0.05) values (94.8 ± 1.98 pg/ml and 1.61 ± 0.11 mmol/L, respectively) on day 28 and 14 pi, respectively, which was significantly different (p &lt; 0.05) from that in their corresponding control group. The mean plasma phosphate concentration and mean parathormone profile increased from day 6 to a significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher levels (1.64 ± 0.12 mmol/L and 31.04 ± 0.80 pg/ml, respectively) on day 14 and 21, pi respectively. Conclusion: The E. coli-induced reproductive endocrine and clinicopathological changes recorded in present study may be responsible for the reported reproductive disorders in layers infected with E. coli.