Serum Progesterone Concentrations Research Articles

Effects of chronic exposure to cold stress on ovarian functions in prepubertal rats.

Ovarian functions are modulated by the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis and neural signals. Stress modifies the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. In adult female rats, cold stress results in higher noradrenergic and steroidogenic activity of the ovary, anovulation and the presence of ovarian cysts; however, it is unknown whether this response occurs in prepubertal rats. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of cold stress initiated in the prepubertal stage of female rats on ovarian function. Female rats 24 days old were exposed to three, five or eight weeks of cold stress. Autopsies were performed at the end of each stress period. The parameters analysed were the number of ova shed by ovulating animals; the number of ovulating animals; the serum concentrations of progesterone, testosterone, and oestradiol; and the ovarian concentrations of norepinephrine and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl-glycol. Our results show that chronic cold stress applied to prepubertal rats did not modify the number of ovulating animals, the total number of ova shed, or progesterone and testosterone concentrations in any of the periods analysed. Oestradiol concentration was lower in the animals exposed to five or eight weeks of stress. The ovarian norepinephrine concentration was higher in the animals exposed to three weeks of stress and was lower at eight weeks of stress. No changes in ovarian morphology were observed. Our data suggest that the changes in noradrenergic activity resulting from chronic cold stress experienced in the prepubertal stage do not modify ovarian architecture or affect the ovulatory response in adulthood.

Cortisol and DHEA as markers of placentitis in pregnant mares: a preliminary study

Placentitis in mares is a subclinical cause of abortion, highlighting the importance of early detection for successful treatment. Sexual steroids could serve as biomarkers, but cross-reactivity and a limited detection range of immunoassays may hinder accurate measures. This study evaluated some steroids as potential markers of placentitis using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS), known to improve detection and quantification of steroids with good selectivity, specificity, and allowing multiplexing capabilities (Conley et al., Reproduction. 2019;158:197-208; Ledeck et al., Theriogenology. 2022;189:86-91). From the 7th month of pregnancy, mares were transrectally scanned to measure the combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP), and blood samples were collected at a fixed time of day. Ten healthy mares (HM) and nine mares diagnosed with non-experimentally-induced placentitis (PM) between 8 and 10 months were enrolled, based on ultrasonographic placentitis signs: heterogeneous echogenicity and/or thickened CTUP. Post-partum allantochorion examination confirmed the diagnosis. Subsequently, PM were further excluded from the study as they received treatments for placentitis. Serum concentrations of progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17αOHP), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and cortisol were assayed using LC-MS. Non-normally distributed data were presented as medians, and groups were compared at the same month of pregnancy using the Mann-Whitney test. There were no significant differences in 17αOHP and progesterone concentrations between groups at any month.DHEA concentrations were significantly higher (p=0.0297) at 8 months in PM (3.552μg/L) compared to HM (2.240μg/L). A similar trend was observed at 9 months, with DHEA concentrations of 2.126μg/L and 1.445μg/L in PM and HM, respectively (p=0.0604). In contrast, HM had significantly higher (p=0.022) cortisol concentrations at 7 months (71.75μg/L) compared to PM (38.62μg/L). This difference tended (p=0.0529) to be observed at 8 months with cortisol concentrations of 52.25μg/L (HM) and 37.28μg/L (PM). The DHEA/cortisol ratio was significantly higher in PM than in HM at 9 months (p=0.013) and tended to be increased at 7 and 8 months (respectively, p=0.0659 and p=0.0529). Placentitis has been shown to increase pregnenolone production (Ousey et al., Theriogenology. 2005;63:1844-1856). In this preliminary study, PM were observed to metabolize pregnenolone into DHEA rather than cortisol, without changes in 17αOHP concentrations. Reduced cortisol concentrations at 7 months could be an early but non-specific biomarker of placentitis. Conversely, elevated DHEA Ievels only appear together with ultrasonographic signs at 8 months but could become a more specific biomarker, which differs from previous findings in mares with experimentally-induced placentitis (Canisso et al., Equine Veterinary Journal. 2017;49:244-249). These changes result in a higher DHEA/cortisol ratio in PM at 9 months. However, further research should explore modifications of steroids’ pathways in PM to confirm the value of DHEA and cortisol for early diagnosis of placentitis in mares.

Effect of a single dose of a proprietary extended-release oxytocin formulation on corpus luteum function in cycling mares

There is increasing clinical use of oxytocin treatment to prolong function of the corpus luteum (CL) to suppress estrus in performance mares. A common oxytocin treatment protocol involves administering 60 units of oxytocin intramuscularly (IM) once daily on days 7 to 14 after ovulation (day 0). In an effort to eliminate the need for daily administration, we have been evaluating the use of a proprietary extended-release formulation of oxytocin (ER-OT). We previously demonstrated that IM administration of 2,400 units ER-OT on day 7 and again on day 10 resulted in prolonged CL function in 75% of the treated mares (Sarnecky, et al., J Equine Vet Sci. 2019;77:28-30). That two-injection protocol reduced the number of treatments by 75% (i.e., two injections vs. eight injections from day 7 to 14). We hypothesized the number of ER-OT treatments can be further reduced to one and still maintain efficacy. In an initial study evaluating a single dose of ER-OT, IM administration of 4,800 units of ER-OT once on Day 8/9 resulted in prolonged CL function in 50% of the treated mares compared to 12.5% in untreated control mares (P>0.1), which although promising, indicated further work was needed (Clement et al., Clinical Theriogenology. 2022;14:280). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect on CL function of a single dose of 4,800 units ER-OT on day10. Mares were examined via transrectal palpation and ultrasonography to determine the day of ovulation (day 0) and then randomly assigned to a nontreated control group and an ER-OT-treated group (n = 9 mares/group). Mares in the treated group received 2.0 mL of ER-OT containing 4,800 units oxytocin IM once on day 10. Starting 15 minutes before treatment, mares were monitored visually every 15 minutes for three hours and no signs of colic were observed. Jugular blood samples were collected on day 0 and then every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 50 days for determination of the serum progesterone concentration. Mares were classified as having prolonged CL function if their progesterone concentration remained >1.0 ng/mL continuously for at least 30 days. The proportion of mares in each group with prolonged CL function was compared using Fisher's Exact Test (GraphPad Software, Inc., San Diego, CA). There was a tendency for CL function to be prolonged in more ER-OT-treated mares than control mares (6/9 [67%] vs. 2/9 [22%], respectively; P = 0.08). Although these results did not reach statistical significance, the 67% incidence of prolonged CL function in the ER-OT-treated mares suggests a single dose of ER-OT has the potential to be efficacious though additional work is still needed.

Knockdown of lncRNA Meg3 delays the onset of puberty in female rats

This study investigated how lncRNA Meg3 affects the onset of puberty in female rats. We determined Meg3 expression in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis of female rats at the infancy, prepubertal, pubertal, and adult life stages, using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We also assessed the effects of Meg3 knockdown on the expression levels of puberty-related genes and Wnt/β-catenin proteins in the hypothalamus, time of puberty onset, levels of reproductive genes and hormones, and ovarian morphology in female rats. Meg3 expression in the ovary varied significantly between prepuberty and puberty (P < 0.01). Meg3 knockdown decreased the expression of Gnrh, and Kiss1 mRNA (P < 0.05) and increased the expression of Wnt (P < 0.01) and β-catenin proteins (P < 0.05) in the hypothalamic cells. Onset of puberty in Meg3 knockdown rats was delayed compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Meg3 knockdown decreased Gnrh mRNA levels (P < 0.05) and increased Rfrp-3 mRNA levels (P < 0.05) in the hypothalamus. The serum concentrations of progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) of Meg3 knockdown rats were lower than those in the control animals (P < 0.05). Higher longitudinal diameter and ovary weight were found in Meg3 knockdown rats (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that Meg3 regulates the expression of Gnrh, Kiss-1 mRNA and Wnt/β-catenin proteins in the hypothalamic cells, and Gnrh, Rfrp-3 mRNA of the hypothalamus and the serum concentration of P4 and E2, and its knockdown delays the onset of puberty in female rats.

Comparison of the efficacy of subcutaneous versus vaginal progesterone using a rescue protocol in vitrified blastocyst transfer cycles

Does administration of subcutaneous (s.c.) progesterone support ongoing pregnancy rates (OPR) similar to vaginal progesterone using a rescue protocol in hormone replacement therapy frozen embryo transfer cycles? Retrospective cohort study. Two sequential cohorts - vaginal progesterone gel (December 2019-October 2021; n=474) and s.c. progesterone (November 2021-November 2022; n=249) -were compared. Following oestrogen priming, s.c. progesterone 25 mg twice daily (b.d.) or vaginal progesterone gel 90 mg b.d. was administered. Serum progesterone was measured 1 day prior to warmed blastocyst transfer (i.e. day 5 of progesterone administration). In patients with serum progesterone concentrations <8.75 ng/ml, additional s.c. progesterone (rescue protocol; 25 mg) was provided. In the vaginal progesterone gel group, 15.8% of patients had serum progesterone <8.75 ng/ml and received the rescue protocol, whereas no patients in the s.c. progesterone group received the rescue protocol. OPR, along with positive pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates, were comparable between the s.c. progesterone group without the rescue protocol and the vaginal progesterone gel group with the rescue protocol. After the rescue protocol, the route of progesterone administration was not a significant predictor of ongoing pregnancy. The impact of different serum progesterone concentrations on reproductive outcomes was evaluated by percentile (<10th, 10-49th, 50-90th and >90th percentiles), taking the >90th percentile as the reference subgroup. In both the vaginal progesterone gel group and the s.c. progesterone group, all serum progesterone percentile subgroups had similar OPR. Subcutaneous progesterone 25 mg b.d. secures serum progesterone >8.75 ng/ml, whereas additional exogenous progesterone (rescue protocol) was needed in 15.8% of patients who received vaginal progesterone. The s.c. and vaginal progesterone routes, with the rescue protocol if needed, yield comparable OPR.

Oestrous cycle affects emergence from anaesthesia with dexmedetomidine, but not propofol, isoflurane, or sevoflurane, in female rats

BackgroundAlthough sex differences in anaesthetic sensitivity have been reported, what underlies these differences is unknown. In rodents, one source of variability in females is the oestrous cycle. Here we test the hypothesis that the oestrous cycle impacts emergence from general anaesthesia. MethodsTime to emergence was measured after isoflurane (2 vol% for 1 h), sevoflurane (3 vol% for 20 min), dexmedetomidine (50 μg kg−1 i.v., infused over 10 min), or propofol (10 mg kg−1 i.v. bolus) during proestrus, oestrus, early dioestrus, and late dioestrus in female Sprague–Dawley rats (n=24). EEG recordings were taken during each test for power spectral analysis. Serum was analysed for 17β-oestradiol and progesterone concentrations. The effect of oestrous cycle stage on return of righting latency was assessed using a mixed model. The association between righting latency and serum hormone concentration was tested by linear regression. Mean arterial blood pressure and arterial blood gases were assessed in a subset of rats after dexmedetomidine and compared in a mixed model. ResultsOestrous cycle did not affect righting latency after isoflurane, sevoflurane, or propofol. When in the early dioestrus stage, rats emerged more rapidly from dexmedetomidine than in the proestrus (P=0.0042) or late dioestrus (P=0.0230) stage and showed reduced overall power in frontal EEG spectra 30 min after dexmedetomidine (P=0.0049). 17β-Oestradiol and progesterone serum concentrations did not correlate with righting latency. Oestrous cycle did not affect mean arterial blood pressure or blood gases during dexmedetomidine. ConclusionsIn female rats, the oestrous cycle significantly impacts emergence from dexmedetomidine-induced unconsciousness. However, 17β-oestradiol and progesterone serum concentrations do not correlate with the observed changes.

Effects of electroacupuncture on pregnancy outcome in poor ovarian response patients of kidney essence deficiency and undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on ovarian reaction, egg and embryo quality, as well as pregnancy rate in poor ovarian response (POR) patients of kidney essence deficiency and undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Ninety-six patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into an EA group and a control group, with 48 cases in each group. Before IVF-ET, the patients in the EA group received EA, once daily, 2 or 3 treatments a week for 12 weeks. Before and after the treatment, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score and clinical pregnancy rate were assessed in two groups. The concentrations of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinsing hormone, estradiol, progesterone and anti-mullerian hormone were detected by chemiluminescence; the contents of serum insulin-like growth factor-1, serum inhibin B (INHB) and Kisspeptin in follicular fluid were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); the antral follicle counting (AFC) was detected by color Doppler ultrasonography; and the egg and embryo conditions were observed under microscope. Fourteen days after embryo transfer, the positive rate of serum hemchoriconic gonadotropin (HCG) and clinical pregnancy rate were calculated. After the treatment, the TCM syndrome score and level of serum FSH were reduced (P<0.05); the INHB in serum and AFC were increased (P<0.05) when compared with those before the treatment in the EA group. After the treatment, in comparison with the control group, the TCM syndrome score and level of serum FSH were lower (P<0.05); and the contents of serum INHB, AFC, the numbers of MⅡ eggs and high-quality embryos, as well as serum HCG positive rate were all increased (P<0.05) in the EA group. EA can relieve the clinical symptoms of TCM in POR patients of kidney essence deficiency and undergoing IVF-ET, increase the ovarian reserve, reduce the serum FSH level, and improve the content of serum INHB, and the quality of eggs and embryos. This therapy tends to improve the clinical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy outcome.

Sustained-release deslorelin acetate implants disrupt oestrous cyclicity in the mare.

There is a need for a safe, effective and practical method of oestrus suppression in the mare. The aim of this study was to monitor ovarian activity in mares exposed to either 9.4 or 28.2 mg deslorelin acetate, a GnRH agonist, in the form of a sustained-release implant. Following oestrus synchronisation, mares were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 4 per group) and administered either one (Des1 group; 9.4 mg) or three (Des3 group; 28.2 mg) implants of deslorelin acetate (Suprelorin-12, Virbac Australia) or one blank implant (Control group; Virbac Australia). Mares underwent weekly blood sampling for 12 weeks following implant placement (Day 0-Day 84), with transrectal palpation and ultrasonography of the reproductive tract at all sampling timepoints except Days 56, 70 and 77. All mares showed baseline serum progesterone concentrations (SPC; ≤1.3 nmol/L or 0.4 ng/ml) on Day 0. Cycling Control mares showed typical oestrous cyclicity characterised by peaks and troughs in SPC over time. Four of eight treated mares demonstrated a sustained elevation in SPC after the initial ovulation after implant placement; SPC declined to baseline levels (Des1 group; 2 mares) or remained elevated (Des3 group; 2 mares) at the final sampling timepoint on Day 84. Oestrous cyclicity was erratic in three of the remaining four treated mares. In total, 87.5% (7 of 8) of treated mares showed atypical oestrous cyclicity after implant placement. These results suggest that deslorelin acetate disrupts oestrous cyclicity in the mare, which warrants further research.

Trajectories of Allopregnanolone and Allopregnanolone to Progesterone Ratio across the Six Subphases of Menstrual Cycle.

Background: Allopregnanolone is one of the most studied neuroactive steroids; yet, despite its relevance to neuropsychiatric research, it is not known how it, as well as its ratio to progesterone, varies across all six subphases of the menstrual cycle. Two enzymes-5α-dihydroprogesterone and 5α-reductase-convert progesterone to allopregnanolone, and, based on immunohistochemical studies in rodents, the activity of 5α-reductase is considered the rate-limiting step in the formation of allopregnanolone. It is not clear, however, whether the same phenomenon is observed across to the menstrual cycle, and, if so, at what point this takes place. Methods: Thirty-seven women completed the study during which they attended eight clinic visits across one menstrual cycle. We analyzed their allopregnanolone and progesterone serum concentrations using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and we implemented a validated method to realign the data from the original eight clinic study visits, following which we imputed the missing data. Hence, we characterized allopregnanolone concentrations, and the ratio of allopregnanolone:progesterone at six menstrual cycle subphases: (1) early follicular, (2) mid-follicular, (3) periovulatory, (4) early luteal, (5) mid-luteal, and (6) late luteal. Results: There were significant differences in allopregnanolone levels between (1) early follicular and early luteal, (2) early follicular and mid-luteal, (3) mid-follicular and mid-luteal, (4) periovulatory and mid-luteal, and (5) mid-luteal and late luteal. We detected a sharp drop in allopregnanolone:progesterone ratio in the early luteal subphase. Within the luteal subphase, the ratio was the lowest in the mid-luteal subphase. Conclusions: Allopregnanolone concentrations are the most distinct, relative to the other subphases, in the mid-luteal subphase. The shape of the allopregnanolone trajectory across the cycle is similar to that of progesterone; however, the proportion of the two neuroactive steroid hormones is drastically different due to enzymatic saturation, which takes place at the start of the early luteal subphase, but continuing through, and peaking, in the mid-luteal subphase. Hence, the estimated activity of 5α-reductase decreases, but does not cease, at any point across the menstrual cycle.

Pregnancy and spontaneous partial abortion associated with salmonella in a dog

A 2-year mixed breed dog was presented on day 50 after breeding for an emergency condition (greenish brown vulvar discharge and abortion). The patient was underweight (lower body condition score), had nonfetid vulvar discharge, and was negative for Ferguson reflux. Patient had 10 premature fetuses (determined via transabdominal ultrasonography and radiography). Serum progesterone concentration was 1.25 ng/ml. Overnight hospitalization therapies included intravenous fluids, terbutaline, fenbendazole, altrenogest, progesterone, and antibiotics. Based on vaginal discharge culture results (salmonella), antibiotics treatment was altered. Three days later, neutrophilia with left shift and a fetal death were observed. Because cesarean surgery with ovariohysterectomy was declined by the owner, altrenogest and terbutaline treatments were discontinued to permit whelping. Patient was in dystocia after delivering 2 stillborn and 2 live pups. One pup was delivered medically and 1 necrotic pup via cesarean surgery. Intrauterine culture (collected during surgery) was negative. On day 7 postpartum, the patient and 3 remaining pups were healthy. This case demonstrated the difficulties of managing fetal-placental infections.

Uterine issues in infertile queens: Nine cases

This prospective case series investigated potential uterine causes of infertility in queens. Purebred queens with infertility (failure to conceive, embryonic death, or failure to maintain pregnancy and produce viable kittens), but no other reproductive disorders were examined approximately 1–8 weeks before mating (Visit 1), 21 days after mating (Visit 2), and 45 days after mating (Visit 3) if pregnant at Visit 2. Investigations included vaginal cytology and bacteriology, urine bacteriology, and ultrasonography. At Visit 2 or 3, uterine biopsy or ovariohysterectomy was performed for histology. Of nine eligible queens, seven were non-pregnant by ultrasound at Visit 2 and two had lost pregnancies by Visit 3. Ovulation was confirmed by serum progesterone concentration in all queens. Ultrasonic appearance of the ovaries and uterus was compatible with a healthy status except for one queen with signs of cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra, a follicular cyst in another, and fetal resorptions in two queens. Six cats had histologic lesions of endometrial hyperplasia, including CEH (n=1). Only one cat had no histologic uterine lesions. Bacteria were cultured from vaginal samples in seven queens at Visit 1, (two were non-evaluable), and in five of seven queens sampled at Visit 2. Uterine cultures were negative except for the cat with pyometra. All urine cultures were negative. In summary, the most frequent pathology observed in these infertile queens was histologic endometrial hyperplasia, which can potentially inhibit embryo implantation and healthy placental development. This suggests that uterine disease might contribute substantially to infertility in purebred queens.

Expression profile of genes related to pregnancy maintenance in Dromedary Camel during the first trimester

So far, few signals involved in embryo-maternal dialogue have been identified in pregnant she-camel. Our objective was to investigate expression profiles of genes relevant to uterine extracellular matrix remodeling (ITGB4, SLCO2A1, FOS, and JUN), uterine tissue vascularization, and placental formation (VEGFA, PGF, and PDGFA), embryonic growth and development (IGF1 and PTEN), plus cell death of uterine tissue (BCL2) in early pregnant versus non-pregnant she-camels. Forty genital tracts (20 pregnant and 20 non-pregnant) and blood samples were collected from abattoirs. Total RNA was extracted from uterine tissues and qRT-PCR was conducted for candidate genes. Serum concentrations of progesterone (P4) and estradiol17-β (E2) were measured. Expression of ITGB4, FOS, and PGF genes increased (P < 0.001) in the right uterine horn of pregnant versus non-pregnant she-camels. Moreover, JUN, SLCO2A1, VEGFA, and PTEN mRNAs were up-regulated (P < 0.001) in various segments of uterine tissues in pregnant groups. The PDGFA transcript was over-expressed (P < 0.001) in both uterine horns of pregnant groups. Additionally, IGF1 was higher (P < 0.001) in the right horn and the uterine body of pregnant groups, and expression of BCL2 was increased (P < 0.001) in the pregnant uterine body. Moreover, serum concentrations of P4 were higher (P < 0.001) and E2 lower (P < 0.05) in pregnant she-camels. Taken together, the fine-tuning of genes related to implantation, matrix formation, vascularization, and placental formation is highly required for successful pregnancy in she-camels.

Ovine endometrial estrogen receptor expression is altered following PG-600 administration.

Dysregulation of the estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) expression during the establishment of pregnancy could contribute to reduce fertility reported in ewes treated with PG-600. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with PG-600 on ESR1 expression in the ovine endometrium during early diestrus. Polypay ewes (n = 24) that had exhibited an oestrous cycle of normal duration (16-18 days) were treated with intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (CIDR) for 9 days. Cloprostenol was administrated two days before CIDR withdrawal. On the day of CIDR withdrawal (day 0), ewes received a 5mL intramuscular injection of PG-600 (400 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin and 200 IU human chorionic gonadotropin) or saline. Blood samples were collected before treatment and on the day of tissue collection to determine serum estradiol-17β and progesterone concentrations using radioimmunoassay. On days 4 and 7, six ewes from each treatment group were anaesthetised and a laparotomy was performed to obtain intercaruncular endometrial samples. Endometrial samples were collected ipsilateral to the ovary bearing the highest number of corpora lutea. An estradiol exchange assay was used to determine ESR1 concentration. Estradiol concentrations did not differ by time or treatment, but progesterone concentrations were significantly higher in the PG-600-treated group on day 7 despite a similar number of corpora lutea. Endometrial ESR1 concentration was significantly reduced on day 7 in the PG-600 group. In conclusion, although progesterone was higher than controls on day 7, ESR1 did not differ from controls suggesting that treatment with PG600 is unlikely to impair reproductive potential.

Evaluation of the ideal vaginal Progesterone effectiveness doses for luteal support in embryo thawing cycles after endometrial preparation without using the GnRh analogue.

Frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles require the use of luteal phase support (LPS) for supporting implantation, endometrial and embryo maturity. Individualized LPS should be chosen according to the used endometrial preparation protocol. The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of two different vaginal Progesterone doses for women who underwent FET cycle and the same endometrial preparation without using the GnRh analogue. 607 women who underwent FET cycle were included in the study. 305 patients received luteal support with 600 mg/day vaginal Progesterone and 302 patients were treated with 800 mg/day of vaginal Progesterone. In the 800 mg/day group, the mean serum Progesterone concentration on the day of embryo transfer was higher than in the 600 mg group (14.00±6.18 ng/mL and 12.22±5.39, respectively, p < 0.001). Moreover, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) positive and ongoing pregnancy rates were higher in the group of patients who received LPS with 800 mg/day of Progesterone than in the group of patients treated with 600 mg/day of Progesterone. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing FET cycles following endometrial preparation made without previously using the GnRh analogue, 800 mg doses of vaginal Progesterone as LPS improve reproductive outcomes.

Effect of prolidase on the development of varicose veins in pregnant women

Introduction and Aim: Varicose veins are more common during pregnancy and, if left untreated, can cause venous insufficiency and edema in the legs. Women have venous insufficiency both before and after pregnancy. According to research, the cytosolic metalloproteinase prolidase regulates the breakdown of collagen and other proteins in the extracellular matrix. Prolidase deficiency, which impairs the enzyme's normal function, has severe clinical manifestations. The objective of this study is to discover how the enzyme prolidase influences the development of varicose veins in pregnant women.&#x0D; &#x0D; Materials and Methods: This study included approximately 70 women aged 25-45 years who were pregnant in their third trimester. The participants were assigned to two groups based on diagnosis of having varicose veins (n=40) and those without (n=30). Quantitative measurements of serum progesterone and prolidase concentrations were made. Data collected was subjected to statistical analysis.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: Varicose veins were prevalent in 57.14% of the pregnant women, the severity of which increased with age. The mean blood concentrations of progesterone and prolidase levels were higher in pregnant women with varicose veins in comparison to controls.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Chronic venous insufficiency and mild varicose veins are more common in pregnant women aged 40 years and above. An increased level of progesterone and prolidase enzyme in serum was seen to be associated with chronic varicose insufficiency in pregnant women.

Individualized luteal phase support using additional oral dydrogesterone in artificially prepared frozen embryo transfer cycles: is it beneficial?

Research questionDoes additional supplementation with oral dydrogesterone improve reproductive outcomes in patients with low serum progesterone concentrations on the day of frozen embryo transfer (FET) after artificial (HRT) endometrial preparation? DesignRetrospective, single-centre cohort study including 694 unique patients performing single blastocyst transfer in an HRT cycle. For luteal phase support, intravaginal micronized vaginal progesterone (MVP, 400 mg twice daily) was administered. Serum progesterone concentrations were assessed prior to FET and outco-mes were compared among patients with normal serum progesterone (≥8.8 ng/ml) continuing the routine protocol and patients with low serum progesterone (<8.8 ng/ml) who received additional oral dydrogesterone supplementation (10 mg three times daily) from the day after FET onwards. Primary outcome was live birth rate (LBR), with a multivariate regression model correcting for relevant confounders. ResultsNormal serum progesterone concentrations were observed in 547/694 (78.8%) of patients who continued only MVP as planned, whereas low (<8.8 ng/ml) serum progesterone concentrations were detected in 147/694 (21.2%) patients who received additional oral dydrogesterone supplementation on top of MVP from the day after FET onwards. LBR was comparable between both groups: 37.8% for MVP-only versus 38.8% for MVP+OD (P = 0.84). The multivariate logistic regression model indicated that LBR was not significantly associated with the investigated approaches (adjusted odds ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval 0.69–1.47, P = 0.97). ConclusionsThe current findings suggest that additional oral dydrogesterone supplementation in patients with low serum progesterone concentrations at the moment of transfer could have the potential to rescue reproductive outcomes in HRT–FET cycles. This field of research, however, remains hampered by the absence of randomized controlled trials.

The relationship between ovarian hormones and mast cell distribution in the ovaries of dromedary camel (Camelus dromedaries) during the follicular wave.

Mast cells (MCs) play an essential role in regulating tissue homeostasis through various non-allergic immune reactions. This study aimed to describe the salient features of MCs during different phases of the estrous cycle and evaluate the relationship between ovarian hormones and the presence of MCs in camel ovaries. Genital tracts (n = 28) of healthy, non-pregnant camels were collected from a local slaughterhouse. The follicular wave stage was determined according to structures on the ovaries using an ultrasound device. Stages were classified as "growing" (n = 12, FØ = 0.3-0.8 cm), "mature" (n = 9, FØ = 0.9-2.2 cm), or "regression" phase (n = 7, FØ >2.5). Blood samples were collected at slaughter to determine serum estradiol-17β and progesterone levels using an immunoassay. Safranin-O, periodic acid/Schiff, alcian blue, or methylene blue stains were used to detect MCs. Follicular numbers at the growing, mature, and regression phases were determined to be 36, 14, and 7 follicles, respectively. Mast cells were widely but sparsely distributed within the ovarian tissue (9.3 MCs in the growing phase, 10.7 in the mature phase, and 7.0 in the regression phase). Typical histological features of MCs were observed in ovarian stromal tissue. Some MCs were found in the interstitial tissue, either near the follicular wall or the interstitial gland. Mast cells were present at a higher density during the mature phase than in the growing and regression phases in the ovarian matrix. A significantly reduced presence of MCs was found in the regression phase than in both the growing and mature phases (p < 0.05). A very strong positive correlation was observed between serum estradiol-17β concentrations and MC density in the ovaries (r = 0.9; p < 0.001). In addition, a strong negative correlation (r = -0.65; p = 0.03) was observed between the presence of MCs and serum progesterone concentrations. These findings suggest that the follicular wave phase and the associated hormonal concentration induce changes in the number of MCs in the camel ovary.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum cluster presence does not affect embryo ploidy.

We examined the impacts of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum cluster (sERC) presence on embryonic development and blastocyst ploidy. Patients who underwent oocyte retrieval from January 2019 to November 2021 were included in the study. We classified the oocytes into three groups: normal oocytes in the sERC ( -) cycle, normal oocytes in the sERC ( +) cycle, and sERC ( +) oocytes. Next, the levels of serum estradiol, progesterone, anti-Mullerian hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and human menopausal gonadotropin were compared between the groups. Moreover, fertilization, degeneration, and abnormal fertilization rates were compared between groups. To investigate developmental outcomes, the blastocyst and good-quality blastocyst rates after intracytoplasmic sperm injection were compared. The quality of the transferred blastocysts was evaluated at follow-up. Additionally, embryos were submitted for next-generation sequencing analysis to examine the effect of sERC presence on ploidy. The sERC ( +) group had significantly higher serum estradiol, serum progesterone, and serum anti-Mullerian hormone concentrations compared to those in the sERC ( -) group (P < 0.01). The abnormal fertilization rate was higher in the sERC ( +) cycle-sERC ( +) oocyte group (16.1%; 37/230) than in the sERC ( +) cycle-normal oocyte (6.2%; 63/971) and sERC ( -) cycle-normal oocyte groups (7.1%; 174/2467) (P < 0.01). After embryo transfer, nine women gave birth, and no confirmed congenital anomalies were observed. There was no significant difference in ploidy between the sERC ( +) and sERC ( -) groups. The occurrence rates of embryos with euploidy were similar between the sERC ( +) and sERC ( -) groups.

Evaluation of Emmenagogue Activity of Aqueous Extract of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cajanus Cajan &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;(&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Fabaceae&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Leaves

The objective of this article is to evaluate emmenagogue activity aqueous extract of <i>Cajanus cajan </i>(<i>fabaceae</i>) leaves in rat. 100 g of leaves powder of <i>Cajanus cajan </i>were added 1 liter from distilled water and mixes it was carried to boiling then filtered. The filtrate was dried with the drying oven, the dried filtrate constitutes the aqueous extract (AECc). For the evaluation of emmenagogue activity, the rates in pseudogestation were used. These rates was obtained by coupling nulliparous and pubescent rates with vasectomized rats (rats made sterile by binding of vas deferens). AECc was managed with the amounts from 12,5 to 600 mg/kg of body weight, as well as the misoprostol with the amount of 2 mg/kg of body weight by oral way. The uterus and blood were taken for respectively the determination of the average weight and for the proportioning of progesterone. The results showed a variation of uterus weight as well as a variation of serum progesterone concentration at rate. AECc effect on the progesterone rate at the rate in pseudogestation gave a significant decrease (p<0.001) progesterone rate to amounts 100; 200; 400 and 600 mg/kg bw compared to control. As for amounts 12.5; 25; and 50 mg/kg bw, the aqueous extract decreased the progesterone rate in a nonsignificant way compared to the control. The aqueous extract of <i>Cajanus cajan </i>thus supports the menstruation with the amounts from 100 to 600 mg/kg bw and relieves of the painful rules to amounts 12.5 to 50 mg/kg bw.

Effects of dietary theabrownins on production performance, egg quality, and ovarian function of laying hens with different ages

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of theabrownins (TB) on production performance, egg quality, and ovarian function of laying hens at different ages. A total of 240 Lohmann laying hens were assigned in a 2×2 factorial design, which encompassed 2 layers ages (47-wk-old and 67-wk-old) and 2 dietary levels of TB (0 and 100 mg/kg) for 12 wk. Results showed that older layers had lower laying rate, egg mass, and higher feed-to-egg ratio (F/E), egg weight and unqualified egg rate than the younger layers (P(AGE) < 0.01) during all the experimental period. The effect of TB was found to increase egg laying rate and feed efficiency during 5 to 8 wk, 9 to 12 wk and the overall phases and decreased unqualified egg rate during 1 to 4 wk and the overall phases (P(TB) ≤ 0.05). The eggshell quality (strength, thickness), albumen quality (albumen height and Haugh unit) of eggs from older layers were decreased during overall phases (P(AGE) ≤ 0.05). TB increased eggshell strength during all phases and enhanced eggshell thickness at the end of wk 4 and 8 and increased albumen height and Haugh unit at the end of wk 8 and 12 of older layers (P(Interaction) ≤ 0.05). In addition, TB also increased egg quality of older layers after 14 d storage. A decrease in the serum concentration of progesterone, melatonin, follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol was observed in the older compared to the younger ones (P(AGE) < 0.05), while the increase in serum concentration of progesterone, melatonin, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were more emphasized when older hens received TB supplemented diet (P(Interaction) < 0.05). The older layer demonstrated lower the concentration of glutathione (GSH) (P(AGE) < 0.05). And the activity of glutathione-s-transferase (GST) was significantly decreased in layers under 67-wk-old (P(AGE) <0.05). The increase in concentration of GSH and the decrease in concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) were more pronounced when TB were supplemented in 67-wk-old layers (P(Interaction) ≤ 0.05). Layers at 67-wk-old had lower mRNA expression of Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) (P(AGE) < 0.01) in ovary. Dietary TB supplementation upregulated mRNA gene expression of HO-1, Nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), Quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) (P(TB) < 0.01). Dietary TB upregulated mRNA expression of ovarian reproductive hormone receptor (estrogen receptor 1 [ESR1] and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein 1 [StAR1]]; P(TB) < 0.01). The results suggest feeding TB (100 mg/kg) could improve the egg production rate, egg quality, and antioxidant capacity of the ovary. Moreover, the effect of TB was more pronounced in older layers (64-wk-old vs. 47-wk-old).