Serum Gonadotropin Research Articles

Repeated controlled ovarian stimulation-induced ovarian and uterine damage in mice through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

The effects of repeated controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) on the female reproductive system are still controversial. This study investigated the effects of repeated COS on the ovaries and uterus of mice and its possible mechanism. Female ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mice were subjected to the COS using pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for 1, 3, 5, and 7 cycles. Serum hormone levels, reactive oxidative stress (ROS), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the mouse ovary and uterus were analyzed by ELISA. The morphology of the ovary and endometrium, ovarian apoptosis, and expressions of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), PI3K, AKT, Bax, and Bcl-2 in the ovarian and uterine tissues were tested by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, and western blot. The results showed that repeated COS significantly decreased the hormone level (estradiol, progesterone and anti-Müllerian hormone), high-quality of the MII oocyte ratio, oocyte and embryo number, antioxidant capacity (T-AOC, SOD activity), and the protein level of Bcl-2, LIF, and VEGF, but increased the oxidative damage (ROS, 8-OHdG content), embryo fragment ratio, and expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax. In addition, the expressions of p-PI3K and p-AKT also decreased with the increase of COS cycle. In conclusion, repeated COS causes ovarian and uterus damage possibly through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and this finding may provide some experimental basis for guiding clinical treatment.

Comparison of fertility parameters in Romanov sheep synchronized with progesterone-based protocol plus PMSG or GnRH

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the fertility parameters in response to pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (conventional treatment) or gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (alternative treatment) in Romanov sheep subjected to a 7-d short-term protocol out of breeding season. Materials and Methods: Sheep (n=57) received an intravaginal sponge impregnated with 20 mg fluorogestone acetate for 7 days and 125 µg cloprostenol at sponge removal. Sheep were randomly assigned to receive no treatment (CON, n=16), 240 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG, n=24) at sponge removal or 10 µg busereline acetate (GnRH, n=17) at 30 h after sponge removal. Results: Estrous response and pregnancy rate were 86% and 75.4% in all sheep, respectively. Estrous response was numerically higher about 7% (p>0.05) in treatment groups (PMSG, 87.5%; GnRH, 88.2%) than CON (81.2%). However, pregnancy rate was numerically higher in PMSG (83.3%) than GnRH (70.6%) and CON (68.7%). As in pregnancy rate, lambing rate was approximately 15% numerically greater (p>0.05) in the PMSG (79.1%) than in GnRH (64.7%) and CON (62.5%) groups. Similarly, litter size numerically higher (p>0.05) in PMSG (2.1) than GnRH (1.9) and CON (1.9) groups. Conclusion: The use of GnRH offered similar estrous response compared to PMSG in Romanov sheep synchronized with short-term protocol. However, PMSG had numerically higher pregnancy rate, lambing rate, and litter size than GnRH. Considering the serious ethical concerns and animal welfare for the production of PMSG, it is necessary to use alternatively gonadotropins. Comprehensive studies are needed to compare the fertility parameters between PMSG and GnRH in Romanov sheep.

Neurotensin expression, regulation, and function during the ovulatory period in the mouse ovary†.

The luteinizing hormone (LH) surge induces paracrine mediators within the ovarian follicle that promote ovulation. The present study explores neurotensin (NTS), a neuropeptide, as a potential ovulatory mediator in the mouse ovary. Ovaries and granulosa cells (GCs) were collected from immature 23-day-old pregnant mare serum gonadotropin primed mice before (0h) and after administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; an LH analog) across the periovulatory period (4, 8, 12, and 24h). In response to hCG, Nts expression rapidly increased 250-fold at 4h, remained elevated until 8h, and decreased until 24h. Expression of Nts receptors for Ntsr1 remained unchanged across the periovulatory period, Ntsr2 was undetectable, whereas Sort1 expression (also called Ntsr3) gradually decreased in both the ovary and GCs after hCG administration. To better understand Nts regulation, inhibitors of the LH/CG signaling pathways were utilized. Our data revealed that hCG regulated Nts expression through the protein kinase A (PKA) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling pathways. Additionally, epidermal-like-growth factor (EGF) receptor signaling also mediated Nts induction in GCs. To elucidate the role of NTS in the ovulatory process, we used a Nts silencing approach (si-Nts) followed by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). RNA-seq analysis of GCs collected after hCG with or without si-Nts identified and qPCR confirmed Ell2, Rsad2, Vps37a, and Smtnl2 as genes downstream of Nts. In summary, these findings demonstrate that hCG induces Nts and that Nts expression is mediated by PKA, p38MAPK, and EGF receptor signaling pathways. Additionally, NTS regulates several novel genes that could potentially impact the ovulatory process.

Serum Gonadotropin Levels Predict Post-Trigger Luteinizing Hormone Response in Antagonist Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation Cycles.

The objective of this study was to investigate the utility of using serum gonadotropin levels to predict optimal luteinizing hormone (LH) response to gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) trigger. A retrospective cohort study was performed of all GnRH-antagonist controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles at an academic fertility center from 2017-2020. Cycles that utilized GnRHa alone or in combination with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for trigger were included. Patient and cycle characteristics were collected from the electronic medical record. Optimal LH response was defined as a serum LH ≥ 40 mIU/mL on the morning after trigger. Total sample size was 3865 antagonist COH cycles, of which 91% had an optimal response to GnRHa trigger. Baseline FSH (B-FSH) and earliest in-cycle LH (EIC-LH) were significantly higher in those with optimal response. Multivariable logistic regression affirmed association of optimal response with EIC-LH, total gonadotropin dosage, age, BMI and Asian race. There was no difference in the number of oocytes retrieved (p = 0.14), maturity rate (p = 0.40) or fertilization rates (p = 0.49) based on LH response. There was no difference in LH response based on use of combination vs. GnRHa alone trigger (p = 0.21) or GnRHa trigger dose (p = 0.46). The EIC-LH was more predictive of LH trigger response than B-FSH (p < 0.005).The optimal B-FSH and EIC-LH values to yield an optimal LH response was ≥ 5.5 mIU/mL and ≥ 1.62 mIU/mL, respectively. In an era of personalized medicine, utilizing cycle and patient characteristics, such as early gonadotropin levels, may improve cycle outcomes and provide further individualized care.

Exogenous L-Glutathione Improves Vitrification Outcomes in Murine Preimplantation Embryos.

Vitrification is an important tool to store surplus embryos in assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, vitrification increases oxidative damage and results in decreased viability. Studies have reported that L-glutathione (GSH) supplementation improves the preimplantation development of murine embryos. Glutathione constitutes the major non-protein sulphydryl compound in mammalian cells, which confers protection against oxidative damage. However, the effect of GSH supplementation on embryonic vitrification outcomes has yet to be reported. This study aims to determine whether GSH supplementation in culture media improves in vitro culture and vitrification outcomes, as observed through embryo morphology and preimplantation development. Female BALB/c mice aged 6-8 weeks were superovulated through an intraperitoneal injection of 10 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG), followed by 10 IU of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) 48 h later. The mated mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation 48 h after hCG to harvest embryos. Two-cell embryos were randomly assigned to be cultured in either Group 1 (GSH-free medium), Group 2 (GSH-free medium with vitrification), Group 3 (0.01 mM GSH-supplemented medium), or Group 4 (0.01 mM GSH-supplemented medium with vitrification). Non-vitrified (Groups 1 and 3) and vitrified (Groups 2 and 4) embryos were observed for morphological quality and preimplantation development at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. In the non-vitrified groups, there were significant increases in the number of Grade-1 blastocysts in GSH cultures (p &lt; 0.05). Similarly, in the vitrified groups, GSH supplementation was also seen to significantly increase blastocyst formation. Exogenous GSH supplementation resulted in a significant increase in intracellular GSH, a release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and a parallel decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in vitrified eight-cell embryos (p &lt; 0.05). GSH supplementation was shown to upregulate Bcl2 expression and downregulate Bax expression in the vitrified preimplantation embryo group. The action of exogenous GSH was concomitant with an increase in the relative abundance of Gpx1 and Sod1. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the novel use and practical applicability of GSH supplementation for improving embryonic cryotolerance via a decrease in ROS levels and the inhibition of apoptotic events by improvement in oxidative status.

The Corticosterone-Glucocorticoid Receptor-AP1/CREB Axis Inhibits the Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Expression in Mouse Granulosa Cells.

Under stress conditions, luteinizing hormone (LH)-mediated ovulation is inhibited, resulting in insufficient oocyte production and excretion during follicular development. When the body is stressed, a large amount of corticosterone (CORT) is generated, which will lead to a disorder of the body’s endocrine system and damage to the body. Our previous work showed that CORT can block follicular development in mice. Since LH acts through binding with the luteinizing hormone receptor (Lhcgr), the present study aimed to investigate whether and how corticosterone (CORT) influences Lhcgr expression in mouse ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). For this purpose, three-week-old ICR female mice were injected intraperitoneally with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). In addition, the treatment group was injected with CORT (1 mg/mouse) at intervals of 8 h and the control group was injected with the same volume of methyl sulfoxide (DMSO). GCs were collected at 24 h, 48 h, and 55 h after PMSG injection. For in vitro experiments, the mouse GCs obtained from healthy follicles were treated with CORT alone, or together with inhibitors against the glucocorticoid receptor (Nr3c1). The results showed that the CORT caused a downregulation of Lhcgr expression in GCs, which was accompanied by impaired cell viability. Moreover, the effect of the CORT was mediated by binding to its receptor (Nr3c1) in GCs. Further investigation revealed that Nr3c1 might regulate the transcription of Lhcgr through inhibiting the expression of Lhcgr transcription factors, including AP1 and Creb. Taken together, our findings suggested a possible mechanism of CORT-induced anovulation involving the inhibition of Lhcgr expression in GCs by the CORT–Nr3c1–AP1/Creb axis.

The use of vinylcyclohexene diepoxide to create diminish ovarian reserve model on rats

Background: Infertility remains a significant issue in the world of health. Now Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is widely used to help couples with infertility. In ART diminish ovarian reserve patients have a very low success rate of pregnancy. To help patients with Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR), research is conducted using an animal model. vinylcychlohexene diepoxide (VCD) has ovotoxic effects. This study looked at the use of VCD in inducing targeted DOR conditions in animals (rats), create a model that could be used for future animal studies in infertility. Methods: Adult female Rattus norvegicus were used in this study. All were given VCD injections at 80 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 15 days. An examination of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels will be carried out on days 0,3,5,7, and 15. To mimic IVF process, all rats got an injection of 10 IU of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG) and 10 IU human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) to confirm DOR. Ovarectomy was performed, dominant follicles were taken, denudation was carried out, and the oocytes were cultured for 12 hours. Then, oocytes were assessed through a microscope. Results: Starting from day 5 post VCD induction, there was a significant increase in the FSH level in the group of rats that were induced with the administered VCD dose compared to the control group that experienced normal FSH fluctuations. The FSH concentration reached &gt;50%. It was found that the number of degenerated oocytes had an average of 1.11. Oocytes that were in Germinal-Vesicle (GV) stage had an average of 1.89, while in the Metaphase I (M1) stage the average is 2.882. Lastly, the number of oocytes in the Metaphase (MII) stage which is fully matured had an average of 1.117. Conclusions: VCD can become an important tool for future studies that needs an animal model with DOR.

Astaxanthin ameliorates the impairment consequence of prenatal bacterial lipopolysaccharide exposure in adult male offspring NMRI mice

In this study, the potential effects of astaxanthin (AST) were investigated on preventing the prenatal LPS-induced injures in mothers and adult male offspring of NMRI mice.Pregnant mice were randomly divided into four groups: 1. Saline + vehicle; 2. Saline + AST: received astaxanthin (4 mg/kg for 3 days, ip) on 11–13 gestation days; 3. LPS + vehicle (LPS-treated group): injected with LPS (20 µg/kg, sc) on gestation day 11; 4. LPS + AST: administrated LPS and astaxanthin on gestation days 11 and 11–13, respectively. In each group, maternal care behaviors and TNF-α serum levels were examined until weaning of male offspring at 23 days. At 60 days old, male pups underwent analysis of body weight and length, serum gonadotropins and testosterone hormone levels, sperm quality, gonadal and brain tissues morphologies, and the expression of SOX9 and GnRH genes by real-time PCR.Serum TNF-α level increased significantly in mothers treated with LPS, while AST reduced it. In adult male offspring, serum hormone levels, sperm quality, and the number of spermatocytes and Leydig cells in the testes improved when AST was administrated. According to histological studies of the brain, neurons in the LPS-treated group were smaller and less active, whereas neurons in the LPS + AST group were larger, more numerous, and more active. LPS significantly reduced GnRH expression, while AST induction improved its expression.AST administration during pregnancy prevented the adverse effects of prenatal exposure to LPS, presumably through its genomic and non-genomic effects, in adult male offspring.

The Impact of Chrysin on The Folliculogenesis and Ovarian Apoptosis in Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in The Rat Model.

The ovarian Ischemia/reperfusion is one of the gynecological emergency concerns that may lead to the ovary damage and folliculogenesis. The present research aimed to evaluate the impact of the Chrysin (CH) on the ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in the rat model. In this experimental research, 48 adult female rats, 8 weeks age and 180-200 g weight, have been categorized into 6 equal groups (n=8) including one sham and 5 ovarian torsion groups (OT+CH groups) that received different treatments. Each group has been treated 30 min before detorsion with gavage of CH or normal saline for 1 week and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) has been injected on the day 5 for initiating folliculogenesis. Finally, bio-chemical, molecular, histopathological, apoptotic and hormonal evaluations were performed. The anti-oxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, ameliorated in the ovarian tissues of the OT+CH groups in comparison with the OT group (P<0.001). Moreover, the level of serum Luteinizing hormone considerably declined and estradiol level (P<0.001), partly enhanced in the rats treated with CH in comparison with the ones in the OT group (P<0.05). In addition, histopathological scores of the OT+CH groups ameliorated in comparison with the OT group scores (P<0.05). Furthermore, the expression Caspase-3 and Bax genes were significantly increased while the expression of Bcl-2 was notably decreased in the OT group in comparison with the sham group (P<0.05). Here, it seems that CH is possibly beneficial for the protection of ovaries against reperfusion injury and ischemia.

Ефективність програм екстракорпорального запліднення (IVF/ICSI) у пацієнток із прогнозованою слабкою відповіддю яєчників

Purpose - to show the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs in infertile women with a predicted poor ovarian response to stimulation with various gonadotropins and to study the course of pregnancy, childbirth and the condition of their newborns. Materials and methods. The Group І is 75 women, the controlled stimulation of superovulation in which by urinary gonadotropins was performed in the protocol with the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist. The Group ІІ (comparison) is 65 women, the stimulation of superovulation in which was carried out according to an analogical scheme with recombinant gonadotropins. Confirmation or exclusion of biochemical pregnancy was carried out by determining the level of total human chorionic gonadotropin in blood serum 14 days after embryo transfer. Data processing was carried out using the Stat Soft Statistica 8.0 software package. Results. The frequency of cancellation of IVF cycle (IVF/ICSI) in the patients of the Group І was reliably lower than among the patients of the Group ІІ: in the Group І it was 2 (2.7%) cases against 8 (12.3%) cases in the Group ІІ (p&lt;0.05). IVF cycle cancellations among the patients of the Group І was reliably lower than among the women of the Group ІІ (OR=0.205; 95% СІ: 0.048-0.87; p&lt;0.05). Embryo transfer procedure was performed for 73 women of the Group І and 57 patients of the Group ІІ. The frequency of pregnancy on the IVF protocol and embryo transfer was 41.1% (30/73) and 36.8% (21/57), respectively. Absence of the further embryo development after implantation (biochemical pregnancy) was registered in 1 (3.3%) woman of the Group І and 1 (4.8%) patient of the Group ІІ. Non-developing pregnancy up to 12 weeks was diagnosed in 2 (6.6%) women of the Group І and 3 (14.2%) patients of the Group ІІ. Pregnancy that occurred after the IVF/ICSI program resulted in childbirth in 24 (32.9%) women out of 73 of the Group І and 13 patients out of 57 (22.8%) of the Group ІІ. Conclusions. In women who underwent the controlled stimulation of superovulation by urinary gonadotropins in the protocol using gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist compared to women who underwent the stimulation of superovulation with recombinant gonadotropins according to an analogical scheme, the frequency of pregnancy and completion of pregnancy by childbirth was reliably higher. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the author.

The transcriptome expression levels related to ovulation induction and acupuncture protection therapy in rats through gene microarray

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of acupuncture in the adjuvant treatment of infertility. A rat model of ovulation induction was constructed using horse serum gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin, and then acupuncture was used to treat the model rats at Guanyuan and Sanyinjiao points. Hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining, the endometrial thickness, and enlargement of uterine cavity were determined to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on the uterus of ovulation induction rats. Meanwhile, the uterus tissues were sent for gene microarray analyses. Acupuncture enhanced the endometrial receptivity of ovulation induction rats. Gene microarray showed that 189 overlapped differential expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and these overlapped DEGs were divided into four clusters by Mfuzz algorithm. Afterwards, interaction networks containing 842 interaction pairs were established, and the DEGs in the interaction networks were significantly enriched in 20 BP and 10 KEGG pathways, including wound healing, response to glucocorticoid, TNF signaling pathway, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, and glutathione metabolism. By calculating topological parameters, Anxa5, Casp8, Tgm2, Frk, Mmp7, Timp1, Hmgcr, Cth, Serpinal, and Abcbla were the important hub genes of the interaction networks. Our findings revealed the changes at transcriptome levels related to ovulation induction and acupuncture protection therapy.

PSXII-4 Estrus Synchronization and Artificial Insemination in Korean Black Goats Using Frozen-Thawed Semen

Abstract Korean black goat (Capra hircus coreanae) populations are dwindling and facing genetic erosion due to artificial insemination. Here, we introduced an estrus synchronization method for Korean black goats to enable crossbreeding with non-native breeds on small farms and investigated the application of estrus synchronization and artificial insemination in Korean black goats. Semen was obtained using electro-ejaculation and preserved using a conventional and simple freezing method. Pre- and post-freezing semen was analyzed using computer-assisted sperm analysis, as per the Food Standards Agency 2011 guidelines. The percentage of motile sperm in the electro-ejaculated samples declined significantly after freezing and thawing. However, this did not influence the artificial insemination results. In addition, the incubation period was positively correlated with sperm motility decline in the frozen-thawed sperm samples. Blood progesterone (P4) and estrogen (E2) concentrations were also analyzed to determine the optimal artificial insemination time in estrus-synchronized Korean black goats. The blood samples were collected from a jugular vein at approximately 0900 daily for 5 days. Subsequently, the serum was obtained using centrifugation and stored at -70°C until analysis. Although the P4 and E2 concentrations were generally unaffected by the estrous synchronization method, the controlled internal drug release + prostaglandin F2α + pregnant mare serum gonadotropin method yielded a 42.9% parturition rate after artificial insemination. In the present study, an offspring from an estrus-synchronized Korean black goat was successfully produced by artificial insemination using frozen-thawed semen. The successful cryopreservation of semen for artificial insemination was substantiated with sperm motility and pregnancy rates. In the future, additional studies of estrus synchronization for the artificial insemination of Korean black goats are needed. Our results are expected to significantly contribute to the Korean black goat breeding industry.

Evaluation of Two Estrus Synchronization Protocols on Estrus Response, Conception, and the Kidding Rate during Lower Breeding Season for Abergele Goat in Northern Ethiopia

Reproductive technologies are applied to accelerate genetic progress and enhance the reproductive performance of various livestock species. The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of pregnant mare serum gonadotropins (PMSGs) and prostaglandin (PGF2α) hormones on the oestrus response, conception rate, and kidding rate during the lower breeding season of the Abergele goat breed. A total of 77 Abergele does (25 for PMSG and 52 for PGF2α protocols) were used for the experiment. Experimental animals were allowed to graze (does) for approximately 8 hours and (bucks) for approximately 4 hours, followed by supplementation with a mixture of 300 to 350 g cowpea hay and wheat bran per day. For PMSG-treated does, a vaginal sponge impregnated with progesterone hormone was inserted and stayed for 12 days. After the removal of the vaginal sponge, 2 ml (400 IU) of PMSG hormone was injected for 25 does and allowed to be mated by selected bucks after 48 hours. While a single injection of PGF2α hormone was administered for 52 does and allowed for mating after 48 hours of hormone administration. The PMSG and PGF2α protocols resulted in estrus responses of 96% and 86.5%, respectively. The conception and kidding rates of does administered with the PGF2α protocol were better, with values of 57.7% and 55.8%, respectively. From the result, it was concluded that Abergele does were better responsive to both prostaglandins and gonadotropin-based protocols in inducing estrus, which can be used as an alternative approach for the improvement of the reproductive performance of goats. However, for the reason of better conception efficiency, kidding rate, and ease of application, the PGF2α protocol was found to be better responsive and effective for synchronizing Abergele does during the lower breeding season.

Serum FSH as a Useful Marker for the Differential Diagnosis of Ovarian Granulosa Cell Tumors.

Simple SummaryThis study aimed to evaluate whether serum gonadotropin and sex steroid hormone measurement is useful in the differential diagnosis of granulosa cell tumors (GCTs). Serum hormone levels were measured preoperatively in patients who underwent surgery for ovarian tumors (n = 471) and compared in two groups, a GCT group (n = 13) and a group with other histological types of ovarian tumor (non-GCT) (n = 458). Univariate analysis showed that the GCT group had significantly lower serum gonadotropin levels and significantly higher serum sex steroid hormone levels than the non-GCT group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level was significantly associated with GCT (p = 0.004). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis for the diagnosis of GCTs showed that the area under the curve of the serum FSH level was 0.99, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 98%. Preoperative serum FSH levels are an extremely useful marker for differentiating GCTs from all ovarian tumors.Background: We evaluated whether the serum hormone levels are useful in the differential diagnosis of granulosa cell tumors (GCTs), regardless of menopausal status. Methods: Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone were measured preoperatively in all patients (n = 471) who underwent surgery for ovarian tumors at Chiba University Hospital between 2009 and 2021. These were compared in two groups, a GCT group (n = 13) and a group with other histological types (non-GCT) (n = 458). Results: The GCT group had significantly lower serum LH and FSH (p = 0.03 and p < 0.001, respectively) and significantly higher testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.045, respectively) than the non-GCT group. Multivariate analysis revealed that serum FSH and estradiol were significantly associated with GCT (FSH, odds ratio (OR) = 0.0046, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.0026–0.22, p = 0.004; estradiol, OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96–0.998, p = 0.046). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis for GCTs showed that the area under the curve of serum FSH was 0.99, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 98%, when the cutoff level was set at 2.0 IU/L. Conclusions: Preoperative serum FSH level is an extremely useful marker for differentiating GCTs from all ovarian tumors.

Super-ovulatory response of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) treatment on ovarian characteristics of rabbit does under heat stress

The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of superovulation treatment on ovarian characteristics, follicle and embryo number of rabbit does under heat stress. Fourty-eight hours before natural mating, 30 rabbits were divided into three equal groups, viz. control (G1) were injected with 0.1 ml saline/doe and two treatment groups (G2, G3) were injected with 20 IU and 40 IU of pregnant mare serum Gonadotropin (PMSG). After 72 h of natural mating, does in all groups were slaughtered. The genital tract measurement was taken, the embryos were morphologically evaluated, and oocytes and follicle count were recorded. No significant effect of PMSG on ovarian measurement was observed. For corpora lutea number and embryo number from the oviduct and uterine horn, there were no significant effects of PMSG in all the groups.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF hCG IN THE DYNAMICS OF FUNCTIONAL STRUCTURE OF SUPEROVULATED ACEH CATTLE OVARIES USING PREGNANT MARE SERUM GONADOTROPINS

This study aimed to determine the biopotency of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) in stimulating the formation of dominant follicles and the biopotency of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in triggering an increase in the ovulation rate of the natural-estrus donor group and the prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) induced group using female Aceh cattle (n= 20) which were divided into two treatment groups: the group with natural estrus (A) and the group with PGF2α -induced estrus (B). Each donor group was superovulated using the injection of PMSGhCG (A1, B1) and only PMSG (A2, B2). The observations on total follicles and CL were carried out at D10, D14/D+0 and D21/D+7 using ultrasonography (USG). The results showed that PMSG gave a better superovulatory response to the development of dominant follicles (P0.01) at A1, A2, B1, and B2. The administration of hCG hormone 2000 IU i.m. was not able to increase the rate of ovulation. Total follicles after the addition of hCG were also not significantly different between A1:A2 and B1:B2. Statistically, the number of CL in all donor groups in D21 was not significantly different (P0.05). It concluded, superovulation using PMSG gave the same results to the donor cows with natural estrus and the donor cows with PGF2α-induced estrus. The hCG hormone with a dose of 2000 IU injected i.m. was also not able to increase the ovulation rate of Aceh cattle superovulated with PMSG 2500 IU i.m. ____________________________________________________

Correlation between clinical and laboratory parameters and early pregnancy loss in assisted reproductive technology cycles: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundThe miscarriage rate after pregnancy resulting from assisted reproductive technology (ART) is about 20%, roughly half of which is biochemical. The correlations between the number and quality of oocytes, estradiol level and early pregnancy loss have not been fully clarified.Objective This study aimed to examine the clinical and laboratory parameter effects on early abortion in ART cycles.Materials and MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 408 women who were ART candidates and were referred to the Yazd Infertility and Research Center, Yazd, Iran during March 2017 to March 2020 participated. Women who had a fresh embryo transferred and who had a positive beta human chorionic gonadotropin serum test were included in the study. The Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level, embryo quality, oocyte number, progesterone level, estradiol level, and maternal age were extracted from the medical records.ResultsNo significant difference was observed in the age, mean estradiol and progesterone levels on trigger day, number of MII oocytes, and embryo quality between the groups (p = 0.19, 0.42, 0.07, 0.34 and 0.20, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between the 3 groups of AMH level (p = 0.20). After evaluation using logistic regression, the rate of negative clinical pregnancies was higher in the group with AMH 1 ng/ml. However, this was not found to be statistically significant.ConclusionWe did not find any correlation between early abortion and AMH levels, embryo quality, oocyte number, progesterone level, estradiol level, or maternal age.

Folic Acid Supplementation in Pregnant Mice: An Approach to reduce the Expression of TNF-A and Placental Apoptosis Index in Maternal Stress

Introduction: Maternal stress is harmful to the placenta. It induces apoptosis. Maternal folic acid (FA) supplementation is mandatory in Indonesia and other countries. FA is known as an antioxidant and probably reduces the apoptosis index in placenta with maternal stress. Aim: To investigate the folic acid supplementation in pregnant stress mice (Mus Musculus) on the apoptosis index and placental TNFα expression. Methods: Twenty-one Mus musculus strainded balb/c female mice were randomly divided into three groups. The first group was normal mice, the second group was given stress, and the third group was given stress and folic acid supplementation (3 mg/kg body weight/day in 0,5ml suspension). The ovulation was induced by pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin and HCG. The stress was given by immobilizing the mice in a transparent pipe and giving bright light twice a day on gestational day 10-15. On gestational day 16, the mice were sacrificed, and the placenta tissue was taken. The expression of TNF-α and apoptotic index was calculated by multiplying the score for % stained cells and staining intensity. Result: The expression of TNF-α (mean±SD) of the normal, second, and third groups were 2.1±0.37, 5.9±1.01, and 3.2±1.78. The apoptotic index (mean±SD) of the normal, second, and third groups were 2.7±1.09, 6.3±0.87, and 3.2±0.65. Conclusion: Folic acid supplementation reduces TNF-α and apoptotic index expression in the placenta with maternal stress, and there is a positive correlation between TNF-α and apoptotic index.

Biological mechanisms and applied prospects of mesenchymal stem cells in premature ovarian failure.

Premature ovarian failure (POF), also known as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), refers to the loss of ovarian function in women after puberty and before the age of 40 characterized by high serum gonadotropins and low estrogen, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, and decreased fertility. However, the specific pathogenesis of POF is unexplained, and there is no effective therapy for its damaged ovarian tissue structure and reduced reserve function. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with multidirectional differentiation potential and self-renewal ability, as well as the cytokines and exosomes they secrete, have been studied and tested to play an active therapeutic role in a variety of degenerative pathologies, and MSCs are the most widely used stem cells in regenerative medicine. MSCs can reverse POI and enhance ovarian reserve function through differentiation into granulosa cells (GCs), immune regulation, secretion of cytokines and other nutritional factors, reduction of GCs apoptosis, and promotion of GCs regeneration. Many studies have proved that MSCs may have a restorative effect on the structure and fertility of injured ovarian tissues and turn to be a useful clinical approach to the treatment of patients with POF in recent years. We intend to use MSCs-based therapy to completely reverse POI in the future.

Ferulic acid inhibits catamenial epilepsy through modulation of female hormones.

Approximately 40% of women with epilepsy experience perimenstrual seizure exacerbation, referred to as catamenial epilepsy. These seizures result from cyclic changes in circulating progesterone and estradiol levels and there is no effective treatment for this form of intractable epilepsy. We artificially increased progesterone levels and neurosteroid levels (pseudo-pregnancy) in adult Swiss albino female mice (19-23g) by injecting them with pregnant mares' serum gonadotropin (5 IU s.c.), followed by human chorionic gonadotropin (5 IU s.c.) after 46h. After this, ferulic acid (25, 50, 100mg/kg i.p.) treatment was given for 10 days. During treatment, progesterone, estradiol, and corticosterone levels were estimated in blood on days 1, 5, and 10. Neurosteroid withdrawal was induced by finasteride (50mg/kg, i.p.) on treatment day 9. Twenty-four hours after finasteride administration (day 10 of treatment), seizure susceptibility was evaluated with the sub-convulsant pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) dose (40mg/kg i.p.). Four to six hours after PTZ, animals were assessed for depression like phenotypes using tail-suspension test (TST). Four to six hours following TST, animals were euthanized, and discrete brain parts (cortex and hippocampus) were separated for estimation of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine as well as glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) enzyme activity. PMSG and HCG treatment elevated progesterone and estradiol levels, assessed on days 1, 5, and 10 causing a state of pseudo-pregnancy. Treatment with finasteride increased seizure susceptibility and depression-like characteristics possibly due to decreased progesterone and elevated estrogen levels coupled with decreased monoamine and elevated corticosterone levels. Ferulic acid treatment, on the other hand, significantly decreased seizure susceptibility and depression like behavior, possibly because of increased progesterone, restored estradiol, corticosterone, monoamines, and GAD enzyme activity. We concluded anticonvulsant effect of ferulic acid in a mouse model of catamenial epilepsy, evidenced by favourable seizure attenuation and curative effect on the circulating progesterone, estradiol, and corticosterone levels along with restorative effect on GAD enzyme activity and monoamine levels.