Serum Concentrations Of Hormone Research Articles

P-671 Modelling human follicle growth and development during ovarian stimulation: a physiological computational approach

Abstract Study question Can key elements of ovarian physiology be accurately modelled, thereby providing a tool to generate novel insights and guide development of new therapeutics? Summary answer A physiological computational model was developed to describe follicle growth and follicle size distributions observed in agonist and antagonist ovarian stimulation (OS) protocols. What is known already The outcome of OS remains unpredictable despite identification of several prognostic factors. The average first cycle pregnancy rate is 30-40% across fertility centres, highlighting the need for improved stimulation protocols. This is an active area of clinical research; however, clinical trials are costly, time-consuming, and frequently have outcomes that are unexpected or difficult to interpret. We integrated available physiological knowledge of human follicle growth and development and clinical trial data into a computational model to enable in silico simulations with the aim to optimise clinical trial design. Study design, size, duration Computational model building was performed using a mechanistic approach aimed at capturing well-understood physiology that is relevant in OS protocols. Model inputs included patient characteristics (such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level), OS regimen and pituitary downregulation with gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist or antagonist. Key outputs of the model included follicle number and mean size, duration of stimulation and serum hormone concentrations (oestradiol, testosterone, inhibin B and androstenedione). Participants/materials, setting, methods Published physiological data on regulation of follicle development and hormone production informed model design. Following implementation of the model in the Python platform, data from two OS clinical trials were used to calibrate (partially censored) and test the model. The two trials provided data on the effects of the recombinant follicle stimulating hormone preparation follitropin delta over a range of fixed doses and compared the effects of follitropin delta in agonist and antagonist OS protocols. Main results and the role of chance The computational model describes the interplay between pituitary gonadotrophins ovarian steroid hormones and follicle growth and development. Processes spanning the cellular level (such as steroidogenesis and receptor dynamics in theca and granulosa cells), the ovaries (follicle number and size) and the organism (pharmacokinetics and hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis) are included as a system of coupled differential equations. Approximately 70 compartments, 500+ parameters and 1700+ reactions constitute the model framework. Follicles are recruited in the model at variable times, starting from 7 days prior to the start of stimulation. Follicles are initialised with individual sensitivity to gonadotrophins and growth rates. The fate of each follicle (dominance or atresia) is governed by these properties, which determine whether the balance shifts towards proliferation or atresia under the influence of gonadotrophins. Model-simulated numbers of follicles, their average size and mean serum hormone concentrations match closely with observed values in the two clinical trials. For each of these variables, their dependence on time, the dose of follitropin delta, AMH level and downregulation protocol were described with good precision. The inter-patient variability in the simulated number of follicles and in serum hormone levels matched closely with the observed variability based on comparison of the interquartile range. Limitations, reasons for caution The computational model currently describes follicle development during treatment with follitropin delta. We envision extending the model to encompass other treatment outcomes and additional preparations of exogenous gonadotrophins. While the model incorporates our current understanding of mechanisms important for follicle development, ongoing research in the field will likely drive improvements. Wider implications of the findings The computational model is hypothesis-generating and can improve the design of future clinical trials through in silico trial simulation. For instance, the effects of changing subject inclusion/exclusion criteria or of novel dosing regimens can be investigated. Trial registration number NCT01426386, NCT03809429

The Effect of Progesterone Elevation on the Day of Trigger Administration: A Review of the Literature

Since the advent of assisted reproductive technology, different variables have been shown to affect pregnancy outcomes. One of the most prevalent studied events is the premature rise in serum progesterone concentrations on the day of trigger administration during cycles of ovarian stimulation. This phenomenon, classically known as premature luteinization, has been observed significantly for decades and has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes and lower live birth rates. Ultimately, a quest to find a precise serum progesterone concentration cut-off value that can be effectively used to predict pregnancy outcomes prior to trigger administration is still underway. The purpose of the current research was to study the available literature on the relationship between serum progesterone on the day of trigger administration in controlled ovarian stimulation cycles used for IVF in an attempt to identify a cut-off serum progesterone concentration that can be used to effectively predict future pregnancy outcomes in fresh transfers. This study is a review of the literature and is based on information and data gathered from 36 published articles. The majority of the literature shows that a serum progesterone concentration cut-off of 1.5 ng/ml (4.77 nmol/L) can be used prior to trigger administration to effectively predict pregnancy outcomes. Premature progesterone elevation on the day or prior to the trigger administration is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in IVF cycles. Other factors such as follicle number, serum concentration of other hormones, and ovarian response to ovarian stimulation should also be considered to predict the success of IVF protocols.

Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 and leptin concentrations in Black Bengal goats at different ages and gestation periods and their relationship to kid growth performance.

The impact of maternal hormone concentration on kid growth performance in relation to insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and leptin is minimal. This study examined IGF-1 and leptin levels at varying ages and gestation periods for their correlation with Black Bengal goat kids' growth during the preweaning phase. Blood samples were collected from 43 dams with different reproductive cycles and 28 prepubertal goats to measure serum concentrations of IGF-1 and leptin. Among dams, both hormones were investigated in different age ranges (<2, 2-3, 3-4, and >4 years old) and reproductive cycles (non-pregnancy, early gestation (1-50 days), mid-gestation (51-100 days), late gestation (101-135 days), and the last 15 days before delivery). After delivery, 65 kids from 34 dams were weighted weekly for 8 weeks to calculate average daily weight gain (ADG) at 0-4 weeks (ADG0-4 W) and 4-8 weeks (ADG4-8 W) and growth performance, including weight (W), height (H), length (L), chest girth (C) measured at birth (W0, H0, L0, and C0) and at 10 weeks of age (W10, H10, L10, and C10) were related to hormone serum concentrations in their dams at different gestation periods including the last 15 days before delivery. Dams had higher mean serum IGF-1 (p < 0.001) and leptin (p < 0.05) than prepubertal goats. Dams at late gestation had higher IGF-1 concentrations than those at early and mid-gestation and during the last 15 days before delivery. However, it was consistent with non-pregnant goats. The kid's growth performance correlated positively with IGF-1 concentration, which was collected in the last 15 days before delivery. Multivariate analysis showed that ADG0-4 W was higher in kids born from dams with high IGF-1 than those with low IGF-1 measured during the last 15 days of delivery, whereas leptin tended to have a similar effect. Serum IGF-1 and leptin concentrations of dams measured during the last 15 days before delivery were associated with kid's growth during the preweaning period.

Effects of chronic exposure to a high fat diet, nutritive or non-nutritive sweeteners on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and -gonadal (HPG) axes of male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Diet-related factors are of great significance in the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to a high fat diet (HFD), fructose or sucralose on the endocrine functions. Male, Sprague-Dawley rats received a normal chow diet, HFD, 10% fructose or 0.02% sucralose for 10 weeks. Behavioral changes were assessed by open field (OFT) and elevated plus-maze (EPM) tests at week 8. H&E staining was used to observe pathological changes in adrenal cortex, testis and perirenal adipose tissue. Serum hormone concentrations were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression levels of genes along the HPA and HPG axes were determined using real-time PCR. All types of dietary interventions increased body weight and disturbed metabolic homeostasis, with anxiogenic phenotype in behavioral tests and damage to cell morphology of adrenal cortex and testis being observed. Along the HPA axis, significantly increased corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations were observed in the HFD or 0.02% sucralose group. For HPG axis, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and estradiol (E2) concentrations were significantly increased in all dietary intervention groups, while decreased concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T) were also detected. Moreover, transcriptional profiles of genes involved in the synthesis of hormones and corresponding hormone receptors were significantly altered. Long-term consumption of HFD, fructose or sucralose manifested deleterious effects on endocrine system and resulted in the dysregulation of HPA and HPG axes.

Effect of sex and milk replacer with or without supplemental carnitine and arginine on growth characteristics, carcass, and meat quality of artificially reared low-birth weight pigs.

This study compared milk replacer either remaining unsupplemented (CON) or supplemented with 0.5g L-carnitine plus 16.7g L-arginine/kg (CarArg) and fed to 48 low-birth weight (L-BtW) artificially reared piglets (24 per group) from days 7 to 28 of age. Eight farrowing series were needed to complete the study. On day 28, the lightest piglets were slaughtered, and the heaviest pigs were weaned. The heaviest pigs were weaned on day 28 and offered free access to a starter (weaning to 25kg body weight [BW]), grower (25 to 60kg BW), and finisher diet (60 to 96kg BW on day 170 of age). After euthanization on days 28 and 170, blood was sampled for assessment of serum metabolite and hormone concentrations, and the semitendinosus muscle (STM) was weighed, and later subjected to enzyme activity analysis and assessment of myofiber characteristics. In the 170-d-old pigs carcass and meat quality traits were assessed. Growth data were analyzed accordingtoatwo-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with dietary treatment and farrowing series as fixed effects, while remaining data were analyzed with dietary treatment, sex, their interaction, and farrowing series as main factors. Dietary treatments affected (P ≤ 0.049) muscle enzyme activity at both day 28, with greater citrate synthase (CS) and LDH activities and lower HAD:CS ratio in STM light portion, and lower LDH:CS ratio in STM dark portion, and 170 of age with lower HAD:CS ratio. In the starter period, CarArg pigs had greater average daily gain (P = 0.021) and average daily feed intake (P = 0.010). At slaughter, these pigs had lower (P = 0.013) glucose and greater (P = 0.022) urea serum concentrations. However, supplementing the milk replacer with carnitine and arginine had no long-term effects on growth performance, carcass composition, and meat quality of L-BtW pigs. In addition, muscle morphology and myofiber-related properties remained unaffected by the supplementation.

PSVI-17 Inclusion of glutathione precursor to diet of sows from d 114of lactation through to weaning d 21 improves serum hormone concentrations and piglet performance

Abstract Glutathione (GSH) is a critical endogenous antioxidant found in all eukaryotic cells and has a critical role in maintaining redox homeostasis. Greater GSH concentrations protect cellular damage, tissue degeneration, and disease progression in various models but very limited study exists in swine model. Thus, we aimed to examine the effect of GSH supplementation on lactating sows and their suckling performance. From d 114 of lactation to 21 d of weaning, a total of 40 multiparous sows (Landrace x Yorkshire, parity 2.4) were assigned to one of four dietary treatments. The test treatments were: CON, a basal diet and a basal diet supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% GSH precursors. Experimental data (reproductive performance, growth performance, and blood profile) was analyzed by the general linear model (GLM) procedure with individual sow and their progenies as an experimental unit. Orthogonal polynomial regression was conducted to determine the linear and quadratic effects of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% GSH precursors in pigs. Piglets born to sows fed GSH precursors showed linearly increased body weight and total average daily gain (P &amp;lt; 0.05) at the end of weaning d 21. Moreover, dietary GSH showed linearly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) GSH and GSH/GSSG (oxidized glutathione) ratio in sow blood at the end of lactation d 14 and d 21. Whereas, at the end of weaning serum cortisol concentration of sows was significantly reduced by GSH precursor supplementation. In conclusion, adding 0.3% of GSH supplement to lactating sow diet would be beneficial to enhance the immune status and performance of both sows and their progenies respectively.

Modulatory Functions of Craterispermum schweinfurthi on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis of Male Wistar Rats in Phenyl Hydrazine Induced Testicular Toxicity

Introduction: Modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is mediated by different factors which are of research interest. Aim: To evaluate the modulatory functions of Craterispermum schweinfurthi leaf extract on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis of male Wistar rats in phenyl hydrazine induced testicular toxicity. Methodology: 40 male Wistar rats weighing between 100-250g were randomly divided into 8 groups of 5 rats each. Testicular toxicity was induced through intraperitoneal administration of 40mg/kg of phenyl hydrazine at 9am on day 0 and two additional injections at 9am and 6pm on day 1 in all rat groups except groups 1 and 8 and were treated as follows for 14 days; Group 1: Rats in this group received distilled water only: Group 2: Untreated Phenyl hydrazine induced toxicity rats: Groups 3-5 received 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 750mg/kg body weight of the extract: Group 6: Rats in this group were administered 0.23ml/kg of Bioferon: Group7: Phenyl hydrazine + Phytosterol (2000mg/kg): Group 8: Phytosterol only (2000mg/kg). 24 hours after the last administration, the rats were anaesthetized using 3.5% chloroform soaked in cotton wool and blood samples collected through direct cardiac puncture for the estimation of serum concentration of reproductive hormones. Also, rat’s caudal epididymis was excised for the determination of sperm indices. Results: Administration of the hydromethanol leaf extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi to rats Groups 3-5, significantly increased serum concentration of luteinizing, Follicle stimulating hormones and Testosterone compared to Group 2 (phenyl hydrazine induced toxicity) rats (p&lt;0.05): Suggesting a possible modulatory function of the extract. Significantly dose dependent higher values of sperm volume, viability, count, normal and active sperm were observed amongst groups 3-5 rats following the administration of graded doses of the extract compared to Group 2 (phenyl hydrazine induced toxicity) rats (p&lt;0.05). Suggesting a possible amelioration of the toxic effects of phenyl hydrazine. Conclusion: This study reports that administration of hydromethanol extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi caused a significant and dose dependent improvement in the concentration of male reproductive hormones: resulting in a predictable increase in sperm indices.

The possibly role of GnIH in stress and gut dysfunction in chicken

Stress is known to disrupt the intestinal barrier and induce intestinal dysfunction. A critical role for gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH) in stress has emerged. However, whether GnIH mediates stress-induced intestinal dysfunction remains unknown. The present study explored this question through in vivo and in vitro experiments in hens. Our in vivo experiments showed that continuous intraperitoneal injection of GnIH not only significantly increased the concentration of stress hormones in serum, but also significantly elevated the mRNA expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the duodenum and jejunum. Moreover, morphological and molecular analyses revealed that GnIH disrupted the physical and chemical barriers of the intestine and dramatically increased inflammatory factor levels in the intestine and serum of hens. Interestingly, the microbiomics results showed that GnIH altered the structure and composition of the gut flora in the cecum, revealing an increased abundance of harmful intestinal bacteria such as Desulfovibrionaceae. Similar results were found in in vitro studies in which the GnIH-induced intestinal mucosal barrier was disrupted, and inflammation increased in jejunal explants, although no significant difference was found in the expression of GR between the control and GnIH groups. Our results demonstrated that GnIH not only directly damaged intestinal barriers and elevated intestinal inflammation but also mediated stress and microflora imbalance-induced intestinal function disorder, suggesting that GnIH is a potential therapeutic target for gut dysfunction, stress-induced intestinal function disorder, and inflammatory bowel disease in animals and humans.

Sex Steroid Hormone Serum Concentrations in Pregnant Women with Epilepsy in MONEAD (S19.006)

Sex Steroid Hormone Serum Concentrations in Pregnant Women with Epilepsy in MONEAD (S19.006)

Effect of Curcuma longa maceration treatment on ovarian follicular development, serum oestradiol, uterine growth and vascularisation in female albino rats

Abstract Introduction Curcuma longa is a well-known medicinal plant with various health benefits. This study was designed to evaluate the administration of Indonesian C. longa maceration for its effect on promoting growth and development of the ovary and uterus before mating in female albino rats. Material and Methods A total of 15 female Sprague Dawley rats in their dioestrous phase were assigned into three different groups: the Control group (mineral water); the Cur-Low group (mineral water with 1% C. longa maceration) and the Cur-High group (mineral water with 5% C. longa maceration). The treatments were given for 20 days. Serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, oestradiol and progesterone were determined. After the sacrifice of the rats, ovary and uterine relative weight, uterine cornua diameter and length, uterine gland diameter (by histology), the number of primary, secondary, tertiary, and Graafian follicles, the number of corpora lutea and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the ovary were measured. Uterine vascularisation was also evaluated. Results Administration of C. longa maceration significantly improved the relative weights of the uterus and ovary; uterine cornua diameter, length and vascularisation; uterine gland diameter; and expression of VEGF in the ovary. It also increased the number of tertiary follicles and corpora lutea, albeit not significantly. Follicle-stimulating hormone serum concentrations were lower in the administered rats. Conclusion Oestradiol and progesterone levels rose with C. longa maceration treatment. The maceration improved the reproductive organs of unmated rats and had potential to optimise the uterine environment for supporting pregnancy in order to produce high-quality offspring.

Time-varying associations of gestational and childhood triclosan with pubertal and adrenarchal outcomes in early adolescence.

Triclosan is an endocrine-disrupting chemical, but associations with pubertal outcomes remain unclear. We examined associations of gestational and childhood triclosan with adolescent hormone concentrations and pubertal stage. We quantified urinary triclosan concentrations twice during pregnancy and seven times between birth and 12 years in participants recruited from Cincinnati, OH (2003-2006). We averaged concentrations across pregnancy and childhood and separately considered individual exposure periods in multiple informant models. At 12 years, we measured serum hormone concentrations (males [n = 72] and females [n = 84]-dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone; males-testosterone; females-estradiol). Also at age 12 years, participants self-reported physical development and menarchal timing. We estimated associations (95% confidence interval) of triclosan with hormone concentrations, more advanced physical development, and age at menarche. For females, each doubling of childhood triclosan was associated with 16% lower estradiol concentrations (-29%, 0%), with stronger associations for measures closer to adolescence. We found suggestive evidence that higher triclosan at any age was associated with ~10% (for gestational triclosan: -18%, -2%) lower follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations among males and early postnatal (1-3 years) triclosan was associated with 63% (5%, 96%) lower odds of advanced pubic hair development in females. In multiple informant models, each doubling of gestational triclosan concentrations was associated with 5% (0%, 9%) earlier age at menarche, equivalent to 5.5 months. Gestational and childhood triclosan concentrations were related to some pubertal outcomes including hormone concentrations and age at menarche. Our findings highlight the relevance of elucidating potential sex-specific and time-dependent actions of triclosan.

Effect of adding natural and synthetic antioxidants to broiler drinking water as antistressor on productivity, antioxidant statues and hematological traits under heat stress

This study was conducted to explore the benefit of adding synthetic and natural antioxidants nutritional additives in drinking water to increase broiler resistance to heat stress in the hot summer climate on productive performance, and physiological status. A total of 600 chicks of broiler (Ross-308) were distributed into ten treatments, each treatment with three replicates of 20 chicks. The treatments of study are: T0: (Positive control: drinking water without adding-DW)- without heat stress, treatments exposed to heat stress: [T1: (Negative control: drinking water without adding-DW, but exposed to heat stress), T2: (100 mg BHT/1 L DW) (BHT – butylhydroxytoluene: synthetic antioxidant), T3: (100 mg vit E/1 L DW) (synthetic antioxidant), T4: (200 mg saffron/1 L DW) (natural antioxidant, T5: (200 mg curcumin/1 L DW), T6: (100 mg saffron+ 50 mg BHT/1 L DW), T7: (100 mg saffron+50 mg vit E/1 L DW), T8: (100 mg curcumin+ 50 mg BHT/1 L DW), T9: (100 mg curcumin+ 50 mg vit E/1 L DW)]. Data of the study analyses and display that the synthetic and natural antioxidants nutritional additives had significantly decreases in the temperature of body parts surface (head, back, under wings, cloaca), general body temperature, mortality%, Malondialdehyde (MDA), heat shock proteins (HSP-40 and HSP -70), Corticosterone hormone concentration in the blood serum and heterophiles: lymphocytes (H/L) ratio. However, body weight, body weight gain, Production index (PI), feasibility (economic profit), water intake (WI), Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px), super oxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Newcastle (ND), Infectious bursal (IBD) diseases and Infection bronchitis virus (IB), so feed conversion ratio (FCR) had significantly improved in the all treatments of water additive in the treatments of positive control T0 compared with the negative control T1. Whereas, feed intake had non-significant differences among all treatments of the study. In all traits of the study natural antioxidant additives: saffron and curcumin additives seen superiorly

Analysis of Endocrine and Inflammatory Markers in Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disease of the lungs characterized by chronic airflow obstruction. Individuals with preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) may be at risk for developing COPD. This study aimed to characterize PRISm and COPD patients in terms of their immune response and endocrine profile to identify differences extending beyond lung function. The participants performed the clinical assessment, pulmonary function test, and blood collection to determine serum hormone levels and concentrations of cytokine. Differences were observed in the nutritional status, lung function, and comorbidity. There were no differences in IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF levels between PRISm and COPD groups. Both PRISm and COPD patients have lower dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels than controls. Correlation analysis of PRISm and COPD patients revealed positive correlations between serum levels of DHEA-S and DHEA, with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), which negatively correlated with IL-8 levels. The results indicated that despite differences in lung function parameters, the PRISm and COPD groups exhibited similarities in endocrine profile alterations. This study represents the first attempt to link endocrine with immune markers and lung function in individuals with PRISm.

Roxadustat and transfusional iron overload induced hypothyroidism in a hemodialysis patient: a case report with a literature review

BackgroundAlthough roxadustat has been reported to cause central hypothyroidism, the details of the mechanisms and clinical characteristics of patients who are prone to developing hypothyroidism with roxadustat are uncertain.Case presentationA 53-year-old man with a 3-year history of hemodialysis due to diabetic kidney disease who had been treated with roxadustat, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, for 2 years was admitted to the hospital because of worsening gait disturbance and impaired consciousness. He had also acquired pure red cell aplasia associated with T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia and received multiple blood transfusions. Because his serum concentration of thyroid hormones was low, we diagnosed him with hypothyroidism, and his consciousness level recovered to normal with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Computed tomography revealed a high-intensity atrophic thyroid gland, and magnetic resonance imaging showed diffusely reduced T2 and T1 signals of the pituitary anterior gland. These findings confirmed the accumulation of iron in the pituitary and thyroid glands. Combined pituitary stimulation tests with thyrotropin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, and corticotropin-releasing hormone revealed that the patient had pan-hypopituitarism. After discontinuation of roxadustat, the patient was treated with another hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, vadadustat. One month after switching medication, a stimulation test with thyrotropin-releasing hormone showed normal responses to thyroid-stimulating hormone. The patient was treated with levothyroxine 50 μg daily without any significant symptoms and is currently under follow-up observation as an outpatient.ConclusionsWe encountered a dialysis patient with roxadustat-induced hypothyroidism associated with transfusion iron overload. To our knowledge, this is the first case to clearly show that roxadustat can impair thyroid-stimulating hormone secretion in repeated thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation tests. Because the present patient had received roxadustat for more than 2 years before hypothyroidism became apparent, regular monitoring of the thyroid function may be needed in patients with renal anemia who have been treated with roxadustat, especially those at high risk of thyroid dysfunction.

Effect of GnRH Active Immunisation on Reproductive Performance of Male Sprague Dawley Rats.

To investigate the effect of active immunisation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on the reproductive function in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, 24 42-day-old rats were randomly assigned to treatment with GnRH6-MAP, GnRH-OVA, a surgical castration group, and a blank control group. Each rat in the treatment groups was intramuscularly injected at 6, 8, and 10 weeks of age. The serum concentrations of testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and anti-GnRH antibodies were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The results showed that active immunisation with recombinant GnRH6-MBP and GnRH-OVA significantly increased the serum levels of anti-GnRH antibodies and reduced the serum concentrations of testosterone compared to the black control. Eight weeks after immunisation, the rats' testes were surgically removed for morphological evaluation, showing atrophy of the convoluted vasculature, relative emptying of the lumen, and insignificant differentiation of spermatogonial cells, which were increased in weight and volume compared with the blank control group. These findings indicated that active immunisation with GnRH can lead to testicular atrophy and reduce gonadal hormone concentrations, suggesting that GnRH is a highly effective immunogen.

Comparing massa medicata fermentata before and after charred in terms of digestive promoting effect via metabolomics and microbiome analysis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMassa Medicata Fermentata, a fermented Chinese medicine, is produced by the fermentation of six traditional Chinese medicines. Liu Shenqu (LSQ) and charred Liu Shenqu (CLSQ) have been used for strengthening the spleen and enhancing digestion for over a thousand years, and CLSQ is commonly used in clinical practice. However, it is unclear whether there is a difference in the spleen strengthening and digestion effects between LSQ and CLSQ, as well as their mechanisms of action. Aim of studyThis study aims to compare the effects of LSQ and CLSQ on the digestive function of functional dyspepsia (FD) rats and reveal their mechanisms of action. Materials and methodsSPF grade SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: control group, model group, Liu Shenqu decoction low-dosage (LSQ LD) group, Liu Shenqu decoction high-dosage (LSQ HD) group, charred Liu Shenqu decoction low-dosage (CLSQ LD) group, and charred Liu Shenqu decoction high-dosage (CLSQ HD) group. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with reserpine to create an FD model and then treated by intragastric administration. During this period, record the weight and food intake of the animals. After 18 days of treatment, specimens of the gastric antrum, spleen, and duodenum of rats were taken for pathological staining and immunohistochemical detection of Ghrelin protein expression. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the concentration of relevant gastrointestinal hormones in serum. The 16 S rDNA sequencing method was used to evaluate the effect of cecal contents on the structure of the gut microbiota in experimental rats. Plasma metabolomics analysis was performed using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) to further reveal their mechanism of action. ResultsLSQ and CLSQ improved the pathological tissue histological structure of FD rats and increased the levels of MTL and GAS hormones in serum and the levels of ghrelin in the gastric antrum, spleen, and duodenum, while reducing VIP, CCK, and SP hormone levels. The above results showed that the therapeutic efficacy of CLSQ is better than that of LSQ. Futhermore, the mechanism of action of LSQ and CLSQ were revealed. The 16 S rDNA sequencing results showed that both LSQ and CLSQ can improve the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota. And metabolomic analysis demonstrated that 20 metabolites changed after LSQ treatment, and 16 metabolites underwent continuous changes after CLSQ treatment. Further analysis revealed that LSQ mainly intervened in the metabolic pathways of glycerol phospholipid metabolism and arginine and proline metabolism, but CLSQ mainly intervened in the metabolic pathways of ether lipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. ConclusionsBoth LSQ and CLSQ can improve functional dyspepsia in FD rats, but CLSQ has a stronger improvement effect on FD. Although their mechanisms of action are all related to regulating gastrointestinal hormone secretion, significantly improving intestinal microbiota disorders, and improving multiple metabolic pathways, but the specific gut microbiota and metabolic pathways they regulate are different.

Acute Hemodynamic, Metabolic, and Hormonal Responses to a Boxing Exergame with and without Blood Flow Restriction in Non-Athlete Young Individuals.

This study aimed to compare acute hemodynamic, metabolic (glucose and blood lactate concentrations), hormonal (growth hormone and normetanephrine), heart rate variability (HRV), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) responses before and after bouts of a boxing exergame with and without blood flow restriction (BFR) in non-athlete young individuals. Fourteen participants (age: 30 ± 10 y; BMI: 21 ± 3 kg.m-2) participated in two sessions of a 20 min boxing exergame. During week one, the participants were randomly divided into two groups and played against one another under normal (n = 7) and BFR (n = 7) conditions. Over the next exercise session, participants were then reallocated to the opposite condition (normal vs. BFR) for data collection. Hemodynamic, metabolic, HRV, and hormonal parameters were measured before and immediately after the exercise protocols. Playing exergame led to a significant increase in hemodynamic variables (except for diastolic blood pressure) regardless of BFR condition with no between-group differences. Regarding HRV, significant reductions in total power (TP) and low-frequency (LF) waves were identified in the non-BFR group (p < 0.0001) compared with the BFR group. Conversely, a significant increase in very LF (VLF) waves was noted for the BFR group (p = 0.050), compared with the non-BFR group. Significant increases were observed in serum concentrations of growth hormone, normetanephrine, and blood lactate concentration from pre- to post-exercise under both conditions (p ≤ 0.05), with no significant differences between the groups. Moreover, no statistically significant changes were observed in glucose levels. RPE responses were significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05) in the BFR group compared with the non-BFR group throughout the exercise session. We observed similar hemodynamic, hormonal, and metabolic responses after an acute boxing exergame session in young individuals, whether conducted with or without BFR. However, notable differences were observed in certain HRV markers and RPE. Specifically, the inclusion of BFR resulted in an elevation of VLF and a heightened perceived exertion. These findings suggest that BFR may alter cardiac autonomic and perceptual responses during exergaming. Further research is warranted to understand the long-term implications and potential benefits of incorporating BFR into exergaming routines.

Fetuin-A level in patients with untreated thyroid dysfunction

Fetuin-A, a plasma glycoprotein, has been demonstrated to play an essential role in the pathogene­sis of several metabolic disorders. This study aimed to estimate fetuin-A serum level in patients with newly diagnosed primary hyperthyroidism (PHT) and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and to examine its correlation with thyroid hormones level, age and sex of patients. The study involved 90 patients with untreated thyroid dysfunction verified with thyroid function test (45 with PHT and 45 with SCH) and 90 control subjects. Triiodo­thyronin (T3), tetraiodothyronin (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) serum concentrations were measured with enzyme-linked fluorescent assay (ELFA), fetuin-A concentration was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). It was demonstrated that the level of fetuin-A was significantly higher in the PHT group as compared with the control group and showed a significant positive correlation with the T3 level. In the SCH group, the level of fetuin-A was significantly lower and showed a negative correlation with TSH level. Fetuin-A level rose with age in the PHT group and was unaffected by sex in all studied groups. The perfect AUC value obtained for fetuin-A in the comparison between PHT and SCH groups suggests its potential use as a reliable diagnostic marker to differentiate between these two thyroid conditions.

Relationship between phthalates exposure, risk of decreased ovarian reserve, and oxidative stress levels.

Phthalates (PAEs), a group of environmental endocrine disruptors, are associated with oxidative stress and have adverse effects on female ovarian reserves. However, this association has been poorly investigated, particularly with respect to clinical evidence. In this study, we provided clinical evidence of a relationship between exposure levels of PAEs, oxidative stress and decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). Firstly, the urinary concentrations of metabolites of PAEs were measured by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), and the biomarkers of oxidative stress, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), were determined. Finally, statistical analyses were conducted to describe the relationship between the PAEs exposure, oxidative stress and DOR. We found that the levels of monomethyl phthalate (MMP), monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), and mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) in the DOR group were significantly higher than those in the control group. There was a significant negative association between AMH and MMP, MiBP levels. and a significant positive association between FSH and MMP levels. PAEs exposure was also associated with a significant increase in MDA levels and decrease in SOD levels. In conclusion, the exposure of PAEs was closely associated with DOR, potentially mediated by oxidative stress pathways; however, small sample size was a limitation in this study.

Serum hormone concentrations and individualisation of breast cancer prevention

Serum hormone concentrations and individualisation of breast cancer prevention