Significant Difference In Estradiol Levels Research Articles

High progesterone levels on the day after HCG injection has no effect on clinical pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

This study investigates the potential impact of high progesterone (P) level on the day following human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection on the clinical pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Retrospective analysis was conducted on 6418 cycles of IVF-ET performed at Liuzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital between August 2020 to December 2021. Excluding cycles with progesterone levels ≥1.5ng/ml on HCG injection, a total of 781 cycles were identified according to the standard, and they were divided into five groups according to the progesterone level on the day after HCG: Group A: progesterone level < 2.5 ng/ml (n = 128); Group B: 2.5 ng/ml ≤ progesterone level < 3.5 ng/ml (n = 174); Group C: 3.5 ng/ml ≤ progesterone level < 4.5 ng/ml (n = 153); Group D: 4.5 ng/ml ≤ progesterone level < 5.5 ng/ml (n = 132); Group E progesterone level ≥5.5 ng/ml(n=194). Comparative analyses of clinical data, including general clinical data, and clinical pregnancy outcomes such as clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and live birth rate were performed among these groups. There were significant differences in estradiol levels on HCG injection, but there were no differences in available embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and live birth rate. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that there was no significant correlation between P level on the day after HCG injection and the live birth rate. Under the condition of low P level on HCG injection, high progesterone levels on the day after HCG injection does not affect the clinical pregnancy outcomes of IVF-ET.

Estradiol Levels and Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients: A Prospective Clinical Study.

Breast cancer remains a global health issue, including in Indonesia, which has a relatively high incidence of breast cancer. Several theories have proved the role of estrogen in breast cancer carcinogenesis, but there is yet to be a preventive measure against breast cancer. Chemotherapy is one of the therapeutic modalities for breast cancer that disturbs ovarian function in producing estrogen due to damaged ovarian granulosa cells. Chemotherapy becomes an alternative option to decreasing circulating estradiol levels through interventions in ovarian functions, either by surgery, such as oophorectomy, or medications that disturb the ovarian functions. This study aimed to observe the estradiol levels in breast cancer patients before and after chemotherapy. This was a prospective cohort study. We observed the estradiol levels before and after adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Subjects' characteristics are presented in mean ± standard deviation, distribution frequency, and percentage. Subjects' characteristics based on chemotherapy were tested using an independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U, and Chi-square/Fisher exact test. Effects of chemotherapy on estrogen levels were tested using the Wilcoxon rank test and Kruskal-Wallis test. A total of 194 research subjects were included. There were changes in estradiol levels before and after therapy. The decrease of estradiol levels in patients who did not receive chemotherapy was -6.9% (P > 0.05). Patients who received anthracycline cyclophosphamide (AC) regimen, paclitaxel and anthracycline (TA) regimen, paclitaxel, anthracycline and trastuzumab (TA + H) regimen, and platinum regimen experienced a significant decrease in estradiol levels (-21.4% (P < 0.05), -20.2% (P < 0.001), -31.7% (P < 0.01), and -23.7% (P < 0.05), respectively). Among chemotherapy groups, the estradiol levels before and after chemotherapy did not have significant differences (P = 0.937 and P = 0.730, respectively). There are no significant differences in estradiol levels between chemotherapy and hormonal therapy groups. Patients in both groups have decreased estradiol levels after therapy, although patients in hormonal therapy do not experience as much decrease as those in chemotherapy.

Ethanolic Root Extract of Urtica dioica Exhibits Pro-fertility and Antioxidant Activities in Female Albino Rats

Aims: To determine the effect of ethanolic extract of Urtica dioica roots on reproductive hormones and antioxidant enzymes in female Wistar rats.&#x0D; Study Design: Experimental Research.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, Lagos Nigeria between November 2019 and February 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 40 rats used, were divided into eight groups of 5 rats. The study was carried out for a period of 21 days, the rats were induced with levonorgestrel for 7 days after which Urtica dioica extract was administered for 14 days and were compared against vehicle, levonorgestrel and extract controls. Hormonal level estimation (Progesterone, estradiol, prolactin and testosterone) and in-vivo antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase and alkaline phosphatase activity) were estimated using standard procedures.&#x0D; Results: The administration of the extract showed no statistically significant difference in estradiol levels across all groups. Progesterone levels decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) compared to the controls while prolactin and testosterone levels also decreased, although not significant. The extract increased catalase and alkaline phosphatase activities significantly in IHD group compared to the control.&#x0D; Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Urtica dioica roots exhibits pro-fertility and antioxidant activities.

Effects of Antiretroviral Drugs on Steroid Hormones Among HIV-Infected Antenatal Women in Nigeria

Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a global threat. The administration of Antiretroviral drugs (ARD) is the most effective means of hampering the fatality of the disease. This study was to determine the effects of ARD (Combivir, Nevirapine) on estradiol and progesterone in the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: 120 pregnant women in Bori, Rivers State, Nigeria, were randomly selected for this study. Sixty of these women were pregnant and apparently healthy (control group), while the rest sixty were HIV-infected pregnant women who began antenatal visits in 2nd trimester of their pregnancy. Their blood samples were collected in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The estradiol and progesterone levels were quantitatively determined using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) methods. Results: In the 3rd trimester when the samples were collected, there was no significant difference (p.value 0.2042) between the mean progesterone level of seronegative (766.66±18.17nmol/L) and seropositive pregnant women (804.71±23.63 nmol/L). Contrariwise, there was a significant difference (p.value 0.0001) in estradiol level; seronegative women’s level (37,490.09± 2,080.56 pmol/L) being significantly higher than that of seropositive women’s (28,135.40±986.45pmol/L). Conclusion: The significant difference in estradiol levels among these two groups of women indicated that despite the initiation of antiretroviral medication on HIV-infected women, steroidogenesis of this pregnancy hormone did not measure up to their non-infected pregnant counterparts while the insignificant difference in progesterone among these groups reflected a good response of the hormone to the drug therapy.

Increased P450 aromatase levels in post-menopausal women after acute ischemic stroke

BackgroundSex differences in stroke have been attributed to the neuroprotective effects of estrogen, yet most clinical trials of estrogen supplementation for stroke prevention have failed. The contribution of sex hormones to stroke outcome remains a subject of debate. Aromatization of testosterone to estradiol in neural tissue leads to sexual differentiation. Emerging data suggests aromatase activity increases in response to brain injury, and increased aromatase expression is seen in the ischemic penumbra in animal models. The objective of this study was to examine the levels of endogenous sex steroids after acute ischemic stroke and determine if levels of sex steroids were associated with acute stroke outcomes.MethodsPeripheral blood from ischemic stroke patients and controls was collected under an approved IRB within 24 h of symptom onset. 17β-estradiol, testosterone, and aromatase levels were measured in the serum of both men and women using ELISA. Hormone levels were compared in men vs. women in stroke and control groups and correlated with outcomes (NIHSS and change in the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), defined as the difference of premorbid and discharge mRS) using multivariate regression.ResultsWe found no significant difference in estradiol levels 24 h after stroke in men (p = 0.86) or women (p = 0.10). In men, testosterone significantly decreased after stroke as compared with controls (1.83 ± 0.12 vs. 2.86 ± 0.65, p = 0.01). Aromatase levels were significantly increased in women after stroke as compared with controls (2.27 ± 0.22 vs. 0.97 ± 0.22, p = 0.002), but not in men (p = 0.84). Estradiol levels positively correlated with change in mRS in both women (r = 0.38, p = 0.02) and men (r = 0.3, p = 0.04).ConclusionsEstradiol levels correlated with functional outcomes (change in mRS) in both men and women, at least in the acute phase (24 h) of stroke. However, no significant difference in estradiol levels is seen 24 h post-stroke in men or women. Testosterone levels decrease at 24 h after stroke in men. As seen in animal models, aromatase levels increase after acute ischemic stroke, but this was only true for women. These indicate an active aromatization process in post-menopausal women after acute ischemic stroke.

INFLUENCE OF DOSAGE AND DURATION OF SOY MILK TO ESTRADIOL LEVELS

Soy milk contains isoflavones which are natural estrogens from plants. The content of isoflavones in soy milk influence for endocrine hormone system disruption due to excessive absorption of phytoestrogens, which is feared to affect the development of reproductive organs. This study aims to determine whether the dose and duration of awarding of soy milk affect the level of estradiol. The research design used was experimental with a post test only control group design, which conducted for one month at 24 strains of female mice balb / C, divided into 6 groups namely two control groups and four treatment groups (with 15 and 30 days observation period). The control group was given a non-soybean diet (pellet feed), the treatment group was given soy milk (doses 0.325 and 0.65 mL each mice). Analyzed of data by one way ANOVA test, post-hoc LSD. One Way Anova test earned p value &lt;0.05, this indicates a significant difference in estradiol levels. There is influence of the dosage of awarding of soy milk on the estradiol level of mice.

Does Testosterone Treatment Increase Anger Expression in a Population of Transgender Men?

BackgroundThe acquisition of phenotypic male features in transmen with gender dysphoria requires testosterone treatment. The suppression of menses is 1 of the most desired effects. The relation between testosterone levels and human aggressive behavior has been described. However, the effects of testosterone on anger expression have been poorly investigated in trans-persons. AimTo assess the effects of testosterone treatment on anger expression in transmen using a validated self-report questionnaire (Spielberger's State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory–2 [STAXI-2]). Methods52 transmen diagnosed with gender dysphoria were evaluated before (T0) and at least 7 months after (T1) initiation of continuous gender-affirming testosterone treatment. Sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric parameters, diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, current psychopharmacologic treatments, and life events were investigated at T0. OutcomesSTAXI-2 scores, serum testosterone, and estradiol levels at T0 and T1 were compared. ResultsMost of the sample (61.5%, n = 32) had no Axis I or II comorbidity. All subjects at T1 achieved significantly higher serum testosterone levels (5.67 ± 3.88 ng/mL), whereas no significant difference in estradiol levels was observed from T0 to T1. At T1 only 46.2% (n = 24) of the sample achieved iatrogenic amenorrhea, whereas most of the sample had persistent regular bleedings. A significant increase in STAXI anger expression and anger control scores from T0 to T1 was recorded. Patients with persistent bleedings and Axis I disorders seemed to have higher odds of expressing anger. However, circulating testosterone levels at T1 did not influence anger expression. Clinical ImplicationsInterestingly, despite the increase of anger expression scores, during continuous testosterone treatment, there were no reports of aggressive behavior, self-harm, or psychiatric hospitalization. Strengths and LimitationsA limitation to this study is that although the STAXI-2 is a well-validated instrument measuring anger expression, it is a self-report psychometric measure. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that during 7 months of continuous gender-affirming hormonal treatment, anger expression and anger arousal control increased in transmen. Persistence of menstrual bleedings and Axis I disorders, but not circulating testosterone levels, were predictive of the increase in anger expression score. Continuous psychological support to transmen during gender-affirming hormonal treatment was useful to prevent angry behaviors and decrease the level of dysphoria.Motta G, Crespi C, Mineccia V, et al. Does Testosterone Treatment Increase Anger Expression in a Population of Transgender Men? J Sex Med 2018;15:94–101.

Insomnia, postpartum depression and estradiol in women after delivery.

After childbirth, women may develop symptoms of depression with the associated sleep disturbances. This study assessed the relationship between insomnia and both depression symptoms and blood estradiol levels in women during the early postpartum period. 84 patients were assessed 24-48h after labor. The main assessment methods were the following psychometric scales: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). Serum estradiol levels were measured using ELISA assay. Women who developed postpartum insomnia significantly more often reported insomnia during pregnancy (P=0.001), were more likely to have suffered from depression in the past (P=0.007) and had significantly higher BDI (P=0.002) and EPDS (P=0.048) scores. Our study demonstrated no significant association between Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) during pregnancy and postpartum insomnia. The groups of women with and without postpartum RLS showed no significant differences in the incidence of postpartum insomnia. No significant differences in estradiol levels were observed in women with and without postpartum insomnia. The study showed the following factors to play a major role in development of postpartum insomnia: an increase in Beck Depression Inventory score, a history of depression and a history of insomnia during pregnancy.

Consequences of elevating plasma testosterone in females of a socially monogamous songbird: evidence of constraints on male evolution?

To explore whether selection for testosterone-mediated traits in males might be constrained by costs of higher testosterone to females, we examined the effects of experimental elevation of plasma testosterone on physiological, reproductive, and behavioral parameters in a female songbird, the dark-eyed junco ( Junco hyemalis). We used subcutaneous implants to elevate testosterone (T) in captive and free-living female juncos. In captive birds, we measured the effects of high T on body mass, feather molt, and brood patch formation. In the field, we monitored its effects on the timing of egg laying, clutch size, egg size, egg steroid levels, incubation, and nest-defense behavior. Females implanted with testosterone (T-females) had significantly higher circulating levels of testosterone than did control females (C-females). Captive T-females had lower body mass, were less likely to develop brood patches, and delayed feather molt relative to C-females. Among free-living females, the interval between nest completion and appearance of the first egg was longer for T-females than for C-females and egg yolk concentrations of testosterone were higher, but there were no significant differences in estradiol levels, clutch size, or egg size. Incubation and nest defense behavior were also similar between T- and C-females. Our results suggest that selection on males for higher testosterone might initially lead to a correlated response in females producing changes in body mass and feather molt, both of which could be detrimental. Other possible female responses would be delayed onset of reproduction, which might reduce reproductive success, and higher yolk testosterone, which might have either positive or negative effects on offspring development. We found no reason to expect reduced parental behavior by females as a negative fitness consequence of selection for higher testosterone in males.

Sex hormone-binding globulin, estradiol, and bone turnover markers in male osteoporosis

The role of estrogen deficiency in male osteoporosis is still under discussion. One hundred five subjects, 65 of them suffering from osteoporosis (mean age, 53.9 years) and 40 age-matched controls were studied. Osteoporosis was defined by a T score < −2.5 in the lumbar spine or at the femoral neck. Forty-one (63.1%) of the subjects had a history of low-energy fractures, involving vertebrae in 33 cases (50.8%). Osteoporosis was considered to be idiopathic in 33 subjects (50.8%) for whom no etiology could be found. We measured levels of total estradiol (pg/ml, with a detection threshold of 4 pg/ml), total testosterone (ng/ml), and their carrier protein, that is, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG, pmol/ml). Various markers of bone remodeling were also measured. Two of them provide an estimate of bone formation—osteocalcin (OC) and bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP). Two others evaluate bone resorption—procollagen type I C-terminal telopeptide (ICTP) and serum C-telopeptide of type I collagen (sCTX). There was no significant difference in estradiol levels between controls and osteroporosis patients. We did not find any significant correlation between estradiol levels and spinal bone mineral density (BMD) ( r = 0.15, P > 0.05), and the relationship between estradiol levels and BMD at the femoral neck was weak ( r = 0.25, P < 0.05). On the other hand, SHBG was significantly higher in the osteoporotic patients than in controls ( P < 0.01). This difference persisted after adjustment for body mass index (BMI) and after exclusion of patients with a condition known to increase SHBG levels. Moreover, this carrier protein was negatively correlated with BMD at the femoral neck ( r = −0.37, P < 0.01) and at the lumbar spine ( r = −0.27, P < 0.05). SHBG also correlates strongly with sCTX ( r = 0.37, P < 0.01). Finally, logistic regression analysis showed that serum SHBG concentration was significantly associated with the presence of fractures; the odds ratio of having a fracture was 2.04 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–3.4, P < 0.01] for each increase of 1 standard deviation (SD) in the patient's SHBG level. The stronger relationship was nearly the same for the whole group and for patients with idiopathic osteoporosis. This study therefore suggests that SHBG may play a key role in male patients with idiopathic or secondary osteoporosis. It shows that serum SHBG concentration is increased in middle-aged men with osteoporosis and is correlated with hip, spine BMD, and sCTX levels. Finally, our findings are in agreement with previous studies which suggest that serum SHBG is a new biological marker of fracture risk in men.

Effects of various iuds on the composition of cervical mucus

The influence of three different intrauterine devices on the composition of cervical mucus was studied. The amount of mucin, albumin and immunoglobulin G was estimated. After the insertion of an inert IUD, a decrease in mucin was observed. During copper-IUD use the content of mucin, albumin and IgG was increased in cervical mucus, while weight was not affected. In the levonorgestrel-IUD users, ovulation was inhibited in 2 out of 8 women. Mucus weight was increased. The amounts of mucin, albumin and IgG were not changed. In an in vitro experiment the effect of copper-IUDs on autooxidation of cholesterol was studied. There was an extensive conversion of cholesterol but addition of albumin quenched the oxidation of cholesterol. It is suggested that the increased secretion of albumin induced by copper-IUD users may offer protection against copper-induced cell damage.