Vaginal Smear Cytology Research Articles

Clinical trial comparing the use of Orcellex® Brush versus Cervex-Brush® on vaginal vault smear cytology adequacy rate in patients treated with radiotherapy for cervical cancer.

This study aims to evaluate and compare the Cervex-Brush® and Orcellex® Brush as sampling devices for vaginal vault smear cytology in cervical cancer patients treated primarily with radiotherapy. A randomized crossover trial was conducted at a gynecological oncology center in Hong Kong to compare the Cervex-Brush® and Orcellex® Brush in terms of their vault smear adequacy rate in cervical cancer patients who underwent radiotherapy. One hundred sixty cervical cancer patients treated with primary radiotherapy and undergoing follow-up surveillance by vaginal vault cytology were recruited. The smear adequacy rate was 90.6% for Cervex-Brush® and 91.9% for Orcellex® Brush. The rates of low cellularity for both brushes were similar (76.8% for Cervex-Brush® vs. 76.1% for Orcellex® Brush). The detection rates of abnormal smears were also not significantly different (2.8% for Cervex-Brush® vs. 4.2% for Orcellex® Brush). The 2 brushes were also not significantly different in terms of pain score and degree of bleeding. It was further observed that the second smear collection was more painful and patients who were on hormonal replacement therapy demonstrated less bleeding. There was no difference between the Orcellex® brush and the Cervex-Brush® in terms of smear adequacy rate, rate of high cellularity and the detection of abnormal smears. There was also no significant difference between the 2 brushes in terms of pain and the degree of bleeding. Therefore, the Orcellex® Brush can be considered a suitable alternative sampling device for vault smear collection in patients who have undergone radiotherapy for cervical cancer. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04461574.

Aqueous Ethanolic Extract of Inonotus obliquus Ameliorates Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Downregulating TNF-α and Interleukin-6

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic and endocrine disorder with multifactorial etiology and complex pathogenesis. These intrinsic physiological changes cause anovulation, infertility, and miscarriage in women and exacerbate their chances of becoming hyperlipidemic and diabetic. Inonotus obliquus has been used traditionally for infertility problems. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of aqueous ethanolic extract of Inonotus obliquus (AEIO) in female rats with letrozole-induced PCOS, along with the determination of its possible mechanism. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, p-coumaric, benzoic acid, quercetin, salicylic acid, and kaempferol. Thirty female albino rats were acquired and divided into two groups (5 + 25) to induce PCOS. Letrozole (1 mg/kg) was used to induce the disease for 7 weeks (25 rats) except for the normal control (5 rats). The disease was confirmed by vaginal smear cytology, weight gain, and endocrinopathy. After disease induction, rats were divided into five groups (five rats in each group; disease control, metformin 20 mg/kg, AEIO 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg). After completion of the study, the animals were euthanized under the influence of anesthesia (chloroform). Ovaries were removed for histopathology, the liver was evaluated for oxidative stress biomarkers, and blood samples were collected for biochemical evaluation. Ovarian histopathology showed an abnormal architecture with cystic follicles and abnormal granulosa cells. Interestingly, treatment with AEIO restored normal ovarian histology with primary, growing, and developing follicles. After conducting a hormonal analysis, it was found that the induction of PCOS led to a significant increase (p < 0.001) in luteinizing hormone (LH), insulin, and testosterone levels, while the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) decreased. However, treatment with AEIO at doses of 100–500 mg/kg restored these levels to normal. PCOS induction also resulted in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation by significantly decreasing antioxidant enzymatic markers (SOD, CAT, and GSH) and increasing levels of lipid peroxidation enzymatic markers (MDA). AEIO restored the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), and reduced the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). In conclusion, antioxidant phytochemicals (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, p-coumaric, benzoic acid, quercetin, salicylic acid, and kaempferol) rich extract alleviated PCOS symptomatology through modulating oxidative stress markers and eliminating ovarian low-grade inflammation by downregulating the expression of NF-κB associated TNF-α and IL-6.

Dose Dependent Effects of Aqueous Extract of Garcinia cambogia Desr. Against Letrozole Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Female Adult Rats With Possible Mechanisms Exploration.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine metabolic disorder of women. This study aimed to explore the potential of aqueous extract of Garcinia cambogia Desr. (AEGC) in PCOS. The HPLC was used to determine the phytoconstituents present in Garcinia cambogia. Thirty adult female albino rats were divided into 6 groups: Normal control (NC) disease Control (PCOS; letrozole 1mg/kg), plant extract (AEGC 100, 300, 500mg/kg) and standard (metformin; 20mg/kg). Disease was confirmed by vaginal smear cytology. After 10 weeks, animals were euthanized, ovaries dissected for histopathology, blood collected for hormonal and biochemical analysis. HPLC analysis showed the presence of phenolic contents; chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, coumaric acid while flavonoid contents were quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin. After treatment, there was dose dependent reduction of weight, ovarian cysts, improvement of follicle growth. DPPH radical scavenging percentage was 67.89%. Hormonal analysis showed a significant improvement (P < .05) in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, and progesterone while a reduction in testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and insulin level. Antioxidant enzymatic markers were significantly (P < .05) increased. Lipid profile and LFTs were also improved. The study validated the potential of Garcinia cambogia in the management of PCOS.

A CLINICAL CASE OF THE USE OF THE CYTOLOGICAL METHOD IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF HIDDEN SEX ACTIVITY IN A DOG

In the 21st century, in modern veterinary reproduction, the study of vaginal smear cytology is very promising. This method is simple to implement and has a relatively low cost. Its use in the clinical reproduction of dogs is of great diagnostic value, as well as in the diagnosis of gynaecological diseases. The method of vaginal cytology allows you to most accurately determine the beginning and end of the fertile period. The purpose of the work is to study the modern method of diagnosing “hidden sex activity” in a female dog and to describe a clinical case of determining the day of the oestrous cycle by the cytological method. The objectives of the research are 1) to study the cellular composition of smears of a female dog at different stages of the sexual cycle; 2) features of the estrus cycle based on changes in the picture of the cytological smear and identify the days of estrus.

Therapeutic Investigation of Standardized Aqueous Methanolic Extract of Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L.) for Its Potential against Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Experimental Animals' Model: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an heterogenous, endocrine, metabolic, and multidisciplinary disorder of reproductive-aged females that aggravates insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, obesity, menstrual irregularities, and infertility. Bitter melon is consumed as vegetable in various parts of the world. The purpose of this study was to provide the rationale for the folkloric uses of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) in reproductive abnormalities. HPLC analysis of standardized aqueous methanolic extract of bitter melon revealed the presence of various phytochemicals such as quercetin, gallic acid, benzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and cinnamic acid. Twenty-five Swiss albino adult female rats (120–130 g) were acquired and divided into two groups (5 + 20). Letrozole (1 mg/kg p.o.) was used for four weeks to induce PCOS in twenty rats. Disease induction was confirmed by vaginal smear cytology analysis under the microscope. Animals were further divided into four groups, with one group as PCOS group, and the remaining three are treated with standardized extract of bitter melon (500 mg/kg p.o.), bitter melon plus metformin (500 mg/kg p.o.), and metformin alone for the period of next four weeks. After four weeks, the rats were euthanized at diestrus stage. Ovaries of the experimental animals were removed and fixed in 10% buffered formalin, and blood samples were obtained from direct cardiac puncture and stored. Ovaries histopathological analysis showed cystic follicles (9–10) in PCOS group, while, in all the treatment groups, we found developing and mature follicles. Similarly, hormone analysis showed significant (p < 0.001) reduction of LH surge, insulin, and testosterone levels and improvement in FSH levels. Lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes status were also significantly (p < 0.001) improved. In conclusion, the study validates the bitter melon potential as an insulin sensitizer and ovulation enhancer and authenticates its potential in PCOS management.

Loss of abnormal spindle-like, microcephaly-associated (Aspm) disrupts female folliculogenesis in mice during maturation and aging

The abnormal spindle-like, microcephaly-associated (ASPM) gene is a causative gene of autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) 5 in humans, which is characterized by a reduction in brain volume. It was previously reported that truncated Aspm proteins in transgenic mice caused major defects in the germline, a severe reduction in ovary weight and the number of follicles accompanied by reduced fertility. However; it remains unknown whether a loss of Aspm induces abnormal ovarian function, resulting in female infertility. In order to assess the ovary function, we examined vaginal smear cytology from the age of 7 weeks to 100 weeks in CAG-mediated Cre-loxP conditional Aspm-/- knockout mice and control female mice. In addition, we evaluated the ovarian size, fibrosis ratio and the number of follicles (primordial, primary, secondary, antral and atretic follicles) in mice from 15 weeks to 100 weeks old by image analyses. Mann-Whitney U-test was used for statistical analysis. The size of the ovary was significantly reduced in Aspm knockout mice at 15–20 weeks, 40–50 weeks and 70–80 weeks old compared with the control mice. Furthermore, at all stages, we found a severe decrease in the number of developing follicles at 10–15 weeks, 40–50 weeks and 70–80 weeks old, accompanied by disrupted cyclic changes of vaginal cytology and an aberrant upregulation of Foxo3, Kitl, and Lhcgr in Aspm knockout female. These results suggested that Aspm might play an important role in the folliculogenesis and estrous cyclicity of the postnatal ovary during maturation and aging.

The effects of variations in length of suction pipette inserted during vaginal smear cytology procedure on estrous cycle in Sprague–Dawley rats

Estrous cycle is a periodic reproductive sequence of events in most female laboratory animals that are used for basic research. Several methods have been used to stage estrous cycle, these include visual method, vagina smear cytology evaluation, chemical analysis of urine and the analysis of electrical resistance. The vaginal smear cytology (VSC) evaluation method is commonly used to stage estrous cycle because it is a faster method coupled with easy execution and not as expensive as the other methods. The study of estrous cycle is primary to all investigations in reproduction and related areas. For the generation of dependable research outcome from VSC evaluation method, the technique for the collection of vagina smear and its microscopic interpretation must be done according to established standards. Many reports in literature concerning VSC evaluation method, lack comprehensive demonstrations and uniformity which lead to loss of homogeneity and hence provide study outcomes that are not authentic. Therefore, this present investigation was designed to establish the standard value of inserted length of suction pipette during smear extraction technique when using VSC method to study estrous cycle. A total of fifteen experimental animals were recruited for this investigation. The animals were subdivided into three groups 1 to 3. The lengths of pipette inserted into the vagina canal were varied from 1mm, 2mm to 4mm in group 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The outcome from this investigation showed that the depth of suction pipette inserted during smear extraction procedure in VSC method has effect on estrous cycling. Estrous cycle was maintained with 2mm insertion length with approximate four days cycle and phases changing daily.&#x0D;

Vaginal cytology and receptivity to mating behaviour of Kintamani bitch during the proestrus to estrus phase

The breeding and rearing of Kintamani Bali dogs have evolved from just keeping them as pets to a dog farming industry. Individual variation in female dog fertility must be detected to manage to breed successfully. Vaginal smear cytology is a low-cost and simple method of determining dog’s estrus cycle stages. This study aims to determine the vaginal cytology and receptivity to mating behavior in Kintamani Bali bitch during the proestrus to the estrus phase. The investigation started on the first day of proestrus and continued until the first day of receptivity of mating with a male naturally. The results of this study showed that from the beginning of serosanguinous discharge to early estrus, characterized by a gradual change from initially parabasal and intermediate cells (small then larger) and finally to superficial cells. The onset of estrus is characterized by a predominance of superficial cells and their nucleus disappears and is accompanied by a peak of fully cornified cells. In conclusion, was observed a significant difference in cornified cell identification between the proestrus and estrus phases.

Human papillomavirus prevalence and genotype distribution landscapes in Shannan City, Tibet Tibetan Autonomous Region, China

BackgroundData regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence and genotype distribution are limited in Shannan City, Tibet Tibetan Autonomous Region, China. The purpose of this study is to provide reliable data for guiding women in Shannan City in cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccine innoculation.MethodsHPV testing was performed on women aged 16–109 years (mean age 44.03 ± 9.25 years) from Shannan City in 2019 and 2020, which was implemented technically by gynecological examination, vaginal discharge smear microscopy, cytology, and HPV detection. The overall prevalence, age-specific prevalence, and genotype distribution were analyzed.ResultsA total of 48,126 women received HPV testing, of which 3929 were detected human papillomavirus. The HPV-positive rate was 8.16% (3929/48,126), and the highest prevalence was in the ≤ 25-year-old age group (12.68%). After the age of 25, the prevalence rate decreased rapidly, and then slowly increased from 7.49% in the 46–55 age group to 9.82% in the ≥ 66 age group, showing a “U-shaped” pattern. The positive prevalence of HPV 16 or 18-only was 1.43%, that of other HPV genotypes except HPV 16 or 18 was 6.39%, and mixed HPV infections including HPV 16 or 18 was 0.34%.ConclusionsThe HPV infection rate in Shannan city is rather low, and the age-specific prevalence of HPV infection presents a “U” curve, suggesting the importance of screening among younger women and the necessity of detection among older women.

Vaginal vault smear cytology in detection of recurrence after hysterectomy for early cervical cancer

ObjectiveTo determine the role of vaginal vault cytology as a surveillance tool for the detection of recurrence in patients with early stage cervical cancer treated with hysterectomy without adjuvant therapy.MethodsA...

Effect of Clomiphene Citrate and Letrozole on Body Weight of female Albino Rat for Consecutive 1-4 Estrous Cycles

Background: Ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate in women with infertility has been practiced more than 40% years but in infertile patients this treatment plan proved to be ineffective with multiple complication. Body weight plays an important role modulating reproductive development and functioning. Aim: To observe the effects on body weight of female albino rat after use of clomiphene citrate and letrozole for consecutive 1-4 estrous cycles Method: Eighty four adult female Albino rats were equally divided into three groups for this research. Body weight of each rat was measured before and after the experiment. Vaginal smear cytology of each rat was performed to study different phases of estrous cycle. Control group A was given normal saline orally , In Experimental group B rats were given letrozole (Femara) at dose 5mg/kg orally and in Experimental group C rats were given clomiphene citrate at dose 100ug/kg orally. Results: Significant weight gain is observed in rats taking clomiphene citrate as compared to letrozole Conclusion : Comiphene citrate directly affects the body weight which indirectly reduces the ovulation induction and pregnancy rate. Letrozole is good alternate for ovulation induction and for CC resistant patients. Keywords: Estrous cycle, body weight, citrate and letrozole

Human papillomavirus distribution and cervical cancer epidemiological characteristics in rural population of Xinjiang, China.

Background:Cervical cancer remains a major public health issue for the Uyghur women and other women living mainly in rural areas of Xinjiang. This study aims to investigate the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer in rural areas of Xinjiang, China.Methods:Cervical cancer screening was performed on rural women aged 35 to 64 years from Xinjiang, China in 2017 through gynecological examination, vaginal discharge smear microscopy, cytology, and HPV testing. If necessary, colposcopy and biopsy were performed on women with suspicious or abnormal screening results.Results:Of the 216,754 women screened, 15,518 received HPV testing. The HPV-positive rate was 6.75% (1047/15,518). Compared with the age 35–44 years group, the odds ratios (ORs) of HPV positivity in the age 45–54 years and 55–64 years groups were 1.18 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.37) and 1.84 (95% CI: 1.53–2.21), respectively. Compared with women with primary or lower education level, the ORs for HPV infection rates of women with high school and college education or above were 1.37 (95% CI: 1.09–1.72) and 1.62 (95% CI: 1.23–2.12), respectively. Uyghur women were less likely to have HPV infection than Han women, with an OR (95% CI) of 0.78 (0.61–0.99). The most prevalent HPV types among Xinjiang women were HPV 16 (24.00%), HPV 33 (12.70%), and HPV 52 (11.80%). The detection rate of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2+ was 0.14% and the early diagnosis rate of cervical cancer was 85.91%. The detection rates of vaginitis and cervicitis were 19.28% and 21.32%, respectively.Conclusions:The HPV infection rate in Xinjiang is low, but the detection rate of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions is higher than the national average level. Cervical cancer is a prominent public health problem in Xinjiang, especially in southern Xinjiang.

Chios Mastic Gum Consumption Has a Protective Effect on Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss in Rats.

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential effect of Chios Mastic Gum (CMG) consumption on bone mineral density (BMD) and strength of ovariectomized rats. CMG is a known resin used from ancient times for its beneficial biological properties. Thirty mature female Wistar rats were randomized into three equal groups: sham-operated (control), ovariectomized (OVX), and ovariectomized and administered CMG per os (OVX+CMG). BMD of the total tibia, proximal tibia, and the 6th lumbar vertebra were measured at baseline and at 3 and 6 months post ovariectomy. Bone strength was assessed with three-point-bending (3pb) of the right femur. At 3 and 6 months, BMD values of the OVX+CMG group were significantly higher for the anatomical cites evaluated than those of the OVX group. Femoral thickness assessed via 3pb had intermediate values in the treated group compared to the other groups. Cytology of vaginal smears and uterine weight of the OVX+CMG group were consistent with estrogen depletion. Gastrocnemius muscle and intraperitoneal fat ratios to body weight (BW) of the OVX+CMG group did not significantly differ from the control group. Daily consumption CMG had a protective effect on BMD of the total and proximal tibia and the 6th lumbar vertebra of the rats, without causing undesirable effects on the vaginal epithelium and uterus. The 3pb results also demonstrated a favorable effect on the thickness of rat femurs. In addition, CMG was beneficial for both the muscular system and the intraperitoneal fat/BW ratio of the rats.

Virgin Coconut Oil Improved Discriminative Learning and Working Memory in Aging Cycling and Non-Cycling Female Sprague-Dawley Rats Supporting Its Beneficial Effect in Retarding Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Aim: Beneficial effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) consumption to improve cognition in menopausal females remain inconclusive. This study examined the effect of VCO supplementation in aging cycling and non-cycling rodents to assess its impact on cognition. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats (10 - 18 months) were randomly assigned to a supplemented VCO group (SVCO) that received oral doses of 1.42 mL/kg/day VCO (n = 10) and a non-supplemented (NVCO) group (n = 10). Their performance in a biased Y-maze discriminative learning paradigm was assessed over a 16-week period. Rats were initially allowed 3 minutes to explore the maze (habituated) and subsequently pre-trained in the non-preferred, white chamber to associate the presentation of a tone with a treat (reward). Training involved 4 daily trials initially for 3 weeks during which rats were rewarded if they entered the white arm within 15 sec after tone presentation. Time (days) to attain at least 75% correct responses (CR) determined acquisition latency (AL). Memory retention (MR1) of the learned task was assessed following a 1-week break from training and absence of supplementation (session T1). Following an additional 2-week break, supplementation of SVCO animals resumed and continued to week 16. In week 14, all animals received re-training for 1 week (session T2) followed by another 1-week break and subsequent assessment of memory (MR2). Vaginal smear cytology determinations were performed throughout the study to identify cycling and non-cycling rats. Student’s t-test and ANOVA with Brown-Forsythe and Tukey’s post-hoc tests were used to compare means. Results: C-SVCO rats attained lower AL, and higher CR and MR scores vs their NVCO counterparts (p Conclusion: VCO supplementation attenuated cognitive decline with a more positive impact on non-cycling rodents suggesting a beneficial effect on brain health in females in menopausal transition.

Deep learning-based classification of the mouse estrous cycle stages

There is a rapidly growing demand for female animals in preclinical animal, and thus it is necessary to determine animals' estrous cycle stages from vaginal smear cytology. However, the determination of estrous stages requires extensive training, takes a long time, and is costly; moreover, the results obtained by human examiners may not be consistent. Here, we report a machine learning model trained with 2,096 microscopic images that we named the "Stage Estimator of estrous Cycle of RodEnt using an Image-recognition Technique (SECREIT)." With the test dataset (736 images), SECREIT achieved area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve of 0.962 or more for each estrous stage. A test using 100 images showed that SECREIT provided correct classification that was similar to that provided by two human examiners (SECREIT: 91%, Human 1: 91%, Human 2: 79%) in 11 s. The SECREIT can be a first step toward accelerating the research using female rodents.

IS THERE ANY EFFECT (S) OF FENUGREEK SEEDS AQUEOUS EXTRACT ON THE REGULARITY OF ESTROUS CYCLE AND QUANTITY OF OVARIAN FOLLICLES OF FEMALE RATS?

Introduction: The presence of diosgenin in fenugreek seeds is believed to be the active compound responsible for fenugreeks anti-fertility property. Objective: The purpose of this study to evaluate the potential effects of fenugreek seeds aqueous extract (FSA) extract on the regularity of oestrous cycle and quantity of ovarian follicles. Methodology: Thirty two healthy mature female rats were randomly divided into four groups of 8 rats each. The first group A was the control and received distilled water; the B, C and D received 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day FSA extract,respectively, for 15 days. Daily vaginal smear cytology was examined and ovaries of the animals were removed after 15 days for histological study. Results: The results showed a significant (P<0.024) irregularity of oestrous cycle and reduction in relative ovarian weights of experimental animals treated by FSA extract in comparison to the control group. A reduction in the number of secondary follicles and corpora lutea was found in the treated groups as well as an increment in the number of antral follicles in all treated groups when compared with the control. Conclusion: The observation of irregular oestrous cycle, significant decrease in the number of secondary and antral follicles, and significant increase in the number of atretic follicles demonstrated the potential anti-fertility effects of fenugreek seeds on the female rats were found in this study.

Effects of aqueous extract of &lt;i&gt;Viscum album (Linn.) &lt;/i&gt;leaf on some biochemical parameters and ovarian morphology of oestradiol valerate-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome rats

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) has a worldwide prevalence of 15-20% in women of reproductive age group and account for 75% anovulatory infertility cases in them. Aqueous extract of Viscum album leaf was evaluated for its therapeutic effects on oestradiol valerate – induced PCOS rats. Female rats (176. 96 ± 2.01) g were assigned to groups A – G, (n=10) each. Group A (Control) were administered 0.5 ml of distilled water. Groups B, C, D, E, F and G were PCOS-induced with single intramuscular injection of oestradiol – valerate, each group then received 0.5 ml of distilled water, 2.4 mg/kg body weight of metformin, 10, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively for 30 days. Vaginal smear cytology, serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, testosterone, progesterone and polycystic ovarian morphology were assessed. Aqueous extract of Viscum album leaf significantly (p&lt;0.05) reversed PCOS related increased serum concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone and decreased concentration of luteinizing hormone towards the control values. Persistent oestrus cells and cystic follicles in the ovaries of PCOS-induced rats were restored towards control. Aqueous extract of Viscum album leaf ameliorated some clinical, biochemical and ovarian features of polycystic ovarian syndrome rats. Keywords: Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Testosterone, vaginal smear, antihypertensive, antidiabetic.

SUPPLEMENTATION WITH VIRGIN COCONUT OIL: CAN IT REALLY REDUCE COGNITIVE DECLINE?

The sudden decrease in bioavailable estrogen in menopause puts ageing females at increased risk of cognitive decline. Consumption of virgin coconut oil (VCO) which has been “classified as a highly nutritious functional food” has gained popularity recently due to claims of beneficial effects in people with cognitive impairment. This study was designed to compare the effect of VCO supplementation on learning and memory between mature, cycling and aged, non-cycling rats. Twelve 15-month old and twelve 22-month old female Sprague-Dawley rats completed the study. Vaginal smear cytology determined estrous cycle staging to identify cycling and non-cycling rats. A modified discriminative learning paradigm utilizing a Y-maze was adopted. Number of entries and time spent determined arm preference during a 3-minute maze exploration. Rats that exhibited preference (>75%) for the black arm of the maze were selected. Each age cohort was randomly assigned to either a VCO-treated or non-VCO (control) group (n=6). Treated rats were administered a daily oral dose of 1.42 ml/kg of cold pressed VCO. In pre-training, rats were confined to the non-preferred, white arm of the maze and learnt to associate the presentation of a tone with reward. Rats were then allowed 4 trials daily over 3 weeks and rewarded only if they entered the non-preferred arm within 15 seconds after presentation of a tone (i.e. correct response). Time to attain at least 75% correct responses (acquisition latency) was used to assess learning. Memory retention of the learnt task was assessed in all groups following a 2-week break. Data were analyzed using Students’ T-test and ANOVA. Cycling rats had lower acquisition latencies and significantly higher correct response rates than non-cycling rats (p=0.04). Cycling VCO-treated rats exhibited a significant enhancement of learning (p=0.04) compared with non-supplemented controls. VCO supplementation showed no improvement in memory retention across all groups, however VCO treated cycling rats had higher response rates than their non-cycling counterparts. VCO supplementation produced a small positive effect on cognition overall, but appears to be more effective when supplemented during the cycling period when estrogen levels are normal and provides better neuroprotection.

Fitness effects of interspecific competition between two species of desert rodents

Many factors affect individual fitness, but while some factors, such as resource availability, have received strong experimental support, others including interspecific competition have rarely been quantified. Nevertheless, interspecific competition is commonly mentioned in the context of reproductive success and fitness. In general, when reproduction is likely to fail, reproductive suppression may occur. We studied the golden spiny mouse (Acomys russatus) and the common spiny mouse (A. cahirinus; however, recent molecular analysis in spiny mice from Jordan and Sinai suggests this species is A. dimidiatus (Frynta et al., 2010), as a model for the effect of competition on reproduction in four field enclosures: two populated only by A. russatus individuals, and two populated by individuals of both species. In presence of A. cahirinus, fitness of A. russatus was lower: the number of A. rusatus offspring was significantly lower; more males had regressed testes (indicating reproductive depression); more A. russatus young had damaged tails. However, no clear effect was evident in A. russatus female vaginal smear cytology. We conclude that the presence of A. cahirinus impairs fitness and reproductive success of A. russatus. While various direct and/or indirect mechanisms may be responsible for the effect of competition on reproduction, a plausible mechanism is increased use of torpor induced by the presence of A. cahirinus previously documented in A. russatus.

Congenital malformation and autism spectrum disorder: Insight from a rat model of autism spectrum disorder.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:The primary aim was an evaluation of the pattern of gross congenital malformations in a rat model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the secondary aim was characterization of the most common gross malformation observed.MATERIALS AND METHODS:In females, the late pro-oestrous phase was identified by vaginal smear cytology, and then, they were allowed to mate at 1:3 ratio (male: female). Pregnancy was confirmed by the presence of sperm plug in the vagina and presence of sperm in the vaginal smear. In the ASD group, ASD was induced by injecting valproic acid 600 mg/kg (i.p.) to pregnant female rats (n = 18) on day 12.5 (single injection). Only vehicle (normal saline) was given in the control group (n = 12). After delivery, pups were grossly observed for congenital malformations until the time of sacrifice (3 months) and different types of malformations and their frequency were noted and characterized.RESULTS:In the ASD group, congenital malformation was present in 69.9% of the pups, whereas in the control group, it was 0%. Male pups were most commonly affected (90% in males vs. only 39.72% in female pups). The tail deformity was the most common malformation found affecting 61.2% pups in the ASD group. Other malformations observed were dental malformation (3.82%), genital malformation (3.28%) and paw malformation (1.1%). Hind limb paralysis was observed in one pup. The tail anomalies were characterized as per gross appearance and location of the malformation.CONCLUSION:In this well-validated rat model of ASD, congenital malformation was quite common. It seems screening of congenital malformations should be an integral part of the management of ASD, or the case may be vice versa, i.e., in the case of a baby born with a congenital deformity, they should be screened for ASD.