Vaginal Smears Research Articles

The efficacy and mechanism of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels root aqueous extract based on RNA sequencing and 16S rDNA sequencing in alleviating polycystic ovary syndrome

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) leads to persistent anovulation, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and polycystic ovary, and is mainly characterized by menstrual disorders, and reproductive dysfunction. Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels root has been used in many classical formulas of traditional Chinese medicine, and is commonly used to treat various gynecological diseases. PurposeTo investigate the protective effect of water extract of A. sinensis root (WEA) on PCOS rats, and the mechanism by RNA sequencing, and 16S rDNA sequencing. MethodsThe PCOS rat model was established by letrozole combined with high-fat diet (gavage; 2 months), and treated with WEA (gavage; 2 g/kg, 4 g/kg or 8 g/kg; 1 month). To evaluate the therapeutic effect of WEA on PCOS rats, vaginal smear, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and biochemical indicators detection were performed. The rat ovarian tissue was analyzed by RNA sequencing, and the results were verified by qRT-PCR, and Western blot. 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze the gut microbiota of rats. ResultsThe results of the vaginal smear, and hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that WEA improved estrous cycle disorder, and ovarian tissue lesions. WEA (4 g/kg or 8 g/kg; 1 months) alleviated hormone disorders, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. RNA sequencing showed that WEA intervention significantly changed the expressions of 2756 genes, which were enriched in phosphatidylinositol3-kinase/phosphorylated protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and insulin signaling pathways. 16S rDNA sequencing found that WEA increased the species diversity of gut microbiota, and regulated the abundance of some microbiota (genus level: Dubosiella, Bifidobacterium, Coriobacteriaceae (UCG-002), and Treponema; species level: Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus murinus, and Lactobacillus johnsonii). ConclusionWEA regulated hormone, and glycolipid metabolism disorders, thereby relieving the PCOS induced by letrozole combined with high-fat diet. The mechanism was related to the regulation of PI3K/AKT, PPAR, MAPK, AMPK, and insulin signaling pathways in ovarian tissues, and the maintenance of gut microbiota homeostasis. Clarifying the efficacy and mechanism of WEA in alleviating PCOS based on RNA sequencing and 16S rDNA sequencing will guide the more reasonable clinical use of WEA.

Effect of antibiotic therapy of genital mycoplasmosis in pregnant cows on cytological and immunological characteristics of vaginal secretions

Purpose: the aim is to study the therapeutic efficacy of the macrolide group antibiotic tulatromycin and its effect on the immunological and cytological characteristics of vaginal secretions.Materials and methods. For the experiment, 2 groups of 8 animals each were formed. The first group - cows without clinical signs of vaginitis with a positive PCR test for Mycoplasma spp.; the second group - clinically healthy cows with a negative PCR test for Mycoplasma spp. The first group of cows, the group for the treatment of genital mycoplasmosis, used the antibiotic traksovet 100 (tulatromycin) at a dose of 2.5 mg per 1 kg of animal body weight, subcutaneously, once 40 days before the expected delivery. Vaginal secretions were collected from both groups of cows, in which the content of Ig G, Ig M, Ig A, sIg A, lysozyme activity and cytological examination of the vaginal smear were determined.Results. The use of tulatromycin in cows with genital mycoplasmosis leads to a decrease in the content of Ig M and sIg A in vaginal secretions, which reach the values of these indicators in healthy animals. A less pronounced positive effect is observed with respect to the activity of the vaginal secretion lysozyme, which, although significantly increased, remains lower than in healthy cows. Cytological examination of vaginal smears against the background of antibiotic therapy showed a significant decrease in the number of epithelium and leukocytes.Conclusion. The use of traksovet 100 antibiotic as etiotropic therapy for cows with genital mycoplasmosis leads to the elimination of the pathogen from the vaginal mucosa in 75 % of sick animals and provides partial restoration of cytological and immunological characteristics of vaginal secretions.

Comparing MitoQ10 and heat therapy: Evaluating mechanisms and therapeutic potential for polycystic ovary syndrome induced by circadian rhythm disruption

ABSTRACT Environmental factors, such as sleep restriction, contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by causing hyperinsulinemia, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and oligo- or anovulation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of circadian rhythm disruption on reproductive and metabolic functions and investigate the potential therapeutic benefits of MitoQ10 and hot tub therapy (HTT). Sixty female rats were divided into six groups: control, MitoQ10, HTT, and three groups with PCOS induced by continuous light exposure(L/L). The reproductive, endocrine, and structural manifestations ofL/L-induced PCOS were confirmed by serum biochemical measurements, ultrasound evaluation of ovarian size, and vaginal smear examination at week 14. Subsequently, the rats were divided into the L/L (untreated), L/L+MitoQ10-treated, andL/L+HTT-treated groups. At the end of week 22, all rats were sacrificed. Treatmentwith MitoQ10 or HTT partially reversed the reproductive, endocrine, and structural features of PCOS, leading to a decreased amplitude of isolated uterine contractions, ovarian cystic changes and size, and endometrial thickness. Furthermore, both interventions improved the elevated serum levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), kisspeptin, Fibulin-1, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 19 (ADAMTS-19), lipid profile, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), oxidative stress markers, androgen receptors (AR) and their transcription target genes, FKBP52 immunostaining in ovarian tissues, and uterine estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) and PRimmunostaining. In conclusion, MitoQ10 supplementation and HTT demonstrated the potential for ameliorating metabolic, reproductive, and structural perturbations associated with PCOS induced by circadian rhythm disruption. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for these interventions in managing PCOS in women.

Comparison of the Frequency of Vaginal Infections in Women with Premature Delivery and Women with Term Delivery in Ali Ibn Abitaleb Hospital of Zahedan in 2018

Introduction: Premature birth is one of the most common causes of infant mortality worldwide. In many countries, preterm birth rates increased between 1990 and 2010. Vaginal infections are important causes of preterm labor (PTL). Therefore, this study aimed to determine the role of vaginal infections in causing preterm labor. Method: This study was a case-control study. The target population was pregnant women referring to Ali Ibn Abitaleb Hospital in Zahedan, Iran, in 2018 who were aged 20 to 38 years and were diagnosed with PTL. The control group included an equal number of women with the same age range but term labor. To investigate candida, trichomonas, bacterial vaginosis, and group B streptococcali, swab samples were taken from the vagina and rectum. Different laboratory methods were performed to isolate the above-mentioned microorganisms, including microscopy of wet mount smear, Gram stain, culture on Sabouraud agar, and 5% sheep blood agar. Moreover, four Amsel criteria were used to diagnose bacterial vaginosis. At last, the collected data were analyzed by SPSS-19 software with a p-value of 0.05. Results: A total of 300 patients were included in the study, and the mean age was not statistically significantly different between the two groups of PTL and term labor. No statistically significant difference was observed in the frequency of vaginal candidiasis (P=0.081), bacterial vaginosis (P=0.906), and trichomonas infection (P=0.904) between the two groups. Conclusion: It seems that the genital infections examined in this study do not play a role in increasing the prevalence of premature birth.

Optimization of treatment of vulvar scleroatrophic lichen with using modern laser technologies

Background. Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis, which is characterized by focal skin atrophy of the vulva and mucous membranes. It leads to deformation of the perineum. The prevalence of VLS in children is up to 0.1%, among the adults — 3%. The average age of the first symptoms appearance in girls is 5.4 years, in women — 55.1 years. The diagnosis of VLS is made on the base of anamnesis, assessment of pubertal development, physical examination of the external genitalia, advanced vulvoscopy and vaginoscopy, bacteriological, bacterioscopic and cytological studies of vaginal wet mount, assessment of the hormonal profile. The treatment methods include high-potency steroids as the initial treatment, usage of diode, fractional CO2 and erbium lasers with different wavelengths and injections of platelet-rich plasma to improve the regeneration processes of the affected tissue by improving collagenogenesis, vasculogenesis, production of proteoglycans and glycoproteins.
 The aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of photodestruction with a manual diode laser of the Dornier Medilas D LiteBeam, wavelength of 940 nm, minimum power in pulsed mode on the girls’ vulva mucosa with various types of VLS during neutral and preadolescent age. To obtain the results there were analyzed criteria including the size of the lesion after photodestruction therapy, the disappearance of cracks and angiomatosis in the LS area. The objectives of the complex therapy of VLS in girls were elimination of itching, decrease of the inflammatory changes, improvement of the skin and mucosa blood supply, and stimulation of local immunological mechanisms.
 Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the base of the gynecological department of Russian Children’s Clinical Hospital. The effectiveness of the laser-induced thermotherapy with a wavelength of 940 nm, minimum power in pulsed mode on the vulva of VLS girls of neutral and preadolescent periods as a part of the complex therapy was evaluated. Ninety 5 to 13 year VLS patients took part in the trial. They were divided into 3 groups. The first group included 30 patients (average age 7.5 ± 1.1) with atrophic form of lichen treated with a laser with a wavelength of 940 nm. The second group consisted of 30 patients (average age 6.8 ± 1.3) with erythematous-edematous lichen, who were treated with a laser with a wavelength of 635 nm. The third group included 30 patients (average age 7.3 ± 1.2) with erosive and ulcerative form of VLS, who received high-potency corticosteroids therapy. 
 Results. The treatment results in the three subgroups of VLS patients show a diode laser with a wavelength of 940 nm therapy to be the most effective. After the first treatment course 27 (90%) patients in the first group showed a positive trend with a decrease in itching and burning, pink-color presence in vulva mucousа, a decrease of the skin pigmentation area and an increase in the elasticity of the skin. After 2 courses, 29 (96.7%) patients had positive trend. The second most effective method of treatment is photodestruction with a 635 nm wavelength laser. After the 4 courses (two hospitalisations), 25 (83,3%) patients noted a decrease in itching and in a “tightening” feeling. In 24 (80%) patients there was an improvement in the condition of the mucous membranes of the vulva. Reduction of edema was observed in 23 (76.7%) patients by the time of an examination in 3 weeks after the last therapy course. However, it was not possible to completely restore the mucous membranes of the vulva in patients of this group. The least effective — drug therapy with high-potency steroids. 8 (26.7%) patients noted positive dynamics only by the 4th day therapy, 11 (36,7%) by the time of the 3 weeks after the initial application of the ointment, 12 (40%) by the 2nd month. In 5 (16.7%) patients, the visible condition of the mucous membranes did not change, the number of bleeding ulcers decreased minimally.
 Conclusions. The results of the trial indicate the high efficiency of laser therapy of VLS in children compared with the topical glucocorticoids treatment. The duration of the therapy and condition of the external genitalia after treatment depends on the histological form and stage of VLS. According to our study, laser therapy contributes to the remission onset in pediatric patients with different types of VLS in the shortest possible time after the photodestruction procedure.

Influence of the Sexual Cycle Stage on the Vaginal Mucus Composition in Cows

Introduction. Herd reproduction is the fundamental mechanism ensuring the efficiency of animal husbandry in the past, present and future. The significant problems in cattle herd breeding existing in our country make the researchers continue their search for the new methods, methodologies and means of prophylaxis and treatment of the inflammatory diseases of the animal genital tract. For implementation of these findings, it is necessary to determine the regularities in the cow genital tract protective mechanisms. The present research aims at studying the changes in the vaginal mucosa cytological composition through the alteration of the sexual cycle stages in cows.Materials and Methods. The objects for the study were the newly-calved cows of the Holsteinized black-and-white breed in different sexual cycle stages: the control group included the cows in the stage of equilibration, the experimental group № 1 – the cows in the heat phase of the excitation stage and the experimental group № 2 – the animals in the ovulation phase of the excitation stage. The research was conducted using the set of methods: the pH-metry of the vaginal mucosa for making a semi-quantitative assessment by means of a colpo test and the cytological investigation carried out in compliance with the commonly accepted methodology.Results. During the pH-metry of the vaginal mucosa, no feasible differences were found between the studied groups, namely, in the control group the pH index was 6.58±0.08, in the experimental group № 1 – 6.66±0.10, in the experimen-tal group № 2 – 6.83±0.10. The cytological analysis of the cow vaginal smears revealed the following: the parabasal cells predominate in the equilibration stage (19–25 %), the superficial cells – in the heat phase (58–62 %), whereas in the ovulation phase there increases the number of intermediate cells (30–34 %).Discussion and Conclusions. The relationship between the clinical status, pH level, vaginal mucus cell composition in cows has been traced. The obtained data can be used by the veterinarians of the cattle farms to identify the phase of «silent» heat in cows.

The effect of sex and estrus cycle stage on optogenetic spreading depression induced migraine-like pain phenotypes

BackgroundMigraine is more prevalent in females, raising the possibility that sex and gonadal hormones modulate migraine. We recently demonstrated that minimally invasive optogenetic spreading depolarization (opto-SD) elicits robust periorbital allodynia. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that opto-SD induced migraine-like pain behavior is worse in females and varies during the estrus cycle.MethodsSingle or repeated opto-SDs were induced in male and female adult Thy1-ChR2-YFP transgenic mice. Von Frey monofilaments were used to test periorbital mechanical allodynia. Mouse grimace was also examined under increasing light intensity to quantify spontaneous discomfort and light-aversive behavior. Vaginal smears were obtained for estrus cycle staging at the end of behavioral testing.ResultsA multi-variable regression analysis was performed using a male and female cohort to test the effect of independent variables on periorbital allodynia. Opto-SD predicted lower periorbital thresholds as compared with sham stimulation (p < 0.0001). Additionally, female sex predicted lower periorbital thresholds compared with males (p = 0.011). There were significant interactions between opto-SD and time (interaction p = 0.030) as animals tended to recover from opto-SD allodynia over time, and between sex and time (p = 0.020) as females tended to take longer to recover. Proestrus, estrus (PE) and metestrus, diestrus (MD) stages were combined to represent high versus low circulating estradiol relative to progesterone, respectively. Multi-variable regression revealed an effect of estrus cycle (p = 0.015) on periorbital thresholds. In the sham group, PE had lower thresholds than MD. However, there was no interaction between opto-SD and the estrus cycle (p = 0.364). Grimace scores were also examined at incremental light intensities. There was an effect of opto-SD (p < 0.0001), light intensity (p = 0.001) and estrus cycle (p = 0.024) on grimace without interaction among them (three-way ANOVA).ConclusionsFemale sex and estrus stages with high circulating estradiol relative to progesterone lower trigeminal pain thresholds and augment photosensitivity. In females, opto-SD increased pain behavior and photosensitivity irrespective of the estrus stage.Graphical

PARASITIC CONTAMINATION OF VEGETABLES IN SELECTED LOCAL MARKETS IN ADEN GOVERNORATE, YEMEN

Fresh and raw vegetables may play a significant role in transmission of intestinal parasitic infections to humans. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate the level of parasitic contamination in vegetables which are consumed raw in Aden governorate, Yemen. This is a descriptive analytic cross-sectional study in which six local markets were randomly selected. A total of 216 fresh vegetable samples including parsley (Petroselinum sativum), watercress (Nasturtium officinale), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), leek (Allium porrum), green onion (Allium cepa), and tomatoes (Solanum Lycopersicum) were purchased from the selected markets and analysed using direct and iodine wet mount smear preparation. Modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining and Zinc sulphate flotation method were also used. Smears were examined by under the light microscope. Out of 216 vegetable samples, 166 (76.9%) were contaminated with one or more parasites. Parsley was the most contaminated (97.2%), followed by watercress (94.4%), lettuce (88.9%), leek (80.6%), green onion (77.8%), whereas the least contamination rate was in tomato (22.2%). Statistically significant difference in parasitic contamination rate was found between different types of vegetables (P &lt; 0.05). The most common parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides 75 (24.4%), followed by cyst of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 64 (20.9%), and Entamoeba coli 52 (16.8%). Significant difference was reported in prevalence rate between different parasitic species (????&lt; 0.05). Vegetable samples collected from Dar Saad market, show the highest contamination rate (94.4%) while vegetables collected from Al Mansura market showed the lowest contamination rate(50.0%). However, the parasitic contamination rates were not significantly different for samples collected from different markets. This study highlighted the importance of raw vegetables as the potential source of transmission for intestinal parasites to humans. Prevention methods such as proper washing or cooking of vegetables before consumption should be conveyed to consumers. In addition, comprehensive health education and hygienic practices, including washing hands after handling vegetables, should be provided to sellers and consumers.

Establishment of a Murine Chronic Anorexia Nervosa Model.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with hyperactivity, amenorrhea, and brain atrophy. The underlying pathophysiology is mostly unknown, and new targets for therapeutic interventions are needed. This study aimed to systematically establish a murine AN model with the parameter extent of starvation, animal age, and length of starvation for functional studies. The activity-based anorexia (ABA) model combines food restriction with running wheel access. Early adolescent and adolescent mice received 40% of their baseline food intake until a 20% or 25% weight reduction was reached (acute starvation). To mimic chronic starvation, body weight loss was maintained for another two weeks. Running activity was examined using wheel sensors, while amenorrhea was investigated by analysis of vaginal smears. Brain sections were used to analyze cerebral cortex volumes. Acute starvation did not lead to either AN-related symptoms, whereas chronic starvation led to hyperactivity and amenorrhea except in the adolescent cohort with 20% weight reduction. Only ABA mice with 25% weight reduction revealed a cortex volume reduction. The optimal parameters to mirror AN-related symptoms included a 25% weight reduction, early adolescent or adolescent mice, and chronic starvation. The ABA model enables functional analysis of the impact of chronic AN on the underlying hormonal, behavioral, and brain pathophysiology.

The role of Elateriospermum tapos yoghurt in mitigating high-fat dietary cause of maternal obesity-an experimental study.

Maternal obesity is the key predictor for childhood obesity and neurodevelopmental delay in the offspring. Medicinal plants are considered to be the safe and best option, and at the same time, probiotic consumption during pregnancy provides beneficial effects for both the mother and the child. Current research has shown that Elateriospermum tapos (E. tapos) yoghurt is safe to consume and consists of many bioactive compounds that can exert an anti-obesity effect. Thus, this study has been designed to study the role of E. tapos yoghurt in mitigating maternal obesity. In this study, a total of 48 female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were assigned to six groups, with eight rats per group, and obesity was induced over 16 weeks with a high-fat diet (HFD) pellet. On the 17th week, the rats were allowed to mate and pregnancy was confirmed through vaginal smear. The obese induced group was further divided into negative and positive control groups, followed by E. tapos yoghurt treatment groups with three different concentrations (5, 50, and 500 mg/kg). The changes in body weight, calorie intake, lipid profile, liver profile, renal profile, and histopathological analysis were measured on postnatal day (PND) 21. The results show that the group with the highest concentration of E. tapos yoghurt (HYT500) supplementation shows gradual reduction in body weight and calorie intake on PND 21 and modulates the lipid level, liver, and renal enzymes to a normal level similar to the normal group. In histological analysis, HYT500 reverses the damage caused by HFD in liver and colon, and reverses the adipocytes' hypertrophy in retroperitoneal white adipose tissue and visceral fat. In conclusion, supplementation of E. tapos yoghurt during the gestational period up to weaning is effective in the gradual weight loss of maternal obese dams from the 500-mg/kg-supplemented group in this study.

Выбор оптимального времени и методы искусственного осеменения собак

We collected, analyzed, and summarized information on the optimal timing and methods of artificial insemination of dogs at present. Scientific articles published in the bibliographic databases such as e-library, Scopus, and ResearchGate were used for this review. It has been established that artificial insemination has significant advantages over natural insemination, including reliable long-term storage of sperm in cryobanks, the possibility of exporting and importing genetic material without transporting animals, and obtaining offspring from elite male producers from anywhere in the world, even after their death.&#x0D; The time of artificial insemination and natural mating is determined by the date of ovulation using direct (ultrasound visualization of the ovaries) or indirect methods (picture of vaginal smears, multiple measurements of blood progesterone concentration, etc.). In dogs, the egg cell ovulates immature at the stage of the oocyte of the first order. For this reason, it is recommended to inseminate them on the 2nd… 5th days after ovulation, when egg maturation ends in the fallopian tube - the formation of a second-order oocyte.&#x0D; For dog insemination, freshly obtained, diluted chilled, and cryopreserved sperm are used. When using freshly obtained and diluted cooled sperm, the method of choice is an intra-vaginal method of sperm administration, and frozen-thawed sperm requires transcervical intrauterine insemination under video endoscopic control.

Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection among Women of Reproductive Age in Anambra State, South Eastern, Nigeria

Aim: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among women of reproductive age in some selected hospitals in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: This study, conducted from October to December 2021, involved 200 women aged 20 years and above as participants. Prior to specimen collection, informed consent was obtained from each woman by qualified medical personnel. High vaginal swab sticks, labeled and sterile, were used to meticulously and aseptically collect specimens from the high vaginal area. A few drops of normal saline were added to each swab stick, and within 30 minutes of collection, a wet mount examination was performed to ensure optimal results. For the wet preparation of vaginal discharge, a drop from the sample was applied to a clean glass slide with a cover slip, avoiding the trapping of air bubbles. The wet smear was then examined under a microscope using a low-power objective (x10) followed by a high-power objective (x40) to detect motile T. vaginalis. The vaginal secretion was characterized by the presence of epithelial cells, white blood cells, and red blood cells. The T. vaginalis trophozoite was identified based on its oval shape, flagellation, and distinct jerky movement.&#x0D; Results: The study area had an overall prevalence rate of 11.0% for T. vaginalis infection. Among the selected hospitals, COOUTH had the highest prevalence at 13.24%, while Rock Foundation Hospital had the lowest at 6.67%. Prevalence varied across age groups, with the highest rate of 16.42% found in the 30-39 years age group, and the lowest rate of 5.0% in the 20-29 years age group. Divorced women had the highest prevalence at 60.0%, while singles had the lowest at 4.7% among the marital groups. Among different occupations, traders had the highest prevalence at 12.24%, whereas students and civil servants had the lowest rates at 4.0% and 7.72%, respectively. T. vaginalis infection was only observed in non-pregnant women, with a prevalence rate of 13.3%.&#x0D; Conclusion: T. vaginalis infection is prevalent among sexually active women of reproductive age in the study area. The findings highlight the importance of practicing good personal hygiene and being faithful to a single sexual partner. It is recommended to raise public awareness regarding the prevention and control of T. vaginalis in order to reduce its prevalence among women in the study area.

Pros and Cons of Air-Dried and Conventional Wet-Fixed Pap Smears: An Institutional Study

Introduction: Wet-fixed smear study routinely used to identify several pre-cancerous and cancerous tumours. By contrasting cellular preservation and staining quality in rehydration smears with wet-fixed smears, the current study aims to establish the effects of rehydration on air-dried smears. Materials and Methods: One hundred paired samples are compared. Wet fixing was done in the first place. Air-dried samples are rehydrated for 30 s with regular saline and then placed in 95% ethanol for 30 min. Both smears will undergo screening, evaluation and grading for numerous cytomorphological factors after Pap staining. The 2014 Bethesda system was used to report the cervical smear results. Results: When evaluated for numerous cellular properties, statistically significant similarities can be seen between two groups, one with wet-fixed smears and the other with rehydrated air-dried smears. The results of the cytological diagnosis comparison between the two groups can be shown in the agreement. Rehydrated air-dried smear interpretation and staining quality are significantly superior to traditional wet smears. Conclusions: Rehydration air-dried techniques can be used instead of traditional wet fixation methods and are as effective when used alone or with traditional wet-fixed smears.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles improve ovarian function in rats with primary ovarian insufficiency by carrying miR-145–5p

ObjectiveStem cell/exosome therapy is a novel strategy for primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). This paper is to examine the role of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (hUCMSC-EVs) in POI. MethodshUCMSC-EVs were extracted and identified. POI rats were induced by cyclophosphamide for 15 days and treated with EV or GW4869 every 5 days and euthanized 28 days later. Vaginal smears were observed for 21 days. Serum hormone levels (FSH/E2/AMH) were measured by ELISA. Ovarian morphology, follicle numbers, and granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis were observed by HE and TUNEL staining. GCs extracted from Swiss albino rats were cyclophosphamide-induced to establish the POI cell model, followed by oxidative injury and apoptosis evaluation with the help of DCF-DA fluorescence, ELISA, and flow cytometry. The relation between miR-145–5p and XBP1 was predicted on StarBase and validated by dual-luciferase assay. miR-145–5p and XBP1 levels were measured by RT-qPCR and Western blot. ResultsEV treatment reduced irregular estrus cycle incidence since day 7, increased E2 and AMH levels and all-stage follicle numbers, reduced FSH level, GC apoptosis, and atretic follicle numbers in POI rats. EV treatment diminished GC oxidative injury and apoptosis in vitro. miR-145–5p knockdown in hUCMSC-EVs partly abolished hUCMSC-EV-mediated effects on GCs and ovarian function in vivo and on GC oxidative injury and apoptosis in vitro. Silencing XBP1 partially negated miR-145–5p knockdown-exerted effects on GCs in vitro. ConclusionmiR-145–5p carried by hUCMSC-EVs attenuates GC oxidative injury and apoptosis and thus extenuates ovarian injury and improves ovarian function in POI rats.

Laboratory and Sonographic Assessment of Intestinal Parasitic Load of Peasant Farmers in Emekuku Village in Nigeria

Background: Intestinal parasites (IP) are organisms that live and strife within the host for harm or mutual benefit, is a global concern infecting over 3 billion people and causing morbidity in about 450 million people worldwide of which the developing countries are most affected, the majority being school children, rural dwellers, and peasant farmers. Parasitic load (PL) in our locality has not been assessed, or determined, and comparisons made based on biographic data of the peasant farmers.&#x0D; Objective: The study was aimed at determining the PL of peasant farmers in Emekuku by Laboratory and Sonographic examinations.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study design with a purposive non-probability sampling technique was used to select 126 subjects within the age group of 20 years to 90 years of both sexes. Stool specimens were collected, Wet preparation and Concentration Methods were used for laboratory investigation and comparisons were made. Sonography was used for the confirmation and characterization of IP. Data were analyzed with simple descriptive statistics and chi-square.&#x0D; Results: Wet prep technique recorded 10 (7.94%) positive cases while the Concentration method recorded 44 (34.92%) positive cases (P &lt; 0.05). Ascaris lumbricoides amongst other IPs had the highest manifestation in the study, most prevalent in the age group 80 to 89 years,10 (62.5%) and more occurring in the female 10 (15.87%) and significant (P =0.039967). Sonographic indices for confirmation of IP were 4 (80.0%) out of 5.&#x0D; Conclusion: Sonography complements the role of Laboratory stool analysis for the presence, characterization, location, and complications of IP such as Ascaris lumbricoides.

Effects of topical dehydroepiandrosterone therapy in women after pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs predominantly in postmenopausal women. Restoration of the proper estrogenization of vaginal mucosa is important in preoperative and postoperative treatment, increasing the effectiveness of this approach. The objective of this study was the development of intravaginal vaginal suppositories containing DHEA and comparison of the clinical effects of vaginal topical therapy with DHEA, estradiol, or antibiotic after POP surgery. Nine types of vaginal suppositories containing 6.5 mg DHEA in different bases were prepared to find optimal formulation for the vaginal conditions. Ninety women referred for POP surgery were randomly assigned to one of three groups receiving topical treatment in the postoperative period (estradiol, DHEA, or antibiotic). On admission to hospital and during follow-up vaginal pH, vaginal maturation index and vaginal symptoms were assessed. Vaginal suppositories with the base made from polyethylene glycol 1,000 without surfactants characterized the highest percentage of the released DHEA. In women treated with topical estradiol or DHEA a significant decrease in the number of parabasal cells, increase in superficial and intermediate cells in the vaginal smears, decrease in vaginal pH, and reduction of vaginal symptoms were observed. The use of topical therapy with DHEA or the use of topical therapy with estradiol in the postoperative period were both shown to improve maturation index, vaginal pH, and vaginal symptoms. The benefits of topical therapy with DHEA after pelvic organ prolapse repair brings similar results as estradiol, without potential systemic exposure to increased concentrations of sex steroids above levels observed in postmenopausal women.

Sub-clinical injury in AKI prior to pregnancy induces renal inflammation, renal fibrosis and suppresses the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) in female rats

Acute kidney injury (AKI), a sudden loss of kidney function, is responsible for 1 in 5 US hospitalizations. Although women are considered to be protected from AKI, they make up 40% of AKI patients. Recent clinical data report a 3-5-fold increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes among women with a history of AKI, despite apparent clinical recovery of renal function before pregnancy. These women have increased odds for developing preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction, via mechanisms unknown. To address this clinical issue, we developed a rat model of pregnancy post-AKI. We show that female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats recover renal function as measured by creatinine clearance 30 days post-AKI. These rats exhibit decreased creatinine clearance, increased blood pressure, reduced plasma volume expansion and fetal growth restriction during pregnancy compared to sham rats. This study tested the hypothesis that AKI prior to pregnancy induces renal inflammation, fibrosis and dysregulates the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS). Female SD rats were randomized to 45-minute warm sham or bilateral renal ischemia reperfusion (N=6/grp) and mated 30 days post sham/AKI surgery. Gestational day 1 (GD1) was identified through vaginal smear. Rats were placed in metabolic cages on GD19 for urine collection and euthanized on GD20. Urinary volume/day (30±5 vs 19±2 ml/day, P=0.08) and water intake (55±5 ml vs 41±1 ml, *P&lt;0.05) increased in post-AKI pregnant rats compared to sham. In addition, urinary aldosterone levels measured by ELISA decreased in post-AKI pregnant rats compared to sham (188±34 pg/ml/day vs 312±35, *P&lt;0.05). These data suggest disruption of fluid homeostasis and RAAS by pre-pregnancy AKI. Kidney injury marker-1 (KIM-1) measured via ELISA trended to increase in pre-pregnant AKI rats compared to sham at 30 days post AKI (580±169 pg/ml vs 257±17, P=0.09) and in pregnancy (283±28 vs 216±12 pg/ml, P=0.06), suggesting a lingering kidney injury despite creatinine clearance returning to sham levels. Mason Trichrome renal staining at GD20 revealed increases in both glomerular fibrosis (0.93±0.08 vs 0.04±0.04 score, *P&lt;0.05) and tubular fibrosis (1.7±0.19 vs 0.0±0.0 score, *P&lt;0.05) in post-AKI pregnant rats compared to sham. T regulatory immune (Tregs) cell populations in blood and kidney were measured via flow cytometry on GD20. Blood Tregs (16195±2935 cells/ml vs 26740±2508, *P&lt;0.05) as well as renal Tregs (1811±364 cells/gram kidney vs 3241±405.6, *P&lt;0.05) decreased in post-AKI pregnant rats compared to sham, suggesting AKI prior to pregnancy increases renal inflammation. Taken together, these data suggest that history of AKI predisposes to pregnancy induced dysregulation of fluid hemodynamics, renal inflammation, renal fibrosis and sustained renal injury mediating adverse fetal and maternal outcomes. R00 HL146948-03 to DM; AHA CDA858380 to JLF; AHA DIVSUP0224732 to DM This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Factors associated with bacterial vaginosis in women with homosexual, bisexual and heterosexual practices.

The factors associated with bacterial vaginosis in women with homosexual, bisexual and heterosexual practices are still poorly explored. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the factors associated with bacterial vaginosis in women with different sexual practices. Cross-sectional study that included 453 women, 149 Women with Homosexual practice (WSW); 80 bisexual Women (WSWM) and 224 Women with heterosexual practice (WSM). The diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis was performed by microscopic examination of the vaginal smears stained by Gram method and classified according to the Nugent et al. (1991) score. Data analysis was performed by Cox multiple regression. Bacterial vaginosis was associated to years of education among WSW (0.91 [95% CI 0.82‒0.99]; p=0.048) and non-white skin color (2.34 [95% CI 1.05‒5.19]; p=0.037) between WSWM. Changing partners in the last 3-months (2.09 [95% CI 1.14‒3.82]; p=0.017), inconsistent use of condoms (2.61 [95% CI 1.10‒6.20]; p=0.030) and positive diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis (2.40 [95% CI 1.01‒5.73]; p=0.048) were associated with bacterial vaginoses only in WSH. The factors associated to bacterial vaginosis differ between different sexual practices, suggesting that the type of sexual partner may influence the risk of developing this classic dysbiosis.

Impact of Maternal Ketogenic Diet on NLRP3 Inflammasome Response in the Offspring Brain.

The effects of maternal diet on the neuroimmune responses of the offspring remain to be elucidated. We investigated the impact of maternal ketogenic diet (KD) on the NLRP3 inflammasome response in the offspring's brain. C57BL/6 female mice were randomly allocated into standard diet (SD) and ketogenic diet (KD) groups for 30 days. After mating, the presence of sperm in the vaginal smear was considered day 0 of pregnancy, and female mice continued their respective diets during pregnancy and the lactation period. Following birth, pups were further allocated into two groups and given either LPS or intraperitoneal saline on postnatal (PN) days 4, 5 and 6; they were sacrificed on PN11 or PN21. Neuronal densities were significantly lower globally in the KD group when compared to the SD group at PN11. Neuronal density in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and dentate gyrus (DG) regions were also significantly lower in the KD group when compared to the SD group at PN21. Following administration of LPS, the decrease in the neuronal count was more prominent in the SD group when compared to the KD group in the PFC and DG regions at PN11 and PN21. NLRP3 and IL-1β were higher in the KD group than in the SD group at PN21 in the PFC, CA1 and DG regions, and were significantly lower in the DG region of the KD group especially when compared to the SD group following LPS. Results of our study reveal that maternal KD negatively affects the offspring's brain in the mouse model. The effects of KD exhibited regional variations. On the other hand, in the presence of KD exposure, NLRP3 expression after LPS injection was lower in the DG and CA1 areas but not in the PFC when compared to SD group. Further experimental and clinical studies are warranted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of antenatal KD exposure and regional discrepancies on the developing brain.

A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Potential of Melatonin Implants to Control Cyclicity in the Bitch.

In short-day breeders such as the sheep, melatonin stimulates oestrus activity; in contrast, a high serum concentration of melatonin inhibits oestrus in long-day breeders such as the cat. Therefore, implants with melatonin have been used to suppress or induce oestrus depending on the species. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate if melatonin could be an alternative to control the reproductive cycle in the bitch. Nine beagle bitches were observed for three oestrus cycles. Five beagle bitches were treated with 18 mg melatonin implants on average 27 days before the next expected oestrus based on the previous interoestrus interval. Four bitches served as untreated controls. Blood samples for evaluation of serum melatonin were collected at the time of assignment to treatment or control group and 1-4 weeks thereafter. Clinical signs and vaginal smears were used to follow the cycle. Melatonin varied significantly with bitch (p < 0.05) but not with treatment. Treatment did not affect the interoestrus interval (p > 0.05). In conclusion, treatment with 18 mg melatonin implants approximately one month before expected oestrus is not likely to be a useful method to control cyclicity in the bitch. It is still not known if melatonin is involved in regulation of the oestrus cycle in the domestic dog.