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General and Comparative Endocrinology Sep 2020The influence of environmental contaminant toluene and of plant fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) on reproduction are reported, but the mechanisms of their action and...
The influence of environmental contaminant toluene and of plant fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) on reproduction are reported, but the mechanisms of their action and the protective effect of fennel on contaminant influence remain to be elucidated. In this study, we hypothesized that toluene and fennel directly affects basic ovarian cell functions, and that fennel can be used as an appropriate natural protective agent against the potential adverse effects of toluene. This study aimed to examine the action of toluene (20 μg/mL) and fennel extract (0, 1, 10, 100 μg/mL), and assess their combination on viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and hormone release by cultured healthy mare ovarian granulosa cells. Viability, proliferation (percentage of PCNA-positive cells), apoptosis and release of progesterone, oxytocin and prostaglandin F were evaluated by using Trypan blue exclusion tests, immunocytochemistry and enzyme immunoassays, respectively. Toluene, when given alone, inhibited viability, proliferation, apoptosis, progesterone, prostaglandin F and IGF-I. However, it did not affect oxytocin release. Moreover, Fennel, when given alone, inhibited viability, progesterone, and prostaglandin F release, as well as stimulating proliferation and oxytocin release. In addition, Fennel did not affect apoptosis. When given in combination with toluene, fennel was able to suppress, and even invert, the effects of toluene on viability, proliferation, apoptosis, prostaglandin F, and IGF-I. However, it did not alter its effect on progesterone release. Moreover, fennel induced the inhibitory effect of toluene on oxytocin output. The findings of our study suggest direct adverse effects of toluene on the basic ovarian functions of mares. Lastly, we also observed the direct influence of fennel on these functions, as well as its ability to be a natural protector against the action of toluene on the ovarian functions of mares.
Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Cells, Cultured; Female; Foeniculum; Granulosa Cells; Horses; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Oxytocin; Plant Extracts; Progesterone; Prostaglandins F; Toluene
PubMed: 32298694
DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113491 -
The Journal of Reproduction and... Apr 2022The reproductive performance of dairy cows has declined, along with an increase in their milk yield. First-service conception rates in lactating dairy cows are often... (Review)
Review
The reproductive performance of dairy cows has declined, along with an increase in their milk yield. First-service conception rates in lactating dairy cows are often lower than 50%. The precise detection of estrus is an important factor in the reproductive management of dairy cows for successful fertilization and pregnancy. However, estrus expression has been decreasing in modern dairy cows, affecting the detection rate of estrus. In addition to estrus, a high incidence of ovulation disorders affects the fertility of dairy cows. To address these problems, it is necessary to understand the changes in the endocrine functions that underlie estrus and ovulation disorders, and to develop effective treatment strategies. Recent studies have revealed that neurokinin B and neurokinin 3 receptor signaling play important roles in the regulation of the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing and luteinizing hormones, suggesting a potential clinical avenue for the stimulation of gonadal function. In this review, I have discussed the problems in estrus and ovulation disorders in modern dairy cows as well as the possible applications of neurokinin 3 receptor agonists in the treatment of these disorders.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Dinoprost; Estrus; Estrus Detection; Estrus Synchronization; Female; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Insemination, Artificial; Lactation; Ovulation; Pregnancy; Reproduction
PubMed: 35153250
DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2021-125 -
Domestic Animal Endocrinology Jul 2022The relationship between the maternal endocrine environment and late embryonic mortality (> 28 d of gestation) in cattle is poorly defined. A definitive rise and...
The relationship between the maternal endocrine environment and late embryonic mortality (> 28 d of gestation) in cattle is poorly defined. A definitive rise and alterations in secretion patterns of prostaglandin F (PGF) concentration without luteal regression is a trademark of this period. The objective was to evaluate whether consecutively induced PGF pulses would alter steroid hormone production and luteal blood perfusion potentially influencing pregnancy success. Pregnant beef cows (n = 12) were selected to receive either an oxytocin injection (OT, n = 8) or saline injection (CON, n = 4) on d 30 and 31 of gestation to stimulate sequential prostaglandin releases 24 h apart. Blood samples were collected every 30 min for 1 h before and continuing for 4 h post oxytocin administration. Luteal blood perfusion was measured via Doppler ultrasound at the beginning and end of the OT challenge. Concentrations of prostaglandin F metabolite (PGFM) were quantified to show effectiveness of the treatment while concentrations of progesterone, estradiol and pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG) were measured to examine the effect of PGF release. Control animals exhibited no changes in any quantified hormone and an expected numerical increase in circulating PAG concentrations. Peak concentrations of PGFM in OT cows were observed 2 h post OT administration and concentrations returned to basal levels by the end of the sampling period. Peak concentrations of PGFM were decreased on d 31 compared to d 30. Following OT administration, progesterone and estradiol concentrations did not change in response to PGF release but were decreased on d 31 compared to d 30. There were no changes in luteal blood perfusion in response to PGF release on d 30 or d 31. Repeated PGF release may alter steroid hormone production; however, it does not negatively affect pregnancy status during the transition between early and late embryonic development.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Dinoprost; Estradiol; Female; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Maintenance; Progesterone; Prostaglandins
PubMed: 35398669
DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2022.106724 -
The Journal of Reproduction and... Apr 2022Prostaglandin F (PGF) and its analogs are used to induce luteolysis in estrus synchronization programs to terminate unwanted pregnancies or to promote ovulation in... (Review)
Review
Prostaglandin F (PGF) and its analogs are used to induce luteolysis in estrus synchronization programs to terminate unwanted pregnancies or to promote ovulation in certain cow subpopulations. In the past few decades, the luteolytic dose of PGF has remained unchanged. This review explores the clinical implications of increasing the standard dose for these applications in high-producing dairy cows. Ultrasonography may assist in selecting the most appropriate PGF dose and improve the results. A reference has been used for PGF for promoting ovulation in herds showing poor reproductive performance.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Dinoprost; Estrus Synchronization; Female; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Insemination, Artificial; Lactation; Ovulation; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Prostaglandins F
PubMed: 34980770
DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2021-119 -
Journal of Cellular Physiology Aug 2019Platelets play crucial roles in thrombosis and hemostasis through platelet activation and aggregation that are crucial in cardiovascular diseases. Hydroquinone (HQ) and...
Platelets play crucial roles in thrombosis and hemostasis through platelet activation and aggregation that are crucial in cardiovascular diseases. Hydroquinone (HQ) and its derivatives are present in many dermatological creams, paints, motor fuels, air, microorganisms, and plant products like wheat bread, fruit, coffee, and red wine. The effect of HQ on humans is not clear. In this study, we found that HQ (>25 μM) inhibited arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation. HQ suppressed AA-induced thromboxane B2 production of platelets. HQ (>10 μM) also attenuated ex vivo platelet-rich plasma aggregation. HQ prevented the interleukin (IL)-1β-induced 8-isoprostane, and PGE2 production, but not IL-8 production of pulp cells. These results indicate that HQ may have an antiplatelet effect via inhibition of thromboxane production. HQ has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, and possible inhibition of COX. Exposure and consumption of HQ-containing products, food or drugs may have antiplatelet, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Blood Platelets; Cells, Cultured; Cyclooxygenase 2; Dental Pulp; Dinoprost; Dinoprostone; Humans; Hydroquinones; Inflammation Mediators; Interleukin-8; Mice; Platelet Aggregation; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Rabbits; Signal Transduction; Thromboxane A2
PubMed: 30843219
DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28444 -
Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and... Mar 2020Prostaglandins are critical for the onset and progression of labor in mammals, and are formed by the metabolism of arachidonic acid. The products of arachidonic acid,...
INTRODUCTION
Prostaglandins are critical for the onset and progression of labor in mammals, and are formed by the metabolism of arachidonic acid. The products of arachidonic acid, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and anandamide (AEA) have a similar lipid back bone but differing polar head groups, meaning that identification of these products by immunoassay can be difficult.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In the current study, we present the use of mass spectrometry as multiplex method of identifying the specific end products of arachidonic and anandamide metabolism by human derived amnion explants treated with either an infectious agent (LPS) or inflammatory mediator (IL-1β or TNF-α).
RESULTS
Human amnion tissue explants treated with LPS, IL-1β, or TNF-α increased production of prostaglandin E (PGE; p < 0.05) but decreased PGFM. Overall, PGE production was greater compared to the other prostaglandins and prostamides irrespective of treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of the current study are in keeping with the literature which describes amnion tissues as predominantly producing PGE. The use of mass spectrometry for the differential identification of prostaglandins, prostamides, and other eicosanoids may help better elucidate mechanisms of preterm labor, and lead to new targets for the prediction of risk for preterm labor and/or birth.
Topics: Amnion; Arachidonic Acid; Arachidonic Acids; Cytokines; Dinoprost; Dinoprostone; Endocannabinoids; Female; Humans; Interleukin-1beta; Lipopolysaccharides; Mass Spectrometry; Polyunsaturated Alkamides; Pregnancy; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
PubMed: 32014738
DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2020.102059 -
Environmental Health : a Global Access... Apr 2021Asthma represents a syndrome for which our understanding of the molecular processes underlying discrete sub-diseases (i.e., endotypes), beyond atopic asthma, is limited....
BACKGROUND
Asthma represents a syndrome for which our understanding of the molecular processes underlying discrete sub-diseases (i.e., endotypes), beyond atopic asthma, is limited. The public health needs to characterize etiology-associated endotype risks is becoming urgent. In particular, the roles of polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), globally distributed combustion by-products, toward the two known endotypes - T helper 2 cell high (Th2) or T helper 2 cell low (non-Th2) - warrants clarification.
OBJECTIVES
To explain ambient B[a]P association with non-atopic asthma (i.e., a proxy of non-Th2 endotype) is markedly different from that with atopic asthma (i.e., a proxy for Th2-high endotype).
METHODS
In a case-control study, we compare the non-atopic as well as atopic asthmatic boys and girls against their respective controls in terms of the ambient Benzo[a]pyrene concentration nearest to their home, plasma 15-F-isoprostane (15-F-isoP), urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), and lung function deficit. We repeated the analysis for i) dichotomous asthma outcome and ii) multinomial asthma-overweight/obese (OV/OB) combined outcomes.
RESULTS
The non-atopic asthma cases are associated with a significantly higher median B[a]P (11.16 ng/m) compared to that in the non-atopic controls (3.83 ng/m; P-value < 0.001). In asthma-OV/OB stratified analysis, the non-atopic girls with lean and OV/OB asthma are associated with a step-wisely elevated B[a]P (median,11.16 and 18.00 ng/m, respectively), compared to the non-atopic lean control girls (median, 4.28 ng/m, P-value < 0.001). In contrast, atopic asthmatic children (2.73 ng/m) are not associated with a significantly elevated median B[a]P, compared to the atopic control children (2.60 ng/m; P-value > 0.05). Based on the logistic regression model, on ln-unit increate in B[a]P is associated with 4.7-times greater odds (95% CI, 1.9-11.5, P = 0.001) of asthma among the non-atopic boys. The same unit increase in B[a]P is associated with 44.8-times greater odds (95% CI, 4.7-428.2, P = 0.001) among the non-atopic girls after adjusting for urinary Cotinine, lung function deficit, 15-F-isoP, and 8-oxodG.
CONCLUSIONS
Ambient B[a]P is robustly associated with non-atopic asthma, while it has no clear associations with atopic asthma among lean children. Furthermore, lung function deficit, 15-F-isoP, and 8-oxodG are associated with profound alteration of B[a]P-asthma associations among the non-atopic children.
Topics: 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine; Adolescent; Air Pollutants; Asthma; Benzo(a)pyrene; Case-Control Studies; Child; Child, Preschool; Cotinine; Czech Republic; Dinoprost; Environmental Exposure; Female; Humans; Infant; Lung; Male; Phenotype
PubMed: 33836759
DOI: 10.1186/s12940-021-00711-4 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... May 2023Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Elevated levels of oxidative stress have been associated with an increased risk of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Elevated levels of oxidative stress have been associated with an increased risk of delivering before term. However, most studies testing this hypothesis have been conducted in racially and demographically homogenous study populations, which do not reflect the diversity within the United States.
OBJECTIVE
We leveraged 4 cohorts participating in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Program to conduct the largest study to date examining biomarkers of oxidative stress and preterm birth (N=1916). Furthermore, we hypothesized that elevated oxidative stress would be associated with higher odds of preterm birth, particularly preterm birth of spontaneous origin.
STUDY DESIGN
This study was a pooled analysis and meta-analysis of 4 birth cohorts spanning multiple geographic regions in the mainland United States and Puerto Rico (208 preterm births and 1708 full-term births). Of note, 8-iso-prostaglandin-F, 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-8-iso-prostaglandin-F (F-IsoP-M; the major 8-iso-prostaglandin-F metabolite), and prostaglandin-F were measured in urine samples obtained during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the associations between averaged biomarker concentrations for each participant and all preterm births, spontaneous preterm births, nonspontaneous preterm births (births of medically indicated or unknown origin), and categories of preterm birth (early, moderate, and late). Individual oxidative stress biomarkers were examined in separate models.
RESULTS
Approximately 11% of our analytical sample was born before term. Relative to full-term births, an interquartile range increase in averaged concentrations of F-IsoP-M was associated with higher odds of all preterm births (odds ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.51), with a stronger association observed for spontaneous preterm birth (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.90). An interquartile range increase in averaged concentrations of 8-iso-prostaglandin-F was similarly associated with higher odds of all preterm births (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-1.50). The results from our meta-analysis were similar to those from the pooled combined cohort analysis.
CONCLUSION
Here, oxidative stress, as measured by 8-iso-prostaglandin-F, F-IsoP-M, and prostaglandin-F in urine, was associated with increased odds of preterm birth, particularly preterm birth of spontaneous origin and delivery before 34 completed weeks of gestation.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Child; United States; Premature Birth; Dinoprost; Oxidative Stress; Biomarkers; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 36400174
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.11.1282 -
Journal of Hypertension Nov 2022Women with gestational diabetes (GDM) have an increased risk of preeclampsia and postpartum diabetes. Inflammation associates with both GDM and preeclampsia. This study...
OBJECTIVE
Women with gestational diabetes (GDM) have an increased risk of preeclampsia and postpartum diabetes. Inflammation associates with both GDM and preeclampsia. This study examined specialized proresolving mediators (SPM) that direct inflammation resolution and eicosanoids that are involved in inflammation, in relation to the development of preeclampsia and ongoing postpartum glucose intolerance in GDM.
METHODS
Participants were selected from a prospective study examining the development of preeclampsia in women with GDM. Four groups of age-matched women were studied: GDM ( n = 20), GDM who developed preeclampsia (GDM+PE, n = 21), GDM who remained glucose-intolerant postpartum (GDM+PPIGT, n = 20), or pregnancies with glucose tolerance within the normal range (NGT, n = 21). Measurement of SPM (E-series resolvins and D-series resolvins), SPM pathway intermediates (14-HDHA, 18-HEPE and 17-HDHA), 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), and the urinary metabolite of the vasodilator prostacyclin 2,3-dinor-6-Keto-PGF 1α , were made at 28, 32 and 36 weeks gestation and at 6 months postpartum.
RESULTS
Compared with GDM, GDM+PE had elevated levels of 20-HETE and the SPM pathway intermediates 14-HDHA, 18-HEPE, 17-HDHA, at 32 weeks, and the SPM RvE1 at 32 and 36 weeks gestation. Compared with NGT and regardless of whether they developed preeclampsia or PPIGT, GDM had lower levels of 2,3-dinor-6-Keto-PGF 1α during pregnancy.
CONCLUSION
Reduced levels of the prostacyclin metabolite 2,3-dinor-6-Keto-PGF 1α may contribute to the increased risk of preeclampsia in women with GDM. The increase in 20-HETE, a vasoconstrictor and mediator of inflammation, and SPM that contribute to inflammation resolution, prior to the onset of preeclampsia require further investigation to clarify their clinical significance.
Topics: Diabetes, Gestational; Dimaprit; Eicosanoids; Female; Glucose; Humans; Inflammation; Inflammation Mediators; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Prostaglandins F; Prostaglandins I; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Vasodilator Agents
PubMed: 35950986
DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003253 -
Scientific Reports May 2020Heart failure (HF) is a cardiovascular disease affecting about 26 million people worldwide costing about $100 billons per year. HF activates several compensatory...
Heart failure (HF) is a cardiovascular disease affecting about 26 million people worldwide costing about $100 billons per year. HF activates several compensatory mechanisms and neurohormonal systems, so we hypothesized that the concomitant monitoring of a panel of potential biomarkers related to such conditions might help predicting HF evolution. Saliva analysis by point-of-care devices is expected to become an innovative and powerful monitoring approach since the chemical composition of saliva mirrors that of blood. The aims of this study were (i) to develop an innovative procedure combining MEPS with UHPLC-MS/MS for the simultaneous determination of 8-isoprostaglandin F and cortisol in saliva and (ii) to monitor lactate, uric acid, TNF-α, cortisol, α-amylase and 8-isoprostaglandin F concentrations in stimulated saliva samples collected from 44 HF patients during their hospitalisation due to acute HF. Limit of detection of 10 pg/mL, satisfactory recovery (95-110%), and good intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD ≤ 10%) were obtained for 8-isoprostaglandin F and cortisol. Salivary lactate and 8-isoprostaglandin F were strongly correlated with NT-proBNP. Most patients (about 70%) showed a significant decrease (a factor of 3 at least) of both lactate and 8-isoprostaglandin F levels at discharge, suggesting a relationship between salivary levels and improved clinical conditions during hospitalization.
Topics: Aged; Area Under Curve; Biomarkers; Dinoprost; Heart Failure; Hospitalization; Humans; Lactic Acid; Limit of Detection; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; ROC Curve; Reproducibility of Results; Saliva
PubMed: 32366899
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64112-2