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Open Veterinary Journal Mar 2024Reproductive efficiency affects dairy cow profitability. Ovarian function in postpartum (P.P.) has been better understood using ultrasound and hormonal assays....
BACKGROUND
Reproductive efficiency affects dairy cow profitability. Ovarian function in postpartum (P.P.) has been better understood using ultrasound and hormonal assays. Optimizing ovulation synchronization and carefully timing artificial insemination (TAI) can greatly enhance reproductive rates in dairy cows.
AIM
This experiment was designed to investigate the reproductive performance and ovarian activity in early postpartum lactating dairy cows using the Presynch-PGF2α, Ovsynch protocol, and TAI.
METHODS
Randomly the cows were assigned to a control group and a treatment group, based on the chronological order of their calving date. On day 14 P.P., both groups received two cloprostenol treatments, 14 days apart. Ultrasonographic inspections were conducted on day 14 to check ovarian activity and uterine contents. On day 11, after presynchronization, cows in the treatment group were given 100 µg IM. of cystorelin, followed by a luteolytic dose of 500 µg IM., cloprostenol on day 7, and a second dose of cystorelin on day 8 (36 hours later). After the second cystorelin injection by 16-20 hours, cows were inseminated, while the control group had all cows displaying spontaneous estrus between day 0 and day 28 were artificially inseminated.
RESULTS
Ovarian activity began to improve at 82.61% on day 19 P.P., with complete recovery between days 24 and 27 P.P. The second cloprostenol injection approached, causing follicular size to reach 8.41 ± 1.04 mm. After the second injection, ovarian activity switched from follicular to luteal, with corpus luteum rates of 23.91% and 26.1%. The presynchronized PGF2α regimen significantly enhanced ovarian activity from days 19-35 P.P. Ovulation and pregnancy rates in the Ovsynch group were 54.2% and 41.7% at the first timed artificial insemination (TAI), compared to 54.5% and 31.8% in the control group. There was no significant impact between them; it was just high in the presynchronized Ovsynch group. However, the P.P. period was minimized to 47-49 days till the first AI reached a 41.7% pregnancy rate and 20.8% at the second AI, for an overall 62.5%.
CONCLUSION
The current study concludes that presynchronization during preservice in clinically normal P.P. dairy cows reduces P.P. duration, increases ovarian activity performance, and reduces ovarian dysfunctions from day 19 to day 35 P.P., as well as improves the pregnancy rate.
Topics: Libya; Female; Animals; Cattle; Postpartum Period; Estrus Synchronization; Ovary; Fertility; Progesterone; Ovulation; Ultrasonography; Dinoprost; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Cloprostenol; Insemination, Artificial
PubMed: 38682144
DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i3.9 -
Open Veterinary Journal Mar 2024Mares are the only companion animals simulating women in the large diameter of their follicles. Horses start reproduction at the age of three years, and some of them...
BACKGROUND
Mares are the only companion animals simulating women in the large diameter of their follicles. Horses start reproduction at the age of three years, and some of them live for >30 years, so aging influences their reproductive capacity. Mares are sensitive to summer heat stress as they can sweat like humans.
AIM
The current work aimed to study the effects of age (young versus senile), season (cold versus hot), and the hormonal treatments during embryo collection on the dominant and subordinate follicular dynamics and hemodynamics and circulating ovarian hormones in embryo donor mares ovulated twice spontaneously before inducing ovulation for flushing embryos.
METHODS
Spontaneous oestrous cycles were studied for young mares (<10 years; = 6) or senile (>20 years; = 5) during months of the cold season (November to April) and hot season (May to August). In young embryo donor mares, oestrous cycles after inducing ovulation and luteolysis were studied using Doppler ultrasound. Estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), nitric oxide (NO), total cholesterol, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured in blood serum.
RESULTS
A decrease in the dominant follicle antrum diameter ( > 0.05) and LDH ( = 0.016) was observed after inducing luteolysis in young embryo donor mares. Both human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and PGF2α treatments increased dominant follicle area ( = 0.0001), antrum area ( = 0.001), perimeter ( = 0.001), granulosa area ( = 0.0001), cholesterol ( = 0.0001), NO ( = 0.0001), and E2 ( = 0.0001). The dominant follicle area, antrum area, perimeter, color area, granulosa area, LDH, cholesterol, NO, and E2 increased ( = 0.0001) during the oestrous cycles of the hot season, but the circulatory % ( = 0.0001) declined. Senile mares had lower dominant follicle area ( = 0.002), antrum area ( = 0.0001), granulosa area ( > 0.05), LDH ( = 0.001), cholesterol ( = 0.0001), NO ( = 0.0001), and E2 ( = 0.0001) but higher circulatory % ( = 0.0001) and color area % ( = 0.023). The dominant follicle possesses the largest diameter, area, perimeter, granulosa area, and color area but the lowest circulatory % during spontaneous oestrous cycles, after inducing ovulation, or luteolysis with significant effects of the day of the spontaneous oestrous cycles on their dynamics and hemodynamics.
CONCLUSION
During hot months, mares treated with hCG ovulated 24 hours later and prostaglandin-induced luteolysis was followed by new ovulation five days later. Follicles ovulated during the hot months were larger than those ovulated during the cold months and both had nearly the same color area %. Senile mares ovulated follicles with a lower area and antrum area but a higher color area %, so senile mares can be used as embryo or oocyte donors during the hot season.
Topics: Animals; Horses; Female; Seasons; Luteolysis; Ovarian Follicle; Hemodynamics; Embryo Transfer; Aging; Age Factors; Progesterone; Estradiol
PubMed: 38682132
DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i3.13 -
Environment International May 2024Combined oral contraceptives, comprising of both an oestrogen and a progestin component, are released in aquatic environments and potentially pose a risk to aquatic...
Estetrol/drospirenone versus 17α-ethinylestradiol/drospirenone: An extended one generation test to evaluate the endocrine disruption potential on zebrafish (Danio rerio).
Combined oral contraceptives, comprising of both an oestrogen and a progestin component, are released in aquatic environments and potentially pose a risk to aquatic wildlife by their capacity to disrupt physiological mechanisms. In this study, the endocrine disruptive potential of two mixtures, 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), a synthetic oestrogen, or estetrol (E4), a natural oestrogen, with the progestin drospirenone (DRSP) have been characterised in three generations of zebrafish, according to an adapted Medaka Extended One Generation Reproduction Test. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to a range of concentrations of EE2/DRSP and E4/DRSP (∼1×, ∼3×, ∼10× and ∼30× predicted environmental concentration, PEC). Survival, growth, hatching success, fecundity, fertilisation success, vitellogenin (VTG), gonad histopathology, sex differentiation, and transcriptional analysis of genes related to gonadal sex steroid hormones synthesis were assessed. In the F0 generation, exposure to EE2/DRSP at ∼10 and ∼30× PEC decreased fecundity and increased male VTG concentrations. The highest concentration of EE2/DRSP also affected VTG concentrations in female zebrafish and the expression of genes implicated in steroid hormones synthesis. In the F1 generation, sex determination was impaired in fish exposed to EE2/DRSP at concentrations as low as ∼3× PEC. Decreased fecundity and fertility, and abnormal gonadal histopathology were also observed. No effects were observed in the F2 generation. In contrast, E4/DRSP induced only minor histopathological changes and an increase in the proportion of males, at the highest concentration tested (∼30× PEC) in the F1 generation and had no effect on hatching success of F2 generation. Overall, this study suggests that the combination E4/DRSP has a more favourable environmental profile than EE2/DRSP.
Topics: Animals; Zebrafish; Ethinyl Estradiol; Androstenes; Endocrine Disruptors; Female; Male; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Vitellogenins; Reproduction
PubMed: 38678935
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108702 -
Biology Mar 2024Gliomas have displayed significant challenges in oncology due to their high degree of invasiveness, recurrence, and resistance to treatment strategies. In this work, the...
Gliomas have displayed significant challenges in oncology due to their high degree of invasiveness, recurrence, and resistance to treatment strategies. In this work, the key hub genes mainly associated with different grades of glioma, which were represented by pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), oligodendroglioma (OG), anaplastic astrocytoma (AA), and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), were identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of microarray datasets retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Through this, four highly correlated modules were observed to be present across the PA (GSE50161), OG (GSE4290), AA (GSE43378), and GBM (GSE36245) datasets. The functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis done through the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) showed that the modules and hub genes identified were mainly involved in signal transduction, transcription regulation, and protein binding, which collectively deregulate several signaling pathways, mainly PI3K/Akt and metabolic pathways. The involvement of several hub genes primarily linked to other signaling pathways, including the cAMP, MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, and calcium signaling pathways, indicates potential interconnectivity and influence on the PI3K/Akt pathway and, subsequently, glioma severity. The Drug Repurposing Encyclopedia (DRE) was used to screen for potential drugs based on the up- and downregulated hub genes, wherein the synthetic progestin hormones norgestimate and ethisterone were the top drug candidates. This shows the potential neuroprotective effect of progesterone against glioma due to its influence on EGFR expression and other signaling pathways. Aside from these, several experimental and approved drug candidates were also identified, which include an adrenergic receptor antagonist, a PPAR-γ receptor agonist, a CDK inhibitor, a sodium channel blocker, a bradykinin receptor antagonist, and a dopamine receptor agonist, which further highlights the gene network as a potential therapeutic avenue for glioma.
PubMed: 38666818
DOI: 10.3390/biology13040206 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Gender differences existed in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Observational studies have revealed...
BACKGROUND
Gender differences existed in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Observational studies have revealed associations between sex hormones and IBD, such as estrogen and testosterone. However, the exact relationship between these sex hormones and IBD is unclear.
METHOD
Based on the genome-wide association studies data of eight sex hormones, two sex hormone receptors, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), total IBD and its two subtypes, we performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to analyze their mutual relationship. For estradiol (E2), progesterone (PROG), bioavailable testosterone (BAT), total testosterone (TT) and SHBG, sex-stratified MR analyses were also performed. Inverse variance weighted method, MR-Egger regression and Weighted median method were used for causal analyses. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the stability of causal relationships. Besides, a reverse MR analysis was performed to estimate the reverse causation.
RESULTS
E2 (=0.028) and TT (=0.034) had protective effects on CD. Sex-stratified analyses revealed protective roles of E2 in males on total IBD (=0.038) and CD (=0.020). TT in females had protective effects on total IBD (=0.025) and CD (=0.029), and BAT in females decreased the risk of developing CD (=0.047) and UC (=0.036). Moreover, SHBG in males was also associated with a decreased risk of CD (=0.021). The reversed MR analysis showed that CD was negatively correlated with estrogen receptor (=0.046). UC was negatively correlated with PROG in females (=0.015) and positively correlated with SHBG levels in males (=0.046).
CONCLUSION
Findings of this study revealed the mutual causal associations between sex hormones and the risk of developing IBD.
Topics: Humans; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Male; Female; Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; Genome-Wide Association Study; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Crohn Disease; Colitis, Ulcerative; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Testosterone; Receptors, Estrogen; Estradiol; Progesterone
PubMed: 38660517
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1272746 -
Experts' view on the role of oestrogens in combined oral contraceptives: emphasis on oestetrol (E4).Frontiers in Global Women's Health 2024The evolution of contraception has been crucial for public health and reproductive well-being. Over the past 60 years, combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have remained...
INTRODUCTION
The evolution of contraception has been crucial for public health and reproductive well-being. Over the past 60 years, combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have remained an important part of the contraceptive landscape worldwide; continued development has worked toward maintaining efficacy and improving safety.
METHODS
Seven global experts convened to discuss the clinical relevance of the oestrogen in COCs, focusing on the impact of the new oestrogen, oestetrol (E4). Participants then commented through an online forum on the summary content and other participants' feedback. We prepared this report to describe the experts' views, their follow-up from the open forum and the evidence supporting their views.
RESULTS
Ethinylestradiol (EE) and oestradiol (E2) affect receptors similarly whereas E4 has differential effects, especially in the liver and breast. Adequate oestrogen doses in COCs ensure regular bleeding and user acceptability. EE and E4 have longer half-lives than E2; accordingly, COCs with EE and E4 offer more predictable bleeding than those with E2. Oestrogen type and progestin influence VTE risk; E2 poses a lower risk than EE; although promising, E4/DRSP VTE risk is lacking population-based data. COCs alleviate menstrual symptoms, impact mental health, cognition, libido, skin, and bone health.
CONCLUSION
Oestrogens play an important role in the contraceptive efficacy, bleeding patterns, and overall tolerability/safety of COCs. Recent studies exploring E4 combined with DRSP show promising results compared to traditional formulations, but more definitive conclusions await further research.
PubMed: 38655395
DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1395863 -
Endocrinology Apr 2024Hormonal contraceptives are widely prescribed due to their effectiveness and convenience and have become an integral part of family planning strategies worldwide. In the...
Hormonal contraceptives are widely prescribed due to their effectiveness and convenience and have become an integral part of family planning strategies worldwide. In the United States, approximately 65% of reproductive-aged women are estimated to be using contraceptive options, with approximately 33% using one or a combination of hormonal contraceptives. While these methods have undeniably contributed to improved reproductive health, recent studies have raised concerns regarding their potential effect on metabolic health. Despite widespread anecdotal reports, epidemiological research has been mixed as to whether hormonal contraceptives contribute to metabolic health effects. As such, the goals of this study were to assess the adipogenic activity of common hormonal contraceptive chemicals and their mixtures. Five different models of adipogenesis were used to provide a rigorous assessment of metabolism-disrupting effects. Interestingly, every individual contraceptive (both estrogens and progestins) and each mixture promoted significant adipogenesis (eg, triglyceride accumulation and/or preadipocyte proliferation). These effects appeared to be mediated in part through estrogen receptor signaling, particularly for the contraceptive mixtures, as cotreatment with fulvestrant acted to inhibit contraceptive-mediated proadipogenic effects on triglyceride accumulation. In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between hormonal contraceptives and adipocyte development. The results suggest that both progestins and estrogens within these contraceptives can influence adipogenesis, and the specific effects may vary based on the receptor disruption profiles. Further research is warranted to establish translation of these findings to in vivo models and to further assess causal mechanisms underlying these effects.
Topics: Adipogenesis; Animals; Female; Mice; Adipocytes; Progestins; Humans; 3T3-L1 Cells; Estrogens; Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal
PubMed: 38648498
DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae050 -
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and... Jul 2024Gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABA-A) receptors in the cells of the immune system enhance anti-inflammatory responses by regulating cytokine secretion, cytotoxic responses,...
Gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABA-A) receptors in the cells of the immune system enhance anti-inflammatory responses by regulating cytokine secretion, cytotoxic responses, and cell activation. In the CNS, the formation of GABA-A subunits into a pentameric structure has been extensively studied; however, no such study has been conducted in the immune system. The objective of the present study was to examine associations between the levels of steroid hormones and GABA-A receptor δ subunit expression in the immune system. We focused on this subunit because GABA-A receptors that contain it become significantly more sensitive to steroid hormones. We collected 80 blood samples from reproductive age women for the purpose of analyzing dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 17β-estradiol, progesterone, and allopregnanolone using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Furthermore, we extracted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for determining mRNA expression levels of GABA-A receptor genes encoding the δ and ε subunits. We constructed linear mixed effect models for each GABA-A receptor subunit with all 4 steroid hormones, age, and age of menarche as predictors. Whereas DHEA was significantly associated with δ subunit expression (t-value = 2.981; p = 0.003), in line with our hypothesis, none of the steroid hormones were significantly associated with the expression of the ε subunit. Results of this study indicate that significant interactions between hormones from the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway and GABAergic machinery from the immune cells may be utilized to expand models examining the molecular basis of inflammatory conditions.
Topics: Humans; Female; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Receptors, GABA-A; Adult; Progesterone; Young Adult; Estradiol; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Pregnanolone; RNA, Messenger; Gene Expression
PubMed: 38636682
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106525 -
Journal of Applied Physiology... Jun 2024There is evidence across species and across many traits that males display greater between-individual variance. In contrast, (premenopausal) females display large...
There is evidence across species and across many traits that males display greater between-individual variance. In contrast, (premenopausal) females display large within-individual variance in sex hormone concentrations, which can increase within-individual variance in many other parameters. The latter may contribute to the lower representation of females in metabolic research. This study is a pooled secondary analysis of data from seven crossover studies to investigate the between-individual and the within-individual variance in fasting plasma metabolites, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and body mass. Females demonstrated higher within-individual variability of plasma 17β-estradiol [coefficient of variation (CV): 15 ± 15% for males vs. 38 ± 34% for females, < 0.001] and progesterone concentrations (CV: 13 ± 11% for males vs. 52 ± 51% for females, < 0.001) but there were no meaningful differences in the variability of plasma glucose (CV: 4 ± 3% for males vs. 5 ± 5% for females), insulin, lactate, triglycerides (CV: 15 ± 9% for males vs. 15 ± 10% for females), and esterified fatty acid concentrations or in RMR and body mass (CV: 0.43 ± 0.34% for males vs. for 0.42 ± 0.33% females; > 0.05 for all outcomes). Males displayed higher between-individual variance in RMR compared with females (SD: 224 kcal·day for males vs. 151 kcal·day for females). In conclusion, these data do not provide evidence that females show greater within-individual variability in many fasting metabolic variables, RMR, or body mass compared with males. We conclude that including females in metabolic research is unlikely to introduce greater within-individual variance when using the recruitment and control procedures described in these studies. To investigate the within-individual variability in metabolic parameters in males and females, we performed a pooled secondary analysis of fasting blood samples, resting metabolic rate, and body mass from seven crossover studies. We found a greater day-to-day variation in 17β-estradiol and progesterone in females compared with males but no meaningful difference in within-individual variability of fasting plasma glucose, insulin, lactate, triglycerides, NEFA, resting metabolic rate, or body mass between females and males.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Fasting; Adult; Blood Glucose; Sex Characteristics; Basal Metabolism; Insulin; Progesterone; Estradiol; Triglycerides; Young Adult; Lactic Acid; Cross-Over Studies; Sex Factors; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38634507
DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00053.2024 -
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology Aug 2024Luteinizing hormone (LH) is essential for reproduction, controlling ovulation and steroidogenesis. Its receptor (LHR) recruits various transducers leading to the...
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is essential for reproduction, controlling ovulation and steroidogenesis. Its receptor (LHR) recruits various transducers leading to the activation of a complex signaling network. We recently identified iPRC1, the first variable fragment from heavy-chain-only antibody (VHH) interacting with intracellular loop 3 (ICL3) of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). Because of the high sequence similarity of the human FSHR and LHR (LHCGR), here we examined the ability of the iPRC1 intra-VHH to modulate LHCGR activity. In this study, we demonstrated that iPRC1 binds LHCGR, to a greater extent when the receptor was stimulated by the hormone. In addition, it decreased LH-induced cAMP production, cAMP-responsive element-dependent transcription, progesterone and testosterone production. These impairments are not due to Gs nor β-arrestin recruitment to the LHCGR. Consequently, iPRC1 is the first intra-VHH to bind and modulate LHCGR biological activity, including steroidogenesis. It should help further understand signaling mechanisms elicited at this receptor and their outcomes on reproduction.
Topics: Receptors, LH; Humans; Signal Transduction; Luteinizing Hormone; Animals; Cyclic AMP; Protein Binding; Progesterone; Receptors, FSH; Testosterone; HEK293 Cells; GTP-Binding Proteins; Steroids
PubMed: 38621656
DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112235