-
Environment International Jun 2024The menopausal transition involves significant sex hormone changes. Environmental chemicals, such as urinary phthalate metabolites, are associated with sex hormone...
BACKGROUND
The menopausal transition involves significant sex hormone changes. Environmental chemicals, such as urinary phthalate metabolites, are associated with sex hormone levels in cross-sectional studies. Few studies have assessed longitudinal associations between urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and sex hormone levels during menopausal transition.
METHODS
Pre- and perimenopausal women from the Midlife Women's Health Study (MWHS) (n = 751) contributed data at up to 4 annual study visits. We quantified 9 individual urinary phthalate metabolites and 5 summary measures (e.g., phthalates in plastics (∑Plastic)), using pooled annual urine samples. We measured serum estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone collected at each study visit, unrelated to menstrual cycling. Linear mixed-effects models and hierarchical Bayesian kernel machine regression analyses evaluated adjusted associations between individual and phthalate mixtures with sex steroid hormones longitudinally.
RESULTS
We observed associations between increased concentrations of certain phthalate metabolites and lower testosterone and higher sub-ovulatory progesterone levels, e.g., doubling of monoethyl phthalate (MEP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (∑DEHP) metabolites, ∑Plastic, and ∑Phthalates concentrations were associated with lower testosterone (e.g., for ∑DEHP: -4.51%; 95% CI: -6.72%, -2.26%). For each doubling of MEP, certain DEHP metabolites, and summary measures, we observed higher mean sub-ovulatory progesterone (e.g., ∑AA (metabolites with anti-androgenic activity): 6.88%; 95% CI: 1.94%, 12.1%). Higher levels of the overall time-varying phthalate mixture were associated with lower estradiol and higher progesterone levels, especially for 2nd year exposures.
CONCLUSIONS
Phthalates were longitudinally associated with sex hormone levels during the menopausal transition. Future research should assess such associations and potential health impacts during this understudied period.
Topics: Humans; Phthalic Acids; Female; Middle Aged; Longitudinal Studies; Perimenopause; Environmental Pollutants; Estradiol; Adult; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Progesterone; Environmental Exposure; Women's Health; Testosterone
PubMed: 38821016
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108770 -
Journal of Animal Science Jan 2024This experiment evaluated growth, physiological responses, and puberty attainment in beef heifers reared in drylots with a high stocking density, and provided or not...
This experiment evaluated growth, physiological responses, and puberty attainment in beef heifers reared in drylots with a high stocking density, and provided or not with a moderate exercise regimen. A total of 180 heifers (75% Angus × 25% Brahman) were used in this experiment replicated over 2 yr. Each year, 90 heifers were ranked by age (264 ± 1 d) and body weight (BW on day -3; 200 ± 2 kg) on day 0, and assigned to a) one of six drylot pens (10 × 14 m pens; 10 heifers per pen) with a stocking density of 14 m2/heifer (DENS), or b) one of three pastures (2-ha pastures; 10 heifers per pasture) with a stocking density of 2,000 m2/heifer (CON). Beginning on day 15, three DENS pens were given access to an exercise area (DENS-EX) 3 times/wk (1 h). Negligible forage was available for CON, whereas heifers from all treatments received the same limit-fed diet (~13 kg/heifer daily). Shrunk BW was recorded after 16 h of feed and water withdrawal on days -3 and 225 to calculate BW gain. Temperament was evaluated on days 0, 128, and 224. Heifers were fitted with a pedometer behind their shoulder on day 0 to record physical activity. Pedometer results and blood samples were collected weekly for progesterone analysis. Hair samples from the tail switch were collected every 28 d. Data were analyzed with pen or pasture as an experimental unit, via ANOVA using the MIXED or GLIMMIX procedures of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Heifers from CON had more (P < 0.01) steps per week compared with DENS and DENS-EX (23,973, 6,706, and 12,354 steps/wk, respectively; SEM = 1,247), and DENS-EX heifers had more (P < 0.01) steps per week compared with DENS. No treatment effects (P ≥ 0.91) were detected for heifer BW gain (~0.820 kg/d). Hair cortisol concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in DENS and DENS-EX compared with CON beginning on day 56. Exit velocity and temperament score were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in DENS compared with DENS-EX and CON on day 224. Puberty attainment was delayed (treatment × day; P < 0.01) in DENS compared with DENS-EX and CON. A greater (P ≤ 0.05) proportion of CON were pubertal by day 105 compared with DENS and DENS-EX (30.0%, 11.6%, and 15.0%, respectively; SEM = 6.5), while a greater (P < 0.05) proportion of CON and DENS-EX were pubertal by day 154 compared to DENS (61.7%, 66.7%, and 43.3%, respectively; SEM = 6.5). Rearing replacement heifers in drylots with high stocking density has detrimental effects on their puberty attainment, and the moderate exercise regimen partially alleviated this negative outcome.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Female; Sexual Maturation; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Animal Husbandry; Housing, Animal; Population Density; Progesterone; Hydrocortisone
PubMed: 38820137
DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae150 -
Archives of Dermatological Research May 2024Progesterone is used for hormone replacement therapy through various routes of administration. This study was conducted to (a) evaluate the stability of progesterone in...
Progesterone is used for hormone replacement therapy through various routes of administration. This study was conducted to (a) evaluate the stability of progesterone in a proprietary anhydrous permeation-enhancing base (APEB) and the efficiency of its skin permeation, and (b) determine the appropriateness of mass spectrometry as a method of analysis for permeated progesterone. Using a proven stability-indicating ultra-performance liquid chromatographic method, the compounded hormone (100 mg progesterone/g APEB gel) was determined to be physically and chemically stable at room temperature for six months. Skin permeation analysis using the Franz skin finite dose model and mass spectrometry imaging showed an optical density of 1699 for the permeated progesterone compounded in APEB and 550 for the permeated progesterone in a water containing VBC, which is a statistically significant different (P = 0.029). The study suggests that APEB can be used as a compounding base for effective skin permeation of progesterone, and mass spectrometry is a reliable method for visualization and quantitative analysis of permeated progesterone.
Topics: Progesterone; Skin Absorption; Mass Spectrometry; Skin; Humans; Administration, Cutaneous; Permeability; Drug Stability; Animals; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Drug Compounding
PubMed: 38814486
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-03040-x -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024To determine whether the late-follicular-phase progesterone to retrieved oocytes (P/O) ratio during fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) impacts...
The late-follicular-phase progesterone to retrieved oocytes ratio in normal ovarian responders treated with an antagonist protocol can be used as an index for selecting an embryo transfer strategy and predicting the success rate: a retrospective large-scale study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the late-follicular-phase progesterone to retrieved oocytes (P/O) ratio during fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) impacts pregnancy outcomes.
DESIGN
12,874 cycles were retrospectively categorized into four groups according to the P/O ratio percentile, with divisions at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles.
RESULTS
The clinical pregnancy and live birth rates of fresh cycle embryos in Group D were significantly lower than those in the other three groups (45.1% and 39.0%, 43.2% and 37.2%, 39.6% and 33.5%, 33.4% and 28.2% in Group A, B, C, D, respectively; both P < 0.008). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between the P/O ratio and live birth, particularly when the P/O ratio was ≥0.22 (OR = 0.862, 95% CI [0.774-0.959], P = 0.006).
CONCLUSIONS
The P/O ratio has certain predictive value for IVF/ICSI pregnancy outcomes and can be used for decision-making decision regarding fresh embryo transfer.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Progesterone; Adult; Embryo Transfer; Ovulation Induction; Fertilization in Vitro; Pregnancy Rate; Oocytes; Oocyte Retrieval; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic; Follicular Phase; Pregnancy Outcome
PubMed: 38812812
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1338683 -
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi = Zhongguo... Apr 2024This study aims to observe the efficacy and safety of Bushen Culuan Formula in the treatment of infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) and to explore the...
This study aims to observe the efficacy and safety of Bushen Culuan Formula in the treatment of infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) and to explore the mechanism using metabolomics. Ninety-four patients with infertility caused by PCOS with the syndrome of kidney deficiency and blood stasis were selected and assigned into treatment and control groups(n=47). The basal body temperature(BBT) was measured, and B-ultrasonography was employed to monitor follicles, ovarian volume, endometrium, ovulation, and pregnancy. The serum levels of sex hormones including follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), luteinizing hormone(LH), prolactin(PRL), estradiol(E_2), progestin(P), testosterone(T), free testosterone(FT), androstenedione(A2), inhibin B(INHB), and anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH) were measured. The coagulation function, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) symptom scores, blood and urine routine, liver and kidney functions and other safety indicators were determined. Metabolomics was employed to comparatively analyze the serum metabolites of 26 patients(13 patients in each group) in the clinical study. The results showed that the total response rate and pregnancy rate of the treatment group were higher than those of the control group(P<0.001), suggesting that Bushen Culuan Formula regulated the sex hormones and ovarian function. Specifically, it reduced the levels of LH, T, FT, A2, and INHB(P<0.05 or P<0.01) and the LH/FSH ratio(P<0.05), elevated the level of P(P<0.05), promoted ovulation, increased endothelial thickness, and lowered TCM symptom scores without causing adverse reactions. A total of 24 differential metabolites were screened by metabolomics, and there were correlations between sex hormones and differential metabolites in the PCOS-induced infertility patients with kidney deficiency and blood stasis. In conclusion, Bushen Culuan Formula may regulate hormone levels through lipid and amino acid metabolism.
Topics: Humans; Female; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Adult; Infertility, Female; Young Adult; Pregnancy; Luteinizing Hormone
PubMed: 38812217
DOI: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20240115.503 -
Chemosphere Jul 2024In this study, chemically activated fat-free powdered Moringa oleifera seed biomass (MOSB) was synthesized, characterized, and utilized as a cost-effective biosorbent...
In this study, chemically activated fat-free powdered Moringa oleifera seed biomass (MOSB) was synthesized, characterized, and utilized as a cost-effective biosorbent for the abstraction of progesterone (PGT) hormone from synthetic wastewater. Natural PGT is a human steroid hormone from the progestogen family. Synthetic PGT is approved for the regulation of the menstrual cycle, aiding contraception, and is administered as a hormone replacement therapy in menopausal and post-menopausal women. PGT is an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) with negative health impacts on biota. The X-ray diffractogram (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy-Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) analyses displayed a porous, amorphous biosorbent with an elemental composition of 72.5% carbon and 22.5% oxygen and a specific surface area of 210.0 m g. The process variables including temperature (298-338 K), pH (2-10), contact time (10-180 min), adsorbate concentration (20-500 μg L), and adsorbent dosage (0.1-2.0 g) were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) to obtain the greatest efficacy of MOSB during biosorption of PGT. The optimum parameters for PGT biosorption onto MOSB were: 86.8 min, 500 μg L adsorbate concentration, 298 K, and 0.1 g adsorbent dosage. PGT removal from aqueous solutions was pH-independent. The Langmuir isotherm best fitted the equilibrium data with maximal monolayer biosorption capacity of 135.8 μg g. The biosorption rate followed the pseudo-first-order (PFO) kinetic law. The thermodynamic functions (ΔG < 0, ΔH = -9.258 kJ mol and ΔS = +44.16 J mol) confirmed that the biosorption of PGT onto MOSB is a spontaneous and exothermic process with increased randomness at the adsorbent surface. The biosorption mechanism was physisorption and was devoid of electrostatic interactions. The findings from this study indicate that MOSB is an inexpensive, low-carbon, and environmentally friendly biosorbent that can effectively scavenge PGT from aqueous solutions.
Topics: Moringa oleifera; Adsorption; Progesterone; Biomass; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Seeds; Wastewater; Kinetics; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Endocrine Disruptors
PubMed: 38810799
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142457 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... May 2024Many female military Service members choose to use hormonal contraception to prevent pregnancy and/or to control or suppress menses. Hormonal contraception, which comes... (Review)
Review
Many female military Service members choose to use hormonal contraception to prevent pregnancy and/or to control or suppress menses. Hormonal contraception, which comes in many different forms based on dose, estrogen/progestin type, and route of administration (oral, vaginal, transdermal, implant, intrauterine device, injectable), may cause side effects, some of which can influence military medical readiness, or the health status necessary to perform assigned missions. This expert review summarizes the evidence around common military-relevant side effects of hormonal contraception that could impact readiness, including effects on weight and body composition, bone health, psychological health, and physical performance, and serves as a tool for uniformed and civilian clinicians counseling female Service members about hormonal contraception. Current evidence suggests some hormonal contraception can lead to weight and fat gain, may modulate susceptibility to mood or mental health disorders, and could impact bone mineral density and stress fracture risk; more research is needed on physical performance effects. Clinicians must be familiar with readiness considerations of each type of hormonal contraception to provide comprehensive patient education and allow for optimal shared decision-making about hormonal contraception use among female Service members. Considering the relative lack of data on the effects of non-oral hormonal contraception routes on readiness outcomes and the growing interest in long-acting reversible contraceptives among female Service members, future research should continue to investigate effects of all hormonal contraception methods available to Service members.
PubMed: 38810770
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.05.044 -
Open Veterinary Journal Apr 2024Postpartum ovarian dysfunction [ovarian cyst (OC) and persistent follicle (PF)] has been an important issue. Finding effective hormonal treatments to improve...
BACKGROUND
Postpartum ovarian dysfunction [ovarian cyst (OC) and persistent follicle (PF)] has been an important issue. Finding effective hormonal treatments to improve reproductive performance in dairy cows has become a necessity.
AIM
Improve reproductive performance and ovarian activity in postpartum cows with specific customized treatment for OC and PFs.
METHODS
The study included 48 cows at 14 days P.P, which received two dosages of 500 μg IM cloprostenol, 14 days apart as presynchronization protocol. Ultrasound ovarian scans 14 days after the last injection for 4 weeks. The cows were divided into three groups according to ovarian status: OC ( = 14), PF ( = 12), and NE ( = 22). In the OC group, received 500 μg IM cloprostenol and 100 μg IM cystoriline, a second dose of cloprostenol 14 days later and a second dose of cystoriline 36 hours later, and AI after 24 hours (GnRH+ PG/PG/GnRH). In the PF group, was fitted with progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID) for 9 days; the same day, they received 100 μg cystoreline then 500 μg cloprostenol 7 days later, after PRID removal AI 56 hours later (PRID + GnRH/PG). In the NE group, artificial insemination was implemented until 28 days depending on estrus detection.
RESULTS
The ovarian activity was greatly affected by the customized treatments, leading to enhanced follicular and luteal activity, particularly after the PGF2α injection. The OC and PF groups showed substantial estrus responses of 71.43% and 75.02%, respectively, during AI time. While the NE group had an ovulation rate of 54.5% and a pregnancy rate of 31.8%, the treatment groups showed marked improvements in reproductive performance. The ovulation rates in the OC and PF groups were 71.43% and 75% and the pregnancy rates at the 1st artificial insemination were 64.28% and 66.7%.
CONCLUSION
Improving reproductive performance and minimizing the time to first service are possible advantages of early case-specific treatment for postpartum cows with OC and PFs.
Topics: Animals; Female; Cattle; Ovarian Cysts; Postpartum Period; Cloprostenol; Cattle Diseases; Insemination, Artificial; Pregnancy; Ovarian Follicle; Progesterone; Estrus Synchronization
PubMed: 38808298
DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i4.10 -
Georgian Medical News Mar 2024Preterm birth (PTB) is defined as birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation. It is generally agreed, preterm delivery is the most important obstetrical complication... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Preterm birth (PTB) is defined as birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation. It is generally agreed, preterm delivery is the most important obstetrical complication leading to perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of progesterone prescription, the route of administration, the prevalence of PTB, and the route of delivery as well as to look at the rates of PTB among those who received progesterone and those who did not. An observational cross-sectional study among postpartum women was done between April and September 2023. A convenience sample of 300 women were interviewed at maternity hospitals and primary health centers in Duhok. A survey of postpartum women up to 1 year postpartum was completed. Patients were questioned about basic pregnancy information, risk factors, and complications, as well as the use (if any) of progesterone. The preterm birth (<37 week) rate is 12%. From the 300 patients in the sample, 114 (38%) women had history of single or multiple progesterone therapies. The most common single route of progesterone therapy was the parenteral route (29.8%), but more patients received progesterone via multiple routes (32.4%). Pre-term birth was reported in 19 women who received progesterone treatment compared to 17 women among those who did not receive progesterone treatment. No statistically significant variations were found between the two groups (P=0.08). There were no statistically significant differences in prevalence of PTB or route of delivery between women who received progesterone supplementation and those who did not receive progesterone (P=0.08 and P= 0.14 respectively). Prior research has shown that the clearest evidence of benefit for progesterone in pregnancy is among those with short cervix. Perhaps the lack of significant difference found in this study was because of prescriptions outside of established indications. More randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the effects of progesterone supplementation during pregnancy.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Premature Birth; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adult; Prevalence; Young Adult; Progestins; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38807387
DOI: No ID Found -
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks,... May 2024Endometriosis is often diagnosed in reproductive aged women with spontaneous ovarian activity. Here we described a case of endometriosis diagnosed in a patient with...
Endometriosis is often diagnosed in reproductive aged women with spontaneous ovarian activity. Here we described a case of endometriosis diagnosed in a patient with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) due to prepubertal bone marrow transplant (BMT). The patient is a 22-year-old nulligravid female who presented with chronic pelvic pain. She had an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome (Diamond-Blackfan anemia), which required gonadotoxic chemotherapy for BMT at a young age prior to puberty. At age 13, she received hormone therapy with transdermal estrogen with subsequent addition of cyclic progestin and was later transitioned to combined oral contraceptive pills (COC). Endometriosis was suspected due to progressive dysmenorrhea and multiple cyclic systemic symptoms. She underwent a trial of elagolix, but could not tolerate it due to worsened arthralgia. Norethindrone acetate (NET-A) was then started, and she underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. Laparoscopy revealed scattered superficial endometriotic lesions in the pelvis. Histological studies showed florid endometriosis. Patient continues on NET-A 10mg and oral estradiol 0.5mg daily since the surgery and has experienced sustained improvement in her symptoms. Endometriosis should be considered as a possible cause for progressive dysmenorrhea or pelvic pain, even in the setting of POI. The balance between HT for overall health benefits in young women with POI and the risk of endometriosis exacerbation is delicate, but achievable.
PubMed: 38806998
DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01601-z