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Physiology & Behavior Jun 2024The neuropeptide kisspeptin (Kiss) is crucial in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. It is produced by two main groups of neurons in the hypothalamus:...
The neuropeptide kisspeptin (Kiss) is crucial in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. It is produced by two main groups of neurons in the hypothalamus: the rostral periventricular region around the third ventricle and the arcuate nucleus. Kiss is the peptide product of the KiSS-1 gene and serves as the endogenous agonist for the GPR54 receptor. The Kiss/GPR54 system functions as a critical regulator of the reproductive system. Thus, we examined the effect of intracerebroventricular administration of 3 μg of Kiss to the right lateral ventricle of ovariectomized rats primed with a dose of 5 μg subcutaneous (sc) of estradiol benzoate (EB). Kiss treatment increased the lordosis quotient at all times tested. However, the lordosis reflex score was comparatively lower yet still significant compared to the control group. To investigate receptor specificity and downstream mechanisms on lordosis, we infused 10 μg of GPR54 receptor antagonist, Kiss-234, 5 μg of the progestin receptor antagonist, RU486, or 3 μg of antide, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1) receptor antagonist, to the right lateral ventricle 30 min before an infusion of 3 μg of Kiss. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in the facilitation of lordosis behavior by Kiss at 60 and 120 min when Kiss-234, RU486, or antide were administered. These findings suggest that Kiss stimulates lordosis expression by activating GPR54 receptors on GnRH neurons and that Kiss/GPR54 system is an essential intermediary by which progesterone activates GnRH.
PubMed: 38851441
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114609 -
Journal of Women's Health (2002) Jun 2024Choosing a contraceptive method is a pivotal decision for patients, whereas health care professionals (HCPs) face challenges in providing suitable recommendations.... (Review)
Review
Choosing a contraceptive method is a pivotal decision for patients, whereas health care professionals (HCPs) face challenges in providing suitable recommendations. Adverse sexual effects often lead to dissatisfaction and discontinuation of contraceptives, underscoring the importance of thorough counseling and shared decision making between HCPs and patients. This article aims to investigate the relationship between contraceptive methods and female sexual function through a comprehensive review of available literature, emphasizing the importance of considering sexual health in contraceptive prescription and management. A systematic analysis of existing literature, incorporating studies utilizing validated sexual health questionnaires, was conducted to elucidate the intricate interplay between contraceptives and female sexual function. The review encompasses various contraceptive methods, including combined hormonal contraceptives, progestin-only pills, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, subdermal contraceptive implants, hormonal intrauterine devices, permanent sterilization, and barrier methods. Insights gleaned from the analysis shed light on the impact of these methods on female sexual health. Comprehensive understanding of the effects of contraceptives on female sexual function is crucial for both HCPs and patients. By integrating sexual health considerations into contraceptive surveillance, compliance can be improved, contraceptive efficacy optimized, and the risk of unwanted pregnancies minimized. This review underscores the significance of tailored counseling and shared decision making in contraceptive management, particularly for cisgender women.
PubMed: 38848279
DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0625 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger May 2024This review summarises the present knowledge of prophylactic progesterone and preterm birth. Preterm birth (less-than 37 weeks) is a leading cause of neonatal mortality... (Review)
Review
This review summarises the present knowledge of prophylactic progesterone and preterm birth. Preterm birth (less-than 37 weeks) is a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. The incidence varies globally but remains low in the Nordic countries (5-6%). Prediction and prevention are complicated due to diverse aetiology, but obstetric history and cervical length can improve prediction. Prophylactic vaginal progesterone initiated between 12 and 24 weeks of gestation is recommended to reduce preterm birth less-than 33-35 weeks in singleton pregnancies with a history of preterm birth or with a short cervix (less-than 25 mm) and can be considered for twin pregnancies with the same risk factors.
Topics: Humans; Premature Birth; Pregnancy; Progesterone; Female; Progestins; Administration, Intravaginal; Risk Factors; Cervical Length Measurement; Cervix Uteri
PubMed: 38847312
DOI: 10.61409/V10230636 -
Research in Veterinary Science Aug 2024The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the adipokines progranulin and omentin on the basic functions of feline ovarian cells. For this purpose, we...
The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the adipokines progranulin and omentin on the basic functions of feline ovarian cells. For this purpose, we investigated the effects of the addition of progranulin and omentin (0, 0.1, 1, or 10 ng/ml) on the proliferation (accumulation of PCNA and cyclin B1), apoptosis (accumulation of Bax and caspase 3) and progesterone release of cultured feline ovarian granulosa cells by quantitative immunocytochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Both progranulin and omentin increased cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis. Both progranulin and omentin promoted progesterone release. The present findings demonstrate that the adipokines progranulin and omentin can directly regulate basic feline ovarian cell functions.
Topics: Animals; Female; Cats; Granulosa Cells; Apoptosis; Cell Proliferation; Progesterone; Progranulins; Cytokines; Cells, Cultured; Lectins
PubMed: 38843689
DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105321 -
Pharmaceutical Research Jun 2024Traditional progesterone (PRG) injections require long-term administration, leading to poor patient compliance. The emergence of long-acting injectable microspheres...
PURPOSE
Traditional progesterone (PRG) injections require long-term administration, leading to poor patient compliance. The emergence of long-acting injectable microspheres extends the release period to several days or even months. However, these microspheres often face challenges such as burst release and incomplete drug release. This study aims to regulate drug release by altering the crystallinity of the drug during the release process from the microspheres.
METHODS
This research incorporates methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (mPEG-PLGA) into poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres to enhance their hydrophilicity, thus regulating the release rate and drug morphology during release. This modification aims to address the issues of burst and incomplete release in traditional PLGA microspheres. PRG was used as the model drug. PRG/mPEG-PLGA/PLGA microspheres (PmPPMs) were prepared via an emulsification-solvent evaporation method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were employed to investigate the presence of PRG in PmPPMs and its physical state changes during release.
RESULTS
The addition of mPEG-PLGA altered the crystallinity of the drug within the microspheres at different release stages. The crystallinity correlated positively with the amount of mPEG-PLGA incorporated; the greater the amount, the faster the drug release from the formulation. The bioavailability and muscular irritation of the long-acting injectable were assessed through pharmacokinetic and muscle irritation studies in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The results indicated that PmPPMs containing mPEG-PLGA achieved low burst release and sustained release over 7 days, with minimal irritation and self-healing within this period. PmPPMs with 5% mPEG-PLGA showed a relative bioavailability (Frel) of 146.88%.
IN CONCLUSION
In summary, adding an appropriate amount of mPEG to PLGA microspheres can alter the drug release process and enhance bioavailability.
Topics: Microspheres; Polyethylene Glycols; Animals; Drug Liberation; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Progesterone; Delayed-Action Preparations; Rats; Crystallization; Drug Carriers; Particle Size; Polyesters; Female; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; Biological Availability
PubMed: 38839720
DOI: 10.1007/s11095-024-03717-y -
Reproduction in Domestic Animals =... Jun 2024Sub-estrus buffaloes do not exhibit estrus signs despite being cyclic contributing to extended service periods and inter-calving intervals causing significant economic...
Sub-estrus buffaloes do not exhibit estrus signs despite being cyclic contributing to extended service periods and inter-calving intervals causing significant economic loss. The present study described the effect of synthetic prostaglandin (PGF) on estrus behaviour, follicular and luteal morphometry, and serum estradiol (E) and progesterone (P) profile in sub-estrus buffaloes during the non-breeding season. The incidence of sub-estrus was 38.4% during the non-breeding season. The sub-estrus buffaloes (n = 33) were divided into two groups, viz., Control (n = 16) and PGF treatment (Inj. Cloprostenol 500 μg, i.m., n = 17). Estrus induction response was significantly greater in the treatment (100 vs. 18.75%, p < .001), and a relatively greater proportion of animals conceived in the treatment group (29.41 vs. 6.25%, p = .08). The time elapsed to induction of estrus and insemination following treatment was significantly lower in the treatment group than control. A significant increment in the follicle diameter (9.72 ± 0.45 vs. 13.00 ± 0.45 mm, P < .0001) and serum estradiol (E) concentration (66.01 ± 11.92 vs. 104.9 ± 13.21 pg/mL, p = .003) observed at the post-treatment period in the PGF treatment group. At the same time, CL diameter was reduced significantly at a higher regression rate in the PGF treated buffaloes than those of control. Of the responded buffaloes, only 30% showed high-intensity estrus attributed to the expulsion of cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM), uterine tonicity, micturition, and mounting response by a teaser bull. From this study, it can be concluded that the administration of PGF could induce estrus in the sub-estrus buffaloes during the non-breeding season. Behavioural changes, along with sonographic observation of POF, regressing CL, and serum E and P concentration would be useful to determine the right time of insemination in sub-estrus buffaloes during non-breeding season.
Topics: Animals; Female; Buffaloes; Estradiol; Progesterone; Estrus; Ovarian Follicle; Dinoprost; Estrus Synchronization; Pregnancy; Seasons; Cloprostenol; Corpus Luteum; Insemination, Artificial; Sexual Behavior, Animal
PubMed: 38837282
DOI: 10.1111/rda.14617 -
The Mental Health Clinician Jun 2024Clozapine is primarily metabolized via cytochrome P450(CYP)1A2 and to a lesser extent CYP3A4, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6. Metabolic inhibitors of clozapine, such as fluvoxamine...
Clozapine is primarily metabolized via cytochrome P450(CYP)1A2 and to a lesser extent CYP3A4, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6. Metabolic inhibitors of clozapine, such as fluvoxamine and ciprofloxacin, are important to recognize to avoid adverse drug events. Estrogen-containing oral contraceptives (eOCPs) are weaker CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 inhibitors but are associated with a 2-fold increase of clozapine concentrations. The potential for phenoconversion due to a CYP genetic polymorphism can add additional complexities when considering drug interactions. A case report is presented of a suspected interaction between newly initiated clozapine and a prescribed eOCP for which the patient's pharmacogenomic status was known. A 17-year-old, nonsmoking, White female with a history of schizophrenia was initiated on clozapine 12.5 mg at bedtime with a plan to increase by 25 mg every 4 days in the outpatient setting. The patient was a known rapid CYP1A2 metabolizer without identified sources of CYP1A2 induction and a CYP2C19 rapid metabolizer. Based on pharmacogenomic testing, there was no suspicion for significant gene-drug interactions. Yet, as the patient was prescribed an eOCP, a clozapine concentration was obtained after reaching 150 mg at bedtime. This steady-state clozapine concentration was found to be 560 ng/mL, correlating with worsening sedation and constipation. Given ongoing side effects, clozapine was lowered to 100 mg at bedtime; however, ongoing intolerance ultimately led to clozapine discontinuation. This case highlights the potential interaction between clozapine and eOCP in a CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 rapid metabolizer, leading to clozapine intolerance and discontinuation. The concomitant use of clozapine and eOCPs should be undertaken judiciously.
PubMed: 38835816
DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2024.06.220 -
Analytica Chimica Acta Jul 2024Coated blade spray (CBS) represents an innovative approach that utilizes solid-phase microextraction principles for sampling and sample preparation. When combined with...
BACKGROUND
Coated blade spray (CBS) represents an innovative approach that utilizes solid-phase microextraction principles for sampling and sample preparation. When combined with ambient mass spectrometry (MS), it can also serve as an electrospray ionization source. Therefore, it became a promising tool in analytical applications as it can significantly reduce the analysis time. However, the current CBS coatings are based on the immobilization of extractive particles in bulk polymeric glue, which constrains the diffusion of the analytes to reach the extractive phase; therefore, the full reward of the system cannot be taken at pre-equilibrium. This has sparked the notion of developing new CBS probes that exhibit enhanced kinetics.
RESULTS
With this aim, to generate a new extractive phase with improved extraction kinetics, poly(divinylbenzene) (PDVB) nanoparticles were synthesized by mini-emulsion polymerization and then immobilized into sub-micrometer (in diameter) sized polyacrylonitrile fibers which were obtained by electrospinning method. Following the optimization and characterization studies, the electrospun-coated blades were used to determine cholesterol, testosterone, and progesterone in plasma spots using the CBS-MS approach. For testosterone and progesterone, 10 ng mL limits of quantification could be obtained, which was 200 ng mL for cholesterol in spot-sized samples without including any pre-treatment steps to samples prior to extraction.
SIGNIFICANCE
The comparison of the initial kinetics for dip-coated and electrospun-coated CBS probes proved that the electrospinning process could enhance the extraction kinetics; therefore, it can be used for more sensitive analyses. The total analysis time with this method, from sample preparation to instrumental analysis, takes only 7 min, which suggests that the new probes are promising for fast diagnostic applications.
Topics: Humans; Cholesterol; Testosterone; Progesterone; Solid Phase Microextraction; Nanoparticles; Acrylic Resins
PubMed: 38834264
DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342750 -
Frontiers in Global Women's Health 2024Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also known as menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), was looked upon as a fountain of youth that kept women young and reduced...
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also known as menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), was looked upon as a fountain of youth that kept women young and reduced cardiovascular disease. This led to a large-scale study called the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) that was conducted to show the cardiovascular benefits of HRT. This study was suspended early because of adverse side effects. The USFDA responded by slapping a "black box" warning on all HRT products. USFDA-approved bioidentical HRT formulations are safe and effective. We propose that these formulations have the "black box" warning removed so that doctors feel more confident in prescribing these products for symptoms of menopause and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular health. We propose eliminating the sale of products containing medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) because of the increased risk of heart attacks and breast cancers associated with this medication.
PubMed: 38832110
DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1397123