Thyroid, Adrenal, PRL Impairments and Ovarian Function

Endocrine axes (prolactin, thyroid and adrenal axes) directly and indirectly modulate and drive human female central functions, mainly behavior and reproduction. Though having distinct abilities, they greatly act both at peripheral as well as at neuroendocrine levels, so as to participate in the control of reproduction. Any event that changes these balanced activities produces specific peripheral signals that induce abnormal functions centrally, thus triggering menstrual disorders such as oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea. It is clear that the knowledge of the relationships that exist between the different endocrine axes becomes essential for the choice of therapeutical approach. This review aims to focus on the main aspects of the physiopathology of the endocrine diseases that might be at the basis of that interference with female reproductive capacity.

Download Full-text

Pcsk6 mutant mice exhibit progressive loss of ovarian function, altered gene expression, and formation of ovarian pathology

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/rep-10-0451 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 141 (3) ◽

pp. 343-355 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Michelle L Mujoomdar ◽

Laura M Hogan ◽

Albert F Parlow ◽

Mark W Nachtigal

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Ovarian Function ◽

Elevated Serum ◽

Cell Types ◽

Reproductive Capacity ◽

Wide Range ◽

Altered Gene ◽

Ovarian Pathology ◽

Targeted Gene Expression ◽

Benign Ovarian Tumors

Bioactivation of precursor proteins by members of the proprotein convertase (PC) family is essential for normal reproduction. ThePcsk6gene is a member of the PC family that is expressed in numerous ovarian cell types including granulosa cells and oocytes. We hypothesized that loss of PCSK6 would produce adverse effects in the mouse ovary. Mice incapable of expressing PCSK6 (Pcsk6tm1Rob) were obtained, and reproductive parameters (serum hormones, whelping interval, estrus cyclicity, and fertility) were compared toPcsk6+/+mice. WhilePcsk6tm1Robfemale mice are fertile, they manifest reduced reproductive capacity at an accelerated rate relative toPcsk6+/+mice. Reproductive senescence is typically reached by 9 months of age and is correlated with loss of estrus cyclicity, elevated serum FSH levels, and gross alterations in ovarian morphology. A wide range of ovarian morphologies were identified encompassing mild, such as an apparent reduction in follicle number, to moderate – ovarian atrophy with a complete absence of follicles – to severe, manifesting as normal ovarian structures replaced by benign ovarian tumors, including tubulostromal adenomas. Targeted gene expression profiling highlighted changes in RNA expression of molecules involved in processes such as steroidogenesis, gonadotropin signaling, transcriptional regulation, autocrine/paracrine signaling, cholesterol handling, and proprotein bioactivation. These results show that PCSK6 activity plays a role in maintaining normal cellular and tissue homeostasis in the ovary.

Download Full-text

Implications and Current Limitations of Oogenesis from Female Germline or Oogonial Stem Cells in Adult Mammalian Ovaries

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells8020093 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 93 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Jessica Martin ◽

Dori Woods ◽

Jonathan Tilly

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Adult Stem Cells ◽

Ovarian Function ◽

Mammalian Species ◽

Large Body ◽

The Body ◽

Human Female ◽

Female Germline

A now large body of evidence supports the existence of mitotically active germ cells in postnatal ovaries of diverse mammalian species, including humans. This opens the possibility that adult stem cells naturally committed to a germline fate could be leveraged for the production of female gametes outside of the body. The functional properties of these cells, referred to as female germline or oogonial stem cells (OSCs), in ovaries of women have recently been tested in various ways, including a very recent investigation of the differentiation capacity of human OSCs at a single cell level. The exciting insights gained from these experiments, coupled with other data derived from intraovarian transplantation and genetic tracing analyses in animal models that have established the capacity of OSCs to generate healthy eggs, embryos and offspring, should drive constructive discussions in this relatively new field to further exploring the value of these cells to the study, and potential management, of human female fertility. Here, we provide a brief history of the discovery and characterization of OSCs in mammals, as well as of the in-vivo significance of postnatal oogenesis to adult ovarian function. We then highlight several key observations made recently on the biology of OSCs, and integrate this information into a broader discussion of the potential value and limitations of these adult stem cells to achieving a greater understanding of human female gametogenesis in vivo and in vitro.

Download Full-text

THE ROLE OF PROLACTIN IN THE RESTORATION OF OVARIAN FUNCTION DURING THE EARLY POST-PARTUM PERIOD IN THE HUMAN FEMALE.

Clinical Endocrinology ◽

10.1111/j.1365-2265.1975.tb03301.x ◽

1975 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 27-38 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

RUNE ROLLAND ◽

FRANK H. DE JONG ◽

LOUIS A. SCHELLEKENS ◽

RUDOLF M. LEQUIN

Keyword(s):

Ovarian Function ◽

Post Partum ◽

Human Female ◽

Post Partum Period

Download Full-text

Null Mutation in Transforming Growth Factor β1 Disrupts Ovarian Function and Causes Oocyte Incompetence and Early Embryo Arrest

Endocrinology ◽

10.1210/en.2005-1189 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 147 (2) ◽

pp. 835-845 ◽

Cited By ~ 51

Author(s):

Wendy V. Ingman ◽

Rebecca L. Robker ◽

Karen Woittiez ◽

Sarah A. Robertson

Keyword(s):

Transforming Growth Factor ◽

Ovarian Function ◽

Mutant Mice ◽

Reproductive Capacity ◽

Null Mutation ◽

Null Mutant ◽

Critical Determinant ◽

Serum Progesterone ◽

Null Mutant Mice

TGFβ1 is implicated in regulation of ovarian function and the events of early pregnancy. We have investigated the effect of null mutation in the Tgfβ1 gene on reproductive function in female mice. The reproductive capacity of TGFβ1 null mutant females was severely impaired, leading to almost complete infertility. Onset of sexual maturity was delayed, after which ovarian function was disrupted, with extended ovarian cycles, irregular ovulation, and a 40% reduction in oocytes ovulated. Serum FSH and estrogen content were normal, but TGFβ1 null mutant mice failed to display the characteristic proestrus surge in circulating LH. Ovarian hyperstimulation with exogenous gonadotropins elicited normal ovulation rates in TGFβ1 null mutant mice. After mating with wild-type stud males, serum progesterone content was reduced by 75% associated with altered ovarian expression of mRNAs encoding steroidogenic enzymes 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 and P450 17 α-hydroxylase/C17–20-lyase. Embryos recovered from TGFβ1 null mutant females were developmentally arrested in the morula stage and rarely progressed to blastocysts. Attempts to rescue embryos by exogenous progesterone administration and in vitro culture were unsuccessful, and in vitro fertilization and culture experiments demonstrated that impaired development is unlikely to result from lack of maternal tract TGFβ1. We conclude that embryo arrest is due to developmental incompetence in oocytes developed in a TGFβ1-deficient follicular environment. This study demonstrates that TGFβ1 is a critical determinant of normal ovarian function, operating through regulation of LH activity and generation of oocytes competent for embryonic development and successful initiation of pregnancy.

Download Full-text

Measuring ovarian volume during cesarean delivery provides valuable information about future ovarian function and reproductive capacity

Cumhuriyet Medical Journal ◽

10.7197/cmj.v37i1.5000079433 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

pp. 42

Author(s):

Eyüp Yaycı ◽

Tijen Ataçağ ◽

Tolga Güler

Keyword(s):

Cesarean Delivery ◽

Ovarian Function ◽

Reproductive Capacity ◽

Ovarian Volume

Download Full-text

Menstrual Disorders Related to Endocrine Diseases

Endocrinology - Female Reproductive Dysfunction ◽

10.1007/978-3-030-03594-5_4-1 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-21

Author(s):

Costanzo Moretti

Keyword(s):

Menstrual Disorders ◽

Endocrine Diseases

Download Full-text

A Survey on Menopausal Symptoms in relation to Prakruti

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences (JAIMS) ◽

10.21760/jaims.v3i3.12877 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Divya Sreenath J ◽

Henavathi SK ◽

Anjali M. V. ◽

A. Nalinakshan

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Ovarian Function ◽

Transition Process ◽

Menopausal Symptoms ◽

Reproductive Capacity ◽

Survey Study ◽

Body Type ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Menopausal Women

Menopause is a universal phenomenon and an unavoidable physiological transition process in a women’s life, which marks the end of women’s reproductive capacity. It is caused by the depletion of ovarian function followed by the cessation of menstruation. In Ayurveda literature, the term Rajonivṛtti (menopause) is used for menopause and it considered as a sign of aging or Jarā. As a result of change in hormones after menopause certain psychological and biological changes affect women’s health and degrade her quality of life. Ācāryā Vāgbhaṭa had mentioned that in Kaphaprakṛti (body type) individual, and women who are having a habit of taking ghee (Vātapitta Prasamana - pacify Vata Pitta humors) and milk ( Jeevaniya), and who are having a pleasant mind in those subjects the Ārtava (menstruation) retains long . The aim of the study was to assess the menopausal symptoms that is mentioned in the menopausal rating scale (MRS) in relation to Prakruti of an individual. For that a survey study is conducted in 250 menopausal women in Sakthikulangara village (Kollam district) who satisfy the inclusion and exclusion criteria. It was observed that out of the 11 menopausal symptoms 9 symptoms shows statistically significant association with Vātapittaprakṛti.

Download Full-text

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells restore the ovarian metabolome and rescue premature ovarian insufficiency in mice

Stem Cell Research & Therapy ◽

10.1186/s13287-020-01972-5 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yan Zhao ◽

Jiao Ma ◽

Peiye Yi ◽

Jun Wu ◽

Feiyan Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Stem Cells ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽

Stem Cell ◽

Umbilical Cord ◽

Ovarian Function ◽

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency ◽

Reproductive Capacity ◽

Human Umbilical Cord ◽

Ovarian Insufficiency

Abstract Background Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is an ovarian dysfunction that seriously affects a woman’s physiological health and reproduction. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation offers a promising treatment option for ovarian restoration in rodent POI models. However, the efficacy and mechanism of it remain unclear. Methods POI mice model was generated by cyclophosphamide and busulfan, followed with the treatment of tail-vein injection of the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs). Maternal physiological changes and offspring behavior were detected. To reveal the pathogenesis and therapeutic mechanisms of POI, we first compared the metabolite profiles of healthy and POI ovarian tissues using untargeted metabolomics analyses. After stem cell therapy, we then collected the ovaries from control, POI, and hUCMSC-treated POI groups for lipid metabolomics and pseudotargeted metabolomics analysis. Results Our results revealed remarkable changes of multiple metabolites, especially lipids, in ovarian tissues after POI generation. Following the transplantation of clinical-grade hUCMSCs, POI mice exhibited significant improvements in body weight, sex hormone levels, estrous cycles, and reproductive capacity. Lipid metabolomics and pseudotargeted metabolomics analyses for the ovaries showed that the metabolite levels in the POI group, mainly lipids, glycerophospholipids, steroids, and amino acids changed significantly compared with the controls’, and most of them returned to near-healthy levels after receiving hUCMSC treatment. Meanwhile, we also observed an increase of monosaccharide levels in the ovaries from POI mice and a decrease after stem cell treatment. Conclusions hUCMSCs restore ovarian function through activating the PI3K pathway by promoting the level of free amino acids, consequently improving lipid metabolism and reducing the concentration of monosaccharides. These findings provide potential targets for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of POI.

Download Full-text