scholarly journals Shiftwork and Light at Night Negatively Impact Molecular and Endocrine Timekeeping in the Female Reproductive Axis in Humans and Rodents

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 324
Author(s):  
Alexandra Yaw ◽  
Autumn McLane-Svoboda ◽  
Hanne Hoffmann

Shiftwork, including work that takes place at night (nightshift) and/or rotates between day and nightshifts, plays an important role in our society, but is associated with decreased health, including reproductive dysfunction. One key factor in shiftwork, exposure to light at night, has been identified as a likely contributor to the underlying health risks associated with shiftwork. Light at night disrupts the behavioral and molecular circadian timekeeping system, which is important for coordinated timing of physiological processes, causing mistimed hormone release and impaired physiological functions. This review focuses on the impact of shiftwork on reproductive function and pregnancy in women and laboratory rodents and potential underlying molecular mechanisms. We summarize the negative impact of shiftwork on female fertility and compare these findings to studies in rodent models of light shifts. Light-shift rodent models recapitulate several aspects of reproductive dysfunction found in shift workers, and their comparison with human studies can enable a deeper understanding of physiological and hormonal responses to light shifts and the underlying molecular mechanisms that may lead to reproductive disruption in human shift workers. The contributions of human and rodent studies are essential to identify the origins of impaired fertility in women employed in shiftwork.

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-70
Author(s):  
Andrea Tokić ◽  

Previous studies have shown negative effects of shift work on health, due to the desynchronization and resynchronization of biological rhythms. In these studies, among other parameters, indicators of cardiac dynamics were used, such as parameters of R-R interval variability, reduction in what has been considered a good predictor of health problems by some authors. The aim of this study was to determine the possible effects of shift work on the parameters of cardiac dynamics and the job perceptions of nurses of different lengths of service. The study included 48 nurses divided in two groups (24 nurses in each) of equal age and length of service. One group worked a three-shift rotation system and the other (control) worked only the day shift. On the basis of length of service, the groups were divided into three comparable subgroups with eight participants: 1–10, 11–20 and 21–30 years of service. Cardiac activity (R-R intervals) was monitored continuously during the morning shift using the Data Logging System. The participants also evaluated their satisfaction with the job, the difficulty of the work, and the impact of working hours on other aspects of life. Analysis of the results showed reduced variability in cardiac activity (DM-index) in the shift workers with up to 20 years of service, as compared with the comparative groups of day workers, which indicates a less favourable health dynamic. Differences among the oldest groups were not found, which can be attributed to spontaneous selection, where shift workers with health problems are transferred to the day shift. The shift workers were less satisfied with their job, assessing it as more difficult than the daytime workers, and showed a greater level of negative impact of working hours on other domains of life. Despite the specific and limited sample, resulting from difficulties in collecting the psychophysiological variables, the results show a satisfactory reliability and point to an adverse job perception and a cardiac dynamic less favourable for health. Keywords: cardiac dynamics, health, job satisfaction, nurses, R-R intervals, shift work


2008 ◽  
Vol 294 (5) ◽  
pp. E827-E832 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer W. Hill ◽  
Joel K. Elmquist ◽  
Carol F. Elias

During periods of metabolic stress, animals must channel energy toward survival and away from processes such as reproduction. The reproductive axis, therefore, has the capacity to respond to changing levels of metabolic cues. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that link energy balance and reproduction, as well as the brain sites mediating this function, are still not well understood. This review focuses on the best characterized of the adiposity signals: leptin and insulin. We examine their reproductive role acting on the classic metabolic pathways of the arcuate nucleus, NPY/AgRP and POMC/CART neurons, and the newly identified kisspeptin network. In addition, other hypothalamic nuclei that may play a role in linking metabolic state and reproductive function are discussed. The nature of the interplay between these elements of the metabolic and reproductive systems presents a fascinating puzzle, whose pieces are just beginning to fall into place.


2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (5) ◽  
pp. 951-965
Author(s):  
Rong Li ◽  
San-Pin Wu ◽  
Lecong Zhou ◽  
Barbara Nicol ◽  
John P Lydon ◽  
...  

Abstract The transcription factor forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) regulates sex differentiation and reproductive function. Elevated levels of this transcription factor have been observed in the diseases of the uterus, such as endometriosis. However, the impact of elevated FOXL2 expression on uterine physiology remains unknown. In order to determine the consequences of altered FOXL2 in the female reproductive axis, we generated mice with over-expression of FOXL2 (FOXL2OE) by crossing Foxl2LsL/+ with the Progesterone receptor Pgrcre model. FOXL2OE uterus showed severe morphological abnormality including abnormal epithelial stratification, blunted adenogenesis, increased endometrial fibrosis, and disrupted myometrial morphology. In contrast, increasing FOXL2 levels specifically in uterine epithelium by crossing the Foxl2LsL/+ with the lactoferrin Ltficre mice resulted in the eFOXL2OE mice with uterine epithelial stratification but without defects in endometrial fibrosis and adenogenesis, demonstrating a role of the endometrial stroma in the uterine abnormalities of the FOXL2OE mice. Transcriptomic analysis of 12 weeks old Pgrcre and FOXL2OE uterus at diestrus stage showed multiple signaling pathways related with cellular matrix, wnt/β-catenin, and altered cell cycle. Furthermore, we found FOXL2OE mice were sterile. The infertility was caused in part by a disruption of the hypophyseal ovarian axis resulting in an anovulatory phenotype. The FOXL2OE mice failed to show decidual responses during artificial decidualization in ovariectomized mice demonstrating the uterine contribution to the infertility phenotype. These data support that aberrantly increased FOXL2 expressions in the female reproductive tract can disrupt ovarian and uterine functions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 163-196
Author(s):  
Luís Rato ◽  
Ana C. A. Sousa

The current scenario of male infertility is not yet fully elucidated; however, there is increasing evidence that it is associated with the widespread exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and in particular to obesogens. These compounds interfere with hormones involved in the regulation of metabolism and are associated with weight gain, being also able to change the functioning of the male reproductive axis and, consequently, the testicular physiology and metabolism that are pivotal for spermatogenesis. The disruption of these tightly regulated metabolic pathways leads to adverse reproductive outcomes. The permanent exposure to obesogens has raised serious health concerns. Evidence suggests that obesogens are one of the leading causes of the marked decline of male fertility and key players in shaping the future health outcomes not only for those who are directly exposed but also for upcoming generations. In addition to the changes that lead to inefficient functioning of the male gametes, obesogens induce alterations that are “imprinted” on the genes of the male gametes, establishing a link between generations and contributing to the transmission of defects. Unveiling the molecular mechanisms by which obesogens induce toxicity that may end-up in epigenetic modifications is imperative. This review describes and discusses the suggested molecular targets and potential mechanisms for obesogenic–disrupting chemicals and the subsequent effects on male reproductive health.


2019 ◽  
Vol 242 (2) ◽  
pp. R23-R50 ◽  
Author(s):  
K A Walters ◽  
V Rodriguez Paris ◽  
A Aflatounian ◽  
D J Handelsman

In the last decade, it has been revealed that androgens play a direct and important role in regulating female reproductive function. Androgens mediate their actions via the androgen receptor (AR), and global and cell-specific Ar-knockout mouse models have confirmed that AR-mediated androgen actions play a role in regulating female fertility and follicle health, development and ovulation. This knowledge, along with the clinical data reporting a beneficial effect of androgens or androgen-modulating agents in augmenting in vitro fertilization (IVF) stimulation in women termed poor responders, has supported the adoption of this concept in many IVF clinics worldwide. On the other hand, substantial evidence from human and animal studies now supports the hypothesis that androgens in excess, acting via the AR, play a key role in the origins of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The identification of the target sites of these AR actions and the molecular mechanisms involved in underpinning the development of PCOS is essential to provide the knowledge required for the future development of novel, mechanism-based therapies for the treatment of PCOS. This review will summarize the basic scientific discoveries that have enhanced our knowledge of the roles of androgens in female reproductive function, discuss the impact these findings have had in the clinic and how a greater understanding of the role androgens play in female physiology may shape the future development of effective strategies to improve IVF outcomes in poor responders and the amelioration of symptoms in patients with PCOS.


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-62
Author(s):  
R. Iskra ◽  
V. Vlizlo ◽  
R. Fedoruk

The results of our studies and the data of modern literature regarding the biological role of Cr(III) compounds in conditions of their application in the nutrition for pigs and cattle are discussed. The metabolic impact of Cr(III), coming from different sources – mineral and organic compounds, obtained by chemical synthesis or a nanotechnological method (chromium citrate), as well as in the form of biocomplexes from the cultural medium of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts was analyzed. The metabolic connection between the impact of Cr(III) and the biosynthesis of some hormones – insulin, cortisol – as well as the sensitivity of some tissues and organs to the effect of chromium compounds was studied. A considerable part of the review material was dedicated to the metabolic effect of Cr(III) compounds on the reproductive function of pigs and cattle and their impact on the viability of the offspring and gametes of animals. The data about the stimulating effect of Cr(III) on the growth and development of the organism of piglets and calves, meat and milk performance of these species of animals are discussed. The relevance of dosing Cr(III) in the nutrition of pigs and cattle is highlighted.


2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 116-123
Author(s):  
A. P. Korzh ◽  
T. V. Zahovalko

Recently, the number of published works devoted to the processes of synanthropization of fauna, is growing like an avalanche, which indicates the extreme urgency of this theme. In our view, the process of forming devices to coexist with human and the results of his life reflects the general tandency of the modern nature evolution. Urbanization is characteristic for such a specific group of animals like amphibians, the evidence of which are numerous literature data. Many researchers use this group to assess the bioindicative quality of the environment. For this aim a variety of indicators are used: from the cellular level of life of organization up to the species composition of the group in different territories. At the same time, the interpretation of the results is not always comparable for different areas and often have significantly different interpretations by experts. Urban environment, primarily due to the contamination is extremely aggressive to amphibians. As a consequence, the urban populations of amphibians may be a change in the demographic structure, affecting the reproductive ability of the population, the disappearance of the most sensitive species or individuals, resizing animals, the appearance of abnormalities in the development, etc. At the same time play an important amphibians in the ecosystems of cities, and some species in these conditions even feel relatively comfortable. Therefore, it is interesting to understand the mechanisms of self-sustaining populations of amphibians in urban environments. To assess the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on the development of amphibian populations were used cognitive modeling using the program Vensim PLE. Cognitive map of the model for urban and suburban habitat conditions were the same. The differences concerned the strength of connections between individual factors (migration, fertility, pollution) and their orientation. In general, factors like pollution, parasites, predators had negative impact on the population, reducing its number. The birth rate, food and migration contributed to raising number of individuals. Some of the factors affected on the strength to of each other as well: the majority of the factors affected the structure of the population, had an influence on the fertility. Thanks to it the model reflects the additive effect of complex of factors on the subsequent status of the population. Proposed and analyzed four scenarios differing strength and duration of exposure. In the first scenario, a one-time contamination occurs and not subsequently repeated. The second and third scenario assumes half board contamination, 1 year (2 scenario) and two years (scenario 3). In the fourth scenario, the pollution affected the population of amphibians constantly. In accordance with the results of simulation, much weaker than the natural populations respond to pollution - have them as an intensive population growth and its disappearance at constant pollution is slow. Changes to other parameters of the model showed that this pollution is the decisive factor -only the constant action leads to a lethal outcome for the populations. All other components of the model have a corrective effect on the population dynamics, without changing its underlying trand. In urban areas due to the heavy impact of pollution maintaining the population is only possible thanks to the migration process – the constant replenishment of diminishing micropopulations of natural reserves. This confirms the assumption that the form of existence metapopulations lake frog in the city. In order to maintain the number of amphibians in urban areas at a high level it is necessary to maintain existing migration routes and the creation of new ones. Insular nature of the placement of suitable habitats in urban areas causes the metapopulation structure of the types of urbanists. Therefore, the process of urbanization is much easier for those species whicht are capable of migration in conditions of city. In the initial stages of settling the city micropopulationis formed by selective mortality of the most susceptible individuals to adverse effects. In future, maintaining the categories of individuals is provided mainly due to migration processes metapopulisation form of the species of existence is supported). It should be noted that the changes in the previous levels are always saved in future. In the case of reorganizations of individuals we of morphology can assume the existence of extremely adverse environmental conditions that threaten the extinction of the micropopulations. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 3-17
Author(s):  
Elena Blagoeva

The impact of the last global economic crisis (2008) on the European economy put a strain on higher education (HE), yet it also pushed the sector towards intensive reforms and improvements. This paper focuses on the “Strategy for the Development of Higher Education in the Republic of Bulgaria 2014-2020”. With a case study methodology, we explore the strategic endeavours of the Bulgarian government to comply with the European directions and to secure sustainable growth for the HE sector. Our research question is ‘How capable is the Bulgarian HE Strategy to overcome the economic and systemic restraints of Bulgarian higher education?’. Because the development of strategies for HE within the EU is highly contextual, a single qualitative case study was chosen as the research approach. HE institutions are not ivory towers, but subjects to a variety of external and internal forces. Within the EU, this is obviated by the fact that Universities obtain their funds from institutions such as governments, students and their families, donors, as well as EU-level programmes. Therefore, to explore how these pressures interact to affect strategic action on national level, the case method is well suited as it enabled us to study the phenomena thoroughly and deeply. The paper suggests the actions proposed within the Strategy have the potential to overcome the delay, the regional isolation and the negative impact of the economic crisis on the country. Nevertheless, the key elements on which the success or failure of this Strategy hinges are the control mechanisms and the approach to implementation. Shortcomings in these two aspects of strategic actions in HE seem to mark the difference between gaining long-term benefits and merely saving face in front of international institutions.


2020 ◽  
pp. 33-37
Author(s):  
M.A. Flaksenberg ◽  
◽  

The objective: determination of morphofunctional features of leiomatous nodes and endometrium in women with uterine leiomyoma and infertility to restore reproductive function and prevent recurrence of the underlying disease. Materials and methods. In order to restore reproductive function and prevent recurrence of the underlying disease, morphofunctional features of leiomatous nodes and endometrium in women with uterine leiomyoma and infertility were determined. Thirty samples of leiomyomatous nodes and endometrium were examined, among which 15 were obtained from women with multiple uterine leiomyoma and infertility and 15 samples from women with uterine leiomyoma with isolated uterine leiomyoma. During the study, a general-histological method was used for staining with hematoxylin-eosin and picrofuxin by van Gizon, as well as immunohistochemical methods. Histological examination of the endometrium was performed according to conventional protocol, taking into account the day of the menstrual cycle and R.W. Noyes criteria. Results. In the morphological examination of leiomyomatous nodes in the vast majority of cases the presence of uterine leiomyomas of simple and cell types or their combination was established. In women with multiple uterine leiomyoma, simple-type leiomyoma (53.3%) was predominant, and in patients with isolated leiomyoma the signs of cellular uterine leiomyoma (66.7%) were more frequently found. In 80.0% of women with uterine leiomyoma revealed pathology of the endometrium, such as glandular and glandular-fibrous polyps, simple and complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia, which confirms the theory about the only pathogenetic mechanisms of the emergence of hyperplastic processes of female organs. In 66.7% of women with multiple leiomyomas, signs of chronic endometritis have been found, which exacerbates the pathological process and can have a negative impact on the reproductive function, such as secretory endometrial transformation and impaired blastocyst implantation, and explains a much higher percentage of infertility in the group. Conclusion. In women with impaired reproductive function, patients with uterine leiomyoma, it is necessary to conduct a study of the receptivity of the reproductive organs, namely - the endometrium and leiomatous nodes. This will make it possible to use one or another method of treatment in order to restore reproductive function and prevent recurrence of the underlying disease. Keywords: infertility, uterine leiomyoma, endometrium, receptive apparatus.


1997 ◽  
Vol 36 (4II) ◽  
pp. 947-957 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahrukh Rafi Khan

This paper has a two-fold objective: first, to examine the terms on which Pakistan receives aid and whether its debt situation is sustainable, and second, to examine the impact of aid and debt on economic growth. It is found that there is little encouraging that can be said about how the terms on which Pakistan has received aid over time have changed, and its current debt situation is not sustainable. Also reported is the analysis done elsewhere which shows that aid has a negative (Granger) causal impact on GDP, and aid has a robust negative impact on economic growth after controlling for supplyside shocks. We provide various reasons for this negative association.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document