The phytoestrogen, quercetin, in serum, uterus and ovary as a potential treatment for dehydroepiandrosterone-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in the rat

The exact mechanisms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are unknown and there is no effective cure for the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the alterations in serum oestradiol and adiponectin levels and in the expression of some important genes in the uterine and ovarian tissues of PCOS rats. The therapeutic effect of quercetin on PCOS was also assessed. Rats were divided into five groups: control, ethanol, quercetin (Q), PCOS and PCOS+Q. After 30 days of oral treatments, the rats’ ovaries and uteri were removed and nesfatin-1, aromatase and adipoR1 expressions were quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum adiponectin and oestradiol levels were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The results of this study showed that expression of nesfatin-1 and adipoR1 genes and adiponectin serum levels decreased in the PCOS rats, but aromatase expression and oestradiol level increased. Treatment with quercetin increased the adiponectin level and expression of adipoR1 and nesfatin-1 and decreased both the expression of aromatase and the oestradiol level. Quercetin improved PCOS by phytoestrogenic effects and mimicking oestrogen’s function. Quercetin also affects important factors in both the uterus and ovary and could improve the obesity and the diabetic and infertility symptoms of PCOS.

Effects of Electroacupuncture on Bone Mineral Density, Oestradiol Level and Osteoprotegerin Ligand Expression in Ovariectomised Rabbits

Objectives To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the oestradiol level, bone mineral density and osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL) expression, and to explore whether EA might be a complementary method to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Methods A total of 21 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: a normal control (NC) group undergoing no surgery or EA; an ovariectomised (OVX) group, in which rabbits were ovariectomised but did not receive EA; an EA group, in which rabbits were ovariectomised and treated with EA. Acupuncture was applied at ST35, BL20 and BL23 points bilaterally. EA (10 Hz, 2 mA) was applied bilaterally at BL20 and BL23 for 30 min a day for 14 days. After 14 days, all animals were killed. OPGL expression level was determined by immunohistochemistry. Blood serum levels of oestradiol were measured by ELISA and bone mineral density was detected by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Results After ovariectomy, the bone mineral density and oestradiol level decreased significantly in the OVX group compared with the NC group (p=0.001), whereas the OPGL expression level increased. After EA, the bone mineral density and oestradiol level increased compared with the OVX group (p=0.049 and p=0.012, respectively). The OPGL level OPGL level in the EA group was lower than that in the OVX group (p=0.022). Conclusions EA restored bone mineral density towards normal and was associated with increased plasma oestradiol level and reduced OPGL expression in an ovariectomised rabbit model of osteoporosis.

Oestradiol level and opportunistic mating in women

The ovarian steroid hormone oestradiol plays a crucial role in female fertility, sexual motivation and behaviour. We investigated the relationship between oestradiol and the likelihood that women would engage in opportunistic mating. Two salivary samples were taken from normally cycling women within the peri-ovulatory and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. At both testing sessions, participants also completed self-perceived desirability scales and provided subjective reports of sexual and social motivations, and satisfaction with their primary relationship partner. Oestradiol level was positively associated with a woman's self- and other-perceived physical attractiveness and with inclinations to mate outside her current relationship. Oestradiol was marginally negatively associated with a woman's satisfaction with her primary partner and relationship commitment. Results provide support for the relationship between physical beauty and fertility and suggest that physiological mechanisms play a major role in guiding a woman's mating strategies.