Blood supply to the uterus and ovaries in healthy women and patients with ovarian insufficiency

The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between ovarian blood flow, folliculogenesis and sex-steroid production during normal menstrual cycle and in women with ovarian failure. Ten healthy women and 40 patients with ovarian failure underwent hormonal assays (follicle-stimulating, luteinizing hormones, estradiol, progesterone, prolactine, testosterone) and ultrasound examination of the uterus and ovaries with color Doppler ultrasonography of the uterine and ovarian vessels on the 3 -5th, 11- 13th, 17- 19th and 21 -23rd days оf menstrual cycle. Intraovarian blood flow of the ovary carrying the predominant follicle in healthy women appeared more active than in conrdlateral ovary on the 3-5th days of the cycle. Inpatients with ovarian failure no difference was detected between the ovaries during the periods in question. Ovarian and uterine blood flow inpatients with the ovarian failure was less intensive comparingwith healthy women. Positive correlation between uterine blood flow and estradiol concentration in serum was revealed.

Body Composition and Its Impact on the Hormonal Disturbances in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

We investigated the relationship between selected body composition (BC) parameters and included 55 women diagnosed with PCOS and 29 women in which PCOS was excluded. Hormone concentration and BC parameters were assessed during hospitalization. Women with PCOS had higher concentration of luteinizing hormones, total testosterone, androstenedione, and Anti-Müllerian hormones compared to women that were not diagnosed with PCOS. We did not observe any significant differences in the BC parameters between both groups as well as between four PCOS phenotype subgroups. Only in the group of women with PCOS was the concentration of sex hormone binding globulin and free testosterone correlated with all investigated BC parameters. Correspondence analysis did not confirm unambiguously associations between phenotypes of PCOS and the value of BC parameters, while logistic regression revealed that increased Anti-Müllerian hormone concentration and the value of body mass index could be useful parameters in differentiating women with PCOS and women with other disorders. The ROC analysis performed on the entire group of women also confirmed that the concentration of Anti-Müllerian hormones could be a powerful parameter to categorize women as suffering from PCOS.

Highly sensitive in vitro bioassay for Luteinizing Hormone and Chorionic Gonadotropin

IIn previous studies, we had shown the synergistic effect of 10-5 M forskolin (FSK) on the detection threshold of the cyclic AMP response to Luteinizing Hormones (LH) and Chorionic Gonadotropins (CG) from various species in the mouse Leydig Tumor cell (mLTC) cell line. Indepedently, we had started to study the effect of 10-12 – 10-6 M OXT also on the cyclic AMP response to LH and CG preparations on these same cells and found an amplifying effect on the luminescence response caused by gonadotropins. The aim was then to explore the effects of 10-12 – 10-6 M OXT on the gonadotropin-induced cAMP response, in the presence or absence of 10 µM FSK to optimize the assay down to a sensitivity compatible with the detection of the circulating concentrations of these hormones in various species. Finally the optimization relies on three independent phenomena: 1/ the inhibition of nucleotide phosphodiesterase by IBMX to avoid cAMP degradation, 2/ the strong synergy of 10 µM forskolin with low concentrations of LH or CG during the 1-hour luminescence measurement and, 3/ the stimulatory effect of 10-8M oxytocin on the amplitude of transfected cAMP-sensitive luciferase response. By doing this, the detectable concentrations are at the 1-10 pg/well (pM range) for the LHs and CGs from various species. The bioactivities of circulating LHs and CGs in blood or urine are therefore expected to be measurable in 10µL-plasma samples from mammalian species and maybe others.

Reproductive characterization of the female Mexican turkey (Meleagris gallopavo L.)

Objective: To describe the anatomy, morphology, physiology, and reproductive characteristics of female turkeys. Design/methodology/approach: An analysis of the practical experiences of 10 years with Mexican native turkeys was conducted and complemented with scientific literature. We focused on reproductive aspects, anatomy, physiology and assisted reproduction. Results: Information on the breeding of Mexican native turkeys is scarce, few families in rural areas are dedicated to raising this poultry. Therefore, empirical knowledge on their management is being lost. The female turkey begins oviposition at 6 months of age with a body weight between 2 and 4 kg. The structures that make up their reproductive system are the ovary, developing follicles, left oviduct, and cloaca. The reproductive activity is initiated by photo receptors located in the retina and pineal gland, triggering follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormones release. Egg formation lasts from 24 to 26 hours. During the first year, females lay between 36 to 54 eggs in clutches of 12 to 18 eggs and in the second year from 30 to 45 eggs. Chloequez is prolactin induced. As for assisted reproduction, artificial insemination techniques in female turkeys are uncommon. Limitations on study/implications: Few rural families raise turkeys and since they lack economic resources, reproductive strategies are not used to improve their production. Findings/conclusions: The anatomical, morphological, physiological and reproductive characteristics of the native female turkeys from Mexico were documented. In native turkeys, artificial insemination techniques are not of common use, but their implementation may be adequate to conserve genetic material from animals with outstanding characteristics.

Seasonal Fluctuations In Luteinizing Hormones (lh), Follicle Stimulating Hormones (FSH) And Testosterone Levels In Male African Giant Rats.

As part of the several efforts to understand the biology of the African Giant rats (AGR) (Cricetomys gambianus), seasonal changes in the gonadotropin and testosterone levels of the adult male African giant rats of about 1 – 1½ years of age in captivity were investigated during wet and dry seasons in the tropics. Male giant rats (n = 10) were kept for 12 months and blood samples were collected monthly (on 15th of each month), during the dry (November – February) and wet (March – June) seasons for Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone assays. The hormones’ levels were evaluated to suggest the best breeding season for giant rat in South-West Nigeria. The result showed that there were significant variation (p<0.001) in LH and FSH levels in the giant rat in the wet season when compared with the dry season. However, testosterone level was significantly lower (p<0.001) in the wet season than in the dry season. The study showed that sexual activities in the male AGR might be higher in the dry season with peak activities in December in the tropics while the gonadotropins prepare the animals for sexual activities in the dry season. Further studies on the seasonal activities of gonadotropins in the female will give more insight into the sexual receptivity and performance in these animals.

PSVII-41 Late-Breaking Abstract: Impact of enhanced early life nutrition on the testes transcriptional profile of the bull calf

Enhanced plane of nutrition and metabolic status are known to progress sexual development in the bull calf. This is facilitated through neuroendocrine signaling in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular signaling axis. Improved nutrition may lead to early release of hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and the subsequent production of follicle stimulating luteinizing hormones in the anterior pituitary and ultimately development of the testes and sexual development. Nonetheless the precise molecular mechanisms leading to this effect are yet to be expounded. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differentially expressed (DE) genes within the testes of bull calves differentially fed for the first 12 weeks of life. The main functions of the testes are the biosynthesis of androgens by the leydig cells and sperm production by the seminiferous tubules. Accelerating the development of this tissue may lead to enhanced reproductive development at an earlier stage. Holstein Friesian bull calves with a mean (SEM) age and bodyweight of 17.5 (2.8) days and 48.8 (5.3) kg, respectively, were assigned to either a high (H; n = 15) or moderate (M; n = 15) plane of nutrition, to achieve an average target growth rate of 1.0 and 0.5 kg/day, respectively. Calves on H and M received 1.5 and 0.5 kg of milk replacer (MR) per day, reconstituted at 15 and 12.5% (w/v), respectively. Calves on H were offered concentrate ad libitum, while those on M received, 500g day-1. Both groups were offered 500 g of hay daily. At 87 days (±2.141) of age, all calves were euthanized and the testes recovered from all calves. RNA was isolated from all testes samples and subsequently subjected to RNAseq analysis. Calves offered a higher plane of nutrition were heavier at slaughter (112 v 88 kg, P &lt; 0.001), reflective of their higher ADG (0.88 v 0.58 kg, P &lt; 0.001). Similarly, H also had heavier testes (29.2 v 20.1 g, P &lt; 0.05) compared to M calves. Results from RNAseq analysis identified 27 DE genes (p.adj&lt; 0.1; fold change &gt;1.5). Cholesterol biosynthesis was an enriched pathway and reproductive system development was also affected. We also saw that Claudin11 was an up regulated DE gene which is involved in sertoli cell development. The results from this study would advocate that there is potential effects of improved nutrition on reproductive function within the testes of bull calves at 12 weeks of age.

MASTITIS AS A CAUSE OF CARDIOMYOPATHY DEVELOPMENT IN DOGS

Researchers in our country have established today that during the structuring period, the mammary gland begins to actively develop in bitches at the age of 4 to 6 months. This period naturally coincides with the beginning of ovarian function. And it is naturally controlled by follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones, as well as adrenocorticotropic hormone. The regulation of tissue homeostasis in the mammary gland is maintained by a balance between proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The apoptosis process plays one of the most important roles in the growth and development of not only the body, but also cells. These include not only healthy cells, but also tumor cells. Approbation of improved diagnostics of various types of breast diseases in dogs, as well as the choice of a rational and less painful method of treatment in veterinary practice in the future will allow the prevention of diseases of mastopathy, which will radically reduce diseases of the reproductive system. An analysis of the works of foreign authors in veterinary medicine indicates a lack of research on this topic in hormonal control of the sexual cycle in dogs. Taking this into account, many scientists devote their research to morphological changes in the structure of the mammary gland, not only in dogs, but also in most domesticated carnivores. Such changes for the worse affect the effect of the use of hormonal drugs for contraception during sexual cycles. When collecting anamnesis, we paid attention to: the time of manifestation of the preliminary disease, the course of the disease, what factors could provoke this pathology. They also clarified the regularity of the leaks from the owners of the animals, paid attention to the possible presence of pseudolactations and the possible changes in the mammary gland during this period. Also, an important condition was the maintenance and proper feeding.

Correlation between Serum Kisspeptin and Spermatogenic Function in Men

Kisspeptin along with its receptor GPR54 or KISS1R regulates the secretion of hormones involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, which is one of the contributing factors of adolescent spermatogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between serum kisspeptin concentration and spermatogenic function, and its predictive value in azoospermia. We retrospectively analyzed data of 196 males who visited the Reproductive Medicine Center of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from June–November 2018; 20 were fertile and 176 were infertile. The following semen tests were performed: serum kisspeptin level by enzyme immunoassay; and levels of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones, and testosterone by chemiluminescence assay. Percutaneous testicular sperm aspiration was performed on males with azoospermia. Subjects were divided into 5 groups: azoospermia (group A: 22 men with obstructive azoospermia; group B: 54 men with non-obstructive azoospermia), oligospermia (group C: 56 men), infertility with normal semen concentration (group D: 44 men), and fertility with normal semen concentration (group E: 20 men). Kisspeptin levels in the fertile group were higher than those in the infertile group. Levels of serum hormones, testosterone, and kisspeptin correlated with sperm concentration, with the strongest correlation between kisspeptin and sperm concentration (correlation coefficient=0.692). Levels of kisspeptin in obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia groups were analyzed using Receiver-Operating-Curve analysis. A serum kisspeptin level ≥80.655 was classified as obstructive azoospermia; otherwise, the classification was non-obstructive azoospermia. Serum kisspeptin levels in the fertility group were significantly higher than that in the infertility group; this suggests kisspeptin may be associated with male fertility. Moreover, kisspeptin had a stronger correlation with sperm concentration than the hormones. A serum kisspeptin level of 80.655 can be used to differentiate obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia.

Gonadotroph adenomas as a cause of ovarian failure

Aims of study. The current analysis was undertaken to evaluate the clinical significance of gonadotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma in the development of ovarian insufficiency. Study design, materials and methods. This follow-up study included six observations of patients with prolonged amenorrhea caused by gonadotropin-secreting pituitary microadenoma. Results. In addition to amenorrhea, patients had complaints of headaches in history or at present, signs of psychotic depression, and neuroticism up to mental disorders in one case. There was found a dynamic decrease in the secretion of follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormones on the background of normal prolactin secretion, lowered antimullerian hormone levels, and signs of diminished ovarian reserve according to ultrasound. A tendency to a simultaneous decrease in thyroid stimulating hormone and free thyroxin concentrations was also noted. Performing MRI with contrast enhancement revealed pituitary microadenoma in all patients. They had no clinical signs of acromegaly or Cushing’s disease, with the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, somatotropic hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 remaining normal, which excluded corticotroph or somatotroph adenomas. Conclusion. The clinical manifestation of gonadotroph adenomas, dependent on the secretory efficacy of gonadotropins and/or their subunits, is diverse. It includes the development of recurrent ovarian cysts, abdominal pain, metrorrhagia, and the development of persistent amenorrhea with psychosomatic disorders. If these symptoms are present, it is advisable to include pituitary MRI with contrast enhancement in the examination algorithm. Patients with gonadotroph adenomas are prescribed hormone replacement therapy and follow-up observation with dynamic MRI control of the tumor size (at 2–3-year intervals if no adenoma growth is seen).