Does BMI Really Alter the Hormonal Profile in Infertile Women? Retrospective Study in the Region of Sidi Bel Abbes (West Algeria)

Background: In last few years .; it’s increasingly being recognized that Reproductive function is controlled by the hypothalamic–pituitary– gonadal axis, which is regulated by numerous endogenous and environmental factors such us adipose accumulation in obesity contributing to reproductive failure such as menstrual disorders and infertility, gestational failure and obstetric complications, and infertility , Distinct changes in circulating sex hormones appear to underline these abnormalities. The objective: The aim of this study was to elucidate the possible correlation between body mass index as fatness indicator and hormonal profile in infertile women from the west of Algeria. To identify the impact of overweight and obesity on female hormonal profile ; we conducted a prospective study measuring pituitary hormones (FSH and LH and prolactin ) , steroid sex hormones ( progesterone , testosterone and estradiol ) , anti miulleian hormone , and thyroidal hormones (FT3 , FT4 and TSH) in 360 women consulting for subfertility in private genecologycal and obstetrical centers in SID BELABESS (West of Algeria ) Result: Our study showed that the majority of patients were aged between 20 and 29 years, representing a percentage of 47.8%, with the average age in sample (31.65 ± 6,93ans). The majority of subjects was obese 46.4%, or overweight (39.4%) with an average BMI of (29.76 ± 4,85Kg / m2). No statistically significant association was found between the BMI as obesity indicator with hormonal levels of pituitary hormones (FSH and LH and prolactin ) , steroid sex hormones ( progesterone , testosterone and estradiol ) , anti miulleian hormone , and thyroidal hormones (FT3 , FT4 and TSH). A negative and statistically significant correlation between the age of the patients and the AMH level (R = -0.60, P <0.01) was noted. Conclusion: The results of our study showed that the majority of women included in our study had a high BMI but no statistical significant difference was found between underweight , normal , overweight and obese women , that’s why more studies should be conducted to elucidate the in which level does obesity impair the reproductive outcomes. Keywords: Female infertility, hormonal profile, BMI, SBA, Algeria.

Newly Identified Regulators of Ovarian Folliculogenesis and Ovulation

Each follicle represents the basic functional unit of the ovary. From its very initial stage of development, the follicle consists of an oocyte surrounded by somatic cells. The oocyte grows and matures to become fertilizable and the somatic cells proliferate and differentiate into the major suppliers of steroid sex hormones as well as generators of other local regulators. The process by which a follicle forms, proceeds through several growing stages, develops to eventually release the mature oocyte, and turns into a corpus luteum (CL) is known as “folliculogenesis”. The task of this review is to define the different stages of folliculogenesis culminating at ovulation and CL formation, and to summarize the most recent information regarding the newly identified factors that regulate the specific stages of this highly intricated process. This information comprises of either novel regulators involved in ovarian biology, such as Ube2i, Phoenixin/GPR73, C1QTNF, and α-SNAP, or recently identified members of signaling pathways previously reported in this context, namely PKB/Akt, HIPPO, and Notch.

Alterations in Steroid Sex Hormones (17β Estradiol and Testosterone) of Clarias gariepinus Exposed to Different Sub-lethal Concentrations of Cypermethrin

The study focused on the alterations in steroid hormone levels of Clarias gariepinus. Fish were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of cypermethrin over a 28 days period. A total of 200 sub-adults of C. gariepinus with a mean weight of 55.280 ± 6.281g were used throughout the study. Sub-adults of C. gariepinus were exposed to 0.00 ppm, 0.0125 ppm, 0.025 ppm, 0.100 ppm and 0.400 ppm of cypermethrin. The concentration of 17β-Estradiol and testosterone in C. gariepinus sub-adults exposed to 0.0125 ppm, 0.025 ppm, 0.100 ppm and 0.400 ppm of the toxicant for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days decreased significantly from the control, with increase in toxicant at p<0.05, except for 17β-Estradiol and testosterone in fish exposed to 0.0125 ppm of cypermethrin for 21 days and 7 days. The mean levels of estradiol decreased in 0.400 ppm group compared to the control; from 212.4 ± 3.156 pg/mL to 118.9 ± 9.682 pg/mL (Day 7); 210.5 ± 8.286 pg/mL to 90.70 ± 7.554 pg/mL (Day 14); 131.7 ± 5.652 pg/mL to 80.77 ± 6.882 pg/mL (Day 21) and 177.6 ± 12.25 pg/mL to 52.77 ± 11.08 pg/mL (Day 28). The mean levels of testosterone decreased in 0.400 ppm group compared to the control; from 2.367 ± 0.208 pg/mL to 0.823 ± 0.276 pg/mL (Day 7); 2.700 ± 0.200 pg/mL to 0.466 ± 0.152 pg/mL (Day 14); 3.200 ± 0.300 pg/mL to 0.300 ± 0.100 pg/mL (Day 21) and 2.933 ± 0.251 pg/mL to 0.366 ± 0.208 pg/mL (Day 28). Due to adverse alteration in 17β-Estradiol and testosterone concentration of the test fish, we recommend that the Government sensitizes the farmers properly on the proper use of pesticides and also enforce against an excess application of pesticides. More of similar studies should be funded to continue monitoring the effects of various pesticides on fishes and the aquatic eco-system at large.

A polyaromatic receptor with high androgen affinity

Biological receptors distinguish and bind steroid sex hormones, e.g., androgen-, progestogen-, and estrogen-type hormones, with high selectivity. To date, artificial molecular receptors have been unable to discriminate between these classes of biosubstrates. Here, we report that an artificial polyaromatic receptor preferentially binds a single molecule of androgenic hormones, known as “male” hormones (indicated with m), over progestogens and estrogens, known as “female” hormones (indicated with f), in water. Competitive experiments established the binding selectivity of the synthetic receptor for various sex hormones to be testosterone (m) > androsterone (m) >> progesterone (f) > β-estradiol (f) > pregnenolone (f) > estriol (f). These bindings are driven by the hydrophobic effect, and the observed selectivity arises from multiple CH-π contacts and hydrogen-bonding interactions in the semirigid polyaromatic cavity. Furthermore, micromolar fluorescence detection of androgen was demonstrated using the receptor containing a fluorescent dye in water.