Results from adding recombinant LH for assisted reproductive technology treatment: a randomized control trial

Based on classical two-cell, two-gonadotropin theory, in the follicle, follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH] put on their main effects on the granulosa and theca cells. LH is essential for androgens production. Androgens are used for estradiol production by granulosa cells. Profound suppression of LH concentrations in some normogonadotropic patients can cause several adverse effects. The main clinical purpose of this study was that normoresponder women treated with controlled ovarian super ovulation for IVF or ICSI may benefit from co-administration of rLH. 40 patients who were candidates for assisted reproductive technology [ART] were randomly selected. In all patients long luteal protocol was used for ovulation induction. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 [n=20] with standard long protocol [GnRH agonist] and r-FSH alone, Group 2 [n=20] with standard long protocol [GnRH agonist] and r-FSH with r-LH. Results were statistically analyzed and compared in two groups. The number of retrieved oocytes, mature oocytes, cleaved embryos, transferred embryos, estradiol levels in Human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG] administration day, implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate in group 2 were higher but not significantly different. Administration of rLH in late follicular phase had no beneficial effect on outcomes in young women with mean age of 31 years. Maybe a greater sample size should be used to see the effects more accurately; also it is possible that rLH will be useful in older patients

Acute administration of Zn, Mg, and thiamine improves postpartum depression conditions in mice

Background: Postpartum depression [PPD] affects approximately half of new mothers. Chronic exposure to progesterone during pregnancy and its withdrawal following delivery increases depression and anxiety. In addition, there are complex interactions between hormones, neurotransmitters, and trace elements. Zinc [Zn] and magnesium [Mg] in Auence the nervous system by impacting synaptic neurotransmis-sion in the brain. Thiamine [Vit B[1]] deficiency results in a high percentage of depressive behaviors. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species in pregnancy are implicated in the pathogenesis of major depression

Methods: We examined the effects of different combinations of Zn, Mg, and Vit B[1] in an animal model of PPD. ZnCl, MgCl, and thiamine-HCl were administered to PPD-induced mice. Depression, anxiety-related behavior, and total antioxidant capacity [TAC] were assessed. Depression and anxiety-like behavior were evaluated by the forced swimming test [FST] and elevated plus-maze, respectively

Results: The acute combined administration of Zn, Mg, and Vit B[1] significantly decreased immobility time in FST, increased the percentage of both time spent in-and entries to open arms in the elevated plus-maze, and augmented TAC

Conclusion: Our data suggest that acute administration of combined treatment with Zn, Mg, and Vit B[1] on postpartum day 3 improves depressive symptoms and anxiety-like behaviors. Our evaluation of TAC is in accordance with behavioral results

Postpartum depression and role of serum trace elements

Postpartum depression [PPD] is a major depressive disorder that most often emerges within 6 to 12 weeks of delivery, but can happen any time up to 1 year after birth. In developed countries, the incidence of postnatal depression is about 10-15% in adult women depending upon the diagnostic criteria, timing of screening and screening instruments used. Mothers with depressive symptoms have been found to have more complex behavioral contacts with their children; this situation can damage family relationships, and even leads to infanticide. Various pathophysiologies are proposed for postpartum depression: Nutritional deficiencies, iron deficiency anemia, rapid decrease in the levels of reproductive hormones following delivery, alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-dernocortical mechanism and alterations in neurotransmitter levels. Among pathophysiologies of postpartum depression, the role of trace elements is highlighted. The purpose of this review is to assess the role of trace elements including zinc, magnesium, iron and copper in PPD. Zinc as a trace element has the second highest concentration of all transition metals in the brain, and its deficiency is associated with behavioral disturbances. Lower zinc blood concentration was found in women with postpartum depression. Another trace element, magnesium, also influences the nervous system via its actions on the release and metabolism of neurotransmitters. Various studies have focused on antidepressant-like effects of magnesium and its deficiency has been reported in depression. Depletion of magnesium stores during pregnancy is hypothesized to be the cause of postpartum depression. Iron deficiency is the most common single nutrient deficiency in the world. There is an association between anemia and depressive disorders. Copper has been recognized as an essential element for many years. Iron also plays a vital role in neurological disorders and its levels are relevant to postpartum depression. Involvement of trace elements can be seen in pathophysiologies of PPD in different ways. Therefore, trace element supplementation can be an alternative treatment for patients with PPD