Protective effect of loboob (a Persian traditional remedy) on sexual hormones, antioxidant activities and stereological changes of testis tissue on busulfan induced oligospermia in rats

Loboob as a traditional drug in Iranis known for its beneficial effects on busulfan-induced oligospermia. In this experimental study, protective effects of loboob (a Persian traditional remedy) on sexual hormones, antioxidant levels and stereological changes of testis tissue were evaluated in an oligospermia rat model induced by busulfan. Fifty male rats were randomly divided into five different groups: control, received no treatments; and the other groups administrated with a single dose of busulfan (10 mg/kg body weight). After 30 days, these groups were treated with 0, 35, 70 or 140 mg/kg/day of loboob for 60 days. Blood samples were collected for hormone and antioxidant enzyme assays. Unbiased stereology was performed on testis tissues to evaluate the volume of different parts of the testis and the number of various testis cells. Data indicated that FSH, LH and MDA were increased, and testosterone, catalase, SOD were decreased in the busulfan group, while treatment with loboob at 70 and 140 mg/kg significantly improved these parameters (P <0.05). Treatment with 70 and 140 mg/kg of loboob ameliorated the germinal epithelium volume, types A and B spermatogonia, spermatocytes, elongated and round spermatids, and Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules (P <0.05). High concentration of loboob also improved testis weight and volume, and leydig cell number (P <0.05). Thus, loboob is more effective for the recovery of seminiferous tubules and their cells than for the interstitial tissue. Loboob with various antioxidants, minerals and vitamins could overcome the side effects of busulfan.

Effect of herbicide based formulations on structure and function of testis in rats

For instant weed management, widely used herbicide formulations (HFs) are Paraquat based formulation (PBF) or Glyphosate based formulation (GBF). Here, we investigated the effect of PBF Gramoxone® and GBF Roundup® on the structure and function of the testis of the male Wistar rats at the pubertal or post pubertal stage. Male rats were gavaged with Gramoxone® (5 mg/kg body wt.) or Roundup® (250 mg/kg body wt.). The treatment period of 25 days starts on a postnatal day (PND) 28 to 53 (from pre-pubertal to the pubertal stage) or 60 days from PND 28 to 88 (from prepubertal to the post pubertal stage). Age-matched control animals received distilled water. The structure of the testes was evaluated by observing changes in its histology and the function of the testes was assessed by estimating serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels. No significant effect was observed in the structure and function of the testes of the pubertal stage rats on exposure to both herbicide formulations. However, shrunken and distorted seminiferous tubules with oligozoospermia in testes, a non-significant decrease in FSH and LH, and a significant reduction in testosterone levels were noted in the post pubertal stage rats. The results indicated that changes in the testes of post pubertal groups are due to a longer duration of exposure to the Gramoxone® or Roundup® than in pubertal groups, and also the effect of these two formulations was more on the testis structure and function than on the pituitary-testis axis

LncRNA-m18as1 competitively binds with miR-18a-5p to regulate follicle-stimulating hormone secretion through the Smad2/3 pathway in rat primary pituitary cells / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are expressed in different species and different tissues, and perform different functions, but little is known about their involvement in the synthesis or secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In general, we have revealed lncRNA‍‒‍microRNA (miRNA)‍‒‍‍messenger RNA (mRNA) interactions that may play important roles in rat primary pituitary cells. In this study, a new lncRNA was identified for the first time. First, we analyzed the gene expression of lncRNA-m18as1 in different tissues and different stages by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and observed the localization of lncRNA-m18as1 with fluorescence in situ hybridization, which indicated that this lncRNA was distributed mainly in the cytoplasm. Next, we used RT-qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to analyze the regulation of FSH synthesis and secretion after overexpression or knockdown of lncRNA-m18as1 and found that lncRNA-m18as1 was positively correlated with FSH synthesis and secretion. In addition, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (Smad2) was highly expressed in our sequencing results. We also screened miR-18a-5p from our sequencing results as a miRNA that may bind to lncRNA-m18as1 and Smad2. We used RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR) and/or dual luciferase assays to confirm that lncRNA-m18as1 interacted with miR-18a-5p and miR-18a-5p interacted with Smad2. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed that lncRNA-m18as1 and miR-18a-5p were localized mainly in the cytoplasm. Finally, we determined the relationship among lncRNA-m18as1, miR-18a-5p, and the Smad2/3 pathway. Overall, we found that lncRNA-m18as1 acts as a molecular sponge of miR-18a-5p to regulate the synthesis and secretion of FSH through the Smad2/3 pathway.

Determining an optimal cut-off value for follicle-stimulating hormone to predict microsurgical testicular sperm extraction outcome in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the optimal cut-off value for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) to predict the outcome of microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Subjects and methods We included a total number of 180 patients with NOA. The serum level of FSH was determined and all the subjects underwent micro-TESE. We determined the optimal cut-off value for FSH and assessed whether the test could be effectively used as a successful predictor of sperm retrieval by calculating the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) area under the curve. Results Overall we included a total number of 171 patients with mean age of 34.3 ± 8.6 years. The micro-TESE was considered to be successful in 79 (43.8%) while it failed in 92 (56.2%) patients. We found that the mean level of serum FSH was significantly higher in group those with failed micro-TEST compared to successful group (p < 0.001). The cut-off value for FSH was calculated to be 14.6 mIU/mL to predictive the outcome of micro-TESE with a sensitivity of 83.5% [73.5%-90.9%] and a specificity of 80.3% [69.5%-88.5%]. At this value, the other parameters were calculated to be PPV, 81.5%; NPV, 82.4; LR+, 4.23; and LR-, 0.21. Conclusions The results of the current study indicate that FSH plasma levels above 14.6 mIU/mL can be considered to be the failure predictor of the micro-TESE in NOA patients.

Acupuncture at back- points of five , Geshu (BL 17) and Shenmen (HT 7) for the treatment of menopausal insomnia / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the clinical efficacy differences between acupuncture at back- points of five , Geshu (BL 17), Shenmen (HT 7) and regular medication for the treatment of menopausal insomnia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 128 female patients of menopausal insomnia were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 64 cases in each one. Four patients in the observation group and 2 patients in the control group dropped out during the treatment. The patients in the observation group were treated with acupuncture at Feishu (BL 13), Xinshu (BL 15), Pishu (BL 20), Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23), Geshu (BL 17) and Shenmen (HT 7), once a day, and there was an interval of 2 days between every 5 days of treatment. The patients in the control group were treated with oral administration of alprazolam (0.4 mg or 0.8 mg) before sleep. Three-week treatment was taken as one course, and totally three courses were given in the two groups. Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), levels of estradiol (E), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were observed before treatment and 30 days after treatment; the efficacy was evaluated 30 days after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Each item score and total score of PSQI 30 days after treatment were lower than those before treatment in the two groups (all <0.05), the scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (all <0.05). The levels of E 30 days after treatment were higher than those before treatment in the two groups (both <0.05), but the level of FSH and LH 30 days after treatment were lower than those before treatment in the two groups; the level in the observation group was superior to that in the control group (all <0.05). The total effective rate was 98.3% (59/60) in the observation group, which was better than 95.2% (59/62) in the control group (<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture at Feishu (BL 13), Xinshu (BL 15), Ganshu (BL 18), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23), Geshu (BL 17), and Shenmen (HT 7) has better efficacy for menopausal insomnia than alprazolam.</p>

Relationship between menstrual disorder and ovarian morphology of adolescent women / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To study the relationship between menstrual disorder and ovarian morphology of adolescent women in order to provide basis for diagnosis of adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods We analyzed the clinical data of 212 patients with adolescent menstrual disorders 2 years after menstruation collected from the Department of Gynecology and Women's Health of First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between September 2014 and September 2015.Results ① Oligomenorrhea was the most common in the 212 adolescent women (33.96 ％),followed by amenorrhea (16.51％).There was a significant difference in F-G score and acne score among patients with different types of menstrual disorder (F=1.39,1.77,all P＜0.05),the highest in those with oligomenorrhea.② The volume of the ovary,number of sinusoidal follicles,maximum area of the ovary in women with oligomenorrhea were significantly higher than those in non-oligomenorrhea women (t =2.89,5.76,6.23,all P＜ 0.05).③ Clinical manifestations differed significantly among normal ovarian group,MFO group and PCO group (x2=43.25,P＜0.05).Incidence rate of oligomenorrhea ranked the top in polycystic ovary group (49.30％),followed by multiple ovarian follicles group (42.59％),and there were significant differences in blood LH,T,and LH/FSH (F=3.45,2.43,2.76,all P＜0.05) was found in PCO group.There was significant difference in diagnosis of puberty PCOS (x2=26.58,P＜0.05).④ Among these 212 adolescent women,45 ones had puberty PCOS (21.23％).The ovary volume,number of sinus follicles,and the largest area in the obese patients were significantly higher than those in non-obese group (t =3.42,7.89,4.02,all P＜0.05);HOMA IR was also significantly higher than that in non-obese group (t =8.89,10.62,all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Oligomenorrhea is the most common menstrual disorder in adolescent women.Ovarian morphological abnormalities occur in most women with oligomenorrhea and obesity,who should be followed up regularly.

Clinical Study on Electroacupuncture in Mitigating the Symptoms Related to Menopausal Transition / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe and compare the regulating effect between electroacupuncture and sham electroacupuncture on the symptoms of menopausal transition and levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), for evaluating the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture in mitigating the relevant symptoms of menopausal transition. Method Thirty eligible subjects with menopausal transition were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 15 cases in each group. The treatment group was intervened by electroacupuncture at the ordinary acupoints, while the control group was by electroacupuncture at non-meridian points. The E2, FSH, and LH contents were detected after intervention and at the 20th week during the follow-up study, the flush score and Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) were evaluated respectively after 4-week and 8-week treatment and at the 20th week and 32nd week during the follow-up study, and the safety of electroacupuncture was also estimated.Result The flush and MRS scores were significantly changed after 4-week and 8-week treatment and at the 20th week and 32nd week during the follow-up study in both groups compared to that before the treatment in the same group (P<0.01,P<0.05). There was a significant difference in comparing the changes of MRS score after 8-week treatment between the two groups (P<0.01). There were significant differences in comparing the changes of flushing scores between the two groups after 8-week treatment and at the 20th week and 32nd week during the follow-up study (P<0.01). The serum levels of E2, FSH, and LH were significantly changed in the treatment group after 8-week treatment (P<0.05). There were significant differences in comparing the changes of FSH and LH levels between the two groups after 8-week treatment (P<0.05). The difference in comparing the change of serum E2 level between the two groups at the 20th week during the follow-up study was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture can improve the flushing intensity and produce a benign regulation on the relevant hormone levels in menopausal transition, though this regulation is insignificant when the treatment terminates.

Dynamic study on levels of serum PRL, LH, FSH, E2 and development of ovarian follicles in different phases of estrus cycle in gerbils / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To investigate the numbers of corpus luteum and ovarian follicles and compare the levels of serum prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2 ) in different phases of estrus cycle in female gerbils .Methods Consecutively taking vaginal smears of the gerbils and directly examined under light microscope to distinguish the four phases of the estrus cycle .Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to histological examination of the gerbil ovaries , and to detect the levels of serum PRL , LH, FSH and E2 by ELISA assay during estrus cycle .Results The proportion of cornified vaginal exfolliated cells could be the basis to distinguish four phases respectively:proestrus, oestrus, metoestrus, and dioestrus.Moreover, there were no significant differences between the numbers of ovarian follicles in different phases of estrus cycle .The numbers of corpus luteum in preoestrus were significantly lower than that in the other phases of estrus cycle ( P <0.05 ) .The levels of serum PRL and LH were increasing constantly from preoestrus to dioestrus , and both reached a peak at dioestrus ( P<0.05 ) .The levels of serum FSH and E2 both peaked at preoestrus , and were significantly higher than those at oestrus , metoestrus and dioestrus ( P<0.05).Conclusions There are no significant differences between the numbers of ovarian follicles in different phases of estrus cycle .Gonadotropin , prolactin and estradiol paly important roles in the regulation of estrous cycle .The phases during which surges of FSH and E 2 occur in Mongolian gerbils are similar to those of rats and mice , while the PRL and LH are different .Our findings provide further reference to the study of reproductive physiology of Mongolian gerbils .

Effects of environmental lead pollution on blood lead and sex hormone levels among occupationally exposed group in an E-waste dismantling area / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of environmental multi-media lead pollution on blood lead and sex hormone levels among lead exposed males engaged in E-waste dismantling, and the correlation between confounding factors and sex hormone levels.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An E-waste dismantling area in Taizhou of Zhejiang Province was selected as the research site. One hundred and fifty two samples were collected from the groundwater, soil, rice, corn, chicken, and pork in the dismantling area. The effects of the multi-media lead pollution on the male blood lead and sex hormone levels of FSH, LH, and T, as well as the correlation with confounding factors, were studied.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The blood lead concentrations in the males aged under 31, from 31 to 45 and from 46 to 60 were 98.55, 100.23, and 101.45 μg/L, respectively. Of all the environmental media lead exposures, the groundwater, rice and soil were main contributing factors to the lead accumulation in humans. FSH and LH levels increased with the age while the T levels decreased with the age instead. There was a significant correlation between the FSH and LH levels and wearing masks.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There was correlation between the FSH, LH, and T levels, and the mean values of lead concentrations in environmental media, and the sex hormone levels were correlated with the confounding factor of wearing masks.</p>

Homocisteína en mujeres menopáusicas de Lima / Homocystein levels in menopausal women from Lima, Peru

Objetivos: Comparar los niveles de homocisteína según el estado menopáusico en un grupo de mujeres atendidas en un hospital de Lima. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo y correlacional. Lugar: Centro de Investigación de Bioquímica y Nutrición, Facultad Medicina, Universidad Nacional Mayor San Marcos, Lima, Perú. Participantes: Mujeres de 40 a 60 años de edad. Intervenciones: En 97 mujeres de 40 a 60 años de edad atendidas en el Hospital San Bartolomé, Lima, Perú, se determinó el estado menopáusico en base a evaluación clínica y dosaje de FSH y estradiol en sangre. Para determinar la homocisteína plasmática se usó el método de inmunoanálisis de polarización de fluorescencia. Principales medidas de resultados: Niveles de homocisteína en sangre. Resultados: Los niveles de homocisteína hallados estuvieron dentro de los valores referenciales internacionales (5 a 15 µmol/L). Las mujeres posmenopáusicas presentaron niveles de homocisteína significativamente mayores comparados con las mujeres premenopáusicas (p<0,05). Conclusiones: Los niveles plasmáticos de homocisteína fueron mayores en las mujeres menopáusicas y su incremento podría ser considerado en la predicción de la enfermedad cardiovascular.

Objectives: To compare serum homocysteine levels according to menopausal status in a group of women. Design: Descriptive and correlational study. Setting: Biochemistry and Nutrition Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru. Participants: Women 40 to 60 year-old. Interventions: The menopausal status was determined clinically and by serum FSH and estradiol in 97 women 40 to 60 year-old attended at San Bartolome Hospital, Lima, Peru. Plasma homocysteine was determined by fluorescence polarization immunoanalysis. Main outcome measures: Homocysteine levels. Results: Homocysteine levels were within international referential values (5-15 µmol/L). Postmenopausal women levels were significantly higher compared to premenopausal women levels (p< 0.05). Conclusions: Homocysteine levels are increased in menopausal women and could be considered in cardiovascular disease prediction.

Hormonas reprodcctivas de importancia veterinaria en hembras domésticas rumiantes / Reproductive hrmmones of veterinary importance in domestic ruminant females

En el presente trabajo se revisan las principales hormonas reproductivas en hembras domésticas rumiantes, considerando sus características e interacciones, además de los métodos de determinación y las concentraciones que se reportan de cada una de dichas hormonas, durante las diferentes fases del ciclo estral. El eje hipotálamo-pituitario-ovárico controla la actividad reproductiva, principalmente, a través de las interacciones entre la Hormona Folículo Estimulante (FSH), la Hormona Luteinizante (LH), el Estradiol (E2) y la Progesterona (P4). Durante la fase folicular, las gonadotropinas estimulan el desarrollo de los folículos, promoviendo la proliferación de las células de la granulosa por parte de la FSH; su pico está asociado al surgimiento de la onda folicular, después de la cual decrece la concentración plasmática de FSH, y da inicio a la desviación folicular. Esto permite al folículo dominante expresar receptores para la LH, además de producir inhibina y E2. El alto nivel circulante de E2 induce la liberación de la Hormona Liberadora de Gonadotropinas (GnRH) desde el hipotálamo, resultando en un pico de LH, de amplitud y frecuencia suficiente para estimular la maduración final del folículo y la posterior ovulación. Las altas concentraciones de E2 influyen también sobre la presentación de los cambios fisiológicos y comportamentales durante el estro. La fase luteal está caracterizada por el predominio de la P4, cuya concentración se relaciona con el desarrollo del cuerpo lúteo. Esta hormona es indispensable para el reconocimiento y mantenimiento de la preñez y sus perfiles pueden llegar a determinar si existe la predisposición de un animal a sufrir pérdidas embrionarias tempranas. Se considera que los incrementos o disminuciones en las concentraciones séricas de cada hormona marcan cambios en las fases del ciclo estral, y es fundamental conocer la actividad de dichas hormonas mediante la determinación de su concentración sanguínea normal para cada una de las etapas reproductivas.

The main reproductive hormones in domestic female ruminants are reviewed in this paper, including their characteristics, interactions and concentrations besides the determination methods and concentrations reported in each hormone during the different phases of the estrous cycle. The hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, controls reproductive activity, mainly, through interactions between the Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Progesterone (P4) and Estradiol (E2). During the follicular phase, gonadotropin hormones stimulate follicle development, promoting the proliferation of granulosa cells on the FSH side. The FSH peak is associated with the emergence of the follicular wave after which, its plasmatic concentration decreases and the follicular deviation begins. This allows the dominant follicle to express LH-receptors and to produce inhibine and E2. The high level of flowing E2 induces the release of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, resulting in a LH of enough amplitude and frequency to stimulate the final maturation of the follicle and the subsequent ovulation. High plasma concentrations of E2, also influence the appearance of physiological and behavioral changes during estrous. The luteal phase is characterized by the dominance of P4, whose concentration is related to the development of the luteal body. This hormone is essential for pregnancy and its profiles recognition and maintenance, and it can even determine if there exist predisposition of an animal to suffer early embrionary loss. It is considered that increase or decrease in plasma concentration of each hormone, determine changes in the estrous cycle phases and, it is fundamental to know the activity of such hormones, by determining their normal blood concentration for each of the reproductive stages.

The effect of Gengnianningxin capsule on serum FSH、LH、E_2 and symptomsin patients with female climacteric syndrome of fever due to yin-deficiency / 重庆医科大学学报

Objective:To observe the effect of Gengnianningxin capsule on serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH),luteinizing hormone (LH),estradiol (E 2) and clinical symptoms in patients with female climacteric syndrome of fever due to yin-deficiency.Methods:105 cases of patients with female climacteric syndrome of fever due to yin-deficiency were randomly divided into treatment group(70 cases) and control group (35 cases).Treatment group was treated by Gengnianningxin capsule,and control group was treated by Gengnianan tablet for 30 days.Levels of serum FSH,LH and E 2 were determined,meanwhile variation of symptom scores of climacteric syndrome were observed.Results:Levels of serum E 2 in the treatment group was increased significantly and levels of serum LH decreased significantly after treatment ( P

Clinical Usefulness of Basal FSH as a Prognostic Factor in Patients undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To determine if basal serom follicle stimulating harmone (FSH) level could be a prognostic factor of the clinical outcome in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in the couples with male factor infertility. Materials and METHOD: From December 1995 to March 1998, total 118 patients with male factor infertility were included in this study. Patients were allocated to the low basal FSH group (>8.5 mIU/ml) and the high basal FSH group (>8.5 mlU/ml). The basal levels of FSH were measured in the 3rd day of menstrual cycle preceding ovarian stimulation cycle in total IVF cycles by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test, Fishers exact test, and x2 test as appropriate. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. RESULTS: The total dose of exogeneous gonadotropin required in the patients of the high basal FSH group was significantly higher than that of the patients with the low basal FSH poup (p < 0.05). The numbers of retrieved oocytes, oocytes with grade I, II, fertilized oocytes, cleaved oocytes, embryos with grade I, II, and transferred embryos were significantly higher in the low basal FSH group (p < 0.05), The clinical pregnancy rate per cycle in the low basal FSH gmup (15.7%) seemed to be higher than that in the high basal FSH poup (3.4%) (p 0.08), however, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that the basal FSH levels could be predictive of pregnancy outcome and the results of ovarian stimulation in IVF-ET using ICSL.

Hyperinsulinemia And Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Hyperinsulinemia has been reported to be associated with polycystic ovaries. The prevalence of hyperinsulinemia in patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and their female members was studied. The results have indicated that hyperinsulinemia could be a factor amplifying leutinizing hormone (LH) dependent androgen secretion in hyperadrogenised patients with PCOS and their female family members.