Hormones and Auditory Perception: Study of Dichotic Listening in Women during the Menstrual Cycle

Abstract Introduction Dichotic listening refers to the ability to hear different sounds presented to each ear simultaneously. Objective The aim of the present study was to assess dichotic listening in women throughout the menstrual cycle. Methods The volunteers who met the eligibility criteria participated in a dichotic listening assessment composed of three tests: 1) staggered spondaic word test; 2) dichotic digits test; and 3) consonant-vowel test. The female participants were tested during two different phases of the menstrual cycle: the follicular (days 11 to 13) and luteal (days 23 to 26) phases. The phases were confirmed by measuring serum levels of the hormone estradiol. Results A total of 20 volunteers aged 18 to 49 years participated in the study (9 females and 11 males). In test 1, only the right ear of females showed better performance during the follicular phase (high estrogen levels), compared with the luteal phase (low estrogen levels); in test 2, there were no significant differences for any of the groups; and in test 3, both males and females showed significantly better performance in their right ear compared with their left ear. Conclusion The better performance of females during the follicular phase of the cycle may indicate that estrogen levels might have an influence on dichotic listening in women. (AU)

Low estrogen doses normalize testosterone and estradiol levels to the female range in transgender women

OBJECTIVE: The ideal dosage of cross-sex hormones remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, estradiol and prolactin levels after low-dose estrogen therapy with or without cyproterone acetate in transgender women. METHODS: The serum hormone and biochemical profiles of 51 transgender women were evaluated before gonadectomy. Hormone therapy consisted of conjugated equine estrogen alone or combined with cyproterone acetate. The daily dose of conjugated equine estrogen was 0.625 mg in 41 subjects and 1.25 mg in 10 subjects, and the daily dose of cyproterone acetate was 50 mg in 42 subjects and 100 mg in one subject. RESULTS: Estrogen-only therapy reduced the testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels from 731.5 to 18 ng/dL, 6.3 to 1.1 U/L and 9.6 to 1.5 U/L, respectively. Estrogen plus cyproterone acetate reduced the testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels from 750 to 21 ng/dL, 6.8 to 0.6 U/L and 10 to 1.0 U/L, respectively. The serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, estradiol and prolactin in the patients treated with estrogen alone and estrogen plus cyproterone acetate were not significantly different. The group receiving estrogen plus cyproterone acetate had significantly higher levels of gamma-glutamyltransferase than the group receiving estrogen alone. No significant differences in the other biochemical parameters were evident between the patients receiving estrogen alone and estrogen plus cyproterone acetate. CONCLUSION: In our sample of transgender women, lower estrogen doses than those usually prescribed for these subjects were able to adjust the testosterone and estradiol levels to the physiological female range, thus avoiding high estrogen doses and their multiple associated side effects.

Assessment of ovarian follicles and serum reproductive hormones in molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles treated rats / Evaluación de folículos ováricos y hormonas reproductivas en suero de ratas tratadas con nanopartículas de trióxido de molibdeno

SUMMARY: Special features of nanoparticles have resulted in their widespread use. Small molybdenum trioxide (MoO 3) nanoparticles can translocate from the entry portals into the circulatory and lymphatic systems and ultimately to body tissues and organs depending on their composition and size. In this research, sixty Wistar rats weighting 180-250 g were divided into 6 groups (n=10) randomly: Group 1 (Control) did not receive any medicine. Group 2 (Sham) received intraperitoneal normal saline for 35 days on a daily basis. Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 received 50, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg MoO3, respectively, the same way in the sham group and at the same interval. At the end of the experiment, the rats were weighted again and anesthetised. Then blood samples were taken from their hearts to determine the serum levels of estrogen, progesterone, and gonadotropins. Their ovaries were removed and ovarian volume, follicular diameter, number of each follicle type, and oocyte volume were determined. Results indicated that MoO3 nanoparticles strongly reduced body and ovarian weights in the rats. Moreover, a significant decrease was observed in ovarian volume, the number of follicle types, oocyte volume and follicular diameter. The nanoparticles increased the number of atretic follicles via ovarian tissue structure. MoO3 nanoparticles decreased serum estrogen level and increased serum level of FSH that was associated with disruption in the regulation of progesterone and LH secretion. The findings showed that MoO3 nanoparticles could bear negative effects on ovarian structure and function.

RESUMEN: Las características específicas de las nanopartículas han dado lugar a su uso generalizado. Las pequeñas nanopartículas de trióxido de molibdeno (MoO3) pueden penetrar los sistemas circulatorios y linfáticos y, en última instancia, dependiendo de su composición y tamaño, también los tejidos y órganos del cuerpo. En esta investigación se dividieron 60 ratas Wistar con un peso de 180-250 g en 6 grupos (n = 10) aleatoriamente: el Grupo 1 (Control) no recibió ningún medicamento. El Grupo 2 (Sham) recibió solución salina normal intraperitoneal durante 35 días diariamente. Los grupos 3, 4, 5 y 6 recibieron 50, 100, 200 y 300 mg / kg de MoO3 respectivamente, de la misma manera en el grupo simulado, y en el mismo intervalo. Concluyendo el experimento, las ratas se pesaron nuevamente y fueron anestesiadas. Luego se tomaron muestras de sangre de los corazones para determinar los niveles séricos de estrógeno, progesterona y gonadotropinas. Se retiraron los ovarios y se determinó el volumen ovárico, el diámetro folicular, el número de cada tipo de folículo y el volumen de ovocitos. Los resultados indicaron que las nanopartículas de MoO3 redujeron significativamente los pesos corporal y ovárico en las ratas. Además, se observó una disminución importante en el volumen ovárico, el número de tipos de folículos, el volumen de ovocitos y el diámetro folicular. Las nanopartículas aumentaron el número de folículos auriculares a través de la estructura del tejido ovárico. Las nanopartículas de MoO 3 disminuyeron el nivel sérico de estrógeno y aumentaron el nivel sérico de FSH que se asoció con la interrupción en la regulación de la progesterona y la secreción de LH. Los hallazgos mostraron que las nanopartículas de MoO 3 podrían tener efectos negativos sobre la estructura y la función ovárica.

Mammographic density among indigenous women in forested areas in the state of Amapá, Brazil: a cross-sectional study / Densidade mamográfica em mulheres indígenas de áreas da floresta do estado do Amapá, Brasil: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: There is no register of breast cancer cases among indigenous populations in Brazil. The objective here was to evaluate the association of clinical and demographic characteristics with mammographic density among indigenous women. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional analytical study conducted in indigenous territories in the state of Amapá, Brazil. METHODS: Women were recruited from three indigenous territories and underwent bilateral mammography and blood collection for hormonal analysis. They were interviewed with the aid of an interpreter. Mammographic density was calculated using computer assistance, and was expressed as dense or non-dense. RESULTS: A total of 137 indigenous women were included in this study, with an average age of 50.4 years, and an average age at the menarche of 12.8 years. Half (50.3%) of the 137 participants had not reached the menopause at the time of this study. The women had had an average of 8.7 children, and only two had never breastfed. The average body mass index of the population as a whole was 25.1 kg/m2. The mammographic evaluation showed that 82% of women had non-dense breasts. The clinical characteristics associated with mammographic density were age (P = 0.0001), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (P < 0.001) and estrogen levels (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the indigenous women had non-dense breasts. Age, menopausal status and FSH and estrogen levels were associated with mammographic density.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Não há registro de casos de câncer de mama em populações indígenas no Brasil. O objetivo foi avaliar a associação de características clínicas e demográficas com a densidade mamográfica em mulheres indígenas. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal, analítico, realizado em territórios indígenas no estado do Amapá, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Mulheres foram recrutadas de três territórios indígenas e submetidas a mamografia bilateral e a coleta de sangue para análise hormonal. As participantes foram entrevistadas com a ajuda de um intérprete. A densidade mamográfica foi calculada com assistência de computador, e expressa como densa ou não densa. RESULTADOS: 137 mulheres foram incluídas no estudo, com média de 50,4 anos e média de idade à menarca de 12,8 anos. Metade (50,3%) das 137 participantes não havia entrado na menopausa no momento do estudo. As mulheres tinham em média 8,7 filhos, e duas nunca haviam amamentado. O índice de massa corpórea médio da população como um todo foi de 25,1 kg/m2. A análise mamográfica mostrou que 82% das mulheres tinham mamas não densas. As características clínicas associadas com a densidade mamográfica foram idade (P = 0.0001), hormônio folículo-estimulante (FSH, P < 0,001) e níveis de estrogênio (P < 0,01). CONCLUSÕES: A maioria das indígenas tinha mamas não densas. Idade, status menopausal e níveis de estrógeno e FSH foram associados com a densidade mamográfica.

Análise histomorfométrica dos cardiomiócitos e deposição de colágeno no músculo cardíaco de ratas ooforectomizadas / Histomorphometric analysis of cardiomyocytes and collagen deposition in the heart muscle of ovariectomized rats

Esse estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito da ooforectomia sob os parâmetros histomorfométricos dos cardiomiócitos e quantificação de colágeno em ratas Wistar. Vinte ratas foram utilizadas e separadas em dois grupos: GI - ooforectomizada e GII - sham-ooforectomizada. Após a recuperação anestésica os animais foram acomodados em gaiolas e separados nas condições de ciclo claro/escuro 12/12h por um período de 6 meses. Passado o período experimental, os animais foram anestesiados, o coração retirado e mergulhado em formaldeído a 10%. Os fragmentos dos ventrículos foram submetidos ao processamento histológico e corados com hematoxilina e eosina. As análises histomorfométricas (área celular e área e volume nuclear) foram realizadas pelo microscópio de luz e software ImageJ versão 1.44. Os dados foram submetidos à análise ANOVA e quando significantes, complementados pelo teste t de student (p<0,001). Observou-se uma diminuição significativa das áreas celular e nuclear dos cardiomiócitos do grupo GI quando comparado ao grupo GII, bem como a área ocupada, pelo colágeno, no músculo cardíaco foi maior em GI, quando comparado a GII. Diante disso, conclui-se que as alterações observadas nos cardiomiócitos do grupo GI, sugerem uma maior atividade apoptótica nesse grupo, devido à diminuição dos níveis séricos do estrógeno provocado pela ooforectomia e o aumento da área ocupada pelo colágeno, no grupo ooforectomizado, está associada ao efeito cardioprotetor do estrógeno.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oophorectomy on the morphometric variables of cardiomyocytes and quantification collagen in Wistar rats. Twenty rats were used and divided into two groups: GI - ovariectomized and GII - sham-ovariectomized. After recovery from anesthesia the animals were housed in separate cages and under the conditions of light / dark cycle 12/12h for a period of six months. After the experimental period, the animals were anesthetized, the heart removed and immersed in 10% formaldehyde. The fragments of the ventricles were subjected to histological analysis and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Histomorphometric analysis (cell area and nuclear area and volume) were performed by light microscopy and ImageJ software version 1.44. The data were submitted to ANOVA and when significant, complemented by Student's t test (p<0.001). There was a significant decrease in cellular and nuclear areas of the GI cardiomyocytes compared to GII and the area occupied by collagen was greater in cardiac muscle GI, when compared to GII. Therefore, it is concluded that the changes observed in the GI group cardiomyocytes, suggest a higher apoptotic activity in this group, due to decreased serum estrogen levels caused by ovariectomy and increased area occupied by collagen in oophorectomized group is associated the cardioprotective effect of estrogen.

Poor sleep in middle-aged women is not associated with menopause per se

Whether sleep problems of menopausal women are associated with vasomotor symptoms and/or changes in estrogen levels associated with menopause or age-related changes in sleep architecture is unclear. This study aimed to determine if poor sleep in middle-aged women is correlated with menopause. This study recruited women seeking care for the first time at the menopause outpatient department of our hospital. Inclusion criteria were an age ≥40 years, not taking any medications for menopausal symptoms, and no sleeping problems or depression. Patients were assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), modified Kupperman Index (KI), and Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). A PSQI score of <7 indicated no sleep disorder and ≥7 indicated a sleep disorder. Blood specimens were analyzed for follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol levels. A total of 244 women were included in the study; 103 (42.2%) were identified as having a sleep disorder and 141 as not having one. In addition, 156 (64%) women were postmenopausal and 88 (36%) were not menopausal. Follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol levels were similar between the groups. Patients with a sleep disorder had a significantly higher total modified KI score and total MRS score (both, P<0.001) compared with those without a sleep disorder. Correlations of the PSQI total score with the KI and MRS were similar in menopausal and non-menopausal women. These results do not support that menopause per se specifically contributes to sleep problems.

Measurement of serum estrogen and estrogen metabolites in pre- and postmenopausal women with osteoarthritis using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry

Although 17β-estradiol (E2) deficiency has been linked to the development of osteoarthritis (OA) in middle-aged women, there are few studies relating other estrogens and estrogen metabolites (EMs) to this condition. We developed a high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method to measure the levels of six EMs (i.e., estrone, E2, estriol, 2-hydroxyestrone, 2-hydroxyestradiol, and 16a-hydroxyestrone) in healthy pre- and postmenopausal women and women with OA. This method had a precision ranging from 1.1 to 3.1% and a detection limit ranging from 10 to 15 pg. Compared to healthy women, serum-free E2 was lower in the luteal and postmenopausal phases in women with OA, and total serum E2 was lower in postmenopausal women with OA. Moreover, compared to healthy women, total serum 2-hydroxyestradiol was higher in postmenopausal women with OA and total serum 2-hydroxyestrone was lower in both the luteal and follicular phases in women with OA. In conclusion, our HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method allowed the measurement of multiple biochemical targets in a single assay, and, given its increased cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and speed relative to previous methods, this method is suitable for clinical studies.

Granzyme H serum levels variations with both reproductive hormone receptors, and related hormone receptors in breast cancer patients

Breast Cancer [BC] is the most common cancer in Iranian women, meanwhile the Iranian patients are relatively young. Granzyme H [GZMH] is a functional cytotoxic serine protease of NK cell granules, which expands the cell death-inducing repertoire of innate immune system. GZMH is constitutively and highly expressed in human NK cells, in order to possess chymotrypsin-like [chymase] enzymatic activity. The purpose of this study was to determine GZMH level, in BC and healthy women. 30 breast cancer patients, and 30 control women in premenopausal status, have participated in this study. GZMH, Estrogen levels, and ER,PR have been measured in cancer and healthy women subsequently, as using ELISA, Radioimmunoassay, and Immunohistochemistry methods. Mean GZMH value was lower in BC than healthy women [p<0.0001]. Our study has implicated suppressor existence, or the problem for producing of GZMH in patients group, and levels of estrogen that could not effect on making positive ER, PR

Estudio de factores obstétricos, nutricionales y hormonales y su influencia en el desarrollo de cáncer de mama / Association between obstetric factors, hormone levels and nutritional status with the development of breast cancer

Background: Recent studies suggest that the age at first pregnancy, number of children and the lapse between births may protect against breast cancer. Furthermore, serum levels of estrogen, prolactin and progesterone appear to contribute to the development of this tumors in obese women. Aim: To verify whether the variables age at first pregnancy, number of children, birth interval, hormone levels and nutritional status are associated with the age at diagnosis of breast cancer. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records of550female patients, diagnosed and treated for breast cancer at a hospital in Spain between 2009 and 2012. Results: We found a significant and positive association between age at diagnosis of cancer and the variables age at first pregnancy, parity and interval between pregnancies. There was also a significant correlation (p < 0.000) between serum levels of estrogen, prolactin and progesterone and nutritional status of patients. Conclusions: In this sample, age at first pregnancy or number of children, hormone levels and nutritional status are related to the age of onset of cancer.

Effects of the phytoestrogen genistein on the development of the reproductive system of Sprague Dawley rats

OBJECTIVES: Genistein is known to influence reproductive system development through its binding affinity for estrogen receptors. The present study aimed to further explore the effect of Genistein on the development of the reproductive system of experimental rats. METHODS: Eighteen post-weaning female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into the following groups: (i) a control group that received vehicle (distilled water and Tween 80); (ii) a group treated with 10 mg/kg body weight (BW) of Genistein (Gen 10); and (iii) a group treated with a higher dose of Genistein (Gen 100). The rats were treated daily for three weeks from postnatal day 22 (P22) to P42. After the animals were sacrificed, blood samples were collected, and the uteri and ovaries were harvested and subjected to light microscopy and immunohistochemical study. RESULTS: A reduction of the mean weekly BW gain and organ weights (uteri and ovaries) were observed in the Gen 10 group compared to the control group; these findings were reversed in the Gen 100 group. Follicle stimulating hormone and estrogen levels were increased in the Gen 10 group and reduced in the Gen 100 group. Luteinizing hormone was reduced in both groups of Genistein-treated animals, and there was a significant difference between the Gen 10 and control groups (p<0.05). These findings were consistent with increased atretic follicular count, a decreased number of corpus luteum and down-regulation of estrogen receptors-a in the uterine tissues of the Genistein-treated animals compared to the control animals. CONCLUSION: Post-weaning exposure to Genistein could affect the development of the reproductive system of ovarian-intact experimental rats because of its action on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis by regulating hormones and estrogen receptors.

Influencia del estado nutricional, niveles hormonales séricos e historia familiar de cáncer en el desarrollo del cáncer de mama / Influence of nutritional status, hormones serum levels, and family history on breast cancer development

Background: Several studies have analyzed the relation between obesity and the hormonal imbalances generated by overweight and a family history of breast cancer. All of these factors are potentially implicated in the early development of breast cancer. Aim: To verify the existence of a significant relation between the nutritional status of breast cancer patients, their hormone serum levels (estrogens, prolactin, and progesterone), and the existence of a family history of breast cancer. Material and Methods: Retrospective data was collected from clinical records of524 women diagnosed with breast cancer in a Spanish hospital. Results: There was a positive association between estrogen, progesterone and prolactin serum levels and body mass index. The elevations in hormone levels occurred earlier in life among women with a family history of breast cancer. A two way ANOVA found a significant association between progesterone and prolactin levels with the age at diagnosis of breast cancer. Conclusions: Extreme serum levels of these hormones appear to be related to the early development of breast cancer, which in turn is influenced by the existence of a family history of cancer among those women with normal or average hormone levels.

Uterine artery interruption: evidence for follicular growth and histochemical and biochemical changes

The present study was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of bilateral uterine artery ligation [BUAL] on the ovarian follicular fate, and alterations in carbohydrate, lipid, lipase and serum levels of F9SH, LH, prolactin, estrogen and progesterone. Twenty-four mature female rabbits divided into two test and control-sham groups. The animals underwent ovariohystrectomy on days 23, 43 and 63 after BUAL. Later serum and tissue samples were processed for histological and biochemical analyses. Two-way ANOVA test was used for statistical analyses and p<0.05 was considered as significant. The ovaries from the case groups exhibited markedly increased atretic follicles, which were characterized by early antrum formation, ooplasmic vacoulation, granulosa cells dissociation and oocyte deformation. Lipid foci were remarkably present in the cytoplasm of oocytes, granulosa and theca cells in BUAL rabbits. Smaller sized atretic follicles showed higher lipid reactions than large ones. The PAS reaction was highly positive in zona pellucida [ZP], basement membrane, granulosa cells and follicular fluid of atretic follicles. Early atresiated follicles showed remarkable reaction sites for lipase. Significant [p<0.05] increase in serum levels of FSH, LH, progesterone, and prolactin was revealed in BUAL rabbits compared to the control group while serum levels of estrogen decreased time-dependently in the test groups. The current study suggests the critical role of the uterine artery in controlling ovulation and follicular growth. Moreover atresia processes might relate to lipid accumulation in the cells along with attenuation of lipase activity

[Effects of circuit resistance training on plasma ghrelin levels in young women]

Ghrelin, an orexigenic peptide secreted from stomach mucosa, affects feeding behavior and plays an important role in energy balance and glucose homeostasis. Ample evidence indicates that resistance exercise is a key component of exercise recommendations for weight control. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effects of resistance training [4 weeks] on resting levels of plasma ghrelin, glucose, insulin and estrogen. Twenty-seven female college students, aged 221 +/- 1.54 years, height 162.66 +/- 5.05 cm, BMI 20.76 +/- 1.86 kg/m[2] and fat percent 20.95 +/- 2.08% [means +/- SE] were randomized into two, the experimental [40% and 80% 1RM] and the control groups. Subjects performed circuit-resistance exercise protocol with 40% and 80% 1RM, 4 d/wk for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected 24 hours before and 48 hours after the training program. One-way ANOVA revealed that although no significant differences were observed in circulating levels of plasma total ghrelin [P=0.88], glucose [P=0.1] and insulin [P=0.66] in the experimental group when compared to the control group, a significant negative correlation [R=-0.4, P=0.05] was found between plasma estrogen and total ghrelin levels. It seems that because of a non significant increase in plasma ghrelin levels in the present study, there was no weight change of subjects during the training program and the short duration of the training program. However, the total ghrelin sub-fractions, acylated and non acylated, may have changed

Systemic lupus erythematosus, female of fertile age changes in reproductive hormones estrogen and prolactin levels

Systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] is an important autoimmune disease and occurs when the body is mistakenly attacked by its own immune system. Prolactin acts as a cytokine and plays an important role in human immune response including autoimmune diseases. SLE is an immune complex mediated disease and is more common during pregnancy. Research is designed to analyze the level of serum prolactin in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus and compared with estrogen in female of fertile age. Observational Study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, BMSI, in collaboration of ward-6 JPMC Karachi. Thirty five diagnosed cases of SLE and in addition 35 normal healthy controls from general population were included in the study. Serum levels of prolactin, estrogen, RA factor and ESR were estimated and correlated. The data was analyzed by using SPSS version 17. The student t-test and chi-square test was used the p-value <0.05 consider significant. The results showed that patients suffering from SLE have highly significant [p<0.001] serum level of reproductive hormones prolactin and estrogen, in addition, significant changes in ESR indicate the infection when compared with control. Further, prolactin was negatively correlated with estrogen as well as with menarche while BMI have positively correlation with estrogen regardless of prolactin and menarche. Enhanced serum prolactin and estrogen changes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], may be used as a prognostic tool for autoimmune diseases

Thyroid gland dysfunction modulates ovarian response to estrogen and androgen receptors in albino rats

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are more common in women than in men, and it was reported that thyroid hormones play an essential role in ovarian physiology. This study aimed to simulate the clinical conditions of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in adult female albino rats, and to detect the possible changes in ovarian estrogen and androgen hormone receptors associated with such clinical conditions. This study used 36 adult female albino rats. Rats were divided into three groups, with 1 2 rats each. Rats of the control group received 0.5 ml saline [0.9%] solution once daily. Six rats received the saline orally using a tube, and the other half received it by intraperitoneal injection for 4 weeks. The rats of the hypothyroid group received daily orally a dose of 18.75 mg/kg propylthiouracil dissolved in saline solution for 4 weeks, and the rats of the hyperthyroid group received a daily intraperitoneal dose of 40 microg/kg L-thyroxine dissolved in saline solution for 4 weeks. Vaginal smears were performed at the end of the experiment; only 22 rats coincided the diestrus phase of the cycle, sacrificed and sections were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining for estrogen and androgen receptors. In the hypothyroid group, few corpora lutea, atretic follicles, and dilated congested blood vessels were clearly seen. In the hyperthyroid group, the ovarian sections showed numerous corpora lutea; atretic follicles and markedly dilated congested blood vessels were also noted. A negative correlation was documented between estrogen receptor and androgen receptor immunoreactivity in the hypothyroid and hyperthyroid groups. This study suggested that thyroid hormones are important to maintain a normal estrous cycle and hence in the regulation of ovarian hormones. The mechanisms by which thyroid hormones influence ovarian function remain to be elucidated. However, it might be through their effect on the aromatase enzyme, which is the key regulator in ovarian hormones production reflected on the level of steroid hormones receptor expression

[Estradiol valerate-induced polycystic ovary syndrome: an animal model study]

Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder and one of the most common causes of an ovulation among women in their reproductive age. Presence of cysts in the ovaries alteration in the blood levels of gonadotropine hormones and gaining weight are some of the main characteristics of PCOS among humans. Our goal was to investigate the possible occurrence of such conditions in animal models of PCOS. Forty five Sprague Dawely rats were divided into 3 equal groups: the treatment and sham groups were intramuscularly injected by a single dose of Estradiol Valerate [4 mg/rat, dissolved in 0.4 ml] and equal volume of olive oil, respectively, and the control group without any injection. During the 12 weeks of study, the animal's weights were measured once a week. After 8 weeks, serum levels of testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, Follicular Stimulating Hormone [FSH], Latinizing Hormone [LH] and glucose were measured. Following 12 weeks, ovaries were removed and prepared for light microscopy. Histological characteristics of ovaries were observed after hematoxylin-eosin staining. Animal weight and serum level of testosterone were significantly reduced among PCOS induced rats while progesterone, LH and glucose levels were elevated. There was no significant difference in estradiol and FSH levels among different group of animals. Many cysts and degenerating follicles were observed in the treatment group. PCOS can be experimentally produced by a single injection of Estradiol Valerate in the rat, but some of the complex aspects of PCOS are not clearly defined

Effect of imatinib on the oogenesis and pituitary -ovary hormonal axis in female wistar rat

Imatinib mesylate, a small-molecular analog of adenosine triphosphate [ATP] that potently inhibits tyrosine kinase activities of Bcr-Abl, PDGFR-beta, PDGFR-alpha, c-Fms, Arg and c-kit, is one of the novel molecularly targeted drugs being introduced into cancer therapy. We tested the effect of imatinib on the ovarian histological structure and the concentration of estrogen and progesterone, luteinizing hormone [LH] and follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] in the serum of female Wistar rats. Two groups of rats [180 +/- 15 grains] were gavaged with doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight imatinib dissolved in distilled water for 14 days. The control group received sterile water. On day 7, after termination of the treatment, blood serum concentration was measured with the radioimmunoassay [RIA] method. Also, sections [5 micro m thick] of ovaries stained with hematoxylin and eosin [H and E] were investigated histologically. Progesterone concentration in the experimental groups was increased [p<0.001], estrogen and FSH concentrations were decreased [p<0.01], and the LH concentration decreased but was not statistically different in comparison with the control group. The weight of ovaries and number of atretic follicles in the experimental groups was increased compared with the control group [p<0.05]. The diameter of corpus lutea were increased but the number of corpus lutea decreased in both experimental groups [p<0.01]. These findings suggest that administration of imatinib may have profound effects on female fertility

[Effects of soy consumption on serum estrogen level of girls]

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world. Since this disease is hormone-related and its incidence is much lower in oriental population, it suggests a hypothesis that soy products may have an effect on hormonal status and, thereby on the incidence of breast cancer. The purpose of this before-after clinical trial was to determine the effects of soy on the levels of serum estrogen. 10 healthy girls between 20 and 25 living in dormitory were selected for 3 one-cycle phases of the study. They were single with normal menstrual cycle and no experience of alcohol, cigarette and soy consumption. The participants followed their regular diet in the first phase and the levels of their hormones were measured at 3rd, 13th and 23rd day of their cycle. In the second phase, 40 grams of Sobhan soy, a brand of soy in the market, were added to their diet and the same measurements were taken. At the final phase, the regular diet with no soy was followed with hormonal measurements by ELIZA method. In each phase, the weights of participants were measured with a digital scale [Seca]. The validities of instruments were verified by choosing standard and authorized brands and samples in the kits were used for calibration. Data were analyzed by N4 software [ver. 4] and SPSS package [ver. 11.5]. Serum estrogen levels showed no significant differences between the phases of the study. Consumption of soy in a month may not be a useful measure to change hormonal levels in young girls

Zinc deficiency and supplementation in ovariectomized rats: their effect on serum estrogen and progesterone levels and their relation to calcium and phosphorus

The aim of this study is to examine how zinc deficiency or supplementation affects estrogen and progesterone and calcium and phosphorus levels in the serum. The study was carried out on 40 adult female rats of Spraque-Dawley species. The rats were allocated to four groups: Group 1: Control, Group 2: Ovariectomized [OVX] control. Group 3: OVX-Zinc-supplemented. Group 4: OVX-Zinc-deficient. Blood samples were taken from the experimental animals by decapitation method and analyzed in terms of estrogen, progesterone, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc levels. Group 1 had the highest estrogen levels [p < 0.05]. Estrogen levels in group 3 were higher than those in groups 2 and 4 [p < 0.05]. The lowest estrogen levels were found in group 4 [p < 0.05]. Progesterone levels were higher in group 1 than in groups 2, 3 and 4 and the same parameter in group 3 was higher than those in groups 2 and 4. The highest calcium and phosphorus levels were obtained in groups 1 and 3 [p < 0.05]. Calcium and phosphorus levels in group 2 were higher than those in group 4 [p < 0.05]. There was no difference among groups with regard to magnesium levels. Group 3 had the highest serum zinc levels [p < 0.05]. Zinc levels in group 1 were higher than those in groups 2 and 4 and the levels in group 2 were higher than those in group 4. Findings of the study show that zinc deficiency causes a significant decrease in calcium and phosphorus levels and that zinc supplementation prevents these adversities in ovariectomized rats

Role of rosiglitazone in induction of ovulation in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance

To evaluate the role of rosiglitazone in treatment of obese polycystic ovarian women with insulin resistance and its effect on ovulation induction and pregnancy outcome together with looking for any synergistic effect of metformin when combined with rosiglitazone. Double blind, randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled trial. Kasr El-Aini Teaching Hospital Cairo University, Egypt. 75 obese women with PCOS and insulin resistance. Patients were divided into three groups with 25 women each. During the first month, the first group received rosiglitazone alone, the second group received a combination of resiglitazone-metformin and the third group received placebo. All participants had a base-line measurement of total testosterone level together with and oral glucose tolerance test for determination of insulin resistance in terms of fasting glucose and insulin and peak insulin levels. Ovulation was then induced for all patients using CC and HMG for one month while continuing the original medication. Re-assessment of total testosterone level and fasting glucose and insulin was then done at the end of the two months study period. Primary outcome measures are changes in serum total testosterone level and in measures of insulin resistance. The secondary outcome measures are the occurrence of ovulation and pregnancy rates. The two groups receiving insulin sensitizers showed marked improvement in insulin resistance. However, no improvement in hyperandrogenemia was elicited which may be due short duration of exposure. They also demonstrated high ovulation and pregnancy rates with a significant difference compared to the placebo group. These findings suggest that short-term rosiglitazone therapy is effective in improving insulin sensitivity and patient's response to induction of ovulation in obese PCOS cases with insulin resistance. Furthermore, combination of metformin-rosiglitazone did not prove superiority over the use of rosiglitazone alone