Plasma metabolite changes in anestrous dairy cows with negative energy balance identified using 1H NMR technology / [Alterações do metabólito plasmático em vacas leiteiras com balanço energético negativo identificado usando a tecnologia 1H NMR]

The objective of the present study was to investigate the different plasma metabolites between anestrus and estrus postpartum dairy cows and to provide a theoretical basis for prevention of anestrus in dairy farm cows. In the experiment, one hundred and sixty-seven Holstein dairy cows were selected with similar age and parity. According to the concentration of ß-hydroxybutyric acid, non-esterified fatty acids and glucose in plasma during 14 to 21 days in milk, all dairy cows were determined as having a status of energy balance. According to the results of clinical symptom, rectal and B ultrasound examination at 60 to 90 days postpartum, these cows were divided into twenty estrus and twenty-four anestrus group, other dairy cows were removed. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance technology was utilized to detect the plasma metabolites changes and screen different plasma metabolites between anestrus and estrus cows. Ten different metabolites including alanine, glutamic acid, asparagine, creatine, choline, phosphocholine, glycerophosphocholine, low-density lipoprotein, and very-low-density lipoprotein were significantly decreased in anestrous cows compared with estrous cows. Metabolic pathway analyses indicated that differential metabolites were primarily involved in amino acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism. These metabolites and their enrichment pathways indicate that reduced steroid hormone synthesis precursors result in lower levels of estradiol and progesterone and cause anestrus in negative energy balance. These data provide a better understanding of the changes that may affect estrus of postpartum dairy cows at NEB status and lay the ground for further research.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar os diferentes metabolitos do plasma entre o cio e o cio pós-parto de vacas leiteiras e fornecer uma base teórica para a prevenção do cio de vacas em fazendas de leite. No experimento, foram selecionadas 127 vacas leiteiras Holstein com idade e paridade similares. De acordo com a concentração de ß- ácido hidroxibutírico, ácidos graxos não esterificados e glicose no plasma entre 14 e 21 dias no leite, todas as vacas leiteiras foram determinadas em estado de equilíbrio energético. De acordo com os resultados dos sintomas clínicos, do exame de ultra-som retal e B aos 60 a 90 dias pós-parto, estas vacas foram divididas em vinte cios e vinte e quatro grupos de cio, outras vacas leiteiras foram removidas. A tecnologia de ressonância magnética nuclear 1H foi utilizada para detectar as alterações dos metabólitos plasmáticos e para triar diferentes metabólitos plasmáticos entre as vacas do cio e do cio. Dez diferentes metabólitos incluindo alanina, ácido glutâmico, asparagina, creatina, colina, fosfocholina, glicerofosfocolina, lipoproteína de baixa densidade e lipoproteína de muito baixa densidade foram significativamente diminuídos nas vacas antróficas em comparação com as vacas estro. As análises da via metabólica indicaram que os metabólitos diferenciais estavam principalmente envolvidos no metabolismo de aminoácidos e glicerofosfolipídios. Estes metabólitos e suas vias de enriquecimento indicam que a redução dos precursores da síntese de hormônios esteróides resulta em níveis mais baixos de estradiol e progesterona e causa anestros no balanço energético negativo. Estes dados fornecem uma melhor compreensão das mudanças que podem afetar o cio das vacas leiteiras pós-parto no estado de NEB e preparam o terreno para mais pesquisas.(AU)

Effect of eCG on the follicular dynamics and vascularization of crossbred cows with different circulating progesterone concentrations during synchronization of ovulation in an FTAI protocol / Efeito do eCG na dinâmica e na vascularização folicular de vacas mestiças com diferentes concentrações circulantes de progesterona durante a sincronização de ovulação em um protocolo IATF

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of treatment with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) on the follicular dynamics and function of crossbred cows with different circulating progesterone (P4) concentrations during synchronization of ovulation in a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol. To this end, 30 crossbred cows were submitted to a pre-synchronization protocol to ensure that all of them presented corpus luteum (CL) at the beginning of the protocol, and were evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) to verify the presence of CL. After that, the animals underwent an ovulation synchronization protocol and evaluation of follicular dynamics and vascularization by B-mode and power-Doppler ultrasound (US). High plasma P4 concentrations at the time of ovulation synchronization negatively influenced follicle diameter on day 10 (D10), preovulatory follicle diameter, and preovulatory follicle wall vascularization area (p<0.05). Cows with high P4 concentration at the time of ovulation synchronization that were treated with eCG showed follicle diameter on D10 and preovulatory follicle diameter and wall vascularization area (p>0.05) similar to those of animals with low P4 concentration at the time of ovulation synchronization. Therefore, high P4 concentrations at the time of ovulation synchronization negatively influence follicular diameter and vascularization, and eCG can be used as a strategy to favor better follicular and luteal response in crossbred cows with high P4 concentrations submitted to an FTAI protocol.(AU)

Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar o efeito do tratamento com gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) sobre a dinâmica e função folicular em fêmeas mestiças com diferentes concentrações circulantes de P4 durante a sincronização da ovulação em um protocolo de IATF. Para tanto, foram utilizadas 30 fêmeas mestiças e submetidas a um protocolo de pré-sincronização para garantir que todos os animais apresentassem corpo lúteo (CL) no início do protocolo, sendo avaliadas por ultrassonografia (US) transretal para a verificação da presença ou não de CL. Em seguida foram submetidas a um protocolo de sincronização da ovulação e avaliação da dinâmica e vascularização folicular por ultrassonografia (US) em modo B e Doppler colorido. Altas concentrações de P4 no momento da sincronização da ovulação impactaram negativamente no diâmetro do folículo no D10, o diâmetro do folículo pré-ovulatório e na área de vascularização da parede do folículo pré-ovulatório (P<0,05). As vacas com alta concentração de P4 no momento da sincronização da ovulação e que foram tratadas com eCG apresentaram diâmetro do folículo no D10 e no diâmetro e a área de vascularização da parede do folículo pré-ovulatório (P>0,05), semelhantes às vacas que com baixa concentração de P4 no momento da sincronização da ovulação. Conclui-se que elevadas concentrações de P4 no momento da sincronização da ovulação impactam negativamente no diâmetro e vascularização folicular e que o eCG pode ser utilizado como uma estratégia para favorecer uma melhor resposta folicular e luteal em fêmeas mestiças com altas concentrações de P4 submetidas a um protocolo de IATF.(AU)

Effect of injectable progesterone on follicular development in lactating beef cows treated with estradiol plus a low-concentration progesterone device / Efeito da progesterona injetável no desenvolvimento folicular em vacas de corte lactantes tratadas com estradiol e dispositivo de progesterona de baixa concentração

The effect of injectable progesterone was evaluated along with estradiol benzoate (EB) on the fate of the dominant follicle (DF) present in the ovary at the beginning of low progesterone-based TAI protocol. All cattle were given 500 µg cloprostenol im (PGF; Schering-Plough Animal Health for Estrumate, Pointe-Claire, QC, Canada) twice, 11 d apart, and allocated into two groups: Estradiol group (E group, n = 11) and Estradiol-Progesterone group (EP group, n = 11). Ten days after the second PGF (Day 0), all cattle were given an intravaginal progesterone device with half progesterone concentration (Cue-Mate with a single pod containing 0.78 g progesterone). Concurrently, all cattle were given 1.5 mg im of estradiol benzoate in 3 mL of canola oil and PGF im on Day 0 of the protocol in a crossover design, in which each cow received both treatments. Cows in the EP group also received 100 mg im progesterone (Sigma) in 2 mL of canola oil. On Day 8, progesterone devices were removed and all cattle were given PGF im. All statistical analyses were performed with SAS 9.0. The DF present on Day 0 ovulated in 76% (16/21) of cows from E group and 28.6% (6/21) of cows from EP group (P = 0.002). After progesterone device removal, the size of ovulatory follicle did not differ between groups (E group, 15.5 ± 0.43 mm vs EP group, 15.8 ± 0.98 mm; P = 0.82). These follicles ovulated in 81.3 ± 3.1 h in E group and 71.0 ± 6.1 h in EP group (P = 0.13). In conclusion, injectable progesterone reduced the proportion of cows that ovulate the dominant follicle present in the ovary at the beginning of estradiol-progesterone-based protocols. However, no difference was detected on time of ovulation after progesterone device removal between groups.(AU)

Foi avaliado o efeito da progesterona injetável e do benzoato de estradiol (BE) no destino do olículo dominante (FD) presente no ovário no início do protocolo de IATF. Todas as vacas receberam duas injeções de 500 µg de cloprostenol im (PGF; Schering-Plough Animal Health for Estrumate, Pointe-Claire, QC, Canadá) em um intervalo de onze dias e foram alocadas em dois grupos: Estradiol (grupo E, n = 11) e Estradiol-Progesterona (grupo EP, n = 11). Dez dias após a segunda injeção de PGF (Dia 0), elas receberam um implante intravaginal de progesterona com metade da concentração hormonal (Cue-Mate com apenas uma haste contendo 0,78 g de progesterona). Além disso, todas vacas receberam 1,5 mg im de BE dissolvido em óleo de canola e PGF im no Dia 0 do protocolo, em um delineamento em crossover no qual cada vaca recebeu ambos tratamentos. Vacas do grupo EP ainda receberam uma injeção de 100 mg im de progesterona (Sigma) em 2 mL de óleo de canola no Dia 0. No Dia 8, os dispositivos de progesterona foram removidos e todas as vacas receberam PGF im. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do pacote estatístico SAS 9.0. O FD presente no Dia 0 ovulou em 76% (16/21) das vacas do grupo E e em 28,6% (6/21) das vacas do grupo EP (P = 0,002). Após a remoção do dispositivo de progesterona, o diâmetro do folículo ovulatório não apresentou qualquer diferença entre os grupos (grupo E, 15,5 ± 0,43 mm; grupo EP, 15,8 ± 0,98 mm; P = 0,82). Esses folículos ovularam em 81,3 ± 3,1 h no grupo E e em 71,0 ± 6,1 h no grupo EP (P = 0,13). A conclusão obtida foi que o uso de progesterona injetável reduziu a proporção de vacas que ovularam o folículo dominante presente no ovário no início do protocolo à base de estradiol e progesterona. No entanto, entre os grupos não houve diferença no momento da ovulação após a remoção do dispositivo de progesterona.(AU)

Overexpression of CDC25C affects the cell cycle of ovarian granulosa cells from adult and young goats

Background: CDC25 is a dual-specificity phosphatase that was first identified in the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a cell cycle-defective mutant. Although CDC25 is involved in the cell cycle of ovarian granulosa cells, the CDC25 signaling pathway has not been clarified fully. To explore the role of CDC25C in the cell cycle of goat ovarian granulosa cells, a CDC25C-overexpressing vector, pCMV-HA-CDC25C, was constructed and transfected into granulosa cells from adult and young white goats from Jiangsu Nantong. RT-PCR was used to measure CDC25C, CDK1, and WEE1 gene expression levels, and flow cytometry was used to distinguish ovarian granulosa cells in different phases of the cell cycle. Progesterone and estradiol levels in transfected ovarian granulosa cells were also measured. Results: In adult goat follicular granulosa cells transfected with pCMV-HA-CDC25C, CDC25C expression increased significantly, which greatly increased the relative gene expression levels of both CDK1 and WEE1. Additionally, progesterone and estradiol levels were increased in goat follicular granulosa cells overexpressing CDC25C. And the cell cycle results showed that transfection of pCMV-HA-CDC25C leads to a higher proportion of cells in S phase compared to the no vector-transfected groups. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that the overexpression of CDC25C may increase the gene expression levels of both WEE1 and CDK1 in S phase and accelerate the transition of cells from G1 phase to S phase.

Although it induces synchronized ovulation, hCG reduces the fertility of Santa Ines ewes submitted to TAI / Embora induza a ovulação sincronizada, hCG reduz a fertilidade de ovelhas Santa Inês submetidas à IATF

The aim of this study was to evaluate hCG treatment on ovarian response and on pregnancy rate using a 9-day oestrus synchronization protocol in Santa Ines ewes. On a random oestrus cycle day, ewes received an intravaginal progesterone device (Primer-PR®, Tecnopec, Brazil). Nine days later (Day 9), 30µg of d-cloprostenol (Prolise®, Syntex, Argentina) and 250IU of eCG (Folligon®, Intervet, Brazil) were administered and the progesterone device was removed. This moment, the ewes were randomly assigned on two groups: Control Group and hCG Group. In the hCG Group, the ewes received 500IU of hCG (Vetecor®, Hertape-Calier, Spain) 24h after device removal. In the Control Group, the ewes did not receive any ovulation inductor. Control and hCG Groups ewes were inseminated 60h and 48h after device removal, respectively. There was no difference between the groups regarding the first ovulatory follicle diameter and the second ovulatory follicle. hCG Group ewes had shorter interval between device removal and ovulation (Control: 79.9±15.4h and hCG: 54.7±4.9h; P=0.001) and more synchronized ovulations. However, the treatment with hCG decreased the pregnancy rate after TAI (P=0,009). In conclusion, hCG administration improves ovulatory synchronisation, but causes a decrease in the pregnancy rate.(AU)

Avaliou-se o tratamento com hCG na resposta ovariana e na taxa de prenhez utilizando protocolo de sincronização do estro de nove dias em ovelhas Santa Inês. As ovelhas receberam um dispositivo intravaginal de progesterona em fase aleatória do ciclo (dia zero= D0). No momento da remoção do dispositivo (D9), as fêmeas receberam 30µg de d-cloprostenol (Prolise®, Syntex, Argentina) e 250UI de eCG (Folligon®, Intervet, Brasil). Nesse momento, as ovelhas foram aleatoriamente distribuídas em dois grupos de tratamento: controle sem indução de ovulação e tratamento com 500UI hCG para indução de ovulação. As ovelhas dos grupos controle e hCG foram inseminadas 60h e 48h após a remoção do dispositivo, respectivamente. Não houve diferença entre os grupos para o diâmetro do primeiro e do segundo folículo pré-ovulatório. As avelhas do grupo hCG apresentaram menor intervalo entre a remoção do dispositivo e a ovulação (grupo controle: 79.9±15.4h e grupo hCG: 54.7±4.9h; P=0.001) e maior sincronização das ovulações. No entanto, o tratamento com hCG diminuiu a taxa de prenhez após a IATF (P=0,009). Conclui-se que, apesar de a administração de hCG aumentar a sincronização da ovulação, reduz a taxa de prenhez.(AU)

Concentração sérica de progesterona, pH da vagina e morfometria corpórea de cervas gestantes (Cervus unicolor) em cativeiro / Serum concentration of progesterone, pH of the vagina and body morphometryof pregnant deer (Cervus unicolor)in captivity

The aim was to study pregnant cervus in captivity, to obtain body morphometric data, serum progesterone concentrations, and pH of the vagina. Females of cervus (Cervus unicolor), (n=8) between 2 and 3 years old were used in November during breeding season. After sedation, in one collection, the following was measured: body weight 54.50 ± 18.70kg, body length 1.21 ± 0.16m, height at withers 0.75 ± 0.08m, thoracic perimeter 0.84 ± 0.12m, and body mass index 97.32 ± 10.50kg / m2. After sedation, blood samples were collected to measure progesterone concentration by radioimmunoassay and the use of an indicator tape to obtain the pH of the vagina was performed eight times at four day intervals in the eight females, in a total of 64 samples for each exam. Data were analyzed, and significance was at 5%. There were no differences (P> 0.05) between measurements for serum progesterone concentrations and pH of the vagina. The correlations between body weight, progesterone, pH, and body mass index were not significant (P> 0.05). There was no significant oscillation of progesterone concentration and pH of the vagina in the pregnancy period studied.

Concentração sérica de progesterona, pH da vagina e morfometria corpórea de cervas gestantes (Cervus unicolor) em cativeiro / Serum concentration of progesterone, pH of the vagina and body morphometryof pregnant deer (Cervus unicolor)in captivity

The aim was to study pregnant cervus in captivity, to obtain body morphometric data, serum progesterone concentrations, and pH of the vagina. Females of cervus (Cervus unicolor), (n=8) between 2 and 3 years old were used in November during breeding season. After sedation, in one collection, the following was measured: body weight 54.50 ± 18.70kg, body length 1.21 ± 0.16m, height at withers 0.75 ± 0.08m, thoracic perimeter 0.84 ± 0.12m, and body mass index 97.32 ± 10.50kg / m2. After sedation, blood samples were collected to measure progesterone concentration by radioimmunoassay and the use of an indicator tape to obtain the pH of the vagina was performed eight times at four day intervals in the eight females, in a total of 64 samples for each exam. Data were analyzed, and significance was at 5%. There were no differences (P> 0.05) between measurements for serum progesterone concentrations and pH of the vagina. The correlations between body weight, progesterone, pH, and body mass index were not significant (P> 0.05). There was no significant oscillation of progesterone concentration and pH of the vagina in the pregnancy period studied.(AU)

Protocolo com nove dias de progesterona para inseminação artificial em tempo fixo em vacas taurinas adaptadas ao clima tropical / Protocol with nine days of progesterone for fixed-time artificial insemination in Bos taurus cows adapted to the tropical weather

Três experimentos foram realizados para adaptar um protocolo de sincronização de estro e da ovulação para ser utilizado em programas de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) em vacas taurinas tropicalmente adaptadas. No Exp. 1 (crossover), vacas pluríparas Curraleiro Pé-Duro (n= 12) receberam um dispositivo intravaginal contendo 1g de P4 por oito dias e 2mg de BE intramuscular (IM) no momento da inserção do dispositivo (dia 0). No dia da remoção do dispositivo (dia 8), as fêmeas receberam 150µg de D-cloprostenol sódico e 300UI de gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) IM, sendo, então, divididas aleatoriamente para receber 1mg de BE no dia 8 (BE8) ou 1mg de BE no dia 9 (BE9). A aplicação de BE no D9 atrasou a ovulação em aproximadamente 15 horas (P<0,05). No Experimento 2, foram avaliados protocolos com oito (P4D8) e nove dias (P4D9) de exposição à progesterona, resultando em parâmetros de desenvolvimento folicular e luteal semelhantes entre os tratamentos (P>0,05). No Experimento 3, os protocolos hormonais de IATF BE8 e P4D9 foram testados para a taxa de prenhez, alcançando 23% (10/43) e 20% (9/45), respectivamente (P>0,05). Embora o grupo P4D9 tenha mostrado avanço na proporção de animais que responderam ao protocolo quando comparado ao protocolo BE8, este não se refletiu em melhora na taxa de prenhez.(AU)

Three experiments were performed to adapt a synchronization protocol of estrus synchronization and ovulation to be used in fixed time artificial insemination programs (FTAI) in tropically adapted Bos taurus cows. In Exp. 1 (crossover) multiparous Curraleiro Pé-Duro cows (n= 12) received an intravaginal device containing 1g of P4 for 8 days and 2mg of EB at the time of device insertion (Day 0). On the P4 device removal (Day 8) females received 150g of D-cloprostenol Sodic and 300IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Then, they were randomly divided to receive 1mg of EB on Day 8 (EB8) or on Day 9 (EB9). EB9 delayed ovulation approximately 15 hours (P<0.05). In Exp. 2, protocols using progesterone for eight (P4D8) or nine days (P4D9) were evaluated, resulting in similar parameters of folicular and luteal development (P>0.05). In Exp. 3, EB8 and P4D9 protocols were used to evaluate the pregnancy rate, reaching 23% (10/43) and 20% (9/45), respectively (P>0.05). Although P4D9 protocol has shown improvement in proportion of animals that responded to the protocol when compared to EB8 protocol, it was not able to improve pregnancy rate.(AU)

Ovarian follicular dynamic and plasma progesterone concentration in Alpine goats on the breeding season / Dinâmica folicular ovariana e concentração plasmática de progesterona em cabras Alpinas durante a estação reprodutiva

Os objetivos deste estudo foram relatar a dinâmica folicular ovariana e a concentração plasmática de progesterona durante ciclos estrais de duração irregular em cabras da raça Alpina. Vinte e nove cabras tiveram sua atividade ovariana monitorada diariamente por ultrassonografia transretal durante um, dois ou três períodos interovulatórios consecutivos. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para análise da concentração plasmática de progesterona. Dos 47 ciclos avaliados, 28 (59,57%) foram de duração normal (17 a 25 dias), sete (14,89%) de curta duração (<17 dias) e 12 (25,53%) de longa duração (>25 dias). Os ciclos estrais de curta duração tiveram 6,14±0,69 dias e uma onda folicular que emergiu no dia 0,43±1,13. Os ciclos estrais de longa duração tiveram entre 26 e 79 dias, com duas a nove ondas foliculares. Os ciclos estrais de curta duração ocorreram durante a estação reprodutiva e foram associados à regressão prematura do corpo lúteo (CL). Os ciclos estrais de longa duração ocorreram na transição entre o anestro e a estação reprodutiva e foram associados principalmente à persistência do CL ou à fase folicular prolongada.(AU)

Cloprostenol administration in the first week postpartum reduces expression of oxytocin receptors in the endometrium in Holstein-Zebu cows / Administração de cloprostenol na primeira semana pós-parto pode reduzir a expressão de receptores de ocitocina no endométrio de vacas mestiças Holandês-Zebu

The present study investigated the hormonal profile and expression of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), oxytocin and estrogen receptors in uterine tissues of postpartum cows treated with cloprostenol. Twenty Holstein-Zebu crossbred cows were treated with saline solution (treatment CONT) or cloprostenol (treatment CLO), both administered two and five days postpartum. Blood samples were collected on days two, seven, 14, 21 and 28 postpartum for progesterone, PGF2α metabolite (PGFM) and estradiol determination, and endometrial biopsy was performed in order to quantify the expression of oxytocin receptor (OXTR), prostaglandin F receptor (PTGFR) and estrogen receptor 1 (ERS1) genes. In the CLO treatment, expression of OXTR was reduced (P<0.05) but no difference (P>0.05) between treatments was found for PTGFR and ERS1 expression. Estrogen concentrations increased progressively until day 14 (P<0.05) and the highest OXTR expression and lowest PTGFR expression were observed on day 14 (P<0.05) in both treatments. Serum PGFM concentrations were high throughout the experiment. In conclusion, cloprostenol administration at days two and five of postpartum seems to reduce OXTR expression in the endometrium in crossbred cows.(AU)

O presente estudo avaliou o perfil hormonal e a expressão gênica de receptores de prostaglandina F2α (PGF2α), ocitocina e estrógeno no endométrio de vacas pós-parto tratadas com cloprostenol. Vinte vacas mestiças Holandês-Zebu foram tratadas com solução salina (tratamento CONT, n = 10) ou cloprostenol (tratamento CLO, n = 10), ambos administrados dois e cinco dias após o parto. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos dias dois, sete, 14, 21 e 28 pós-parto para mensuração de progesterona, de metabólito de PGF2α (PGFM) e de estradiol, e foram obtidas biópsias endometriais para quantificar a expressão de PTGFR, OXTR e ESR1. No tratamento CLO, a expressão gênica de receptores de ocitocina foi menor (P<0,05). As concentrações de estrógeno aumentaram progressivamente até o dia 14 (P<0,05). A maior expressão de OXTR foi observada no dia 14 (P<0,05). A expressão de ESR1 foi semelhante entre os tratamentos (P>0,05). Os níveis de PGFM foram altos durante todo o estudo. Conclui-se que a administração de cloprostenol nos dias dois e cinco pós-parto parece diminuir a expressão de OXTR no endométrio em vacas mestiças.(AU)

Supervivencia a 5 años de pacientes con cáncer de mama triple negativo / 5-year survival of patients with triple negative breast cancer

ResumenEl presente estudio es un análisis de la supervivencia de pacientes con cáncer de mama triple negativos durante un lapso de 5 años, del 2006 al 2012, en el Hospital San Juan de Dios, San José, Costa Rica. El cáncer de mama es una enfermedad heterogénea, es la principal causa de muerte en las mujeres costarricenses. El cáncer de mama se puede clasificar de acuerdo a la expresión de receptores hormonales (estrógeno, progesterona) y HER-2, determinados mediante técnicas inmunohistoquímicas. A los carcinomas que resultan negativos para estas pruebas se les denomina: carcinomas triple negativos. En el presente estudio, el 18% (I.C. 95% 12.79-23.4) de los carcinomas de mama fueron tumores triple negativos, el cual representa las características histológicas más agresivas, de mal pronóstico, pacientes más jóvenes y con una supervivencia más corta que en otros tipos de tumores de mama. La supervivencia global, del presente estudio, para los pacientes con cáncer de mama triple negativos fue de 75.4%(IC95%53.0-88.2). La supervivencia a 5 años de las pacientes con este tipo de tumores fue a los 60 meses de 96.0% (IC 95% 74.8-99.4) en estadio I, de 82.6% (IC 95% 69.3-90.6) para las pacientes con estadio II y un 87.5% (IC 95% 70.1-95.1) para las pacientes con estadio III. Solo dos pacientes contaron con estadio IV las cuales no alcanzaron una sobrevida a los 60 meses.

AbstractThis study is a 5 year survival analysis in breast cancer triple negative patients, from 2006 to 2012, at the San Juan de Dios Hospital, San José, Costa Rica. Breast cancer is a heterogeneous pathology and it's the main death cause in Costa Rican women. Breast cancer can be classified according to the expression of hormonal receptor (estrogen, progesterone) and HER-2, determined with immunohistochemical techniques. Breast carcinomas that result negative for these results are denominated triple negative carcinomas. Results show that 18% of the studied population (I.C. 95% 12.79-23.4) of breast carcinomas were triple negative, these represent more aggressive histological characteristics, worst prognosis, younger patients and a smaller survival rate compared to other types of breast carcinomas. Five year survival with this type of tumor was 60 months in 96.0% (IC 95% 74.8-99.4), 82.6% (IC 95% 69.3-90.6) for patients at stage II, and 87.5% (IC 95% 70.1-95.1) in patients at stage III. Only two patients had stage IV and didn't reach a 60-month survival.

Influência da condição corporal ao parto no balanço energético e desempenho reprodutivo de cabras leiteiras no pós-parto / Influence of body condition at calving on energy balance and reproductive performance of dairy goats in the postpartum

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da condição corporal (CC) ao parto no balanço energético (BE) e o desempenho reprodutivo de cabras Alpinas no pós-parto. Foram utilizadas 68 cabras distribuídas em três grupos (G), sendo: G1- cabras com baixa CC (CC entre 1,5 e 2,5); G2: cabras com moderada CC (entre 2,75 e 3,5) e G3: cabras com alta CC (entre 3,75 e 5,0). Os animais receberam dieta (silagem de milho e concentrado, com 18% de proteína bruta e 1,7Mcal/kg de matéria seca de energia líquida) ad libitum. As avaliações foram feitas nas oito primeiras semanas de lactação, para determinação do BE, do intervalo do parto à primeira ovulação e ao primeiro estro e da concentração plasmática de progesterona. Os dados foram analisados por análise de variância a 5% de probabilidade. Não houve efeito da CC ao parto sobre o BE dos animais. Todas as cabras apresentaram BE negativo ao parto, com mudança para BE positivo aos 51, 58 e 64 dias pós-parto, respectivamente. Não houve diferença na concentração plasmática de progesterona nos três grupos, sendo caracterizada função luteal (concentração ≥1ng/dL) em apenas 5,9% dos animais avaliados. O intervalo do parto à primeira ovulação foi de 46 dias. Apenas 4,4% das cabras exibiram estro. Cabras leiteiras de média produção, entre 2,5 e 3,0kg de leite/dia, entram em BE negativo ao parto, independentemente da CC apresentada, influenciando negativamente o reinício da atividade ovariana no pós-parto.(AU)

The concentration of progesterone in the blood was used to study the effect of body condition score (BCS) on the post-partum ovarian activity of dairy goats. Sixty-eight female goats were distributed between three treatments. Treatment 1: goats with BCS between 1.00 and 2.75; Treatment 2: goats with BCS between 2.75 and 3.50; and Treatment 3: goats with BCS between 3.50 and 5.00. The goats had the blood collected immediately after birth, and from that time up to the eighth week post-partum at three day intervals. The progesterone analysis on the blood was used to determine the interval between the birth and the first ovulation. The females were teasing two times per day for estrus detection and determination of the time interval from birth to first estrus. No significant difference was found on the progesterone concentration between treatments. The luteal functionality was characterized in only 5.9% of goats, with a concentration higher than 1ng/mL. The period from birth to first ovulation was 46 days. The detectable estrus was found in only 4.4% of goats. The BCS at birth did not influence the recovery of ovarian activity of dairy goats.(AU)

Imunofenotipagem dos linfócitos positivos para indoleamina 2, 3 dioxigenase (IDO) em cultura de células de placenta bovina / Phenotyping of the indoleamine 2, 3 dioxygenase (IDO) positive lymphocytes in bovine placental cell culture

A gestação é um estado fisiológico que exige adaptações imunológicas para que transcorra normalmente. Nesse período a mãe e o feto apresentam uma relação imunológica, ou seja, a interface materno fetal. A enzima indoleamina 2,3 dioxigenase (IDO) desempenha um papel importante na tolerância materno fetal, por ser responsável pela metabolização do triptofano, impedindo por diversas vias a proliferação principalmente de linfócitos TCD8. Diversos tipos celulares estão presentes na interface materno fetal e vários deles podem expressar a IDO. Os leucócitos com perfil Th1 produzem uma citocina conhecida: o interferon γ que estimula a expressão da IDO em vários tipos celulares. Os linfócitos são divididos em subpopulações de acordo com sua função e fenótipo. Seus tipos incluem linfócitos T, linfócitos B e as células natural killer (NK). Hormônios também atuam nesse processo a progesterona que exerce função determinante sobre a resposta imunológica materna podendo alterar o prognóstico gestacional e o estrógeno essencial para a tolerância materno fetal e manutenção da prenhez. Dessa maneira este trabalho tem por objetivo principal identificar os linfócitos presentes na placenta bovina em cultivo que expressam IDO (linfócitos T, linfócitos B e células NK), frente a estimulação por progesterona, estrógeno e interferon γ nas diversas fases gestacionais utilizando a citometria de fluxo. Segundo os resultados no período de 67,5 a 77, 5 dias com a adição de interferon γ a expressão da enzima IDO aumentou discretamente nos linfócitos TCD3, TCD4, e diferente dos linfócitos T CD8 apresentaram uma elevada expressão da enzima (4,48 ± 2,12 - 8,65± 4,91)....

Pregnancy is a physiological state that requires immune adaptation in order to be successfully carried on. During this period, mother and fetus establish an immune tolerance status at the maternal fetal interface. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) plays an important role in maternal-fetal tolerance by metabolizing tryptophan, impairs by several pathways, mainly T CD8 cells proliferation. Several cell types are present in the maternal fetal interface and several of them can express IDO. Leucocytes with Th1 produce a cytokine known as interferon γ that stimulates the expression of IDO in several cell types. Lymphocytes are divided into sub-populations according to their function and phenotype: T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and natural killer cells (NK). Hormones also involved in this process where progesterone exerts decisive role on maternal immune response that may change gestational outcome and estrogen is essential for fetal maternal tolerance and maintenance of pregnancy. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify lymphocytes in the bovine placental cell culture that are sensitive to progesterone, estrogen and interferon γ, IDO expression in various gestational stages using flow cytometry. According to the results in the gestational period from 67.5 to 77.5 days with the addition of interferon γ expression IDO was slightly increased in TCD3 lymphocytes, CD4, and differently from the other T cells CD8 displayed an higher expression of the enzyme (4.48±2.12 to 8.65±4.91)...

Cribado de parto prematuro con progesterona salival / Screening of premature labor with salivary progesterone

Preterm birth is the most frequent cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially before 34 weeks. Current screening methods include medical history of preterm delivery and ultrasound assessment of cervix length during the second trimester of pregnancy, which give a detection rate of approximately 65 percent with a false positive rate of 10 percent. Vaginal progesterone therapy has proved to reduce the risk of early preterm delivery by 50 percent in patient under risk. This might suggest that preterm pregnancies have lower levels of progesterone compared to term pregnancies. Although, the prediction of prematurity using biomarkers, including plasma progesterone, has been researched for several years, none of them have proved to be associated with preterm delivery. However, measuring salivary progesterone has already been suggested to be a potential biomarker associated with prematurity in pregnancies at high risk of preterm delivery. Saliva is a fluid that reflects only the free fraction of the biologically active steroidal hormone, and thus is more representative measure than the total plasma progesterone, which is the one usually measured in laboratories. For these reasons, the aim of our study is to evaluate whether the assessment of salivary progesterone can be used as a screening test for prediction of preterm delivery less than 34 weeks in pregnant women who attended at our Fetal Medicine Unit at 11-14 and 20-25 weeks of gestation.

Fatores anatomofisiologicos que afetam a qualidade oocitária em bovinos / Anatomophysiologic factors affecting oocyte quality in cattle

Para estudar os fatores anatomofisiológicos que interferem na qualidade de complexos cumulus-oócitos (CCOs) bovinos, foram obtidas 396 ovários após abate de 198 fêmeas Bos indicus em frigorífico. Os ovários foram separados por categorias, sendo distribuídos em nulípara vs multípara e com progesterona (P4 - presença de corpo lúteo em um dos ovários) vs sem progesterona (NP4 - ausência de corpo lúteo). Todos os folículos foram mensurados e categorizados em pequenos (<6mm), médios (6 a 9mm) ou grandes (>9mm). Em seguida todos os folículos foram puncionados e os CCOs recuperados e avaliados morfologicamente. Não houve diferença na taxa de recuperação nem na qualidade dos CCOs de fêmeas nulíparas vs multíparas. O percentual de CCOs desnudos/degenerados foi maior no grupo NP4 e os CCOs expandidos foram superiores no grupo P4. A taxa de recuperação e o percentual de CCOs selecionados para PIV (graus I e II) foram similares nos grupos P4 vs NP4. Folículos pequenos apresentam menor taxa de recuperação em comparação aos de tamanho médio e grande, porém o percentual de CCOs de grau I foi superior em folículos pequenos e médios. Diante dos resultados aqui encontrados conclui-se que a categoria da doadora e a progesterona não influenciaram a qualidade de CCOs selecionados para PIV e que folículos menores apresentam de CCOs de melhor qualidade.(AU)

To study the anatomical and physiological factors that affect the bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) quality, were examined 396 ovaries obtained after slaughter of 198 Bos indicus females. Ovaries were categorized in nulliparous vs multiparous and progesterone (P4 - a corpus luteum at least one ovary) vs without progesterone (NP4 - absence of corpus luteum). All follicles were measured and categorized into small (<6mm), medium (6 to 9mm) or large (>9mm). Then all follicles were punctured and COCs recovered and assessed morphologically. There was no difference in COCs recovery rate or quality from nulliparous vs multiparous females. The rate of denuded or degenerated oocytes was higher in NP4 and expanded COCs were higher in P4. The COCs recovery and grades I and II rates were similar in P4 vs NP4 groups. Small follicles have lower COCs recovery rate than medium or large follicles, but the grade I oocytes rates was higher in small and medium follicles. In conclusion, the category of donor female and progesterone did not affect the quality of COCs selected for PIV and smaller follicles present best quality of COCs.(AU)

Efeito da dexametasona e melatonina exógenas sobre parâmetros sanguíneos, progesterona, carboidratos totais e histomorfometria de órgãos em ratas prenhes / The effect of dexamethasone and exogenous melatonin on blood parameters, progesterone, total carbo hydrates and histomorphometry of organs in pregnant rats

A dexametasona é utilizada em casos de gestação com risco de prematuridade; porém, doses suprafisiológicas podem afetar a embriogênese. A melatonina tem demonstrado prevenir efeitos deletérios dos glicocorticoides. Assim, avaliamos a influência da melatonina sobre efeitos da dexametasona em ratas prenhes através dos seguintes parâmetros: 1. Hemograma e perfil glicídico; 2. Níveis de progesterona; e 3. Histomorfometria e histoquímica. Foram utilizadas 20 ratas divididas nos grupos: I - ratas prenhes que receberam placebo (Controle); II - ratas prenhes tratadas com dexametasona (0,8mg/kg); III - ratas prenhes tratadas com melatonina (0,5mg/kg); IV - ratas prenhes tratadas com dexametasona e melatonina. Todos os tratamentos foram iniciados 10 dias após confirmação do acasalamento até o final da prenhez. O sangue foi coletado no 7º, 14º e 21º dia de prenhez. As dosagens de carboidratos e progesterona foram realizadas pelo método antrona e ELISA, respectivamente. O fígado, rins e adrenais foram analisados histoquímica e morfometricamente. No 7º dia de prenhez, não houve alteração significativa nos parâmetros analisados. Porém, no 14º dia de prenhez, houve aumento significativo do volume de hematócrito, redução do número total de hemácias e leucócitos, neutrofilia, linfopenia, eosinopenia e redução do diâmetro das hemácias nas matrizes tratadas com dexametasona. Esses efeitos permaneceram no 21º dia de prenhez, exceto para o hematócrito, o qual reduziu. Verificou-se ainda redução significativa dos níveis de glicose (21º dia de prenhez) e progesterona (14º e 21º dia de prenhez). Não houve alteração nos parâmetros morfométricos e histoquímico no fígado, rins e adrenais. A dexametasona na dosagem de 0,8mg/kg, administrada a partir do terço médio da prenhez, produz alterações hematológicas, bioquímicas e hormonais em ratas, sendo prevenidas pela melatonina; porém não afeta o fígado, rins e adrenais quanto aos parâmetros morfométricos e histoquímicos.

Dexamethasone is used in cases of pregnancy with prematurity risk. However, it may affect the embryogenesis when used in supraphysiological doses. Melatonin has been shown to prevent the deleterious effects of glucocorticoids. Therefore, the influence of melatonin on the effects of dexamethasone on pregnant rats was evaluated through the following parameters: 1. Hemogram and glucose profile; 2. Progesterone levels; 3. Histomorphometry and histochemistry analyses. Twenty female rats were divided into the following groups: I - rats that received placebo (Control); II - rats treated with dexamethasone (0.8mg/kg); III - rats treated with melatonin (0.5mg/kg); IV - rats treated with dexamethasone and melatonin. All treatments started 10 days after confirmation of mating and lasted until the end of the pregnancy. Blood samples were collected on the 7th, 14th, and 21st day. Carbohydrate and progesterone levels were determined with the antrona and ELISA method, respectively. The liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands were analyzed morphometrically and histochemically. On the 7th day of pregnancy there were no significant changes in the parameters analyzed. However, at 14 days of pregnancy there was a significant increase of hematocrit, reducing the total number of erythrocytes and leukocytes, neutrophilia, lymphopenia, eosinopenia and reduced diameter of red blood cells in rats treated with dexamethasone. These effects remained on the 21st of day of pregnancy, except for the hematocrit, which was reduced. There was also a significant reduction in glucose levels (21st day) and progesterone (14th and 21st days). There was no change in the histochemical and morphometric parameters in the liver, kidneys and adrenals. Dexamethasone at a dosage of 0.8mg/kg administered from the middle third of pregnancy produces hematological, biochemical and hormonal changes in rats, being prevented by melatonin, but does not affect the liver...

Hormonas esteroideas foliculares y su relación con los resultados globales del ciclo de estimulación ovárica / Follicular steroid hormones and their relationship to the overall results of ovarian stimulation cycle

Objetivo: Relacionar los niveles de hormonas esteroideas foliculares con el ciclo de estimulación ovárica y sus resultados globales. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes < 38 años, con esterilidad de causa masculina, tubárica o desconocida, que recibieron un protocolo largo con agonistas de GnRH y rFSH. Se recogieron las muestras de la primera y segunda aspiración folicular de cada ovario y se realizó un quimioinmunoanálisis de estradiol, progesterona, testosterona y DHEAS. Resultados: Se obtuvieron cifras menores de DHEAS folicular en las pacientes con más días de frenado con agonistas de GnRH (p=0,0003). Cuantos más días de rFSH administrados, mayores fueron los niveles de testosterona y DHEAS folicular (p=0,03; p=0,03). En los resultados globales del ciclo, se obtuvo una correlación negativa entre las cifras de testosterona folicular y el número de complejos puncionados (r= -0,360; p=0,002) y entre la testosterona folicular y el número de embriones de calidad D (r= -0,233; p=0,047). El número de ovocitos maduros fue menor en pacientes con mayores niveles de testosterona folicular (p=0,008). La progesterona folicular fue superior en ovocitos de buena calidad frente a los de calidad no destacable (p=0,006) y muy mala calidad (p=0,04). Conclusiones: Las cifras altas de testosterona folicular se correlacionaron con menor número de complejos puncionados, ovocitos maduros y embriones de calidad D. La buena calidad ovocitaria se asoció a niveles de progesterona folicular superiores.

Objective: To relate the levels of follicular steroid hormones with the ovarian stimulation cycle and its overall results. Method: It was included patients < 38 years old with sterility of male, tubaric or unknown origin who underwent a long protocol with GnRH agonists and rFSH. Samples were obtained from the first and second follicular aspiration of each ovary. A chemiluminescent immunoassay of estradiol, progesterone, testosterone and DHEAS was performed. Results: Figures of follicular DHEAS decreased as the days of treatment with GnRH agonists increased (p=0.0003) and levels of follicular testosterone and DHEAS increased along with the days of treatment with rFSH (p=0.03, p=0.03). In regard to the outcomes of the overall cycle it was found a negative correlation between follicular testosterone levels and the number of punctured complexes (r= -0.360; p=0.002) and between follicular testosterone and the number of D quality embryos (r= -0.233; p=0.047). The number of mature oocytes was lower in patients with higher levels of follicular testosterone (p=0.008). Follicular progesterone was higher in good quality oocytes as compared to those of no remarkable quality (p=0.006) and very poor quality (p=0.04). Conclusions: High levels of follicular testosterone were correlated with a fewer number of punctured complexes, mature oocytes and D quality embryos. Good oocyte quality was associated with higher follicular progesterone levels.

Niveles séricos de la progesterona en las gestantes con amenaza de aborto espontáneo y embarazo normal en el Centro Médico Naval CMST / Serum levels of progesterone levels in pregnant women with threatened spontaneous abortion and normal pregnancy at the Medical Center Naval CMST

INTRODUCCION: La progesterona es el principal esteroide secretado por el cuerpo lútea y es vital para el desarrollo de la gestación. Hasta la fecha, en muchas instituciones como el Centro Médico Naval, dan progesterona a toda mujer con amenaza de aborto, sin previa justificación de niveles bajos de progesterona, tampoco existen estudios locales publicados que docén progesterona en la amenaza de aborto espontáneo comparándolo con las que llevan un embarazo normal. MATERIAL y METODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal-analítico, comparativo en base a la ficha de datos clínicos y de laboratorio de un grupo de gestantes con el diagnóstico clínico de Amenaza de aborto y otro grupo con el diagnóstico de Embarazo normal, atendidas en los servicios de emergencia y consultorios externos del Centro Médico Naval "CMST", con una gestación entre 5 a 13 semanas corroborada por ecografía transvaginal, durante el periodo comprendido entre agosto del 2012 y marzo del 2013. Se seleccionaron los datos de edad, paridad, número de abortos anteriores, progesterona sérica, nivel de hormona gonadotrofina coriónica sub unidad Beta (Beta hCG), y además en el grupo de gestantes con amenaza de aborto se tomó las variables de sangrado por vía vaginal y dolor pélvico. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo comprendido entre agosto de 2012 a marzo de 2013 se lograron obtener 152 registros válidos para nuestro análisis en ambos grupos; de los cuales 80 (52.6 por ciento) correspondían a gestantes con Amenaza de aborto y 72 (47.4 por ciento) con embarazo Normal. La edad promedio de nuestra población fue 28.3 años, el promedio de la semana de gestación fue 7.6 semanas, el promedio del nivel sérico de progesterona fue 22.9 ng/ml (17.68 y 28.6 ng/ml, del grupo con Amenaza de aborto y embarazo Normal respectivamente). Los porcentajes de niveles séricos de progesterona: <14, entre 14 y 25 y >=25 ng/mI, fueron 42.5 por ciento, 37.5 por ciento y 20 por ciento en las gestantes con amenaza de aborto...

INTRODUCTION: Progesterone is the principal steroid secreted by the corpus luteum and is vital for the development of pregnancy. To date, in many institutions such as the Naval Medical Center, give progesterone to women with threatened abortion, without justification of low progesterone levels, there are no published local studies that measure progesterone in threatened spontaneous abortion compared with that has a normal pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study - analytical, comparative profile based on clinical data and laboratory of a group of pregnant women with the clinical diagnosis of threatened abortion and another group with the diagnosis of normal pregnancy, treated in the emergency services and outpatient Naval Medical Center "CMST" with a gestation from 5 to 13 weeks confirmed by transvaginal ultrasound during the period between August 2012 and March 2013. We selected data on age, parity, number of previous abortions, progesterone serum level of human chorionic gonadotropin Beta subunit (hCG Beta), and also in the group of pregnant women with threatened abortion variables took vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. RESULTS: During the period from August 2012 to March 2013 were achieved for 152 valid records for our analysis in both groups, of which 80 (52.6 per cent) were pregnant women with threatened abortion and 72 (47.4 per cent) with Pregnancy Normal. The average age of our population was 28.3 years, the average week of gestation was 7.6 weeks, the mean serum progesterone IeveI was 22.9 ng/mI (17.68 and 28.6 ng/mI, the group threatened abortion and pregnancy Normal respectively). The percentages of serum progesterone IeveIs: <14, 14 to 25 and >=25 ng/mI were 42.5 per cent, 37.5 per cent and 20 per cent in pregnant women with threatened abortion, respectiveIy. In pregnant women with normal pregnancy values were 2.8 per cent, 52.8 per cent and 44.4 per cent, respectively. The percentages of progesterone serum IeveIs...

Heat identification by 17beta-estradiol and progesterone quantification in individual raw milk samples by enzyme immunoassay

Background: There is a substantial decline in first-service-pregnancy-rate in dairy cows. In this regard, future prospects are to measure milk hormones on-farm and progesterone levels in milk are not enough to precise ovulation unless connected to other data. The objectives of this study were to investigate whether 17beta-estradiol could be measured from individual cow milk samples using a commercially available non-radiolabelled enzyme immunoassay kit (EIA) with no previously reported milk application, and whether those detections could precisely illustrate 17beta-estradiol pre-ovulation peak in spite of its limited concentration and short manifestation in milk. Results: Milk sample treatments for progesterone and 17beta-estradiol EIA measurements are described. Hormonal profiles from daily milk samples of six different cows were reported and 17beta-estradiol pre-ovulation peak was visualized in all cases. Heat detection was possible by EIA using one every 2 days milking samples in almost all studied cases. Only in one case, morning and afternoon milking samples were required to visualize the 17beta-estradiol pre-ovulation peak. Conclusions: 17beta-estradiol EIA quantification in raw milk is a reliable, rapid, economic and a precise method to describe cow heat along with EIA progesterone determination.

Concentração dos hormônios esteroides no fluido folicular de folículos ovarianos maduros e imaturos de pacientes com síndrome dos ovários policísticos submetidas à fertilização in vitro / Concentration of steroid hormones in the follicular fluid of mature and immature ovarian follicles of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome submitted to in vitro fertilization

OBJETIVO: avaliar a concentração dos hormônios esteroides no fluido folicular (FF) de folículos pequenos (10-14 mm) e grandes (> 18 mm) de mulheres com síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) submetidas à hiperestimulação ovariana controlada (HOC) e ciclos de fertilização in vitro (FIV). MÉTODOS: estudo caso-controle foi conduzido em 13 mulheres inférteis com SOP (17 ciclos) e 31 mulheres inférteis por fator masculino - Grupo Controle (31 ciclos). Os FF foram aspirados individualmente e dividos em 4 grupos: G1 (FF pequeno do Grupo Controle), G2 (FF pequeno do grupo SOP), G3 (FF grande do Grupo Controle) e G4 (FF grande do grupo SOP). A metodologia utilizada para as dosagens de estradiol, progesterona e β-hCG foi a quimioluminescência, e de testosterona e androstenediona o radioimunoensaio. Para a análise das dosagens hormonais no FF entre os grupos SOP e Controle utilizou-se o teste t não-pareado, e para a comparação entre os quatro grupos, o ANOVA. Para a taxa de gravidez, foi utilizado o teste exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: os folículos pequenos dos dois grupos tiveram valores menores de progesterona (8.435±3.305 ng/mL) comparados aos grandes (10.280±3.475 ng/mL), com valor de p<0,01. Os níveis de progesterona de todos os folículos do grupo SOP (8.095±4.151 ng/mL) foram inferiores ao Controle (9.824±3.128 ng/mL), com valor de p=0,03. Os níveis de testosterona diferiram entre G1 (326,6±124,4 ng/dL) e G3 (205,8±98,91 ng/dL), com valor de p<0,001, e entre G3 (205,8±98,91 ng/dL) e G4 (351,10±122,1 ng/dL), com valor de p<0,001. Os folículos pequenos (508,9±266 ng/dL) apresentaram valores superiores de testosterona comparados aos grandes (245,10±123 ng/dL), com valor de p<0,0001. As taxas de gravidez não diferiram entre os grupos SOP (5/13, 38,5 por cento) e Controle (9/31, 40,9 por cento), com valor de p=072. CONCLUSÕES: mulheres com SOP apresentam altas concentrações de testosterona no FF, independentemente do estágio de desenvolvimento folicular, e níveis de progesterona diminuídos, sugerindo que fatores parácrinos podem inibir sua secreção pelas células foliculares. As taxas de gravidez mostraram que o tratamento de HOC e FIV é uma boa opção para mulheres com infertilidade secundária à SOP.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the concentration of steroid hormones in follicular fluid (FF) of small (10-14 mm) and large (> 18 mm) follicles of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) submitted to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. METHODS: a case-control study was conducted on 13 infertile women with PCOS (17 cycles) and 31 infertile women due to male factor - Control Group (31 cycles). FF was aspirated individually and divided into four groups: G1 (FF of small follicles of the Control Group), G2 (FF of small follicles of the PCOS group), G3 (FF of large follicles of the Control Group) and G4 (FF of large follicles of the PCOS group). Estrogen, progesterone and β-hCG were determined by chemiluminescence, and testosterone and androstenedione by radioimmunoassay. The unpaired t-test was used to compare the hormone determinations in the FF of the PCOS and Control Groups, and the four groups were compared by ANOVA. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the pregnancy rates. RESULTS: the small follicles of the two groups had lower progesterone levels (8,435±3,305 ng/mL) than large follicles (10,280±3,475 ng/mL), p-value <0.01. The progesterone levels of all follicles of group PCOS (8,095±4,151 ng/mL) were lower than Control (9,824±3,128 ng/mL), p-value =0.03. Testosterone differed between G1 (326.6±124.4 ng/dL) and G3 (205.8±98.91 ng/dL), p-value <0.001, and between G3 (205.8±98.91 ng/dL) and G4 (351.10±122.1ng/dL), p-value <0.001. Small follicles had higher testosterone levels (508.9±266 ng/dL) than large follicles (245.10±123 ng/dL), p-value <0.0001. The pregnancy rates did not differ between the PCOS (5/13, 38.5 percent) and the Control groups (9/31, 40.9 percent), p-value =072. CONCLUSIONS: women with PCOS had high testosterone concentrations in the FF, regardless of the stage of follicle development, and reduced progesterone levels, suggesting that paracrine factors may inhibit the secretion of the latter by follicular cells. The pregnancy rates showed that treatment with COH and IVF is a good option for women with infertility secondary to PCOS.