Integrating behavioural thermoregulatory strategy into the animal personality framework using the common lizard, Zootoca vivipara as a model.

The study of consistent between-individual behavioural variation in single (animal personality) and across two or more behavioural traits (behavioural syndrome) is a central topic of behavioural ecology. Besides behavioural type (individual mean behaviour), behavioural predictability (environment-independent within-individual behavioural variation) is now also seen as an important component of individual behavioural strategy. Research focus is still on the 'Big Five' traits (activity, exploration, risk-taking, sociability and aggression), but another prime candidate to integrate to the personality framework is behavioural thermoregulation in small-bodied poikilotherms. Here, we found animal personality in thermoregulatory strategy (selected body temperature, voluntary thermal maximum, setpoint range) and 'classic' behavioural traits (activity, sheltering, risk-taking) in common lizards (Zootoca vivipara). Individual state did not explain the between-individual variation. There was a positive behavioural type-behavioural predictability correlation in selected body temperature. Besides an activity-risk-taking syndrome, we also found a risk-taking-selected body temperature syndrome. Our results suggest that animal personality and behavioural syndrome are present in common lizards, both including thermoregulatory and 'classic' behavioural traits, and selecting high body temperature with high predictability is part of the risk-prone behavioural strategy. We propose that thermoregulatory behaviour should be considered with equal weight to the 'classic' traits in animal personality studies of poikilotherms employing active behavioural thermoregulation.

Mechanisms and Target Parameters in Relation to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Physical Exercise: Focus on the Master Triad of Hormonal Changes, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among females of reproductive age with heterogeneous prevalence. It is well known that female reproductive competence depends on the dynamic regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis; therefore, disruption of this highly regulated system leads to fertility problems. Among disruptors, both oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to an increased LH-FSH ratio and a consequent hyperandrogenism. Shifts in this bidirectional interplay between the neuroendocrine system and oxidative/inflammatory homeostasis result in the accumulation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and inflammatory markers as well as alterations in antioxidant defense mechanisms. Evidence shows that lifestyle changes, including regular physical exercise, are recognized as the most effective first-line management to reduce the severity of PCOS symptoms. The aim of our narrative review is to provide insights into the mechanisms and target factors of PCOS-related hormonal changes, oxidative/antioxidant homeostasis, and inflammation, and to discuss the effects of exercise, which takes into account various factors, in relation to PCOS. A better understanding of the PCOS-associated hormonal changes, oxidative and inflammatory circuits, as well as exercise-induced mechanisms of action on those targets may improve the quality of life of women with PCOS.