Comparative transcriptomic analysis of ovary and testis reveals sex-related genes in roughskin sculpin Trachidermus fasciatus

The mechanisms underlying sex determination and differentiation have long intrigued researchers in the fields of development and evolutionary biology.The roughskin sculpin(Trachidermus fasciatus Heckel),displaying sexual dimorphism,provides an ideal model for studying the mechanisms.However,both genetic and genomic information concerning sex determination and differentiation,such as gonadal transcriptome data in roughskin sculpin,are lacking.Here,we present the first gonadal transcriptomes of roughskin sculpin and identify sex-related genes.We identified 8531 differentially expressed genes(DEGs),among them 4065 were upregulated in the ovary and 4466 upregulated in the testis.Several sex-related gene ontology(GO)terms were enriched in ovary-biased genes,including“binding of sperm to zona pellucida”,“egg coat formation”,“positive regulation of acrosome reaction”,“cell division”,and“cell cycle”,while the GO terms such as“spermatogenesis”,“sperm axoneme assembly”,“cilium assembly”,“cilium movement”,and“cilium movement involved in cell motility”were enriched in testis-biased genes.Moreover,six KEGG pathways were significantly enriched in the ovary,whereas only one was enriched in the testis.Of these DEGs,40 sex-related genes were identified,which including 26 testis-biased genes(such as Dmrtb 1,Gsdf,Sox 9 b,Wnt 4 b,Tcp 11 l 2,and Efhb),and 14 ovary-biased genes(such as Cyp 19 a 1 a,Foxh 1,Foxr 1,Gdf 3,Hsd 17 b 12,and Igf 2 bp 3).This gonadal transcript dataset would broaden our understanding of sex determination and differentiation mechanisms in roughskin sculpin,expand the genomic database,support future studies on sex-related gene functions,and facilitate molecular biology research into roughskin sculpin.

Association between Metal(loid)Exposure and Risk of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mediated by Anti-Müllerian Hormone among Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer

Objective To investigate the relationship and potential pathways between metal(loid)exposure and the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)in women of childbearing age.Methods This case-control study included 200 patients with PCOS(cases)and 896 non-PCOS controls with the age of 25-37 years.The concentrations of 29 metal(loid)s in the follicular fluid(FF)and clinical indicators in the serum were measured in all participants.Logistic regression analysis and mediation analysis were conducted to evaluate the associations between metal(loid)exposure and PCOS risk and investigate the possible roles of clinical indicators,respectively.Results Logistic regression analysis revealed an association between high copper levels in FF and increased PCOS risk(highest vs.lowest quartile:adjusted odds ratio=2.94,95%confidence interval:1.83-4.72).A high luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio and elevated levels of testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH)were strongly associated with increased PCOS risk induced by high copper exposure.The mediation analysis indicated a mediating effect of AMH in the association between copper exposure and PCOS risk.Conclusion Copper may affect PCOS risk through the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis,mediated by AMH.Copper exposure and internal AMH levels are important indicators for early warning of PCOS development.

Clinical Study on the Therapeutic Effect of Combined Traditional Chinese Medicine with Acupoint Injection and Herbal Paste Application in Treating Ovulatory Dysfunction in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of combined traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy with acupoint injection and herbal patch application on patients with ovulatory dysfunction associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: A total of 80 PCOS patients who received treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine between October 2022 and March 2024 were enrolled in this study. They were randomly divided into a control group (n = 40) and an observation group (n = 40). The control group received conventional Western medical treatments, while the observation group was administered TCM combined with acupoint injection and herbal patch application. Pre- and post-treatment conditions were compared between the two groups. Results: After treatment, the overall effective rate was significantly higher in the observation group compared to the control group (P 0.05). Following treatment, both ovulation and pregnancy rates increased in both groups, but the increase was more evident in the observation group, showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01). Conclusion: For patients with oligoovulation or anovulation due to PCOS, the combined use of TCM, acupoint injection, and herbal patch application appears to be effective in improving systemic symptoms and achieving notable clinical outcomes.

Exploring the medication pattern and mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine in treating polycystic ovary syndrome with kidney deficiency and blood stasis based on data mining and network pharmacology

Background:Using network pharmacology to explore the potential molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in treating polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.Method:Collect the related literature materials of PCOS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome treated by traditional Chinese medicine in four databases in recent ten years,extract the information of prescriptions and complete the frequency analysis.Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database was used to screen out the effective components.Use Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man and other databases to screen PCOS disease targets.The intersection targets obtained by clustering prescription and PCOS disease targets were submitted to STRING database for protein-protein interaction network analysis,and Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were analysed by Metascape.Result:There are 155 kinds of traditional Chinese medicines used in the literature.The most commonly utilized ones are Cuscutae Semen,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata.The results of the cluster analysis indicated that the plants most commonly found throughout the prescription were Leonuri Herba,Lycopi Herba,Dipsaci Radix,etc.GO results show that biological processes include cell reaction to organic nitrogen compounds and cell reaction to nitrogen compounds.The functional display of GO molecule includes cytokine receptor binding,signal receptor regulator activity and so on.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes results show that the possible mechanisms of action are cancer pathway,an endocrine resistance signal pathway.Conclusion:Through data mining,the cluster prescription for PCOS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome is Leonuri Herba,Lycopi Herba,Dipsaci Radix,etc.The network pharmacology research of cluster prescription shows that the main drug components for treating PCOS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome are quercetin,kaempferol,luteolin,tanshinone IIA,etc.,which act on PTGS2,NCOA2,and other targets,and treat PCOS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome through cancer and endocrine resistance.

QTL Analysis of Traits Related to Melon Stigma and Ovary Size

The melon varieties MR-1 and M4-7 were used as the parent materials to produce hybrids.A total of 170 F2 individuals were used as the mapping population to construct a genetic linkage map.In this study,240 cleaved amplified polymorphism sequence(CAPS)molecular markers were developed,and 105 of which showed polymorphism between parents.The map contained 105 markers grouped into 12 linkage groups,spanning a total length of 1998.85 cM,with an average length of 19.04 cM between markers.The composite interval mapping(CIM)method was used to detect QTLs related with melon stigma and ovary traits:stigma longitudinal diameter(STLD),stigma transverse diameter(STTD),stigma weight(STW),ovary longitudinal diameter(OLD),and ovary transverse diameter(OTD).A total of nine QTLs were identified:six for stigma size and three for ovary size.A total of six loci were detected for stigma size,which included two loci for stigma longitudinal diameter,two loci for stigma transverse diameter,and two loci for stigma weight.The major effective locus regulating stigma transverse diameter was qSTTD-9-1.A total of three loci were identified for ovary size traits,including one locus for ovary longitudinal diameter and two loci for ovary transverse diameter.

Effect of Astragalus-hawthorn on ovarian reproductive function and inflammatory mechanism of action in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective:To investigate the effects of prophylactic administration of Astragalus-Hawthorn on ovarian reproductive function and inflammatory mechanism in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:Fifty 21-day-old female rats were randomly divided into five groups of 10 rats each:Normal group,Model group,Astragalus group,Hawthorn group and Astragalus-Hawthorn group.All groups,except the normal group,were fed a high-fat model diet.Each treatment group received astragalus,hawthorn and an astragalus-hawthorn solution orally during the molding period for an intervention period of 15 weeks.The estrous cycle of the rats in each group was observed under the microscope from week 8,the interference rate was calculated,changes in ovarian tissues were observed by HE staining and the levels of sex hormones,proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors in the serum of the rats were measured by ELISA.Results:Rate of estrous cycle disorders were more frequent in the model group than in the normal group.(P<0.01);ovarian tissue was polycystic,with few corpora lutea and sinusoids and numerous follicular ovarian cysts;Luteinising hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone(LH/FSH),testosterone(T),interleukin 6(IL-6),interleukin 17A(IL-17A)and tumour necrosis factor(TNF-α)levels were significantly higher in the model group than in the normal group;interleukin 10(IL-10)was significantly lower than in the normal group(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,rats in the Astragalus and hawthorn groups had a lower rate of estrous cycle disorders(P<0.01);the number of cystic follicles in the ovarian tissue decreased;the number of mature follicles and corpus luteum increased;LH/FSH,T,IL-6 and IL-17A levels were significantly lower in the Astragalus group,hawthorn group and the Astragalus and hawthorn groups;TNF-αlevels were significantly lower in the astragalus and hawthorn groups;IL-10 levels were significantly higher in the hawthorn and astragalus hawthorn groups(P<0.05).IL-10 levels were significantly higher in the astragalus and hawthorn groups(P<0.05).Compared to the astragalus group,T levels were significantly lower in the astragalus and hawthorn groups and IL-10 levels were significantly higher in the astragalus and hawthorn groups(P<0.05).Compared to the hawthorn group,levels of T and IL-17A were significantly lower in the astragalus-hawthorn group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Astragalus-Hawthorn prophylactic administration can improve ovarian reproductive function in rats with PCOS,and the mechanism of action may be related to reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory factors IL-6,IL-17A and TNF-α,increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10,and reducing the inflammatory state.

Effects of Qigongwan on Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway in Rats with Polycystic Ovary syndrome

[Objectives] To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qigongwan on PCOS model rats by detecting the changes in sex hormone levels in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and observing the effects of ovarian pathological morphological changes, apoptosis and expression of Wnt/β-β catenin signaling pathway protein. [Methods] Ten of 40 female SD rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the other 30 rats were treated with letrozole combined with high-fat diet to establish the PCOS rat model. After successful modeling, the model group was randomly divided into Qigongwan group, positive Daying-35 (Ethinylestradiol and Cyproterone Acetate Tablets) group and model group, with 10 rats in each group. Qigongwan group was given 14.7 g/(kg·d) by gavage, Daying-35 group was given 0.21 mg/(kg·d) by oral gavage, and normal group and model group were given the same amount of distilled water, and the intervention lasted for 21 d. ELISA method was used to detect the levels of hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E 2) and progesterone (P) in serum. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphological changes of ovarian tissues;TUNEL staining was used to observe apoptosis of ovarian tissue granule cells;the expression of Wnt, β-catenin protein in rat ovarian tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. [Results] (i) Compared with the model group, Qigongwan group and Daying-35 group could significantly increase serum E 2 and P levels, significantly reduce serum T levels ( P <0.01), significantly reduce serum LH levels and LH/FSH ratio ( P <0.01), and increase serum FSH levels ( P <0.05) in different degrees. (ii)The results of HE staining showed that compared with the model group, Qigongwan and Daying-35 groups could improve follicular development and reduce atretic follicles in different degrees. Compared with Daying-35 group, the number of GC layers in Qigongwan group was significantly increased. (iii) The results of TUNEL staining showed that compared with the model group, the rate of TUNEL-positive cells in the Qigongwan group and Daying-35 group decreased significantly ( P <0.01). (iv) The immunohistochemical results showed that compared with the model group, the expression levels of wnt and β-catenin in the Qigongwan group and the Daying-35 group increased in different degrees ( P <0.05), and the expression range increased. [Conclusions] Qigongwan can regulate the secretion level of sex hormones such as FSH and LH, improve the pathological damage of ovarian tissue, and inhibit apoptosis of ovarian granule cells, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Effect of vitamin supplementation on polycystic ovary syndrome and key pathways implicated in its development:A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND Many epidemiologic investigations have explored the relationship between viatmins and polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).However,the effectiveness of vitamin,vitamin-like nutrient,or mineral supplementation in reducing the risk of PCOS remains a subject of debate.AIM To investigate the impact of plasma levels of vitamins A,B12,D,E,and K on PCOS and key pathways implicated in its development,namely,insulin resistance,hyperlipidemia,and obesity,through Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis.METHODS Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with vitamin levels were selected from genome-wide association studies.The primary analysis was performed using the random-effects inverse-variance-weighted approach.Complementary analyses were conducted using the weighted median,MR-Egger,MR-robust adjusted profile score,and MR-PRESSO approaches.RESULTS The results provided suggestive evidence of a decreased risk of PCOS with genetically predicted higher levels of vitamin E(odds ratio[OR]=0.118;95%confidence interval[CI]:0.071–0.226;P<0.001)and vitamin B12(OR=0.753,95%CI:0.568–0.998,P=0.048).An association was observed between vitamin E levels and insulin resistance(OR=0.977,95%CI:0.976–0.978,P<0.001).Additionally,genetically predicted higher concentrations of vitamins E,D,and A were suggested to be associated with a decreased risk of hyperlipidemia.Increased vitamins K and B12 levels were linked to a lower obesity risk(OR=0.917,95%CI:0.848–0.992,P=0.031).CONCLUSION The findings of this MR study suggest a causal relationship between increased vitamins A,D,E,K,and B12 levels and a reduced risk of PCOS or primary pathways implicated in its development.

Effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on related variables of obesity complicated with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)is closely related to obesity,and weight loss can significantly improve the metabolic,endocrine and reproductive functions of obese individuals with PCOS.However,the efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG)for obesity with PCOS are unclear.AIM The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of LSG on related variables in obese patients with PCOS.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 32 obese patients with PCOS who received LSG treatment at the Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from 2013 to 2020.The changes in anthropometric indices,insulin,testosterone,estradiol,follicle stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),menstrual cycle and LH/FSH ratio before and 1 mo,3 mo,6 mo and 12 mo after the operation were statistically analyzed.RESULTS At 1 mo,3 mo,6 mo and 12 mo after surgery,the anthropometric indices,such as body weight and body mass index,of all patients were lower than those before the operation.The percentage excess weight loss(EWL%)at 1 mo,3 mo,6 mo and 1 year of follow-up were 25,40,46 and 65,respectively.The PCOS-related indices,such as insulin,testosterone,estradiol,follicle stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH)and menstrual cycle,were improved to varying degrees.During the 1-year follow-up,the average serum testosterone decreased from preoperative 0.72 ng/mL to 0.43 ng/mL(P<0.05),average fasting insulin level(9.0 mIU/mL,preoperative 34.2 mil,LH level,4.4 mIU/mL,preoperative 6.1 mIU/mL).The level of FSH(3.8 U/L,4.8 U/p0.05)and the ratio of LH/FSH(0.7,1.3/p0.05)were more relieved than those before surgery.During the postoperative follow-up,it was found that the menstrual cycle of 27 patients(nasty 27)returned to normal,and 6 patients(18%)who intended to become pregnant became pregnant within 1 year after surgery.CONCLUSION The weight loss effect of LSG is obvious and affirmative,and the endocrine index of obese patients with PCOS is also improved to some extent,although the mechanism is not clear.Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is expected to become a backup choice for patients with polycystic ovaries in the future.

Research progress of natural products in treating polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)is a common metabolic disorder reproductive endocrine disease in puberty and women of childbearing age.At present,metformin is mainly used in clinical to treat PCOS.From recent researches,many natural products,such as flavonoids,alkaloids,cumarins,etc,showed curing effects on PCOS.These have been attracting more and more attention.By searching the researches from database of CNKI,PubMed etc,this paper aims at providing a reference for PCOS drug research and development.

Clinical efficacy of bushen huatan huoxue recipe in combination with acupuncture in treating patients suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy and effects on sex hormone level and glucose metabolism indexes of acupuncture therapy combined with the Bushen Huatan Huoxue Recipe in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)with insulin resistance(IR).Methods:The patients with PCOS-IR admitted from December 2021 to December 2022 were randomly divided into two groups,30 cases in each group.The comparison one and the observation one were given the relevant treatment of metformin and traditional Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture,respectively.The evidence points,sex hormone indexes and glucose metabolism indexes were compared between the two groups before and after treatment,and the insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR),glucose area under the curve(GLU-AUC)and blood insulin area under the curve(INS-AUC)were calculated.Results:The evidence points of the observation group of patients were less than the pre-treatment and comparison groups;after treatment,the follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)level of patients in the observation group was more than the control and pre-treatment groups(P<0.05),and the ratio of luteinizing hormone(LH)to follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)was less than that of the comparison and pre-treatment groups(P<0.05),and the levels of LH and testosterone(T)were reduced to varying degrees in both groups around the time of treatment(P<0.05).The patients in the observation group had lower levels of 0.5hPG than those in the comparison group and pretreatment(both P<0.05),and the levels of 3hPG in both groups were lower than those before treatment(P<0.05).The oral OGIRT in each of the two groups after treatment was lower than that of pretreatment(P<0.05).HOMA-IR and INS-AUC of the observation group were lower than those of the control group and pre-treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion:The treatment of PCOS-IR patients with Bushen Huatan Huoxue Recipe combined with acupuncture can improve the sex hormone,glucose metabolism level and insulin resistance.

Research Progress on Mechanism of Ovulation Disorder in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)is a reproductive endocrine disease characterized by ovulation disorder,hyperandrogenism and/or polycystic ovary.Follicular development disorder caused by PCOS accounts for up to 75%of anovulatory infertility,which is a common cause of infertility and affects up to 15%of reproductive aged women worldwide.Oxidative stress,chronic inflammation,endoplasmic reticulum stress and other pathological conditions coexist in the ovarian microenvironment of PCOS,which are further aggravated under the action of high levels of androgens,synergistically deteriorating the follicular microenvironment,leading to ovulation disorders in PCOS patients.This paper briefly reviewed the research on the mechanism of PCOS ovulation disorder in recent years.

Observation on Therapeutic Effects of Electroacupuncture on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome of Kidney Deficiency and Phlegm Dampness Type and Oxidative Stress Level

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture on improving polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)of kidney deficiency and phlegm dampness type and serum oxidative stress level.Methods:There were 68 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were randomly divided into observation group(34 cases)and the control group(34 cases),The observation group was treated by electroacupuncture,while the control group was treated by placebo electroacupuncture.Combined with the evaluation of menstrual cycle,menstrual color,quality,quantity and TCM symptom integral index,the difference of curative effect between the two groups was observed,and the levels of peripheral blood,sex hormones,insulin resistance and oxidative stress were detected before and after treatment for 3 months.Results:The total effective rate in the observation group was better than that in the control group(P<0.01);After intervention,serum LH,FSH,E_(2) and LH/FSH in the observation group were significantly different from those before intervention.The D values of serum LH,FSH,LH/FSH and E_(2) before and after intervention were significantly different between the two groups(P<0.01);Comparing the level of androgen,the serum A4 and T in the observation group were significantly different from those before intervention(P<0.01);After intervention,there was a significant difference in serum A4 and T between the two groups(P<0.01),and there was a significant difference in D value between the two groups before and after intervention;There was a difference in insulin resistance in the observation group before and after intervention(P<0.05),and there was a significant difference in D value between the two groups before and after intervention(P<0.01);After the intervention,the serum SOD,MDA,ROS in the observation group were significantly different from those before the intervention;After intervention,the results of serum SOD and ROS in the observation group were significantly different from those in the control group;There was no significant difference in serum MDA results.There were significant differences in SOD,MDA,ROS between the two groups before and after intervention.Conclusion:Electroacupuncture can improve oxidative stress injury,insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism in PCOS patients.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Related Infertility Based on the Theory of“Liver and Kidney Homology”

Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)is an endocrine disorder caused by hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian(HPO)axis dysfunction.In the field of gynecology and reproduction,PCOS has emerged as both a research hot spot and a challenging area of study.According to Chinese medicine,this disease is related to kidney deficiency,phlegm and dampness obstruction,blood stasis and interconnection,Chong pulse impassability,the lack of Ren pulse,and the loss of uterine nourishment,all of which affect the normal development and maturation of eggs as well as the duration at which menstrual blood stores.In this paper,based on the theoretical basis of“liver collects blood,regulates the flow of qi,and is the master of drainage,”we explore the rationality of the treatment of this disease from the perspective of“liver and kidney have the same origin”and the development of PCOS-related infertility in relation to dysfunctional internal organs.We also explore the feasibility of treatment from the perspective of“liver and kidney homology,”expand the ideas for treatment,as well as develop and innovate the application of organ identification in PCOS in relation to infertility.

Effect of Mitochondrial Function of Ovarian Granulosa Cells on In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer Outcomes in Obese Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients

Objective:To investigate the effect of abnormal ovarian granulosa cell metabolism on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)outcomes in obese polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)patients.Methods:Patients with PCOS who met the study criteria were screened according to the inclusion criteria.A total of 32 patients with obese PCOS were recruited into the study group,and 39 patients with non-obese PCOS were recruited into the control group.The general data(age,body mass index,and years of infertility),insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),granulosa cell mitochondrial function,and IVF-ET outcome of patients in the study group and control group were retrospectively analyzed.Results:The differences in age and years of infertility between the study group and the control group were insignificant(P>0.05),and the body mass index(BMI)of the study group and control group was 30.5±1.24 kg/m2 and 22.3±1.12 kg/m2,respectively,in which the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);the HOMA-IR of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05);the reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05),and the ATP content in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05);comparing the FSH and LH levels between the two groups,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05);the rate of IVF-ET failure was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group.Conclusion:PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder,and obesity is one of the independent risk factors for the development of PCOS.

Reproductive traits of polycystic ovary syndrome in female rhesus monkeys

The objective of this study was to set up a rhesus monkey model of polycystic ovary syndrome（PCOS）,which is globally prevalent among reproductive-aged human women,and to understand the reproductive traits of PCOS female monkeys.Six adult female rhesus monkeys aged 6-10 a,were divided into a PCOS group and a control group.The PCOS group were given two cycles of subcutaneous injections of propionic acid testosterone（PAT）,3.5 mg/kg body weight,on day 1,day 3,and day 5 of the menstrual cycle,respectively,and then given muscle injections of human chorionic gonadotropin（HCG）,350 IU/kg body wtight,on day 7,day 9,and day 11,respectively.Results showed that high levels of serum LH and T [（5.35±0.17） IU/L and（7.58±0.14） ng/mL,respectively],and a high ratio value of LH/FSH（5.35/1.30=4.12） were observed in the PCOS group.No significant differences were found in serum FSH,E2,and P in the PCOS group compared with those of the control.Polycystic ovaries in the PCOS monkeys were recorded by live ultrasound.The blastocysts rates of the PCOS vs.the control were 23.53% vs.66.67%,and there was a significant difference between the two groups.This study shows that PAT coupled with HCG can induce PCOS in rhesus monkeys in the short term.The reproductive features of PCOS monkeys were similar to those of PCOS patients.

Histological Study on the Ovary Development of Varicorhinus gerlachi

[Objective] The aim was to discuss the histological characteristics of ovary development of Varicorhinus gerlachi.[Method] The annual variation of ovary and oocyte development of Varicorhinus gerlachi were observed and studied by means of histological method.[Result] Ovary development of Varicorhinus gerlachi was divided into 6 stages,and oocyte development had 6 phases,namely oocytes were in original differentiation state in phase Ⅰ,and yolk nucleus could be found obviously in phase Ⅱ.Vacuoles appeared in oocyte in phase Ⅲ,while oocytes differentiated obviously in phase Ⅳ,with the amalgamation of some yolk granules.Eggs formed and oocytes degenerated in phase V and Ⅵ.The development of ovary belonged to non-synchronous and multiple spawning type.In addition,Varicorhinus gerlachi began to spawn in April,and peak period was from May to July.[Conclusion] The study could provide technical parameters for the artificial propagation of Varicorhinus gerlachi.

Overexpression of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins in reproductive tissues of polycystic ovary syndrome rats induced by letrozole

Objective:To identify the alteration of tyrosine phosphorylated protein expression in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:Sixteen female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the control and letrozole-induced PCOS groups.The oestrus cycle of rats was performed by vaginal smear.Sex hormones and morphology of the ovary,oviduct,and uterus were observed.Expressions and intensity of androgen receptor and tyrosine phosphorylated proteins of reproductive organs were investigated by Western blot.Results:Various polycysts and increased androgen receptor expression were present in the ovary of the PCOS group.The levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and testosteone were significantly higher in the PCOS group while progesterone and estradiol levels were significantly decreased as compared with the control group(P<0.05).Only the size of uterus in the PCOS group was significantly smaller than the control group.However,the density of collagen fibers observed in PCOS uterus was greater than the control group.Moreover,tyrosine phosphorylated proteins were significantly overexpressed in ovary(52,42,and 28 kDa),oviduct(72,56,42,and 28 kDa),and uterus(53 and 42 kDa)of the PCOS group compared to the control group.Conclusions:Presence of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins in the ovary,oviduct and uterus suggests that overexpression of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins may be involved in potential mechanism of female infertility especially in PCOS.

In vitro Culture of Unfertilized Ovary of Strawberry(Fragaria spp.)

[Objective] This study was to investigate the in vitro culture of unfertilized ovary of strawberry.[Methods] Employing single factor experiment,we investigated six key factors including genotype,extrinsic hormone,sucrose concentration,low temperature pretreatment,growth environment and development status,and illumination condition on induction of gynogenesis in vitro of unfertilized ovary,on the induction of gynogenesis in vitro of unfertilized ovary.[Results] The optimal conditions for in vitro culture of unfertilized ovary of strawberry were as follows：the primary flower buds cultured on bare land as explants,selection of appropriate genotype,2,4-D as external hormone,sucrose at the concentration of 6%,low temperature pretreatment for 48 hours and dark culture under alternated temperature.[Conclusion] The research provided reference for ploidy breeding in strawberry.

Flexible GnRH Antagonist Protocol versus Progestin-primed Ovarian Stimulation (PPOS) Protocol in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Comparison of Clinical Outcomes and Ovarian Response

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. Progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol, which used oral progestin to prevent premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surges in ovarian stimulation, has been proved to be effective and safe in patients with PCOS. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of PPOS protocol with that of the traditional gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol in patients with PCOS. A total of 157 patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were recruited into this study. The patients were divided into two groups by the stimulation protocols: the GnRH antagonist protocol group and the PPOS protocol group. There was no significant difference in the clinical characteristics between the two groups. Dose and duration of gonadotropin were higher in the PPOS protocol group. Estradiol levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration were significantly lower in the PPOS protocol group. Fertilization rates and the number of good quality embryos were similar between the two groups. Remarkably, we found 6 patients with moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in the GnRH antagonist protocol group but 0 in the PPOS protocol group. A total of 127 women completed their frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of clinical pregnancy rate per transfer, implantation rate, first-trimester miscarriage rate and on-going pregnancy rate per transfer. To conclude, PPOS protocol decreased the incidence of OHSS without adversely affecting clinical outcomes in patients with PCOS.