Hepatoprotective effects of Xiaoyao San formula on hepatic steatosis and inflammation via regulating the sex hormones metabolism

BACKGROUND The modified Xiaoyao San(MXS)formula is an adjuvant drug recommended by the National Health Commission of China for the treatment of liver cancer,which has the effect of preventing postoperative recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma and prolonging patient survival.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying that remain unclear.AIM To investigate the role and mechanisms of MXS in ameliorating hepatic injury,steatosis and inflammation.METHODS A choline-deficient/high-fat diet-induced rat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)model was used to examine the effects of MXS on lipid accumulation in primary hepatocytes.Liver tissues were collected for western blotting and immunohisto chemistry(IHC)assays.Lipid accumulation and hepatic fibrosis were detected using oil red staining and Sirius red staining.The serum samples were collected for biochemical assays and NMR-based metabonomics analysis.The inflammation/lipid metabolism-related signaling and regulators in liver tissues were also detected to reveal the molecular mechanisms of MXS against NASH.RESULTS MXS showed a significant decrease in lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in hepatocytes under metabolic stress.The western blotting and IHC results indicated that MXS activated AMPK pathway but inhibited the expression of key regulators related to lipid accumulation,inflammation and hepatic fibrosis in the pathogenesis of NASH.The metabonomics analysis systemically indicated that the arachidonic acid metabolism and steroid hormone synthesis are the two main target metabolic pathways for MXS to ameliorate liver inflammation and hepatic steatosis.Mechanistically,we found that MXS protected against NASH by attenuating the sex hormone-related metabolism,especially the metabolism of male hormones.CONCLUSION MXS ameliorates inflammation and hepatic steatosis of NASH by inhibiting the metabolism of male hormones.Targeting male hormone related metabolic pathways may be the potential therapeutic approach for NASH.

Clinical Application of Sex Hormone in Different Physiological Periods in the Diagnosis of Infertility Patients

Background: Infertility is characterized by the inability to conceive after a year of regular unprotected intercourse. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of sex hormone levels during different physiological periods in the diagnosis of infertility patients. Methods: From December 2019 to May 2021, a total of 93 infertility patients were admitted and selected as the observation group. Among them, 31 cases were in the follicular stage, 31 cases in the ovulation stage, and 31 cases in the luteal stage. Ninety-three healthy women for fertility evaluation due to male infertility were selected as the control group. The control group included 31 women in the follicular phase, 31 women in the ovulatory phase, and 31 women in the luteal phase. The levels of sex hormones (prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and progesterone (P)) during different physiological phases were compared between the observation and control groups. Results: The follicular phase showed no significant difference in LH levels between the observation group and the control group. The observation group showed higher levels of PRL and P compared to the control group, while the levels of FSH, E2, and T were lower in the observation group compared to the control group. The ovulation phase showed no significant difference in PRL levels between the two groups. The observation group showed lower levels of LH, FSH, E2, T, and P compared to the control group. The luteal phase showed no statistical difference in E2 levels between the two groups. The observation group showed higher levels of PRL, LH, and FSH compared to the control group, while the levels of T and P were lower in the observation group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Infertile women show variations in hormone levels compared to the normal levels during the follicular phase, ovulatory phase, and luteal phase.

Effect of TSH Suppression Therapy on Sex Hormone Levels after Thyroid Cancer Surgery

Objective:To analyze the effect of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)suppression therapy on sex hormone levels in patients undergoing postoperative treatment for thyroid cancer.Methods:A total of 40 patients undergoing postoperative thyroid cancer treatment were selected for data analysis.TSH suppression therapy was implemented during the postoperative period.Patients were grouped according to the TSH level:TSH<0.1,0.1≤TSH<0.5,and TSH≥0.5.Results:Among male patients,there were no significant differences in sex hormone levels at different dosing times and TSH levels(P>0.05).For female patients,testosterone levels at different dosing times showed no significant differences under the same circumstances(P>0.05).The comparison of testosterone levels at different TSH levels over 5 years of TSH suppression therapy did not yield significant differences(P>0.05).However,the comparison of testosterone levels within 5 years of TSH suppression therapy yielded significant differences(P<0.05),with the lowest levels observed at 0.1≤TSH<0.5.Conclusion:The use of TSH suppression therapy in postoperative thyroid cancer treatment minimally affects sex hormone levels in male patients.However,it has a significant impact on female patients.Therefore,preoperative sex hormone testing is recommended,and postoperative monitoring should include regular sex hormone testing.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, sex hormones and cognitive decline in male patients with schizophrenia receiving continuous antipsychotic therapy

BACKGROUND There are systematic differences in clinical features between women and men with schizophrenia(SCZ).The regulation of sex hormones may play a potential role in abnormal neurodevelopment in SCZ.Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and sex hormones have complex interacting actions that contribute to the etiology of SCZ.AIM To investigate the influence of BDNF and sex hormones on cognition and clinical symptomatology in chronic antipsychotic-treated male SCZ patients.METHODS The serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone(LH),estradiol(E2),progesterone,testosterone(T),prolactin(PRL)and BDNF were compared between chronic antipsychotic-treated male(CATM)patients with SCZ(n=120)and healthy controls(n=120).The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was used to quantify SCZ symptoms,while neuropsychological tests were used to assess cognition.Neuropsychological tests,such as the Digit Cancellation Test(DCT),Semantic Verbal Fluency(SVF),Spatial Span Test(SS),Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test(PASAT),Trail Making Task(TMT-A),and Block Design Test(BDT),were used to assess executive functions(BDT),attention(DCT,TMT-A),memory(SS,PASAT),and verbal proficiency(SVF).RESULTS Although E2 levels were significantly lower in the patient group compared to the healthy controls,T,PRL,and LH levels were all significantly higher.Additionally,the analysis revealed that across the entire sample,there were positive correlations between E2 Levels and BDNF levels as well as BDNF levels and the digital cancellation time.In CATM patients with SCZ,a significant correlation between the negative symptoms score and PRL levels was observed.CONCLUSION Sex hormones and BDNF levels may also be linked to cognitive function in patients with chronic SCZ.

Air Pollution and Sex Hormone Levels among Mechanics in Brazzaville (Republic of Congo)

Air pollution is today a real concern across the world, responsible for around 7 million deaths per year around the world. It is currently involved in the appearance and worsening of several non-transmissible pathologies, making it an environmental, health, and societal problem. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of short-term exposure to air pollution on the level of sex hormones in mechanics. We conducted a cross-sectional, analytical, prospective case-control study in Brazzaville on 228 patients (76 cases and 152 controls) from June 2020 to December 2022, a period of 30 months. This study made it possible to evaluate, on the one hand, the level of sexual hormones in men exposed to automobile pollution according to the automated method (ELFA) on mini vidas and, on the other hand, the quality of the air by a colorimetric, punctual method on a Dräger tube coupled with a Dräger accuro pump. The results obtained made it possible to establish a statistically significant link between automobile pollutants (CO, CO2, NO2, SO2) and the increase in LH and FSH on the one hand and the decrease in testosterone on the other hand. We also noted that the concentrations of automotive pollutants during this study were all above the standards required by the WHO. Exposure to automobile pollutants affects the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and therefore disrupts the level of sex hormones.

Gender-related differences in irritable bowel syndrome: Potential mechanisms of sex hormones

According to epidemiological studies,twice as many women as men are affected by irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)in western countries,suggesting a role for sex hormones in IBS pathophysiology.Despite growing evidence about the implications of sex hormones in IBS symptom modulation,data on mechanisms by which they influence disease development are sparse.This review aims to determine the state of knowledge about the role of sex hormones in sensorimotor dysfunctions and to address the possible interplay of sex hormones with common risk factors associated with IBS.The scientific bibliography was searched using the following keywords:irritable bowel syndrome,sex,gender,ovarian hormone,estradiol,progesterone,testosterone,symptoms,pain,sensitivity,motility,permeability,stress,immune system,brain activity,spinal,supraspinal,imaging.Ovarian hormones variations along themenstrual cycle affect sensorimotor gastrointestinal function in both healthy and IBS populations.They can modulate pain processing by interacting with neuromodulator systems and the emotional system responsible for visceral pain perception.These hormones can also modulate the susceptibility to stress,which is a pivotal factor in IBS occurrence and symptom severity.For instance,estrogen-dependent hyper-responsiveness to stress can promote immune activation or impairments of gut barrier function.In conclusion,whereas it is important to keep in mind that ovarian hormones cannot be considered as a causal factor of IBS,they arguably modulate IBS onset and symptomatology.However,our understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains limited and studies assessing the link between IBS symptoms and ovarian hormone levels are needed to improve our knowledge of the disease evolution with regard to gender.Further studies assessing the role of male hormones are also needed to understand fully the role of sex hormones in IBS.Finally,investigation of brain-gut interactions is critical to decipher how stress,ovarian hormones,and female brain processing of pain can translate into gut dysfunctions.

Sex hormones in the modulation of irritable bowel syndrome

Compelling evidence indicates sex and gender differences in epidemiology, symptomatology, pathophysiology, and treatment outcome in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Based on the female predominance as well as the correlation between IBS symptoms and hormonal status, several models have been proposed to examine the role of sex hormones in gastrointestinal (GI) function including differences in GI symptoms expression in distinct phases of the menstrual cycle, in pre- and post-menopausal women, during pregnancy, hormonal treatment or after oophorectomy. Sex hormones may influence peripheral and central regulatory mechanisms of the brain-gut axis involved in the pathophysiology of IBS contributing to the alterations in visceral sensitivity, motility, intestinal barrier function, and immune activation of intestinal mucosa. Sex differences in stress response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and autonomic nervous system, neuroimmune interactions triggered by stress, as well as estrogen interactions with serotonin and corticotropin-releasing factor signaling systems are being increasingly recognized. A concept of &#x0201c;microgenderome&#x0201d; related to the potential role of sex hormone modulation of the gut microbiota is also emerging. Significant differences between IBS female and male patients regarding symptomatology and comorbidity with other chronic pain syndromes and psychiatric disorders, together with differences in efficacy of serotonergic medications in IBS patients confirm the necessity for more sex-tailored therapeutic approach in this disorder.

Relationship between serum sex hormones levels and degree of benign prostate hyperplasia in Chinese aging men

Benign prostatic hyperplasia （BPH） is one of the most common medical conditions in middle aged and older men. This study investigated the relationship between serum levels of sex hormones and measures of BPH in the aging male population of China. Prostate symptoms were assessed as part of a free health screening program for men ~40 years of age. The examination included digital rectal examination, determination of serum prostate-specific antigen levels, International Prostate Symptom Score （IPSS） and transrectal ultrasonography. Serum levels of total testosterone （TT）, sex hormone binding globulin （SHBG）, free testosterone （FT）, luteinizing hormone （LH）, follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）, prolactin （PRL） and estradiol （E2） were evaluated. The men also completed a health and demographics questionnaire and received a detailed physical examination. The final study population consisted of 949 men with a mean age of 58.9 years. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that there were significant correlations between age and levels of all sex hormones except TT, and between age and prostate volume （PV; r=0.243; P〈0.01） or IPSS （r=0.263; P〈0.01）. Additional significant correlations were found between IPSS and serum levels of LH （r=0. 112; P〈0.01） and FSH （r=0.074; P〈0.05）, but there were no significant correlations between sex hormone levels and PV. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed significant correlations between age and body mass index （BMI） with PV （P〈0.0001）. In addition, there was a significant correlation between age and PV with IPSS （P〈0.0001）. Serum sex hormone levels did not correlate with PV or IPSS. The effects of endocrine changes on measures of BPH in aging men require further investigation in longitudinal and multicenter studies that include oatients with all severities of BPH.

Serum Sex Hormone Levels in Different Severity of Male Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea-hypopnea Syndrome in East Asians

Summary： Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome （OSAHS） is a serious health issue, which can impact the hormone secretion. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between serum sex hormone concentrations and different severity degree of OSAHS, and to evaluate the influence of OSAHS on sex hormone levels. We enrolled 116 subjects who were subjected to polysomnography （PSG）. They were divided into three groups： control group （n=10） [apnea hypopnea index （AHI） 〈5/h], mild-moderate OSAHS group ,（n=15） （5〈AHI〈30/h）, and severe OSAHS group （n=91） （AHI〉30/h）. The patients in OSAHS group were subdivided into obesity and non-obesity subgroups. The parameters such as AHI, body mass index （BMI）, lowest oxygen saturation （LSaO2）, and mean oxygen saturation （MSaO2） were recorded. Serum levels of testosterone, polactin, estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone （FSH） and luteinizing hormone （LH） were determined in the morning immediately after waking up. Mean levels of hormones were compared among groups. The correlation between hormone levels and sleep-breathing parameters was analyzed. No significant differences in serum sex hormone levels were found among control, mild-moderate OSAHS, and severe OSAHS groups （P〉0.05）. There was no cor- relation between AHI and sex hormone levels （P〉0.05）. Testosterone was significantly negatively cor- related with BMI （P〈0.05）. These results suggested that BMI might have a direct effect on testosterone level, and it might be an important factor affecting testosterone level in male OSAHS patients, and there may be no correlation between severity of OSAHS and sex hormones levels.

Role of sex hormones in gastrointestinal motility in pregnant and non-pregnant rats

AIM: To correlate gastric contractility, gastrointestinal transit, and hormone levels in non-pregnant(estrous cycle) and pregnant rats using noninvasive techniques. METHODS: Female rats(n = 23) were randomly divided into(1) non-pregnant,(contractility, n =6; transit, n = 6); and(2) pregnant(contractility, n = 5; transit, n = 6). In each estrous cycle phase or at 0, 7, 14, and 20 d after the confirmation of pregnancy, gastrointestinal transit was recorded by AC biosusceptometry(ACB), and gastric contractility was recorded by ACB and electromyography. After each recording, blood samples were obtained for progesterone and estradiol determination. RESULTS: In the estrous cycle, despite fluctuations of sex hormone levels, no significant changes in gastrointestinal motility were observed. Days 7 and 14 of pregnancy were characterized by significant changes in the frequency of contractions(3.90 ± 0.42 cpm and 3.60 ± 0.36 cpm vs 4.33 ± 0.25 cpm) and gastric emptying(168 ± 17 min and 165 ± 15 min vs 113 ± 15 min) compared with day 0. On these same days, progesterone levels significantly increased compared with control(54.23 ± 15.14 ng/m L and 129.96 ± 30.52 ng/mL vs 13.25 ± 6.31 ng/mL). On day 14, we observed the highest level of progesterone and the lowest level of estradiol compared with day 0(44.3 ± 15.18 pg/mL vs 24.96 ± 5.96 pg/mL). CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal motility was unaffected by the estrous cycle. In our data, high progesterone and low estradiol levels can be associated with decreased contraction frequency and slow gastric emptying.

Determination of Sex Hormones in Antler Velvet by High Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Eighteen sex hormones in antler velvet were determined by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.The solid phase extraction was applied to eliminating the matrix effect.The experimental conditions were examined and optimized.Under the optimal conditions,the proposed method provides the good linearities and determination limits（0.2―1.0 μg/kg） of the analytes investigated.The recoveries ranging from 72.3% to 149.5% were obtained for the target analytes at two concentration levels.This method was applied to the determination of eighteen sex hormones in different kinds of antler velvet samples and the obtained results are satisfactory.The results indicate that the proposed method is suitable for the determination of sex hormones in antler velvet samples.

Relationship of level of sex hormone and sex hormone receptor with development of metabolic syndrome in elderly men

Objective The sex hormone and the corresponding receptor may play some roles in the development of the metabolic syndrome （MS） in the elderly men. This study was designed to examine the relationship of level of the sex hormone and androgen receptor with MS in elderly men, thus to investigate the possible pathogenesis of MS. Methods This cross sectional study enrolled 587 elderly men, including 400 healthy controlls aged 62-92 years and 187 MS patients aged 60-87 years in Wan Shou Lu area of Beijing city. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate （DHAE-S）, total testosterone （TT）, sex hormone binding globulin （SHBG）, free testosterone （FT）, follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）,Estradiol （E2）,luteinizing hormone（LH） and androgen receptor （AR） in blood were tested. Statistical analyses included the comparison analysis of variables and independent variables, correlation analysis using multi-factor linear regression, and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results DHAE-S, TT, SHBG, FT and AR fluorescence intensity in healthy control group were higher than those in MS group, however, FSH and E2 levels were lower in healthy group. Age was negatively correlated with diastolic blood pressure （DBP） and FT, but positively correlated with systolic blood pressure （SBP） and E2. AR fluorescence intensity was negatively correlated with SBP and LH. The logistic regression equation showed the negative correlation between DHEA-S, SHBG and the development of MS. Conclusions There are low levels of DHEA-S, TT, SHBG, FT and AR in the elderly patients with MS. On the contrary, FSH and E2 concentration are higher. It can be suggested that low levels of DHEA-S and SHBG may be the potential risk factors of MS in elderly men.

Association of Bisphenol A Exposure with Circulating Sex Hormone Concentrations in Men and Postmenopausal Women

A total of 1 116 middle-aged and elderly men and 1 442 postmenopausal women were recruited in this study. Whether bisphenol A exposure was associated with circulating sex hormone concentrations was studied. Univariate analysis revealed that the urinary bisphenol A concentration was negatively correlated with the serum levels of luteinizing hormone （B=-0.061, P〈0.0001） and follicle-stimulating hormone （B=-0.086, P〈0.0001） in men, and with the serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone （B=-0.037, P=0.018） and sex hormone-binding globulin （B=-0.043, P=0.006） in women. However, no significant association was observed between the serum levels of urinary bisphenol A and circulating sex hormone after adjustment for the potential confounders.

Study of serum level of sex hormones and expression of their receptors in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma

Objective: To study the serum level of estradiol, progesterone and testosterone (SEL, SPL and STL) and the expression of the receptors of estradiol and progesterone (ER and PR) in 53 cases of bronchogenic carcinoma. Methods: ER and PR in the tissue of the carcinoma were determined with enzyme-linked affinity histochemical method. SEL, SPL and STL were measured with double antibody radioimmunoassay. Results: Most of ER and PR were present in the cytoplasm of the malignant cells (58.2%) and the positive rates of ER and PR were 49.1% and 54.7% respectively. SEL and SPL were significantly higher in the patients with lung cancer than in the subjects of the control groups (P<0.05), no matter whether ER and PR were positive or negative. SEL and SPL were lower in the ER positive, PR positive and both ER and PR positive groups than in the ER negative, PR negative and both ER and PR negative groups. Conclusion: The existence of ER and PR in the patients with bronchogenic carcinoma indicates that the pathogenesis of bronchogenic carcinoma is sex hormone dependent to some extent. ER and SEL are negatively correlated with a correlative coefficient of -1.

Cloning and Sequence Analysis of Partial Exons of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Gene in Pig

[Objedive] To clone the partial exons of sex hormone binding globulin （SHBG） gene in pig and provide experimental references for ac- curate separation and allocation of SHBG gene in pig. [Method] According to the sequences of SHBG gene in human and cow, one pair of primers was designed to amplify the DNA sequences of SHBG gene in pig, and the partial exons of SHBG gene were determined according to the principles of comparative genomics. Then the sequences and homology were analyzed. [ Result] The amplified SHBG gene was 841 bp in size, and its se- quences had 100.00% nucleotide homology to the CH242-411 E2 fragment on pig chromosome 12. The determined exon 4, exon 5 and exon 6 of SHBG gene were 162, 159 and 156 bp in size, respectively, and the amino acids sequences encoded by these three exons had 74.51% homology to that of human and 73.86% homology to that of cow, respectively. [ Conclusionl The partial exons of SHBG gene were determined successfully, which provides a basis for further research on the structure, accurate determination and allocation of SHBG gene in pig.

Research on the Effects of the Extract of Polygala fallax Hemsl on Sex Hormones andβ-EP in Perimenopausal Rat Models

Objective:To study the effects of the ethnic medicine Polygala fallax Hemsl with Guangxi characteristics on the sex hormones andβ-EP in research objective perimenopausal rat models.Methods:40 female SPF rats were randomly divided into 4 groups,including the normal,model,high-dose and lowdose groups.Rats of three groups except for the normal one were treated with perimenopausal modelling through the method of subcutaneous injection of compound 4-VCD for 15 consecutive days.Rats of the normal and model group were normally fed without any treatment.Rats of the high-dose and low-dose groups were administered by high-and low-dose intragastric administration of the extract of Polygala fallax Hemsl.According to the menstrual cycle of the vaginal smear of the rat,each menstrual cycle is a course of treatment and 6 consecutive courses of treatment would be given.The indexes of serum sex hormones(E2,FSH,LH)andβ-EP of rats in each group were observed after treatment.Results:After the treatment of 6 cycles,for the levels ofβ-EP and E2,the model group was lowest(P<0.05),the normal group was highest(P<0.05);and the high-dose group was higher than the low-dose group;For the levels of FSH and LH,the normal group was lowest(P<0.05),the model group was highest(P<0.05),and the high-dose group was lower than the low-dose group.Conclusion:Guangxi characteristic national medicine Polygala fallax Hemsl can effectively improve the levels of serum sex hormones andβ-EP in perimenopausal rat models and relieve the related symptoms with a certain dose-effect relationship.

The effect of Wujiadan Recipe on serum sex hormone and expression of Kiss-1, GPR54 and GnRH in arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus in ovariectomized rats

Objective:To explore the effect of wujiadan Recipe on the expression of FSH,E2 in serum and KiSS-1,GPR54,GnRH mRNA in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus tissue homogenate of ovariectomized rats,and to further explore the mechanism of wujiadan Recipe on menopausal syndrome.Methods:Sixty-four adult female rats were randomly divided into three groups:blank group,model group,Chinese medicine control group,western medicine control group,and wujiadan high,medium and low dose groups.Except for the blank group,all the other groups were ovariectomized.The rats in the normal group and the model group were given the same dose of saline once a day.One rat in the blank group died during the experiment.After 4 weeks of continuous administration,blood was collected from abdominal aorta and brain stereotaxic localization was performed to preserve the arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus.The levels of FSH and E2 in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and the expression of Kiss-1,GPR54 and GnRH mRNA in arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus were detected by PCR.Results:1.Compared with the blank group,FSH level in the model group was significantly higher(P<0.01),and E2 level was significantly lower(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the level of serum E2 in the western medicine control group increased significantly(P.The serum FSH content in each group decreased,especially in the high dose group and the western medicine control group(P<0.01),and in the Chinese medicine control group,the middle dose group and the low dose group(P<0.05).Compared with the blank group,the expression of KiSS-1 mRNA,GPR54 mRNA and GnRH mRNA in the model group increased significantly(P<0.01);compared with the model group,the expression of KiSS-1 mRNA and GPR54 mRNA in the high dose group,middle dose group and Western medicine control group of wujiadan prescription decreased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the expression of GnRH mRNA in the high dose group and the western medicine control group decreased significantly(P<0.01);the middle dose group of wujiadan decreased significantly(P<0.05).Conclusion:Wujiadan recipe can improve the serum sex hormone level of castrated rats,and reduce the over expression of KiSS-1,GPR54 and GnRH mRNA in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of castrated rats,which may be the reproductive endocrine mechanism of wujiadan recipe in the treatment of menopausal syndrome.

Effects of Mulberry Extract on Regulation of Sex Hormone and Hypothalamic Neurotransmitter in Naturally Aged Female Rats

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of different mulberry extracts on sex hormone and hypothalamic neurotransmitter in naturally aged female rats and reveal the mechanism and material basis of anti-aging effect of mulberry. [ Method] Fourteen-month-old SD female rats were selected and ran- domly divided into model group, positive control group, high-dose and low-dose water extract groups, high-dose and low-dose 50% ethanol extract groups, and high-dose and low-dose 95% ethanol extract groups; four-month-old SD female rats were used as blank control group. After eight weeks of drug administration, the levels of 17β-estradiol （E2 ）, follicle- stimulating hormone （FSH） and luteinizing hormone （LH） in serum and beta-endorphin （β-EP） in hypothalamus were de- termined by radioimmunoassay; the levels of norepinephrine （ NE）, dopamine （ DA）, 5-hydroxy tryptamine （5-HT） and 5-HIAA in hypothalamus were determined by fluorescence spectrometry. [ Result] Water extract of mulberry can increase the level of E2 and reduce levels of FSH and LH in serum, and increase the level of fl-EP and reduce levels of DA, 5-HT and 5-HIAA in hypothalamus of naturally aged female rats. Water extract of mulberry exhibited higher effects than 50% eth- anol extract and 95% ethanol extract. [ Conclusion] Mulberry could significantly improve the function of hypothalamic peptide neurotransmitter in naturally aged rats, correct disorders of hypothalamic monoamine neurotransmitter, and treat perimenopausal syndrome by regulating reproductive endocrine function, which might be related with its water-soluble components and require further investigation and development.

Effects of heterotopic autotransplantation of cryopreserved-thawed ovarian tissues on sex hormone level

Objective: The aim of our study was to measure and compare the serum hormone level of transplant group with blank control and castrated control groups after heterotopic autotransplantation of cryopreserved-thawed ovarian tissues into back muscles. Methods: A total of 40 SPF-SD female rats(5–6 week-old) were randomly divided into three groups: blank control group(group A), castration control group(group B) and transplant group(group C). Ovaries were removed by surgical procedure, then after cryopreservation and thawing procedures the ovarian tissues were implanted into the back muscles of mice in group C. After 4 weeks of ovarian tissues transplantation, all rats blood sampling were measured for E2, LH and FSH hormone levels by ELISA. Results: E2 level was significantly higher in group C and group A than group B [(38.98 ± 5.66) pg/mL,(8.14 ± 3.24) pg/mL; P < 0.05) and [(36.30 ± 6.90) pg/mL,(8.14 ± 3.24) pg/mL; P < 0.05)]. However, E2 level in group C and group A had no significant difference. FSH level in group B, group A and group C was(18.87 ± 2.54) nmol/L,(7.77 ± 0.87) nmol/L and(9.39 ± 2.12) nmol/L respectively. FSH level increased significantly in group B compared with group A, and the difference had statistical significance(P < 0.05). FSH level was slightly increased in group C compared with group A, and the difference was not statistically significant(P > 0.05), but compared with group B, FSH level was significantly reduced and being statistically significant(P < 0.05). Conclusion: Autotransplantation of cryopreserved-thawed ovarian tissue into back muscles can sustain follicular development and re-establish endogenous hormone production by restoring the factors such as angiogenesis and innervations at the graft site.

Study on the Diagnostic Value of Combined Detection of Sperm Quality, Sex Hormone and Ovulation in Infertility

Objective: To analyze the application value of combined detection of sperm quality, sex hormone and ovulation in the diagnosis of infertility. Methods: The study was conducted from June 2021 to June 2022. Sixty infertile couples who received IVF cycle treatment in our hospital during this period were selected as the observation group, and 60 couples with good sperm quality and follicle number ≥ 5 who conceived naturally after gynecological disease treatment were selected as the control group during the same period. The sperm quality, sex hormones and ovulation of the two groups were observed, and the change of positive rate was detected by the combined detection method. Results: Compared with the control group, the observation group had less semen (2.82 ± 0.12) ml, lower concentration (69.17 ± 1.28) × 106/ml, normal sperm morphology rate (2.92% ± 0.11%), lower survival rate (70.25% ± 1.16%), higher deformed sperm index (1.39 ± 0.11), and significant differences between groups (P < 0.05);The levels of FSH (7.15 ± 1.33) U/L, LH (5.13 ± 0.53) mU/ml, E2 (72.34 ± 5.11) ng/L, AMH (3.87 ± 0.67) ng/ml and AFC (7.15 ± 0.76) in the control group were significantly better than those in the observation group (P < 0.05). Compared with the single detection method of the three groups, the positive detection rate of the combined diagnosis method was higher, and the difference between the groups was significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: For the diagnosis of infertility, the combined detection method of sperm quality, sex hormone and ovulation can effectively clarify the problems existing in the couple, significantly improve the detection rate of the cause of the patient, and is more conducive to guiding clinical symptomatic treatment, which is worthy of promotion and reference.