Diagnostic efficacy of virtual organ computer-assisted analysis in measuring the volume ratio of subchorionic hematoma with serum progesterone

BACKGROUND Subchorionic hematoma(SCH)is a common complication in early pregnancy characterized by the accumulation of blood between the uterine wall and the chorionic membrane.SCH can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage,preterm birth,and other complications.Early detection and accurate assessment of SCH are crucial for appropriate management and improved pregnancy outcomes.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of virtual organ computer-assisted analysis(VOCAL)in measuring the volume ratio of SCH to gestational sac(GS)combined with serum progesterone on early pregnancy outcomes in patients with SCH.METHODS A total of 153 patients with SCH in their first-trimester pregnancies between 6 and 11 wk were enrolled.All patients were followed up until a gestational age of 20 wk.The parameters of transvaginal two-dimensional ultrasound,including the circumference of SCH(Cs),surface area of SCH(Ss),circumference of GS(Cg),and surface area of GS(Sg),and the parameters of VOCAL with transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasound,including the three-dimensional volume of SCH(3DVs)and GS(3DVg),were recorded.The size of the SCH and its ratio to the GS size(Cs/Cg,Ss/Sg,3DVs/3DVg)were recorded and compared.RESULTS Compared with those in the normal pregnancy group,the adverse pregnancy group had higher Cs/Cg,Ss/Sg,and 3DVs/3DVg ratios(P<0.05).When 3DVs/3DVg was 0.220,the highest predictive performance predicted adverse pregnancy outcomes,resulting in an AUC of 0.767,and the sensitivity,specificity were 70.2%,75%respectively.VOCAL measuring 3DVs/3DVg combined with serum progesterone gave a diagnostic AUC of 0.824 for early pregnancy outcome in SCH patients,with a high sensitivity of 82.1%and a specificity of 72.1%,which showed a significant difference between AUC.CONCLUSION VOCAL-measured 3DVs/3DVg effectively quantifies the severity of SCH,while combined serum progesterone better predicts adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Variation in Progesterone Levels and Urinary Tract Infections in Pregnant Women Attending Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya

Background and Aims: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common among pregnant women and major predisposing factors for pyelonephritis linked to obstetrical complications including preterm labour and low infants’ birth weights. This study sought to determine the relationship(s) between pregnancy trimesters, UTIs and changes in progesterone levels among pregnant women. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in 2016 at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) antenatal clinic which is a referral facility that attends to patients from most Counties in western region of Kenya. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect blood and urine specimens from 78 participants. Blood was used to determine progesterone levels using ELISA technique and urine cultures with bacterial colony counts ≥ 105 were appropriately identified to species level. Trimester periods and participants’ demographic information were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Results: Culture results showed that the most abundant bacterial species isolated in urine from the pregnant women was Escherechia coli (63.7%). The more affected age-group was women between 30 - 39 years during trimester three, suggesting that bacterial colonization of genital track occurred more frequently in older compared to the younger women. There was an exponential increase in progesterone levels among the pregnant women during trimester three compared to other trimesters, although these increases occurred independent of age. However, high levels of progesterone among pregnant women in third trimester corresponded with increased number of E. coli causing UTI. Conclusion: The results showed that progesterone levels increase with trimester and the most prevalent bacteria associated with this was E. coli even though age and increase in progesterone levels had no significant impact on E. coli infection.

Vaginal Progesterone (VP) versus VP plus Intermittent Intramuscular Progesterone (IMP) Use in Frozen/Thawed Blastocyst Transfer Cycles: An Observational Cohort Study

Objective: Comparison of vaginal progesterone (VP) versus VP and intermittent intramuscular progesterone (IMP) use in frozen/thawed blastocyst transfer cycles. Study Design: A single center retrospective analyses of 470 elective FET cycles which were performed between January 2015 and September 2019 were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups. Control group was consisted of VP (n = 272), the study group was consisted of VP plus IMP (n = 198) users. Results: The number of transfer attempts in control and study groups was 272 and 198, respectively. Age (29.8 ± 4 vs 30.6 ± 4;p = 0.09), BMI (22 ± 2 vs 21.9 ± 3;p = 0.79) and the number of transferred embryos (1.4 ± 0.5 vs 1.4 ± 0.5;p = 0.48) were comparable between groups. Altough, implantation rates (43.7% vs 43.6%;p = 0.9), ectopic pregnancy (0.8% vs 0.3%;p = 0.46) and abortion rates (8.2% vs 4.8%;p = 0.07) were similar. Biochemical pregnancy rate (8.4% vs 3.4% p = 0.01) in control group and ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) (27.9% vs 38.1%;p = 0.005) in study group were significantly higher. Conclusion: Within the FET cycles in which good quality blastocyst are being transferred additional IMP supplementation to VP may increase OPR while reducing the biochemical pregnancy rate.

Anal Pathologies: What Management at the Reference Health Center of Bamako’s Commune V?

Anal pathologies are conditions affecting the anal margin and the anal canal. The aim of our study was to update data on anal diseases. Non-specific, it can reveal an emergency, a serious illness, a chronic disease or a benign condition. It was a prospective, descriptive and analytical study from April 2022 to March 2023, carried out in the hepato-gastroenterology unit of the Centre de Santé de Référence de la commune V du District de Bamako in Mali. Out of seven hundred and forty-nine (749) patients seen in consultation, 98 had anal pathology, i.e. a prevalence of 13.08%. The mean age was 40 ± 15.15 years and the sex ratio was 1.5. Hemorrhoidal disease and anal fissure were the most frequent pathologies in 66.4% and 24.4% of cases respectively. Medical treatment was initiated in 91.9% of patients with hemorrhoidal disease and 91.7% with anal fissure. Anal pathologies are common in young male patients. In our context, they are dominated by benign conditions.

A comparative study of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation gymnastics on postoperative anal function of lower rectal cancer

BACKGROUND From the anal function,inflammatory response and other indicators,acupuncture combined with rehabilitation gymnastics was applied to patients with cancer undergoing low resection,aiming to improve the prognosis of patients.AIM To explore the effects of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation gymnastics on anal function after lower rectal cancer surgery.METHODS From January 2020 to December 2022,128 patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery in the Department of Oncology of Hebei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital were selected and divided into two groups using the random number table method,with 64 patients in each group.Patients in the control group were not treated with acupuncture or rehabilitation gymnastics and served as blank controls.Patients in the study group were treated with acupuncture and rehabilitation gymnastics from the 7th postoperative day.The anal incontinence scores,changes in serum interleukin-4,interleukin-6,and interleukin-10 Levels,and serum motilin,5-hydroxytryptamine,and vasoactive intestinal peptide levels were compared.RESULTS There were no significant differences in serum interleukin-4,interleukin-6,and interleukin-10 Levels between the groups before treatment(P>0.05).After treatment,these levels were better than those of the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the anal incontinence scores between the groups before and 7 d after surgery(P>0.05).Anal incontinence scores in the study group were lower than those in the control group at 14 d,21 d,and 28 d postoperatively(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in serum motilin,5-hydroxytryptamine,or vasoactive intestinal peptide levels between the groups before treatment(P>0.05).After treatment,these levels were higher in the study group than in the control group,and vasoactive intestinal peptide level was lower in the study group than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with rehabilitation gymnastics can promote the recovery of anal function and reduce the inflammatory response in patients with lower rectal cancer after surgery.

Anal pruritus:Don’t look away

Anal pruritus is a common anorectal symptom that can significantly impair a patient’s quality of life,including their mental health.It can be one of the most difficult proctological conditions to treat.Patients often delay seeking medical attention,since it is an embarrassing but non-life-threatening situation.Pruritus ani can be associated with idiopathic and secondary causes,such as anorectal diseases,cancer(anal or colorectal),dermatological and sexually transmitted diseases,fungal infections and systemic diseases.If patients are referred for a colonoscopy,this can sometimes provide the first opportunity to evaluate the perianal area.Classifications of anal pruritus are based on the abnormalities of the perianal skin,one of the most commonly used being the Washington classi-fication.A proper digital anorectal examination is important,as well as an anoscopy to help to exclude anorectal diseases or suspicious masses.Endoscopists should be aware of the common etiologies,and classification of the perianal area abnormalities should be provided in the colonoscopy report.Information on treatment possibilities and follow-up can also be provided.The treatment normally consists of a triple approach:proper hygiene,elimination of irritants,and skin care and protection.Several topical therapies have been described as possible treatments,including steroids,capsaicin,tacrolimus and methylene blue intradermal injections.

Evaluating the clinical application and effect of acupuncture therapy in anal function rehabilitation after low-tension rectal cancer surgery

BACKGROUND According to the indexes of serum and anal function,acupuncture therapy was applied to patients with low rectal cancer in order to avoid the occurrence of anal incontinence and reduce complications.AIM To explore the clinical application and evaluate the effect of acupuncture therapy for anal function rehabilitation after low-tension rectal cancer surgery.METHODS From the anorectal surgery cases,we selected 120 patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery between January 2020 and December 2022 and randomly divided them into a control group(n=60),observation group(n=60),and control group after surgery for lifestyle intervention(including smoking cessation and exercise),dietary factor adjustment,anal movement,and oral loperamide treatment.The serum levels of motilin,5-hydroxytryptamine,and vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP),Wexner score for anal incontinence,and incidence of complications were compared between groups.RESULTS After treatment,the VIP and 5-hydroxytryptamine levels in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The motilin level was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).Postoperative anal incontinence was better in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of complications in the observation group was 6.67%,which was significantly lower than that in the control group(21.67%;P<0.05).CONCLUSION Acupuncture therapy has a positive effect on the rehabilitation of anal function after low-tension rectal cancer surgery;it can effectively help to improve the serum indices of patients,avoid the occurrence of anal incontinence,and reduce the incidence of complications.Popularizing and applying it will be valuable.

Clinical Study on the Treatment of Low Anal Fistula in Infants and Young Children by Anal Gland Excision and Virtual Hanging Procedure

Objective:To compare the efficacy of anal adenectomy with virtual hanging wire and anal fistulotomy in the treatment of low anal fistula in infants and children.Methods:60 children with low anal fistula who were admitted to our hospital from October 2021 to March 2022 and met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups of 30 cases each;the treatment group was treated with anal adenectomy and virtual hanging wire surgery,and the control group was treated with anal fistula resection.The clinical efficacy after treatment was compared.Results:The total effective rate of both groups was 96.67%and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The postoperative pain score of the treatment group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).The length of hospitalization and healing time of the treatment group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).The anal function of the patients in both groups was normal,and there was no adverse reaction.Conclusion:Anal gland excision and virtual hanging surgery for the treatment of low anal fistula in infants and children have the advantages of mild pain,reduced length of hospitalization,short healing time,and better patient experience as compared to anal fistula excision.

A case study illustrating the use of an integrated approach to treat secondary Anal Fistula Post I&D of Perianal Abscess

Background:Anal fistula is a long-term disease characterized by a tubular structure with one end opening in the anorectal canal and the other end opening on the surface of the perineum or perianal skin with chronic pus drainage.It is linked to Bhagandar in Ayurveda,and in Sushruta Samhita,Acharya has mentioned 5 forms of Bhagandar.The boil in the present case was Shukla,sthira i.e.hard and firm,with Picchila strava and Kandu resembling the features of Parisraavi bhagandar.Aim and objective:The current case was diagnosed as Parisravi bhagandar,which resembles trans-sphincteric or intersphincteric fistula in modern ano.In Ayurveda,the management of Parisraavi Bhagandar,Shastra,kshara,and Agnikarma is advised and the use of Ksharasutra,which contributes to complete cutting and healing of the track without reoccurrence,similarly Modern surgeon depends on surgery i.e radical excision of the track,ligation with Seton,and use of chemical irritants like urethane,silver nitrates,etc.A cutting seton(tight)gently slices the confined muscle to close the fistula with the least interruption to continence.This operation is especially advised when a one-stage fistulotomy poses a considerable risk of incontinence.Material and methods:The method performed here was Core Partial Fistulectomy followed by Ksharasutra application till complete healing of the wound.Discussion and conclusion:This case study provides the successful management of Parisraavi Bhagandara(high anal,trans-sphincteric fistula in ano)in 61-year-old male patient with an integrated surgical&Ayurvedic management approach.

Study on prevention effect of Zishen Yutai pill combined with progesterone for threatened abortion in rats

Objective:To observe preventive and therapeutic effects and the mechanism of actions on Zishen Yutai pill combined with progesterone on threatened abortion in rats.Methods:After pregnancy,50 SPF female SD rats were selected and divided into control group,model group,progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group,and progesterone plus Zishen Yutai pill group(combination group),with 10 rats in each group.The rats of control group and abortion model group were lavaged with 2 mL/kg normal saline on pregnancy day 1 for continuous 10 days.Rats in Zishen Yutai pill group were given 1.575 g/kg/d of Zishen Yutai pill for intragastric administration for continuous 10 days.Rats in progesterone group were given intramuscular injection treatment of 0.1 mL/d progestin,continuous for 10 days.Rats in combination group were given injection therapy of aqueous solution of Zishen Yutai pill for continuous 10 days,and other treatments were the same as previous two groups.Abortion model were established then and live births,numbers of abortion and average rate of abortion were compared between the five groups.Peripheral blood was collected to detect the estradiol(E2) and progestational hormone(P),and obtain ratio of Th1/Th2 cytokines(IL-2,INF-γ,IL-4,IL-10).Results:Significant more live births of rats were found in the control group compared with other four groups(P<0.05).The numbers of live births of the rats in abortion model group were significantly less than that of progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group and joint group(P<0.05).The numbers of live births of rats in joint group were significant more than that of progesterone group and Zishen Yutai pill group.The serum E2 level of P of rats in the control group,progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group and joint group were significant higher than that of abortion model group(P<0.05).Serum levels of E2 and P of rats in the control group,progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group and joint group were not significant different(P>0.05) but these levels in the control group and Zishen Yutai pill group were significant lower than that of progesterone group and joint group(P<0.05).The maternal-fetal interface IL-4/IL-2,IL-10 / IL-2 of model group were balanced deviating to Th1,while the IL-4/IL-2,IL-10/IL-2 of progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group and joint group were balanced deviating to Th2,and joint group' deviation was better than progesterone group and Zishen Yutai pill group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Zishen Yutai pill combined with progesterone has a significant control effect for threatened abortion,which can obviously increase contents of maternal serums E2 and P,and regulate the Thl/Th2 balance with a remarkable effect.

Inhibitory Effect of Progesterone on Inflammatory Factors After Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury

Objective Traumatic brain injury （TBI） is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in young people. Inflammatory cytokines play an important part in the pathophysiology of TBI. Recent studies demonstrate that progesterone significantly reduces cerebral edema and enhances functional recovery from TBI and stroke in several animal models. This study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effect of progesterone on inflammatory response after traumatic brain injury. Methods Progesterone was injected intraperitoneally using rats as a model of traumatic brain injury, and Western blot technique was applied to detect the expression of three inflammation-related factors： nuclear factor kappa B p65 （NFκB p65）, glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP）, and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）. The water content of injured brain was also examined. A neurological severity score was recorded to evaluate the effect of progesterone on neurodeficit recovery. Results NFκB p65, GFAP, and TNF-α were increased in all injured animals. In rats treated with progesterone, the expression level of NFκB p65 and TNF-α were reduced significantly in comparison with vehicle-treated rats. However, progesterone did not alter the expression of GFAP in the injured rats. Progesterone also reduced the water content of injured brain and the lesion volume. In addition, progesterone-treated injured rats showed significant improvements in the Neurological Severity Score test, compared with vehicle-treated ones. Conclusions Progesterone inhibits the inflammatory response after experimental traumatic brain injury and mitigates the severity of brain damage.

Progesterone promotes neuronal differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in culture conditions that mimic the brain microenvironment

In this study, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells from full-term neonates born by vagina delivery were cultured in medium containing 150 mg/mL of brain tissue extracts from Sprague-Dawley rats （to mimic the brain microenvironment）. Immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated that the cells differentiated into neuron-like cells. To evaluate the effects of progesterone as a neurosteroid on the neuronal differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells, we cultured the cells in medium containing progesterone （0.1, 1, 10 pM） in addition to brain tissue extracts. Reverse transcription-PCR and flow cytometric analysis of neuron specific enolase-positive cells revealed that the percentages of these cells increased significantly following progesterone treatment, with the optimal progesterone concentration for neuron-like differentiation being 1 tJM. These results suggest that progesterone can enhance the neuronal differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in culture medium containing brain tissue extracts to mimic the brain microenvironment.

Progesterone receptor membrane component 1 as a potential prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM To investigate the clinicopathological significance of progesterone receptor membrane component 1(PGRMC1) and PGRMC2 in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS We performed immunohistochemical staining to evaluate the estrogen receptor(ER), progesterone receptor(PR), PGRMC1, and PGRMC2 in a clinical cohort consisting of 89 paired HCC and non-tumor liver samples. We also analyzed HCC data(n = 373) from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA). We correlated the expression status of PGRMC1 and PGRMC2 with clinicopathological indicators and the clinical outcomes of the HCC patients. We knocked down or overexpressed PGRMC1 in HCC cell lines to evaluate its biological significance in HCC cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and invasion. RESULTS We found that few HCC cases expressed ER(5.6%) and PR(4.5%). In contrast, most HCC cases expressed PGRMC1(89.9%) and PGRMC2(100%). PGRMC1 and PGRMC2 exhibited significantly lower expression in tumor tissue than in non-tumor tissue(P < 0.001). Lower PGRMC1 expression in HCC was significantly associated with higher serum alpha-fetoprotein expression(P = 0.004), poorer tumor differentiation(P = 0.045) and liver capsule penetration(P = 0.038). Low PGRMC1 expression was an independent predictor for worse disease-free survival(P = 0.002, HR = 2.384,CI: 1.377-4.128) in our cases, as well as in the TCGA cohort(P < 0.001, HR = 2.857, CI: 1.781-4.584). The expression of PGRMC2 did not relate to patient outcome. PGRMC1 knockdown promoted a poorly differentiated phenotype and proliferation of HCC cells in vitro, while PGRMC1 overexpression caused the opposite effects.CONCLUSION PGRMC1 is a non-classical hormonal receptor that negatively regulates hepatocarcinogenesis. PGRMC1 down-regulation is associated with progression of HCC and is a poor prognostic indicator.

Does progesterone show neuroprotective effects on traumatic brain injury through increasing phosphorylation of Akt in the hippocampus?

There are currently no federally approved neuroprotective agents to treat traumatic brain injury. Progesterone, a hydrophobic steroid hormone, has been shown in recent studies to exhibit neu-roprotective effects in controlled cortical impact rat models. Akt is a protein kinase known to play a role in cell signaling pathways that reduce edema, inlfammation, apoptosis, and promote cell growth in the brain. This study aims to determine if progesterone modulates the phosphor-ylation of Aktvia its threonine 308 phosphorylation site. Phosphorylation at the threonine 308 site is one of several sites responsible for activating Akt and enabling the protein kinase to carry out its neuroprotective effects. To assess the effects of progesterone on Akt phosphorylation, C57BL/6 mice were treated with progesterone （8 mg/kg） at 1 （intraperitonally）, 6, 24, and 48 hours （subcutaneously） post closed-skull traumatic brain injury. The hippocampus was harvest-ed at 72 hours post injury and prepared for western blot analysis. Traumatic brain injury caused a signiifcant decrease in Akt phosphorylation compared to sham operation. However, mice treat-ed with progesterone following traumatic brain injury had an increase in phosphorylation of Akt compared to traumatic brain injury vehicle. Our ifndings suggest that progesterone is a viable treatment option for activating neuroprotective pathways after traumatic brain injury.

Distribution and Accumulation of Neodymium and Its Effect on Secretion of Progesterone in Mice

Distribution and accumulation of Nd, and its effect on secretion of progesterone in mice were studied using radioisotope tracer ((()^(147)Nd)) technique. Following single intraperitoneal administration of neodymium traced with (()^(147)Nd) at a dose of 200 mg·kg^(-1), uneven distribution of the radioactive Nd occurred in various tissues and organs. Much amount of (()^(147)Nd) accumulates in the bone, and the residue increases with the lapse of time. Some amount of radioactivity was also detected in eyes, blood and brain, but the accumulation decreased with the time due to excretion and re-distribution in mice. In comparison with controls, concentration of progesterone is found to be significantly lower in the serum of administered mice, indicating a significantly inhibitory effect of Nd on secretion of progesterone.

The Nongenomic Effects of Progesterone in Repressing iNOS Activation through P38MAPK Pathways in Gonococci-Infected Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes and the Clinical Significance

Progesterone has nongenomic effects on inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),which is mediated by mitogen activated protein kinase(MAPK)pathways.This effect is supposed to have some potential association with asymptomatic gonococcal infections in women by immunological depression.In this study,polymorphonuclear leukocytes(PMNs)challenged by gonococci were used to study the nongenomic effects of progesterone.The activation of iNOS was assessed by measuring [3H] L-arginine converses to [3H] L-citrulline,and t...

Progesterone effects on the oligodendrocyte linage: all roads lead to the progesterone receptor

A new role has emerged for progesterone after discovering its potent actions away from reproduction in both the central and the peripheral nervous system. The aim of the present report is to discuss progesterone’s mechanisms of action involved in myelination, remyelination and neuroinflammation. The pivotal role of the classic progesterone receptor is described and evidence is compiled about progesterone’s direct effects on oligodendrocyte linage and its indirect effects on oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation by decreasing the neuroinflammatory environment.

Routine Progesterone Supplementation in Threatened Abortion: Is It a Sound Practice?

Aim: To evaluate the benefits and hazards of routine progesterone supplementation in threatened abortion and whether it is a sound practice or not. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tanta University in the period from January 2018 to December 2018. Eligible patients (n = 190) were randomly allocated into 2 groups: study group who will receive progesterone supplementation (prog. group) and control group who will receive no treatment (place. group). Results: No significant differences were found between both groups regarding all demographic data and pregnancy characteristics. Abortions were higher in place. group 17 (23.94%) than in prog. group 12 (16.44%) with no significant difference p value = 0.263. The incidence of preterm labour was also higher in the place. group 22 (30.99%) in comparison to the prog. group 17 (23.29%) with no significant difference p value = 0.300. Conclusion: Progesterone supplementation in threatened abortion was not beneficial although it reduced abortion and preterm labour rates.

The Effect of GnRHa Induced Superovulation on Endometrial Morphology and Estrogen Receptor and Progesterone Receptor in Mouse

To evaluate the effect of GnRHa induced superovulation protocol on endometrial morphology and function. Material & Methods Forty ICR mice were randomly allocated into 4 groups, among them, 2 experimental groups were injected with GnRHa+HMG+hCG, another 2 groups were given saline of same volume as control group. The uterine tissues were investigated at 24 h and 48 h after administration (experimental group) or ovulation (control group).The endometrial thickness, the size of gland and glandular lumen, the total area of glandular cells, the average height of glandular epithelium were measured from routine histological slides using computerized image analysis. The SP immunohistochemistry techniques with monoclonal antibodies were employed to semi quantitatively analize the estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in glandular cells. Results The endometrial thickness was not significantly different between experimental groups and control groups at 24 h and 48 h (P>0.05).The average area, perimeter, maximal diameter of single gland and glandular lumen, the total area, average height of glandular epithelium in experimental groups were significantly smaller than those of in control groups at equivalent time stages (all P<0.01). The asynchronous development of gland epithelium and stroma cells, namely, pesudostratified glandular epithelium and predecidual changes of stroma cells were seen at same time in experimental groups. The positive percentage (%) and expression intense of ER and PR in glandular epithelium cells were significantly lower in experimental groups than in control groups (P<0.05). Conclusion The protocol with GnRHa had a negative effect on endometrial histological structure and down regulated the express of ER and PR, suggesting that this protocol effect on the endometrial morphology and function and could not facilitate the formation of a physiologic endometrium completely, which may be one of the causes of low pregnancy rates.

Give progesterone a chance

There is currently no standard pharmacological treatment for spinal cord injury. Here, we suggest that progesterone, a steroid hormone, may be a promising therapeutical candidate as it is already for traumatic brain injury, where it has reached phase II clinical trials. We rely on previous works showing anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and promyelinating roles for progesterone after spinal cord injury and in our recent paper, in which we demonstrate that progesterone diminishes lesion, preserves white matter integrity and improves locomotor recovery in a clinically relevant model of spinal cord lesion.