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.

Mechanism of sex hormone level in biological clock disorder induced acne and analysis of TCM Pathogenesis

Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory disease of pilosebaceous units. And sex hormone level disorder has became a hot research topic in the pathogenesis of acne. Studies show that the biological clock disorder can result in the disorder of sex hormone levels which causes or aggravates acne. Biological clock disorder coincides naturally with "sleep rhythm disorder" in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM). In this paper, we will discuss the modern medical mechanism of the biological clock disorder resulting in acne from the angle of sex hormones, and analyze the TCM pathogenesis of the disease caused by the disorder of the biological clock.

Study on two steroidal sex hormones in rice

Steroidal sex hormones including androgensand estrogens are important in the reproduc-tive development of mammals. A number ofstudies suggested that these steroids mighthave similar functions in plants. A latest re-search on Nongken 58s, a photoperiod-sensi-tire genie male-sterile rice (PGMR), showed

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.

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.

Role of sex hormones in the modulation of cholangiocyte function

Over the last years,cholangiocytes,the cells that line the biliary tree,have been considered an important object of study for their biological properties which involves bile formation,proliferation,injury repair,fibrosis and angiogenesis.Cholangiocyte proliferation occurs in all pathologic conditions of liver injury where it is associated with inflammation and regeneration.During these processes,biliary cells start to secrete different cytokines,growth factors,neuropeptides and hormones which represent potential mechanisms for cross talk with other liver cells.Several studies suggest that hormones,and in particular,sex hormones,play a fundamental role in the modulation of the growth of this compartment in the injured liver which functionally conditions the progression of liver disease.Understanding the mechanisms of action and the intracellular pathways of these compounds on cholangiocyte pathophysiology will provide new potential strategies for the management of chronic liver diseases.The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent findings on the role of sex hormones in cholangiocyte proliferation and biology.

The Influence of Gonadectomy on Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects of Melatonin in Male and Female Wistar Rats: A Possible Implication of Sex Hormones

The main objective of this study was to analyze the effects of sex, ovariectomy (Ovx) and orchidectomy (Orx) on antidepressant and anxiolytic effect of melatonin in forced swimming test, open field test and elevated plus maze test. Initially, 4 mg/kg of melatonin was daily administered, at 4:00 pm, to intact male and female rats during 8 weeks. Our results have shown that the effect of chronic injection of Mel is sex dependent in the three behaviors tests. Females rats have responded better than males in behavior test study after administration of melatonin, this difference between the sexes may be related to the action of sex hormones (androgens and estrogens) on behavior in males as well as in females. Secondly, to determine the possible interaction between Melatonin and steroid hormones, Ovx/sham female received Mel at dose of 4mg/kg alone or NaCl (0.9%) alone, and Orx/sham male received Mel at dose of 4 mg/kg alone or NaCl (0.9%) alone daily and during 8 weeks of treatment at 4:00 pm. All animals were tested in the open-field test, elevated plus maze test for anxiety behavior study, and forced swimming test for depression behavior study. Results revealed that Mel exerts an anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in the orchidectomized males and in intact females, confirming that the suppression of androgens by orchidectomy improved anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of melatonin in males. However in females, the suppression of estrogen by ovariectomy masked the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of melatonin. Our results confirmed that the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of melatonin are linked to sex hormones.

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.

Study the Biochemical Correlation of Insulin Resistance with HbA1c and Sex Hormones in NIDDM Patients/Meisan-Iraq

Objective: The association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and certain endocrine disorders has the paucity of information and limited data in the province of Meisan (southern of Iraq). Hence, in the present study, an attempt was made to investigate the levels of plasma HbA1c, serum insulin resistance and levels of serum sex hormones in men and women of control and type 2 diabetic patients. Also, the present study aimed to explored the correlation coefficient (r) between insulin resistance and level of HbA1c, FSH, LH, Tt, progesterone and estradiol in men and women patients with NIDDM. Methods: One hundred Iraqi volunteers with abdominal obesity were selected in the present study. Fifty diabetic patients with NIDDM (26 men, and 24 women) aged between (37) and (65) years and 50 healthy individuals (25 men, and 25 women) aged between (36) and (65) years considered as control group. Complete medical history was taken from each subject and complete clinical examinations were performed for all volunteers. Then, the two groups were matched for their fasting blood sugar, BMI, insulin hormone;c-peptide, HbA1c, sex hormones and insulin resistance parameters (HOMA2-IR, HOMA%B and HOMA%S) were calculated using HOMA2 calculator software. Results: We found that insulin resistance demonstrated negative correlations (p 0.05) with levels of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone, progesterone and estradiol. While, there was a positive and significant correlation (p 0.01) with value of HbA1c in men and women NIDDM patients. Conclusion: We conclude that an increase in the level of insulin resistance is associated with increased level of blood HbA1c and decreased in level of serum sex hormones (FSH, LH, Tt, E2 and progesterone) in men and women of diabetic group. These behaviors might suggest that insulin resistance can be used as a potential biomarker for predicting dysfunction of sex hygiene in NIDDM patients in addition to glycemic control.

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.

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.

Effects of Salacia lehmbachii ethanol root bark extract on estrous cycle and sex hormones of female albino rats

Objective:To evaluate the effect of Salacia lehmbachii (S. lehmbachii) ethanol root bark extract on estrous cycle and sex hormones in female rats. Methods: Forty-eight virgin rats with regular 4-day cycle were grouped into four and each group was further subdivided into 'a' and 'b' (n=6). Each group was orally treated for 28 days with 2 mL of distilled water (control), ethanol root bark extract ofS. lehmbachii in doses of 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg/body weight (groups 2, 3, 4, respectively). Estrous cycle was determined daily using the vaginal smear method. Rats in'a' subgroups were weighed and sacrificed on the 29th day, and blood was collected for serum generation which was used for hormonal assay and sex organs were removed and weighed. Rats in 'b' subgroups were discontinued from treatment for 2 weeks and the parameters above were reassessed.Results:The mean length of estrous cycle and duration of diestrous of treated rats were prolonged dose dependently compared to control. The increase was significant (P<0.05) at 500 and 750 mg/kg. The other estrous phases were shortened in the same pattern. Relative weights of sex organs were reduced significantly (P<0.05) at the highest dose. Sex hormones levels were significantly (P<0.05) reduced compared to control. The above changes reverted towards the control values two weeks post treatments.Conclusions: Ethanol root bark extract ofS. lehmbachii (high doses) has antifertility effect in female rats as it prolongs the estrous and diestrous cycle, and reduces serum sex hormones levels. The observed alterations were reversible.

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.

Correlation of sex hormones with adipocytokines and bone metabolism biochemical indexes in women with menopausal osteoporosis

Objective:To investigate the correlation of sex hormones with adipocytokines and bone metabolism biochemical indexes in women with menopausal osteoporosis.Methods: A total of 118 female patients who were diagnosed with menopausal osteoporosis in the West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University between September 2015 and October 2017 were selected as menopausal osteoporosis group, and 100 menopausal women with normal bone density who received medical examination in the West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University during the same period were selected as normal control group. The contents of sex hormones, adipocytokines and bone metabolism biochemical indexes in peripheral blood were compared between two groups of women, and Pearson test was used to evaluate the correlation between sex hormones and disease severity in women with menopausal osteoporosis.Results: E2 content in the peripheral blood of menopausal osteoporosis group was significantly lower than that of control group whereas FSH and LH contents were not significantly different from those of control group;Resistin and chemerin contents in peripheral blood were higher than those of control group whereas LEP and Visfatin contents were lower than those of control group;OC, NBAP, TRACP and ICTP contents in peripheral blood were significantly higher than those of control group. Pearson test showed that the sex hormone E2 content in women with menopausal osteoporosis was directly correlated with the contents of adipocytokines and bone metabolism biochemical indexes.Conclusion: The sex hormone expression is abnormal in women with menopausal osteoporosis, and the specific abnormal level can objectively reflect the condition of osteoporosis.

Effect of bushen tiaopi recipe on sex hormones, immune function and oxidative stress in patients with climacteric syndrome

Objective: To explore the effect of Bushen Tiaopi Recipe on sex hormones, immune function and oxidative stress in patients with climacteric syndrome and guide clinical medication. Methods: A total of 140 cases of climacteric syndrome patients who were treated in our hospital from May 2016 to May 2017 were selected according to the lottery method, 70 cases in each group. Control group was given Li Fumin treatment, and the observation group was given Li Fumin combined with Bushen Tiaopi Recipe. The levels of sex hormones, T lymphocyte subsets, leptin, adiponectin and oxidative stress were measured before and after treatment in both groups. Result: There was no significant difference in the levels of sex hormones, T lymphocyte subsets, leptin, adiponectin and oxidative stress before treatment between the two groups. After 12 weeks of drug treatment, the level of sex hormone P increased and the levels of LH and FSH decreased in both groups. And the research group P was (21.89±2.29) nmol/L higher than the control group, and the LH and FSH were (4.28±0.43) IU/L and (4.91±0.50) IU/L were lower than the control group. The LP level was decreased and the APN level increased in both groups. Moreover LP level in the research group was (15.34±1.52) μg/L lower than that in the control group, and the APN level was (8.39±0.84) mg/L higher than that in the control group. The SOD level was increased and MDA level decreased in both groups. And SOD level in the research group was (33.27±3.29) U/L, which was higher than that in the control group, and the MDA level was (12.47±1.25) nmol/mL, which was lower than that in the control group. CD4+and CD4+/CD8+levels were significantly elevated in both groups, and CD8+levels were significantly decreased. In the research group, CD4+and CD4+/CD8+were (28.87±2.69)% and (1.41±0.14), respectively, higher than the control group, and the number of CD8+cells was (21.05±2.23)% lower than the control group. Conclusion:Bushen Tiaopi can significantly improve sex hormone levels in climacteric syndrome patients, improve immune function, relieve oxidative stress, and improve treatment effects.

Correlation of menopausal index with sex hormones, lipid metabolism and cytokines in perimenopausal women

Objective: To explore the correlation of menopausal index with sex hormones, lipid metabolism and cytokines in perimenopausal women. Methods: A total of 208 perimenopausal women who were treated in this hospital between September 2015 and March 2018 were selected as the perimenopausal group and 150 healthy young women (20-30 years old) who received physical examination in this hospital during the same period were selected as the control group. The differences in the levels of Kupperman menopausal index as well as the contents of sex hormones, lipid metabolism indexes and inflammatory factors were compared between the two groups. Results: Kupperman menopausal index of perimenopausal group was higher than that of control group;sex hormones E2, P and T contents were lower than those of control group whereas FSH content was higher than that of control group;lipid metabolism indexes TC and LDL-C contents were higher than those of control group whereas HDL-C content was lower than that of control group;inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-2, IL-18 and IFN-γ contents were higher than those of control group;the Kupperman menopausal index of perimenopausal women was negatively correlated with E2, P, T and HDL-C contents, and positively correlated with FSH, TC, LDL-C, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-18 and IFN-γ contents. Conclusion: The Kupperman menopausal index in perimenopausal women abnormally increases, and the specific level is directly correlated with the female sex hormones, lipid metabolism disorder and systemic microinflammation.

Effect of invigorating kidney and invigorating bone decoction on sex hormones and cytokines in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis

Objective:To investigate the effects of Bushen Jiangu decoction (kidney invigorating and bone invigorating decoction) on sex hormones and cytokines in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP).Methods:From February 2014 to May 2016, 98 PMOP patients were selected as the research objects, randomly divided into observation group and control group (n=49). Two groups were given oral alendronate 70 mg/ times, 1 time/week, Caltrate D 1 tablets, 2 times/d. The observation group was given Bushen Jiangu decoction, daily 1 agent. The treatment period was 6 months. The fasting peripheral venous blood was collected before and after treatment and analyzed by automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer for determination of serum estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T) and type I collagen carboxy terminal peptide (CTX), type I precollagen (PINP);using radioimmunoassay method of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1).Results:The E2 and T levels of the observation group after treatment were significantly increased compared with before treatment (P<0.05). The IL-6 and TNF-alpha of the observation group after treatment were lower than before treatment, while IGF-1 increased than that before treatment, significantly better than the control group (P<0.05);The CTX, P of NP of the observation group after treatment was significantly lower than the control group during the same period (P<0.05).Conclusions:The combination of Bushen Jiangu decoction combined with sodium hyaluronate can effectively improve the level of sex hormones in patients with PMOP, regulate the level of IL-6, TNF-alpha and IGF-1, inhibit the formation of osteoclasts and bone resorption, and improve the treatment effect of osteoporosis.

Gut microbiota affects the estrus return of sows by regulating the metabolism of sex steroid hormones

Background Sex hormones play important roles in the estrus return of post-weaning sows.Previous studies have demonstrated a complex and bi-directional regulation between sex hormones and gut microbiota.However,the extent to which the gut microbiota affects estrus return of post-weaning sows is largely unknown.Results In this study,we first screened 207 fecal samples from well-phenotyped sows by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and identified significant associations between microbes and estrus return of post-weaning sows.Using metagenomic sequencing data from 85 fecal samples,we identified 37 bacterial species that were significantly associated with estrus return.Normally returning sows were characterized by increased abundances of L.reuteri and P.copri and decreased abundances of B.fragilis,S.suis,and B.pseudolongum.The changes in gut microbial composition significantly altered the functional capacity of steroid hormone biosynthesis in the gut microbiome.The results were confirmed in a validation cohort.Significant changes in sex steroid hormones and related compounds were found between normal and non-return sows via metabolome analysis.An integrated analysis of differential bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome provided evidence that normal return-associated bacterial species L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.participated in the degradation of pregnenolone,progesterone,and testosterone,thereby promoting estrogen biosynthesis.Furthermore,the microbial metabolites related to sow energy and nutrient supply or metabolic disorders also showed relationships with sow estrus return.Conclusions An integrated analysis of differentially abundant bacterial species,metagenome,and fecal metabolome revealed the involvement of L.reuteri and Prevotella spp.in sow estrus return.These findings provide deep insight into the role of gut microbiota in the estrus return of post-weaning sows and the complex cross-talk between gut microbiota and sex hormones,suggesting that the manipulation of the gut microbiota could be an effective strategy to improve sow estrus return after weaning.

Examining the Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Dracaena cinnabari on Sex Hormones and Ovarian and Uterine Tissues of Rats

Introduction: Dracaena cinnabari is considered a rich source of phytochemicals used widely in traditional medicine. In the present study, the effect of D. cinnabari hydraulic extract on the reproductive system of female rats was investigated. Methods: The samples were randomly divided into four groups(six samples in each group), including three treatment groups and one control group, and all samples were kept at the same conditions. Hydraulic extract of D. cinnabari and injected intraperitoneally daily for 10 days, while physiological serum was used for injection in to the control group. After 10 days of injection, estrogen and progesterone levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay technique. After dissection, the ovaries and uterine tissues were isolated for histological examination, and tissue changes were carefully examined. Results: The results revealed that the levels of estrogen and progesterone in experimental Groups 2 and 3 had a significant increase(P < 0.001). Regarding tissue changes, a significant increase was observed in epithelial thickness(P < 0.001), number of corpus luteum(P < 0.01), and Graafian follicle(P < 0.01) in doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg. Conclusions: Based on the results, it seems that D. cinnabari extract has an effect on the ovarian follicles.