Effect of Dual Trigger In Vitro Fertilization and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection During the Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone-Antagonist Cycle on Final Oocyte Maturation and Cumulative Live Birth Rate in Women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Objective It is well known that a dual trigger treatment can improve clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization(IVF)in high or normal ovarian responders.However,it is not clear whether dual triggering also benefits patients with diminished ovarian reserve(DOR).The aim of this study was to investigate whether a dual trigger treatment of gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)agonist combined with human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG)for final follicular maturation improves the cumulative live birth rate(CLBR)during the GnRH-antagonist cycle in patients with DOR.Methods This retrospective study included patients with DOR who received a GnRH-antagonist protocol during IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection(IVF-ICSI)cycles at Peking University People’s Hospital from January 1,2017 through December 31,2017.Oocyte maturation was triggered by GnRH combined with hCG(n=110)or hCG alone(n=71).Embryos were transferred on the third day after oocyte retrieval or during a subsequent freeze-thaw cycle.Patients were followed up for 3 years.Results The dual trigger treatment did not affect CLBR,which is an overall determinant of the success rate of assisted reproductive technology(ART).Women in the dual trigger group had significantly higher rates of fertilization than those in the hCG group(90.1%vs.83.9%,P=0.040).Conclusion Dual trigger with GnRH agonist and hCG did not improve CLBR in patients with DOR,but did slightly improve fertilization rate,oocyte count,and embryo quality.

Associations of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor (GnRHR) and Neuropeptide Y(NPY) Genes’Polymorphisms with Egg-Laying Traits in Wenchang Chicken

Single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNP） of chicken gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor （GnRHR） and neuropeptide Y （NPY） were selected to identify the genotypes of Wenchang （Chinese indigenous breed） chicken with restricton fragment length polymorphisms. The associations of the SNPs with the total egg production （NE）, average days of continual laying （ADCL）, and number of double-yolked eggs （DYE） traits were analyzed. The frequency of restriction enzyme A/a alleles in the population was for GnRHR 0.69 （Bpu1102 Ⅰ A） and 0.31 （Bpu1102 Ⅰ a） and for NPY 0.46 （Dra Ⅰ B） and 0.54 （Dra Ⅰ b）. Trait data from a total of 120 hens, which were purebred introduced from Hainan Province, China from one generation were recorded. Two significant effects of genes＇ marker were found： for GnRHR and number of eggs （dominant; t= 2.67, df= 116） and NPY and number of eggs （additive; t= 1.97, df= 116）. The current research supports the effects of GnRHR and NPY genes on egg-laying traits of chickens.

Artificial Cycle with or without a Depot Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Agonist for Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer： An Assessment of Infertility Type that Is Most Suitable

The clinical outcomes of five groups of infertility patients receiving frozen- thawed, cleavage-stage embryo transfers with exogenous hormone protocols with or without a depot gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH） agonist were assessed. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on 1003 cycles undergoing frozen-thawed, cleavage-stage embryo transfers from January 1, 2012 to June 31, 2015 in the Reproductive Medicine Center of Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Region. Based on the infertility etiologies of the patients, the 1003 cycles were divided into five groups： tubal infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS）, endometriosis, male infertility, and unexplained infertility. The main outcome was the live birth rate. Two groups were set up based on the intervention： group A was given a GnRH agonist with exogenous estrogen and progesterone, and group B （control group） was given exogenous estrogen and progesterone only. The results showed that the baseline serum hormone levels and basic characteristics of the patients were not significantly different between groups A and B. The live birth rates in groups A and B were 41.67% and 29.29%, respectively （P〈0.05）. The live birth rates in patients with PCOS in groups A and B were 56.25% and 30.61%, respectively （P〈0.05）. The clinical pregnancy, implantation and on-going pregnancy rates showed the same trends as the live birth rates between groups A and B. The ectopic pregnancy rate was significantly lower in group A than in group B. We concluded that the live birth rate was higher and other clinical outcomes were more satisfactory with GnRH agonist co- treatment than without GnRH agonist co-treatment for frozen-thawed embryo transfer. The GnRH agonist combined with exogenous estrogen and progesterone worked for all types of infertility tested, especially for women with PCOS.

Live births from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer following the administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist without gonadotropins:Two case reports

BACKGROUND The prevalence of female infertility between the ages of 25 and 44 is 3.5%to 16.7%in developed countries and 6.9%to 9.3%in developing countries.This means that infertility affects one in six couples and is recognized by the World Health Organization as the fifth most serious global disability.The International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technology reported that the global total of babies born as a result of assisted reproductive technology procedures and other advanced fertility treatments is more than 8 million.Advancements in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation procedures led to crucial accomplishments in human fertility treatments.The European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology guideline on ovarian stimulation gave us valuable evidence-based recommendations to optimize ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology.Conventional ovarian stimulation protocols for in vitro fertilization(IVF)–embryo transfer are based upon the administration of gonadotropins combined with gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)analogues,either GnRH agonists(GnRHa)or antagonists.The development of ovarian cysts requires the combination of GnRHa and gonadotropins for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.However,in rare cases patients may develop an ovarian hyper response after administration of GnRHa alone.CASE SUMMARY Here,two case studies were conducted.In the first case,a 33-year-old female diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome presented for her first IVF cycle at our reproductive center.Fourteen days after triptorelin acetate was administrated(day 18 of her menstrual cycle),bilateral ovaries presented polycystic manifestations.The patient was given 5000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin.Twenty-two oocytes were obtained,and eight embryos formed.Two blastospheres were transferred in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle,and the patient was impregnated.In the second case,a 37-year-old woman presented to the reproductive center for her first donor IVF cycle.Fourteen days after GnRHa administration,the transvaginal ultrasound revealed six follicles measuring 17-26 mm in the bilateral ovaries.The patient was given 10000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin.Three oocytes were obtained,and three embryos formed.Two high-grade embryos were transferred in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle,and the patient was impregnated.CONCLUSION These two special cases provide valuable knowledge through our experience.We hypothesize that oocyte retrieval can be an alternative to cycle cancellation in these conditions.Considering the high progesterone level in most cases of this situation,we advocate freezing embryos after oocyte retrieval rather than fresh embryo transfer.

Immunohistochemical Localization and Receptor Expression of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone in Pituitary of Guangxi Swamp Buffaloes

[ Objective] To locate gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH） in pituitary of Guangxi swamp buffaloes and to provide a theoretical ba- sis for cloning and sequence analysis of GnRH receptor gene. [ Method] GnRH in pituitary were immunohistochemically stained by avidin biotin complex method. The GnRH expression was analyzed with image system. The GnRH receptor gene was amplified by real-time PCR. [ Result] Many GnRH positive cells were detected in pars distalis of adenohypophysis. GnRH were distributed in cytoplasm but not in nuclei. No positive sig- nal was observed in neurohypophysis. In addition, the GnRH receptor gene, 920 bp in size, was amplified. [ Conclusion] A large number of GnRH and GnRH receptor were found in pars distalis of adenohypophysis, which indicates that anterior pituitary is an important tissue for functions of hypo- thalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis and other endocrine axes.

Arg-Phe-amide-related peptides influence gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons

The hypothalamic Arg-Phe-amide-related peptides, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone and orthologous mammalian peptides of Arg-Phe-amide, may be important regulators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal reproductive axis. These peptides may modulate the effects of kisspeptins because they are presently recognized as the most potent activators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. However, their effects on gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons have not been investigated. In the current study, the GT1-7 cell line-expressing gonadotropin-releasing hormone was used as a model to explore the effects of Arg-Phe- amide-related peptides on kisspeptin activation. Intracellular calcium concentration was quantified using the calcium-sensitive dye, fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone released into the medium was detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results showed that 100 nmol/L kisspeptin-10 significantly increased gonadotropin-releasing hormone levels （at 120 minutes of exposure） and intracellular calcium concentrations. Co-treatment of kisspeptin with 1 μmol/L gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone or 1 μmol/L Arg-Phe-amide-related peptide-1 significantly attenuated levels of kisspeptin-induced gonadotropin-releasing hormone but did not affect kisspeptin-induced elevations of intracellular calcium concentration. Overall, the results suggest that gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone and Arg-Phe-amide-related peptide-1 may have inhibitory effects on kisspeptin-activated gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons independent of the calcium signaling pathway.

Morphological changes of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the rat preoptic area across puberty

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH） neurons in the preoptic area may undergo morphological changes during the pubertal period when their activities are upregulated. To clarify the regulatory mechanism of puberty onset, this study aimed to investigate the morphological changes of GnRH neurons in the preoptic area of GnRH-enhanced green fluorescent protein transgenic rats. Under confocal laser microscopy, pubertal GnRH neurons exhibited an inverted Y distribution pattern. Prepubertal GnRH neurons were generally unipolar and bipolar, and were distinguished as smooth type cells with few small processes or irregular type cells with many spine-like processes in the proximal dendrites. The number of GnRH neurons in the preoptic area and spine-like processes were increased during the course of reproductive maturation. There was no significant difference between male and female rats. Immunofluorescence staining revealed synaptophysin punctae close to the distal end of GnRH neurons, indicating that some presynaptic terminals may form a synaptic linkage with these neurons.

Kisspeptin regulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion in gonadotropin-releasing hormone/enhanced green fluorescent protein transgenic rats

Kisspeptin is essential for activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. In this study, we established gonadotropin-releasing hormone/enhanced green fluorescent protein transgenic rats. Rats were injected with 1, 10, or 100 pM kisspeptin-10, a peptide derived from full-length kisspeptin, into the arcuate nucleus and medial preoptic area, and with the kJsspeptJn antagonist peptJde 234 into the lateral cerebral ventricle. The results of immunohistochemical staining revealed that pulsatile luteinizing hormone secretion was suppressed after injection of antagonist peptide 234 into the lateral cerebral ventricle, and a significant increase in luteinizing hormone level was observed after kisspeptin-10 injection into the arcuate nucleus and medial preoptic area. The results of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that luteinizing hormone levels during the first hour of kisspeptin-10 infusion into the arcuate nucleus were significantly greater in the 100 pM kisspeptin-10 group than in the 10 pM kisspeptin-10 group. These findings indicate that kisspeptin directly promotes gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion and luteinizing hormone release in gonadotropin-releasing hormone/enhanced green fluorescent protein transgenic rats. The arcuate nucleus is a key component of the kisspeptin-G protein-coupled receptor 54 signaling pathway underlying regulating luteinizing hormone pulse secretion.

Gonadotropin and Testosterone hormone’s serum levels and partial deletions in the AZFc region in Iranian oligozoospermia infertile males

To investigate the relation of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Testosterone serum levels with partial deletions in the AZFc region in Iranian oligozoospermia males. Material and methods: thirty infertile oligozoospermia and 52 Iranian fertile men included. The hormonal assays were measured by the Radioimmunoassay (RIA). Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) using eight sequence-tagged site (STS) markers were measured on the Yq11 chromosome. Results: The mean of FSH and LH levels in all oligozoospermia males were higher than fertile men (p < 0.001) and testosterone was lower significantly (p < 0.001). Five patients showed partial deletions in AZFc region (four had gr/gr and one had b2/b3 deletions). Six fertile men showed partial deletions (five gr/gr and one b2/b3) with higher level of FSH, LH in their group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: According to high incidence of partial deletions in the AZFc region among Iranian oligozoospermia males, hormonal assay and molecular screening should be advised before considering for ART treatments.

Stability of Human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor mRNA in Stably Transfected Cells

In order to assess the impact of mRNA degradation on steady state levels of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) mRNA and on regulation of FSHR gene expression, the stability and half life of FSHR mRNA were determined in transfected cells expressing recombinant FSHR. Time dependent changes in FSHR mRNA content were determined by nuclease protection solution hybridization assay (NPA) or by qualitative reverse transcription competitive polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) in cultured hFSHR YI cells, cell lines stably transfected with a human FSHR cDNA. FSHR mRNA content remained constant during 8 h control incubations of hFSHR Y1 cells (NPA, 2.9±0.3 μg/mg RNA; RT PCR, 2.7±0.3 μg/mg RNA). Actinomycin D (ActD, 5 μg/ml) inhibited mRNA synthesis, as assessed by incorporation of uridine into total RNA, by 90 % within 1 h in hFSHR Y1 cells. No effect of ActD on cellular morphology or viability was observed. ActD caused a time dependent decrease in FSHR mRNA content in hFSHR Y1 cell lines with a lag time of 1 h. There were no significant differences in the rate of FSHR mRNA degradation between the two methods of mRNA quantification. The half life of hFSHR mRNA was 3.6±0.2 h by NPA and 3.1±0.1 h by RT PCR. The results indicated that degradation of mRNA was an important process in maintenance of steady state expression of the FSHR gene in cells stably expressing recombinant receptor.

Efficacy and safety of human chorionic gonadotropin combined with human menopausal gonadotropin and a gonadotropin-releasing hormone pump for male adolescents with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Background:Compared to adult studies,studies which involve the treatment of pediatric congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism(CHH)are limited and no universal treatment regimen is available.The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG)/human menopausal gonadotropin(hMG)therapy for treating male adolescents with CHH.Methods:Male adolescent CHH patients were treated with hCG/hMG(n=20)or a gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)pump(n=21).The treatment was divided into a study phase(0-3 months)and a follow-up phase(3-12 months).The testicular volume(TV),penile length(PL),penis diameter(PD),and sex hormone levels were compared between the two groups.The TV and other indicators between the groups were analyzed using a t-test(equal variance)or a rank sum test(unequal variance).Results:Before treatment,there was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the biochemistry,hormones,and other demographic indicators.After 3 months of treatment,the TV of the hCG/hMG and GnRH groups increased to 5.1±2.3 mL and 4.1±1.8 mL,respectively;however,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05,t=1.394).The PL reached 6.9±1.8 cm and 5.1±1.6 cm(P<0.05,t=3.083),the PD reached 2.4±0.5 cm and 2.0±0.6 cm(P<0.05,t=2.224),respectively,in the two groups.At the end of 6 months of treatment,biomarkers were in normal range in the two groups.Compared with the GnRH group,the testosterone(T)level and growth of PL and PD were significantly greater in the hCG/hMG group(all P<0.05).While the TV of both groups increased,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05,t=0.314).After 9 to 12 months of treatment,the T level was higher in the hCG/hMG group.Other parameters did not exhibit a statistical difference.Conclusions:The hCG/hMG regimen is feasible and effective for treating male adolescents with CHH.The initial 3 months of treatment may be a window to optimally observe the strongest effects of therapy.Furthermore,results from the extended time-period showed positive outcomes at the 1-year mark;however,the long-term effectiveness,strengths,and weaknesses of the hCG/hMG regimen require further research.Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT02880280;https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02880280.

Comparison of Vaginal Gel and Intramuscular Progesterone for In vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer with Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonist Protocol

Background： Luteal support is a key to patients undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer （IVF-ET） with gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH）-antagonist protocol. This study aimed to compare the effect between vaginal progesterone （VP） and intramuscular progesterone （IMP） with GnRH-antagonist protocol alter IVF-ET. Methods： A total of 1760 patients （18 years ≤ age ≤35 years） undergoing IVF-ET with GnRH-antagonist protocol were studied retrospectively between September 2014 and August 2015 in Peking University Third Hospital. In the patients, 1341 patients received VP （VP group） and 419 patients received IMP （IMP group） as luteal support. We compared clinical outcomes between these two groups. The primary objective of the study was the live birth rate. Measurement data between the two groups were conducted using independent samples t-test. The variables in line with non-normal distribution were expressed as median （p25 and p75） and were compared using nonparametric Mann. Whitney U-test. Results： Live birth rate in VP group was 38.55%, significantly higher than that in the IMP group, which was 30.79% （x^2 = 8.287, P= 0.004）. The clinical intrauterine pregnancy rate and implantation rate in VP group were also significantly higher than those in the IMP group （clinical intrauterine pregnancy rate 47.35% vs. 41.29%, x^2= 4.727, P = 0.030： implantation rate 30.99% vs. 25.26%, x^2=14.546, P 〈 0.001）. Any statistically significant differences in ectopic pregnancy and abortion rates between two groups were not observed. Conclusion： Luteal support with VP had better clinical outcomes for young women undergoing IVF-ET with GnRH-antagonist protocol.

Phosphatase and tensin homolog gene inhibits the effect induced by gonadotropin-releasing hormone subtypes in human endometrial carcinoma cells

Background Type I gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH-l） agonists have been applied for the treatment of steroid-dependent tumors such as breast carcinoma, ovarian cancer and prostatic carcinoma. But the mechanism has not been clarified yet. There are few reports about the treatment of endometrial carcinoma using GnRH-l agonists. Type II GnRH （GnRH-ll） is a new subtype of GnRH. Our aim was to investigate the effects of GnRH-l agonists and GnRH-ll on estrogen receptor-negative human endometrial carcinoma cells and the effect from phosphatase and tensin homolog gene （PTEN） to them.Methods A lentiviral vector-mediated RNAi method was used to establish a PTEN-negative HEC-1A cell clone （HEC-1A-ND）. MTT and flow cytometry were used to detect the cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of HEC-1A, HEC-1A-NC and HEC-1A-ND cells after treatment with GnRH-l agonist Triptorelin （10-11 mol/L to 10-5 mol/L） or GnRH-ll （10-11 mol/L to 10-5 mol/L）. Western blotting was used to detect AKT and ERK1/2 activation after treatment with different concentrations of Triptorelin or GnRH-ll for 30 minutes in the above mentioned three kinds of cells. Results Triptorelin and GnRH-ll induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of HEC-1 A, HEC-1A-ND and HEC-1A-NC in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was augmented in HEC-1 A-ND cells in which PTEN gene was knocked-down. Furthermore, Triptorelin and GnRH-ll inhibited the AKT and ERK activity in HEC-1 A-ND cells.Conclusions Triptorelin and GnRH-ll can promote apoptosis rate and inhibit cell proliferation of estrogen receptor-negative endometrial carcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. PTEN gene can inhibit the effects of Triptorelin or GnRH-ll on human endometrial carcinoma cells.

Effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in a rat model of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Background Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome （OHSS） is one of the most life-threatening complications of assisted reproduction treatments. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists （GnRHanta） are thought to be effective in preventing this complication, and some clinical trials have found lower incidences of OHSS in patients treated with GnRHanta. Our aim was to investigate the effects of GnRHanta on vascular permeability and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and its receptors in a rat model of OHSS. Methods An immature early OHSS rat model was established. Three ovarian stimulation protocols were used： pregnant mare serum gonadotropin/human chorionic gonadotropin （hCG） alone, with a GnRHanta, or with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists （GnRHa）. Blood and tissue samples were collected at 48 hours after hCG administration. Vascular permeability was evaluated by measuring the Evans-Blue content of extravasated peritoneal fluids. The expression of VEGF and its receptors, including fit-1 and KDR, were detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Results Treatment with both a GnRHanta and a GnRHa resulted in significant reductions in serum estradiol and peritoneal vascular permeability, as well as decreased ovarian expression of VEGF and its two receptors. However, GnRHanta treatment caused a greater reduction in serum estradiol concentrations, and in VEGF receptor mRNA expression than GnRHa. There were no significant reductions in the expression of VEGF or its receptors in extra-ovarian tissues, including the liver, lungs and peritoneum. Conclusion Our results reveal that GnRHanta are more potent than GnRHa in preventing early OHSS through down-regulation of the expression of VEGF and its receptors in hyperstimulated ovaries.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists cotreatment during chemotherapy in borderline ovarian tumor and ovarian cancer patients

Background Recently, conservative surgery is acceptable in young patients with borderline ovarian tumor and ovarian cancer. The preservation of these patients＇ future fertility has been the focus of recent interest. This study aimed to observe the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists （GnRHa） cotreatment during chemotherapy in borderline ovarian tumor and ovarian cancer patients. Methods Sixteen patients who were treated with fertility preservation surgery for borderline ovarian tumor and ovarian cancer and then administered GnRHa during chemotherapy in Peking University People＇s Hospital from January 2006 to July 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. This group was compared with a control group of 16 women who were treated concurrently with similar chemotherapy （n=5） without GnRHa or were historical controls （n=11）. The disease recurrence, the menstruation status and reproductive outcome were followed up and compared between the two groups. Results There were no significant differences between both groups regarding age, body weight, height, marriage status, classification of the tumors, stage of the disease, as were the cumulative doses of each chemotherapeutic agent. One （1/16） patient in the study group while 2 （2/16） patients in the control group relapsed 2 years after conclusion of the primary treatment （P 〉0.05）. All of the 16 women in the study group compared with 11 of the 16 patients in the control group resumed normal menses 6 months after the termination of the treatment （P 〈0.05）. There were 4 spontaneous pregnancies in the study group while 2 in the control group, all of the neonates were healthy. Conclusions GnRHa administration before and during chemotherapy in borderline ovarian tumor and ovarian cancer patients who had undergone fertility preservation operation may bring up higher rates of spontaneous resumption of menses and a better pregnancy rate. Long-term follow up and large scale clinical studies are required.

Role of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Stimulation Test in Diagnosing Gonadotropin Deficiency in Both Males and Females with Delayed Puberty

Background： Delayed puberty can result either from constitutional delay of growth and puberty （CDP） or idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism （IHH）. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH） stimulation test has been generally accepted as a current method for diagnosing delayed puberty. The objective of this research was to assess the cut-offvalues and the efficacy of GnRH stimulation test in the diagnosis of delayed puberty in both males and females. Methods： A study of 91 IHH, 27 CDP patients, 6 prepubertal children, and 20 pubertal adults was undertaken. Blood samples were obtained at 0, 30, 60, and 120 rain after GnRH administration and the levels of luteinizing hormone （LH） and follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH） were rneast, red. For each paralneter, the sensitivities and specificities were estimated, and the receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curves were constructed. Resulis： The ROC curves indicated that a serunl basal LH 〈0.6 IU/L or peak LH 〈9.74 IU/L resulted in moderate sensitivity （73.8% or 80.0%） and specificity （90.9% or 86.4%） in the diagnosis of HH in males. Serum basal LH 〈0.85 IU/L or basal FSH 〈2.43 IU/L resulted in moderate sensitivity （80.0% or 100.0%） and specificity （75.0% or 50.0%） in the diagnosis of HH in females. Conclusions： Our data suggest that isolated use of the gonadorelin stimulation test is almost sufficient to discriminate between HH and CDP in males, but unnecessary in females. The most useful predictor is serum basal or peak LH to differentiate these two disorders in males, but serum basal LH or FSH in females.

卵形鲳鲹促性腺激素β亚基的克隆鉴定及其受雌二醇的调控

促性腺激素(GtH,gonadotropin hormone)是垂体合成和分泌的一类重要糖蛋白激素,包括促卵泡生成素(Fsh,follicle stimulating hormone)和促黄体生成素(Lh,luteinizing hormone),在促进性腺发育和成熟过程中发挥重要作用。本研究成功克隆了卵形鲳鲹(Trachinotus ovatus)fshβ和lhβ基因的开放阅读框(ORF,open reading frame)序列,fshβORF长度为363 bp,lhβORF长度为447 bp。通过荧光定量PCR技术(qPCR,quantitative realtime PCR)检测,发现fshβ和lhβ基因在卵形鲳鲹的下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴(HPG,hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis)显著表达,在垂体中的表达水平最高,其次是下丘脑和性腺。此外,通过体外实验评估17β-雌二醇(E2,17β-estradiol)对卵形鲳鲹垂体组织中fshβ和lhβ基因表达的影响。结果显示,10μmol/L E2处理6 h后,GtHβ亚基基因的表达被极显著抑制。最后,使用雌激素受体(ER,estrogen receptor)拮抗剂体外孵育卵形鲳鲹垂体组织,发现广谱性拮抗剂Fulvestrant、ERβ拮抗剂Cyclofenil和ERα拮抗剂MPP(MPP dihydrochloride)均能够消除E2对GtHβ亚基基因表达的抑制作用。综上所述,研究结果表明E2对卵形鲳鲹GtH的分泌具有负反馈调节作用,为卵形鲳鲹生殖调控机制提供了有价值的见解。