Dietary supplementation of Macleaya cordata extract and Bacillus in combination improve laying performance by regulating reproductive hormones,intestinal microbiota and barrier function of laying hens

Background:This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of Macleaya cordata extract(MCE)and Bacil-lus could improve the laying performance and health of laying hens better.Methods:A total of 36029-week-old Jingbai laying hens were randomly divided into 4 treatments:control group(basal diet),MCE group(basal diet+MCE),Probiotics Bacillus Compound(PBC)group(basal diet+compound Bacil-lus),MCE+PBC group(basal diet+MCE+compound Bacillus).The feeding experiment lasted for 42 d.Results:The results showed that the laying rate and the average daily egg mass in the MCE+PBC group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05)and better than the MCE and PBC group.Combina-tion of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the content of follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)in the serum and up-regulated the expression of related hormone receptor gene(estrogen receptor-β,FSHR and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor)in the ovary of laying hens(P<0.05).In the MCE+PBC group,the mRNA expressions of zonula occluden-1,Occludin and mucin-2 in jejunum was increased and the intestinal epithelial barrier detected by transmission electron microscopy was enhanced compared with the control group(P<0.05).In addition,compared with the control group,combination of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity(P<0.05),and down-regulated the mRNA expressions of inflammation-related genes(interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α)as well as apoptosis-related genes(Caspase 3,Caspase 8 and P53)(P<0.05).The concen-tration of acetic acid and butyric acid in the cecum content of laying hens in the MCE+PBC group was significantly increased compared with the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Collectively,dietary supplementation of 600μg/kg MCE and 5×108 CFU/kg compound Bacillus can improve laying performance by improving microbiota to enhance antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier,regulate reproductive hormones and the concentration of cecal short-chain fatty acids of laying hens,and the combined effect of MCE and Bacillus is better than that of single supplementation.

Effects of Polygonatum odoratum Polysaccharide on Reproductive Hormones in Male Rats Fed a High-fat Diet

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Polygonatum odoratum polysaccharide(POP)on organ relative weights and reproductive hormone levels in male rats fed a high-fat diet.[Methods]Thirty healthy male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into two groups according to their body weight:10 in normal control group(Group NC,n=10)and 20 in experimental group(n=20).The rats in experimental group were fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks before they were further randomly divided into two groups:high fat group(Group HF)and high fat+400 mg/(kg·d)POP group(Group HF+POP).In Group HF+POP,the rats were administered with POP for another six weeks,before their blood plasma was collected,and the relative weights of their testis and epididymis were calculated.The plasma levels of testosterone(T),estrogen(E2),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),cortisol(C)and luteinizing hormone(LH)were measured by radioimmunoassay,and the plasma levels of sex hormone-binding globulin(SHBG)and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.[Results]Compared with Group HF,POP could effectively inhibit rat obesity caused by high-fat diets,increase the relative weights of their testis and epididymis,plasma levels of LH,E2,FSH,T,SHBG and IGF-1,and reduce the plasma level of E2.[Conclusions]Polygonatum odoratum polysaccharide(POP)is able to effectively regulate the level of reproductive hormones in high-fat diet fed rats,and helps to protect their reproductive function.

Association of novel and legacy PFAS with reproductive hormones in women of child‑bearing age

Objective:To evaluate the legacy and novel per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS)exposure in women of reproductive age,and to explore the effects on female reproductive hormones.Methods:We used cross-sectional data of 433 normal women of reproductive age from 2013 to 2015.Data of age,age at menarche,parity,BMI,education,and income were collected through questionnaires,serum samples were collected for reproductive hormones,and plasma samples for PFAS measurement by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer(UPLC-MS/MS).Multiple linear regression and quantile g-computation were adopted to analyze the association between PFAS and reproductive hormones.Results:The detection rates of 6:2 Cl-PFESA,8:2 Cl-PFESA and HFPO-DA in the plasma were 100%,99.8%and 99.9%,respectively.The median concentrations of these chemicals were 2.27 ng/mL,0.07 ng/mL and 0.03 ng/mL,respectively.Multiple linear regression analysis showed a positive association between branched PFOS[1m-PFOS(β=0.131,95%CI:0.021,0.242),br-PFOS(β=0.119,95%CI:0.005,0.234)]and progesterone.In addition,mixed exposure model suggested that PFAS had a positive association with progesterone(β=0.549,95%CI:0.323,0.774).Conclusion:In this study,a mixed exposure model was used to evaluate the combined effects of PFAS mixtures,reflecting the association between multiple environmental PFAS exposure and reproductive hormones,and a higher concentration of novel PFAS was found in women of reproductive age,confirming that PFAS exposure may be related to reproductive hormone disorders in women of reproductive age.

Serum leptin level in Sudanese women with unexplained infertility and its relationship with some reproductive hormones

BACKGROUND The excessive concentration of leptin has negative effects on all aspects of female reproduction.Despite this established relationship,the exact role of leptin in women’s fertility is not clear enough and needs more clarification.AIM To evaluate the serum leptin levels in Sudanese women and to ascertain the relationship between serum leptin levels and unexplained infertility(UI).METHODS A matched(age and body mass index)case-control study was conducted from March 2021 to February 2022.The study samples were 210 women with UI and 190 fertile women of reproductive age who were attending the maternity hospitals and fertility clinics in Khartoum state Sudan.The serum concentration of leptin and other serum biomarkers were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.RESULTS The results showed that there was a highly statistically significant difference between the two groups(P<0.001)for all examined eight biomarkers.Whereby,leptin,luteinizing hormone(LH)/follicular stimulating hormone(FSH)ratio,prolactin hormone(PRL)and testosterone(T)were significantly higher in the UI group compared with the control group.In contrast,FSH and estradiol(E2)/T ratio were significantly lower in the UI group than in the control group and the effect size test for the difference between the two groups was very large(effect size>0.80),for leptin level,LH/FSH ratio,PRL level,and E2/T ratio,and large(effect size 0.50-≤0.80)for FSH and T.CONCLUSION This study reveals that leptin could be a potential biomarker for UI in Sudanese women and it may be useful for identifying women with a high risk of infertility.

The Effects of Age and Ejaculatory Abstinence on Semen Quality and Reproductive Hormones in Africa and the Middle East

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effects of male age and ejaculatory abstinence on semen parameters and reproductive hormones among men residing in Africa and the Middle East. A total of 70,142 semen analysis results were analysed and grouped according to the age intervals (16 - 20, 21 - 30, 31 - 40, 41 - 50, 51 - 60, >60) and ejaculatory abstinence (<2 days, 2 - 5 days and >5 days). Semen parameters i.e. volume, concentration, progressive motility, total progressively motile count, morphology, total normal sperm count, DNA fragmentation, viability, sORP, normed sORP were specifically evaluated. Additionally, for each age interval, reproductive hormones i.e. estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone and prolactin were evaluated. Semen volume, total progressively motile count, sperm morphology and total normal sperm count constantly decrease significantly after the age of 30 years. Sperm concentration started declining significantly after the age of 50 years. There was a constant age- related increase in number of spermatozoa with damaged DNA. sORP constantly increased up to 60 years. Furthermore, constantage-related decreases in FSH, serum testosterone and prolact in were observed from patients aged between 16 years and 60 years. Semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology were significantly higher in patients having > 5 days of abstinence. Patients having > 5 days of abstinence had the lowest normed sORP. Male age significantly affects sperm parameters and reproductive hormones in fertile and infertile men residing in Africa and the Middle East. Prolonged abstinence days provides better semen quality.

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and risk for premature ovarian failure and reproductive hormones imbalance

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)are a typical class of persistent organic pollutants that is ubiquitous worldwide.Previous animal studies suggested that PAHs had adverse effects on female reproduction.However,the human data regarding relationship of PAHs exposure with women reproductive health,such as ovarian dysfunction,are scarce.In this case-control study,the associations of serum levels of PAHs with the risk of premature ovarian failure(POF)and reproductive hormones in Chinese women were investigated,with recruiting 157 POF patients and 217 healthy women.The serum levels of 12 types of PAHs,as well as reproductive hormones,including follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone and anti-mullerian hormone,were determined.In the logistic regression models,most individual PAH congeners showed significantly positive correlations with the risk of POF(p<0.05),except for fluorine and pyrene.Benzo(a)pyrene(BaP),as the most carcinogenic PAH congener,was observed to be significantly positively associated with the risk of POF.After adjustment for age,body mass index,educational levels and household income,per one-unit increase in the log-transformed BaP concentration was significantly correlated with 2.191-fold increased risk of POF(OR=2.191,95%CI:1.634-2.938,p<0.05).To the best of our knowledge,this is the first study to report an association between internal exposure levels of PAHs and the increased risk of POF in women.

Harmful effects of pyrethroid ester insecticide on the male reproductive system mainly through affecting testicular function and inflammatory markers

Pyrethroid esters are widely used as insecticides worldwide. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the harmful effect of deltamethrin on the male reproductive system through the assessment of reproductive hormones, inflammatorymarkers, and testicular function. To achieve our aim, eighty male 7-9-week-old, Wistar rats were taken, weighed, and divided into four experimental groups. The first group was kept as a control group, and the other three groups were given deltamethrin orally at different concentrations (0.87, 8.7, and 17.4 mg/kg body weight) for nine weeks. The resultsindicated that deltamethrin administration associated with a significant decrease in reproductive hormones, especially FSH, LH, and significant elevation in the interleukin 2 (IL2), interleukin 6 (IL6), histamine, and cortisol levels. Also, thesignificance of inhibition of sperm motility and viability, decreased testis weights, sperm count, and fructose in semen were noted. These findings clarify the harmful effect of deltamethrin on the male reproductive system by producing a significant alteration in reproductive hormones, inflammatory markers as well as testicular function.

Association of Body Mass Index with Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis Hormones in Infertile Women in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria

Background: Infertility is well-known global health problem that has significant impacts on an individual, families and communities. Many modifiable lifestyle risk factors increase the risk of women to several reproductive disorders. Aim: This study established the relationship between obesity and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis hormones in infertile women in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. Methodology: Six hundred and twenty-six (626) women aged 18 - 40 years comprising of 513 obese infertile women and 113 non obese women who served as control were recruited for the study. Anthropometric measurements were taken and Body Mass Index was calculated. A non-fasting venous blood sample was collected from the women and analyzed for serum Estrogen, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Progesterone, Inhibin B, and Prolactin using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: In the present study, the Body Mass Index of women with primary (1°) infertility is significantly (p < 0.05) higher than secondary (2°) infertility women. Whereas, women with 2° infertility were older and have a higher height than women with 1° infertility. The result revealed that serum estrogen, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and prolactin levels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the obese infertile women, while inhibin B and progesterone levels were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the obese infertile women compared to the control subjects. However, women with 1° infertility have a significantly higher LH and FSH levels than the 2° infertility women. Furthermore, the study revealed that hyperestrogenism is the most prevalent gonadal disorder in women with primary infertility and secondary infertility. The BMI of infertile women suffering Hyperestrogenism is significantly higher than any other female gonadal disorder. The result also showed that there is statistically significant positive correlation between BMI and Hypogonadism, Hypogonadotropic and Amenorrhoea in obese infertility women. While, no significant correlation between BMI and Hypergonadism and Hypergonadotropic was observed. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between BMI and Hypothalamus-Pituitary Ovarian hormones, as BMI showed a positive correlation with LH, FSH, Estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin in women with primary and secondary infertility, while Inhibin B showed a negative correlation with BMI. Conclusion: There is a relationship between BMI and Hypothalamus-Pituitary Ovarian hormones, signifying that obesity could affect female reproduction and directly impact ovarian function. Therefore, body weight maintenance should be considered as a first line of management of Hypothalamus-Pituitary Ovarian hormonal related infertility.

Effect of Bee Pollen on Reproductive Performance of Broiler Breeders

[Objective]The paper was to verify whether chestnut bee pollen can be used as feed for breeding chickens and its appropriate addition proportion.[Method]A total of 92444-week-old Ross 308 broiler breeders of parent generation with a male to female ratio of 1∶10 were randomly divided into 4 groups,with 3 replicates in each group and 7 cocks and 70 hens in each replicate.The broiler breeders in the control group were fed with the basal diet,and those in experimental groups were fed with the diets supplemented with 0.5%,1.0%and 1.5%chestnut bee pollen.The feeding trial lasted 35 d.[Result]Addition of chestnut bee pollen at different proportions improved the laying rate of breeder hens in different degrees.The experimental group supplemented with 1.5%chestnut bee pollen increased the laying rate by 9.1%,reduced the rate of unqualified eggs(broken eggs,cracked eggs,thin shelled eggs and hard shelled eggs)by 71.4%,increased the fertilization rate of hatching eggs and healthy chick rate by 4.4%and 5.2%,and improved the concentrations of testosterone(T),follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)and luteinizing hormone(LH)in breeder cocks by 60.8%,32.3%and 61.4%,respectively.Statistical analysis showed that the results were significantly different.[Conclusion]Addition of chestnut bee pollen at certain concentration can improve the reproductive performance of breeder cocks and breeder hens,and improve the body immunity.

Reproductive Hormone Profiles and Their Relationships with Sexual Function in Patients with Prostate Cancer after Rapid Prostatectomy in Benin City

There are limited studies examining the relationship between serum reproductive hormone levels and sexual functions among prostate cancer (PCa) patients after rapid prostatectomy (RP). Aim: The present study aimed at evaluating the correlation between post-operative serum levels of some male reproductive hormones of PCa patients and their sexual functions in the months following RP. A total of 20 male patients with clinically localized PCa who had undergone RP within the last 12 months prior to commencement of the study, were invited to participate. The postoperative serum levels of their luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and total testosterone (Te) were measured. They also completed a structured health and lifestyle questionnaire to obtain information on their demographic characteristics and detailed medical history. Our data indicated normal mean levels of post-operative Te (4.34 ± 4.38 ng/ml) in the patients following RP, while the mean levels of FSH (39.24 ± 34.12 miu/ml) and LH (21.67 ± 25.73 miu/ml) were on the increase and far above normal ranges for healthy men. Data indicated a significant positive correlation between Te and frequency of sexual intercourse (r = 508;p < 0.05), libido (r = 0.429;p < 0.05) and penile erection (r = 0.494;p < 0.05). However, no significant correlations were found between FSH or LH and any of the sexual function parameters. The present study indicated that radical prostatectomy affected reproductive hormones by increasing LH and FSH concentrations above normal ranges for healthy men, while Te concentrations remained within normal range in the months following RP. The postoperative serum total Te concentrations of the patients were significantly associated with their postoperative sex drive, penile erection and frequency of sexual intercourse.

Mechanism of the Effect of Bacillus coagulans on Production Performance of Laying Hens in Late Laying Period

[Objective]The paper was to investigate the mechanism of Bacillus coagulans preparation in improving production performance of laying hens in late period of laying.[Method]A total of 648 individuals of"Jingfen 1"laying hens(66 weeks of age)in late period of laying were randomly divided into four groups,six replicates each group,and each group had 27 individuals of laying hens.The laying hens in control group were fed with basal diet,and those in experimental groupsⅠ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ were fed with the basal diets added with 3.33×10^6,1×10^7,3.33×10^7 CFU/g B.coagulans,respectively.The pretrial lasted one week,and the formal test lasted eight weeks.[Result]Compared with the control group,the laying rate in group Ⅰ increased significantly,and the feed-gain ratio in experimental group Ⅱ decreased noticeably while the spleen index increased remarkably;the alkaline phosphatase activities and blood calcium content in experimental groups Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ increased significantly(P<0.05),while the triglyceride content decreased remarkably(P<0.05);the urea content in experimental groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ decreased obviously(P<0.05).Adding B.coagulans significantly increased the specific activity of amylase,lipase and protease in various intestinal mucosa of small intestine(P<0.05);adding B.coagulans significantly increased the content of follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)and estradiol(E2),and significantly increased the mRNA expression of follicle stimulating hormone receptor gene(FSHR).[Conclusion]B.coagulans preparation could significantly improve the production performance of laying hens in late period of laying;appropriately enhance the immune capacity of laying hens;improve the serum biochemical indicators;increase the activity of digestive enzymes in the small intestine;and promote the release of gonadal hormone and the mRNA expression of FSHR gene in the ovary.

Combined effects of Gymnema sylvestre and Pergularia daemia on letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome in rats

Objective:To investigate the combined therapeutic potential of Gymnema(G.)sylvestre and Pergularia(P.)daemia on letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS)in rats.Methods:Thirty six healthy female Wistar rats with regular estrus cycles were randomly divided into six groups each of 6.GroupⅠreceived 1 mL of 0.5%carboxyl methyl cellulose orally and served as the vehicle control group,while groupsⅡtoⅥwere treated with letrozole(1 mg/kg body weight p.o.)for 21 days to induce PCOS.After induction of PCOS,groupⅡserved as the PCOS control group,without treatment;groupⅢreceived metformin(20 mg/kg body weight p.o.)as the standard group,and groupsⅣtoⅥreceived G.sylvestre(100 mg/kg body weight p.o.),P.daemia(300 mg/kg body weight p.o.),and the combination of G.sylvestre and P.daemia,respectively,for 28 days.Vaginal smears were collected from all rats daily throughout the study to determine the phases of the estrus cycle.After completing the treatment schedule,oral glucose tolerance test,serum lipid profile and reproductive hormonal analysis were carried out.Subsequently,the rats were sacrificed to collect ovary and uterus for histopathological examination.Results:The PCOS control rats showed a significant irregularity in the estrus cycle,hyperglycemia,and the altered serum lipid profile such as the increased low and very low density lipoprotein,triglyceride,and decreased high density lipoproteins.In addition,the PCOS control rats showed a significant increase in serum luteinizing hormone,testosterone,and estrogen,and decrease in follicle stimulating hormone and progesterone.These changes were significantly revoked in all the treatment groups.The test drugs also significantly reduced the gained ovary weight(P<0.001),and histopathology of the ovary showed almost normal ovary.Among the treatment groups,the group of combination treatment of G.sylvestre and P.daemia showed superior ameliorative results in PCOS parameters.Conclusions:Combination of G.sylvestre and P.daemia presents potent synergistic activity against hyperandrogenism,hyperinsulinemia,anovulation and follicular cysts in letrozole-induced PCOS rats.

Increased locomotor activity in estrogen-treated ovariectomized rats is associated with nucleus accumbens dopamine and is not reduced by dietary sodium deprivation

Estrogens are well known to increase locomotor activity in laboratory rodents;however,the underlying mechanism remains unclear.We used voluntary wheel running by female rats as an index of locomotor behavior to investigate this issue.We first determined whether the estrogen-induced increase in locomotion was susceptible to inhibition by a physiological challenge,and next whether it was associated with dopaminergic activation in the central reward area,nucleus accumbens.Ovariectomized rats were given estradiol or the oil vehicle and housed in cages with or without running wheels.All rats were given regular rodent chow for 1 week,a sodium-deficient diet for the next week,and then were returned to a regular diet for another week.At the end of the last week,all rats were killed,brains were extracted and dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens were measured.As expected,estradiol treatment increased distance run.Surprisingly,dietary sodium deprivation further increased running,but this appeared to be related to experience with wheel running,rather than to sodium deprivation,per se.Dopamine was greater in the nucleus accumbens of estradiol-treated rats that ran compared to all other groups.Thus,the estrogen-induced increase in locomotion is a robust phenomenon that is not inhibited by a body sodium challenge and is associated with elevated levels of dopamine in reward pathways.These findings raise the possibility that the estrogen-induced increase in locomotor activity,which occurs during a hormonal milieu conducive to reproduction,may reflect mate-seeking behavior and,thereby,maximize reproductive success.