Clinical Value of Serum Anti-Mullerian Hormone and Inhibin B in Prediction of Ovarian Response in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The present study aimed to investigate the clinical value of serum anti-mullerian hormone（AMH） and inhibin B（INHB） in predicting the ovarian response of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome（PCOS）. A total of 120 PCOS patients were enrolled and divided into three groups in terms of the ovarian response： a low-response group（n=36）, a normal-response group（n=44）, and a high-response group（n=40）. The serum AMH and INHB levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）. The follicle stimulating hormone（FSH）, luteinizing hormone（LH）, and estradiol（E2） levels were determined by chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay. The correlation of the serum AMH and INHB levels with other indicators was analyzed. A receiver operating characteristic（ROC） curve was established to analyze the prediction of ovarian response by AMH and INHB. The results showed that there were significant differences in age, body mass index（BMI）, FSH, total gonadotropin-releasing hormone（Gn RH）, LH, E2, and antral follicle counts（AFCs） between the groups（P〈0.05）. The serum AMH and INHB levels were increased significantly with the ovarian response of PCOS patients increasing（P〈0.05）. The serum AMH and INHB levels were negatively correlated with the age, BMI, FSH level, Gn, and E2 levels（P〈0.05）. They were positively correlated with the LH levels and AFCs（P〈0.05）. ROC curve analysis of serum AMH and INHB in prediction of a low ovarian response showed that the area under the ROC curve（AUC） value of the serum AMH level was 0.817, with a cut-off value of 1.29 ng/m L. The sensitivity and specificity were 71.2% and 79.6%, respectively. The AUC value of serum INHB was 0.674, with a cut-off value of 38.65 ng/m L, and the sensitivity and specificity were 50.7% and 74.5%, respectively. ROC curve analysis showed when the serum AMH and INHB levels were used to predict a high ovarian response, the AUC value of the serum AMH level was 0.742, with a cut-off value of 2.84 ng/m L, and the sensitivity and specificity were 72.7% and 65.9%, respectively; the AUC value of the serum INHB level was 0.551 with a cut-off of 45.76 ng/m L, and the sensitivity and specificity were 76.3% and 40.2%, respectively. It was suggested the serum AMH and INHB levels have high clinical value in predicting the ovarian response of PCOS patients.

Use of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) for Testing of Ovarian Reserve: A Survey of Fifteen (15) Fertility Centres in Ghana

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a dimeric glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 140 kD, encoded by a gene on the short arm of chromosome and a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily. The expression of AMH is markedly different in males and females, both in concentration and temporality. In males, Sertoli cells maintain a high concentration of AMH in utero which peaks shortly after birth and then drops precipitously at puberty. In females, granulosa cells produce very low levels of AMH in utero followed by a transient spike in the neonatal period. Concentrations of the hormone then rise steadily through adolescence to a peak in the mid-twenties and subsequently decline until becoming undetectable in menopause. The study aimed to understand how Clinicians and Clinical Embryologists used anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test to assess ovarian reserve, direct patient selection and treatment regimens and guide in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle management in all registered fertility hospitals in a West African country, Ghana. A web-based survey (questionnaire) using google forms was performed to solicit responses from all IVF hospitals that are registered with the Fertility Society of Ghana (FERSOG). This questionnaire consisted of fifteen (15) broader questions, ten (10) of which assessed the clinics’ use of AMH. Responses were screened for quality to verify that only one (1) survey was completed by each IVF centre. The study was conducted during May and June 2020 at the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Department of the Airport Women’s Hospital (AWH) in Accra, Ghana. Results are reported as the proportion of IVF cycles represented by a particular answer choice. Survey responses were completed from 15 IVF centres, representing 2504 IVF cycles performed annually. A good majority (73.3%) [1835 IVF cycles] of the respondent IVF hospitals reported to use AMH as a first line test and 93.3% reported it as the best test for evaluating ovarian reserve. Another 66.7% reported that AMH results were extremely relevant to clinical practice. However, in contrast, for predicting live birth rate, 60% reported age as the best predictor in their practice. Overall, our results indicate that AMH is considered a first line test for assessing ovarian reserve and is relevant to the clinical practice of majority of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) providers in Ghana.

Expression of anti-Mullerian hormone receptor on the appendix testis in connection with urological disorders

The female internal sex organs develop from the paramesonephric （Mullerian） duct. In male embryos, the regression of the Mullerian duct is caused by the anti-Mullerian hormone （AMH）, which plays an important role in the process of testicular descent. The physiological remnant of the Mullerian duct in males is the appendix testis （AT）. In our previous study, we presented evidence for the decreased incidence of AT in cryptorchidism with intraoperative surgery. In this report, the expression of the anti-Mullerian hormone receptor type 2 （AMHR2）, the specific receptor of AMH, on the AT was investigated in connection with different urological disorders, such as hernia inguinalis, torsion of AT, cysta epididymis, varicocele, hydrocele testis and various forms of undescended testis. The correlation between the age of the patients and the expression of the AMHR2 was also examined. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the receptor＇s mRNA and protein levels, respectively. We demonstrate that AMHR2 is expressed in the ATs. Additionally, the presence of this receptor was proven at the mRNA and protein levels. The expression pattern of the receptor correlated with neither the examined urological disorders nor the age of the patients; therefore, the function of the AT remains obscure.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone and Follicle Counts as Predictors of Superovulatory Response and Embryo Production in Beef Cattle

This study evaluated Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and/or follicle counts as predictors of subsequent superovulatory response and embryo production in 79 beef cows. Before superovulation, 3 to 5 mm follicles presented on the ovaries of donor cows were counted, and blood was collected for measure of serum AMH. Across cows, serum AMH ranged from 0.013 to 0.898 ng/mL, with a mean of 0.293 ng/mL. The distribution of both AMH concentrations and follicle counts were divided into quartiles (AMH Q1 through Q4, with Q1 the lowest and Q4 the highest) for analysis. Donor cows in AMH Q4 had a greater (P < 0.001) number of 3 to 5 mm follicles at the start of superovulation than did donors in either Q1 or Q2. At embryo collection, cows in AMH Q3 and 4 had more (P < 0.001) palpable corpora lutea (CL) than cows in AMH Q1. The mean number of embryos recovered from donor cows in AMH Q4 was greater (P < 0.001) than those recovered from cows in either AMH Q1 or 2, but similar to that of AMH Q3. Analysis indicated that AMH was positively correlated (P < 0.001) with mean follicles (r = 0.458), CL (r = 0.452) and embryos recovered (r = 0.430). Donor cows with higher follicle counts (F Q3 and 4) at the start of superovulation had more (P < 0.001) palpable CL at embryo collection than donor cows in F Q1 or 2. More (P < 0.001) embryos were recovered from cows with the highest follicle counts (F Q4) as compared with cows having lower (F Q1 and 2) follicle counts. Results confirm that relative AMH concentration was positively correlated with number of small antral follicles in the ovaries of cows;both AMH measure and antral follicle counts might be used to predict subsequent superovulatory response in beef cows.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone: Establishing the Ovarian Reserve Range with Age in Rivers State Women, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Background: The measurement of circulating anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in the plasma of adult women has been used as a tool in the assessment of ovarian reserve. This is based on its ability to reflect the number of growing follicles in the ovaries and knowing the level of AMH in a woman’s blood is generally a good indicator of her ovarian reserve and this can be achieved by making reference to a decision values. Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure the level of this hormone in normal, apparently healthy subjects in Rivers State, Nigeria with respect to age. The percentage of women, at their reproductive age with infertility problems in the state is in the increase and the essence was to establish a reference range for the hormone because of its clinical application in women fertility. Materials/method: A total of one thousand and sixty two apparently healthy women divided into four age groups were recruited for this study;this comprised of 300 each in age group of 20 - 30, 31 - 40, 41 - 50 respectively and 162 in 51 - 60 years age group from May 2014 to June 2017. They were randomly selected after filling a questionnaire form that has the information of age, tribe, last date of menses and whether on medication for any infertility problems. Excluded from the study were subjects identified with different endocrine dysfunction and/or on drugs for different types of anovulatory dysfunction. The Enzyme linked Immunoassay method was used in the measurement of the AMH. Results: The result from the measurement of plasma AMH levels showed a Mean ± SD value of 3.193 ± 0.943, 1.644 ± 0.691, 0.516 ± 0.276 and 0.135 ± 0.081 ng/ml respectively for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th age groups respectively. The mean value for the AMH decreases with increasing age and was statistically significant at the different age group levels (P &minus;2.250 - 4.136;0.953 - 2.350;0.240 - 0.792 and 0.054 - 0.216 respectively for the age groups. This study summarizes the findings concerning AMH and its role as a marker for the quantitative aspect of ovarian reserve, ovarian aging, as well as ovarian dysfunction in this region of the country.

Relationship of Anti-Mullerian Hormone to Reproductive Traits in Katahdin Ewes Bred in Late Spring or Fall

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is an endocrine marker for fertility in many species. This study investigated possible correlations between serum AMH concentrations, mean number of lambs born (out-of-season in spring or fall), and estimated breeding values (EBVs) for number of lambs born (NLB), number of lambs weaned (NLW), maternal weaning weight (MWWT), weaning weight (WWT), and maternal index (determined by Sheep Genetics Australia). Blood was collected at breeding from Katahdin ewes between 0.7 and 7 years of age in 2015 (n = 163) for the analysis of serum concentrations of AMH. Anti-Mullerian hormone concentration was either expressed quantitatively or divided into quartiles (AMH Q1 through Q4, with Q1 the lowest and Q4 the highest, pg/ml). Data were analyzed by PROC CORR, GLM or chi-squared using SAS. Mean serum AMH was 182 ± 11 pg/ml and ranged from 0 to 1112 pg/ml. There was no correlation between serum AMH and EBVs for NLB, NLW, MWWT, WWT and the maternal index. Serum AMH concentration was similar in ewes in different age categories (P = 0.157). There was a correlation between EBV for NLB (0.29;P = 0.0002) and NLW (0.19;P = 0.013) with average number of lambs born. Ewes in the lowest AMH quartile (Q1) had a lower mean number of offspring born from spring breeding compared with ewes in other AMH quartiles (Q2, Q3, and Q4;P < 0.05). Further study is needed to determine the effectiveness of using serum AMH for selecting ewes for out-of-season (spring) breeding.

Clinical efficacy of anti-Mullerian hormone inspection in supporting diagnosis for climacteric disorders

The diagnosis of climacteric disorders in gynecology is performed on the basis of symptoms rather than hormonal levels. Generally, the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level increases when the 17β-estradiol (E2) level decreases in menopause. However, the problem of these hormones should be determined by strict timing of sampling, and there are individual specificities of decreases of hormone levels. We considered that anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) can be measured at any time of the menstrual cycle and that it shows ovary functional decline earlier than FSH/E2, and we examined whether AMH would possibly become a good index for climacteric disorders. The subjects were 163 healthy females and 21 patients with climacteric disorders between 20 and 59 years old. We examined AMH, FSH and E2 at the same time. It is understood that in healthy females, AMH decreases with age and a decline in ovary function occurs at a relatively early age. Patients visiting clinics for climacteric disorders often have normal-range serum FSH/E2 levels, and it is clear that these values could not serve as indices of menopause at these inspections. Upon measurement of AMH in patients with climacteric disorders, most showed less than normal range (< 14 pmol/L), suggesting a decline in ovarian function. In addition, AMH was low in females with climacteric disorders compared with those without them. In conclusion, AMH was suggested as an objective index for climacteric disorders and possibly as a new diagnostic marker.

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.

Effects of hormone replacement therapy on mood and sleep quality in menopausal women

BACKGROUND Hormone replacement therapy is an effective treatment strategy for the management of symptoms in naturally menopausal women.However,some patients report experiencing adverse effects.AIM To analyze the effects of hormone replacement therapy in menopausal female patients.METHODS A total of 152 menopausal female patients admitted to the Gynecology Department of the Ganzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital between January 2021 and December 2023 were divided into the observation group(n=76,conventional treatment+hormone replacement therapy)and the control group(n=76,conventional treatment only)via random casting.The improvement observed in the following items were compared between the groups:Kupperman menopausal index(KMI),emotional state[The Positive and Negative Affect Scale(PANAS)],sleep quality[Self-Rating Scale of Sleep(SRSS)],treatment effectiveness,and treatment safety.RESULTS The modified KMI and SRSS scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group after three rounds of treatment.The improvement in the PANAS score observed in the observation group was greater than that observed in the control group(P<0.05).The total treatment effectivity rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(86.84%vs 96.05%,χ2=4.121,P=0.042).The incidence rate of adverse reactions in the two groups was comparable(6.58%vs 9.21%,χ2=0.361,P=0.547).CONCLUSION Hormone replacement therapy effectively improved the clinical symptoms,actively channeled negative emotions,and improved the quality of sleep in menopausal patients,indicating its effectiveness and safety.

Unraveling the gut-brain axis:the impact of steroid hormones and nutrition on Parkinson's disease

This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between nutrition,the gut microbiome,steroid hormones,and Parkinson's disease within the context of the gut-brain axis.The gut-brain axis plays a pivotal role in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease,encompassing diverse components such as the gut microbiota,immune system,metabolism,and neural pathways.The gut microbiome,profoundly influenced by dietary factors,emerges as a key player.Nutrition during the first 1000 days of life shapes the gut microbiota composition,influencing immune responses and impacting both child development and adult health.High-fat,high-sugar diets can disrupt this delicate balance,contributing to inflammation and immune dysfunction.Exploring nutritional strategies,the Mediterranean diet's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties show promise in reducing Parkinson's disease risk.Microbiome-targeted dietary approaches and the ketogenic diet hold the potential in improving brain disorders.Beyond nutrition,emerging research uncovers potential interactions between steroid hormones,nutrition,and Parkinson's disease.Progesterone,with its anti-inflammatory properties and presence in the nervous system,offers a novel option for Parkinson's disease therapy.Its ability to enhance neuroprotection within the enteric nervous system presents exciting prospects.The review addresses the hypothesis thatα-synuclein aggregates originate from the gut and may enter the brain via the vagus nerve.Gastrointestinal symptoms preceding motor symptoms support this hypothesis.Dysfunctional gut-brain signaling during gut dysbiosis contributes to inflammation and neurotransmitter imbalances,emphasizing the potential of microbiota-based interventions.In summary,this review uncovers the complex web of interactions between nutrition,the gut microbiome,steroid hormones,and Parkinson's disease within the gut-brain axis framework.Understanding these connections not only offers novel therapeutic insights but also illuminates the origins of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

Adipokinetic hormone signaling regulates adult dehydration resistance in the migratory locust

Drought events have become more severe under climate change,and this can pose a major threat to the survival of various organisms.The molecular mechanisms involved in dehydration resistance are not well known.Here,adults of the migratory locust,Locusta migratoria,were subjected to food-mediated dehydration,and adipokinetic hormone(AKH)signaling was found to play a key role in regulating dehydration resistance.Specifically,dehydration shortened the lifespan,increased the body weight loss,and reduced the water loss rate in adult locusts.Global transcriptome profiles revealed variations in tissue-specific gene expression between dehydration-resistant locusts and normal locusts.Importantly,dehydration selection and exposure induced prominent expression of AKH genes in the retrocerebral complex of adult locusts.Furthermore,individual knockdown of AKH1,AKH2,or AKH receptor(AKHR)accelerated water loss and shortened the lifespan of adult locusts under dehydration conditions,and trehalose supplementation ameliorated the negative effects caused by interference with AKH or AKHR.These findings demonstrated that AKH/AKHR signaling-dependent trehalose metabolism plays a crucial role in regulating locust dehydration resistance and thus provide novel insights into the regulatory mechanism underlying drought resistance.

Role of bisphosphonates in osteoporosis caused by adult growth hormone deficiency

In recent years,growth hormone and insulin-like growth factors have become key regulators of bone metabolism and remodeling,crucial for maintaining healthy bone mass throughout life.Studies have shown that adult growth hormone deficiency leads to alterations in bone remodeling,significantly affecting bone microarchitecture and increasing fracture risk.Although recombinant human growth hormone replacement therapy can mitigate these adverse effects,improving bone density,and reduce fracture risk,its effectiveness in treating osteoporosis,especially in adults with established growth hormone deficiency,seems limited.Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption by targeting farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase in osteoclasts,and clinical trials have confirmed their efficacy in improving osteoporosis.Therefore,for adult growth hormone deficiency patients with osteoporosis,the use of bisphosphonates alongside growth hormone replacement therapy is recommended.

Vitamin D, Parathyroid Hormone, Insulin Sensitivity and Islet β-Cell Secretory Function in Diabetic Patients from South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The role of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone in the metabolic profile of type 2 diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa has not been adequately assessed. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of low vitamin D level and secondary hyperparathyroidism and their association with insulin sensitivity and β-cell secretory function among Congolese type 2 diabetics. Methodology: Fasting glycaemia, fasting insulin, 25OH D3 and human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) were measured in one hundred and eighty-four type 2 diabetic patients followed as outpatients in South Kivu. Levels of 25OH D3 65 pg/ml defined low vitamin D and elevated parathyroid hormone levels, respectively. The HOMA model was used to measure insulin sensitivity and β-cell secretory function. Results: Medians (IQR) were 25.3 (20.4 - 32.4) ng/ml for 25OH D3 and 53.7 (38.4 - 115.7) pg/ml for hPTH. 58.7% of diabetics had insulin resistance, 126 (68.5%) had low vitamin D and 80 (43.5%) had hyperparathyroidism. In multivariate analysis, hPTH (partial r = −0.28;p = 0.0002) and 25OH D3 (partial r = 0.16;p = 0.03) showed an independent association with insulin sensitivity after adjustment for body mass index and waist circumference. Finally, hPTH (partial r = 0.27;p = 0.0002) was the sole determinant of β-cell secretory function. Conclusions: This study confirms the high prevalence of low vitamin D level and secondary hyperparathyroidism and their association with insulin resistance and impaired islet β-cell secretory function among Congolese with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation should be envisaged for cases of deficiency in this region.

Simultaneous determination of five plant hormones in cotton leaves using QuEChERS combined with HPLC‒MS/MS

Background Plant hormones profoundly influence cotton growth,development,and responses to various stresses.Therefore,there is a pressing need for an efficient assay to quantify these hormones in cotton.In this groundbreaking study,we have established QuEChERS-HPLC‒MS/MS method,for the simultaneous detection of multiple plant hormones in cotton leaves,allowing the analysis and quantification of five key plant hormones.Results Sample extraction and purification employed 0.1%acetic acid in methanol and C18 for optimal recovery of plant hormones.The method applied to cotton demonstrated excellent linearity across a concentration range of 0.05–1 mg・L−1,with linear regression coefficients exceeding 0.99.The limits of quantification(LOQs)were 20μg・kg−1 for GA3 and 5μg・kg−1 for the other four plant hormones.Recovery rates for the five plant hormones matrix spiked at levels of 5,10,100,and 1000μg・kg−1 were in the range of 79.07%to 98.97%,with intraday relative standard deviations(RSDs)ranging from 2.11%to 8.47%.The method was successfully employed to analyze and quantify the five analytes in cotton leaves treated with plant growth regulators.Conclusion The study demonstrates that the method is well-suited for the determination of five plant hormones in cotton.It exhibits excellent selectivity and sensitivity in detecting field samples,thus serving as a robust tool for indepth research into cotton physiology.

Research status of hormone replacement therapy on mood and sleep quality in menopausal women

Menopausal syndrome is a common disease of clinical women,which refers to a series of physical and mental symptoms caused by the fluctuation or reduction of sex hormones before and after menopause.Many of these patients have sleep and mood abnormalities that affect their health and quality of life.At present,the understanding of it is gradually improving.This paper mainly analyzes its back-ground and current treatment.

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.

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.

Iodine Nutrition, Thyroid-stimulating Hormone, and Related Factors of Postpartum Women from three Different Areas in China: A Cross-sectional Survey

Objective Studies on the relationship between iodine,vitamin A(VA),and vitamin D(VD)and thyroid function are limited.This study aimed to analyze iodine and thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)status and their possible relationships with VA,VD,and other factors in postpartum women.Methods A total of 1,311 mothers(896 lactating and 415 non-lactating)from Hebei,Zhejiang,and Guangxi provinces were included in this study.The urinary iodine concentration(UIC),TSH,VA,and VD were measured.Results The median UIC of total and lactating participants were 142.00µg/L and 139.95µg/L,respectively.The median TSH,VA,and VD levels in all the participants were 1.89 mIU/L,0.44μg/mL,and 24.04 ng/mL,respectively.No differences in the UIC were found between lactating and non-lactating mothers.UIC and TSH levels were significantly different among the three provinces.The rural UIC was higher than the urban UIC.Obese mothers had a higher UIC and a higher prevalence of excessive TSH.Higher UICs and TSHs levels were observed in both the VD deficiency and insufficiency groups than in the VD-sufficient group.After adjustment,no linear correlation was observed between UIC and VA/VD.No interaction was found between vitamins A/D and UIC on TSH levels.Conclusion The mothers in the present study had no iodine deficiency.Region,area type,BMI,and VD may be related to the iodine status or TSH levels.

Growth hormone promotes the reconstruction of injured axons in the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system

Previous studies have shown that growth hormone can regulate hypothalamic energy metabolism, stress, and hormone release. Therefore, growth hormone has great potential for treating hypothalamic injury. In this study, we established a specific hypothalamic axon injury model by inducing hypothalamic pituitary stalk electric lesions in male mice. We then treated mice by intraperitoneal administration of growth hormone. Our results showed that growth hormone increased the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 and its receptors, and promoted the survival of hypothalamic neurons, axonal regeneration, and vascular reconstruction from the median eminence through the posterior pituitary. Altogether, this alleviated hypothalamic injury-caused central diabetes insipidus and anxiety. These results suggest that growth hormone can promote axonal reconstruction after hypothalamic injury by regulating the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor 1 axis.

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

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