Basal Serum Anti-Miillerian Hormone Level as a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in Freezing-all Embryo Transfer Program

As a novel biomarker,there is inconsistent evidence regarding the association between anti-Miillerian hormone (AMH) and live birth rate in freezing-all embryo transfer cycles.We aim to assess the prognostic effect of baseline AMH on clinical outcomes,especially live birth rate in freezing-all embryo transfer cycles.A total of 828 non-polycystic ovary patients that underwent their first frozen-thawed embryo transfers in our center between January 2010 and January 2015 were recruited in this retrospective analysis.Patients were stratified into three groups based on their baseline AMH concentration:low AMH group (<1.4ng/mL),middle AMH group (1.4-5.8 ng/mL)and high AMH group (>5.8 ng/mL).The results showed that low AMH level was associated With adverse clinical outcomes.The differences in implantation rate (21.9% vs.43.2% vs.58.8%,P<0.001),clinical pregnancy rate (32.0% vs.55.2% vs.65.7%, P<0.001),live birth delivery rate (21.8% vs.43.6% vs.52.7%,P<0.001)and miscarriage rate (31.8% vs.17.5% vs.15.4%,P=0.014)among the three groups were statistically significant.After adjusting confounders (i.e.age,baseline FSH level,AFC,endometrium thickness,endometriurn preparation protocols,number of embryos transferred,etiologies of infertility),differences in live birth rate,clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate between groups remained significant.The further age subgroup analysis demonstrated that low AMH concentration was significantly associated with poor outcomes both in young and advanced patients.The area under the curve for serum AMH,age,AFC and FSH were 0.635,0.634,0.615 and 0.543 respectively,for predicting live birth.In conclusion, baseline AMH was an independent prognostic factor of live birth rate of freezing-all embryo transfers,but its predictive value on live birth rate was of limited clinical value.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Growth hormone improves insulin resistance in visceral adipose tissue after duodenal-jejunal bypass by regulating adiponectin secretion

BACKGROUND The mechanism of improvement of type 2 diabetes after duodenal-jejunal bypass(DJB)surgery is not clear.AIM To study the morphological and functional changes in adipose tissue after DJB and explore the potential mechanisms contributing to postoperative insulin sensitivity improvement of adipose tissue in a diabetic male rat model.METHODS DJB and sham surgery was performed in a-high-fat-diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model.All adipose tissue was weighed and observed under microscope.Use inguinal fat to represent subcutaneous adipose tissue(SAT)and mesangial fat to represent visceral adipose tissue.RNA-sequencing was utilized to evaluate gene expression alterations adipocytes.The hematoxylin and eosin staining,reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction,western blot,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to study the changes.Insulin resistance was evaluated by immunofluorescence.RESULTS After DJB,whole body blood glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue improved.Fat cell volume in both visceral adipose tissue(VAT)and SAT increased.Compared to SAT,VAT showed more significantly functional alterations after DJB and KEGG analysis indicated growth hormone(GH)pathway and downstream adiponectin secretion were involved in metabolic regulation.The circulating GH and adiponectin levels and GH receptor and adiponectin levels in VAT increased.Cytological experiment showed that GH stimulated adiponectin secretion and improve insulin sensitivity.CONCLUSION GH improves insulin resistance in VAT in male diabetic rats after receiving DJB,possibly by increasing adiponectin secretion.

Metformin:A promising clinical therapeutical approach for BPH treatment via inhibiting dysregulated steroid hormones-induced prostatic epithelial cells proliferation

The occurrence of benign prostate hyperplasia(BPH)was related to disrupted sex steroid hormones,and metformin(Met)had a clinical response to sex steroid hormone-related gynaecological disease.However,whether Met exerts an antiproliferative effect on BPH via sex steroid hormones remains unclear.Here,our clinical study showed that along with prostatic epithelial cell(PEC)proliferation,sex steroid hormones were dysregulated in the serum and prostate of BPH patients.As the major contributor to dysregulated sex steroid hormones,elevated dihydrotestosterone(DHT)had a significant positive relationship with the clinical characteristics of BPH patients.Activation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)by Met restored dysregulated sex steroid hormone homeostasis and exerted antiproliferative effects against DHT-induced proliferation by inhibiting the formation of androgen receptor(AR)-mediated Yes-associated protein(YAP1)-TEA domain transcription factor(TEAD4)heterodimers.Met’s anti-proliferative effects were blocked by AMPK inhibitor or YAP1 overexpression in DHT-cultured BPH-1 cells.Our findings indicated that Met would be a promising clinical therapeutic approach for BPH by inhibiting dysregulated steroid hormone-induced PEC proliferation.

Evaluation of Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Values for 28,016 Bulgarian Women: Prognostic Statistical Model of Age Specific AMH Declining

The present study aims to establish a relationship between serum AMH levels and age in a large group of women living in Bulgaria, as well as to establish reference age-specific AMH levels in women that would serve as an initial estimate of ovarian age. A total of 28,016 women on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria were tested for serum AMH levels with a median age of 37.0 years (interquartile range 32.0 to 41.0). For women aged 20 - 29 years, the Bulgarian population has relatively high median levels of AMH, similar to women of Asian origin. For women aged 30 - 34 years, our results are comparable to those of women living in Western Europe. For women aged 35 - 39 years, our results are comparable to those of women living in the territory of India and Kenya. For women aged 40 - 44 years, our results were lower than those for women from the Western European and Chinese populations, close to the Indian and higher than Korean and Kenya populations, respectively. Our results for women of Bulgarian origin are also comparable to US Latina women at age 30, 35 and 40 ages. On the base on constructed a statistical model to predicting the decline in AMH levels at different ages, we found non-linear structure of AMH decline for the low AMH 3.5) the dependence of the decline of AMH on age was confirmed as linear. In conclusion, we evaluated the serum level of AMH in Bulgarian women and established age-specific AMH percentile reference values based on a large representative sample. We have developed a prognostic statistical model that can facilitate the application of AMH in clinical practice and the prediction of reproductive capacity and population health.

Post Thyroidectomy Assessment of Intact Parathyroid Hormone for Early Prediction of Hypocalcaemia

Background: As the half-life of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) is very low, it reflects parathyroid insufficiency within minutes to hours after total thyroidectomy. Therefore, iPTH level assessment in the postoperative period can be used to predict the development of hypocalcaemia. The optimal time point to measure serum iPTH is important for the accurate prediction of hypocalcaemia. Aim: This paper aims to evaluate the ability of iPTH as an early predictive marker of hypocalcaemia and determine which time iPTH is more able to predict postoperative hypocalcaemia. Method: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, BSMMU, Dhaka, from July 2020 to December 2021, with 67 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. iPTH levels were measured on the day before the operation and at 1 hour, 4 hours, and 24 hours after the operation. S.calcium levels were measured on the day before the operation and 1st postoperative day. All the data were compiled and sorted properly and were analyzed statistically. Results: Postoperative hypocalcaemia developed in 18 cases, with an incidence of 26.9%. Pearson correlation showed a significant correlation between postoperative iPTH at 1 hr, 4 h, and 24 hr with 1st postoperative calcium value. The Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was processed for the postoperative iPTH at 1 hr, 4 h, and 24 hr. The sensitivity, specificity, cut-off value, and mean AUC found 93.9%, 94.4%, ≤14.0, 0.988;95.9%, 94.4%, ≤09.5, 0.993 and 91.8%, 94.4%, ≤11.0, 0.993 respectively. Conclusion: iPTH can be used as an early predictor of post-thy-roidectomy hypocalcaemia. 4 hr iPTH showed more sensitivity and specificity for a cut-off value near the laboratory reference range.

Does the use of double hormone replacement therapy for trauma patient organ donors improve organ recovery for transplant

BACKGROUND With an ongoing demand for transplantable organs,optimization of donor management protocols,specifically in trauma populations,is important for obta-ining a high yield of viable organs per patient.Endocrine management of brain-dead potential organ donors(BPODs)is controversial,leading to heterogeneous clinical management approaches.Previous studies have shown that when levo-thyroxine was combined with other treatments,including steroids,vasopressin,and insulin,BPODs had better organ recovery and survival outcomes were increased for transplant recipients.AIM To determine if levothyroxine use in combination with steroids in BPODs increased the number of organs donated in trauma patients.METHODS A retrospective review of adult BPODs from a single level 1 trauma center over ten years was performed.Exclusion criteria included patients who were not solid organ donors,patients who were not declared brain dead(donation after circulatory death),and patients who did not receive steroids in their hospital course.Levothyroxine and steroid administration,the number of organs donated,the types of organs donated,and demographic information were recorded.Univariate analyses were performed with P<0.05 considered to be statistically significant.RESULTS A total of 88 patients met inclusion criteria,69(78%)of whom received levothyroxine and steroids(ST/LT group)vs 19(22%)receiving steroids without levothyroxine(ST group).No differences were observed between the groups for gender,race,pertinent injury factors,age,or other hormone therapies used(P>0.05).In the ST/LT group,68.1%(n=47)donated a high yield(3-5)of organ types per donor compared to 42.1%(n=8)in the ST group(P=0.038).There was no difference in the total number of organ types donated between the groups(P=0.068).CONCLUSION This study suggests that combining levothyroxine and steroid administration increases high-yield organ donation per donor in BPODs in the trauma patient population.Limitations to this study include the retrospective design and the relatively small number of organ donors who met inclusion criteria.This study is unique in that it mitigates steroid administration as a confounding variable and focuses specifically on the adjunctive use of levothyroxine.

Rikkunshito increases peripheral incretin-hormone levels in humans and rats

BACKGROUND It was reported that rikkunshito(TJ-43)improved the cisplatin-induced decreases in the active form of ghrelin in plasma;however,other effects on gastrointestinal hormones have not been investigated.AIM To investigate the effects of TJ-43 on peripheral levels of incretin hormones,including gastric inhibitory polypeptide(GIP)and glucagon-like polypeptide-1(GLP-1),in humans and rats.METHODS Patients were divided into two groups,namely patients who received TJ-43 immediately following surgery[TJ-43(+)group]and those who received TJ-43 on postoperative day 21[TJ-43(-)group],and the plasma levels of active GIP and active GLP-1 were assessed.In animal experiments,rats were treated with TJ-43[rat(r)TJ-43(+)group]or without[rTJ-43(−)group]by gavage for 4 wk,and the plasma active GIP and active GLP-1 levels were measured.The expression of incretin hormones in the gastrointestinal tract and insulin in the pancreas were investigated by immunohistochemistry.Furthermore,the cyclic adenosine monophosphate activities were assessed in pancreatic tissues from rats treated with or without TJ-43 in vivo,and the blood glucose levels and plasma insulin levels were measured in rats treated with or without TJ-43 in oral glucose tolerance tests.RESULTS In humans,the active incretin hormone levels increased,and values were significantly greater in the TJ-43(+)group compared those in the TJ-43(-)group.In rats,the plasma active incretin levels significantly increased in the rTJ-43(+)group compared with those in the rTJ-43(-)group.GIP and GLP-1 expressions were enhanced by TJ-43 treatment.Moreover,plasma insulin levels increased and blood glucose levels were blunted in the rTJ-43(+)group.CONCLUSION The results show that TJ-43 may be beneficial for patients who undergo pancreatic surgery.

Effect of TSH Suppression Therapy on Sex Hormone Levels after Thyroid Cancer Surgery

Objective:To analyze the effect of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)suppression therapy on sex hormone levels in patients undergoing postoperative treatment for thyroid cancer.Methods:A total of 40 patients undergoing postoperative thyroid cancer treatment were selected for data analysis.TSH suppression therapy was implemented during the postoperative period.Patients were grouped according to the TSH level:TSH<0.1,0.1≤TSH<0.5,and TSH≥0.5.Results:Among male patients,there were no significant differences in sex hormone levels at different dosing times and TSH levels(P>0.05).For female patients,testosterone levels at different dosing times showed no significant differences under the same circumstances(P>0.05).The comparison of testosterone levels at different TSH levels over 5 years of TSH suppression therapy did not yield significant differences(P>0.05).However,the comparison of testosterone levels within 5 years of TSH suppression therapy yielded significant differences(P<0.05),with the lowest levels observed at 0.1≤TSH<0.5.Conclusion:The use of TSH suppression therapy in postoperative thyroid cancer treatment minimally affects sex hormone levels in male patients.However,it has a significant impact on female patients.Therefore,preoperative sex hormone testing is recommended,and postoperative monitoring should include regular sex hormone testing.

Analysis of the value and safety of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the clinical efficacy of patients with thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND Thyroid cancer(TC)is a common malignant tumor in the endocrine system.In recent years,the incidence and recurrence rates of TC have been raising due to increasing work pressure and irregular lifestyles.Thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)is a specific parameter for thyroid function screening.This study aims to explore the clinical value of TSH in regulating the progression of TC,so as to find a breakthrough for the early diagnosis and treatment of TC.AIM To explore the value and safety of TSH in the clinical efficacy of patients with TC.METHODS 75 patients with TC admitted to the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery of our hospital from September 2019 to September 2021 were selected as the observation group,and 50 healthy subjects were selected as the control group during the same period.The control group was treated with conventional thyroid replacement therapy,and the observation group was treated with TSH suppression therapy.The soluble interleukin(IL)-2 receptor(sIL-2R),IL-17,IL-35levels,free triiodothyronine(FT3),free tetraiodothyronine(FT4),CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,CD44V6,and tumor supplied group of factor(TSGF)levels were observed in the two groups.The occurrence of adverse reactions was compared between the two groups.RESULTS After treatment with different therapies,the levels of FT3,FT4,CD3+,and CD4+in the observation group and the control group were higher than those before treatment,while the levels of CD8+,CD44V6,and TSGF were lower than those before treatment,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).More importantly,the levels of sIL-2R and IL-17 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group after 4 wk of treatment,while the levels of IL-35 were higher than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The levels of FT3,FT4,CD3+,and CD4+in the observation group were higher than those in the control group,and the levels of CD8+,CD44V6,and TSGF were lower than those in the control group.There was no significant difference in the overall incidence rate of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION TSH suppression therapy can improve the immune function of patients with TC,lower the CD44V6 and TSGF levels,and improve serum FT3 and FT4 levels.It demonstrated excellent clinical efficacy and a good safety profile.

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.

Pregnancy-Induced Changes in Ocular Biomechanics Are Related to Maternal Hormone Levels in Healthy Chinese Pregnant Women

Background: To explore the changes in ocular biomechanics during pregnancy and the postpartum period and their association with maternal hormone level changes. Methods: In a prospective cohort study, 24 eyes of 12 pregnant women were enrolled and monitored throughout pregnancy and after delivery (6 weeks). Intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal endothelium cell (CEC), axial length (AL), corneal curvature (K1, K2), anterior chamber depth (ACD), central subfield thickness (CST), macular volume (MV), cube average thickness (CAT), retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), tear meniscus height (TMH), and breaking up time (BUT) were measured throughout pregnancy, and blood plasma levels of maternal hormones were determined at the same time points. Results: A gradual decrease in IOP values was observed as gestation progressed, and there was a statistically significant difference in IOP between the 3rd trimester and the 1st and 2nd trimester and postpartum (p = 0.002, p = 0.006, p = 0.050). There was a significant difference between the 1st and 2nd trimesters in terms of MV (p = 0.023). The difference in RNFL in the 3rd trimester and postpartum was significant (p = 0.011). The levels of the β-hCG showed a significant correlation with K2, ACD, and TMH only in the 2nd trimester (r = 0.588, p = 0.045;r = - 0.740, p = 0.006;r = 0.642, p = 0.024). Regarding luteinizing hormone, there was a negative correlation with MV in the 1st and 2nd trimesters (r = - 0.598, p = 0.040;r = - 0.672, p = 0.017) and CAT in the 1st and 2nd trimesters (r = - 0.599, p = 0.040;r = - 0.655, p = 0.021). Luteinizing hormone levels were correlated with ACD (r = - 0.702, p = 0.011) in the 2nd trimester and K2 (r = 0.585, p = 0.046) in the 3rd trimester. A correlation was found between follicle-stimulating hormone levels and CEC, MV and CAT in the 1st trimester (r = - 0.677, p = 0.016;r = - 0.602, p = 0.039;r = - 0.584, p = 0.046) and AL in the 3rd trimester (r = - 0.618, p = 0.032). The correlation between oestradiol and CST in the 1st trimester (r = - 0.621, p = 0.031) and RNFL (r = 0.594, p = 0.041) in the postpartum. A statistically significant correlation between progesterone and MV (r = 0.583, p = 0.047) and TMH (r = 0.762, p = 0.004) was observed in the 1st trimester. No significant intergroup correlation was observed postpartum (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Ophthalmological parameters showed physiological changes induced by hormone levels in pregnancy and returned to baseline levels after delivery.

Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Its Utility in Cattle Reproduction

Reproductive biotechnologies offer us greater possibilities to improve animal genetics. However, the success of these depends on different factors such as the proper selection of the donor female. For this reason, endocrine markers have been used to evaluate the ovarian reserve, which allow a successful selection of donors. Recent research has shown, among other things, that concentrations greater than 0.130 ng/mL of anti-Mullerian hormone (also known as Muller-inhibiting substance, which is a member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily of growth and differentiation factors) are related to donors of more than fifteen transferable embryos. Therefore, this review describes studies showing that the measurement of anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations, before superovulation programs, reduces the costs per embryo produced.

Defensive Role of Plant Hormones in Advancing Abiotic Stress-Resistant Rice Plants

Consistent climatic perturbations have increased global environmental concerns, especially the impacts of abiotic stresses on crop productivity. Rice is a staple food crop for the majority of the world’s population. Abiotic stresses, including salt, drought, heat, cold and heavy metals, are potential inhibitors of rice growth and yield. Abiotic stresses elicit various acclimation responses that facilitate in stress mitigation. Plant hormones play an important role in mediating the growth and development of rice plants under optimal and stressful environments by activating a multitude of signalling cascades to elicit the rice plant’s adaptive responses. The current review describes the role of plant hormone-mediated abiotic stress tolerance in rice, potential crosstalk between plant hormones involved in rice abiotic stress tolerance and significant advancements in biotechnological initiatives including genetic engineering approach to provide a step forward in making rice resistance to abiotic stress.

Efficacy of tolvaptan in an infant with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion associated with holoprosencephaly:A case report

BACKGROUND Holoprosencephaly(HPE)is a congenital malformation with various degrees of incomplete separation of the cerebral hemispheres due to differentiation disorders of the forebrain.Although HPE with diabetes insipidus due to associated pituitary dysfunction has been reported,HPE with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion(SIADH)is very rare.Tolvaptan,a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist,is effective in adults with SIADH.However,there is no report of its efficacy in infants with SIADH.The purpose of this report is to demonstrate that tolvaptan is effective for SIADH in infants and that administration of tolvaptan eliminates the need for restriction of water intake and sodium administration.CASE SUMMARY A 2414-g female infant was born at 38 wk by normal vaginal delivery.Facial anomalies and head magnetic resonance imaging indicated semilobar HPE.After birth,she had hyponatremia due to SIADH and was treated using water and sodium restriction.However,she developed an exaggerated response to the fluid restrictions,resulting in large fluctuations in serum sodium levels.Subsequent administration of tolvaptan improved the fluctuations in serum sodium levels without the need for adjustment of water or sodium administration.Serum sodium was maintained within the normal range after discontinuation of tolvaptan at 80 d of life.There were no side effects,such as hypernatremia or liver dysfunction,during the administration of tolvaptan.CONCLUSION This is the first report on the safety and efficacy of tolvaptan in an infant with SIADH associated with HPE.