Search

Hormone laboratories located "on-site" where field studies are being conducted have a number of advantages. On-site laboratories allow hormone analyses to proceed in near-real-time, minimize logistics of sample permits/shipping, contribute to in-country capacity-building, and (our focus here) facilitate cross-site collaboration through shared methods and a shared laboratory. Here we provide proof-of-concept that an on-site hormone laboratory (the Taboga Field Laboratory, located in the Taboga Forest Reserve, Costa Rica) can successfully run endocrine analyses in a remote location. Using fecal samples from wild white-faced capuchins (Cebus imitator) from three Costa Rican forests, we validate the extraction and analysis of four steroid hormones (glucocorticoids, testosterone, estradiol, progesterone) across six assays (DetectX® and ISWE, all from Arbor Assays). Additionally, as the first collaboration across three long-term, wild capuchin field sites (Lomas Barbudal, Santa Rosa, Taboga) involving local Costa Rican collaborators, this laboratory can serve as a future hub for collaborative exchange.

Brown bears are obese when they enter the den, and after 6 mo of hibernation and physical inactivity, bears show none of the adverse consequences of a sedentary lifestyle in humans, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and kidney failure. The metabolic mechanisms that drive hibernation physiology in bears are poorly defined, but systemic endocrine regulators are likely involved. To investigate the potential role of steroid hormones, we quantified the total levels of 12 steroid hormones, the precursor cholesterol, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and corticosterone-binding globulin (CBG) in paired serum samples from subadult free-ranging Scandinavian brown bears during the active and hibernation states. During hibernation, androstenedione and testosterone were significantly decreased in subadult female bears (n=13), whereas they increased in all males but one (n=6) and therefore did not reach a significant difference. Despite this difference, SHBG increased more than 20-fold during hibernation for all bears. Compared with SHBG concentrations in humans, bear levels were very low in the active state, but during hibernation, levels equaled high levels in humans. The increased SHBG levels likely maintain a state of relative quiescence of the reproductive hormones in hibernating bears. Interestingly, the combination of SHBG and testosterone levels results in similar free bioavailable testosterone levels of 70-80 pM in both subadult and adult sexually active male bears, suggesting a role for SHBG in controlling androgen action during hibernation in males. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol levels were below the detection limit in all but one animal. The metabolically active glucocorticoids were significantly higher in both sexes during hibernation, whereas the inactive metabolite cortisone was reduced and CBG was low approaching the detection limit. A potential caveat is that the glucocorticoid levels might be affected by the, Funding agency:Lundbeckfonden R126-2012-12408 R286-2018-367

The action of a metabolic treatment was evaluated in response to estrus synchronization in Saanen x Alpina goats. Thirty-six multiparous goats were used and randomly assigned to one of three treatments: T1 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG with metabolic restorative (MR); T2 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG with isotonic solution (ISO); T3 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG (CONTROL). Data were tested to come from a normally distributed population. Response to estrus (RE), the onset of estrus (OE), return to estrus (RET), gestation (GEST), calving (PAR), and fertility (FER) were analyzed using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test; estrus duration (ED), fecundity (FEC) and prolificacy (PROL) through an analysis of variance and Tukey's test (= 0.05) to compare means between treatments. MR treatment reduced (p <0.05) OE (T1: 20.78 h, T2: 32.54 h, T3: 33.68 h), increased FEC (T1: 1.42, T2: 0.92, T3: 0.92), and increased PROL (T1: 2.1, T2: 1.4, T3: 1.4). The ISO treatment had a similar effect to the CONTROL treatment (p >0.05) in the study variables. The metabolic restorative treatment during estrus synchronization in Saanen x Alpine goats reduces the onset of estrus and increases fertility and prolificacy., Se evaluó la acción de un reconstituyente metabólico como respuesta al estro de cabras Saanen x Alpina. Se utilizaron 36 cabras multíparas y se asignaron aleatoriamente a uno de tres tratamientos: T1 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG con reconstituyente metabólico (REC); T2 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG con solución isotónica (ISO); T3 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG (TEST). Se evaluó que los datos provinieran de una población distribuida normalmente. La respuesta al estro (RE), inicio del estro (IE), retorno al estro (RET), gestación (GEST), parición (PAR) y fertilidad (FER) se analizaron mediante la prueba no paramétrica de Kruskal-Wallis; la duración del estro (DE), fecundidad (FEC) y prolificidad (PROL) mediante un análisis de varianza y se utilizó la prueba de Tukey (= 0.05) para comparar medias entre tratamientos. El tratamiento con REC redujo (p <0.05) el IE (T1: 20.78 h, T2: 32.54 h, T3: 33.68 h), aumentó la FEC (T1: 1.42, T2: 0.92, T3: 0.92) e incrementó la PROL (T1: 2.1, T2: 1.4, T3: 1.4). El tratamiento con ISO tuvo efecto similar al tratamiento TEST (p >0.05) en las variables de estudio. El reconstituyente metabólico durante la sincronización del estro en cabras Saanen x Alpina reduce el inicio del estro e incrementa la fecundidad y la prolificidad.

The action of a metabolic treatment was evaluated in response to estrus synchronization in Saanen x Alpina goats. Thirty-six multiparous goats were used and randomly assigned to one of three treatments: T1 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG with metabolic restorative (MR); T2 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG with isotonic solution (ISO); T3 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG (CONTROL). Data were tested to come from a normally distributed population. Response to estrus (RE), the onset of estrus (OE), return to estrus (RET), gestation (GEST), calving (PAR), and fertility (FER) were analyzed using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test; estrus duration (ED), fecundity (FEC) and prolificacy (PROL) through an analysis of variance and Tukey's test (= 0.05) to compare means between treatments. MR treatment reduced (p <0.05) OE (T1: 20.78 h, T2: 32.54 h, T3: 33.68 h), increased FEC (T1: 1.42, T2: 0.92, T3: 0.92), and increased PROL (T1: 2.1, T2: 1.4, T3: 1.4). The ISO treatment had a similar effect to the CONTROL treatment (p >0.05) in the study variables. The metabolic restorative treatment during estrus synchronization in Saanen x Alpine goats reduces the onset of estrus and increases fertility and prolificacy., Se evaluó la acción de un reconstituyente metabólico como respuesta al estro de cabras Saanen x Alpina. Se utilizaron 36 cabras multíparas y se asignaron aleatoriamente a uno de tres tratamientos: T1 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG con reconstituyente metabólico (REC); T2 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG con solución isotónica (ISO); T3 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG (TEST). Se evaluó que los datos provinieran de una población distribuida normalmente. La respuesta al estro (RE), inicio del estro (IE), retorno al estro (RET), gestación (GEST), parición (PAR) y fertilidad (FER) se analizaron mediante la prueba no paramétrica de Kruskal-Wallis; la duración del estro (DE), fecundidad (FEC) y prolificidad (PROL) mediante un análisis de varianza y se utilizó la prueba de Tukey (= 0.05) para comparar medias entre tratamientos. El tratamiento con REC redujo (p <0.05) el IE (T1: 20.78 h, T2: 32.54 h, T3: 33.68 h), aumentó la FEC (T1: 1.42, T2: 0.92, T3: 0.92) e incrementó la PROL (T1: 2.1, T2: 1.4, T3: 1.4). El tratamiento con ISO tuvo efecto similar al tratamiento TEST (p >0.05) en las variables de estudio. El reconstituyente metabólico durante la sincronización del estro en cabras Saanen x Alpina reduce el inicio del estro e incrementa la fecundidad y la prolificidad.

Background: The first objective of this review was to present, based on recent literature, the most frequently applied medical options (oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) and progestogens) for the management of symptomatic endometriosis, and evaluate their effectiveness in treating premenopausal women with endometriosis-associated pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, non-menstrual pelvic pain and dyspareunia. The second objective was to review the concept of progesterone resistance and newly available treatment options. Methods: We reviewed the most relevant papers (n = 73) on the efficacy of OCPs and progestogens as medical therapy for endometriosis, as well as those on progesterone resistance and new medical alternatives (oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist). Eleven papers, essentially reviews, were selected and scrutinized from among 94 papers discussing the concept of progesterone resistance. Results: Having reviewed the most significant papers, we can confirm that OCPs and progestogens are effective in two-thirds of women suffering from endometriosis, but that other options are required in case of failure (in one-third of women due to progesterone resistance) or intolerance to these compounds. It is clear that there is a need for effective long-term oral treatment capable of managing endometriosis symptoms, while mitigating the impact of side effects. Biochemical, histological and clinical evidence show that estrogens play a critical role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, so lowering levels of circulating estrogens should be considered an effective medical approach. The efficacy of three oral GnRH antagonists is discussed on the basis of published studies. Conclusion: There is a place for GnRH antagonists in the management of symptomatic endometriosis and clinical trials should be conducted, taking into account the different phenotypes in order to propose novel algorithms.

Sex differences among neurones in the ventrolateral region of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMHvl) allow for the display of a diversity of sex-typical behaviours and physiological responses, ranging from mating behaviour to metabolism. Here, we review recent studies that interrogate the relationship between sex-typical responses and changes in cellular phenotypes. We discuss technologies that increase the resolution of molecular profiling or targeting of cell populations, including single-cell transcriptional profiling and conditional viral genetic approaches to manipulate neurone survival or activity. Overall, emerging studies indicate that sex-typical functions of the VMH may be mediated by phenotypically distinct and sexually differentiated neurone populations within the VMHvl. Future studies in this and other brain regions could exploit cell-type-specific tools to reveal the cell populations and molecular mediators that modulate sex-typical responses. Furthermore, cell-type-specific analyses of the effects of sexually differentiating factors, including sex hormones, can test the hypothesis that distinct cell types within a single brain region vary with respect to sexual differentiation.

Sex differences among neurones in the ventrolateral region of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMHvl) allow for the display of a diversity of sex-typical behaviours and physiological responses, ranging from mating behaviour to metabolism. Here, we review recent studies that interrogate the relationship between sex-typical responses and changes in cellular phenotypes. We discuss technologies that increase the resolution of molecular profiling or targeting of cell populations, including single-cell transcriptional profiling and conditional viral genetic approaches to manipulate neurone survival or activity. Overall, emerging studies indicate that sex-typical functions of the VMH may be mediated by phenotypically distinct and sexually differentiated neurone populations within the VMHvl. Future studies in this and other brain regions could exploit cell-type-specific tools to reveal the cell populations and molecular mediators that modulate sex-typical responses. Furthermore, cell-type-specific analyses of the effects of sexually differentiating factors, including sex hormones, can test the hypothesis that distinct cell types within a single brain region vary with respect to sexual differentiation.

We systematically reviewed data about the effect of exogenous estrogens and progestogens on the course of migraine during reproductive age. Thereafter a consensus procedure among international experts was undertaken to develop statements to support clinical decision making, in terms of possible effects on migraine course of exogenous estrogens and progestogens and on possible treatment of headache associated with the use or with the withdrawal of hormones. Overall, quality of current evidence is low. Recommendations are provided for all the compounds with available evidence including the conventional 21/7 combined hormonal contraception, the desogestrel only oral pill, combined oral contraceptives with shortened pill-free interval, combined oral contraceptives with estradiol supplementation during the pill-free interval, extended regimen of combined hormonal contraceptive with pill or patch, combined hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring, transdermal estradiol supplementation with gel, transdermal estradiol supplementation with patch, subcutaneous estrogen implant with cyclical oral progestogen. As the quality of available data is poor, further research is needed on this topic to improve the knowledge about the use of estrogens and progestogens in women with migraine. There is a need for better management of headaches related to the use of hormones or their withdrawal.

This article discusses the main aspects of using hormonal protocols based on the application of estrogen followed by progestogen in anovulatory or acyclic recipients, either in anestrous or transition in embryo transfer protocols. Most mares demonstrate seasonally polyestrous behavior, by which they manifest estrus and ovulatory cycles during periods of higher daily luminosity. The annual reproductive cycle of mares is characterized by the presence of four phases defined by follicular dynamics: anestrous, spring transition, ovulatory, and autumn transition. During the phases of transition and anestrous, the incidence of ovulations decreases or is zero, making it difficult to synchronize ovulations between donors and recipients in preparation for embryo transfer. Some studies have shown that anovulatory/acyclic recipient mares managed with steroid-based protocols have similar uterine changes to those observed in pregnant mares. However, there is no sufficient research to allow to clarify the best steroid protocol with respect to dose, treatment times, and routes of administration., Este artigo discute os principais aspectos do uso de protocolos hormonais baseados na aplicação de estrógeno seguido de progestágenos em receptoras anovulatórias o acíclicas, seja em anestro ou transição nos protocolos de transferência de embriões. A maioria das éguas apresentam comportamento poliéstrico estacional, com o que manifestam estro e ciclos ovulatórios nos períodos de maior luminosidade diária. O ciclo reprodutivo anual das éguas é caracterizado pela presença de quatro fases definidas pela dinâmica folicular: de anestro, de transição de primavera, ovulatória e de transição de outono. Durante as fases de transição e anestro, a incidência das ovulações diminui ou é nula, ou que dificulta a sincronização das ovulações entre doadoras e receptoras durante a preparação para a transferência de embriões. Alguns estudos mostram que as receptoras anovulatórias/acíclicas mantidas com protocolos com base em esteroides apresentam mudanças uterinas similares às que acontecem nas éguas gestantes. Contudo, não há pesquisas suficientes que permitam esclarecer o melhor protocolo de esteroides, no que se refere à dose, tempos de tratamento e vias de administração., Este artículo discute los principales aspectos del uso de protocolos hormonales basados en la aplicación de estrógeno seguido de progestágeno en receptoras anovulatorias o acíclicas, sea en anestro o transición en los protocolos de transferencia de embriones. La mayoría de las yeguas presentan comportamiento poliéstrico estacional, con lo que manifiestan estro y ciclos ovulatorios en los periodos de mayor luminosidad diaria. El ciclo reproductivo anual de las yeguas es caracterizado por la presencia de cuatro fases definidas por la dinámica folicular: de anestro, de transición de primavera, ovulatoria y de transición de otoño. Durante las fases de transición y anestro, la incidencia de las ovulaciones disminuye o es nula, lo que dificulta la sincronización de las ovulaciones entre donadoras y receptoras durante la preparación para la transferencia de embriones. Algunos estudios han mostrado que las receptoras anovulatorias/acíclicas mantenidas con protocolos con base en esteroides presentan cambios uterinos similares a los que pasan en las yeguas gestantes. Sin embargo, no hay investigaciones suficientes que permitan aclarar el mejor protocolo de esteroides, con respecto a dosis, tiempos de tratamiento y vías de administración.

This article discusses the main aspects of using hormonal protocols based on the application of estrogen followed by progestogen in anovulatory or acyclic recipients, either in anestrous or transition in embryo transfer protocols. Most mares demonstrate seasonally polyestrous behavior, by which they manifest estrus and ovulatory cycles during periods of higher daily luminosity. The annual reproductive cycle of mares is characterized by the presence of four phases defined by follicular dynamics: anestrous, spring transition, ovulatory, and autumn transition. During the phases of transition and anestrous, the incidence of ovulations decreases or is zero, making it difficult to synchronize ovulations between donors and recipients in preparation for embryo transfer. Some studies have shown that anovulatory/acyclic recipient mares managed with steroid-based protocols have similar uterine changes to those observed in pregnant mares. However, there is no sufficient research to allow to clarify the best steroid protocol with respect to dose, treatment times, and routes of administration., Este artigo discute os principais aspectos do uso de protocolos hormonais baseados na aplicação de estrógeno seguido de progestágenos em receptoras anovulatórias o acíclicas, seja em anestro ou transição nos protocolos de transferência de embriões. A maioria das éguas apresentam comportamento poliéstrico estacional, com o que manifestam estro e ciclos ovulatórios nos períodos de maior luminosidade diária. O ciclo reprodutivo anual das éguas é caracterizado pela presença de quatro fases definidas pela dinâmica folicular: de anestro, de transição de primavera, ovulatória e de transição de outono. Durante as fases de transição e anestro, a incidência das ovulações diminui ou é nula, ou que dificulta a sincronização das ovulações entre doadoras e receptoras durante a preparação para a transferência de embriões. Alguns estudos mostram que as receptoras anovulatórias/acíclicas mantidas com protocolos com base em esteroides apresentam mudanças uterinas similares às que acontecem nas éguas gestantes. Contudo, não há pesquisas suficientes que permitam esclarecer o melhor protocolo de esteroides, no que se refere à dose, tempos de tratamento e vias de administração., Este artículo discute los principales aspectos del uso de protocolos hormonales basados en la aplicación de estrógeno seguido de progestágeno en receptoras anovulatorias o acíclicas, sea en anestro o transición en los protocolos de transferencia de embriones. La mayoría de las yeguas presentan comportamiento poliéstrico estacional, con lo que manifiestan estro y ciclos ovulatorios en los periodos de mayor luminosidad diaria. El ciclo reproductivo anual de las yeguas es caracterizado por la presencia de cuatro fases definidas por la dinámica folicular: de anestro, de transición de primavera, ovulatoria y de transición de otoño. Durante las fases de transición y anestro, la incidencia de las ovulaciones disminuye o es nula, lo que dificulta la sincronización de las ovulaciones entre donadoras y receptoras durante la preparación para la transferencia de embriones. Algunos estudios han mostrado que las receptoras anovulatorias/acíclicas mantenidas con protocolos con base en esteroides presentan cambios uterinos similares a los que pasan en las yeguas gestantes. Sin embargo, no hay investigaciones suficientes que permitan aclarar el mejor protocolo de esteroides, con respecto a dosis, tiempos de tratamiento y vías de administración.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of vaginal progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth and neonatal morbidity and mortality in asymptomatic women with a twin gestation and a sonographic short cervix (cervical length ≤ 25 mm) in the mid-trimester. Methods: This was an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data (IPD) from randomized controlled trials comparing vaginal progesterone with placebo/no treatment in women with a twin gestation and a mid-trimester sonographic cervical length ≤ 25 mm. MEDLINE, EMBASE, POPLINE, CINAHL and LILACS (all from inception to 31 December 2016), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Research Registers of ongoing trials, Google Scholar, conference proceedings and reference lists of identified studies were searched. The primary outcome measure was preterm birth < 33 weeks' gestation. Two reviewers independently selected studies, assessed the risk of bias and extracted the data. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: IPD were available for 303 women (159 assigned to vaginal progesterone and 144 assigned to placebo/no treatment) and their 606 fetuses/infants from six randomized controlled trials. One study, which included women with a cervical length between 20 and 25 mm, provided 74% of the total sample size of the IPD meta-analysis. Vaginal progesterone, compared with placebo/no treatment, was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the risk of preterm birth < 33 weeks' gestation (31.4% vs 43.1%; RR, 0.69 (95% CI, 0.51–0.93); moderate-quality evidence). Moreover, vaginal progesterone administration was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of preterm birth < 35, < 34, < 32 and < 30 weeks' gestation (RRs ranging from 0.47 to 0.83), neonatal death (RR, 0.53 (95% CI, 0.35–0.81)), respiratory distress syndrome (RR, 0.70 (95% CI, 0.56–0.89)), composite neonatal morbidity and mortality (RR, 0.61 (

Objective: To assess the efficacy of vaginal progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth and neonatal morbidity and mortality in asymptomatic women with a twin gestation and a sonographic short cervix (cervical length ≤ 25 mm) in the mid-trimester. Methods: This was an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data (IPD) from randomized controlled trials comparing vaginal progesterone with placebo/no treatment in women with a twin gestation and a mid-trimester sonographic cervical length ≤ 25 mm. MEDLINE, EMBASE, POPLINE, CINAHL and LILACS (all from inception to 31 December 2016), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Research Registers of ongoing trials, Google Scholar, conference proceedings and reference lists of identified studies were searched. The primary outcome measure was preterm birth < 33 weeks' gestation. Two reviewers independently selected studies, assessed the risk of bias and extracted the data. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: IPD were available for 303 women (159 assigned to vaginal progesterone and 144 assigned to placebo/no treatment) and their 606 fetuses/infants from six randomized controlled trials. One study, which included women with a cervical length between 20 and 25 mm, provided 74% of the total sample size of the IPD meta-analysis. Vaginal progesterone, compared with placebo/no treatment, was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the risk of preterm birth < 33 weeks' gestation (31.4% vs 43.1%; RR, 0.69 (95% CI, 0.51–0.93); moderate-quality evidence). Moreover, vaginal progesterone administration was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of preterm birth < 35, < 34, < 32 and < 30 weeks' gestation (RRs ranging from 0.47 to 0.83), neonatal death (RR, 0.53 (95% CI, 0.35–0.81)), respiratory distress syndrome (RR, 0.70 (95% CI, 0.56–0.89)), composite neonatal morbidity and mortality (RR, 0.61 (

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth complicates almost all triplet pregnancies and no preventive strategy has proven effective. OBJECTIVE: To determine, using individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis, whether the outcome of triplet pregnancy is affected by prophylactic administration of 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17OHPc). SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched literature databases, trial registries and references in published articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of progestogens versus control that included women with triplet pregnancies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Investigators from identified RCTs collaborated on the protocol and contributed their IPD. The primary outcome was a composite measure of adverse perinatal outcome. The secondary outcome was the rate of birth before 32 weeks of gestation. Other pre-specified outcomes included randomisation-to-delivery interval and rates of birth at <24, <28 and <34 weeks of gestation. MAIN RESULTS: Three RCTs of 17OHPc versus placebo included 232 mothers with triplet pregnancies and their 696 offspring. Risk-of-bias scores and between-study heterogeneity were low. Baseline characteristics were comparable between 17OHPc and placebo groups. The rate of the composite adverse perinatal outcome was similar among those treated with 17OHPc and those treated with placebo (34 and 35%, respectively; risk ratio [RR] 0.98, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.79-1.2). The rate of birth at <32 weeks was also similar in the two groups (35 and 38%, respectively; RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.55-1.56). There were no significant between-group differences in perinatal mortality rate, randomisation-to-delivery interval, or other specified outcomes. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic 17OHPc given to mothers with triplet pregnancies had no significant impact on perinatal outcome or pregnancy duration. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: 17-Hydroxyprogesterone caproate had no significant impact on the outcome or duration of triplet preg

In spite of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) having been available for more than 50 years, surprisingly little is known about the prevalence of truly COC-related adverse mood symptoms and about the underlying biological mechanisms of proposed changes in mood and affect. Precise estimates of COC-related adverse mood symptoms are not available due to the lack of placebo-controlled trials. In prospective trials the frequency of women who report deteriorated mood or deteriorated emotional well-being varies between 4 and 10%, but it can be assumed that the causal relation in these prevalence rates is overestimated. Adverse mood symptoms and somatic symptoms are most pronounced during the pill-free interval of the treatment cycles, but whether extended COC regimens would be more favorable in this respect is not known. COCs with anti-androgenic progestagens, such as drospirenone and desogestrel, appear more favorable in terms of mood symptoms than progestagens with a more androgenic profile. Available data suggest that lower doses of ethinylestradiol could be beneficial.

Objective To determine, in a sheep model, the effect of a short-term progestative treatment on growth dynamics and functionality of induced corpora lutea. Design Observational, model study. Setting Public university. Patient(s) Sixty adult female sheep. Intervention(s) Synchronization and induction of ovulation with progestogens and prostaglandin analogues; ovarian ultrasonography, blood sampling, and ovariectomy. Main Outcome Measure(s) Determination of pituitary function and morphologic characteristics, expression of luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors, and progesterone secretion of corpora lutea. Result(s) The use of progestative pretreatments for assisted conception affect the growth patterns, the expression of LH receptors, and the progesterone secretion of induced corpora lutea. Conclusion(s): The current study indicates, in a sheep model, the existence of deleterious effects from progestogens on functionality of induced corpora lutea. © 2010 American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

SCOPUS: re.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

SCOPUS: re.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

This article focuses on solid samples and reviews the main findings so far concerning the source, the presence and the fate of estrogens and progestogens in the aquatic environment. We discuss the very few existing analytical methods for determination of estrogens and progestogens in environmental matrices (soils, sediments and sludge). Estrogens are continuously released in the aquatic environment mainly because treatment plants are unsuccessful in removing them. Studies show that estrogens and progestogens are easily distributed in the environment and are likely to accumulate in river sediments and in soils. However, it is not yet clear whether sorption or biodegradation processes play a major role in their elimination from the aquatic environment.

Steroid sex hormones and related synthetic compounds have been shown to provoke alarming estrogenic effects in aquatic organisms, such as feminization, at very low concentrations (ng/L or pg/L). In this work, different chromatographic techniques, namely, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), are discussed for the analysis of estrogens, both free and conjugated, and progestogens, and the sensitivities achieved with the various techniques are inter-compared. GC/MS analyses are usually carried out after derivatization of the analytes with bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA). For LC/MS and LC/MS/MS analyses, different instruments, ionization techniques (electrospray (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)), ionization modes (negative ion (NI) and positive ion (PI)) and monitoring modes (selected ion monitoring (SIM) and selected reaction monitoring (SRM)) are generally employed. Based on sensitivity and selectivity, LC/ESI-MS/MS is generally the method of choice for determination of estrogens in the NI mode and of progestogens in the PI mode (instrumental detection limits (IDLs) 0.1-10 ng/mL). IDLs achieved by LC/ESI-MS in the SIM mode and by LC/ESI-MS/MS in the SRM mode were, in general, comparable, although the selectivity of the latter is significantly higher and essential to avoid false positive determinations in the analysis of real samples.

In contrast with past practice, current hormone replacement usually includes a combination of oestrogens and progestogens. In this article, we review the effect of progestins on haemostasis and in the development of atherosclerosis. Second-generation progestogens produce minor haemostatic changes, and in lipid metabolism they decrease the synthesis of triglycerides and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and stimulate hepatic lipoprotein lipase. In combination, progestogens modify the effect of oestrogens on hepatic metabolism, endothelium and platelets. Several new progestins (known as third-generation) have less effect on lipid profiles. In vessel walls, animal studies have shown that progestogens are able dose-dependently to inhibit the beneficial effect of oestrogen without significant changes in lipid concentrations. The endothelium-dependent vasoconstrictor effect of progestogens on the arterial wall has been also evaluated. Large epidemiological studies show a two-fold increase in risk of venous thromboembolism with the use of third-generation progestins. Regarding the risk of myocardial infarction, no definite evidence is yet available with the use of third-generation progestins. The clinical consequence is therefore that second-generation progestins are the first choice in prescription for first-time users.

Lipoprotein metabolism is involved in atherogenesis. Female sex-hormones have substantial effects on both lipoprotein metabolism and the vessel wall. Cholesterol, one of the major lipids in lipoproteins, is both the substrate for, and the target of, the steroidal sex hormones.

The sources discussed in this literature study give the level of androgens, estrogens, and progestogens found in the blood, urine and feces of veal calves. Since there were not eneough data available in these three matrices for veal valves, the literature data for male and female breeding calves in the age group of 7-11 months has also been added.

Een literatuurstudie is verricht betreffende de gehalten aan androgenen, oestrogenen en progestagenen in bloed, urine en faeces bij vleeskalveren. Omdat er niet voldoende gegevens beschikbaar waren voor genoemde hormonen in de 3 genoemde matrices bij vleeskalveren zijn ook literatuurgegevens van mannelijke en vrouwelijke fokkalveren in de leeftijdscategorie van ca. 7 tot ca. 11 maanden verwerkt. De meeste analyses zijn uitgevoerd met een radioimmunochemische methode (RIA).

V současnosti je odbornou i laickou veřejností často diskutována problematika výskytu ženských pohlavních hormonů, estrogenů a gestagenů, ve vodních ekosystémech. Tyto látky steroidní struktury představují pro konvenční čistírenské a úpravárenské technologie využívané ve vodárenství často obtížně odstranitelné kontaminanty. V dané souvislosti mohou být vhodnou technikou pokročilé oxidační procesy, které jsou založeny na in situ tvorbě vysoce reaktivních hydroxylových radikálů. Předkládaná dizertační práce se zabývá studiem kinetiky a degradačních meziproduktů fotokatalytického rozkladu sedmi vybraných ženských pohlavních hormonů (estron, -estradiol, estriol, ethinylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol, progesteron a norethindron). Experimenty probíhaly v laboratorním skleněném reaktoru, který byl vybaven energeticky úspornými LED diodami s emisní vlnovou délkou 365 nm a imobilizovaným fotokatalyzátorem ve formě pětivrstvého filmu TiO2 naneseného na skleněném nosiči. Pracováno bylo s modelovými vzorky vody o počáteční koncentraci hormonů 1 mg·l-1 a průběh reakcí byl sledován metodou HPLC-MS. V daném systému vykázaly všechny zájmové látky s výjimkou estriolu velmi výrazný sklon k adsorpci. V případě estriolu byla na základě Langmuir-Hinshelwoodova modelu určena hodnota formální rychlostní konstanty fotokatalytického rozkladu pro dvě různé počáteční koncentrace, 0,5527 hod-1 (1 mg·l-1) a 0,1929 hod-1 (5 mg·l-1); porovnáním těchto hodnot bylo zjištěno, že se zvyšující se koncentrací degradované látky probíhá rozklad pomaleji (při 5násobném zvětšení počáteční koncentrace poklesla hodnota formální rychlostní konstanty téměř na třetinu). Dále bylo zaznamenáno devět degradačních meziproduktů fotokatalytického rozkladu estriolu a na základě hmotnostních spekter navržena jejich struktura. Ve druhém tematickém okruhu práce byla pozornost věnována vývoji SPE-HPLC-MS metody pro stanovení ženských pohlavních hormonů v reálných vzorcích vody, zejména pak optimalizaci extrakčního kroku. V, At present, the issue of occurrence of female sex hormones, estrogens and progestogens, in aquatic ecosystems is often discussed by experts and the general public. These substances of steroid structure can be difficult to remove completely by conventional wastewater and drinking water treatment technologies. In given context advanced oxidation processes based on in situ generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals can be a suitable technique. This thesis deals with the study of kinetics and degradation products of photocatalytic decomposition of seven female sex hormones (estrone, -estradiol, estriol, ethinylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol, progesterone and norethindrone). Experiments were conducted in a laboratory glass reactor, which was equipped with an energy efficient UV-A LED light source (365 nm emission wavelength) and an immobilised photocatalyst in a form of TiO2 five-layer film deposited on glass. Model samples of water with the initial hormone concentration of 1 mg·L-1 were used and the degradation process was monitored by an HPLC-MS method. In the given system all compounds of interest except estriol had very significant tendency to be adsorb. In the case of estriol the formal rate constant of photocatalytic decomposition was determined based on the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model for two different initial concentrations, 0.5527 hour-1 (1 mg·L-1) and 0.1929 hour-1 (5 mg·L-1), and by comparison of these values it was found that the higher degraded compound concentration, the slower decomposition (fivefold increase of the initial concentration resulted in the constant decrease to almost one-third). Moreover nine degradation products of estriol photocatalytic decomposition were recorded and their structure was designed based on mass spectra. In the second thematic part of the thesis attention was paid to development of a SPE-HPLC-MS method for simultaneous determination of female sex hormones in water ecosystems, with emphasis on an extraction part optimizatio

V současnosti je odbornou i laickou veřejností často diskutována problematika výskytu ženských pohlavních hormonů, estrogenů a gestagenů, ve vodních ekosystémech. Tyto látky steroidní struktury představují pro konvenční čistírenské a úpravárenské technologie využívané ve vodárenství často obtížně odstranitelné kontaminanty. V dané souvislosti mohou být vhodnou technikou pokročilé oxidační procesy, které jsou založeny na in situ tvorbě vysoce reaktivních hydroxylových radikálů. Předkládaná dizertační práce se zabývá studiem kinetiky a degradačních meziproduktů fotokatalytického rozkladu sedmi vybraných ženských pohlavních hormonů (estron, -estradiol, estriol, ethinylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol, progesteron a norethindron). Experimenty probíhaly v laboratorním skleněném reaktoru, který byl vybaven energeticky úspornými LED diodami s emisní vlnovou délkou 365 nm a imobilizovaným fotokatalyzátorem ve formě pětivrstvého filmu TiO2 naneseného na skleněném nosiči. Pracováno bylo s modelovými vzorky vody o počáteční koncentraci hormonů 1 mg·l-1 a průběh reakcí byl sledován metodou HPLC-MS. V daném systému vykázaly všechny zájmové látky s výjimkou estriolu velmi výrazný sklon k adsorpci. V případě estriolu byla na základě Langmuir-Hinshelwoodova modelu určena hodnota formální rychlostní konstanty fotokatalytického rozkladu pro dvě různé počáteční koncentrace, 0,5527 hod-1 (1 mg·l-1) a 0,1929 hod-1 (5 mg·l-1); porovnáním těchto hodnot bylo zjištěno, že se zvyšující se koncentrací degradované látky probíhá rozklad pomaleji (při 5násobném zvětšení počáteční koncentrace poklesla hodnota formální rychlostní konstanty téměř na třetinu). Dále bylo zaznamenáno devět degradačních meziproduktů fotokatalytického rozkladu estriolu a na základě hmotnostních spekter navržena jejich struktura. Ve druhém tematickém okruhu práce byla pozornost věnována vývoji SPE-HPLC-MS metody pro stanovení ženských pohlavních hormonů v reálných vzorcích vody, zejména pak optimalizaci extrakčního kroku. V, At present, the issue of occurrence of female sex hormones, estrogens and progestogens, in aquatic ecosystems is often discussed by experts and the general public. These substances of steroid structure can be difficult to remove completely by conventional wastewater and drinking water treatment technologies. In given context advanced oxidation processes based on in situ generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals can be a suitable technique. This thesis deals with the study of kinetics and degradation products of photocatalytic decomposition of seven female sex hormones (estrone, -estradiol, estriol, ethinylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol, progesterone and norethindrone). Experiments were conducted in a laboratory glass reactor, which was equipped with an energy efficient UV-A LED light source (365 nm emission wavelength) and an immobilised photocatalyst in a form of TiO2 five-layer film deposited on glass. Model samples of water with the initial hormone concentration of 1 mg·L-1 were used and the degradation process was monitored by an HPLC-MS method. In the given system all compounds of interest except estriol had very significant tendency to be adsorb. In the case of estriol the formal rate constant of photocatalytic decomposition was determined based on the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model for two different initial concentrations, 0.5527 hour-1 (1 mg·L-1) and 0.1929 hour-1 (5 mg·L-1), and by comparison of these values it was found that the higher degraded compound concentration, the slower decomposition (fivefold increase of the initial concentration resulted in the constant decrease to almost one-third). Moreover nine degradation products of estriol photocatalytic decomposition were recorded and their structure was designed based on mass spectra. In the second thematic part of the thesis attention was paid to development of a SPE-HPLC-MS method for simultaneous determination of female sex hormones in water ecosystems, with emphasis on an extraction part optimizatio

V současnosti je odbornou i laickou veřejností často diskutována problematika výskytu ženských pohlavních hormonů, estrogenů a gestagenů, ve vodních ekosystémech. Tyto látky steroidní struktury představují pro konvenční čistírenské a úpravárenské technologie využívané ve vodárenství často obtížně odstranitelné kontaminanty. V dané souvislosti mohou být vhodnou technikou pokročilé oxidační procesy, které jsou založeny na in situ tvorbě vysoce reaktivních hydroxylových radikálů. Předkládaná dizertační práce se zabývá studiem kinetiky a degradačních meziproduktů fotokatalytického rozkladu sedmi vybraných ženských pohlavních hormonů (estron, -estradiol, estriol, ethinylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol, progesteron a norethindron). Experimenty probíhaly v laboratorním skleněném reaktoru, který byl vybaven energeticky úspornými LED diodami s emisní vlnovou délkou 365 nm a imobilizovaným fotokatalyzátorem ve formě pětivrstvého filmu TiO2 naneseného na skleněném nosiči. Pracováno bylo s modelovými vzorky vody o počáteční koncentraci hormonů 1 mg·l-1 a průběh reakcí byl sledován metodou HPLC-MS. V daném systému vykázaly všechny zájmové látky s výjimkou estriolu velmi výrazný sklon k adsorpci. V případě estriolu byla na základě Langmuir-Hinshelwoodova modelu určena hodnota formální rychlostní konstanty fotokatalytického rozkladu pro dvě různé počáteční koncentrace, 0,5527 hod-1 (1 mg·l-1) a 0,1929 hod-1 (5 mg·l-1); porovnáním těchto hodnot bylo zjištěno, že se zvyšující se koncentrací degradované látky probíhá rozklad pomaleji (při 5násobném zvětšení počáteční koncentrace poklesla hodnota formální rychlostní konstanty téměř na třetinu). Dále bylo zaznamenáno devět degradačních meziproduktů fotokatalytického rozkladu estriolu a na základě hmotnostních spekter navržena jejich struktura. Ve druhém tematickém okruhu práce byla pozornost věnována vývoji SPE-HPLC-MS metody pro stanovení ženských pohlavních hormonů v reálných vzorcích vody, zejména pak optimalizaci extrakčního kroku. V, At present, the issue of occurrence of female sex hormones, estrogens and progestogens, in aquatic ecosystems is often discussed by experts and the general public. These substances of steroid structure can be difficult to remove completely by conventional wastewater and drinking water treatment technologies. In given context advanced oxidation processes based on in situ generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals can be a suitable technique. This thesis deals with the study of kinetics and degradation products of photocatalytic decomposition of seven female sex hormones (estrone, -estradiol, estriol, ethinylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol, progesterone and norethindrone). Experiments were conducted in a laboratory glass reactor, which was equipped with an energy efficient UV-A LED light source (365 nm emission wavelength) and an immobilised photocatalyst in a form of TiO2 five-layer film deposited on glass. Model samples of water with the initial hormone concentration of 1 mg·L-1 were used and the degradation process was monitored by an HPLC-MS method. In the given system all compounds of interest except estriol had very significant tendency to be adsorb. In the case of estriol the formal rate constant of photocatalytic decomposition was determined based on the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model for two different initial concentrations, 0.5527 hour-1 (1 mg·L-1) and 0.1929 hour-1 (5 mg·L-1), and by comparison of these values it was found that the higher degraded compound concentration, the slower decomposition (fivefold increase of the initial concentration resulted in the constant decrease to almost one-third). Moreover nine degradation products of estriol photocatalytic decomposition were recorded and their structure was designed based on mass spectra. In the second thematic part of the thesis attention was paid to development of a SPE-HPLC-MS method for simultaneous determination of female sex hormones in water ecosystems, with emphasis on an extraction part optimizatio

V současnosti je odbornou i laickou veřejností často diskutována problematika výskytu ženských pohlavních hormonů, estrogenů a gestagenů, ve vodních ekosystémech. Tyto látky steroidní struktury představují pro konvenční čistírenské a úpravárenské technologie využívané ve vodárenství často obtížně odstranitelné kontaminanty. V dané souvislosti mohou být vhodnou technikou pokročilé oxidační procesy, které jsou založeny na in situ tvorbě vysoce reaktivních hydroxylových radikálů. Předkládaná dizertační práce se zabývá studiem kinetiky a degradačních meziproduktů fotokatalytického rozkladu sedmi vybraných ženských pohlavních hormonů (estron, -estradiol, estriol, ethinylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol, progesteron a norethindron). Experimenty probíhaly v laboratorním skleněném reaktoru, který byl vybaven energeticky úspornými LED diodami s emisní vlnovou délkou 365 nm a imobilizovaným fotokatalyzátorem ve formě pětivrstvého filmu TiO2 naneseného na skleněném nosiči. Pracováno bylo s modelovými vzorky vody o počáteční koncentraci hormonů 1 mg·l-1 a průběh reakcí byl sledován metodou HPLC-MS. V daném systému vykázaly všechny zájmové látky s výjimkou estriolu velmi výrazný sklon k adsorpci. V případě estriolu byla na základě Langmuir-Hinshelwoodova modelu určena hodnota formální rychlostní konstanty fotokatalytického rozkladu pro dvě různé počáteční koncentrace, 0,5527 hod-1 (1 mg·l-1) a 0,1929 hod-1 (5 mg·l-1); porovnáním těchto hodnot bylo zjištěno, že se zvyšující se koncentrací degradované látky probíhá rozklad pomaleji (při 5násobném zvětšení počáteční koncentrace poklesla hodnota formální rychlostní konstanty téměř na třetinu). Dále bylo zaznamenáno devět degradačních meziproduktů fotokatalytického rozkladu estriolu a na základě hmotnostních spekter navržena jejich struktura. Ve druhém tematickém okruhu práce byla pozornost věnována vývoji SPE-HPLC-MS metody pro stanovení ženských pohlavních hormonů v reálných vzorcích vody, zejména pak optimalizaci extrakčního kroku. V, At present, the issue of occurrence of female sex hormones, estrogens and progestogens, in aquatic ecosystems is often discussed by experts and the general public. These substances of steroid structure can be difficult to remove completely by conventional wastewater and drinking water treatment technologies. In given context advanced oxidation processes based on in situ generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals can be a suitable technique. This thesis deals with the study of kinetics and degradation products of photocatalytic decomposition of seven female sex hormones (estrone, -estradiol, estriol, ethinylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol, progesterone and norethindrone). Experiments were conducted in a laboratory glass reactor, which was equipped with an energy efficient UV-A LED light source (365 nm emission wavelength) and an immobilised photocatalyst in a form of TiO2 five-layer film deposited on glass. Model samples of water with the initial hormone concentration of 1 mg·L-1 were used and the degradation process was monitored by an HPLC-MS method. In the given system all compounds of interest except estriol had very significant tendency to be adsorb. In the case of estriol the formal rate constant of photocatalytic decomposition was determined based on the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model for two different initial concentrations, 0.5527 hour-1 (1 mg·L-1) and 0.1929 hour-1 (5 mg·L-1), and by comparison of these values it was found that the higher degraded compound concentration, the slower decomposition (fivefold increase of the initial concentration resulted in the constant decrease to almost one-third). Moreover nine degradation products of estriol photocatalytic decomposition were recorded and their structure was designed based on mass spectra. In the second thematic part of the thesis attention was paid to development of a SPE-HPLC-MS method for simultaneous determination of female sex hormones in water ecosystems, with emphasis on an extraction part optimizatio

V současnosti je odbornou i laickou veřejností často diskutována problematika výskytu ženských pohlavních hormonů, estrogenů a gestagenů, ve vodních ekosystémech. Tyto látky steroidní struktury představují pro konvenční čistírenské a úpravárenské technologie využívané ve vodárenství často obtížně odstranitelné kontaminanty. V dané souvislosti mohou být vhodnou technikou pokročilé oxidační procesy, které jsou založeny na in situ tvorbě vysoce reaktivních hydroxylových radikálů. Předkládaná dizertační práce se zabývá studiem kinetiky a degradačních meziproduktů fotokatalytického rozkladu sedmi vybraných ženských pohlavních hormonů (estron, -estradiol, estriol, ethinylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol, progesteron a norethindron). Experimenty probíhaly v laboratorním skleněném reaktoru, který byl vybaven energeticky úspornými LED diodami s emisní vlnovou délkou 365 nm a imobilizovaným fotokatalyzátorem ve formě pětivrstvého filmu TiO2 naneseného na skleněném nosiči. Pracováno bylo s modelovými vzorky vody o počáteční koncentraci hormonů 1 mg·l-1 a průběh reakcí byl sledován metodou HPLC-MS. V daném systému vykázaly všechny zájmové látky s výjimkou estriolu velmi výrazný sklon k adsorpci. V případě estriolu byla na základě Langmuir-Hinshelwoodova modelu určena hodnota formální rychlostní konstanty fotokatalytického rozkladu pro dvě různé počáteční koncentrace, 0,5527 hod-1 (1 mg·l-1) a 0,1929 hod-1 (5 mg·l-1); porovnáním těchto hodnot bylo zjištěno, že se zvyšující se koncentrací degradované látky probíhá rozklad pomaleji (při 5násobném zvětšení počáteční koncentrace poklesla hodnota formální rychlostní konstanty téměř na třetinu). Dále bylo zaznamenáno devět degradačních meziproduktů fotokatalytického rozkladu estriolu a na základě hmotnostních spekter navržena jejich struktura. Ve druhém tematickém okruhu práce byla pozornost věnována vývoji SPE-HPLC-MS metody pro stanovení ženských pohlavních hormonů v reálných vzorcích vody, zejména pak optimalizaci extrakčního kroku. V, At present, the issue of occurrence of female sex hormones, estrogens and progestogens, in aquatic ecosystems is often discussed by experts and the general public. These substances of steroid structure can be difficult to remove completely by conventional wastewater and drinking water treatment technologies. In given context advanced oxidation processes based on in situ generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals can be a suitable technique. This thesis deals with the study of kinetics and degradation products of photocatalytic decomposition of seven female sex hormones (estrone, -estradiol, estriol, ethinylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol, progesterone and norethindrone). Experiments were conducted in a laboratory glass reactor, which was equipped with an energy efficient UV-A LED light source (365 nm emission wavelength) and an immobilised photocatalyst in a form of TiO2 five-layer film deposited on glass. Model samples of water with the initial hormone concentration of 1 mg·L-1 were used and the degradation process was monitored by an HPLC-MS method. In the given system all compounds of interest except estriol had very significant tendency to be adsorb. In the case of estriol the formal rate constant of photocatalytic decomposition was determined based on the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model for two different initial concentrations, 0.5527 hour-1 (1 mg·L-1) and 0.1929 hour-1 (5 mg·L-1), and by comparison of these values it was found that the higher degraded compound concentration, the slower decomposition (fivefold increase of the initial concentration resulted in the constant decrease to almost one-third). Moreover nine degradation products of estriol photocatalytic decomposition were recorded and their structure was designed based on mass spectra. In the second thematic part of the thesis attention was paid to development of a SPE-HPLC-MS method for simultaneous determination of female sex hormones in water ecosystems, with emphasis on an extraction part optimizatio

V současnosti je odbornou i laickou veřejností často diskutována problematika výskytu ženských pohlavních hormonů, estrogenů a gestagenů, ve vodních ekosystémech. Tyto látky steroidní struktury představují pro konvenční čistírenské a úpravárenské technologie využívané ve vodárenství často obtížně odstranitelné kontaminanty. V dané souvislosti mohou být vhodnou technikou pokročilé oxidační procesy, které jsou založeny na in situ tvorbě vysoce reaktivních hydroxylových radikálů. Předkládaná dizertační práce se zabývá studiem kinetiky a degradačních meziproduktů fotokatalytického rozkladu sedmi vybraných ženských pohlavních hormonů (estron, -estradiol, estriol, ethinylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol, progesteron a norethindron). Experimenty probíhaly v laboratorním skleněném reaktoru, který byl vybaven energeticky úspornými LED diodami s emisní vlnovou délkou 365 nm a imobilizovaným fotokatalyzátorem ve formě pětivrstvého filmu TiO2 naneseného na skleněném nosiči. Pracováno bylo s modelovými vzorky vody o počáteční koncentraci hormonů 1 mg·l-1 a průběh reakcí byl sledován metodou HPLC-MS. V daném systému vykázaly všechny zájmové látky s výjimkou estriolu velmi výrazný sklon k adsorpci. V případě estriolu byla na základě Langmuir-Hinshelwoodova modelu určena hodnota formální rychlostní konstanty fotokatalytického rozkladu pro dvě různé počáteční koncentrace, 0,5527 hod-1 (1 mg·l-1) a 0,1929 hod-1 (5 mg·l-1); porovnáním těchto hodnot bylo zjištěno, že se zvyšující se koncentrací degradované látky probíhá rozklad pomaleji (při 5násobném zvětšení počáteční koncentrace poklesla hodnota formální rychlostní konstanty téměř na třetinu). Dále bylo zaznamenáno devět degradačních meziproduktů fotokatalytického rozkladu estriolu a na základě hmotnostních spekter navržena jejich struktura. Ve druhém tematickém okruhu práce byla pozornost věnována vývoji SPE-HPLC-MS metody pro stanovení ženských pohlavních hormonů v reálných vzorcích vody, zejména pak optimalizaci extrakčního kroku. V, At present, the issue of occurrence of female sex hormones, estrogens and progestogens, in aquatic ecosystems is often discussed by experts and the general public. These substances of steroid structure can be difficult to remove completely by conventional wastewater and drinking water treatment technologies. In given context advanced oxidation processes based on in situ generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals can be a suitable technique. This thesis deals with the study of kinetics and degradation products of photocatalytic decomposition of seven female sex hormones (estrone, -estradiol, estriol, ethinylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol, progesterone and norethindrone). Experiments were conducted in a laboratory glass reactor, which was equipped with an energy efficient UV-A LED light source (365 nm emission wavelength) and an immobilised photocatalyst in a form of TiO2 five-layer film deposited on glass. Model samples of water with the initial hormone concentration of 1 mg·L-1 were used and the degradation process was monitored by an HPLC-MS method. In the given system all compounds of interest except estriol had very significant tendency to be adsorb. In the case of estriol the formal rate constant of photocatalytic decomposition was determined based on the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model for two different initial concentrations, 0.5527 hour-1 (1 mg·L-1) and 0.1929 hour-1 (5 mg·L-1), and by comparison of these values it was found that the higher degraded compound concentration, the slower decomposition (fivefold increase of the initial concentration resulted in the constant decrease to almost one-third). Moreover nine degradation products of estriol photocatalytic decomposition were recorded and their structure was designed based on mass spectra. In the second thematic part of the thesis attention was paid to development of a SPE-HPLC-MS method for simultaneous determination of female sex hormones in water ecosystems, with emphasis on an extraction part optimizatio