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The African claw-toed frog, Xenopus laevis, is a well-established laboratory model for the biology of vertebrate oogenesis, fertilisation, and development at embryonic, larval, and metamorphic stages. For ovulation, X. laevis females are usually injected with chorionic gonadotropin, whereupon they lay typically hundreds to thousands of eggs in a day. After being rested for a minimum of three months, animals are re-used. The literature suggests that adult females can lay much larger numbers of eggs in a short period. Here, we compared the standard single ovulation protocol with a double ovulation protocol, in which females were ovulated, then re-ovulated after seven days and then rested for three months before re-use. We quantified egg number, fertilisation rate (development to cleavage stage), and corticosterone secretion rate as a measure of stress response for the two protocol groups over seven 3-month cycles. We found no differences in egg number-per-ovulation or egg quality between the groups and no long-term changes in any measures over the 21-month trial period. Corticosterone secretion was elevated by ovulation, similarly for the single ovulation as for the first ovulation in the double-ovulation protocol, but more highly for the second ovulation (to a level comparable to that seen following shipment) in the latter. However, both groups exhibited the same baseline secretion rates by the time of the subsequent cycle. Double ovulation is thus transiently more stressful/demanding than single ovulation but within the levels routinely experienced by laboratory X. laevis. Noting that stress hormone corticosterone/cortisol secretion is linked to physiological processes, such as ovulation, that are not necessarily harmful to the individual, we suggest that the benefits of a doubling in egg yield-per-cycle per animal without loss of egg quality or signs of acute or long-term harm may outweigh the relatively modest and transient corticosterone elevation we observed. Th

The menstrual cycle is a loop involving the interplay of different organs and hormones, with the capacity to impact numerous physiological processes, including body temperature and heart rate, which in turn display menstrual rhythms. The advent of wearable devices that can continuously track physiological data opens the possibility of using these prolonged time series of skin temperature data to noninvasively detect the temperature variations that occur in ovulatory menstrual cycles. Here, we show that the menstrual skin temperature variation is better represented by a model of oscillation, the cosinor, than by a biphasic square wave model. We describe how applying a cosinor model to a menstrual cycle of distal skin temperature data can be used to assess whether the data oscillate or not, and in cases of oscillation, rhythm metrics for the cycle, including mesor, amplitude, and acrophase, can be obtained. We apply the method to wearable temperature data collected at a minute resolution each day from 120 female individuals over a menstrual cycle to illustrate how the method can be used to derive and present menstrual cycle characteristics, which can be used in other analyses examining indicators of female health. The cosinor method, frequently used in circadian rhythms studies, can be employed in research to facilitate the assessment of menstrual cycle effects on physiological parameters, and in clinical settings to use the characteristics of the menstrual cycles as health markers or to facilitate menstrual chronotherapy.

Recent advancements in the reproductive management of dairy cattle highlight the integration of multiple disciplines, including physiology, management, nutrition, genetics, economics, veterinary herd health, and production medicine, to improve reproductive performance. Generation of timely and cost-effective pregnancies is a key economic driver in dairy herds, influencing milk yield, income over feed cost, and culling decisions. Artificial insemination (AI) accelerates genetic progress, controls venereal diseases, and ensures safety. Estrous cycle synchronization programs, particularly timed AI (TAI), have emerged as cost-effective solution to improve pregnancy rates and reducing estrus detection needs. Despite the development of numerous controlled breeding programs, a thorough understanding of estrous cycle physiology and follicular wave dynamics is essential. Different synchronization programs enhance insemination and pregnancy rates in dairy cows and heifers. Genetic selection for reproductive traits has improved breeding strategies by emphasizing both productive and reproductive traits. Improved understanding of hormonal influences, estrous synchronization, and genetic selection has significantly enhanced reproductive performance. The goals of this thesis are to: 1) review the literature on the current status of knowledge of factors impacting effective reproductive management strategies and hormonal manipulations in dairy cattle; 2) assess the impact of increasing the dose of GnRH at the beginning of a CIDR Synch to improve ovulation and pregnancy in dairy heifers, and 3) to compare key reproductive outcomes in two reproductive programs with variable estrus detection length followed by OvSynch and to assess their relationship with the fertility traits genomic prediction for daughter pregnancy rate (GDPR) and the genomic prediction for cow conception rate (GCCR) in lactating Holstein dairy cows.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the temporal activity and the concentration in follicular fluid (FF) of the anti-inflammatory steroid cortisol during the ovulatory process in humans? SUMMARY ANSWER: Intrafollicular concentrations of cortisol become massively upregulated close to ovulation concomitant with an exceptionally high biological activity securing a timely and efficient termination of inflammatory processes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Ovulation has been described as a local, controlled inflammatory process resulting in the degeneration of the follicle wall which facilitate oocyte extrusion. Ovulation also affects the glucocorticoid metabolism of granulosa cells (GCs) and although de novo synthesis of cortisol only occurs in the adrenal cortex, the mid-cycle surge has been shown to induce a change from high expression of HSD11B2, inactivating cortisol to cortisone, to high expression of HSD11B1 which reversibly catalyses cortisol production from cortisone. Furthermore, high concentrations of progesterone and 17OH-proges-terone within follicles may cause dislodging of cortisol from cortisol binding protein (CBP) thereby activating the biological activity of cortisol. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This prospective cohort study included 50 women undergoing fertility treatment according to a standard antagonist protocol at a university hospital-affiliated fertility clinic in Denmark. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Women donated FF and GCs from one follicle for research purpose aspirated at one of four time points during the process of final maturation of follicles: T ¼ 0 h, T ¼ 12 h, T ¼ 17 h, T ¼ 32 h. A second sample was collected at oocyte pick up at T ¼ 36 h. The concentration of cortisol and cortisone together with a range of sex steroids was measured by LC-MS/MS in FF collected at the five time points mentioned above. Whole genome microarray data, validated by q-PCR analysis, was used to evaluate gene expression of CYP11B1, CYP21A2, HSD11B1, HSD11B2, and

ATP-binding cassette A1 (ABCA1) is a membrane protein, which exports excess cellular cholesterol to generate HDL to reduce the risk of the onset of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In addition, ABCA1 exerts pleiotropic effects on such as inflammation, tissue repair, and cell proliferation and migration. In this study, we explored the novel physiological roles of ABCA1 using Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes), a small teleost fish. Three Abca1 genes were found in the medaka genome. ABCA1A and ABCA1C exported cholesterol to generate nascent HDL as human ABCA1 when expressed in HEK293 cells. To investigate their physiological roles, each Abca1-deficient fish was generated using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Abca1a−/− female medaka was found to be infertile, while Abca1b−/− and Abca1c−/− female medaka were fertile. In vitro ovarian follicle culture suggested that Abca1a deficiency causes ovulation defects. In the ovary, ABCA1A was expressed in theca cells, an outermost layer of the ovarian follicle. Total cholesterol content of Abca1a−/− ovary was significantly higher than that of the wild-type, while estrogen and progestin contents were compatible with those of the wild-type. Furthermore, cholesterol loading to the wild-type follicles caused ovulation defects. These results suggest that ABCA1A in theca cells regulates cholesterol content in the ovarian follicles and its deficiency inhibits successful ovulation through cholesterol accumulation in the ovarian follicle.

ObjectivesTo estimate the effects on cervical mucus, ovarian activity and theoretical contraceptive protection of a 6-hour delay and of missing one norgestrel 0.075 mg progestogen-only pill.Study designIn a prospective, two-site, randomized, crossover study, healthy women aged 18 to 35 with BMI <32.0 kg/m² and regular ovulatory cycles completed a baseline 28-day cycle with correct daily pill use followed by two intervention cycles in which, around mid-cycle, one pill was taken 6 hours late or missed completely. We undertook ovarian ultrasonography, estradiol and progesterone measurement, and cervical mucus assessments every 3 to 4 days (daily around the time of the incorrect use) and based the theoretical contraceptive protection score on ovarian activity status, cervical mucus and their temporal relationship.ResultsOf 91 potential participants screened, 52 started the study and 46 provided complete data for each intervention cycle. Fourteen participants (30%) ovulated in each of the two intervention cycles, with four during the delayed pill cycle and two during the missed pill cycle having an abnormal luteal phase. Seven participants in the delayed pill cycle, and six with a missed pill had elevated cervical mucus scores temporally associated with the intervention. However only two women, one in the delayed pill cycle and one in the missed pill cycle, had cervical mucus scores in the range considered favorable for fertility.ConclusionsDelayed or missed intake of a single norgestrel 0.075 mg progestogen-only pill appears to have little effect on theoretical contraceptive efficacy.ImplicationsThis biomedical study suggests that taking a norgestrel 0.075mg progestogen-only pill 6 hours late or missing one pill have little effect on ovarian activity or cervical mucus and may not jeopardize contraceptive efficacy. Correlation with typical use outcomes is necessary to confirm pregnancy risk with delayed or missed norgestrel intake.

BACKGROUND: Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) originate from the excessive growth or bloom of cyanobacteria often referred to as blue-green algae. They have been on the rise globally in both marine and freshwaters in recently years with increasing frequency and severity owing to the rising temperature associated with climate change and increasing anthropogenic eutrophication from agricultural runoff and urbanization. Humans are at a great risk of exposure to toxins released from CyanoHABs through drinking water, food, and recreational activities, making CyanoHAB toxins a new class of contaminants of emerging concern. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the toxic effects and mechanisms of microcystin-LR (MC-LR), the most prevalent CyanoHAB toxin, on the ovary and associated reproductive functions. METHODS: Mouse models with either chronic daily oral or acute intraperitoneal exposure, an engineered three-dimensional ovarian follicle culture system, and human primary ovarian granulosa cells were tested with MC-LR of various dose levels. Single-follicle RNA sequencing, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and benchmark dose modeling were used to examine the effects of MC-LR on follicle maturation, hormone secretion, ovulation, and luteinization. RESULTS: Mice exposed long term to low-dose MC-LR did not exhibit any differences in the kinetics of folliculogenesis, but they had significantly fewer corpora lutea compared with control mice. Superovulation models further showed that mice exposed to MC-LR during the follicle maturation window had significantly fewer ovulated oocytes. IHC results revealed ovarian distribution of MC-LR, and mice exposed to MC-LR had significantly lower expression of key follicle maturation mediators. Mechanistically, in both murine and human granulosa cells exposed to MC-LR, there was reduced protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) activity, disru

Learning Objectives Define fertility awareness based methods Review the biomarkers of the female cycle that women can learn to chart to monitor her health and fertility Provide a basic overview of how these methods can be used to help women and families avoid or achieve pregnancy Review how these methods can aid in diagnosing common female health problems

The genus Alytes consists of six primitive terrestrial-breeding species (five of them endangered or present in restricted distributions) with unique male parental care. Alytes obstetricans was used as a model for the development of assisted reproductive technologies for gamete collection, artificial fertilization and captive-rearing of embryos. Sperm collection was achieved with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), but only 17 to 50% of males responded to the hormone. In addition, an effect of captivity on sperm quality was observed. A combination of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) and hCG was tested for induction of ovulation, and 100% of females responded to the treatment. Recently collected sperm was used in artificial fertilization, and 10% of eggs showed complete embryo development. To design a method for captive-rearing of embryos, natural clutches (n = 13) were removed from males and divided into two sub-clutches. One was kept with all eggs together and in the other, the egg string was cut and eggs were split individually. All sub-clutches with eggs kept separated presented embryo survival (ranging from 27 to 61%) that hatched normally, while only one sub-clutch with embryos maintained together had some embryo survival (36%). These results may contribute to the management of this and related species.

A fundamental principle in reproductive neuroendocrinology is sex steroid feedback: steroid hormones secreted by the gonads circulate back to the brain to regulate the neural circuits governing the reproductive neuroendocrine axis. These regulatory feedback loops ultimately act to modulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, thereby affecting gonadotropin secretion from the anterior pituitary. In females, rising estradiol (E2) during the middle of the menstrual (or estrous) cycle paradoxically switch from being inhibitory on GnRH secretion (negative feedback) to stimulating GnRH release (positive feedback), resulting in a surge in GnRH secretion and a downstream LH surge that triggers ovulation. While upstream neural afferents of GnRH neurons, including kisspeptin neurons in the rostral hypothalamus, are proposed as critical loci of E2 feedback action, the underlying mechanisms governing the shift between E2 negative and positive feedback are still poorly understood. Indeed, the precise cell targets, neural signaling factors and receptors, hormonal pathways, and molecular mechanisms by which ovarian-derived E2 indirectly stimulates GnRH surge secretion remain incompletely known. In many species, there is also a circadian component to the LH surge, restricting its occurrence to specific times of day, but how the circadian clock interacts with endocrine signals to ultimately time LH surge generation also remains a major gap in knowledge. Here, we focus on classic and recent data from rodent models and discuss the consensus knowledge of the neural players, including kisspeptin, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and glia, as well as endocrine players, including estradiol and progesterone, in the complex regulation and generation of E2-induced LH surges in females.

Background and objectiveThe ovulatory menstrual cycle is characterized by hormonal fluctuations that influence physiological systems and functioning. Multi-sensor wearable devices can be sensitive tools capturing cycle-related physiological features pertinent to women's health research. This study used the Oura ring to track changes in sleep and related physiological features, and also tracked self-reported daily functioning and symptoms across the regular, healthy menstrual cycle.MethodsTwenty-six healthy women (age, mean (SD): 24.4 (1.1 years)) with regular, ovulatory cycles (length, mean (SD): 28.57 (3.8 days)) were monitored across a complete menstrual cycle. Four menstrual cycle phases, reflecting different hormone milieus, were selected for analysis: menses, ovulation, mid-luteal, and late-luteal. Objective measures of sleep, sleep distal skin temperature, heart rate (HR) and vagal-mediated heart rate variability (HRV, rMSSD), derived from the Oura ring, and subjective daily diary measures (eg sleep quality, readiness) were compared across phases.ResultsWearable-based measures of sleep continuity and sleep stages did not vary across the menstrual cycle. Women reported no menstrual cycle-related changes in perceived sleep quality or readiness and only marginally poorer mood in the midluteal phase. However, they reported moderately more physical symptoms during menses (p < 0.001). Distal skin temperature and HR, measured during sleep, showed a biphasic pattern across the menstrual cycle, with increased HR (p < 0.03) and body temperature (p < 0.001) in the mid- and late-luteal phases relative to menses and ovulation. Correspondingly, rMSSD HRV tended to be lower in the luteal phase. Further, distal skin temperature was lower during ovulation relative to menses (p = 0.05).ConclusionThe menstrual cycle was not accompanied by significant fluctuations in objective and perceived measures of sleep or in mood, in healthy women with regular, ovulatory menstrual

Obese women often have certain degree of reproductive dysfunction with infertility. Although the clinical impact of obesity on female infertility has been extensively studied, the effective and targeted treatment is still lacking. Melanocortin-4-receptor knock-out (MC4R KO) mouse is an over-eating obese model with hyperphagia, hyperinsulinemia, reduced growth hormone (GH), and insulin resistance. Dapagliflozin improved the metabolic and hormonal parameters in MC4R KO mice. MC4R KO female mice were treated with dapagliflozin for 14 weeks from 14-week age. Age-matched WT littermates and non-treated MC4R KO mice were used as control groups. Food intake was measured daily. Body weight was measured twice a week. Estrous cycles, GH, and luteinizing hormone (LH) profiles were measured. Selected tissues were collected at the end of experiments for gene expression profiles and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Regularity and mode of hormonal profiles were restored by the dapagliflozin treatment. Estrous cycle was partially normalized, number of CL was significantly increased, and the expression of Kiss1 and Gnrh1 in the hypothalamus and LH in the pituitary was markedly increased by the dapagliflozin treatment. It is conclsuded that dapagliflozin may recover LH and GH profiles partially through modification of relevant gene expression in the hypothalamus and pituitary, and result in an improved ovulation rate in obese mouse model. Dapagliflozin may therefore improve fertility in obese patients.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the cervical mucus effects of a norgestrel 0.075 mg progestin-only contraceptive pill over a 28-day cycle.Study designWe recruited persons ages 18 to 35 with normal cycles at 2 US academic medical centers. Participants took norgestrel 0.075 mg daily for 28 days at the same time (within a 3 hour window) daily, recorded through a text-message based e-diary. We extracted cervical mucus using a standardized aspiration technique on the day of pill initiation and then at least every 3 to 4 days over the cycle. We monitored subjects for follicular activity with transvaginal ultrasound examination and blood sampling for ovarian hormones and gonadotropins at each visit. We assessed cervical mucus scoring using a 4-category/12-point modified Insler scale (score ≥9 [favoring fertility], 5-8 [intermediate], and ≤4 [unfavorable to fertility]). We stratified cervical mucus scores by serum estradiol levels and ovulatory status based on a modified Hoogland score.ResultsExcluding enrollment, we collected and evaluated 413 mucus samples from 51 participants. Participants had a median mucus score of 0 (Interquartile Range 0, 2); most had scores ≤4 (samples = 385, 93%) and none had a score ≥9 favoring fertility. Seventeen (33%) participants ovulated, of which 14 (82%) had unfavorable mucus scores (≤4) at the time of ovulation and 3 (18%) had intermediate scores (5-8).ConclusionsNorgestrel 0.075 mg daily prevents mucus changes that favor fertility, even during ovulatory cycles.ImplicationsDaily administration of norgestrel 0.075 mg over an initial 28-day cycle did not result in fertile cervical mucus. Although approximately one-third of users ovulated in this first cycle of pill use, contraceptive efficacy may be maintained by mucus effects.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect on ovarian activity and ovulation of 28 days of correct daily use of a progestogen-only pill containing norgestrel 0.075 mg.Study designWe performed a prospective, randomized, crossover study at 2 US sites, recruiting healthy women of reproductive age to use norgestrel 0.075 mg daily for three 28-day treatment cycles. We monitored ovarian activity every 3 to 4 days with reproductive hormone measurements and ovarian ultrasonography. Participants recorded pill use in daily diaries. An adjudication committee independent of the research sites assessed ovarian activity using a modified Hoogland score combining hormone concentrations and follicle diameter and appearance (quiescence 1-3, ovarian activity without ovulation 4-5, and ovulatory/postovulatory 6-7).ResultsWe report here the findings of the initial 28-day treatment cycle in which 51 of 52 recruited participants provided data sufficient for analysis. Two thirds of subjects had no evidence of ovulation (34/51, 66.6%); eight of these (15.7%) had quiescent ovaries (follicle <13 mm diameter) and 26 (51%) had follicular development (follicle >13 mm diameter) without ovulation. Seventeen participants ovulated, of whom 12 (23.5%) had a normal, and 5 (9.8%) an abnormal luteal phase. Persistent ovarian follicles were common among women who had ovarian activity without ovulation, 17 of 26 participants (65.4%) had a large follicle which persisted beyond 28 days.ConclusionDuring 28 days of exposure to a norgestrel 0.075 mg progestogen-only pill, most women had no evidence of ovulation.ImplicationsOvulation inhibition and follicle growth disturbance are important in the mechanism of action of a progestogen-only pill containing norgestrel 0.075 mg.

Reproduction is an energetically costly event across vertebrates and tightly linked to nutritional status and energy reserves. In mammals, the hormone leptin is considered as a link between energy homeostasis and reproduction. However, its role in fish reproduction is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the possible role of leptin in the regulation of reproduction in zebrafish, using a loss of function leptin receptor (lepr) strain. Impaired leptin signaling resulted in severe reproductive deficiencies in female zebrafish. lepr mutant females laid significantly fewer eggs, with low fertilization rates compared to wild-type females. Folliculogenesis was not affected, but oocyte maturation and ovulation were disrupted in lepr mutants. Interestingly, the expression of luteinizing hormone beta (lhb) in the pituitary was significantly lower in mutant females. Analysis of candidate genes in the ovaries and isolated fully grown follicles revealed differential expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation and ovulation in the mutants. In conclusion, our results show that leptin deficiency does not affect early stages of follicular development, but leptin might be essential in later steps, such as in oocyte maturation and ovulation. To our knowledge, this is the first time that leptin is associated to reproductive deficiencies in zebrafish.

The luteinizing hormone (LH) and maturation-inducing steroids (MIS), such as 17 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, regulate the final oocyte maturation in teleosts. Oocyte maturational competence (OMC) and ovulatory competence measure the sensitivity to MIS for oocyte maturation and ovulation, respectively. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the acquisition of ovulatory competence remain unknown. Sturgeons are an excellent research model for investigating these mechanisms. We examined the seasonal profiles of OMC and ovulatory competence in vitro and the expression of 17 ovulation-related gene candidates using quantitative PCR in Amur sturgeon ovarian follicles. The ovulatory competence was induced by the LH-releasing hormone analog (LHRHa) priming injection after acquiring the OMC, which was spontaneously induced in spring or autumn. Seven genes, including the tissue-type plasminogen activator (plat), were enhanced following the LHRHa priming injection in ovarian follicles sampled from anovulated and ovulated fish. The activin receptor type 1 (acvr1) and prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (ptgs2) were only upregulated in ovulated fish. Our results suggest that plat/plasmin and prostaglandin (PG)/PG receptor systems are essential for sturgeon ovulation, similar to other vertebrates. Notably, successful ovulation depends on a sufficient PG synthesis, and mediators activating the PG/PG receptor system are essential for acquiring the ovulatory competence. We provide the first report of ovulation-related gene alterations in the ovarian follicles of Amur sturgeons.

Odour cues associated with shifts in ovarian hormones indicate ovulatory timing in females of many nonhuman species. Although prior evidence supports women's body odours smelling more attractive on days when conception is possible, that research has left ambiguous how diagnostic of ovulatory timing odour cues are, as well as whether shifts in odour attractiveness are correlated with shifts in ovarian hormones. Here, 46 women each provided six overnight scent and corresponding day saliva samples spaced five days apart, and completed luteinizing hormone tests to determine ovulatory timing. Scent samples collected near ovulation were rated more attractive, on average, relative to samples from the same women collected on other days. Importantly, however, signal detection analyses showed that rater discrimination of fertile window timing from odour attractiveness ratings was very poor. Within-women shifts in salivary oestradiol and progesterone were not significantly associated with within-women shifts in odour attractiveness. Between-women, mean oestradiol was positively associated with mean odour attractiveness. Our findings suggest that raters cannot reliably detect women's ovulatory timing from their scent attractiveness. The between-women effect of oestradiol raises the possibility that women's scents provide information about overall cycle fecundity, though further research is necessary to rigorously investigate this possibility.

Neural circuits in female rats are exposed to sequential estradiol and progesterone to regulate the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and ultimately ovulation. Estradiol induces progesterone receptors (PGRs) in anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) kisspeptin neurons, and as estradiol reaches peak concentrations, neuroprogesterone (neuroP) synthesis is induced in hypothalamic astrocytes. This local neuroP signals to PGRs expressed in kisspeptin neurons to trigger the LH surge. We tested the hypothesis that neuroP-PGR signaling through Src family kinase (Src) underlies the LH surge. As observed in vitro, PGR and Src are co-expressed in AVPV neurons. Estradiol treatment increased the number of PGR immunopositive cells and PGR and Src colocalization. Furthermore, estradiol treatment increased the number of AVPV cells that had extranuclear PGR and Src in close proximity (< 40 nm). Infusion of the Src inhibitor (PP2) into the AVPV region of ovariectomized/adrenalectomized (ovx/adx) rats attenuated the LH surge in trunk blood collected 53 h post-estradiol (50 µg) injection that induced neuroP synthesis. Although PP2 reduced the LH surge in estradiol benzoate treated ovx/adx rats, activation of either AVPV PGR or Src in 2 µg estradiol-primed animals significantly elevated LH concentrations compared to dimethyl sulfoxide infused rats. Finally, antagonism of either AVPV PGR or Src blocked the ability of PGR or Src activation to induce an LH surge in estradiol-primed ovx/adx rats. These results indicate that neuroP, which triggers the LH surge, signals through an extranuclear PGR-Src signaling pathway.

This study characterizes the spawning phenomena of the honeycomb grouper (Epinephelus merra), which is a lunar-synchronized spawner that spawns a few days after full moon. To elucidate the aggregation characteristics of wild honeycomb groupers, the numbers of males and females at the spawning grounds were counted before and after the full moon. Approximately 20 males were consistently observed at the spawning grounds throughout the study period. Females appeared several days after full moon and rapidly increased in number, peaking four days after full moon (41 individuals). The maturation status of the females aggregating at the spawning grounds was investigated. The gonadosomatic index increased rapidly three days after full moon, and ovulation was confirmed. Individuals with ovulatory eggs were present for three days, after which the number of females at the spawning grounds decreased. Additionally, the role of males in final oocyte maturation (FOM) and ovulation in females during the spawning phase was investigated in captivity. FOM was induced in females reared in water with mature males, suggesting that male pheromones in the water induced FOM via activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. This suggests that spawning at the natural spawning grounds was the result of male–female interactions via pheromones., Cells, 11 (3), art. no. 484; 2022

Oxytocin has been used to treat neurodevelopmental conditions in adolescent patients but possible effects on reproductive development have not been well investigated. The effects of daily intra-nasal oxytocin treatment (12-18 months of age) on puberty and fertility were studied in colony-housed, male and female titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus). Body weight, urinary conjugated pregnanes and estrogens (defining cyclicity) in females, and androgens and sperm in urine of in males, were measured from 1 to 3 years of age to detect puberty. Serum testosterone was also measured in males at 13, 23 and 33 months of age and hemi-castration at 3 years of age enabled assessment of testicular morphometry and oxytocin receptor expression. An oxytocin treatment*time interaction suggested a minor, transient suppression in weight gain after treatment ended. Note that females weighed 10% less across all ages. Oxytocin-treated females exhibited early, spurious ovulations but neither regular cyclicity (≈30 months) nor pregnancies were affected by treatment. Oxytocin did not affect the pubertal increase in urinary androgen or the first appearance of sperm, which occurred as early as 15 months of age. Treatment did delay the puberty-associated rise in serum testosterone in males. All males were pubertal by 22 months and all females by 32 months of age. Although no major male or female fertility outcome was observed, oxytocin demonstrated some physiological effects through a delay of testosterone secretion in males, induction of precocious ovulation in females, and a suppression of general weight gain for the months following treatment.

[EN] The aim of this study was to estimate the limiting litter size components in rabbit females from a Synthetic line (n=32) and a Local population (n=34). Ovulation rate, number of implanted and live embryos were counted by laparoscopy at 12 d after mating. Prolificacy (total newborn, number born alive and mortality) and embryonic, foetal and prenatal survival at day of birth of the 3rd gestation were measured. The analysed traits were body weight of the female at mating, ovulation rate, implanted, live and resorbed embryos, embryonic, foetal and prenatal survival, as well as total newborn, number born alive and mortality at birth. Synthetic line females had a higher ovulation rate compared to the Local population (11.03±0.23 vs. 8.41±0.23 corpora lutea; P<0.0001). Synthetic line displayed a higher number of implanted embryos (10.00±0.25 vs. 7.85±0.25 embryos; P<0.0001). No difference was found between groups for number of resorbed embryos. Similar embryonic, foetal and prenatal survival rates were reported between the Synthetic line and the Local population. Additionally, total newborn was higher in the Synthetic line than in the Local population (+1.46 kits; P<0.05). A principal components analysis was performed. The first four principal components (PC) explained more than 90% of the total variation in both lines. Total newborn, number born alive and live embryos were the main variables defining the 1st PC. Resorbed embryos and foetal survival were located in the 2nd PC. Ovulation rate and embryonic survival were the predominant variables defining the 3rd PC. The body weight of females was located in the 4th PC. The phenotypic correlation between total newborn and its components were high and positive in both lines, except for ovulation rate and total newborn, where it was moderate in Synthetic line. In conclusion, the females from Synthetic line have a higher total newborn than those from Local population, as a consequence of a higher number of release

[EN] Successful rabbit production relies heavily on the use of adequate practices that enhance specific aspects of reproduction, such as mating, ovulation and lactation. Regardless of the type of production unit or strain of rabbits used, these processes rely on a complex chain of neuroendocrine steps that include particular hormones, peripheral stimuli and activation of discrete brain regions. Such is the case, for instance, of reflex ovulation, which occurs in response to copulation but is inhibited throughout lactation. Little is known about the mechanisms mediating lactational anoestrus and the restoration of oestrus following the cancellation of a single suckling episode (biostimulation). Nevertheless, the latter procedure (adopted worldwide to accelerate reproduction) has unwanted consequences for the doe and her litter. After successive episodes of biostimulation, the former shows a loss of fertility and body mass. In the kits, alterations are observed in their neuroendocrine response to mildly aversive stimulation in adulthood, as well as reductions in sexual behaviour. In addition to milk intake, a good nest is essential for normal litter growth and development. If this is not available, or if it deteriorates, rabbit caretakers can easily (re) build one from hair sheared off other rabbits or using synthetic material. Lactating does will nurse equally well their own or ‘alien’ young, placed inside the nest. It is crucial to have a minimum of six suckling kits in the nest, as the doe relies on this stimulation to maintain a normal nursing behaviour, i.e., only once a day throughout lactation. Recent work is revealing the similarities and differences in the responsiveness to mating among oestrous, lactating and biostimulated does. The relevance of these findings for the likelihood of reflex ovulation and the additional contribution of factors contained in the semen warrant more in-depth research. New insights on these issues, essential to reproductive neuroend

Unexplained infertility represents up to 30% of all cases of infertility. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, where no cause for infertility may be identified in the investigation of the couple, be it anovulation, fallopian tube blockage, or severe male factor. Unexplained infertility therefore cannot be considered a diagnosis to which a specific treatment is directed, rather that it indicates a failure to reach a diagnosis of the true cause of infertility. In this review, we explore the evidence base and potential limitations of the current routine infertility assessment. We also aim to highlight the importance of considering the prognosis of each individual couple through the process of assessment and propose a reconsidered approach to treatment, targeted to the prognosis rather than the diagnosis. Ultimately, a better understanding of the mechanisms of infertility will reduce the number of couples diagnosed with unexplained infertility.Copyright © 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). All rights reserved.

The hormone leptin is a peripheral metabolic signal and an important regulator of energy balance. In mammals, leptin acts on the appetite centers in the hypothalamus, causing anorexigenic functions by inhibiting food intake. It is also considered as a link between the nutritional status and the endocrine reproductive axis. However, the actions of leptin in teleosts are not fully understood. This thesis investigated the possible role of leptin in the regulation of appetite and reproduction in teleosts, using a loss of function leptin receptor zebrafish strain (lepr sa12953). Under different feeding conditions (normal feeding, 7-day fasting, 2- and 6-hours post refeeding) the transcription of orexigenic and anorexigenic genes was influenced by leptin in the zebrafish brain. Leptin signaling inhibited the transcription of orexigenic genes, during short-term fasting and refeeding, and stimulated the transcription of anorexigenic genes under normal feeding in wild-types, indicating an anorexigenic role of leptin in appetite regulation in zebrafish. Moreover, a leptin-dependent gene regulatory network (GRN), involved in the behavioral and metabolic control of appetite was suggested in the brain, including the cart/crhb/gnrh2 genes and their respective co-expressed modules, mediated by the transcription factor sp3a. Furthermore, impaired leptin signaling resulted in severe reproductive deficiencies in female zebrafish. Folliculogenesis was not affected, but oocyte maturation and ovulation were disrupted in lepr mutant females, resulting in low number of ovulated eggs. Moreover, the transcripts of luteinizing hormone beta (lhb) in the pituitary were significantly lower in the mutant females. Analysis of candidate genes revealed differential expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation and ovulation in the ovaries of the lepr mutants. Transcriptomic analysis of isolated fully grown follicles linked the reproductive deficiencies to the suppression of ess

Genom åren har det funnits en marknad för att förhindra samt öka chanserna att bli gravid. Individer har vänt sig till appar för hjälp, där syftet har varit att öka individenskunskap om när fertilitetfönstret sker under cyklens gång. Fertilitetfönstret kan upptäckas genom olika metoder. Under studiens gång las fokus på att bygga uppförståelse för basal kroppstemperatur. Därefter vidareutvecklades en smart tandborste integrerat med en temperature sensor, med syftet att kunna identifiera korrelation mellan basal kroppstemperatur och ägglossning. Syftet var att undersöka om en smart tandborste integrerat med en temperatur sensor, kunde identifiera potential ägglossning. Identifiering kunde skapas genom finna den potentiella sambandet mellan basal kroppstemperatur och ägglossning. Produktenskapades genom användning av maskininlärningsteknik. Det uppsatta syftet svaradepå forskningsfrågorna; kan maskininlärningstekniker stödja förutsägelse av ägglossning från basal kroppstemperatur (förkortning Eng: BBT) med en smart tandborste och hur ska en temperatursensor integreras i en elektrisk tandborste? Fördjupningsarbetet delades in i tre delar, undersökning av basal kroppstemperatur, data analys och produktdesign. En litteraturstudie utfördes av alla delar där undersökning om vilka likheter kroppstemperatur har mot basal kroppstemperatur, hur data analys kan användas till att upptäcka ägglossning med basal kroppstemperatur, och hur en produkt kan bäst designas för målen i arbetet. Före påbörjandet av examensarbete, samlades 11 individers basal kroppstemperatur in. Den valda metoden för att vidare analysera den givna data kallas för k-means clustering. Underdataanalysen ändrades antalet grupperingar för att finna grupper där potentiell ägglossning kunde ha uppstått. Validering av dessa potentiella grupper gjordes med data hämtat från hemsidan my monthly cycle. För produktutveckling användes flera olika tekniker, för att vägleda samt analysera produkten från olika perspektiv. G

An experiment was carried out at the Experimental Center La Raya-Universidad Nacional del Altiplano Puno, to determine the effect of copulation duration on ovulation and pregnancy in alpacas. 47 adult females were used (postpartum time ≥ 20 days and presence of a follicle ≥ 7 mm) distributed in three groups, according to copulation time: 20, 35 and 50 min, for G1 (n = 15), G2 (n = 16) and G3 (n = 16), respectively. For the mating, 6 reproducers of proven fertility were used, interrupting the copulation at the established time. Ovulation and pregnancy rates were evaluated on days 7 and 30 post service respectively (by ultrasound and receptivity of the female), the data were analyzed using X2 and simple correspondence. Both the ovulation rate (G1: 73.33%, G2: 81.25% and G3: 81.25%); and pregnancy (G1: 53.33%, G2: 81.25% and G3: 75%) were not different (P> 0.05). Pregnancy rates between G1 and G2 tended to be different (P <0.10), consistent with the simple correspondence analysis. Despite there being no differences in ovulation and pregnancy rates, there was a higher percentage trend in G2 and G3, suggesting that the longer duration of mating would have some positive effect on them, according to the simple correspondence analysis, and the trend of low significance (P <0.10) in favor of pregnancy in G2 compared to G1. In conclusion, there were no significant differences in the effect of copulation duration on ovulation; however, there was a 90% trend for the difference between mating duration of 35 minutes versus 20 minutes (in pregnancy)., Se realizó un experimento en el Centro Experimental La Raya-Universidad Nacional del Altiplano Puno, para determinar el efecto de la duración de cópula sobre la ovulación y preñez en alpacas. Se utilizaron 47 hembras adultas (tiempo posparto ≥ 20 días y presencia de un folículo ≥ 7 mm) distribuidas en tres grupos, según el tiempo de cópula: 20, 35 y 50 min, para G1(n=15), G2(n=16) y G3(n=16), respectivamente. Para el empadre se utilizaron 6 reproductores de fertilidad comprobada, interrumpiendo la cópula al tiempo establecido. Se evaluó las tasas de ovulación y preñez los días 7 y 30 postservicio respectivamente (por ecografía y receptividad de la hembra), los datos fueron analizados mediante X2 y correspondencia simple. Tanto la tasa de ovulación (G1:73,33%, G2:81,25% y G3:81,25%); como la de preñez (G1: 53,33%, G2: 81,25% y G3: 75%) no fueron diferentes (P >0.05). Las tasas de preñez entre G1 y G2 tendieron a ser diferentes (P<0,10), concordante al análisis de correspondencia simple. A pesar de no haber diferencias en las tasas de ovulación y preñez, se tuvo mayor tendencia porcentual en G2 y G3, sugiriendo que la mayor duración de la cópula tendría algún efecto positivo sobre ellas, según el análisis de correspondencia simple y la tendencia de baja significancia (P<0,10) a favor de la preñez en G2 en comparación con G1. En conclusión, no hubo diferencias significativas del efecto de la duración de cópula sobre la ovulación; sin embargo, hubo una tendencia del 90% para la diferencia entre la duración de la cópula de 35 minutos frente a 20 minutos (en preñez).

Introduktion: Polycystiskt ovarialsyndrom ( PCOS) är en av de vanligaste orsakerna till infertilitet och metabola störningar bland kvinnor i fertil ålder. Diagnosen vid PCOS karakteriseras av tre relaterade hälsotillstånd: ovulationsstörningar, hyperandrogenism och polycystiskt ovarial morfologi (PCOM). Oberoende av ovanstående huvuddiagnoser verkar insulinresistens (IR) och kompensatorisk hyperinsulinism spela en viktig roll för patogenesen av PCOS. Till följd av detta har ämnen som ökar insulinkänsligheten, såsom myo-inositol, hamnat i allt större fokus som en potentiell behandling av PCOS. Syftet med detta arbete var att undersöka effekten av ett kosttillskott med MI hos kvinnor som lider av infertilitet och ovulationsstörningar, med PCOS som bakomliggande sjukdom. Metod: Detta är en litteraturstudie där litteratur sökts via databaserna PubMED och MEDLINE. Sökningen genomfördes med sökorden “PCOS” “Inositol PCOS” “myo-inositol PCOS” “myo-inositol metabolic effects PCOS” and “myo-inositol endocrine effects”. Totalt åtta originalstudier svarade mot utvalda urvalskriterier. Utifrån de utvalda studierna analyserades och sammanställdes vidare relevanta effekter av MI tillskott på infertilitet och ovulationsstörningar. Resultat: Alla de undersökta studierna visade statistiskt signifikanta förbättringar när det gällde ovulationsstörningar. Detta indikerar även en förbättrad fertilitet hos patienterna. Signifikanta minskningar av androgena nivåer (särskilt testosteron) samt en ökad insulinkänslighet rapporterades därtill i ytterligare en majoritet av studierna (6 av 8 resp 5 av 8 studier). Slutsats: Resultaten visar att Mi som tillskott verkar lindra ovulationsstörningar och förbättra fertilitet, vilket därtill stärker hypotesen om MI som en möjlig behandling av reproduktiva störningar hos kvinnor med PCOS. Fler studier bör genomföras för att fastställa effekten av MI-tillskott vid PCOS., Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome, PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility and metabolic disturbances among women in reproductive age. The diagnosis of the syndrome assumes the occurrence of three interrelated health stages: ovulation disorders, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM). In addition to the main diagnoses, insulin resistance (IR) and compensatory hyperinsulinemia seems to play an important role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Recent studies have furthermore investigated insulin sensitizers, such as myo-inositol (MI), as a potential alternative treatment of PCOS. The aim of this study was thereby to investigate the effect of MI- supplement on PCOS patients suffering from infertility and ovulation disorders. Method: This is a literature study relevant literature was gathered through PubMed and MEDLINE. The keywords used for the search were “PCOS” “Inositol PCOS” “myo-inositol PCOS” “myo-inositol metabolic effects PCOS” and “myo-inositol endocrine effects”. A total of 8 studies were selected based on previously determined selection criteria. Among the selected studies, relevant effects of MI-supplement on infertility and ovulation disorders in PCOS patients were further analyzed and compiled. Results: A majority of the studies reported either statistic significant ameliorated or normalized ovulation disorders, indicating an increased fertility among the patients. Likewise, a statistically significant amelioration in androgenic levels (especially testosterone) and insulin levels were also reported in a majority of the studies. Conclusion: According to the compiled results, there seems to be an enhancing effect of MI-supplement on ovulation disorders and infertility, furthermore strengthening the hyphothesis of MI as a potential treatment for reproductive disorders in PCOS patients. Finally, more studies should be conducted to determine the effect of MI supplements on PCOS.

Follicular changes throughout the oestrous phase have been poorly documented in queens because of the location and the small size of ovaries. We investigated follicular development in queens treated with a combination of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and evaluated the effects of vaginal stimulation by a tomcat on ovulation induction. A hormonal treatment was administered using a simple crossover design. Four queens were administered 150 IU of eCG (day 1) and 250 IU of hCG on day 5 and 6. Half of the queens were mated with a vasectomised tomcat for 3 days after hCG injection. Ultrasound imaging of the ovaries clamped at a subcutaneous site was performed once a day from day 1 to 7, and on day 13, and the serum concentrations of oestradiol and progesterone were examined on day 1, 5, 7 and 13. The mean number of follicles gradually increased with the eCG treatment and decreased after hCG injection. The ovulation rate of follicles was significantly higher in the vaginal stimulation group (70.0%) than in the control group (42.6%). During the hormonal treatments, the serum concentration of oestradiol and progesterone did not differ between the two groups. Ultrasound imaging of the ovaries clamped at a subcutaneous site showed that eCG and hCG treatment promoted the follicular growth and corpus luteum formation, respectively. The combination of hCG injection with vaginal stimulation by a vasectomised tomcat enhanced the ovulation rate of follicles.

Nuclear progestin receptor (PGR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that has been identified as a pivotal mediator of many processes associated with ovarian and uterine function, and aberrant control of PGR activity causes infertility and disease including cancer. The essential role of PGR in vertebrate ovulation is well recognized, but the mechanisms by which PGR is rapidly and transiently induced in preovulatory follicles after the ovulatory LH surge are not known in lower vertebrates. To address this issue, we utilized the small freshwater teleost medaka Oryzias latipes, which serves as a good model system for studying vertebrate ovulation. In the in vitro ovulation system using preovulatory follicles dissected from the fish ovaries, we found that inhibitors of EPAC (brefeldin A), RAP (GGTI298), PI3K (Wortmannin), AKT (AKT inhibitor IV), and CREB (KG-501) inhibited LH-induced follicle ovulation, while the PKA inhibitor H-89 had no effect on follicle ovulation. The inhibitors capable of inhibiting follicle ovulation also inhibited follicular expression of Pgr and matrix metalloproteinase-15 (Mmp15), the latter of which was previously shown to not only be a downstream effector of Pgr but also a proteolytic enzyme indispensable for follicle rupture in medaka ovulation. Further detailed analysis revealed for the first time that the cAMP/EPAC/RAP/PI3K/AKT/CREB signaling pathway mediates the LH signal to induce Pgr expression in preovulatory follicles. Our data also showed that phosphorylated Creb1 is a transcription factor essential for pgr expression and that Creb1 phosphorylated by Akt1, rather than PKA, may be preferably used to induce pgr expression. Summary sentence EPAC/RAP/PI3K/AKT/CREB signaling mediates LH-induced cAMP signaling to induce medaka Pgr expression in ovulating follicles.

The blood luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in cows is well studied. However, little is known about urinary LH in cows. This study examined urinary LH concentrations after administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in six Japanese black cows to induce LH secretion from the pituitary gland into the bloodstream. Abrupt rises in plasma and urinary LH were observed after GnRH administration. Plasma and urinary LH peaked at 2 and 5 hr, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between plasma LH concentrations and urinary LH amounts. Ovulation was confirmed in the cows after 48 hr of GnRH administration. These data strongly suggest that urinary LH is derived from plasma LH, which triggers ovulation in cows.

Mammalian oviducts play an essential role in female fertility by picking up ovulated oocytes and transporting and nurturing gametes (sperm/oocytes) and early embryos. However, the relative contributions to these functions from various cell types within the oviduct remain controversial. The oviduct in mice deficient in two microRNA (miRNA) clusters (miR-34b/c and miR-449) lacks cilia, thus allowing us to define the physiological role of oviductal motile cilia. Here, we report that the infundibulum without functional motile cilia failed to pick up the ovulated oocytes. In the absence of functional motile cilia, sperm could still reach the ampulla region, and early embryos managed to migrate to the uterus, but the efficiency was reduced. Further transcriptomic analyses revealed that the five messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) encoded by miR-34b/c and miR-449 function to stabilize a large number of mRNAs involved in cilium organization and assembly and that Tubb4b was one of their target genes. Our data demonstrate that motile cilia in the infundibulum are essential for oocyte pickup and thus, female fertility, whereas motile cilia in other parts of the oviduct facilitate gamete and embryo transport but are not absolutely required for female fertility.

Introduction: the objectives were to evaluate estrus and gestation in Bos taurus cows, treated with a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol (FTAI) that included or not equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Cumulative gestation with resynchronization at 30 days after the first FTAI was also evaluated. Method: the cows were divided into: Treatment 1 (n = 60), synchronized with 2 mg of estradiol benzoate and an intravaginal device (IVD) of progesterone (1.3 g) on ​​day 0; IVD was removed on day 8 and 25 mg of prostaglandin F2-alpha, 1 mg of estradiol cypionate and 300 IU of eCG were injected; 48-52 hours later the FTAI was performed. Treatment 2 (n = 50) consisted in the same protocol, not including eCG. Ovulation was resynchronized in cows that were no pregnant in the pregnancy diagnosis, performed 30 days after the first FTAI. The same protocol applied in Treatment 1 for the first FTAI was used in all animals. The second FTAI was performed 40 days after starting the program. Body condition score (BCS) was classified as low (< 2.5), moderate (2.5 to 3.5) and high (> 3.5). On the day of the FTAI, the preovulatory follicle diameter (DFP) was classified into three categories (DFP1: < 11 mm; DFP2: 11 to 14 mm; DFP3: > 14 mm). Results: the gestation percentage was different between treatments (p = 0.04; 73 % Group 1 and 53 % Group 2). The proportion of cows in estrus before the FTAI was 75 % in the eCG treatment and 57 % in the control (p = 0.04). Cows with DFP2 and DFP3 registered a higher gestation rate (p = 0.03) than DFP1. The percentage of pregnancies was higher (p = 0.04) in cows with moderate and high BCS. Overall gestation in the first FTAI was 63 %. The gestation percentage with the second FTAI was 51.61 %, accumulating 82.1 % in 40 days. Conclusion: eCG increased the proportion of cows in estrus and gestation; and resynchronization allows the accumulation of an additional percentage of pregnant cows., Resumen Introducción: los objetivos fueron evaluar el estro y la gestación en vacas Bos Taurus, tratadas con un protocolo para la inseminación artificial a tiempo fijo (IATF) con y sin gonadotropina coriónica equina (eCG). Se evaluó también la gestación acumulada con la resincronización de la ovulación 30 días después de la primera IATF. Método: las vacas se asignaron al azar a dos tratamientos: Tratamiento 1 (n = 60), se sincronizó con 2 mg de benzoato de estradiol y un dispositivo intravaginal (DIV) de progesterona (1.3 g) el día 0; el DIV se retiró el día 8 y se aplicaron 25 mg de prostaglandina F2-alfa, 1 mg de cipionato de estradiol y 300 UI de eCG; 48-52 horas después se realizó la IATF. El Tratamiento 2 (n = 50) consistió en el mismo protocolo, sin incluir eCG. Se resincronizó la ovulación en las vacas que resultaron vacías en el diagnóstico de gestación, realizado 30 días después de la primera IATF. En todas las vacas se usó el mismo protocolo aplicado en el Tratamiento 1 para la primera IATF. La segunda IATF se realizó a los 40 días de haber iniciado el programa. Se clasificó la CC en baja (< 2.5), moderada (2.5 a 3.5) y alta (> 3.5). El día de la IATF, el diámetro del folículo preovulatorio (DFP) se dividió en tres categorías (DFP1: < 11 mm; DFP2: 11 a 14 mm; DFP3: > 14 mm). Resultados: el porcentaje de gestación resultó diferente entre tratamientos (p = 0.04; 73 % Tratamiento 1 y 53 % Tratamiento 2). La proporción de vacas en estro antes de la IATF fue de 75 % en el grupo con eCG y 57 % en el testigo (p = 0.04). Las vacas con DFP2 y DFP3 registraron mayor tasa de gestación (p = 0.03), que DFP1. El porcentaje de gestación fue mayor (p = 0.04) en vacas con CC moderada y alta. La gestación general en la primera IATF fue de 63 %. El 51.61 % resultó gestante con la segunda IATF, acumulando 82.1 % en 40 días. Conclusión: la eCG incrementó la proporción de vacas en estro y la gestación; y la resincronización permite acumular un porcentaje adicional de vacas gest

Introduction: the objectives were to evaluate estrus and gestation in Bos taurus cows, treated with a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol (FTAI) that included or not equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Cumulative gestation with resynchronization at 30 days after the first FTAI was also evaluated. Method: the cows were divided into: Treatment 1 (n = 60), synchronized with 2 mg of estradiol benzoate and an intravaginal device (IVD) of progesterone (1.3 g) on ​​day 0; IVD was removed on day 8 and 25 mg of prostaglandin F2-alpha, 1 mg of estradiol cypionate and 300 IU of eCG were injected; 48-52 hours later the FTAI was performed. Treatment 2 (n = 50) consisted in the same protocol, not including eCG. Ovulation was resynchronized in cows that were no pregnant in the pregnancy diagnosis, performed 30 days after the first FTAI. The same protocol applied in Treatment 1 for the first FTAI was used in all animals. The second FTAI was performed 40 days after starting the program. Body condition score (BCS) was classified as low (< 2.5), moderate (2.5 to 3.5) and high (> 3.5). On the day of the FTAI, the preovulatory follicle diameter (DFP) was classified into three categories (DFP1: < 11 mm; DFP2: 11 to 14 mm; DFP3: > 14 mm). Results: the gestation percentage was different between treatments (p = 0.04; 73 % Group 1 and 53 % Group 2). The proportion of cows in estrus before the FTAI was 75 % in the eCG treatment and 57 % in the control (p = 0.04). Cows with DFP2 and DFP3 registered a higher gestation rate (p = 0.03) than DFP1. The percentage of pregnancies was higher (p = 0.04) in cows with moderate and high BCS. Overall gestation in the first FTAI was 63 %. The gestation percentage with the second FTAI was 51.61 %, accumulating 82.1 % in 40 days. Conclusion: eCG increased the proportion of cows in estrus and gestation; and resynchronization allows the accumulation of an additional percentage of pregnant cows., Resumen Introducción: los objetivos fueron evaluar el estro y la gestación en vacas Bos Taurus, tratadas con un protocolo para la inseminación artificial a tiempo fijo (IATF) con y sin gonadotropina coriónica equina (eCG). Se evaluó también la gestación acumulada con la resincronización de la ovulación 30 días después de la primera IATF. Método: las vacas se asignaron al azar a dos tratamientos: Tratamiento 1 (n = 60), se sincronizó con 2 mg de benzoato de estradiol y un dispositivo intravaginal (DIV) de progesterona (1.3 g) el día 0; el DIV se retiró el día 8 y se aplicaron 25 mg de prostaglandina F2-alfa, 1 mg de cipionato de estradiol y 300 UI de eCG; 48-52 horas después se realizó la IATF. El Tratamiento 2 (n = 50) consistió en el mismo protocolo, sin incluir eCG. Se resincronizó la ovulación en las vacas que resultaron vacías en el diagnóstico de gestación, realizado 30 días después de la primera IATF. En todas las vacas se usó el mismo protocolo aplicado en el Tratamiento 1 para la primera IATF. La segunda IATF se realizó a los 40 días de haber iniciado el programa. Se clasificó la CC en baja (< 2.5), moderada (2.5 a 3.5) y alta (> 3.5). El día de la IATF, el diámetro del folículo preovulatorio (DFP) se dividió en tres categorías (DFP1: < 11 mm; DFP2: 11 a 14 mm; DFP3: > 14 mm). Resultados: el porcentaje de gestación resultó diferente entre tratamientos (p = 0.04; 73 % Tratamiento 1 y 53 % Tratamiento 2). La proporción de vacas en estro antes de la IATF fue de 75 % en el grupo con eCG y 57 % en el testigo (p = 0.04). Las vacas con DFP2 y DFP3 registraron mayor tasa de gestación (p = 0.03), que DFP1. El porcentaje de gestación fue mayor (p = 0.04) en vacas con CC moderada y alta. La gestación general en la primera IATF fue de 63 %. El 51.61 % resultó gestante con la segunda IATF, acumulando 82.1 % en 40 días. Conclusión: la eCG incrementó la proporción de vacas en estro y la gestación; y la resincronización permite acumular un porcentaje adicional de vacas gest

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-synchronization with progesterone (P4) for 3 and 6 days in Nelore cows in postpartum anestrus period, submitted to a fixed-time artificial insemination program (FTAI). Materials and methods: Seventy-four multiparous Nelore cows with a body condition of 2.5 were used. The cows were submitted to three experimental groups, control group and groups pre-synchronized with P4 for a period of 3 and 6 days. For the determination of postpartum anestrus status, ultrasound scans and blood samples were taken to verify the absence of endogenous P4. Forty-five days after AI, gestation was diagnosed. Data were obtained by descriptive analysis and in the case of presentation of significant differences the Chi-square test was used, considering a frequency of P < 0.05. Results: A higher gestation rate was observed for the group that was pre-synchronized for three days with P4 (40 %), in relation to the groups of six days of pre-synchronization and control (25 % and 32 %, respectively). Conclusion: It is possible to conclude that the pre-synchronization with P4 for three days improved the gestation rate of Nelore cows in the postpartum anestrus period., Resumo Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da pré-sincronização com progesterona (P4) durante 3 e 6 dias em vacas de raça Nelore em período de anestro pós-parto, submetidas a um programa de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF). Materiais e métodos: Foram utilizadas 74 vacas multíparas da raça Nelore com estado de condição corporal de 2,5. As vacas foram submetidas a três grupos experimentais, grupo controle e grupos pré-sincronizados com P4 por um período de 3 e 6 dias. Para a determinação do estado de anestro pós-parto, foram realizadas ultrassonografias e coleta de amostras de sangue com a finalidade de verificar a ausência de P4 endógena. Quarenta e cinco dias após a IA foi realizado o diagnostico da gestação. Os dados foram obtidos por análise descritiva e no caso de diferenças significativas foi utilizado o teste do Quí-quadrado, considerando-se uma freqüência de P < 0,05. Resultados: Foi observada maior taxa de gestação para o grupo que foi pré-sincronizado por três dias com P4 (40 %), com relação aos grupos de seis dias de pré-sincronização e controle (25 % e 32 %, respetivamente). Conclusão: É possível concluir que a pré-sincronização com P4 por três dias, melhorou a taxa de gestação de vacas Nelore em período de anestro pós-parto., Resumen Objetivo. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de la pre-sincronización con progesterona (P4) por 3 y 6 días en vacas de raza Nelore en periodo de anestro posparto, sometidas a un programa de inseminación artificial a tiempo fijo (IATF). Materiales y métodos: Fueron utilizadas 74 vacas multíparas de raza Nelore con estado de condición corporal de 2,5. Las vacas fueron sometidas a tres grupos experimentales, grupo control y grupos pre-sincronizados con P4 por un periodo de 3 y 6 días. Para la determinación del estado de anestro posparto, fueron realizadas ecografías y toma de muestras de sangre con la finalidad de verificar la ausencia de P4 endógena. Cuarenta y cinco días después de la IA fue realizado el diagnóstico de la gestación. Los datos fueron obtenidos por análisis descriptivo y en el caso de presentación de diferencias significativas fue utilizado la prueba de Chi-cuadrado, considerándose una frecuencia de P< 0,05. Resultados: Fue observada mayor tasa de gestación para el grupo que fue pre-sincronizado por tres días con P4 (40 %), con relación a los grupos de seis días de pre-sincronización y control (25 % y 32 %, respectivamente). Conclusión: Es posible concluir que la pre-sincronización con P4 por tres días, mejoró la tasa de gestación de vacas de raza Nelore en periodo de anestro posparto.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (GnRH-ChNPs) were used at different doses and routes of administration to induce ovulation in rabbits as an attempt to improve artificial insemination (AI) procedures and outcomes. In this study, the characteristics (size, polydispersity, loading efficiency, and zeta-potential) of GnRH-ChNPs and the GnRH release pattern were determined in an in vitro study. A first in vivo study assessed the pituitary and ovarian response to different GnRH-ChNPs doses and routes of administration (two i.m. doses, Group HM = 0.4 µg and Group QM = 0.2 µg, and two intravaginal doses, Group HV = 4 µg and Group QV = 2 µg) against a control group (C) receiving bare GnRH (0.8 µg). The HM, QM, and HV treatments induced an earlier LH-surge (90 min) than that observed in group C (120 min), whilst the QV treatment failed to induce such LH surge. The number of ovulation points was similar among treatments, except for the QV treatment (no ovulation points). A second in vivo study was consequently developed to determine the hormonal (progesterone, P4, and estradiol, E2) profile and pregnancy outcomes of both HM and HV treatments against group C. The treatment HM, but not the treatment HV, showed adequate P4 and E2 concentrations, conception and parturition rates, litter size, litter weight, and viability rate at birth. Overall, the use of GnRH-ChNPs allows for a reduction in the conventional intramuscular GnRH dose to half without compromising fertility. However, the addition of GnRH-ChNPs to semen extenders, although successfully inducing ovulation, has negative impacts on fertility. Thus, more studies are needed to explore this point and allow further adjustments.

[Resumen] Introducción: Las lesiones en el complejo tobillo-pie ocupan el segundo puesto en el podio de las más frecuentes en el mundo deportivo, concretamente, las atletas femeninas presentan un mayor riesgo lesivo en comparación a sus homólogos masculinos. Se ha demostrado la influencia del ciclo menstrual (CM) en el riesgo de lesión de ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA), no existiendo como tal un estudio que analice su influencia en el riesgo lesivo del complejo tobillo-pie. Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una revisión de la literatura existente con el fin de averiguar la influencia del CM en la incidencia lesiva en el complejo tobillo-pie, analizando para ello su efecto sobre las diferentes estructuras músculo-esqueléticas de la deportista. Material y método: Se efectuó una búsqueda en las bases de datos de PubMed, Cochrane Library Plus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science y Scopus durante el mes de abril de 2021. Se incluyeron estudios analíticos observacionales, que analizaran a lo largo del CM diferentes variables músculo-esqueléticas indicadoras de riesgo lesivo en mujeres eumenorreicas no consumidoras de anticonceptivos orales. Resultados: Se analizaron un total de 14 estudios analíticos observacionales, con un nivel de evidencia científica y grado de recomendación bajo. Se examinaron simultáneamente diversas variables en los diferentes estudios, 13 artículos analizaron las propiedades mecánicas de los estabilizadores dinámicos, encontrando únicamente 7 artículos diferencias significativas a lo largo del CM. 8 artículos analizaron las propiedades mecánicas de los estabilizadores estáticos, obteniendo cambios significativos en 5 artículos. Solamente 1 artículo analizó la propiocepción, sin obtener ningún resultado relevante y otros 4 el control postural dinámico, obteniendo variaciones significativas en 3 artículos. Conclusiones: Tras analizar los resultados obtenidos, se puede afirmar la inexistencia de un consenso común que determine si el CM realm, [Abstract] Introduction: Ankle-foot complex injuries occupy second place on the podium of the most frequent in the world of sport, specifically, female athletes present a greater risk of injury compared to their male counterparts. The influence of the menstrual cycle (MC) on the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury has been demonstrated, and there is no study that analyzes its influence on the risk of injury to the ankle-foot complex. Objetive: The aim of this final dissertation is to conduct a review of the existing literature in order to find out the influence of the menstrual cycle (MC) in the harmful incidence in the anklefoot complex, analyzing its effect on the different musculoskeletal structures of the athlete. Material and method: A search was carried out in the databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library Plus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and Scopus during the month of April 2021. Observational analytical studies were included, which analyzed during the MC different musculoskeletal variables that indicate harmful risk in eumenorrheic women who do not use oral contraceptives. Results: A total of 14 observational analytical studies were analyzed, with a low level of scientific evidence and grade of recommendation. Several variables were simultaneously examined in the different studies, 13 articles analyzed the mechanical properties of dynamic stabilizers, only 7 articles finding significant differences throughout the MC. 8 articles analyzed the mechanical properties of static stabilizers, obtaining significant changes in 5 articles. Only 1 article analyzed proprioception, without obtaining any relevant result and another 4 the dynamic postural control, obtaining significant variations in 3 articles. Conclusions: It can be stated after analyzing the results obtained, it can be affirmed that there is no common consensus that determines whether MC is really a risk factor for injury to the ankle-foot complex. Due to the poor quality of the existing studies, [Resumo] Introdución: As lesións no complexo nocello-pé ocupan o segundo posto no podio das máis frecuentes no mundo deportivo, concretamente, as atletas femininas presentan un maior risco de lesións en comparación aos seus homólogos masculinos. Demostrouse a influencia do ciclo menstrual (CM) no risco de lesión do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA), non existindo como tal ningún estudo que analice a súa influencia no risco lesivo no complexo nocello-pé. Obxectivo: O obxectivo deste traballo é realizar unha revisión da literatura existente ca finalidade de averiguar a influencia do CM na incidencia de lesiva no complexo nocello-pé, analizando o seu efecto sobre as diferentes estruturas musculo-esqueléticas da deportista. Material e método: Levouse a cabo unha busca nas bases de datos de PubMed, Cochrane Library Plus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science e Scopus durante o mes de abril de 2021. Incluíronse estudos analíticos observacionais, que analizaran ao longo do CM diferentes variables músculo-esqueléticas indicadoras de risco lesivo en mulleres cunha función menstrual normal non consumidoras de anticonceptivos orais. Resultados: Analizáronse un total de 14 estudos analíticos observacionais, cun baixo nivel de evidencia científica e grao de recomendación. Examináronse simultáneamente diversas variables nos diferentes estudos, 13 artigos analizaron as propiedades mecánicas dos estabilizadores dinámicos, atopando só 7 artigos diferenzas significativas ao longo do CM. 8 artigos analizaron as propiedades mecánicas dos estabilizadores estáticos, obtendo cambios significativos en 5 artigos. Só 1 artigo analizou a propiocepción, sen obter ningún resultado relevante e outros 4 o control postural dinámico, obtendo variacións significativas en 3 artigos. Conclusións: Tras analizar os resultados obtidos, pódese afirmar a inexistencia dun consenso común que determine se o CM é realmente un factor de risco lesivo no complexo nocello-pé. Debido á mala calidade dos estudos existentes, á

Rabbit does are reflex ovulators such that coitus is needed to release GnRH and elicit the LH surge that triggers the ovulation of mature oocytes. However, the mechanisms eliciting ovulation in this species remain unclear. One of the most promising recently discovered candidates with a role in female reproductive physiology is nerve growth factor beta (b-NGF). This neurotrophin and its high-affinity receptor TrkA and low affinity receptor p75, is present in all compartments of the ovary, oviduct and uterus suggesting a physiologic role in ovarian folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, ovulation, luteogenesis and embryo development. Besides, evidence exists that b-NGF found in seminal plasma could exert a modulatory role in the female hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis contributing to the adrenergic and cholinergic neuronal stimulus of GnRH neurons in an endocrine manner during natural mating. Probably, the paracrine and local roles of the neurotrophin in steroidogenesis and ovulation reinforce the neuroendocrine pathway that leads to ovulation. This review updates knowledge of the role of b-NGF in rabbit reproduction, including its possible contribution to the mechanisms of action that induce ovulation, and discusses perspectives for the future applications of this neurotrophin on rabbit farms., Depto. de Producción Animal, Fac. de Veterinaria, TRUE, pub

BACKGROUND: An assessment of female fertility may be undertaken in the general practice setting for a variety of reasons. These include concerns about future fertility when pregnancy is not immediately planned, a desire to consider elective oocyte cryopreservation and difficulty conceiving. OBJECTIVE(S): The aim of this article is to summarise indications, rationale and components of a comprehensive female fertility assessment in a primary care setting. DISCUSSION: The primary care physician has an essential role in providing women with guidance, counselling and assessment regarding fertility concerns. A complete initial assessment includes pre-pregnancy screening and counselling, and assessment of ovulation, ovarian reserve and pelvic anatomy to guide further investigation and management.

Repeated exposure to the acute proinflammatory environment that follows ovulation at the ovarian surface and distal fallopian tube over a woman's reproductive years may increase ovarian cancer risk. To address this, analyses included individual-level data from 558,709 naturally menopausal women across 20 prospective cohorts, among whom 3,246 developed invasive epithelial ovarian cancer (2,045 serous, 319 endometrioid, 184 mucinous, 121 clear cell, 577 other/unknown). Cox models were used to estimate multivariable-adjusted HRs between lifetime ovulatory cycles (LOC) and its components and ovarian cancer risk overall and by histotype. Women in the 90th percentile of LOC (>514 cycles) were almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer than womenin the 10th percentile (<294) [HR (95% confidence interval): 1.92 (1.60-2.30)]. Risk increased 14% per 5-year increase in LOC (60 cycles) [(1.10-1.17)]; this association remained after adjustment for LOC components: number of pregnancies and oral contraceptive use [1.08 (1.04-1.12)]. The association varied by histotype, with increased risk of serous [1.13 (1.09-1.17)], endometrioid [1.20 (1.10-1.32)], and clear cell [1.37 (1.18-1.58)], but not mucinous [0.99 (0.88-1.10), P-heterogeneity = 0.01] tumors. Heterogeneity across histotypes was reduced [P-heterogeneity = 0.15] with adjustment for LOC components [1.08 serous, 1.11 endometrioid, 1.26 clear cell, 0.94 mucinous]. Although the 10-year absolute risk of ovarian cancer is small, it roughly doubles as the number of LOC rises from approximately 300 to 500. The consistency and linearity of effects strongly support the hypothesis that each ovulation leads to small increases in the risk of most ovarian cancers, a risk that cumulates through life, suggesting this as an important area for identifying intervention strategies. Significance: Although ovarian cancer is rare, risk of most ovarian cancers doubles as the number of lifetime ovulatory cycles increases from approx

The menstrual cycle is characterized by predictable patterns of physiological change across timescales. Although patterns of reproductive hormones across the menstrual cycle, particularly ultradian rhythms, are well described, monitoring these measures repeatedly to predict the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge is not practical. In the present study, we explored whether non-invasive measures coupled to the reproductive system: high frequency distal body temperature (DBT), sleeping heart rate (HR), sleeping heart rate variability (HRV), and sleep timing, could be used to anticipate the preovulatory LH surge in women. To test this possibility, we used signal processing to examine these measures in 45 premenopausal and 10 perimenopausal cycles alongside dates of supra-surge threshold LH and menstruation. Additionally, urinary estradiol and progesterone metabolites were measured daily surrounding the LH surge in 20 cycles. Wavelet analysis revealed a consistent pattern of DBT and HRV ultradian rhythm (2-5 h) power that uniquely enabled anticipation of the LH surge at least 2 days prior to its onset in 100% of individuals. Together, the present findings reveal fluctuations in distal body temperature and heart rate variability that consistently anticipate the LH surge, suggesting that automated ultradian rhythm monitoring may provide a novel and convenient method for non-invasive fertility assessment.

The study was carried out at the La Raya Experimental Center of the National University of the Altiplano of Puno at an altitude of 4200m,with the aim of evaluating the effect of additional post-ovulation copulations on embryonic survival. Huacaya alpacas were used withpostpartum sexual rest greater than 20 days, with a preovulatory follicle greater than 7 mm, verified by ultrasound. For the controlledmating, 5 males from the breeding group were used. After breeding, 26 to 35 hours post-mating, ovulation was verified, selecting 47alpacas that ovulated, and distributed to the experimental groups: G1 (n = 16) with no additional mating, G2 (n = 15) received anadditional mating 24 hours post-ovulation, and G3 (n = 16) two additional mating 48 hours post-ovulation. On days 14 and 24 aftercopulation, the presence of the corpus luteum and embryonic vesicle was verified by ultrasound and receptivity of the female to the male.Results show a higher percentage of embryo survival trend in alpacas that received additional mating at 24 and 48 h post-ovulation thanthose that received only one ovulatory mating, showing at 14 days post-copulation an embryonic survival of 93.3% and 87.5%, in G2and G3 respectively, compared to G1 with 75%, and at 24 days post-copulation 86.7% and 87.5% in G2 and G3 respectively, comparedto G1 (62,5%). Although no significant differences were observed between groups (P>0.05), the difference is observed in the simplecorrespondence analysis between groups., El estudio se realizó en el Centro Experimental La Raya de la Universidad Nacional del Altiplano de Puno, a una altitud de 4200 m. con elobjetivo de evaluar el efecto de cópulas adicionales posovulación sobre la sobrevivencia embrionaria. Se utilizaron alpacas Huacaya condescanso sexual posparto mayor a 20 días, con folículo preovulatorio mayor a 7 mm, verificado por ecografía. Para el empadre controladose utilizó 5 machos reproductores. Luego del empadre, 26 a 35 horas posmonta se verificó la ovulación, seleccionándose 47 alpacas queovularon y distribuyéndose a los grupos experimentales: G1 (n=16) sin cópula adicional, G2 (n=15) recibió una cópula adicional a las 24horas posovulación, y G3 (n=16) dos cópulas adicionales a las 48 horas posovulación. Los días 14 y 24 poscópula se verificó, medianteecografía y receptividad de la hembra frente al macho, la presencia del cuerpo lúteo y vesícula embrionaria. Los resultados muestran unatendencia de sobrevivencia embrionaria porcentual mayor en alpacas que recibieron cópulas adicionales a las 24 y 48 h posovulación,que aquellas que recibieron solo una cópula ovulatoria, mostrando a los 14 días poscópula una sobrevivencia embrionaria de 93,3 % y87,5 %, en G2 y G3 respectivamente, frente a G1 con 75 %, y a los 24 días poscópula 86,7 % y 87,5 % en G2 y G3 respectivamente,frente al G1 (62,5 %). Si bien no se observan diferencias significativas entre grupos (P > 0,05), la diferencia es observada el análisis decorrespondencia simple entre grupos.

Evolutionarily minded researchers have hypothesized that women advertise their ovulatory status by wearing red or pink clothing on relatively cold days. Many of these studies have been based on samples of women who have self-reported their clothing choices, a practice that raises questions about accuracy. In two studies, we evaluated the relationship between women's fertility and their clothing choices using four methods for measuring clothing colour: self-reports; trained raters' judgements of garment coloration in outfits that women drew onto mannequins to represent what they would wear to a party with single attractive people in attendance; automated colour coding of the mannequins; and trained raters' judgements of garment coloration as evinced in photographs that women took of themselves. Using these four measures of clothing choice along with measures of women's fertility and outside temperature, we did not find compelling evidence that women are particularly inclined to wear red or pink during peak fertility, even on relatively cold days.