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Graphical abstract The schematic diagram. Schematic illustration of the signaling cascades by which progesterone coordinates with FSH to regulate the proliferation of granular cells to slow down follicle growth during ovarian stimulation by PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways., Highlights • Progesterone reduced oocyte yields in clinic. Yields were rescued by the higher dose of hMG. • Progesterone downregulated follicle growth and consequently reduced oocyte yields. • Progesterone inhibited granular cell proliferation via MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways. • Progesterone and FSH coordinated follicle growth via signalling crosstalk in granular cells., Introduction As an effective inhibitor of premature ovulation, progestin was introduced to a novel ovarian stimulation regimen for infertility treatment. However, the local action of progestin on the ovary and its effect on clinical outcomes have not been described. Objectives The influence of progesterone administration on clinical oocyte outcomes and the mechanisms involved in the coordination of progesterone and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) on follicle growth and oocyte yields were investigated. Methods Clinical outcomes of patients undergoing ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization were analyzed. The murine ovarian stimulation model and follicle culture system were used to evaluate the effects of progesterone on oocyte yield, follicle development, granular cell proliferation, and hormone secretion. Phospho-specific protein microarrays were used to explore involved signaling pathways. Results Progesterone decreased clinical oocyte yields, and yields were rescued with an increased dose of human menopausal gonadotropin. Administration of progesterone inhibited murine granular cell proliferation and reduced the growth rate of follicles; both of which were rescued by FSH. The phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were identified as pivotal signaling pathways to integrate progesterone into the FSH signaling network in granular cells. Conclusion Progesterone inhibited granular cell proliferation and antral follicle growth during ovarian stimulation, and subsequently influenced oocyte outcomes in the clinical setting. Progesterone coordinated with FSH to regulate follicle growth through PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. These findings advance our knowledge regarding the ovarian response to gonadotropins during progestin-primed ovarian stimulation and create an opportunity to manipulate individual oocyte yields.

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons play a crucial role in the development and functioning of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, ultimately acting as the master controller for the fecundity of an organism. GnRH decapeptide is essential for expression of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, which are indispensable for gametogenesis and gonadal steroidogenesis in the vertebrates. Over the last couple of decades, extensive research has been conducted to understand factors responsible for regulating expression of GnRH-I. It has been established that GnRH-I gets regulated directly by various transcription factors that are part of epigenetic regulation as the binding sites for factors such as OCT1, PBX1B, DLX2, MSX1, etc. have been identified in the 5’ promoter and enhancer region of the GnRH-I gene. Indirect regulation of the GnRH-I gene by various glial and other neuronal inputs has also been studied. Role of kisspeptin and KNDy neurons has proved to be of prime importance for the regulation of GnRH-I. GnRH-I gene receives various inhibitory and excitatory signals, resulting in formation of a very complex system responsible for triggering or pausing its expression. Due to its complicated and complex nature, understanding of the regulatory network involved in regulation of GnRH-I is very limited. Further research is required to understand the role of epigenetics and environmental factors triggering the regulatory network of GnRH-I.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), an important hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) hormone, is secreted by the pituitary gland. This study confirms that FSH is expressed in chicken follicles at different stages, and positive FSHβ mRNA signals were stronger (P0.05) was observed between the number of granulosa cells treated with FSHβ siRNA and in exogenous FSH. However, the number of granulosa cells without FSHβ siRNA transfection was significantly higher (P

Plants and their metabolites have been used in the treatment of various disease conditions from time immemorial. This study investigated the effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of pods of Xylopia aethiopica on reproductive hormone (follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone) in female Wistar rats. Thirty female wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of six animals per group, per cage (n=6). Group A served as the normal control group and was administered distilled water while group B served as positive control and was administered 5 mg of standard drug (Clomid-Clomiphene Citrate). Groups C, D and E served as the treatment group and was administered 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg extract of X. aethiopica respectively for seven days. Administration of drugs and extract was done via oral route. The rats were thereafter copulated with their male counterparts for 72 hours and the female rats were observed throughout their gestation and the numbers of litters produced were recorded. The hormonal assay was carried out using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Result showed a significant increase in FSH and Progesterone level (p0.05) was observed for the luteinizing hormone in the treated groups. The work thus showed that the plant could exert a positive effect on female fertility by enhancing levels of female reproductive hormones.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) an exogenous chemical or mixture of chemicals, which can interfere with hormonal action. The phthalates and their metabolism like Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) are considered EDCs disturb the action of reproductive hormones. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 84 selected adult volunteers from both genders to assess the association between serum DBP concentration and sex hormone levels in adult Egyptians. Serum DBP was measured by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. Serum sex hormones, sex hormone- binding globulin (SHBG), and Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In males, there was a significant decrease in total testosterone (T), Free testosterone (FT), Bioavailable testosterone (BT), Free Androgen Index (FAI) between low and high exposure to DBP, while Estradiol (E2) was significantly increased. In the female, there were significant increases in total E2, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and significant reduction in progesterone in high exposure group compared to low exposure to DBP. This study showed that there was a significant strong correlation between DBP with T, T/ E2 in males while female subjects showed a significant strong positive correlation with LH and FSH. There is increasing evidence that DBP has an impact on human sex hormones which can cause many physiological disturbances and many diseases in Egyptian adults. It is recommended that reduce human exposure to DBP in the food supply.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chronological age on the in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Four hundred and forty-nine women with DOR who underwent IVF cycles were enrolled in the study. There were only 296 patients who obtained available embryos. The patients with no available embryos had a significantly lower antral follicle count (AFC) and higher basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations than those of women with available embryos, but chronological age in the two groups was comparable. However, patients aged >40 obtained a significantly lower ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) than patients aged 35 - 40 or 40 with DOR, chronological age was significantly negatively associated with clinical results.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Patients with DOR can obtain available embryos and still have a reasonable chance of becoming pregnant, but their prognosis is greatly affected by chronological age. Therefore, patients with DOR should seek medical help for pregnancy as soon as possible. When DOR patients over the age of 40 plan IVF treatment, the cost-effectiveness of healthcare should be considered.

© 2021 The Biological Stain Commission.Methotrexate (MTX) is an anti-neoplastic drug that also causes testicular damage. Vitamin B12 (Vit B12) is a water soluble vitamin that is required for normal metabolism. We investigated Vit B12 as a possible protective agent against testicular damage caused by MTX treatment. We divided rats into four groups: control group, Vit B12 group treated with Vit B12 daily for 15 days, MTX group treated with MTX on day 8, MTX + Vit B12 group treated with MTX on day 8 + Vit B12 for 15 days. Serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone were measured. We also measured proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), connexin43 (Cx43) and the growth arrest- and DNA damage-inducible gene, 153 (GADD153), using immunohistochemical staining. Apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL staining. The MTX group exhibited degeneration of seminiferous tubules; decreased serum testosterone, LH and FSH levels; fewer PCNA positive cells; increased Cx43 expression; and increased GADD153 and TUNEL stained cells compared to the control group. These pathologic findings were substantially reversed In the MTX + Vit B12 group. MTX caused increased endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis via GADD153. Consequently, Vit B12 potentially is a protective agent against damage caused by MTX.

Many teleost fishes can withstand long feed deprivation periods, either due to an eventual lack of food or because of their behavior during reproduction and/or parental care. In this work, the effects of total food restriction on the oogenesis, spermatogenesis, and reproductive hormones of the neotropical cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus were studied. Specifically, different pairs were isolated after having a spawning event and were feed-deprived or daily fed for 3 weeks. After that period, gonadal histology, messenger levels of genes related to reproduction (gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1, gonadotropins, and insulin-like growth factor 1) and 11-ketotestosterone plasma levels were evaluated in both groups. Food restriction did not affect the reproductive axis in females since follicular maturation and gene expression showed no differences with respect to controls. However, in males, food restriction showed a stimulatory effect on the reproductive axis, reflected in a greater number of spermatozoa in their seminiferous lobes and spermatic ducts, and in an increase in follicle stimulating hormone messenger expression. Despite the negative effect reported for many fish species, C. dimerus seems to redirect their energy reserves towards gonadal development when faced with to a feed deprivation period.

Previous studies have found follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) receptors on chondrocytes (cartilage cells), but the mechanism of FSH action on chondrocytes is not clear. The purpose of this experiment is to study whether FSH affects chondrocytes and how it causes changes in these cells. Our results show that osteoarthritis became worse after FSH injection in the knee joint of mice. After the stimulation of chondrocytes by FSH, a total of 664 up‐regulated genes, such as Col12a1 and Col1a1, and 644 down‐regulated genes, such as MGP, were screened by transcriptomics. A subset of extracellular matrix (ECM)‐related genes and pathways underwent Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, and the downregulation of MGP, the upregulation of EGR1 and Col1a1, and the increase of IL‐6 were verified. It was also observed that FSH can inhibit the cAMP/PKA and MKK4/JNK signaling pathway. In conclusion, we demonstrated that FSH can increase cartilage inflammatory response and promote chondrocyte dedifferentiation by inhibiting the cAMP/PKA and MKK4/JNK signaling pathways., Here, we demonstrate through in vivo experiments, transcriptomic screening, and in vitro experiments that FSH can inhibit cAMP/PKA and MKK4/JNK signaling pathways and cause inflammatory response and dedifferentiation of chondrocytes, thereby aggravating osteoarthritis.

Background: Hormones play a vital role in initiating and maintenance of male reproductive or testicular function which includes the production of androgens and spermatozoa. Testosterone is essential for the initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis. FSH is responsible for the stimulation of spermatogenesis. Semen analysis and hormone evaluation are essential parameters in the diagnosis of infertility in males. Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of sorafenib on FSH and intratesticular testosterone levels in male Swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods: The animals were segregated into control, positive control, and treatment groups (n=6). Treatment group received 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of sorafenib orally for seven consecutive days at intervals of 24 hours between two administrations. Positive control group received 100 mg/kg body weight of imatinib. The animals were sacrificed at the end of 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th and 10th week after the last exposure to sorafenib. Results: The intratesticular testosterone level was significantly (P

Context Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread chemicals that may affect sex hormones and accelerate reproductive aging in midlife women. Objective To examine associations between serum PFAS concentrations at baseline (1999-2000) and longitudinal serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) at baseline and through 2015-2016. Design Prospective cohort. Setting General community. Participants 1371 midlife women 45 to 56 years of age at baseline in the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Main Outcome Measure(s) FSH, estradiol, testosterone, SHBG. Results In linear mixed models fitted with log-transformed hormones and log-transformed PFAS adjusting for age, site, race/ethnicity, smoking status, menopausal status, parity, and body mass index, FSH was positively associated with linear perfluorooctanoate [n-PFOA; 3.12% (95% CI 0.37%, 5.95%) increase for a doubling in serum concentration), linear perfluorooctane sulfonate [PFOS; 2.88% (0.21%, 5.63%)], branched perfluorooctane sulfonate [2.25% (0.02%, 4.54%)], total PFOS (3.03% (0.37%, 5.76%)), and 2-(N-ethyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetate [EtFOSAA; 1.70% (0.01%, 3.42%)]. Estradiol was inversely associated with perfluorononanoate [PFNA; −2.47% (−4.82%, −0.05%)) and n-PFOA (−2.43% (−4.97%, 0.18%)]. Significant linear trends were observed in the associations between PFOS and EtFOSAA with SHBG across parity (Ps trend ≤ 0.01), with generally inverse associations among nulliparous women but positive associations among women with 3+ births. No significant associations were observed between PFAS and testosterone. Conclusions This study observed positive associations of PFOA and PFOS with FSH and inverse associations of PFNA and PFOA with estradiol in midlife women during the menopausal transition, consistent with findings that PFAS affect reproductive aging.

Aim: to identify clinical and laboratory biomarkers that determine the nature of the course of myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) and the response to anti-VEGF therapy in women.Material and methods. A prospective non-randomized study was conducted in 52 patients (52 eyes) with active mCNV, treated with ranibizumab intravitreally, 0.5mg. After 12months, the suppression of CNV activity, the number of injections and the fellow eye inclusion in the pathological process were taken into account. There were 2 groups: with a favorable clinical course (n = 31, age – 33,0 ± 5,1 years, anterior-posterior axis (APA) 28,5 ± 0,3 mm) and an unfavorable clinical course (n = 21, age – 34,0 ± 4,1 years, APA – 29,01 ± 0,1 mm). Structural retinal changes, choroid thickness, retinal blood flow, and heart rate were evaluated using OCT and OCTA protocols (Optovue XR Avanti, USA). Studies were conducted before the start of therapy and then one time per month. The concentration of sex and pituitary hormones (ELISA analyzer “Immunohem-2100”), lipoprotein A, Apo B/Apo A (Accent 200 Cormay, Poland), coagulogram data (Helena C-2, UK), and the concentration of highly sensitive C-reactive protein in blood serum before the start of antiangiogenic therapy were studied once.Results. In the first group, 1.4 ± 0.7 ranibizumab injections were administered to suppress the CNV activity. In the opposite group – 3.5 ± 2.1 injections, in 73.7 % of cases, relapses were diagnosed, in 3 cases – primary CNV in the fellow eye. Clinical and laboratory biomarkers of the unfavorable clinical course of mCNV were identified: extreme choroidal thinning, highly organized membranes of a large area, dome-shaped deformation of the posterior pole, excess of the reference values of lipoprotein A, fibrinogen and highly sensitive C-reactive protein by two or more times, an imbalance of sex and pituitary hormones (excess of the reference values of prolactin, follicle stimulating hormone, cortisol, progesterone concentration decrease), a predominant change in the menstrual-ovarian cycle according to the type of amenorrhea and opsomenorrhea.Conclusion. Myopic CNV biomarkers in women allow predicting the response to anti-VEGF therapy, the formation of relapses and the inclusion of the fellow eye in the pathological process.

SummaryIn this study, differential mRNA expression patterns of prolactin receptor (PRLR) in the hypothalamus and gonads, and the correlation with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in striped hamster serum from spring, summer, autumn and winter were analyzed. Mature female and male striped hamsters in oestrus were used. Expression levels of PRLR in the hypothalamus, ovaries and testis from the summer and winter individuals were significantly higher compared with levels from the spring and autumn, whereas FSH and LH serum concentrations from summer and winter individuals were significantly lower compared with that from the spring and autumn. PRLR expression levels in hypothalamus, ovaries and testis were negatively correlated with FSH and LH serum concentrations, illustrating that PRLR might negatively regulate seasonal reproductive activity. PRLR expression levels in ovaries and testes were significantly higher compared with levels in the hypothalamus, suggesting that the regulative effects of PRLR in gonads might be significantly higher compared with that in the hypothalamus. Furthermore, PRLR expression levels from the spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons in the hypothalamus and gonads were significantly higher in females compared with levels in males, indicating that the regulative effect of PRLR might be sex dependent. Taken together, this study helps to understand in depth the seasonal regulative reproduction mechanism of striped hamsters to reasonably control population abundance.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of total flavonoids of Cuscuta chinensis (TFCC) on oxidative stress injury in testis and epididymis, and serum levels of reproductive hormones in an oligoasthenospermia (OAS) mice model. Methods: Thirty male Wistar mice were randomly assigned to three groups of 10 mice each: control group, OAS group and TFCC group. With the exception of control group, OAS was orally induced in the mice with ornidazole. The TFCC group received TFCC. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined. Serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone were also measured. Results: The levels of ROS and MDA in the testis and epididymis significantly increased in OAS group, when compared to control mice (p < 0.05). However, TFCC administration significantly reduced their levels in these tissues (p < 0.05). In contrast, SOD activity significantly decreased in the testis and epididymis of mice in OAS group, relative to control group, but increased significantly after TFCC exposure (p < 0.05). Serum FSH and LH were markedly elevated in OAS group, but treatment with TFCC significantly reduced the levels of these hormones (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that TFCC effectively improves sperm quality and reduces oxidative damage in testis and epididymis of mice with oligoasthenospermia via a mechanism involving the regulation of serum levels of reproductive hormones. Thus, TFCC may be useful in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia.

Background: Reduced ovarian reserve predicts poor ovarian response and poor suc-- cess rates in infertile women who undergo Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Ovarian reserve decreases with age but the rate of decline varies from one woman to another. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) represent the three most frequently utilized laboratory tests in determining Ovarian Reserve (OR). To determine correlation between FSH, AMH and AFC in infertile female. Materials and methods: It was an observational (Cross sectional) study. This study was done in the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, between July 2018 to June 2019. The study population consisted of all the diagnosed female infertility patients of reproductive age. The women attending the study center during study period having primary or secondary infertility was considered as study population. They were divided in 4 age groups 21-25, 26-30, 31-35 yrs and 36-40 yrs years. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire following physical & lab examination. For D2 FSH level fasting blood was collected on D2/3 of menstrual cycle, serum FSH level was measured by ADVIA Centraur(R) XP immunoassay system. For S. AMH level blood sample was collected on 2nd day of cycle and measured by BECKMAN COULTER machine using Chemiluminescent Immunoassay method. For AFC count TVS was done on D2-5 of cycle using KONTRON medical USG machine. Collected data were classified, edited, coded and entered into the computer for statistical analysis by using SPSS version 23. Results: Out of 74 patients the mean age was found 32.6±5.5 years. Serum FSH, AMH and AFC were significantly associated with different age group. A negative correlation was found between serum FSH and serum AMH in all age group. But strong correlation found in age group 31-35 yrs and in 36-40 years age group. A negative correlation was found between serum FSH and total AFC in age group 26- 30 years, 31-35 years and 36-40 years respectively. A positive correlation was found between serum AMH and total AFC in all age group but most strong in age group 31-35 years. In multivariate logistic regression analysis serum AMH (35 years patients. Conclusion: In all age grqoup, FSH, AMH and AFC correlates but it is more pronounced in advanced age that means >35 years age group. Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.20 (1); January 2021; Page 22-27

Purpose: To investigate the comparative effects of Withania coagolans extract and morphine on spermatogenesis in rats Methods: W. coagolans was collected from Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran and 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight doses of methanol extract and 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg body weight doses of morphine were administered parenterally to the rats which were divided into groups. Blood samples were collected and the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone were assayed. The testicular tissue was isolated for histopathological examination. Results: No significant changes were observed in levels of LH, FSH and testosterone in treated groups (p < 0.05). However, there was significant difference between the treated groups for extract plus morphine groups, in terms of the number of spermatogonium, spermatocytes and spermatide variation. Moreover, the results indicate tissue disorders in all groups relative to control. The extract caused more disturbances in spermatogenesis compared to morphine, and appears to improve parameters related to spermatogenesis. Conclusion: The results show that the higher dose of Withania coagolans extract (100 mg/kg) exerts varying effects on reproductive parameters. Moreover, the lower dose of Withania coagolans extract (50 mg/kg) enhanced spermatogenesis while also protecting against the damaging effects of morphine.

Mithun (Bos frontalis) is a unique domestic free-range bovine species available in North Eastern hilly (NEH) regions of India and is reared for its protein rich meat. Mithun suffers severe non-cyclical population fluctuations; however, it is not yet declared as endangered species. Mithun follows some sort of seasonality based on the calving trend and semen production, although it is a perennial breeder. However, there is need to study the rhythmic changes of endocrine profiles to understand the hormone flow pattern in mithun to select the suitable time for blood collection to assess the exact endocrine profiles and to select the suitable time for natural breeding or semen collection by artificial methods for further research, conservation and propagation of its germplasm. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the reproductive as well as metabolic endocrinological profiles in 24:00 h in intact adult mithun bulls during different seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn) to know the rhythmic changes and flow pattern of the endocrinological profiles to improve its reproductive efficiency. Experimental mithun bulls (n = 6; age: 5-6 years; body condition score: 5-6 out of 10, classified as good) were selected for the study. Endocrinological profiles, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone/interstitial cell stimulating hormone (LH/ICSH), testosterone, cortisol, thyroxine (T4), insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), prolactin and melatonin (MT) were estimated at 04:00 h interval for one whole day in four seasons. The analysis was completed in two different ways as different times of collection (08:00, 12:00, 16:00, 20:00, 24:00 and 04:00 h) and day (08:00 to 16:00 h)night time (20:00 to 04:00 h) collections. Repeated measures ANOVA analysis revealed that the bulls in winter and spring had significantly (p 0.05) higher FSH, LH, testosterone, T4, IGF-1 and MT than those in summer whereas the bulls in summer had significantly higher cortisol and prolactin than those in winter and spring seasons. Similarly FSH, LH, testosterone, T4, IGF-1 and MT were significantly (p 0.05) higher in night than in day time collections whereas cortisol and prolactin were significantly (p 0.05) higher in day than in night time collections in different seasons. Correlation analysis revealed that FSH, LH, testosterone, T4, IGF-1 and MT had significant (p 0.05) positive correlation with each other whereas these had significant (p 0.05) negative correlation with cortisol and prolactin. The study concludes that season and time of blood collection had significant effect on the endocrinological profiles in mithun bulls. Estimation of FSH, LH, testosterone, T4, IGF-1 and MT during night time and cortisol and prolactin during day time was more appropriate to get correct value of the endocrinological profiles. Spring and winter have significantly greater beneficial effects than summer on reproduction and artificial breeding programs in mithun species in the semi-intensive management in the present location.

Background and Aim: Escherichia coli infection produces an adverse effect on the erythrocyte lineage and hormone levels during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Elephantopus scaber (ES) and Sauropus androgynus (SA) in combination on circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and erythropoiesis changes in E. coli-infected pregnant mice. Materials and Methods: Female Balb/c mice were mated with normal male mice and pregnancies were identified by the formation of vaginal plugs. Twenty-eight pregnant mice were divided randomly into seven groups: A control group (N), E. coli-infected pregnant mice (K+), and infected pregnant mice received the following five treatments: (1) Only ES; (2) ESSA1 (75:25); (3) ESSA2 (50:50); (4) ESSA3 (25:75); and (5) only SA, beginning from the 1st to the 16th day of pregnancy. Pregnant mice were infected with 107 CFU/mL of E. coli on day 4. Blood serum was collected on days 8, 12, and 16 of pregnancy and LH and FSH levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bone marrow was isolated to determine the relative number of TER-119+VLA4+ and TER-119+CD34+ using flow cytometry. Results: The ESSA1 and SA groups exhibited a marked increase in LH levels. The combination of ES and SA administered at a 25:75 ratio (ESSA3) altered FSH levels and the relative number of TER-119+VLA4+ in infected pregnant mice. Combined with SA at an equal ratio (50:50), ESSA2 group exhibited a significant increase in the expression of TER119+CD34+ compared with the other treatment groups. Conclusion: ES and SA combined at a ratio of 25:75 exhibited optimal results in altering hormonal and erythropoiesis in infected pregnant mice.

Objectives To evaluate the effect on endocrine and metabolic parameters of a new combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing estetrol (E4) and drospirenone (DRSP). Study design Randomized, open-label, controlled, 3-arm, parallel study. Healthy subjects received either E4 15 mg/DRSP 3 mg (E4/DRSP) (n = 38), or ethinylestradiol (EE) 30 µg/levonorgestrel (LNG) 150 µg (n = 29), or EE 20 µg/DRSP 3 mg (n = 31) for 6 treatment cycles. Median percentage change from baseline to cycle 3 and to cycle 6 were evaluated for endocrine parameters, liver proteins, lipid profile, and carbohydrate metabolism. Results At cycle 6, E4/DRSP treatment had less effect on gonadotropins (follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] +30.5%, luteinizing hormone [LH] −7.5%) compared to EE/LNG (FSH −84.0%, LH −92.0%) and EE/DRSP (FSH −64.0%, LH −90.0%). With E4/DRSP increases in total cortisol (+26.0%) and cortisol binding globulin ([CBG] (+40.0%) were less compared to EE/LNG (cortisol +109.0%, CBG +152.0%) and EE/DRSP (cortisol +107.0%, CBG +140.0%). Liver proteins, except CRP, increased, but the effect was less pronounced with E4/DRSP for angiotensinogen (+75.0%) compared to EE/LNG (+170.0%) and EE/DRSP (+206.5%) and for sex hormone binding globulin ([SHBG] +55.0%), compared to EE/LNG (+74.0%) and EE/DRSP (+251.0%). E4/DRSP had minimal impact on lipid parameters; the largest effect was observed for triglycerides (+24.0%), which was less compared to EE/LNG (+28.0%) and EE/DRSP (+65.5%). E4/DRSP had no effect on carbohydrate metabolism. Conclusions E4/DRSP treatment has limited effects on endocrine and metabolic parameters. The effects on gonadotropins, cortisol, CBG, angiotensinogen, SHBG and triglycerides were less pronounced compared to EE-containing products. Implications statement Combining E4 15 mg with DRSP 3 mg resulted in a COC with a different metabolic profile in comparison to EE-containing products. The clinical relevance of these findings needs to be further assessed, using clinical endpoints to establish the safety profile of this new COC.

Background Spaceflights-induced microgravity can alter various physiological processes in human’s body including the functional status of the reproductive system. Rodent model of tail-suspension hindlimb unloading is extensively used to stimulate the organs responses to the microgravity condition. This study explores the potential effects of hindlimb unloading on testicular functions and spermatogenesis in adult male rats and the underlying mechanism/s. Methods Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were allotted into two groups: normally loaded group (control; all arms were in touch with the grid floor) and hindlimb unloaded group (HU; only the forearms were in contact with the grid floor). Results Following 30 days of exposure, the HU group saw a decline in body weight, testicular and epidydimal weights, and all semen parameters. The circulating concentrations of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone significantly decreased, while levels of kisspeptin, corticosterone, inhibin, prolactin and estradiol (E2) increased in the HU group. Intratesticular levels of 5α-reductase enzyme and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were suppressed, while the levels of aromatase and kisspeptin were significantly elevated in the HU group. Hypothalamic kisspeptin (Kiss1) mRNA expression levels were downregulated while its receptors (Kiss1R) were upregulated in the HU group. On the contrary, the mRNA expression levels of testicular Kiss1 were upregulated while Kiss1R were downregulated. The pituitary mRNA expression levels of FSHβ and LHβ decreased in the HU group. The levels of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were elevated while malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations declined in the testes of HU group. The testes of the HU rats showed positive immunostaining of caspase-3, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and Bcl2. Conclusions Altogether, these results revealed an inhibitory effect of hindlimb unloading on kisspeptin signaling in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis with impaired spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.

The efficiency of agro pesticides and fertilizers in eliminating pests and scaling up crop yield has motivated farmers to increase their use. Unfortunately, health hazards caused on farmers by these agrochemicals are of growing concern, though not well elucidated. In order to evaluate the effects of occupational exposure to agrochemicals on some key parameters of male farmers’ health in Buea Subdivision, Cameroon, a total of 101 men, including 62 farmers using the agrochemicals and a reference population of 39 men not involved in occupational utilization of the agrochemicals, were interviewed on use of protective equipment, exposure symptoms and reproductive health status. Thereafter, serum cholinesterase [acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE)] activities, total antioxidant capacity and reproductive hormones [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone and testosterone] were assessed. Results revealed that farmers mainly used insecticides followed by fungicides, herbicides and fertilizers, but with inadequate protective measures. The use of agrochemicals resulted in several exposure symptoms including weakness, itches, burning sensation, headache, sneezing, coughing and vomiting, as well as decrease in serum AChE activity when compared to the reference population. The agrochemicals impacted negatively on the farmers’ reproductive health as evidenced by increased FSH levels. Taken altogether, these results suggested that exposure to agrochemicals adversely affects farmers’ health. Therefore, there is a need to further sensitize the farmers on the use of protective equipment to mitigate the exposure and resulting health hazards.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a life-changing diagnosis with profound physical and psychological consequences. POI, defined as amenorrhea due to the loss of ovarian function before 40 years of age, can occur spontaneously or be secondary to medical therapies. POI is associated with cardiovascular morbidity, osteoporosis and premature mortality. General practitioners play an important role in the evaluation and long-term management of women with POI. Before getting to the gynecologist, more than 50 % of women, on average, turn to three different specialists. Success of early diagnosis, possibility of timely prescription of hormone therapy, and monitoring of the long-term effects of hypoestrogenism depend on the general practitioner’s knowledge of this pathology. The purpose of this review was to systematize the available data on modern clinical diagnostic criteria for POI, for the early detection and prevention of reproductive losses, as well as improving the quality of life of women. An information search was carried out using Internet resources (PubMed, Web of Science, eLibrary.Ru), literary sources for the period 2015–2019 were analyzed. As a result of the analysis of the literature data, a step-by-step diagnosis of pathology was described, the main shortcomings of the main marker for assessing ovarian function – folliclestimulating hormone – were identified and listed. And also the advantages of anti-Müllerian hormone in the early diagnosis of ovarian insufficiency are considered.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Male fertility depends on the availability of the potent androgen called testosterone. Testosterone production is regulated by the hypothalamic anterior pituitary axis. Two anterior pituitary hormones Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) are involved in spermatogenesis and testosterone production, respectively. Hypoxia, resulting from high altitude, may induce a change in these four hormones and may affect male fertility. This study was done to evaluate and compare the changes that occur in FSH, LH, testosterone and prolactin in males lived in moderate versus low altitude. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted on 300 individuals who were categorized based on the altitude of their habitat into two equal groups, namely: Inhabitants at moderate altitudes and inhabitants at low altitudes. A venous blood sample was collected from each individual to measure the levels of FSH, LH and prolactin. RESULTS Both LH and testosterone levels were significantly lower in high altitude inhabitants compared with low altitude inhabitants (p

Seventy two (72) sexed crossbred rabbits aged 6 months were used to determine the effect of ginger rhizome powder (GRP) supplementation on reproductive organ and serum sex hormonal characteristics of pubertal rabbits. The experimental rabbits were divided into 2 treatment groups comprising 36 males and 36 females. Each group was divided into 4 dietary treatments (BT1, BT2, BT3 and BT4 ) of 9 animals and replicated thrice with 3 animals per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). The animals were fed formulated diet containing 2900 Kcal ME kg-1 and 18% crude protein supplemented with GRP at the rate of 0, 5, 10 and 15 g kg-1 feed respectively. Rabbits in each dietary group were fed 50gms of Guinea grass leaf meal containing 27.6% CF (dry matter basis) occasionally as additional fibre sources. Feed and water were offered ad libitum and the study lasted for 10 weeks. Testosterone values of BT (5.83 ng mL-1) and BT (6.28 ng mL-1) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels of BT (1.15 mIU mL-1) were significantly influenced (p

Embryo quality is crucial when selecting embryos for transfer. Variation in quality may be attributed to poor oocytes, semen, stress, inflammation, and potential immune system dysregulation. OmniGen-AF&reg (OG) feeding supports immune system function and animal health. Our laboratory recently reported lower percent degenerate embryos recovered and increased plasma progesterone in beef cattle donors fed OG during superovulation. In vitro development of embryos recovered from donor cows fed OG prior to collection is presented here. Embryos were recovered from 24 beef cows assigned to four treatment groups: 0 g OG/hd/d and 200 mg Folltropinr 0 g OG/hd/d and 400 mg FSH (0/400), 56 g OG/hd/d, 200 mg FSH (56/200) and 56 g OG/hd/d and 400 mg FSH (56/400). Good to excellent quality early blastocysts were cultured for 8 d. and development through hatching, embryonic volume and plasminogen activator (PA) production were quantified. The complete protocol was repeated 90 - 120 d later as Replicate 2. Optimal development was observed by embryos recovered from 0/200 cows where percent blastocysts hatching was greater (P compared to 56/200 and 0/400 cows and embryonic volume was greatest (P was similar (P > 0.10) to 56/400 cows and embryos recovered from 56/400 cows in Replicate 1 produced more (P in vitro embryo development similar to that observed for 0/200 cows.

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

Aims/hypothesis Variants close to the VPS13C/C2CD4A/C2CD4B locus are associated with altered risk of type 2 diabetes in genome-wide association studies. While previous functional work has suggested roles for VPS13C and C2CD4A in disease development, none has explored the role of C2CD4B. Methods CRISPR/Cas9-induced global C2cd4b-knockout mice and zebrafish larvae with c2cd4a deletion were used to study the role of this gene in glucose homeostasis. C2 calcium dependent domain containing protein (C2CD)4A and C2CD4B constructs tagged with FLAG or green fluorescent protein were generated to investigate subcellular dynamics using confocal or near-field microscopy and to identify interacting partners by mass spectrometry. Results Systemic inactivation of C2cd4b in mice led to marked, but highly sexually dimorphic changes in body weight and glucose homeostasis. Female C2cd4b mice displayed unchanged body weight compared with control littermates, but abnormal glucose tolerance (AUC, p = 0.01) and defective in vivo, but not in vitro, insulin secretion (p = 0.02). This was associated with a marked decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone levels as compared with wild-type (WT) littermates (p = 0.003). In sharp contrast, male C2cd4b null mice displayed essentially normal glucose tolerance but an increase in body weight (p p = 0.003) after maintenance on a high-fat and -sucrose diet vs WT littermates. No metabolic disturbances were observed after global inactivation of C2cd4a in mice, or in pancreatic beta cell function at larval stages in C2cd4a null zebrafish. Fasting blood glucose levels were also unaltered in adult C2cd4a-null fish. C2CD4B and C2CD4A were partially localised to the plasma membrane, with the latter under the control of intracellular Ca2+. Binding partners for both included secretory-granule-localised PTPRN2/phogrin. Conclusions/interpretation Our studies suggest that C2cd4b may act centrally in the pituitary to influence sex-dependent circuits that control pancreatic beta cell function and glucose tolerance in rodents. However, the absence of sexual dimorphism in the impact of diabetes risk variants argues for additional roles for C2CD4A or VPS13C in the control of glucose homeostasis in humans. Data availability The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are available in the Biorxiv repository (www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.18.099200v1). RNA-Seq (GSE152576) and proteomics (PXD021597) data have been deposited to GEO (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE152576) and ProteomeXchange (www.ebi.ac.uk/pride/archive/projects/PXD021597) repositories, respectively. Graphical abstract

Background: Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are known to have elevated circulating Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), which has been found to desensitize ovarian follicles to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).Objectives: To determine the predictive value of serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) concentration on ovarian response to different stimulation protocols in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Patients and Methods: A prospective comparative study was done in Obstetrics and Gynecology department, Qena Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University on 180 infertile women with PCOS attended the infertility outpatient clinic divided into three groups 60 patients each, the 1st group received clomiphene citrate, 2nd group received gonadotrophin, and the 3rd group offered Laparoscopic ovarian drilling, Ovulation and pregnancy rates were measured.Results: in patients with PCO AMH level with a cutoff value of (3.8 ng/ml), could be used to predict response to CC in obese women, AMH levels of a cutoff value of (4.95 ng/ml), could be used to predict response to Gonadotrophin in women with PCOS, And an AMH level of a cutoff value of (5.74 ng/ml), could be used to predict response to laparoscopic ovarian diathermy in PCOS, there was a statistically significant relation between AMH level and Ovulation and pregnancy rates.Conclusion: PCOS women with high serum AMH levels seem to be resistant to ovulation induction by clomiphen citrate, gonadotrophin and laparscopic ovarian drilling. Pretreatment measurement of serum AMH concentrations may therefore be a valuable predictor of success and may help in determining the starting dose.

Tetrapleura tetraptera (TT) has been used as a spice, dietary supplement and medicine for various ailments. This study evaluate influence of Tetrapleura tetraptera extract on testis and copulatory behavior in sexually mature male rats. Thirty-two male and sixty-four virgin female rats weighing 150–200 g were used for this study. Male rats randomly divided into four groups of eight (n = 8) rats each. Group A: Control given 2 ml distilled water, group B, C and D received 50, 300 and 700 mg/kg bwt TT for 56 days through oral gavage. The female rats were used for fertility test. Testicular histology, histomorphology, copulatory behavior, sperm parameters, testosterone (TET), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and fertility test were investigated. Tetrapleura tetraptera significantly increase sperm count, motility, normal morphology, daily sperm production, efficiency of sperm production, sperm (average path velocity, straight line velocity and curvilinear velocity), TET, LH, FHS, SOD, GPx, CAT, number of pregnant females, number of fetuses, seminiferous diameter, epithelium thickness and decrease abnormal morphology, seminiferous height, tubule lumen and MDA across the group as compared with control group. Improved testicular histological integrity, sexual behaviour and libido by increased frequencies of mount, intromission, ejaculation and ejaculatory latency. Latencies of mount, intromission and post-ejaculation were significantly reduced. Also, observed increase spermatocytes and spermatids showed no significant difference in spermatogonia cell counts. Tetrapleura tetraptera therefore, enhance steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, and improved testicular histological integrity and boost sexual competence in male rats., Graphical abstract KEY:TT- Tetrapleura tetrapteraA1 and A2 – Control groupB1 and B2 - 50 mg/kg bwt of TT groupC1 and C2 – 300 mg/kg bwt of TT groupD1 and D2 – 700 mg/kg bwt of TT groupSP – SpermatozoaL – Seminiferous tubular lumenI – Interstitium of seminiferous tubuleGE – Germinal EpitheliumYellow Arrow – Sperm cellBlue Arrow- Seminiferous tubular basement membrane (BM).Image 1, Highlights • Tetrapleura tetraptera increased sperm quality. • Tetrapleura tetraptera maintain histology (Ht) of the testes. • Tetrapleura tetraptera influence copulatory behavior. • Tetrapleura tetraptera enhance steroidogenesis.

Background: Inhibin and activin regulate the follicle stimulating hormone level by their antagonistic actions and thus have been considered as strong candidate genes in the etiology of ovarian dysgenesis. In the present study, two cases of primary amenorrhea with poorly developed secondary sexual characteristics were reported. The purpose of the study was to identify mutations in candidate gene. Case Presentation: In this paper, clinical, genetic, biochemical, and molecular findings in female patients with primary amenorrhea were reported. Whole blood culture and G-banding for karyotyping, sequencing, and in silico analysis were performed following the standard protocol. Both cases were cytogenetically characterized as normal females with 46,XX, chromosome constitution. Hormonal assay revealed high level of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. DNA sequence analysis of inhibin identified two novel heterozygous missense mutations of c.975T>A and c.1156G>A which were translated into p.I310N and p.D386N, respectively. These identified positions were highly conserved across species during evolution. In silico prediction tools, intramolecular hydrogen bonding pattern and hydrophobicity analysis, revealed deleterious effect of p.I310N and neutral effect of p.D386N mutation. Conclusion: Our observation suggested that identified novel mutation in the first case might be the reason for ovarian dysgenesis and provides additional support to the previously reported genotype-phenotype correlations.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Routinely generated glycan data on reproductive system need systematic storage, ease of access, and data integration. • Currently, no database stores information on glycans associated with reproductive hormones including FSH. • FGDB: a unique repository for accessing and analyzing FSH glycan structures and their features. • The database also facilitates comparative analysis of glycan abundance from multiple samples., Glycomics, the study of the entire complement of sugars of an organism has received significant attention in the recent past due to the advances made in high throughput mass spectrometry technologies. These analytical advancements have facilitated the characterization of glycans associated with the follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH), which play a central role in the human reproductive system both in males and females utilizing regulating gonadal (testicular and ovarian) functions. The irregularities in FSH activity are also directly linked with osteoporosis. The glycoanalytical studies have been tremendously helpful in understanding the biological roles of FSH. Subsequently, the increasing number of characterized FSH glycan structures and related glycoform data has thrown a challenge to the glycoinformatics community in terms of data organization, storage and access. Also, a user-friendly platform is needed for providing easy access to the database and performing integrated analysis using a high volume of experimental data to accelerate FSH-focused research. FSH Glycans DataBase (FGDB) serves as a comprehensive and unique repository of structures, features, and related information of glycans associated with FSH. Apart from providing multiple search options, the database also facilitates an integrated user-friendly interface to perform the glycan abundance and comparative analyses using experimental data. The automated integrated pipelines present the possible structures of glycans and variants of FSH based on the input data, and allow the user to perform various analyses. The potential application of FGDB will significantly help both glycoinformaticians as well as wet-lab researchers to stimulate the research in this area. FGDB web access: https://fgdb.unmc.edu/

Background: In vitro obtaining oocytes can be an appropriate alternative for patients with gonadal insufficiency or cancer survivors. The purpose of the current research was isolating stem cells from ovarian cortical tissue as well as evaluating the effectiveness of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and neurotrophin 3 (NT3) in differentiating to oocyte-like cells. Methods: A human ovary was dissected and cortical tissue pieces were cultured for cell isolation. Isolated cells were divided into 8 groups (3 cases in each group) of control, FSH, NT3, bFGF, FSH+NT3, FSH+bFGF, NT3+bFGF, and FSH+NT3+ bFGF. Pluripotency specific gene (OCT4-A and Nanog), initial germ cells (c-KIT and VASA) and PF growth initiators (GDF-9 and Lhx-8) were evaluated by qRT-PCR. Experiments were performed in triplicate and there were 3 samples in each group. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Flow cytometry results showed that cells isolated from the ovarian cortex expressed markers of pluripotency. The results showed that the expression of Nanog, OCT4, GDF-9 and VASA was significantly increased in FSH+NT3 group, while treatment with bFGF caused significant expression of c-KIT and Lhx-8 (p

Health status of donor cows during superovulation is important to ensure optimal embryo quality at time of collection. Because nutritional and metabolic status impact embryo quality some form of nutritional supplementation is often provided before and during superovulation. OmniGen-AF&reg (OG) feeding has been shown to assist in the maintenance of animal health through regulation of metabolic status and balance and supporting aspects of immune function. We observed feeding donor cows OG decreased percent degenerate embryos recovered following superovulation increased serum progesterone concentration and improved in vitro embryo development. Evaluation of OG feeding on markers of metabolic function and inflammatory and immune function in beef cattle embryo donors are reported here. Similarly, cow metabolic and inflammatory response with repeated superovulation protocols is not known. Biomarkers to monitor and evaluate cow health during superovulation may provide management options to improve embryo recovery and quality. Twenty-four Angus cross-bred cattle were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, fed 0 or 56 g/hd/day for 49 days and superovulated with 200 or 400 mg Folltropin V (FSH). Blood was collected weekly for analyses. The protocol was repeated on all cows 90 - 120 d later with cows reassigned to their original groups. No differences (P > 0.10) were observed due to OG feeding or FSH dose on metabolic and inflammatory markers. Replicate exerted a significant effect where serum concentration of albumin, IL1β, IL6, PGE2 and leptin were lower (P < 0.05) in Replicate 1 compared to 2. There was also a similar pattern of change in several of the metabolic and inflammatory markers during the superovulation protocol where concentrations were higher at the time of estrus and ovulation. Taken together, physiologic changes during the estrous cycle and the number of superovulation protocols can modulate metabolic markers and inflammatory response.

Objective This study investigated the effects of Tartrazine and Erythrosine (T+E) on the reproductive hormones and expression of some pro-inflammatory cytokines and testicular genes in testis of male Wistar rats. Methods 25 male Wistar rats (150-180g) were divided into 5 groups (n=5). Group 1 received distilled water while groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were treated with T+E (2.5mg/kg, 5mg/kg, 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg) for the period of 23 days. Toxicity studies of the combined dye were investigated by evaluating serum reproductive hormones [Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Testosterone], gene expression and profiling, and testes histology. Results male Wistar rats (150-180g) were divided into 5 groups (n=5). Group 1 received distilled water while groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were treated with T+E (2.5mg/kg, 5mg/kg, 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg) for the period of 23 days. Toxicity studies of the combined dye were investigated by evaluating serum reproductive hormones [Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Testosterone], gene expression and profiling, and testes histology. Conclusions This present study reveals that the dyes could impair testicular function as evident in the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and down-regulation of TESK-1 gene expression and architecture of the testes leading to Orchitis.

Testosterone has been reported to have anabolic influence on various organs of animals. Thus, an experiment was carried out to investigate the influence of crude testosterone in bovine testicular fluid (BTF) on the growth performance of broiler chickens. One hundred and twenty-five broiler chicks (Abore Acre) were used. They were raised for one week and randomly allotted into five treatments consisted of five replicates (five chicks per replicate) under the intensive management system. Four different levels; 25mL, 50mL, 75mL, and 100mL of bovine testicular fluid per litre of water were administered to the birds, while the control birds were offered ordinary water. Feeds (broiler starter and finisher diets) were provided ad libitum on daily basis at weeks 2-4 and 5-8, respectively and clean water was given at free choice throughout the period of the study. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily water intake (ADWI), average daily weight gain (ADWG) per bird, and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the birds were determined. At week seven blood was sampled to assay for level of the luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone. The results indicated that ALW and the ADWG of the T5 birds (1850.00g/bird and 43.79g/bird, respectively) were significantly (p

This study was carried out to investigate the changes in semen characteristics, hormonal profile and testicular morphometry of West African Dwarf (WAD) goat bucks treated with danazol. For this purpose, eighteen matured WAD bucks average of about two years were randomly divided into groups A, B and C comprising of six bucks per group. Group A was the control while B and C bucks were given danazol at a dose rate of 20mg/kg body weight orally daily for four weeks. The group B bucks‘ testes were harvested thereafter for gross and histo-morphometric studies while those of group C were left intact but danazol treatment was withdrawn for four more weeks. The bucks‘ semen samples (collected by electro-ejaculation) and hormonal samples (taken via the jugular vein) were analyzed. The semen characteristics studied included color, volume, mass activity, motility, percentage normal live-dead ratio, morphology and concentration; while the hormones studied included testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Results show that there were significant decreases in semen characteristics of group B and C bucks compared with those of group A in the first four weeks. The semen characteristics of the group C bucks were reversed to normal range (similar to those of group A bucks) two weeks after danazol treatment was withdrawn. Similar results were observed with the hormonal studies. In conclusion, danazol caused a reversed reduction in sperm cells characteristics suggesting its possible use as a contraceptive in WAD goat bucks.

Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) is a small evergreen tree of the myrtle family known for its unopened reddish-brown flower bud with strong aromatic flavor that are used for culinary purpose and are believed to have aphrodisiac properties. The objective of the experiment was to assess the effect of clove extract on hormone profile of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks. One hundred and fifty WAD bucks with average weights of 10kg were randomly assigned to five treatments with 30bucks per treatment in a completely randomized design. Treatment A (control) and B were subcutaneously administered 0.1mL/kg of normal saline solution and 0.1mL/kg sildenafil citrate, respectively. Treatments C, D and E were administered 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3mL/kg of clove extract, respectively. The result showed a significant increase in WBC while PCV decreased with corresponding increase in extract doses. The extracts also significantly cause a reduction in creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) with a significant increase in serum urea and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). There were significant increase in serum testosterone and prolactin while follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were reduced. It was therefore concluded that subcutaneous administration of syzygium aromaticum extract could enhance sexual function at low doses of 0.1mL/kg body weight of bucks with no observable tissue damage.

Reproductive functions may be affected by internal and external factors that are integrated in the central nervous system (CNS). Stressful stimuli induce the neuroendocrine response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, as well as the synthesis of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AL) in the brain. This study tested the hypothesis that centrally administered AL could affect the expression of certain genes involved in reproductive functions at the hypothalamus and pituitary levels, as well as pulsatile gonadotropin secretion in sheep under both natural and stressful conditions. Luteal-phase sheep (n = 24) were subjected to a three-day (day 12–14 of the estrous cycle) series of control or AL (4 × 15 μg/60 μL/30 min, at 30 min intervals) infusions into the third ventricle. Acute stressful stimuli (isolation from other sheep and partial movement restriction) were used in the third day of infusion. Stressful stimuli reduced kisspeptin-1 mRNA levels in both the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) and the preoptic area (POA), while pro-dynorphin (PDYN) mRNA level only in the MBH. AL alone decreased the abundances of these transcripts in both structures. Stress increased the expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) mRNA in the MBH and POA, luteinizing hormone (LH) β subunit (LHβ) mRNA in the anterior pituitary (AP) and pulsatile LH secretion. In contrast, mRNA level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) β subunit (FSHβ) was decreased in the AP, with no effect of stress on pulsatile FSH secretion. In stressed sheep, AL counteracted the increase in GnRH mRNA expression only in the POA, but it decreased the level of this transcript in both hypothalamic tissues when infused alone. AL prevented the stress-induced increase in LHβ mRNA expression in the AP and pulsatile LH secretion, as well as inhibited almost all aspects of FSH secretion when administered alone. The suppressive effect of AL on GnRH receptor mRNA expression was also observed in both MBH and AP. We concluded that acute stress and AL exerted multidirectional effects on hypothalamic centers that regulate reproductive functions and secretory activity of AP gonadotrophs in sheep. However, we indicated the dominant inhibitory effect of AL under natural and stressful conditions.

The synthesis and release of LH and FSH in the pituitary of vertebrates are differentially regulated during gonadal development and maturation. However, the underlying neuroendocrine mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. The present study examined the possible involvement of isotocin (Ist), an oxytocin-like neuropeptide, in the regulation of Lh and Fsh in a teleost, the ricefield eel Monopterus albus. The immunoreactive isotocin receptor 2 (Istr2) was shown to be localized to Lh but not Fsh cells. In contrast, immunoreactive isotocin receptor 1 (Istr1) was not observed in either Lh or Fsh cells in the pituitary. Interestingly, Lh cells in female ricefield eels expressed Istr2 and secreted Lh in response to Ist challenge stage-dependently and in correlation with ovarian vitellogenesis. Moreover, Ist decreased Lh contents in the pituitary of female fish, indicating its stimulatory roles on Lh release in vivo. The induction of Lh release by Ist in dispersed pituitary cells was blocked by a PLC or IP3R inhibitor but not by a PKA or PKC inhibitor, indicating the involvement of the IP3/Ca2+ pathway. Collectively, the above results indicate that isotocin may bind to Istr2 to stimulate Lh release via the IP3/Ca2+ pathway, and play important roles in the ovarian maturation in ricefield eels. Furthermore, the present study suggests a novel neuroendocrine mechanism underlying the differential regulation of Lh and Fsh in vertebrates.

Allium cepa (onion), a natural seasoning agent that contains significant amounts of potent antioxidants in its scaly leaves is used in folkloric medicine to manage several diseases globally. Antioxidants have an essential effect on sperm health parameters; however, there is limited information on the effects of Allium cepa scaly leaf extract on reproductive functions in Oba Marshal breeder cocks. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the aqueous extract of Allium cepa scaly leaf on reproductive functions in sexually matured Oba Marshal breeder cocks. Allium cepa bulbs were obtained from a market in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Dry scaly leaves were peeled, pulverised, macerated in distilled water, filtered and concentrated. Twenty, 42 weeks old Oba Marshal breeder cocks (3.48 – 3.62 kg) were divided into 4 groups (n = 5) and treated daily for 2 weeks thus: CT (control, distilled water, 0.5 mL/kg), T2 (extract 200 mg/kg/bird), T4 (extract 400 mg/kg/bird), T8 (extract 800 mg/kg/bird). Sperm characteristics were assessed microscopically. Testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were analysed using ELISA. Data were analysed using ANOVA at α0.05. Treated birds had significantly (p < 0.05) higher sperm motility, morphology but non-significant changes in sperm viability and concentration compared with the controls. Also, serum FSH and LH significantly increased, while testosterone had no significant change in test groups compared to the control. Aqueous extract of Allium cepa scaly leaf improved testicular functions and morphology in the test cocks. The reproductive function enhancement of the extract may be due to its antioxidant effect. Keywords: Allium cepa, Breeding, Broiler cocks, Spermatogenesis, Testosterone

Context Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plays an essential role in gonadal function. Loss-of-function mutations in the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) are an infrequent cause of primary ovarian failure. Objective To analyze the molecular physiopathogenesis of a novel mutation in the FSHR identified in a woman with primary ovarian failure, employing in vitro and in silico approaches, and to compare the features of this dysfunctional receptor with those shown by the trafficking-defective D408Y FSHR mutant. Methods Sanger sequencing of the FSHR cDNA was applied to identify the novel mutation. FSH-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production, ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and desensitization were tested in HEK293 cells. Receptor expression was analyzed by immunoblotting, receptor-binding assays, and flow cytometry. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to determine the in silico behavior of the mutant FSHRs. Results A novel missense mutation (I423T) in the second transmembrane domain of the FSHR was identified in a woman with normal pubertal development but primary amenorrhea. The I423T mutation slightly impaired plasma membrane expression of the mature form of the receptor and severely impacted on cAMP/protein kinase A signaling but much less on β-arrestin-dependent ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Meanwhile, the D408Y mutation severely affected membrane expression, with most of the FSH receptor located intracellularly, and both signal readouts tested. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed important functional disruptions in both mutant FSHRs, mainly the loss of interhelical connectivity in the D408Y FSHR. Conclusions Concurrently, these data indicate that conformational differences during the inactive and active states account for the distinct expression levels, differential signaling, and phenotypic expression of the I423T and D408Y mutant FSHRs.

The effect of Tetracera potatoria leaves and its isolated constituent on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and associated gynaecological cancers was investigated. Crude extract showed the lowest level of luteinizing hormone and the highest level of estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone, comparable to the normal control group. The hexane (IC50 = 34.8 ± 0.3 µg/mL), and dichloromethane (IC50 = 41.3 ± 0.8 µg/mL) fractions inhibited the proliferation of Chinese Hamster ovarian (CHO) cells. The dichloromethane fraction was subjected to purification using column chromatography, which led to the isolation of apigenin. The structure of the isolated compound was confirmed by the reported spectroscopic data. Apigenin inhibited the proliferation of both CHO and HeLa cells with an IC50 values of 22.2 ± 0.5 and 6.2 ± 0.6 µg/mL, respectively. The apigenin was isolated and reported for the first time in T. potatoria. The leaves extract of T. potatoria showed curative effect on irregular estrus cycle and hormonal imbalance. The isolated constituent showed anticancer potential, hence it could reduce the risk of gynaecological cancers among PCOS patients.

Although the attention of testis function in puberty and adulthood has been focalized in the luteinizing hormone–testosterone axis, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) also exerts a fundamental role in the physiology of the prepubertal and pubertal testes. Different conditions in humans that selectively affect the FSH–Sertoli cell axis illustrate the relevance of FSH and Sertoli cells, especially in two fundamental periods of life: the first months after birth and the beginning of puberty. Achieving an adequate size of the Sertoli cell population, a largely FSH-dependent process is essential for an effective spermatogenesis in puberty and adulthood. Sertoli cell markers, such as anti-Mullerian hormone and inhibin B, indirectly reflect FSH action and have become critical tools for the assessment of the male hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular axis from birth to adulthood.

Studying selection of multiple dominant follicles (DFs) in monovulatory species can advance our understanding of mechanisms regulating selection of single or multiple DFs. Carriers of the bovine high fecundity Trio allele select multiple DFs, whereas half-sib noncarriers select a single DF. This study compared follicle selection during endogenous gonadotropin pulses versus during ablation of pulses with Acyline (GnRH antagonist) and luteinizing hormone (LH) action replaced with nonpulsatile human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment in Trio carriers (n = 28) versus noncarriers (n = 32). On Day 1.5 (Day 0 = ovulation), heifers were randomized: (1) Control, untreated; (2) Acyline, two i.m. doses (Days 1.5 and D3) of 3 µg/kg; (3) hCG, single i.m. dose of 50 IU hCG on Day 1.5 followed by daily doses of 100 IU; and (4) Acyline + hCG. Treatments with nonpulsatile hCG were designed to replace LH action in heifers treated with Acyline. Acyline treatment resulted in cessation of follicle growth on Day 3 with smaller (P < 0.0001) maximum follicle diameter in Trio carriers (6.6 ± 0.2 mm) than noncarriers (8.7 ± 0.4 mm). Replacement of LH action (hCG) reestablished follicle diameter deviation and maximum diameter of DFs in both genotypes (8.9 ± 0.3 mm and 13.1 ± 0.5 mm; P < 0.0001). Circulating follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was greater in Acyline-treated than in controls. Finally, Acyline + hCG decreased (P < 0.0001) the number of DFs from 2.7 ± 0.2 to 1.3 ± 0.2 in Trio carriers, with most heifers having only one DF. This demonstrates the necessity for LH in acquisition of dominance in Trio carriers (∼6.5 mm) and noncarriers (∼8.5 mm) and provides evidence for a role of GnRH-induced FSH/LH pulses in selection of multiple DFs in Trio carriers and possibly other physiologic situations with increased ovulation rate.Graphical AbstractSummary sentenceNumber of dominant follicles (DFs) was reduced from 2.7 in carriers of the high fecundity Trio allele to mostly a single DF in carriers with gonadotropin pulses ablated by GnRH antagonist and LH action replaced with nonpulsatile human chorionic gonadotropin treatment.

PURPOSE: To utilize a novel mitochondrial function assay with pooled granulosa cells to determine whether mitochondrial function would differ by patient demographics and embryo development. METHODS: This was a prospective pilot study in a hospital-based assisted reproductive program and public university. Mitochondrial metabolic substrate utilization was assessed in pooled granulosa cells from 40 women undergoing in vitro fertilization during 2018 and 2019. RESULTS: Assessment of mitochondrial substrate metabolism in pooled granulosa cells revealed higher citric acid, L-malic acid, and octanoyl-L-carnitine utilization with higher body mass index (BMI). Utilization of citric acid, cis-aconitic acid, D-alpha-keto-glutaric acid, L-glutamine, and alanine plus glycine was significantly lower as total dosage of FSH administered increased. Utilization of glycogen was significantly higher in patients with a higher percentage of fertilized oocytes. D-alpha-keto-glutaric acid utilization was significantly lower in patients with a higher percentage of good 8-cell embryos. L-glutamine utilization was significantly lower, with a higher percentage of blastocyst formation. Mitochondrial metabolic scores (MMS), which reflect overall mitochondrial activity of the granulosa pool, were significantly higher in patients with higher BMI and with greater numbers of mature oocytes retrieved. MMS in granulosa decreased as total FSH dose administered increased. CONCLUSIONS: Granulosa cell utilization of substrates feeding into the citric acid cycle changed with total FSH dosage and BMI. Fertilization rate, 8-cell embryo quality, and blastocyst formation also associated with different energy substrate usage. Mitochondrial substrate utilization by granulosa cells from individual follicles could be further developed into a useful diagnostic tool. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s10815-020-01946-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background: Phosalone is an organophosphate insecticide, applied to control of plant pests. This compound has various side effects because it acts as an acetyl cholinesterase enzyme inhibitor. Objective: To investigate the effects of phosalone on the sperm parameters of and levels of sex hormones in adult male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 16 adult (8-12 wk) male Wister rates (weighing 220-280 gr) were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n = 4/each). Group 1 (control) received only routine adequate water and food; Group 2, 3, and 4 received different low doses of phosalone (60, 90, and 120 mg/kg respectively). The rats were weighed and anesthetized after 48 days. Sperm parameters including number, motility, and viability as well as sex hormones (such as Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, and testosterone) were evaluated and compared after removing the epididymis tail. Results: Our results showed that phosalone decreased sperm motility, viability, and number in a dose-dependent manner. The level of FSH and LH was increased, and testosterone was decreased. Also, depending on the dose, phosalone decrease sperm motility and viability (p ≤ 0.001), while the level of FSH and LH was increased and testosterone was decreased (p = 0.861). Conclusion: Phosalone has negative effects on reproductive indices in male rats and can cause serious damage and decrease the number and sperms motility. It can also cause infertility due to changing the concentration of hormones. Key words: Organophosphate, Pesticides, Phosalone, Sperm, Sex hormones.

Due to the fact that modern American and European women postpone childbirth until later in life, they are more likely to face the problem of ovarian insufficiency by the time they are ready to have children. So, the ability to restore the ovarian function safely is crucially important. Our study involved 38 women 31–45 years of age with low ovarian reserves and at least two unsuccessful attempts to receive their oocytes through IVF. The blood from the patients was collected into two BD vacutainers for PRP preparation. The platelet concentration in the PRP was 1 × 106 μl. PRP injections into the ovaries were performed by a gynecologist with a special 25G needle, 20 cm in length, as an ultrasound-guided procedure or a laparoscopic-assisted approach. After PRP treatment, women were tested with several criteria for 12 months. We saw a significant improvement in hormone levels; six healthy babies were born, ten pregnancies were achieved, and four out of the ten were from natural conception. The PRP injections into the ovaries are safe, productive, and a natural treatment that may help women with premature ovarian insufficiency to give birth to their own child. The difference and novelty with our method of ovarian rejuvenation is in obtaining a higher platelet concentration (about 1 × 106 μl), which allows us to achieve long-lasting results, within 12 months, after a single procedure. Additionally, for the first time, we proposed and successfully performed a laparoscopically assisted technique for administering PRP into the ovary.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine whether the Canadian Laboratory Initiative on Paediatric Reference Intervals (CALIPER) could be applied to Croatian children and adolescents. Materials and methods: A total of 295 outpatient healthy children and adolescents of age 1 to 18 were selected using the direct a posteriori sampling method. According to current guidelines, 20 samples were tested for each of a total of 51 reference intervals for ferritin, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, follicle stimulating hormone, lutein stimulating hormone, prolactin, progesterone, sex hormone binding globulin, thyroid stimulating hormone, total testosterone, total thyroxine and total triiodothyronine. Serum samples were analysed on the Beckman Coulter DxI600 immunoassay analyser by chemiluminescence immunoassay method. A reference interval was adopted if < 10% of the results fall outside CALIPER reference interval range. For analytes in which this criterion is not met in the first set of samples, a new set of 20 samples were collected. Results: After the first set of measurements, 96% of all tested reference intervals were adopted for use. The additional sets of 20 reference subjects were tested for only two reference intervals; follicle stimulating hormone for female aged 1 to 9 years, and irrespective of the gender, sex hormone binding globulin for children aged 8 to 11 years. All results of additional samples were within the specified interval limits. Conclusions: CALIPER reference intervals for ferritin and 11 hormones defined for Beckman Coulter DxI600 immunoassay analyser can be implemented into the Croatian laboratories and clinical practice.

Background To investigate the age-dependent changes in circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in healthy Arabic-speaking Lebanese women, and to correlate changes in serum AMH levels with serum FSH and LH values, and LH/FSH ratio. Methods Cross-sectional study, involving 1190 healthy females, age 17–54 years, with regular menses and both ovaries. Serum AMH levels (ng/ml) were measured by ELISA. Results There was an inverse proportion of AMH and subject’s age, which declined from median 6.71 (2.91) ng/ml in young subjects, to 0.68 (0.45) ng/ml in subjects older than 50 years. Average yearly decrease in median AMH levels was 0.27 ng/ml/year through age 35, but then diminished to 0.12 ng/ml/year afterwards. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity of age as determinant of AMH levels. In contrast to AMH, FSH levels increased progressively from 5.89 (0.11–62.10) ng/ml in young subjects, to 38.43 (3.99–88.30) ng/ml in subjects older than 50 years. On the other hand, age-dependent changes in LH/FSH ratio paralleled those of AMH. Linear regression modeling testing the independent effect of AMH on FSH and LH, adjusted for age, showed that AMH was significant predictor of FSH and LH/FSH ratio, but not LH. This did not contribute significantly to baseline LH and FSH prediction. Conclusions Circulating AMH levels are inversely related to age as also shown elsewhere, and are predictors of LH/FSH ratio and FSH but not LH levels in eumenorrheic females.

A sincronização do estro é uma ferramenta útil que fornece ao criador de ovinos um planejamento estratégico, concentrando e regularizando os nascimentos em diferentes épocas do ano, o que permite suprir a demanda do mercado. Diferentes protocolos hormonais estão disponíveis no mercado, porém, seus efeitos e resultados ainda não são totalmente claros. Objetivou-se avaliar protocolos de sincronização de estro de curta duração com o uso de hormônio folículo estimulante (FSH) e gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) como indutores de ovulação em borregas mestiças Dorper na contra-estação. As borregas receberam um dispositivo intravaginal contendo 0,36g de progesterona (D0) e após seis dias, o dispositivo foi removido e assim efetuou-se os seguintes tratamentos: T-FSH recebeu aplicação intramuscular de 10mg de dinoprost e 10 mg de FSH (D6); T-eCG recebeu aplicação intramuscular de 10mg de dinoprost e 300UI de eCG (D6). As ovelhas foram submetidas à monta natural. A detecção de estro se deu através da marcação de fêmeas em cio com a deposição da tinta no peitoral do reprodutor. O diagnóstico de gestação foi realizado trinta dias após o último dia de exposição aos reprodutores com ultrassom. O do uso de dispositivo de progesterona por curto período de tempo foi eficiente. Não houve diferença para taxa de estro (100% T-eCG vs. 100% T-FSH). Um maior número de animais do T-eCG obteve manifestação estral mais precocemente (57,6 ± 16,33 para T-eCG vs. 61,2 ± 16,47 para T-FSH), embora não apresentem diferença estatística (P-valor 0,8723). A taxa de prenhez foi similar em ambos os grupos, sendo 60% (12/20) no T-FSH e 45% (9/20) no T-eCG, não havendo diferença estatística (P-valor=0.35). Conclui-se que tanto a aplicação de FSH, quanto de eCG foram efetivos em protocolo de curta duração para sincronização de estro ovino. Palavras-chave: Gonadotrofina. Borregas. Primer Ovino. Ovulação. Biotecnologia Reprodutiva. Abstract The estrus synchronization is a useful tool that provides a strategic planning to the sheep breeder, concentrating and regularizing births at different times of the year, which allows to supply the market demand. Different hormonal protocols are available on the market; however, their effects and results are still not entirely clear. The objective was to evaluate short-term protocols for estrus synchronization using follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) as ovulation inducers in cross-breed Dorper lambs in the counter-season. The lambs received an intravaginal device containing 0.36 g of progesterone (D0) and after six days, the device was removed and the following treatments were performed: T-FSH received intramuscular application of 10 mg of dinoprost and 10 mg of FSH (D6); T-eCG received intramuscular application of 10mg of dinoprost and 300UI of eCG (D6). The sheep were submitted to natural breeding. The detection of estrus occurred through the marking of females in heat with the deposition of ink on the pectoral of the hams. The diagnosis of pregnancy was made thirty days after the last day of exposure to hams with ultrasound. The use of a progesterone device for a short period of time was efficient. There was no difference in estrus rate (100% T-eCG vs. 100% T-FSH). A higher number of animals from T-eCG had earlier estrous manifestation (57.6 ± 16.33 for T-eCG vs. 61.2 ± 16.47 for T-FSH), although without statistical difference (P-valor 0,8723). The pregnancy rate was similar in both groups, with 60% (12/20) in T-FSH and 45% (9/20) in T-eCG, with no statistical difference (P-value = 0.35). It is concluded that both FSH and eCG applications were effective in a short duration protocol for synchronization of ovine estrus. Keywords: Gonadotropin. Lambs. Ovine Primer. Ovulation. Reproductive Biotechnology.