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The present study was designed and conducted to evaluate the influence of methoxyfenozide on the reproductive potential of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instars larvae, as a safe and suitable alternative for the conventional organic insecticide. Results showed that the highest concentration i.e. 15 ppm of methoxyfenozide caused maximum reduction in fecundity i.e. 118.43 ± 6.08 eggs laid/ female and hatchability i.e. 31.52 ± 1.18% when both males and females were crossed emerged from treated culture in case of 1st instar exposed larvae. Such pairs showed maximum sterility also when emerged from 15 ppm concentration of food in 1st instar exposure. Fecundity, fertility and sterility comparatively decreased in 2nd, 3rd and 4thinstar larvae due to their comparatively poor exposure duration. Such knowledge may offcourse be beneficial for the effective control of rice-moth in particular and lepidopterous pest in general in eco-friendly way.

Breastfeeding is a critical aspect of infant care that provides numerous benefits for both infants and mothers. The socio-cultural changes of the 21st century require optimisation of this practice and research into the physiological stages of milk secretion, including the hormonal regulation of lactation and factors that influence breast secretion, which is crucial for supporting breastfeeding and improving the overall well-being of infants and mothers. The purpose of the work was to investigate current views on breastfeeding support through a comprehensive review of the existing literature, with a particular focus on studies on the physiological stages of milk secretion during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We used bibliographic, analytical and regulatory search methods. The review contributes to the deepening of knowledge and understanding of breastfeeding, emphasising its importance for newborn care and maternal well-being. The material covers a wide range of factors that influence lactation as a physiological process and breastfeeding as a social practice. The findings highlight the physiological basis of the lactation process: the key role of prolactin and oxytocin in initiating and maintaining milk secretion, internal (hormonal imbalances, breast anatomy and surgery), and external factors such as the mother’s somatic condition, including gestational diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome. The positive aspects of breastfeeding for both the child and the mother are analysed. The various positive effects of this practice on the child are considered, including the most favourable balance of nutrients in the mother’s milk, the formation of passive immunity and the maintenance of a healthy intestinal microbiota. Particular attention is paid to the changing views on infant feeding in light of social and economic changes in the early 21st century, including the growing role of artificial formula and the challenges of natural feeding in the workplace. Practical implications: it provides a basis for developing evidence-based interventions to improve the breastfeeding experience and well-being of both infants and mothers while informing healthcare professionals, policymakers, and support groups.

Simple Summary: Cocaine, a widely used drug, can influence sexual behavior. It has been shown, especially in mammals, that cocaine can cause various disorders of sexual activity and gonadal dysfunction in both sexes. Cocaine has been found to alter the cell cycle, alter the meiotic spindle, induce apoptosis, and alter sperm motility. This review provides an overview of the main effects of cocaine on spermatogenesis and oogenesis, laying the groundwork for future investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction of cocaine and its metabolites with germ cells. Cocaine is one of the most widely used drugs that, due to its molecular properties, causes various behavioral alterations, including sexual behavior. In vivo and in vitro studies conducted mainly in mammals have shown various disorders of sexual activity and morpho-functional dysfunctions of the gonads in both sexes. Although the modalities are still unclear, cocaine has been shown to alter the cell cycle, induce apoptosis, and alter sperm motility. In females, this drug alters the formation of the meiotic spindle as well as may obstruct the ovulation mechanism of mature oocytes. The data provided in this review, in addition to reviewing the current literature on the main effects of cocaine on spermatogenesis and oogenesis mainly in mammals, will hopefully provide a basic overview that may help and support further future studies on the molecular interaction of cocaine and its metabolites with germ cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), transmits a variety of pathogens and synthesizes nearly ten protein substances that trigger human allergies and asthma. With its strong fecundity and super resistance to various kinds of chemical pesticides, B. germanica is currently regarded as the most difficult to control global, household, insect pest. B. germanica uses sex pheromones for communication between the sexes. These pheromones are synthesized by sexually mature adult females. Their main function is to attract and stimulate male courtship and induce mating. Sex pheromone biosynthesis is therefore one of the core steps of sexual communication in this species. Articles on the regulation of sex pheromone synthesis in B. germanica have gradually increased in recent years, however, there has so far been no critical review summarizing progress and prospects for future research. This paper reviews important progress in research on contact sex pheromone biosynthesis and molecular regulation in B. germanica over the past three decades. It introduces researches on chemical composition and biosynthetic sites, focuses on the identification and characterization of key enzymatic genes involved in the sex pheromone biosynthesis pathway and the regulation of sex pheromone synthesis by the coordination between sex differentiation and juvenile hormone signaling. Prospects for future research are outlined with the aim of providing new theoretical support to develop new strategies for regulating cockroach behavior and new cockroach baits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the present study aims to evaluate body composition and its relationship with hormonal control in acromegaly, also comparing the performance of Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), a more accessible method, with dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), technology frequently used in current studies. Methods: we studied 28 patients (78% female) of whom 13 with active disease, mean age was 52.11 ± 12.53 years; 64% had high blood pressure (HBP) and 50% had type 2 diabetes (T2D). Results: Although patients with controlled disease had lower serum GH (1.2 ± 1.68µg/L vs 6.61 ± 6.40µg/L, p=0.001) and IGF-1 (158.89 ± 54.53ng/mL and 503.31 ± 253.25ng/mL, p<0.001), they did not differ in body composition: percentage of fat mass: 36.13 ± 11.84% vs 37.73 ± 8.76%, p=0.691 for BIA and 37.10 ± 10.21% vs 37.89 ± 7.32%, p=0.819 for DXA; muscle mass parameters, BIA: FFMI 18.68 ± 2.38kg/m2 vs 19.14 ± 1.59kg/m2, p=0.560; SMI 10.17 ± 1.39kg/m2 vs 10.53 ± 1.01kg/m2, p=0.438; DXA: Baumgartner 7.99 ± 1.43kg/m2 vs 8.02 ± 1.24kg/m2, p=0.947, respectively for controlled and active disease. Patients with controlled acromegaly had lower fasting glucose (110.33 ± 55.48mg/dL vs 129.77 ± 40.17mg/dL, p=0.033) and were less likely to have persistent T2D (28.6 vs 71.4%, p=0.008) and HBP (38.9 vs 61.1%, p=0.049). There were strong positive correlations between BIA and DXA for fat mass (r=0.929, p<0.001) and muscle mass parameters: SMI X Baumgartner: r=0.890, p<0.001; and FFMI X Baumgartner: r=0.868, p<0.001. Conclusion: our data showed similar results in body composition assessment by BIA and DXA, with good correlation between the methods, regardless of the hormonal status of acromegaly. Furthermore, in patients with adequate hormonal control, there was preservation of muscle mass and a lower prevalence of metabolic comorbidities, such as T2D and HBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introductionthe present study aims to evaluate body composition and its relationship with hormonal control in acromegaly, also comparing the performance of Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), a more accessible method, with dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), technology frequently used in current studies. Methodswe studied 28 patients (78% female) of whom 13 with active disease, mean age was 52.11 ± 12.53 years; 64% had high blood pressure (HBP) and 50% had type 2 diabetes (T2D).ResultsAlthough patients with controlled disease had lower serum GH (1.2 ± 1.68µg/L vs 6.61 ± 6.40µg/L, p=0.001) and IGF-1 (158.89 ± 54.53ng/mL and 503.31 ± 253.25ng/mL, p

This review presents a synthesis of shark bioluminescence knowledge. Up to date, bioluminescent sharks are found only in Squaliformes, and specifically in Etmopteridae, Dalatiidae and Somniosidae families. The state-of-the-art knowledge about the evolution, ecological functions, histological structure, the associated squamation and physiological control of the photogenic organs of these elusive deep-sea sharks is presented. Special focus is given to their unique and singular hormonal luminescence control mechanism. In this context, the implication of the photophore-associated extraocular photoreception—which complements the visual adaptations of bioluminescent sharks to perceive residual downwelling light and luminescence in dim light environment—in the hormonally based luminescence control is depicted in detail. Similarities and differences between shark families are highlighted and support the hypothesis of an evolutionary unique ancestral appearance of luminescence in elasmobranchs. Finally, potential areas for future research on shark luminescence are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To identify testicular adrenal rest tumors (TARTs) prevalence among children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and to assess hormonal control role as a contributing factor for TART development. Testicular adrenal rest tumors are benign tumors complicating CAH. It affects adult males with CAH commonly, with a reported prevalence of 40% on average, and up to 94%. There is insufficient data regarding their prevalence in children aged above 4 years and adolescents. Methods: This descriptive study included 21 children and adolescents with CAH (17 salt wasting type, 4 non salt wasting type) aged 4-20 years who were screened for TARTs by routine testicular ultrasonography from October 2012 to December 2020 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Serum adrenocorticotropic hormone, 17-hydroxy progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and luteinizing hormone levels were measured. Results: Testicular adrenal rest tumors were detected in 6 (28%) patients (median age: 12.5 years). The youngest affected child was 8 years old. All patients with TARTs were asymptomatic with impalpable testicular masses at the time of detection. Bilateral involvement was observed in 5 patients, while one patient had unilateral involvement. All patients with TARTs had poor hormonal control, and 4 patients had advanced bone age. Conclusion: Testicular adrenal rest tumors development has been shown to correlate with poor hormonal control. Annual screening of young children with CAH for TART development is crucial, even for asymptomatic or with impalpable testicular masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, which facilitates more than 300 enzymatic reactions. Magnesium is essential for nucleic material and protein synthesis, neuromuscular conduction, cardiac contractility, energy metabolism, and immune system function. Gastrointestinal system and kidneys closely regulate magnesium absorption and elimination to maintain adequate storage of magnesium. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to many diseases and poor health outcomes. Magnesium has also been proven to be an effective therapeutic agent in many diseases, such as bronchial asthma, cardiac arrhythmia, and pre-eclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) belongs to the Solanaceae family and is the second most important fruit or vegetable crop next to potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). It is cultivated for fresh fruit and processed products. Tomatoes contain many health-promoting compounds including vitamins, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. In addition to its economic and nutritional importance, tomatoes have become the model for the study of fleshy fruit development. Tomato is a climacteric fruit and dramatic metabolic changes occur during its fruit development. In this review, we provide an overview of our current understanding of tomato fruit metabolism. We begin by detailing the genetic and hormonal control of fruit development and ripening, after which we document the primary metabolism of tomato fruits, with a special focus on sugar, organic acid, and amino acid metabolism. Links between primary and secondary metabolic pathways are further highlighted by the importance of pigments, flavonoids, and volatiles for tomato fruit quality. Finally, as tomato plants are sensitive to several abiotic stresses, we briefly summarize the effects of adverse environmental conditions on tomato fruit metabolism and quality.

Background: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a chronic disorder causing adrenal insufficiency and hyperandrogenism affecting the quality of life (QOL). The objective of the study was to assess the health-related QOL (HRQOL) in Egyptian children and adolescents with CAH and to identify factors affecting it. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 200 CAH patients (with 21-hydroxylase deficiency [21-OHD]) who were assessed according to their age, sex, clinical phenotype, timing of genitoplasty, hospital admissions within the last year, compliance to treatment, regularity of follow-up, presence of complications and hormonal control. HRQOL was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO)QOL-BREF questionnaire with four domains analyzed independently including physical, psychological, social and environmental domains, with higher scores indicating better QOL. Results: The study included 140 females and 60 males with a mean age of 6.6 ± 4.5 years, and 88% were salt-wasting (SW). Older patients had significantly lower QOL scores (r = − 0.151, p = 0.033). The physical domain correlated significantly with the degree of virilization (r = − 0.491, p = 0.001) and frequency of hospitalization (r = − 0.495, p < 0.001). The psychological domain was affected by age (r = − 0.157, p = 0.026) and timing of genitoplasty (r = − 0.326, p = 0.001), while the social domain was affected by age (r = −0.277, p < 0.005) and pubertal stage (r = − 0.195, p = 0.006). Females had lower scores at the psychological domain (p < 0.001), whereas males had lower scores at the physical domain (p = 0.003). Salt-losing patients had lower scores at the physical domain (p = 0.001). Patients with good hormonal control had higher scores at the physical domain (p = 0.03). Genitoplasty affected both psychological and social domains (p = 0.003 and 0.01, respectively). Patients with hypertension and hirsutism had lower QOL scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions: HRQOL was relatively more affected in CAH patients with older age, poor hormonal control, high frequency of hospital admissions and those who developed complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) belongs to the Solanaceae family and is the second most important fruit or vegetable crop next to potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). It is cultivated for fresh fruit and processed products. Tomatoes contain many health-promoting compounds including vitamins, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. In addition to its economic and nutritional importance, tomatoes have become the model for the study of fleshy fruit development. Tomato is a climacteric fruit and dramatic metabolic changes occur during its fruit development. In this review, we provide an overview of our current understanding of tomato fruit metabolism. We begin by detailing the genetic and hormonal control of fruit development and ripening, after which we document the primary metabolism of tomato fruits, with a special focus on sugar, organic acid, and amino acid metabolism. Links between primary and secondary metabolic pathways are further highlighted by the importance of pigments, flavonoids, and volatiles for tomato fruit quality. Finally, as tomato plants are sensitive to several abiotic stresses, we briefly summarize the effects of adverse environmental conditions on tomato fruit metabolism and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stolonization in syllid annelids is a unique mode of reproduction among animals. During the breeding season, a structure resembling the adult but containing only gametes, called stolon, is formed generally at the posterior end of the animal. When stolons mature, they detach from the adult and gametes are released into the water column. The process is synchronized within each species, and it has been reported to be under environmental and endogenous control, probably via endocrine regulation. To further understand reproduction in syllids and to elucidate the molecular toolkit underlying stolonization, we generated Illumina RNA-seq data from different tissues of reproductive and nonreproductive individuals of Syllis magdalena and characterized gene expression during the stolonization process. Several genes involved in gametogenesis (ovochymase, vitellogenin, testis-specific serine/threonine-kinase), immune response (complement receptor 2), neuronal development (tyrosine-protein kinase Src42A), cell proliferation (alpha-1D adrenergic receptor), and steroid metabolism (hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2) were found differentially expressed in the different tissues and conditions analyzed. In addition, our findings suggest that several neurohormones, such as methyl farnesoate, dopamine, and serotonin, might trigger stolon formation, the correct maturation of gametes and the detachment of stolons when gametogenesis ends. The process seems to be under circadian control, as indicated by the expression patterns of r-opsins. Overall, our results shed light into the genes that orchestrate the onset of gamete formation and improve our understanding of how some hormones, previously reported to be involved in reproduction and metamorphosis processes in other invertebrates, seem to also regulate reproduction via stolonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classical concepts of human sodium balance include 1) a total pool of Na+ of ≈4,200 mmol (total body sodium, TBS) distributed primarily in the extracellular fluid (ECV) and bone, 2) intake variations of 0.03 to ≈6 mmol·kg body mass-1·day-1, 3) asymptotic transitions between steady states with a halftime (T½) of 21 h, 4) changes in TBS driven by sodium intake measuring ≈1.3 day [ΔTBS/Δ(Na+ intake/day)], 5) adjustment of Na+ excretion to match any diet thus providing metabolic steady state, and 6) regulation of TBS via controlled excretion (90-95% renal) mediated by surrogate variables. The present focus areas include 1) uneven, nonosmotic distribution of increments in TBS primarily in "skin," 2) long-term instability of TBS during constant Na+ intake, and 3) physiological regulation of renal Na+ excretion primarily by neurohumoral mechanisms dependent on ECV rather than arterial pressure. Under physiological conditions 1) the nonosmotic distribution of Na+ seems conceptually important, but quantitatively ill defined; 2) long-term variations in TBS represent significant deviations from steady state, but the importance is undetermined; and 3) the neurohumoral mechanisms of sodium homeostasis competing with pressure natriuresis are essential for systematic analysis of short-term and long-term regulation of TBS. Sodium homeostasis and blood pressure regulation are intimately related. Real progress is slow and will accelerate only through recognition of the present level of ignorance. Nonosmotic distribution of sodium, pressure natriuresis, and volume-mediated regulation of renal sodium excretion are essential intertwined concepts in need of clear definitions, conscious models, and future attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of areas affected by drought worldwide has a negative effect on yield and crops production, making water deficits the most significant abiotic stress that limits the growth and development of plants. The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is a strategy that mitigates the effects of this stress in a sustainable way, given the increase in the tolerance to water deficit stress in plants inoculated with these fungi; however, the exact mechanism is unknown because the response depends on the water-deficit stress type and is specific to the AMF and the plant. This review describes the mechanisms that explain how the AMF colonization of roots can modify the response of plants during a water deficit, as well as its relationship with physiological processes that determine yield, photosynthesis and photoassimilate partitioning. These mechanisms may include modifications in the content of plant hormones, such as strigolactones, jasmonic acid (JA) and absicic acid (ABA). The JA appears to be involved in the stress signal in mycorrhizal plants through an increase of ABA concentrations and, at the same time, ABA has a regulating effect on strigolactone concentrations. Also, there is improvement of plant water status, stomatal conductance, nutritional status and plant responses to cope with a water deficit, such as osmotic adjustment, and antioxidant activity. These modifications cause an increase in CO2 assimilation and photoassimilate production, improving plant growth during a drought.

Aims: This retrospective audit of long-term outcomes and treatment sequelae with conventional radiotherapy (RT) is presented with an objective to provide baseline data with which outcomes of high precision techniques (fractionated radiosurgery and intensity-modulated RT [IMRT]) may be compared. Materials and Methods: Between the years 1990 and 2012, a total of 182 patients of pituitary adenoma were registered in the Department of Radiotherapy. Of these, 156 received RT. Immobilization consisted of a plaster of Paris cast (1990–1995), acrylic cast (1996–2000), a three-point head fixation thermoplastic cast (2001–2006), and now we are using “U”-IMRT thermoplastic cast since 2007 onward. A 2-field technique was used in 7% patients, whereas in the remaining 93% patients, 3-field technique was used. Forty-seven percent of patients were treated on a telecobalt unit and the remaining 53% patients on 6 MV linear accelerator. Rectangular fields, no field shaping, and appropriate wedges were used with mean field sizes (standard deviation [SD] and range) being 41.4 cm2 (16, 25–100). Mean dose (SD, range) was 47.5 Gy (SD 3.2; range 45–55) given in 1.8–2.0 Gy/fraction, 5 fractions/week. Results: Sixty percent of patients were (93/156) males. Median age was 37 years (mean - 37, SD - 13.2, range 12–66); 40.4% (63/156) had functional tumors. Presenting features were mainly headache 125 (80%), field defects 91 (58.3%), menstrual disturbances 33 (53% of women), and acromegalic features 38 (24.4%). Suprasellar extension, 129 (82.7%), was most common. All patients underwent resection; out of them, 28.2% patients had multiple surgeries. At a median (range) follow-up of 33 months (2–212) of all patients, the estimated freedom from progression was 96% at 2 years and 92% at 5 and 10 years with no patient failing beyond 18 months. Conclusions: Conventional external RT as described in postoperative cases of pituitary adenoma is safe and effective for tumor control with a median time to normalization of hormonal hypersecretion being about 30 months.

How the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system affects osmoregulation in basal vertebrates remains unknown. We examined changes in the expression of components of the GH/IGF axis and gill ion transporters during metamorphosis and following seawater (SW) exposure of sea lamprey. During metamorphosis, increases in gill nka and nkcc1 and salinity tolerance were accompanied by increases in pituitary gh , liver igf1 , gill ghr and igf1 , but not liver ghr. SW exposure of fully metamorphosed sea lamprey resulted in slight increases in plasma chloride concentrations after SW exposure, indicating a high level of SW tolerance, but no major changes in mRNA levels of gill ion transporters or components of the GH/IGF axis. Our results indicate that metamorphosis is a critical point in the lifecycle of sea lamprey for stimulation of the GH/IGF axis and is temporally associated with and likely promotes metamorphosis and SW tolerance. • The GH/IGF axis developed early in the vertebrate lineage. • Metamorphosis is key in the lifecycle of sea lamprey for stimulation of the GH/IGF axis. • The role of GH/IGF axis is osmoregulation evolved early in vertebrate evolution. • The GH/IGF axis in sea lamprey works similarly to that of teleost fishes. • In sea lamprey, gill ion secretion mechanisms develop prior to ocean entry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No obstante la importancia nutricional e industrial de las proteínas lácteas, aún no están completamente comprendidos los mecanismos que controlan su síntesis y concentración. Entre las distintas hormonas que regulan el metabolismo de la glándula mamaria, la insulina ha recibido mayor atención debido a su estrecha relación con el metabolismo energético y proteico de los animales y debido al marcado efecto que ha mostrado tener sobre la producción y concentración de proteínas lácteas. Existen al menos tres mecanismos a través de los cuales esta hormona parece contribuir al incremento en la síntesis y concentración de proteínas lácteas, los cuales son revisados en este documento: distribución de nutrientes hacia la glándula mamaria, regulación en la expresión de genes de caseínas e incremento en la tasa de iniciación de la síntesis de las proteínas a nivel postranscripcional.Não obstante a importância nutricional e industrial das proteínas lácteas, ainda não estão completamente compreendidos os mecanismos que controlam seu interesse e concentração. Entre os diferentes hormônios que regulam o metabolismo da glândula mamaria, a insulina há recebido maior atenção devido a sua estreita relação com o metabolismo energético e protéico dos animais e devido ao mercado, efeito que tem mostrado sobre a produção e concentração das proteínas lácteas. Existem pelo menos três marcadores a traves dos quais este hormônio parece contribuir ao incremento na síntese e concentração das proteínas lácteas, os quais são revisados: distribuição de nutrientes até a glândula mamária, regulação na expressão de genes de caseínas e incremento na taxa de iniciação da síntese das proteínas a nível pós transcripcional.In spite of the nutritional and industrial importance of milk proteins the mechanisms that control their synthesis and concentration still are not completely understood. Among the different hormones that participate in the mammary gland metabolism, insulin has received higher attention due to its close relationship with the energetic and protein metabolism in dairy cows and to its marked effect on the production and concentration of milk proteins. There are at least three mechanisms by which this hormone seems to contribute to increase in the synthesis and concentration of milk protein that are reviewed in this paper: nutrient distribution to mammary gland, regulation of gene expression of caseins and the rate of initiation of protein synthesis at post-transcriptional level.

Rhodnius prolixus , a major vector of Chagas disease, may be considered the model upon which the foundations of insect physiology and biochemistry were built. It is an obligate blood feeder in which the blood meal triggers growth, development and reproduction. The blood meal also triggers a post-prandial diuresis to maintain osmotic homeostasis. In R. prolixus , as with other insects, the Malpighian tubules play a critical role in this diuresis, and much has been learned about diuresis in R. prolixus , and in other model insects. But the post-genomic era has brought new insights, identifying functions quite apart from diuresis for Malpighian tubules. Indeed, microarrays, transcriptomes, and proteomics have revealed the major roles that Malpighian tubules play in immunity, detoxification, pesticide resistance, and in tolerance to overall stress. This is particularly relevant to R. prolixus since gorging on blood creates several challenges in addition to osmotic balance. Xenobiotics may be present in the blood or toxins may be produced by metabolism of blood; and these must be neutralized and excreted. These processes have not been well described at the molecular level for Malpighian tubules of R. prolixus. This paper will review the involvement of Malpighian tubules in immunity and detoxification, identifying new aspects for Malpighian tubule physiology of R. prolixus by virtue of a transcriptome analysis. The transcriptome analysis indicates the potential of Malpighian tubules of R. prolixus to mount a robust innate immune response, and to contribute to antioxidant production and heme detoxification., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Orchard, Al-Dailami, Leyria and Lange.)

The renewal of the natural resources is one of the most concerning aspects of modern farming. In animal production, there are many barriers breeders and researchers have to overcome to develop new practices to improve reproductive potential and hasten sexual maturation of the commercially viable species, while maintaining meat quality and sustainability. With the utilization of molecular biology techniques, there have been relevant advances in the knowledge of spermatogenesis, especially in mammals, resulting in new possibilities to control male fertility and the selection of desirable characteristics. Most of these discoveries have not been implemented in animal production. In this review, recent studies are highlighted on the molecular pathways involved in spermatogenesis in the context of animal production. There is also exploration of the interaction between environmental factors and spermatogenesis and how this knowledge may revolutionize animal production techniques. Furthermore, new insights are described about the inheritance of desired characteristics in mammals and there is a review of nefarious actions of pollutants, nutrition, and metabolism on reproductive potential in subsequent generations. Even though there are these advances in knowledge base, results from recent studies indicate there are previously unrecognized environmental effects on spermatogenesis. The molecular mechanisms underlying this interaction are not well understood. Research in spermatogenesis, therefore, remains pivotal as a pillar of animal production sustainability. • An adequate nutritional status is crucial to achieve normal spermatogenesis. • Environmental factors can modulate the inheritance of desirable characteristics. • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals disrupt both the endocrine and reproductive systems. • Epigenetic factors regulate spermatogenesis and embryo development in mammalians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In insects that lay eggs in large clutches, yolk accumulation in each of the many ovarioles is restricted to the basal (terminal) oocyte, the one closest to the lateral oviduct. All succeeding (subterminal) oocytes remain small until the terminal oocytes finished their development and were ovulated into the oviduct. The major step regulating yolk uptake by terminal oocytes is the formation of gaps between cells of the follicle layer, a process termed patency. In the migratory as well as in the desert locust, patency is induced by a Patency Inducing Factor (PIF) produced by the lateral oviducts. PIF is secreted in all regions of the lateral oviducts and interacts with the basal follicle cells via the pedicel, a fine duct that connects an ovariole with the oviduct. By this mechanism, patency is triggered in the follicle cells of the terminal oocyte only, restricting yolk accumulation to the oocytes next to ovulation. In contrast to the previous hypothesis, juvenile hormone (JH) is not necessary to induce patency, rather JH amplifies the effect of PIF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eggs from oviparous organisms contain large amounts of vitellus, or yolk, wich are utilized by the growing embryo. Vitellogenesis is the process of vitellus accumulation and involves massive heterosynthetic synthesis of the protein vitellogenin (Vg) and its deposition in the oocyte. This work summarizes data on Vg structure, synthesis, uptake by oocytes and its fate during embryogenesis. The hormonal control of vitellogenesis and its tissue, sex and temporal regulation are also discussed. Where it is available, data on structure and expression of Vg-coding genes are reviewed. Insect vitellogenesis is priorized although other oviparous animal groups outside insects are also treated.

Introduction: Of the nearly 1.4 million new cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year, a large proportion is characterized as hormone receptor negative, lacking estrogen receptors (ER) and/or progesterone receptors (PR). Patients with receptor-negative tumors do not respond to current steroid hormone-based therapies and generally have significantly higher risk of recurrence and mortality compared with patients with tumors that are ER- and/or PR-positive. Previous in vitro studies had shown that the progesterone metabolites, 5α-dihydroprogesterone (5αP) and 3α-dihydroprogesterone (3αHP), respectively, exhibit procancer and anticancer effects on receptor-negative human breast cell lines. Here in vivo studies were conducted to investigate the ability of 5αP and 3αHP to control initiation, growth, and regression of ER/PR-negative human breast cell tumors. Methods: ER/PR-negative human breast cells (MDA-MB-231) were implanted into mammary fat pads of immunosuppressed mice, and the effects of 5αP and 3αHP treatments on tumor initiation, growth, suppression/ regression, and histopathology were assessed in five separate experiments. Specific radioimmunoassays and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to measure 5αP, 3αHP, and progesterone in mouse serum and tumors. Results: Onset and growth of ER/PR-negative human breast cell tumors were significantly stimulated by 5αP and inhibited by 3αHP. When both hormones were applied simultaneously, the stimulatory effects of 5αP were abrogated by the inhibitory effects of 3αHP and vice versa. Treatment with 3αHP subsequent to 5αP-induced tumor initiation resulted in suppression of further tumorigenesis and regression of existing tumors. The levels of 5αP in tumors, regardless of treatment, were about 10-fold higher than the levels of 3αHP, and the 5αP:3αHP ratios were about fivefold higher than in serum, indicating significant changes in endogenous synthesis of these hormones in tumorous breast tissues. Conclusions: The studies showed that estrogen/progesterone-insensitive breast tumors are sensitive to, and controlled by, the progesterone metabolites 5αP and 3αHP. Tumorigenesis of ER/PR-negative breast cells is significantly enhanced by 5αP and suppressed by 3αHP, the outcome depending on the relative concentrations of these two hormones in the microenvironment in the breast regions. The findings show that the production of 5αP greatly exceeds that of 3αHP in ER/PR-negative tumors and that treatment with 3αHP can effectively block tumorigenesis and cause existing tumors to regress. The results provide the first hormonal theory to explain tumorigenesis of ER/PR-negative breast tissues and support the hypothesis that a high 3αHP-to-5αP concentration ratio in the microenvironment may foster normalcy in noncancerous breast regions. The findings suggest new diagnostics based on the relative levels of these hormones and new approaches to prevention and treatment of breast cancers based on regulating the levels and action mechanisms of anti- and pro-cancer progesterone metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit-pathogen interactions are a valuable biological system to study the role of plant development in the transition from resistance to susceptibility. In general, unripe fruit are resistant to pathogen infection but become increasingly more susceptible as they ripen. During ripening, fruit undergo significant physiological and biochemical changes that are coordinated by complex regulatory and hormonal signaling networks. The interplay between multiple plant stress hormones in the interaction between plant vegetative tissues and microbial pathogens has been documented extensively, but the relevance of these hormones during infections of fruit is unclear. In this work, we analyzed a transcriptome study of tomato fruit infected with Botrytis cinerea in order to profile the expression of genes for the biosynthesis, modification and signal transduction of ethylene (ET), salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and abscisic acid (ABA), hormones that may be not only involved in ripening, but also in fruit interactions with pathogens. The changes in relative expression of key genes during infection and assays of susceptibility of fruit with impaired synthesis or perception of these hormones were used to formulate hypotheses regarding the involvement of these regulators in the outcome of the tomato fruit-B. cinerea interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hormonal regulation is essential to spermatogenesis. Sertoli cells (SCs) have functions that reach far beyond the physical support of germ cells, as they are responsible for creating the adequate ionic and metabolic environment for germ cell development. Thus, much attention has been given to the metabolic functioning of SCs. During spermatogenesis, germ cells are provided with suitable metabolic substrates, in a set of events mediated by SCs. Multiple signaling cascades regulate SC function and several of these signaling pathways are hormone-dependent and cell-specific. Within the seminiferous tubules, only SCs possess receptors for some hormones rendering them major targets for the hormonal signaling that regulates spermatogenesis. Although the mechanisms by which SCs fulfill their own and germ cells metabolic needs are mostly studied in vitro, SC metabolism is unquestionably a regulation point for germ cell development and the hormonal control of these processes is required for a normal spermatogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]