RESUMO
Although men's attraction to women's body odour has been suggested to vary over the ovulatory cycle, peaking around the fertile window, we still lack methodologically robust evidence corroborating this effect. Further, the chemical underpinnings of male preference for the odour of ovulating women remain unknown. Here, we combined perceptual and chemical analyses to investigate the axillary odour of naturally cycling women over 10 days, covering the gradual change in fertility across the ovulatory cycle with a focus on fertile days. The fertile state was confirmed by urinary ovulation tests as well as salivary oestradiol and progesterone levels. Men rated the scent of unfamiliar women, resembling a first encounter. We used multivariate analyses to relate variation in both odour ratings and chemical composition to female conception probability, temporal distance to ovulation and ovarian hormone levels. Our results provide no evidence that males prefer the odour of fertile women. Furthermore, the volatile analysis indicated no link between axillary odour composition and current fertility status. Together, our results showed no convincing support for a chemical fertility cue in women's axillary odour, questioning the presence of olfactory fertility information that is recognizable during first encounters in modern humans.
Assuntos
Odorantes , Ovulação , Axila , Odorantes/análise , Fertilidade , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto Jovem , Adulto , Estradiol/análise , Progesterona/análiseRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Coated blade spray (CBS) represents an innovative approach that utilizes solid-phase microextraction principles for sampling and sample preparation. When combined with ambient mass spectrometry (MS), it can also serve as an electrospray ionization source. Therefore, it became a promising tool in analytical applications as it can significantly reduce the analysis time. However, the current CBS coatings are based on the immobilization of extractive particles in bulk polymeric glue, which constrains the diffusion of the analytes to reach the extractive phase; therefore, the full reward of the system cannot be taken at pre-equilibrium. This has sparked the notion of developing new CBS probes that exhibit enhanced kinetics. RESULTS: With this aim, to generate a new extractive phase with improved extraction kinetics, poly(divinylbenzene) (PDVB) nanoparticles were synthesized by mini-emulsion polymerization and then immobilized into sub-micrometer (in diameter) sized polyacrylonitrile fibers which were obtained by electrospinning method. Following the optimization and characterization studies, the electrospun-coated blades were used to determine cholesterol, testosterone, and progesterone in plasma spots using the CBS-MS approach. For testosterone and progesterone, 10 ng mL-1 limits of quantification could be obtained, which was 200 ng mL-1 for cholesterol in spot-sized samples without including any pre-treatment steps to samples prior to extraction. SIGNIFICANCE: The comparison of the initial kinetics for dip-coated and electrospun-coated CBS probes proved that the electrospinning process could enhance the extraction kinetics; therefore, it can be used for more sensitive analyses. The total analysis time with this method, from sample preparation to instrumental analysis, takes only 7 min, which suggests that the new probes are promising for fast diagnostic applications.
Assuntos
Colesterol , Humanos , Colesterol/sangue , Colesterol/análise , Testosterona/sangue , Testosterona/análise , Progesterona/sangue , Progesterona/análise , Microextração em Fase Sólida/métodos , Nanopartículas/química , Resinas Acrílicas/químicaRESUMO
Fecal samples are a non-invasive and relatively accessible matrix for investigating physiological processes in resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) populations. The high lipid content of the diet (primarily salmonids) leads to lower density fecal material and slower dispersion, facilitating sample collection. As fecal discharge is relatively infrequent and the volume of sample is variable, maximizing analytical options is an important consideration. Here we present an extraction methodology to measure hormones and lipid content from the same fecal aliquot. Lipid extractions are commonly conducted using chloroform and methanol from Folch or Bligh and Dyer (B&D), while alcohol is the primary solvent for hormone extraction. We evaluated the possibility of using the methanol layer from lipid extractions to assess fecal steroid hormone levels. Folch and B&D methanol residues were assayed form metabolites of progesterone (PMs) and corticosterone (GCs), and results were compared to aliquots extracted in 70 % ethanol. Hormone concentrations measured in the methanol layer from Folch and B&D extractions were 55 % to 79 % lower than concentrations in 70 % ethanol. We developed mathematical corrections, using linear regression models fitted to Folch or B&D methanol vs 70 % ethanol hormone concentrations (p < 0.01). Fecal concentrations of PMs and GCs from methanol extractions were biologically validated and are significantly higher in confirmed pregnant females compared to non-pregnant individuals (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that lipid extraction protocols may be used for the analysis of multiple biomarkers, maximizing the use of small-volume samples.
Assuntos
Fezes , Orca , Animais , Feminino , Corticosterona/metabolismo , Corticosterona/análise , Fezes/química , Lipídeos/análise , Progesterona/análise , Progesterona/metabolismo , Orca/metabolismoRESUMO
Progesterone (PROG) and estrone (E1) are typical reproductive hormones in dairy cows. Assessing the levels of these hormones in vivo can aid in estrus identification. In the present work, the feasibility of the qualitative and quantitative detection of PROG and E1 using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and metamaterial technology was preliminarily investigated. First, the time domain spectra, frequency domain spectra, and absorption coefficients of PROG and E1 samples were collected and analyzed. A vibration analysis was conducted using density functional theory (DFT). Subsequently, a double-ring (DR) metamaterial structure was designed and simulated using the frequency domain solution algorithm in CST Studio Suite (CST) software. This aimed to ensure that the double resonance peaks of DR were similar to the absorption peaks of PROG and E1. Finally, the response of DR to different concentrations of PROG/E1 was analyzed and quantitatively modeled. The results show that a qualitative analysis can be conducted by comparing the corresponding DR resonance peak changes in PROG and E1 samples at various concentrations. The best R2 for the PROG quantitative model was 0.9872, while for E1, it was 0.9828. This indicates that terahertz spectral-metamaterial technology for the qualitative and quantitative detection of the typical reproductive hormones PROG and E1 in dairy cows is feasible and worthy of in-depth exploration. This study provides a reference for the identification of dairy cow estrus.
Assuntos
Estrona , Progesterona , Espectroscopia Terahertz , Bovinos , Animais , Progesterona/análise , Feminino , Espectroscopia Terahertz/métodos , Estrona/análise , Indústria de LaticíniosRESUMO
PURPOSE: To determine correlations between chemicals in follicular fluid (FF) and follicular reproductive hormone levels. METHODS: The analysis was part of a larger cohort study to determine associations between exposure to EDCs and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. FF was aspirated from a single leading follicle per participant. Demographics and data on exposure to EDCs were self-reported by the participants using a questionnaire. The concentrations of estradiol (E2), progesterone (PG), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), and inhibin B, as well as that of 12 phthalate metabolites and 12 phenolic chemicals were measured in each FF sample. Multivariate linear regression model was used to identify the drivers of hormone levels based on participant's age, BMI, smoking status, and chemical exposure for the monitored chemicals detected in more than 50% of the samples. Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) correction was applied on the resulting p values (q value). RESULTS: FF samples were obtained from 72 women (mean age 30.9 years). Most of the phthalates and phenolic substances monitored (21/24, 88%) were identified in FF. Ten compounds (7 phthalate metabolites, 3 phenols) were found in more than 50% of samples. In addition, there were positive associations between E2 levels and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) (beta = 0.01) and mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) (beta = 0.03) levels (q value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Higher concentrations of several phthalate metabolites, present among others in personal care products, were associated with increased E2 levels in FF. The results emphasize the need to further investigate the mechanisms of action of such EDCs on hormonal cyclicity and fertility in women.
Assuntos
Hormônio Antimülleriano , Disruptores Endócrinos , Estradiol , Fertilização in vitro , Líquido Folicular , Ácidos Ftálicos , Progesterona , Humanos , Líquido Folicular/metabolismo , Líquido Folicular/química , Feminino , Adulto , Disruptores Endócrinos/análise , Ácidos Ftálicos/metabolismo , Ácidos Ftálicos/análise , Estradiol/análise , Estradiol/metabolismo , Progesterona/análise , Progesterona/metabolismo , Hormônio Antimülleriano/metabolismo , Inibinas/metabolismo , Fenóis/análiseRESUMO
Nowadays, novel and efficient signal amplification strategy in electrochemiluminescence (ECL) platform is urgently needed to enhance the sensitivity of biosensor. In this work, the dual ECL signal enhancement strategy was constructed by the interactions of Pd nanoparticles attached covalent organic frameworks (Pd NPs@COFs) with tris (bipyridine) ruthenium (RuP) and Exonuclease III (Exo.III) cycle reaction. Within this strategy, the COFs composite was generated from the covalent reaction between 2-nitro-1,4-phenylenediamine (NPD) and trialdehyde phloroglucinol (Tp), and then animated by glutamate (Glu) to attach the Pd NPs. Next, the "signal on" ECL biosensor was constructed by the coordination assembly of thiolation capture DNA (cDNA) onto the Pd NPs@COFs modified electrode. After the aptamer recognition of progesterone (P4) with hairpin DNA 1 (HP1), the Exo. III cycle reaction was initiated with HP2 to generate free DNA, which hybridized with cDNA to form double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). For that, the RuP was embedded into the groove of dsDNA and achieved the ultrasensitive detection of P4 with a lower limit of detection (LOD) down to 0.45 pM, as well as the excellent selectivity and stability. This work expands the COFs-based materials application in ECL signal amplification and valuable DNA cyclic reaction in biochemical testing field.
Assuntos
Técnicas Biossensoriais , Técnicas Eletroquímicas , Exodesoxirribonucleases , Nanopartículas Metálicas , Estruturas Metalorgânicas , Paládio , Progesterona , Nanopartículas Metálicas/química , Estruturas Metalorgânicas/química , Paládio/química , Progesterona/análise , Progesterona/química , Técnicas Biossensoriais/métodos , Técnicas Eletroquímicas/métodos , Exodesoxirribonucleases/química , Exodesoxirribonucleases/metabolismo , Limite de Detecção , Medições Luminescentes/métodos , Humanos , DNA/químicaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Past studies on schizophrenia (SCZ) and the stress-sensitive neuroendocrine systems have mostly focused on a single system and traditionally utilized acute biomarkers (e.g., biomarkers from blood, urine and saliva) that poorly match the chronic course of schizophrenia in time span. Using eight biomarkers in hair, this study aimed to explore the functional characteristics of SCZ patients in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes and the interaction between the two axes. METHODS: Hair samples were taken from 137 SCZ patients and 73 controls. The SCZ patients were diagnosed by their attending physician according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV and were clinically stable after treatment. Gender, age, BMI, frequency of hair washing, marital status, education level, family history of mental illness and clozapine dosage were concurrently collected as covariates. The 10-item perceived stress scale (PSS-10) and the social readjustment rating scale were used to assess chronic stress status in SCZ patients. Eight hair biomarkers, cortisol, cortisone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone, progesterone, cortisol/cortisone, cortisol/DHEA and cortisol/testosterone, were measured by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer. Among them, cortisol, cortisone, DHEA and cortisol/DHEA reflected the functional activity of the HPA axis, and testosterone and progesterone reflected the functional activity of the HPG axis, and cortisol/cortisone reflected the activity of 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase types 2 (11ß-HSD 2), and cortisol/testosterone reflected the HPA-HPG interaction. RESULTS: SCZ patients showed significantly higher cortisone and cortisol/testosterone than controls (p<0.001, η²p=0.180 and p=0.015, η²p=0.031), lower testosterone (p=0.009, η²p=0.034), progesterone (p<0.001, η²p=0.069) and cortisol/cortisone (p=0.001, η²p=0.054). There were significant intergroup differences in male and female progesterone (p=0.003, η²p=0.088 and p=0.030, η²p=0.049) and female testosterone (p=0.028, η²p=0.051). In SCZ patients, cortisol, cortisol/cortisone, cortisol/DHEA and cortisol/testosterone were positively associated with PSS-10 score (ps<0.05, 0.212Assuntos
Biomarcadores
, Cortisona
, Desidroepiandrosterona
, Cabelo
, Hidrocortisona
, Sistema Hipotálamo-Hipofisário
, Sistema Hipófise-Suprarrenal
, Esquizofrenia
, Estresse Psicológico
, Testosterona
, Humanos
, Feminino
, Masculino
, Sistema Hipotálamo-Hipofisário/metabolismo
, Esquizofrenia/metabolismo
, Sistema Hipófise-Suprarrenal/metabolismo
, Sistema Hipófise-Suprarrenal/fisiopatologia
, Cabelo/química
, Cabelo/metabolismo
, Biomarcadores/metabolismo
, Adulto
, Hidrocortisona/metabolismo
, Hidrocortisona/análise
, Cortisona/metabolismo
, Cortisona/análise
, Testosterona/metabolismo
, Testosterona/análise
, Desidroepiandrosterona/metabolismo
, Desidroepiandrosterona/análise
, Estresse Psicológico/metabolismo
, Pessoa de Meia-Idade
, Progesterona/metabolismo
, Progesterona/análise
, Estudos de Casos e Controles
RESUMO
Developing an easy-to-use and non-invasive sensor for monitoring progesterone (P4) as a multi-functional hormone is highly demanded for point-of-care testing. In this study, an ultrasensitive electrochemical aptasensor is fabricated for monitoring P4 in human biofluids. The sensing interface was designed based on the porous nitrogen-doped hollow carbon spheres (N-HCSs). The N-HCSs covalently immobilized high-dense aptamer (Apt) sequences as the bioreceptor of P4. The electron transfer of the redox probe was hindered by incubating P4 on the aptasensor surface and forming the P4-Apt complexes. Meanwhile, the signaling was decreased under two wide linear dynamic ranges (LDRs) from 10 fM to 5.6 µM with a limit of detection (LOD) value of 3.33 fM. The aptasensor presented satisfactory selectivity in the presence of different off-target species with successful feasibility for P4 detection in some human urine and saliva samples. The aptasensor with high sensitivity, as an advantage for on-site and sensitive measurement of P4, can be considered a non-invasive tool for routine analysis of real-world clinical samples method.
Assuntos
Aptâmeros de Nucleotídeos , Técnicas Biossensoriais , Nanosferas , Humanos , Progesterona/análise , Carbono/química , Nitrogênio/química , Aptâmeros de Nucleotídeos/química , Limite de Detecção , Técnicas Biossensoriais/métodos , Técnicas Eletroquímicas/métodosRESUMO
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of solid fuel use on serum sex hormone levels. Furthermore, the effects of improved kitchen ventilation and duration of cooking time on the relationship between solid fuel use and serum sex hormone levels will be further explored. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 5386 individuals were recruited. Gender and menopausal status modified associations between solid fuel type and serum sex hormone levels was investigated through generalized linear models and further analyzed by improving kitchen ventilation and length of cooking time on the relationship between solid fuel use and serum sex hormone levels. To identify the causal association, mendelian randomization of two-sample was performed. RESULTS: In observational analyses, for ln-17-hydroxyprogesterone, ln-testosterone, and ln-androstenedione among premenopausal women, the estimated ß and 95 % CI of sex hormone levels for the effect of solid fuel users was -0.337 (-0.657, -0.017), -0.233 (-0.47, 0.005), and - 0.240 (-0.452, -0.028) respectively, and - 0.150 (-0.296, -0.004) in ln-progesterone among postmenopausal women. It was found that combining solid fuels with long cooking periods or no ventilation more effectively reduced testosterone and androstenedione in premenopausal women. We further found the adverse effects of using solid fuel on progesterone, testosterone, and androstenedione levels were enhanced with the increases of PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and NO2. Corresponding genetic, the causal risk effect of solid fuel were - 0.056 (-0.513, 0.4) and 0.026 (-3.495, 3.547) for testosterone levels and sex hormone binding globulin, respectively. CONCLUSION: Using gas or solid fuel was negatively related to sex hormone levels. A combination of using solid fuels, cooking for a long time, or cooking without ventilation had a stronger effect on sex hormone levels. However, genetic evidence did not support causality for the associations. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ON THIS TOPIC?: The mechanisms underlying these associations household air pollution (HAP) from incomplete combustion of such fuels and occurrence of chronic diseases remained obscure. Recent years, extensive evidences from animal as well as human researches have suggested that progestogen and androgen hormones are involved in the development of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, which indicated that changes in serum progestogen and androgen hormones levels might play a role in these pathological mechanisms. However, limited evidence exists examining the effect of HAP from solid fuel use on serum sex hormone levels.
Assuntos
Poluição do Ar em Ambientes Fechados , Humanos , Feminino , Poluição do Ar em Ambientes Fechados/análise , Estudos Transversais , Progesterona/análise , Progestinas/análise , Androgênios/análise , Androstenodiona/análise , Análise da Randomização Mendeliana , Culinária , Testosterona , ChinaRESUMO
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that can be found in the environment and have adverse effects on human health by mimicking, perturbing and blocking the function of hormones. They are commonly studied in water surfaces, rarely in soils, although it can be an important source of their presence in the environment. Their detection in soils is analytically challenging to quantify, hence the lack of known background concentrations found in the literature. This scientific research aimed to detect EDCs in soils by analyzing 240 soil samples using an optimized protocol of double extraction and analysis using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The optimized protocol allowed for very sensitive detection of the targeted compounds. The results showed a high concentration of 29.391 ng/g of 17ß-estradiol in soils and 47.16 ng/g for 17α-ethinylestradiol. Testosterone and Progesterone were detected at a highest of 1.02 and 6.58 ng/g, respectively. The ∑EDCs which included estrogens, progesterone, testosterone and Bisphenol A was found at an average of 22.72 ± 35.46 ng/g in the study area. The results of this campaign showed a heterogeneous geographic distribution of the EDCs compounds in the different zones of study. Additionally, the study conducted a comparison of the concentration of EDCs in different land covers including urban areas, agricultural lands, grasslands and forests. We observed a significant difference between forests and other land covers (p < 0.0001) for 17α-ethinylestradiol, estriol, and progesterone. This presence of EDCs in forest lands is not yet understood and requires further studies concerning its origins, its fate and its effect on human health. This study is the first large-scale sampling campaign targeting EDCs in soils in Europe and the second in the world. It is also the first to assess the concentrations of these compounds based on different land covers.
Assuntos
Disruptores Endócrinos , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Humanos , Disruptores Endócrinos/análise , Progesterona/análise , Solo , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Etinilestradiol/análise , Testosterona , Monitoramento AmbientalRESUMO
The residues of progestins in milk are dangerous to consumers, but an immunoassay capable of multi-determining progestins in milk has not been reported thus far. In this study, the ligand binding domain of the human progesterone receptor was expressed and its intermolecular interactions with the commonly used steroid hormones were studied. The docking results showed that the receptor fragment only recognized progestins and did not recognize other steroid hormones. Then, it was used as recognition material to develop a pseudo-direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for multi-determination of five progestins in milk. Because biotinylated horseradish peroxidase was combined with streptavidinated horseradish peroxidase to enhance the signal, the sensitivities for the five progestins (IC50 of 0.029-0.097 ng/mL) were improved 96-143-fold in comparison to the use of the conventional horseradish peroxidase signal system (IC50 of 3.0-12.5 ng/mL). This method showed negligible cross-reactivities to other steroid hormones, consistent with the docking results. This was the first paper developing a progesterone-receptor-based method for detection of progestins, and this method exhibited generally better performance than all of the previously reported immunoassays for progestins.
Assuntos
Leite , Progestinas , Humanos , Animais , Progestinas/análise , Leite/química , Progesterona/análise , Receptores de Progesterona , Hormônios , Imunoensaio , Peroxidase do Rábano Silvestre/análise , Peroxidase do Rábano Silvestre/químicaRESUMO
Illegal mining has overshadowed pharmaceutical pollution even though exposure to pharmaceutical waste is high. Consumption of fish potentially polluted with pharmaceuticals from the rivers continues with little concern or potential threat it poses. In the present study, the residues of one antibiotic (Chloramphenicol), five hormones (progesterone, 17-beta Estradiol, Estrone, 17a-Ethynylestradiol, and one), three environmental contaminants (4-para-nonylphenol, 4-tert-octylphenol, and Bisphenol A), one barbiturate (Primidone) and one analgesic (Diclofenac sodium salt), were investigated from fish samples from the rivers Pra, Narkwa, and the Volta. The results show a high concentration of drugs in River Pra in comparison to those in Rivers Narkwa and Volta. The hazard quotients (HQs) for the environmental contaminants were all above 1, except Bisphenol A. Furthermore, the HQs from this study suggest that consumers of fish from any of the three rivers stand a hazard risk of Chloramphenicol (19), 17a-Ethynylestradiol (4), Estrone (1.366), Diclofenac sodium salt (3.29), Progesterone (4.598), 4-tert-octylphenol (87.2), and 4-para-nonylphenol (7.252), but negligible risk against E2 (0.687), Primidone (0.014), Testosterone (0.16), and Bisphenol A (0.642). Of the fish species studied, the highest concentration of all pharmaceuticals put together is found in Clarias gariepinus, Labeo senegalensis, and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus in that order.
Assuntos
Peixes-Gato , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Animais , Estrona , Progesterona/análise , Gana , Primidona/análise , Diclofenaco , Preparações Farmacêuticas , Medição de Risco , Cloranfenicol/análise , Água , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Rios/química , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodosRESUMO
Elk (Cervus canadensis) were reintroduced to Tennessee, USA in the early 2000s, with limited reproductive monitoring since initial release. We assessed the efficacy of noninvasive sampling for determining pregnancy using invasive (capture) and noninvasive (fecal collection in the field) techniques at the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (NCWMA), Tennessee. We captured 20 female elk 2019-2020, used pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) in blood to determine pregnancy and compared results to fecal progesterone metabolite (FPM) concentrations using two commercially available enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits. Based on PSPB concentrations, 8/11 and 3/4 of captured adult elk (≥2.5 yr of age) were pregnant in 2019 and 2020, respectively; no 1.5-yr-old elk were pregnant (n=5). Using the progesterone EIA kit, FPM concentrations were xÌ=192.84±38.63 ng/g (95% CI, 96.48-289.20) for nonpregnant and xÌ=536.17±74.98 ng/g (95% CI, 375.97-696.36) for pregnant captured females. For the progesterone metabolite kit, FPM concentrations were xÌ=188.16±43.39 ng/g (95% confidence interval [CI], 76.63-299.69) for nonpregnant and xÌ=693.52±126.52 ng/g (95% CI, 407.31-979.72) for pregnant captured females. From February to May 2019, we collected 357 fecal samples in 65 areas across 489.62 km2 of the NCWMA. Using extracted DNA and analysis of 15 microsatellites, we identified 62 unique individuals from 128 female fecal samples collected on the landscape. We categorized females from landscape-collected feces as nonpregnant (35.5-40.3%; Metabolite-EIA kits), undetermined (1.6-6.5%; Metabolite-EIA kits), or pregnant (62.9-53.2%; Metabolite-EIA kits) based on a 95% CI of captured female FPM concentrations, giving an overall pregnancy rate of 53.2% using the recommended EIA kit. The pregnancy rate in sexually mature females may be higher, as it was not possible to distinguish age classes of landscape-collected fecal samples; therefore, some may have been from younger age classes not expected to be pregnant. Analysis of FPM may be useful at a population level to detect pregnancy.
Assuntos
Cervos , Testes de Gravidez , Gravidez , Animais , Feminino , Progesterona/análise , Progesterona/metabolismo , Testes de Gravidez/veterinária , Animais Selvagens , Cervos/metabolismo , Fezes/químicaRESUMO
Excessive mobilization of adipose reserves due to severe negative energy balance in early lactation may be detrimental to dairy cow fertility at individual and herd level. Reproductive efficiency is one of the main factors influencing herd profitability and a strategy for early detection and management of cows with delayed resumption of cyclicity will result higher conception rate, decreased proportion of cows with extended lactation, fewer inseminations per conception and lower culling rates due to reproductive disorders. Using two groups of dairy cows (Holstein n = 37, Swedish Red breed [SRB] n = 49), we investigated potential differences between cows with different commencement of luteal activity (CLA) and the feasibility of using milk fatty acids (MFAs) as predictors of delayed CLA. Milk samples for progesterone analysis were collected twice weekly during the first six weeks in milk. The concentrations of the MFAs C14:0, C16:0, C18:0 and C18:1 cis-9 in milk (g/100 g milk) and in milk fat (g/100 g fat) were analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and individual MFA profiles were calculated by weeks in milk. Commencement of luteal activity was defined as the first day with milk progesterone concentrations >3 ng/ml at two successive measurements. The study population was categorized as early (n = 42) or late (n = 44) CLA, using the median value of 21 DIM as the cut-off. Analysis of the data revealed that CLA was correlated with the proportion of some specific MFAs, where cows with delayed CLA had lower IGF-1 (92.9 ± 7.9 vs. 114.1 ± 7.9 ng/ml; p = .05) and C14:0 levels (10.4 ± 0.2 vs. 11.5 ± 0.2 g/100 fat; p < .01) and higher C18:0 (9.6 ± 0.2 vs. 8.9 ± 0.6 g/100 fat; p < .01) and C18:1 cis-9 levels (24.9 ± 0.4 vs. 23.5 ± 0.4 g/100 fat; p < .05). Delayed CLA (mean 34 days) was predictable for approximately 80% of cows based on C18:0 or C18:1 cis-9 concentrations in week 2 postpartum. Overall, MFAs (C18:0 and C18:1 cis-9) as biomarkers were better indicators than beta-hydroxybutyrate or non-esterified fatty acids in early detection of cows with delayed or normal CLA. The MFA concentrations in milk samples from cows in early lactation can thus be used as a non-invasive method to identify cows at risk of delayed CLA, acting as potential biomarkers for future reproductive performance.
Assuntos
Ácidos Graxos , Leite , Feminino , Bovinos , Animais , Leite/química , Ácidos Graxos/análise , Progesterona/análise , Lactação , Ácidos Graxos não Esterificados , Biomarcadores , Suplementos Nutricionais , Dieta/veterináriaRESUMO
Recognizing emotions is an essential ability for successful interpersonal interaction. Prior research indicates some links between the endocrine system and emotion recognition ability, but only a few studies focused on within-subject differences across distinct ovulatory cycle phases and this ability. These studies have demonstrated mixed results that might be potentially due to heterogeneity in experimental tasks, methodologies, and lacking ecological validity. In the current study, we investigated associations between within-subject differences in ovarian hormones levels and emotion recognition from auditory, visual, and audiovisual modalities in N = 131 naturally cycling participants across the late follicular and mid-luteal phase of the ovulatory cycle. We applied a within-subject design with sessions in the late follicular and mid-luteal cycle phase, and also assessed salivary progesterone and estradiol in these sessions. Our findings did not reveal any significant difference in emotion recognition ability across two cycle phases. Thus, they emphasize the necessity of employing large-scale replication studies with well-established study designs along with proper statistical analyses. Moreover, our findings indicate that the potential link between ovulatory cycle phases (late follicular and mid-luteal) and emotion recognition ability might have been overestimated in previous studies, and may contribute to theoretical and practical implications of socio-cognitive neuroendocrinology.
Assuntos
Estradiol , Fase Luteal , Feminino , Humanos , Estradiol/análise , Progesterona/análise , Emoções , Relações Interpessoais , Ciclo MenstrualRESUMO
A substantial body of literature has examined how women's psychology and behavior vary as a function of conception risk across the ovarian cycle. These effects are widely believed to be outcomes of hormonal regulation, in particular effects of estrogens (E) and progesterone (P). Increasingly, researchers have sought to test predictions about how psychological processes or behavior vary as a function of conception risk by examining associations with estrogen (e.g., estradiol) and progesterone levels. Yet issues regarding how best to assess these associations arise. Should hormone levels be log-transformed? Do hormone ratios best capture their joint effects? How important are hormone interactions? How should outliers be treated? Across two large datasets, we examined hormonal predictors of conception risk, estimated from day of a luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. Log-transformed E and P levels predicted conception risk better than raw E and P levels did. The raw E/P ratio was a relatively poor predictor, whereas the log-transformed ratio (ln[E/P]) was a relatively good predictor. E × P interactions were detected but weak. Outliers were frequent, especially in distributions of raw hormone levels. Hormone measures predicted two psychological outcomes in these datasets-sexual desire and preferences for strength and muscularity-in parallel to how strongly they predicted conception risk. These results give rise to several recommendations regarding treatment of hormone measures and their use in analyses.
Assuntos
Ciclo Menstrual , Progesterona , Humanos , Feminino , Progesterona/análise , Ciclo Menstrual/fisiologia , Estradiol/análise , Libido/fisiologia , Hormônio LuteinizanteRESUMO
Progesterone functions as an endocrine-disrupting compound. Imitating endogenous hormones disrupt the animals' hormone levels. The potential hazard of progesterone in milk cannot be neglected. Thus, research has focused on establishing an efficient and convenient pretreatment and analytical approach. In this study, a metal-organic framework (MOF) material UiO-67 was prepared, which possessed a large specific surface area and excellent stability. It was employed to enrich and purify trace progesterones in a complex milk matrix as a filler to integrate the solid phase extraction column. An approach based on MOF was developed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS). This approach could simultaneously determine seven kinds of progesterone residues in milk. The element spectra of UiO-67 were first measured and analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The chemical interaction between UiO-67 and progesterone was proved by comparing the changes in binding energy and relative contents of functional groups, and the adsorption efficiency of 1 mg/L and 5 mg/L progesterones by UiO-67 was studied. The adsorption efficiencies of UiO-67 for 1 mg/L and 5 mg/L progesterones were 99.73%-99.95% and 88.87%-99.23%, respectively, according to the results. It proved the efficient adsorption of UiO-67 to progesterones and ensured that subsequent studies went smoothly. Furthermore, key parameters, such as the amount of sorbent, elution solvent type, and pH value, were examined and optimized to obtain optimal extraction recovery of the progesterones. Spiked concentrations of 50 µg/L were employed for extraction optimization. All experiments were performed three times. It also evaluated the matrix effect on mass spectrum signal of the progesterones. The optimized results showed that the seven progesterones could be satisfactorily recovered when the amount of adsorbent was 40 mg, pH value of the sample solution was 5, and elution solution was 5-mL acetone. Additionally, the matrix effect of progesterone in the milk sample was <20%. The matrix effect could be neglected using the aforementioned approach to extract and purify progesterones in milk. Finally, the seven progesterones showed good linearity between 1 and 100 µg/L under the optimized conditions, with linear correlation coefficients values >0.99. The limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.06 to 0.30 µg/L, and limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.19 to 1.0 µg/L, respectively. At various concentration levels of progesterones in milk, the recoveries were 87.10%-105.58%, with relative standard deviations of 2.66%-9.64%. Most importantly, the approach was successfully employed to determine progesterone levels in milk samples, with results in good agreement with the standard SN/T 1980-2007. The proposed approach had the advantages of high sensitivity and satisfactory accuracy compared with the reported pretreatment and detection approaches of progesterone in milk. Satisfactory experimental results can be obtained without the calibration by isotope inner standard. Meanwhile, considering the excellent performance of MOF materials in reducing matrix interference in complex samples, such the application of materials offers a new approach. It can be employed to enrich and detect hazards in a complex matrix in the future.
Assuntos
Estruturas Metalorgânicas , Animais , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Leite/química , Progesterona/análise , Extração em Fase SólidaRESUMO
The primary objective of this study was to develop an automated infrared thermography platform (Estrus BenchMark) capable of measuring skin temperature and tail movements as a means of identifying cows in estrus. The secondary objective was to evaluate the accuracy of Estrus BenchMark to detect estrus compared to in-line milk progesterone (P4) analysis (Herd Navigator System) in a commercial dairy herd managed under a robotic milking system. Data were collected on forty-six cows from 45 to 120 d after calving. Cows were flagged in estrus when milk P4 fell below 5â¯ng/mL. The Estrus BenchMark true positive estrus alerts (Sensitivity; Se%) were compared to Herd Navigator System estrus alerts at different time-windows (±12â¯h, ±24â¯h, ±48â¯h, and ±72â¯h) relative to the Estrus BenchMark estrus alerts for all the estrus alerts (AE) and confidence-quality estrus (CQE; >80% quality) alerts identified by Herd Navigator System. The Estrus BenchMark captured skin temperature and tail movements resulting in vulva exposure (left tail movements, LTail; right tail movements, RTail; and pooled tail movements, PTail) for each milking event. Skin temperature tended to increase when the milk P4 concentration (Least-Squares Means⯱â¯SE) dropped for AE (estrus day [d 0]; P4; 3.51⯱â¯0.05â¯ng/mL, Skin temperature; 33.31⯱â¯2.38⯰C) compared with d -7 (P4; 20.22⯱â¯0.73â¯ng/mL; Skin temperature: 32.05⯱â¯3.77⯰C). The increase in skin temperature, however, was significant in cows with CQEâ¯>â¯80% at d 0 (32.75⯱â¯0.29⯰C) compared to d -7 (31.80⯱â¯0.28⯰C). The prevalence of tail movements to expose vulva was greater (Pâ¯=â¯0.01) in AE at d 0 (LTail: 62.50%; PTail; 68.75%; and RTail: 56.25%) compared with d -7 (LTail: 18.75%; PTail: 9.37%: and RTail: 9.37%), and d +4 (LTail: 9.37%; PTail: 9.37%; and RTail: 12.5%). Moreover, the higher prevalence of tail movements at d 0 was observed in cows with CQEâ¯>â¯80% (LTail; 65%, PTail; 80%, and RTail; 70%) compared to those with CQEâ¯<â¯80%. The highest Estrus BenchMark Youden index (YJ; 0.45), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR; 9.04), and Efficiency (0.77) were achieved for AE in a ±48â¯h window and at ±72â¯h window for CQE (YJ; 0.66, DOR; 25.29, and Efficiency 0.76) relative to Herd Navigator System estrus alerts. The highest Estrus BenchMark resulted in 58% estrus detection rates for AE and 80% for cows with CQE compared to the Herd Navigator System.
Assuntos
Detecção do Estro , Termografia , Animais , Bovinos , Estro , Detecção do Estro/métodos , Sincronização do Estro , Feminino , Inseminação Artificial/veterinária , Lactação , Leite/química , Progesterona/análise , Termografia/métodos , Termografia/veterinária , Vulva/químicaRESUMO
A common method to quantify chronic stress is the analysis of stress markers in keratinized matrices such as hair or nail. In this study, we aimed to validate a sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the combined quantification of steroid hormones and endocannabinoids (eCBs) in the keratinized matrix nail. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the suitability of the nail matrix for the detection of these stress markers in a pilot study. An LC-MS/MS method was used for the simultaneous identification and quantification of four eCBs (2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), anandamide (AEA), oleoylethanolamide (OEA), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)) and five steroid hormones (cortisol, cortisone, androstenedione, progesterone, testosterone) in human nails using a surrogate analyte method for each analyte. The method was validated in terms of selectivity, response factor, linearity, limit of quantification (LOQ), precision, accuracy, matrix effect, recovery, robustness, and autosampler stability. Nail samples were extracted for 1 h with methanol following a clean-up with a fully automated supported liquid extraction (SLE). The influence of nail weight on the quantification was investigated by using 0.5-20 mg of nail sample. As a proof of concept, nail samples (N = 57) were analyzed from a cohort representing newborns (1 month old), children (between 1 and 10 years), and adults (up to 43 years). It could be shown that the established workflow using a 1 hour extraction and clean-up by SLE was very robust and resulted in a short sample preparation time. The LC-MS/MS method was successfully validated. Matrix effects with ion enhancement occurred mainly for 2-AG. Sample weights below 5 mg showed variations in quantification for some analytes. Certain analytes such as PEA and progesterone could be accurately quantified at a sample weight lower than 5 mg. This is the first study where steroids and eCBs could be simultaneously detected and quantified in infant and adult nails. These results show that nails may serve as an alternative keratinized matrix (compared to hair) for the retrospective monitoring of cumulative eCB and steroid hormone levels. The combined assessment of eCBs and steroids from nails could provide a new approach to gain new insights into stress exposure in newborns and adults.
Assuntos
Endocanabinoides , Esteroides , Adulto , Criança , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Cromatografia Líquida/métodos , Endocanabinoides/análise , Hidrocortisona/análise , Unhas/química , Projetos Piloto , Progesterona/análise , Estudos Retrospectivos , Esteroides/análise , Espectrometria de Massas em Tandem/métodosRESUMO
Prosocial behavior is central to functional societies. While studies have shown that the administration of exogenous hormones modulates prosocial propensities, it remains unclear whether natural hormonal fluctuations track women's prosocial behavior. In this study, we investigated the relationships between women's natural salivary steroid hormone levels (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) and their prosociality in a variety of contexts, as measured by three behavioral tasks (Charitable Donation, Social Value Orientation, and Social Discounting tasks) and one self-reported questionnaire (the Prosocial Tendencies Measure). Participants completed five weekly laboratory tests to obtain within-subject hormonal fluctuation data and prosociality measurements. In a pre-registered analysis, we found little evidence supporting the hypotheses that women's prosociality tracked natural changes in salivary estradiol, progesterone, estradiol-to-progesterone ratio, or testosterone. Our results demonstrate the importance of performing within-subject analyses when examining the relationships between hormonal levels and social behavior.