Resolving and functional analysis of RNA editing sites in sheep ovaries and associations with litter size.

Sheep litter size is a critical trait in mutton production. While litter size regulation in relation to DNA transcription have been rigorously investigated, the function of RNA editing remains less explored. To elucidate the mechanisms controlling sheep fecundity at the RNA editing level and identify pivotal RNA editing sites, this study scrutinised RNA editing sites (RESs) in follicular and luteal phases of ovaries from sheep with high and low fecundity, and the functions of population-specific RESs were subsequently analysed. A total of 2 182 475 RESs, 74.61% of which were A-to-I and C-to-U sites, were identified. These RESs were fairly evenly dispersed over the chromosomes, with 46.8% showing close clustering (inter-site distance < 300 bp). Notably, 93% were primarily situated in intronic and intergenic regions. In the follicular phase, pivotal RESs were found in the introns of genes including LPS responsive beige-like anchor, MCC regulator of Wnt signalling, and RWD domain containing 3, among others, and in the exon region of EvC ciliary complex subunit 2. In the luteal phase, RESs were observed in the introns of genes such as H/ACA ribonucleoprotein assembly factor and SDA1 domain-containing 1, and the exon and 3'UTR regions of polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 15 and ilvB acetolactate synthase-like, respectively. High-fecundity sheep showed RESs in the follicular phase in genes such as fibrillin 1, cyclin-dependent kinase 6, and roundabout 1, and in genes such as autophagy-related 2B and versican in the luteal phase. Thirteen RESs specific to the follicular phase and eight specific to the luteal phase were identified in high-fecundity sheep ovaries. These RESs offer promising molecular targets and enhance understanding of multiple births in sheep from the perspective of posttranscriptional alterations.

Prospective 1-year assessment of within-woman variability of follicular and luteal phase lengths in healthy women prescreened to have normal menstrual cycle and luteal phase lengths.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the relative length variance of the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase within healthy, non-smoking, normal-weight, proven normally ovulatory, premenopausal women with normal-length menstrual cycles? SUMMARY ANSWER: Prospective 1-year data from 53 premenopausal women with two proven normal-length (21-36 days) and normally ovulatory (≥10 days luteal) menstrual cycles upon enrollment showed that, despite 29% of all cycles having incident ovulatory disturbances, within-woman follicular phase length variances were significantly greater than luteal phase length variances. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Many studies report menstrual cycle variability, yet few describe variability in follicular and luteal phase lengths. Luteal lengths are assumed 'fixed' at 13-14 days. Most studies have described follicular and luteal phase variability between-women. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This study was a prospective, 1-year, observational cohort study of relative follicular and luteal phase variability both between and within community-dwelling women with two documented normal-length (21-36 days) and normally ovulatory (≥10 days luteal phase) menstrual cycles prior to enrollment. Eighty-one women enrolled in the study and 66 women completed the 1-year study. This study analyzed data from 53 women with complete data for ≥8 cycles (mean 13). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Participants were healthy, non-smoking, of normal BMI, ages 21-41 with two documented normal-length (21-36 days) and normally ovulatory (≥10 days luteal phase) menstrual cycles prior to enrollment. Participants recorded first morning temperature, exercise durations, and menstrual cycle/life experiences daily in the Menstrual Cycle Diary. We analyzed 694 cycles utilizing a twice-validated least-squares Quantitative Basal Temperature method to determine follicular and luteal phase lengths. Statistical analysis compared relative follicular and luteal phase variance in ovulatory cycles both between-women and within-woman. Normal-length cycles with short luteal phases or anovulation were considered to have subclinical ovulatory disturbances (SOD). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The 1-year overall 53-woman, 676 ovulatory cycle variances for menstrual cycle, follicular, and luteal phase lengths were 10.3, 11.2, and 4.3 days, respectively. Median variances within-woman for cycle, follicular, and luteal lengths were 3.1, 5.2, and 3.0 days, respectively. Menstrual cycles were largely of normal lengths (98%) with an important prevalence of SOD: 55% of women experienced >1 short luteal phase (<10 days) and 17% experienced at least one anovulatory cycle. Within-woman follicular phase length variances were greater than luteal phase length variances (P < 0.001). However, follicular (P = 0.008) and luteal phase length (P = 0.001) variances, without differences in cycle lengths, were greater in women experiencing any anovulatory cycles (n = 8) than in women with entirely normally ovulatory cycles (n = 6). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Limitations of this study include the relatively small cohort, that most women were White, initially had a normal BMI, and the original cohort required two normal-length and normally ovulatory menstrual cycles before enrollment. Thus, this cohort's data underestimated population menstrual cycle phase variances and the prevalence of SOD. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our results reinforce previous findings that the follicular phase is more variable than the luteal phase in premenopausal women with normal-length and ovulatory menstrual cycles. However, our study adds to the growing body of evidence that the luteal phase is not predictably 13-14 days long. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This medical education project of the University of British Columbia was funded by donations to the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research. The authors do not have any conflicts of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Evaluation of Changes in the Patency of the Nasal Cavity and Eustachian Tube Depending on the Phase of the Menstrual Cycle: A Pilot Study.

(1) Background: Estrogen and progesterone, hormones specific to females, undergo fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. The aim of this study was to assess subjective and objective changes in nasal cavity and Eustachian tube patency depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle in two groups of women: those in a follicular phase group and those in a luteal phase group. (2) Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 25 healthy non-pregnant women aged 24 to 32. Based on the phase of the cycle confirmed in sonography, they were divided into follicular phase (FP) and luteal phase (LP) groups. The Eustachian tube and nasal cavity patency examination was carried out using a SNOT-22 Questionnaire, a rhinomanometer, and a tympanometer. (3) Results: We observed that the incidence of nasal obstruction in SNOT-22 was significantly dependent on the cycle phase (p = 0.012) and was lower in the FP compared to the LP. Similar relationships were noticed between the cycle phase and the rhinomanometry outcome, where the LP was associated with a lower flow. We also revealed that the incidence of ear blockage significantly depended on the cycle phase (p = 0.001) and was lower in the FP compared to the LP. Women whose nasal patency deteriorated during the LP also had more negative pressure values in tympanometry. We observed that patients with negative PEAK L and R levels had a lower flow in rhinomanometry. (4) Conclusions: The results highlight the menstrual cycle's substantial impact on both subjective and objective nasal and Eustachian tube patency measurements. The novel finding in this study is that women whose nasal patency deteriorated during the luteal phase also had more negative pressure values in tympanometry. These results suggest that the deterioration of hearing during the menstrual cycle could be a result of swelling of the nasal mucosa and tubes.

Menstrual cycle phase differences in myofiber damage and macrophage infiltration following electrical stimulation-induced muscle injury.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of menstrual cycle phase on myofiber injury, regenerative events, and inflammation after electrical stimulation (ES)-induced myofiber damage. Twenty-eight premenopausal women (20.8 ± 2 yr) were randomized into early follicular (EF; n = 14) and late follicular (LF; n = 14) groups. After menstrual cycle tracking and phase confirmation, subjects underwent 200 electrically stimulated eccentric muscle contractions 1 wk after providing a muscle biopsy. Seven days post-ES, subjects provided a final biopsy. Primary outcomes included serum estradiol, indirect markers of muscle damage, direct indicators of myofiber necrosis and regeneration, satellite cell number, and macrophage infiltration. Women in the LF group had higher serum estradiol (122.1 ± 23.4 vs. 81.7 ± 30.8 pg/mL; P < 0.001) than in the EF group on the day of ES. Although the EF group recovered baseline maximal isometric strength by 4 days post-ES, the LF group did not. Only women in the LF group showed significant and consistent evidence of myofiber necrosis and regeneration pre- to post-ES. Despite showing more evidence of myofiber damage, women in the LF group also experienced reduced total and CD206+ macrophage infiltration relative to the EF group. Satellite cell quantity increased significantly post-ES in both groups, with no differences between groups. Collectively, the data suggest that the high-estrogen LF phase may be associated with increased susceptibility to myofiber injury while also limiting the subsequent intramuscular inflammatory response.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The menstrual cycle has widespread physiological effects across many systems, including skeletal muscle. In this study, we show that women in the late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle may be more susceptible to myofiber necrosis following electrical stimulation. We also show reduced evidence of inflammation in the late follicular phase. This is the first study to demonstrate a difference in the response of human skeletal muscle to a necrotic stimulus across a menstrual cycle.

Attentional bias to alcohol-related cues: effects of menstrual cycle phase and sex differences.

RATIONALE: A recent study by our group found that women displayed greater attentional bias to alcohol-related cues during the late versus early follicular phase in both sober and intoxicated states, suggesting a greater risk of excessive drinking among women during this phase. Changes in attentional bias as a function of menstrual cycle phase raise questions about potential sex differences in the relative consistency by which women and men display attentional bias to alcohol over time. OBJECTIVES: The present study tested sex differences in attentional bias to alcohol by comparing the change in women's attentional bias from early to late follicular phase to that observed in men over the same period. METHODS: Twenty-five men and 25 women aged 21-32 participated in a placebo-controlled study examining sex differences in the rewarding properties of alcohol. Participants completed measures of attentional bias to alcohol-related cues during two sessions following both 0.6 g/kg alcohol and placebo. Test sessions occurred one week apart, and for female participants coincided with the early and late follicular phases. RESULTS: Men consistently displayed attentional bias to alcohol-related cues across sessions under both doses. By contrast, women showed attentional bias only during the late follicular phase, at a magnitude greater than that observed in men, and persistent under both doses. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the potential role of sex and menstrual cycle phase in sensitizing drinkers to rewarding properties of alcohol-related cues. Men's motivation to drink may remain relatively consistent, whereas women may be most motivated during the late follicular phase.

Effect of the estrous cycle on zinc transporter expression in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes and oviduct epithelial cells.

During the luteal and follicular phases of the estrous cycle, cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) and oviduct epithelial cells (OEC) undergo notable physiological and morphological changes. Maintaining proper zinc (Zn) homeostasis is crucial in both somatic and germinal mammalian cells. This study aimed to assess the impact of the estrous phase (luteal or follicular) on Zn transporter expression in bovine COC and OEC (BOEC). The expression of Zn transporters Slc39a6 (ZIP6), Slc39a8 (ZIP8), Slc39a14 (ZIP14), Slc30a3 (ZnT3), Slc30a7 (ZnT7), and Slc30a9 (ZnT9) was analyzed in COC and BOEC from cows during the luteal or follicular phases. Gene expression of ZIP6, ZIP14, and ZnT9 was quantified in COC and BOEC. The gene expression in the remaining transporters could not be quantified due to low mRNA levels (ZIP8 and ZnT3 in COC and BOEC; ZnT7 in BOEC) or absence of expression (ZnT7 in COC). In COC, the relative expression (RE) of all three transporters was higher in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase (P ≤ 0.05). In BOEC, the luteal phase increased the RE of ZIP 6 (P ≤ 0.05), decreased the RE of ZnT9 (P ≤ 0.05), and did not modify the RE of ZIP14 (P > 0.05) compared to the follicular phase. In conclusion, the study reveals differences in the gene expression of ZIP6, ZIP14, and ZnT9 according to the estrous cycle phase in ex vivo samples of bovine COC and OEC.

Saliva and plasma metabolome changes during anoestrus, the oestrous cycle and early gestation in the mare: A pilot study.

Successful reproductive management of domestic mammals depends primarily upon timely identification of oestrous cycle stages. There is a need to develop an alternative non-invasive, welfare-friendly, accurate and reliable method to identify reproductive cycle stages. This is of particular interest for horse breeders, because horses are high-value farm animals that require careful management and individual monitoring. Saliva sampling is non-invasive, painless and welfare-friendly. Thus, we performed a metabolomic analysis of equine saliva during different reproductive stages to identify changes in the salivary metabolome during anoestrus, the oestrous cycle and early gestation. We compared the saliva and plasma metabolomes to investigate the relationship between the two fluids according to the physiological stage. We collected saliva and plasma samples from six mares during seasonal anoestrus, during the follicular phase 3 days, 2 days and 1 day before ovulation and the day when ovulation was detected, during the luteal phase 6 days after ovulation, and during early gestation 18 days after ovulation and insemination. Metabolome analysis was performed by proton-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We identified 58 and 51 metabolites in saliva and plasma, respectively. The levels of four metabolites or groups of metabolites in saliva and five metabolites or groups of metabolites in plasma showed significant modifications during the 4 days until ovulation, ie 3 days prior to and on the day of ovulation. The levels of 11 metabolites or groups of metabolites in saliva and 17 metabolites or groups of metabolites in plasma were significantly different between the seasonal anoestrus and the ovarian cyclicity period. The physiological mechanisms involved in the onset of ovarian cyclicity and in ovulation induced modifications of the metabolome both in plasma and saliva. The metabolites whose salivary levels changed during the reproductive cycle could be potential salivary biomarkers to detect the reproductive stage in a welfare friendly production system. In particular, we propose creatine and alanine as candidate salivary biomarkers of ovulation and of the onset of ovarian cyclicity, respectively. However, extensive validation of their reliability is required. Our study contributes to extend to domestic mammals the use of saliva as a non-invasive alternative diagnostic fluid for reproduction in a welfare-friendly production system.

Effect of occupational exposure to vat-textile dyes on follicular and luteal hormones in female dye workers in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Background: Some synthetic dyes used mainly in textile industries have been associated with endocrine disruption, resulting in infertility, among other disorders. It is unknown if occupational exposure to Vat textile dyes among premenopausal dyers alters hormonal levels. Objectives: We aimed at determining the probable effects of occupational exposure to Vat dyes on reproductive hormones of female textile dyers in the follicular and luteal phases while relating this to age categories and duration of exposure. Methods: Thirty-three premenopausal Vat textile dyers at "Itoku", Abeokuta, Nigeria, among a population of about 80 female dyers were age and sex-matched with 55 non-exposed (control) female participants. Using semi-structured questionnaires, socio-demographic, occupational details and the LMP of participants were obtained. Serum samples were collected in follicular and luteal phases and assayed for female sex hormones using Enzyme Immunoassay. Mann-Whitney U and Z- statistic were used for comparison of the two groups. P-value < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: In the follicular phase, the result showed a lower mean FSH ranking (in age category ≤20 years) and higher (p<0.05) Estradiol ranking (in age category 31-40 years) in the exposed than the unexposed. Mean ranks of Progesterone and Estradiol in the luteal phase (age category 31-40 years) were higher (p<0.05) in the exposed, while Estradiol (age category ≥41years) ranked lower (p<0.05). Prolactin demonstrated a significant inverse relationship with the duration of exposure. Conclusion: Occupational exposure to Vat dye among female dyers in Abeokuta is associated with some sex hormone disruption which appears to be age and duration of exposure-related.

Comparison of pregnancy outcomes between 4th day morula and 5th day blastocyst after embryo transfer: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate pregnancy outcomes between morulae transferred on day 4 (D4) and blastocysts transferred on day 5 (D5). METHODS: From September 2017 to September 2020, 1963 fresh transfer cycles underwent early follicular phase extra-long protocol for assisted conception in our fertility center were divided into D4 (324 cases) and D5 (1639 cases) groups, and the general situation and other differences of patients in both groups were compared. To compare the differences in pregnancy outcomes, the D4 and D5 groups were further divided into groups A and B based on single and double embryo transfers. Furthermore, the cohort was divided into two groups: those with live births (1116 cases) and those without (847 cases), enabling a deeper evaluation of the effects of D4 or D5 transplantation on assisted reproductive outcomes. RESULTS: In single embryo transfer, there was no significant difference between groups D4A and D5A (P > 0.05). In double embryo transfer, group D4B had a lower newborn birthweight and a larger proportion of low birthweight infants (P < 0.05). The preterm delivery rate, twin delivery rate, cesarean delivery rate, and percentage of low birthweight infants were lower in the D5A group than in the D5B group (P < 0.05). Analysis of factors influencing live birth outcomes further confirmed the absence of a significant difference between D4 and D5 transplantation in achieving live birth (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: When factors such as working life and hospital holidays are being considered, D4 morula transfer may be a good alternative to D5 blastocyst transfer. Given the in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) success rate and risk of twin pregnancy, D4 morula transfer requires an adapted decision between single and double embryo transfer, although a single blastocyst transfer is recommended for the D5 transfer in order to decrease the twin pregnancy rate. In addition, age, endometrial thickness and other factors need to be taken into account to personalize the IVF program and optimize pregnancy outcomes.

Effects of the Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Contraceptive Use on Metabolic Outcomes, Strength Performance, and Recovery: A Narrative Review.

The effects of female sex hormones on optimal performance have been increasingly recognized as an important consideration in exercise and sport science research. This narrative review explores the findings of studies evaluating the effects of menstrual cycle phase in eumenorrheic women and the use of hormonal contraception (oral contraceptives and hormonal intrauterine devices) on metabolism, muscular strength, and recovery in active females. Ovarian hormones are known to influence metabolism because estrogen is a master regulator of bioenergetics. Importantly, the menstrual cycle may impact protein synthesis, impacting skeletal muscle quality and strength. Studies investigating muscular strength in eumenorrheic women report equivocal findings between the follicular phase and luteal phase with no differences compared to oral contraceptive users. Studies examining recovery measures (using biomarkers, blood lactate, and blood flow) do not report clear or consistent effects of the impact of the menstrual cycle or hormonal contraception use on recovery. Overall, the current literature may be limited by the evaluation of only one menstrual cycle and the use of group means for statistical significance. Hence, to optimize training and performance in females, regardless of hormonal contraception use, there is a need for future research to quantify the intra-individual impact of the menstrual cycle phases and hormonal contraceptive use in active females.

Salivary testosterone across the menstrual cycle.

Testosterone production in women is thought to systematically shift across the menstrual cycle, peaking during the mid-cycle ovulatory window, and potentially influencing women's behavior. Testosterone is a molecular intermediary to the production of estradiol, which is necessary for ovulation to occur, but the amount of testosterone escape and exposure to the peripheral tissues is not fully understood. Salivary testosterone is a common biomarker in behavioral neuroendocrinological studies and is thought to reflect the bioactive portions in serum. In N = 339 women with confirmed ovulation via luteinizing hormone tests, salivary testosterone, assayed with LC-MS/MS, was sampled four times across the mid-cycle ovulatory window the luteal phase. Within-subject analysis revealed a significant but small pattern of a mid-cycle peak and a luteal decrease at the aggregate level. However, at the individual level, there was substantial variability in the direction and magnitude of the testosterone-cycle pattern. We discuss the relevant underlying physiology, background research, issues with assay methodolody, and considerations for researchers studying testosterone levels in women.

Double versus single stimulation in young low prognosis patients followed by a fresh embryo transfer: a randomized controlled trial (DUOSTIM-fresh).

STUDY QUESTION: Does double stimulation, followed by a fresh embryo transfer (DUOSTIM fresh) give a higher number of good-quality blastocysts as compared with a single stimulation in young low prognosis patients? SUMMARY ANSWER: Compared to single stimulation, DUOSTIM fresh leads to a significantly higher number of good quality blastocysts, without hindering fresh embryo transfer outcomes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: DUOSTIM (ovarian stimulation both in the follicular and luteal phase of the same cycle) is an innovative strategy to retrieve a higher number of oocytes in a shorter time frame, thus it is particularly appealing for poor ovarian responders. Three current limitations of dual stimulation are: (i) it is unclear whether outcomes of the second (luteal) wave result from the second stimulation, or a carry-over effect from previous follicular stimulation; (ii) the desynchronization between endometrium and ovaries and, (iii) lack of robust evidence. No previous studies explored DUOSTIM starting from the luteal phase, and with a fresh embryo transfer (DUOSTIM fresh). STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This study is a randomized, controlled, single-center, superiority clinical trial comparing two different ovarian stimulation protocols: a double stimulation cycle versus a single stimulation cycle followed by fresh embryo transfer. The primary outcome was the number of good quality blastocysts obtained, while secondary outcomes included results from fresh embryo transfer (clinical pregnancy, miscarriage). A total of 120 women were enrolled in this study between October 2020 and October 2022, with a 1:1 allocation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Only young (<40 years old) low prognosis (anti-Müllerian hormone <1.2 ng/ml) patients were recruited in the Reproductive Medicine Department of Dexeus University Hospital. In the investigational group, DUOSTIM fresh, the first stimulation was initiated in the luteal phase (Day 18-21 cycle) followed by a second stimulation 5 days post first oocyte retrieval, initiated in the follicular phase and a fresh embryo transfer of the best blastocyst generated (first or second cycle). The control group performed a follicular phase single stimulation cycle with a fresh embryo transfer. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Overall, 107 patients were analyzed, 53 in the investigational (DUOSTIM fresh) and 54 in the control arm (single stimulation). DUOSTIM fresh resulted in a significantly higher number of good quality blastocysts as compared to single stimulation (difference of mean 0.81, 95% CI 0.12-1.49). The mean percentage of cycles with embryo transfer was comparable (62.3% and 51.9%, respectively for double versus single stimulation). No significant differences were found for clinical outcomes following fresh embryo transfer with an ongoing pregnancy rate of 24.5% for DUOSTIM fresh versus 22.2%, for conventional IVF. Of interest comparisons between different stimulation cycles (A: luteal-phase DUOSTIM fresh, B: follicular-phase DUOSTIM fresh, and C: single stimulation) did not demonstrate any significant difference in terms of ovarian response with the mean (SD) number of mature oocytes being (A: 3.3 (2.9), B: 3.4 (3.4), and C: 3.5 (2.9), respectively). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Study sample size was calculated to detect differences on the mean number of good quality blastocysts. Therefore, results for secondary outcomes (embryo transfer rates and clinical pregnancy rates) should be interpreted with caution as exploratory findings that deserve future investigations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Although DUOSTIM fresh results in a higher number of blastocysts as compared with a single stimulation in young low prognosis patients, the decision of performing dual stim should be evaluated with caution, considering that whether this may improve embryo transfers rate and pregnancy outcomes is still unclear. Results on cumulative-live-birth-rate are warranted. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): The study was an investigator-initiated study supported by an unrestricted grant by Organon. N.P.P. has received grants from Merck Serono, Organon, Ferring Pharmaceutical, Theramex, and Besins Healthcare. N.P.P. has received consulting fees from Merck Serono, Organon, Besins Healthcare, and IBSA. N.P.P. has received honoraria for lectures from Merck Serono, Organon, Theramex, Roche Diagnostics, IBSA, Besins Healthcare, and Ferring. A.R. has received Research grants, honoraria for lectures from Merck Serono, MSD/Organon, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Besins International, IBSA, Guerbet. The other authors declare that there is no conflict of interest to disclose with respect to the content of this article. TRIAL REGISTRATIO NUMBER: NCT04446845. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE: 25 June 2020. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT'S ENROLMENT: 30 October 2020.

PPAR beta/delta regulates the immune response mechanisms in the porcine endometrium during LPS-induced inflammation - An in vitro study.

Inflammation in the reproductive tract has become a serious threat to animal fertility. Recently, the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in the context of reproduction and the inflammatory response has been highlighted, but the role of PPARß/δ has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro effect of PPARß/δ ligands (agonist: L-165,041 and antagonist: GSK 3787) on the transcriptome profile of porcine endometrium during LPS-induced inflammation in the mid-luteal and follicular phases of the oestrous cycle (days 10-12 and 18-20, respectively) using the RNA-Seq method. During the mid-luteal phase of the oestrous cycle, the current study identified 145 and 143 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after treatment with an agonist or antagonist, respectively. During the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle, 55 and 207 DEGs were detected after treatment with an agonist or antagonist, respectively. The detected DEGs are engaged in the regulation of various processes, such as the complement and coagulation cascade, NF-κB signalling pathway, or the pathway of 15-eicosatetraenoic acid derivatives synthesis. The results of the current study indicate that PPARß/δ ligands are involved in the control of the endometrial inflammatory response.

Effects of exercise on sex steroid hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) in eumenorrheic females: A systematic to review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The sex steroid hormones fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, which affects the strength and postural stability of females and leads to injuries and risk of falls. These hormones may be modulated by exercise to impact the overall health of females. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of exercise on sex steroid hormones in eumenorrheic females. METHODS: This review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA) guidelines in Lahore, Pakistan. The full-length articles were searched using these databases/search engines (PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar, Sci-Hub). Randomized controlled trials along with single group experimental studies were also included. All types of exercises were compared with no exercise in the control group. The Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool assessed and screened the articles. The data were then analyzed. The primary outcomes were the levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included (5 randomized controlled trials and 6 quasi-experimental studies). The effects of exercise on free estradiol concentration and serum progesterone level were not significant [p = 0.37 (SMD = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.74, I2 = 0%) and p = 0.84 (S.D= -0.65, C.I= -6.92 to 5.62, I2 = 94%)] respectively, whereas, the effects on testosterone levels were significant [p value < 0.00001 (M.D = 0.89, 95% C.I= -2.16 to 3.95, I2 = 94%)]. CONCLUSION: A blinded randomized controlled trial should be conducted in which a structured approach should be followed by women along with warm-ups, cool down and rest intervals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The systematic review was registered prospectively on PROSPERO with registration number CRD42023473767.

The late-follicular-phase progesterone to retrieved oocytes ratio in normal ovarian responders treated with an antagonist protocol can be used as an index for selecting an embryo transfer strategy and predicting the success rate: a retrospective large-scale study.

Objective: To determine whether the late-follicular-phase progesterone to retrieved oocytes (P/O) ratio during in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) impacts pregnancy outcomes. Design: 12,874 cycles were retrospectively categorized into four groups according to the P/O ratio percentile, with divisions at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles. Results: The clinical pregnancy and live birth rates of fresh cycle embryos in Group D were significantly lower than those in the other three groups (45.1% and 39.0%, 43.2% and 37.2%, 39.6% and 33.5%, 33.4% and 28.2% in Group A, B, C, D, respectively; both P < 0.008). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between the P/O ratio and live birth, particularly when the P/O ratio was ≥0.22 (OR = 0.862, 95% CI [0.774-0.959], P = 0.006). Conclusions: The P/O ratio has certain predictive value for IVF/ICSI pregnancy outcomes and can be used for decision-making decision regarding fresh embryo transfer.

Benefit from luteal phase progestin primed ovarian stimulation with clomiphene citrate supplementation in young women with diminished ovarian reserve: a retrospective study. / å¹´è½»åµå·¢å‚¨å¤‡åŠŸèƒ½å‡é€€æ‚£è€ åµæ³¡æœŸä¸Žé»„ä½“æœŸåº”ç”¨é«˜å­•æ¿€ç´ çŠ¶æ€è¶ ä¿ƒæŽ’åµæ–¹æ¡ˆæ•ˆæžœæ¯”è¾ƒ.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the pregnancy outcomes of luteal phase and follicular phase progestin-primed ovarian stimulation protocol with clomiphene citrate supplementation (LPPOS+CC and FPPOS+CC) in young women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). METHODS: A total of 483 women aged ≤35 years with DOR, who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)/embryo transfer (ET) with controlled ovarian stimulation using LPPOS+CC (n=257) or FPPOS+CC (n=226) protocols during June 2018 and December 2021 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, were included in this retrospective study. The baseline characteristics, superovulation results, laboratory related indicators between the two groups, and the pregnancy outcomes of women who achieved at least one high-quality cleavage-stage embryo or good-morphology blastocyst were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were identified between the groups with respect to age, duration of infertility, proportion of secondary infertility, previous failed cycles, body mass index, anti-Müllerian hormone, antral follicle count, basal luteinizing hormone level, basal progesterone level, number of oocytes retrieved, oocyte maturation rate, high-quality cleavage-stage embryo cycle rate, the percentage of women with profound pituitary suppression, live birth rate and preterm birth rate (all P>0.05). The LH levels on the day of trigger [4.0 (2.7, 5.3) vs. 5.1 (3.2, 7.2) IU/L], the percentage of women with LH levels of >10 IU/L on the trigger day (3.13% vs. 10.67%), and the two pronucleus (2PN) rate of ICSI oocytes (72.16% vs. 79.56%) were significantly lower in the LPPOS+CC group than those in the FPPOS+CC group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The duration of stimulation [11 (9, 12) vs. 9 (8, 11) d], the consumption of total gonadotropin [2213 (1650, 2700) vs. 2000 (1575, 2325) IU], the progesterone levels on the day of trigger [1.3 (0.8, 2.9) vs. 0.9 (0.6, 1.2) ng/mL], the clinical pregnancy rate [61.88% vs. 46.84%], and implantation rate [42.20% vs. 31.07%] in the LPPOS+CC group were significantly higher than those in the FPPOS+CC group (all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to FPPOS+CC, the LPPOS+CC protocol appears to have better pregnancy outcomes for young women with DOR undergoing IVF/ICSI-ET.

Menstrual cycle phases and dosage of synthetic hormonal contraceptives influence diurnal rhythm characteristics of distal skin temperature.

This study aimed to explore how natural menstrual cycle phases and dosage of oral hormonal contraceptives (OC) influence the diurnal rhythm of distal skin temperature (DST) under real-life conditions. Participants were 41 healthy females (23.9 ± 2.48 y), comprising 27 females taking monophasic hormonal oral contraceptives (OC users) and 14 females with menstrual cycles (non-OC users). Wrist DST was continuously recorded and averaged over two consecutive 24-hour days during (pseudo)follicular and (pseudo)luteal menstrual phases. Diurnal rhythm characteristics, i.e. acrophase and amplitude, describing timing and strength of the DST rhythm, respectively, were calculated using cosinor analysis. Results show that non-OC users experienced earlier diurnal DST maximum (acrophase, p = 0.019) and larger amplitude (p = 0.016) during the luteal phase than during the follicular phase. This was observed in most (71.4%) but not all individuals. The OC users showed no differences in acrophase or amplitude between pseudoluteal and pseudofollicular phases. OC users taking a higher dosage of progestin displayed a larger amplitude for DST rhythm during the pseudoluteal phase (p = 0.009), while estrogen dosage had no effect. In conclusion, monophasic OC cause changes in diurnal DST rhythm, similar to those observed in the luteal phase of females with menstrual cycles, suggesting that synthetic progestins act in a similar manner on skin thermoregulation as progesterone does.

Effects of the menstrual cycle on the performance of female football players. A systematic review.

Background: Women's football has been booming for a few years now, which has led to an increase in the expectation of the players' performance, leading to a more detailed study of women's physiology in the field of sports. Objectives: To analyze the scientific evidence on the influence of menstruation on the performance of female footballers, as well as to analyze the methodological quality of the studies included in this review. Materials and methods: The possible hormonal effects of the menstrual cycle phases on the performance of female footballers were analyzed. The databases used to conduct the searches were Pubmed, Scopus, Virtual Health Library, Web of Science, EBSCO and the Cochrane Library. All included studies met the inclusion criteria. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used. This systematic review protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42023390652). Results: A total of nine clinical trials were included in this review. A low quality of evidence was observed in the studies. Not all the results support the idea that the menstrual cycle phases can alter the performance of female footballers. Conclusion: This systematic review shows that there is a great deal of controversy about the influence of the menstrual cycle phases on the performance of female footballers. Studies are focused on solely biological factors and gender is normally no part of those studies. Further research with larger samples, and taking not only biological but also sociological factors, are necessary to determine the effects of menstruation on the performance of female footballers.

Selective attention towards infants in nulliparous women across the menstrual cycle.

Research in women showed that testosterone is associated with decreased selective attention towards infant stimuli, which can be compensated for by oxytocin administration. In theory, caregiving behavior is thought to be mediated by oxytocin. Oxytocin binds to dopaminergic neurons and thus supposedly motivates aspects of caregiving through its influence on dopaminergic transmission. Most previous studies on caregiving behaviors were thereby performed in women under hormonal contraception to avoid hormonal fluctuations. However, recent studies repeatedly demonstrated decisive influences of the hormonal changes across the female menstrual cycle on dopamine-mediated behaviors, suggesting that estradiol acts as dopamine agonist in the follicular phase and progesterone as dopamine antagonist in the luteal phase. In the present study, we investigated selective attention towards infants as one central aspect of caregiving behavior over the natural menstrual cycle and in relation to interindividual differences of estradiol and progesterone. As expected, we found that women with higher estradiol in the follicular phase also showed higher selective attention towards infant faces among adult distractors, whereas the correlation disappeared in the luteal phase. In contrast, progesterone did not correlate with selective attention towards infants. The present findings collectively support the assumption that estradiol may act as dopamine agonist in the follicular phase, thereby supposedly promoting an important aspect of caretaking behavior.

Thyroid transcriptomic profiling reveals the differential regulation of lncRNA and mRNA related to prolificacy in small tail han sheep with FecB BB genotype.

BACKGROUND: The thyroid gland is an important endocrine gland in animals that secretes thyroid hormones and acts on various organs throughout the body. lncRNAs are long non-coding RNAs that play an important role in animal reproduction; however, there is a lack of understanding of their expression patterns and potential roles in the thyroid gland of the Small Tail Han (STH) sheep. In this study, we used RNA-Seq technology to examine the transcriptome expression pattern of the thyroid from the luteal phase (LP) and follicular phase (FP) of FecB BB (MM) STH sheep. RESULTS: We identified a total of 122 and 1287 differential expression lncRNAs (DELs) and differential expression mRNAs (DEGs), respectively, which were significantly differentially expressed. These DELs target genes and DEGs can be enriched in several signalling pathways related to the animal reproduction process. CONCLUSIONS: The expression profiles of DELs and DEGs in thyroid glands provide a more comprehensive resource for elucidating the reproductive regulatory mechanisms of STH sheep.