FSH Is Responsible for Androgen Deprivation Therapy-Associated Atherosclerosis in Mice by Exaggerating Endothelial Inflammation and Monocyte Adhesion.

BACKGROUND: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay treatment for advanced prostate cancer. But ADTs with orchiectomy and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, which appears less significant with GnRH antagonist. The difference of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in ADT modalities is hypothesized to be responsible for ADT-associated cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: We administered orchiectomy, GnRH agonist, or GnRH antagonist in male ApoE-/- mice fed with Western diet and manipulated FSH levels by testosterone and FSH supplementation or FSH antibody to investigate the role of FSH elevation on atherosclerosis. By combining lipidomics, in vitro study, and intraluminal FSHR (FSH receptor) inhibition, we delineated the effects of FSH on endothelium and monocytes and the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: Orchiectomy and GnRH agonist, but not GnRH antagonist, induced long- or short-term FSH elevation and significantly accelerated atherogenesis. In orchiectomized and testosterone-supplemented mice, FSH exposure increased atherosclerosis. In GnRH agonist-treated mice, blocking of short FSH surge by anti-FSHß antibody greatly alleviated endothelial inflammation and delayed atherogenesis. In GnRH antagonist-treated mice, FSH supplementation aggravated atherogenesis. Mechanistically, FSH, synergizing with TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha), exacerbated endothelial inflammation by elevating VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion protein 1) expression through the cAMP/PKA (protein kinase A)/CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein)/c-Jun and PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase)/AKT (protein kinase B)/GSK-3ß (glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta)/GATA-6 (GATA-binding protein 6) pathways. In monocytes, FSH upregulated CD29 (cluster of differentiation 29) expression via the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3ß/SP1 (specificity protein 1) pathway and promoted monocyte-endothelial adhesion both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, FSHR knockdown by shRNA in endothelium of carotid arteries markedly reduced GnRH agonist-induced endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis in mice. CONCLUSIONS: FSH is responsible for ADT-associated atherosclerosis by exaggerating endothelial inflammation and promoting monocyte-endothelial adhesion.

Effects of follicle-stimulating hormone on energy balance and tissue metabolic health after loss of ovarian function.

Loss of ovarian function imparts increased susceptibility to obesity and metabolic disease. These effects are largely attributed to decreased estradiol (E2), but the role of increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in modulating energy balance has not been fully investigated. Previous work that blocked FSH binding to its receptor in mice suggested this hormone may play a part in modulating body weight and energy expenditure after ovariectomy (OVX). We used an alternate approach to isolate the individual and combined contributions of FSH and E2 in mediating energy imbalance and changes in tissue-level metabolic health. Female Wistar rats were ovariectomized and given the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist degarelix to suppress FSH production. E2 and FSH were then added back individually and in combination for a period of 3 wk. Energy balance, body mass composition, and transcriptomic profiles of individual tissues were obtained. In contrast to previous studies, suppression and replacement of FSH in our paradigm had no effect on body weight, body composition, food intake, or energy expenditure. We did, however, observe organ-specific effects of FSH that produced unique transcriptomic signatures of FSH in retroperitoneal white adipose tissue. These included reductions in biological processes related to lipogenesis and carbohydrate transport. In addition, rats administered FSH had reduced liver triglyceride concentration (P < 0.001), which correlated with FSH-induced changes at the transcriptomic level. Although not appearing to modulate energy balance after loss of ovarian function in rats, FSH may still impart tissue-specific effects in the liver and white adipose tissue that might affect the metabolic health of those organs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We find no effect of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on energy balance using a novel model in which rats are ovariectomized, subjected to gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonism, and systematically given back FSH by osmotic pump. However, tissue-specific effects of FSH on adipose tissue and liver were observed in this study. These include unique transcriptomic signatures induced by the hormone and a stark reduction in hepatic triglyceride accumulation.

Development of KISS1 knockout pigs is characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, normal growth, and reduced skatole.

Kisspeptin is a major regulator of gonadotropin secretion in pigs. Previously, CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of KISS1 was used to develop a mosaic parental line of pigs to generate offspring that would not need castration due to loss of kisspeptin. The current goal was to characterize growth and reproductive development of F1 pigs from this parental line. Body weights, gonadotropin concentrations and gonadal development were measured from birth through development (boars to 220 d of age, n = 42; gilts to 160 d of age, n = 36). Testosterone, skatole, and androstenone were also measured in boars. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture for quantification of serum hormones, gonadal tissues collected for gross morphology and histology, and a fat biopsy collected (boars) for skatole and androstenone analysis. Body weight did not differ with genotype. There were no differences between KISS1+/+ and heterozygote KISS1+/- animals for most parameters measured. Gonadotropin concentrations were reduced in KISS1-/- boars and gilts compared with KISS1+/+ and KISS1+/- animals (P < 0.05). Concentrations of testosterone in serum and both androstenone and skatole in adipose were less in KISS1-/- boars than in KISS1+/+ and KISS1+/- boars (P < 0.05). Hypogonadism was in all KISS1-/- gilts and boars. These data indicate that knocking out KISS1 causes hypogonadotropic hypogonadism but does not negatively affect growth in pigs. Only one KISS1 allele is needed for normal gonadotropin secretion and gonadal development, and accumulation of compounds in adipose leading to boar taint.

The effects of short-term and long-term phthalate exposures on ovarian follicle growth dynamics and hormone levels in female mice†.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and diisononyl phthalate are widely used as plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride products. Short-term exposures to phthalates affect hormone levels, ovarian follicle populations, and ovarian gene expression. However, limited data exist regarding the effects of long-term exposure to phthalates on reproductive functions. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that short-term and long-term exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or diisononyl phthalate disrupts follicle dynamics, ovarian and pituitary gene expression, and hormone levels in female mice. Adult CD-1 female mice were exposed to vehicle, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, or diisononyl phthalate (0.15 ppm, 1.5 ppm, or 1500 ppm) via the chow for 1 or 6 months. Short-term exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (0.15 ppm) and diisononyl phthalate (1.5 ppm) decreased serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels compared to control. Long-term exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and diisononyl phthalate (1500 ppm) increased the percentage of primordial follicles and decreased the percentages of preantral and antral follicles compared to control. Both phthalates increased follicle-stimulating hormone levels (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate at 1500 ppm; diisononyl phthalate at 1.5 ppm) and decreased luteinizing hormone levels (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate at 0.15 and 1.5 ppm; diisononyl phthalate at 1.5 ppm and 1500 ppm) compared to control. Furthermore, both phthalates altered the expression of pituitary gonadotropin subunit genes (Cga, Fshb, and Lhb) and a transcription factor (Nr5a1) that regulates gonadotropin synthesis. These data indicate that long-term exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and diisononyl phthalate alters follicle growth dynamics in the ovary and the expression of gonadotropin subunit genes in the pituitary and consequently luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone synthesis.

Distribution and Positive Predictive Value of Follicle Stimulating Hormone Among Nonazoospermic Men.

PURPOSE: Our goal was to characterize the distribution of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in fertile and subfertile nonazoospermic men, and to determine the ability of various FSH thresholds to predict fertility status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 1389 nonazoospermic men who presented for fertility evaluation. Men with at least 2 semen analyses and 1 FSH level were included. Men were dichotomized into fertile and subfertile groups based on total motile sperm count. FSH was evaluated within a multivariable model, and positive predictive values (PPVs) for subfertility were used to assess the clinical utility of various FSH thresholds. RESULTS: One thousand fifteen (80%) men were classified as fertile and 274 (20%) as subfertile. Age, presence of varicocele, and testosterone levels were not statistically different between the groups. Median FSH was 4.0 vs 6.0 (P < .001) among fertile vs subfertile men. Multiple FSH thresholds ranging from 2.9 to 9.3 performed similarly in predicting fertility status (PPV 0.49-0.59). Only FSH thresholds above the 95th percentile (12.1) had PPVs greater than 0.7. The highest PPV (0.84) was seen at an FSH of 20.8 (99th percentile). CONCLUSIONS: While there were significant differences in FSH levels among fertile and subfertile nonazoospermic men, multiple FSH cutoffs between 2.2 and 9.3 performed poorly for prediction of fertility status as determined by total motile sperm count. It was not until the 95th percentile FSH value that a clinically useful level of predictability for subfertility was reached, indicating that FSH should not be used as a standalone test of fertility status. Nonetheless, FSH testing remains clinically useful and may be most informative in the setting of extreme values or discordant FSH and semen analysis results.

Quantification of urinary gonadotropins by specific assays may improve the evaluation of sex-specific hormonal changes in early infancy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of different gonadotropin assays for determining total and intact luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) immunoreactivity in urine (U-LH-ir and U-FSH-ir, respectively) during early infancy. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: Morning urine samples were obtained from 31 infants, aged between 0 and 6 months, to study the age-related course of urinary gonadotropins. Additionally, we investigated bi-hourly urine samples of a 5-day-old male neonate for 24 h to observe the course of urinary gonadotropins during a daily cycle. We employed different immunofluorometric assays for measuring total and intact U-LH-ir, and U-FSH-ir. RESULTS: In neonates up to 21 days of age, the U-LH-ir levels measured by the regular LH assay (also detecting hCG) were significantly higher than those determined by the total (specific) LH assays (p = .004). U-FSH-ir was higher in girls than boys during both the first and the next 5 months (p = .02 and p < .001, respectively), whereas total U-LH-ir was higher in boys until 6 months of age (p < .001). Total U-LH-ir/U-FSH-ir ratio was significantly higher in boys than girls across the first half-year (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of total U-LH-ir and U-FSH-ir, and their respective ratio constitutes a noninvasive, practical and scalable tool to investigate sex-specific changes during early infancy, with the ratio being significantly higher in boys than girls. Only highly specific LH assays detecting beta-subunit and its core fragment in addition to intact LH should be used for determining U-LH-ir in the neonatal period to avoid potential cross-reactivity with hCG of placental origin.

The relationship between male and female endogenous reproductive hormones levels and subjective cognitive decline score: A cross-sectional analysis of the Pingyin cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Reproductive hormones might impact disease course in cognitive decline. We examined the association between male and female endogenous reproductive hormones and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) score. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: A cross-sectional study design was used with baseline data from the Pingyin cohort study, involving 1943 participants aged 45-70 years. Oestrogen (E2), testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured in females and E2 and testosterone were measured in males. We categorised hormones into three levels of low, intermediate and high level. The 9-item subjective cognitive decline questionnaire (SCD-Q9) scores were collected to assess the symptoms of SCD. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) between categorised hormone levels and SCD status. Multivariable linear regression models were also used. RESULTS: Overall, 1943 participants were involved and 1285 (66.1%) were female. The mean age at baseline was 59.1 (standard deviation 7.1) years. Women with high testosterone levels had a higher probability of having SCD compared with those with low testosterone levels (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.01-2.05). Men with a high level of testosterone (0.59, 0.35-0.98) and high testosterone/E2 ratio (0.55, 0.33-0.90) were related to decreased chances of having SCD. Each one-unit increase of testosterone was linked to reduced SCD score in males [(ß: -.029, 95% CI (-0.052, -0.007)]. CONCLUSION: There was sex-specific relationship between hormone levels and SCD abnormal. Those with higher testosterone levels in females may increase likelihood of experiencing SCD. Males with higher testosterone levels and higher testosterone/E2 ratio may be associated with reduced likelihood of SCD. The roles of endogenous reproductive hormone levels and their dynamic changes in cognitive function need further investigation.

Semen analysis and reproductive hormones in boys with classical Hodgkin lymphoma treated according to the EuroNet-PHL-C2 protocol.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the impact of the EuroNet-PHL-C2 treatment for boys with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) on semen parameters? SUMMARY ANSWER: More than half of the patients (52%, n = 16/31) had oligozoospermia or azoospermia at 2 years from cHL diagnosis; particularly boys treated for advanced-stage cHL had low sperm counts and motility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the inguinal region or testes can impair spermatogenesis and result in reduced fertility. The EuroNet-PHL-C2 trial aims to minimize radiotherapy in standard childhood cHL treatment, by intensifying chemotherapy. The present study aims to assess the (gonadotoxic) impact of this treatment protocol on semen parameters and reproductive hormones in boys aged ≤18 years. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This international, prospective, multi-centre cohort study was an add-on study to the randomized phase-3 EuroNet-PHL-C2 trial, where the efficacy of standard cHL treatment with OEPA-COPDAC-28 (OEPA: vincristine, etoposide, prednisone, and doxorubicin; COPDAC-28: cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, and dacarbazine) was compared to intensified OEPA-DECOPDAC-21 chemotherapy (DECOPDAC-21: COPDAC with additional doxorubicin and etoposide and 25% more cyclophosphamide). Patients were recruited between January 2017 and September 2021. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Eligibility criteria included male patients, diagnosed with classical HL before or at the age of 18 years, and treated according to the EuroNet-PHL-C2 protocol in any of the 18 participating sites in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic, and Austria. Sperm parameters (sperm concentration, progressive motility, sperm volume, and calculated total motile sperm count) were assessed at diagnosis and 2 years after diagnosis in (post)pubertal boys. Laboratory measurements (serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and inhibin B) were performed in samples drawn at diagnosis, during treatment (2-3 times), and at 2 years post-diagnosis, and (age-adjusted) analyses were conducted separately for pre-pubertal and (post)pubertal boys. Outcomes were compared between the treatment levels (TL1, TL2, and TL3) and consolidation treatment schemes (COPDAC-28 and DECOPDAC-21). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: In total, 101 boys were included in the present analysis: 73 were (post)pubertal (median age 15.4 years, (IQR 14.4; 16.6), 10 TL1, 29 TL2, 34 TL3, 62% of TL2/3 patients received COPDAC-28) and 28 boys were pre-pubertal (median age 9.6 years (IQR 6.6; 11.4), 4 TL1, 7 TL2, 17 TL3, 38% of TL2/3 patients received COPDAC-28). The study included six boys who had received pelvic radiotherapy; none were irradiated in the inguinal or testicular area. At diagnosis, 48 (post)pubertal boys delivered semen for cryopreservation; 19 (40%) semen samples were oligospermic and 4 (8%) were azoospermic. Low sperm concentration (<15 mil/ml) appeared to be related to the HL disease itself, with a higher prevalence in boys who presented with B symptoms (76% vs 26%, aOR 2.3 (95% CI 1.0; 3.8), P = 0.001) compared to those without such symptoms. At 2 -years post-diagnosis, 31 boys provided semen samples for analysis, of whom 12 (39%) boys had oligozoospermia and 4 (13%) had azoospermia, while 22 boys (71%) had low total motile sperm counts (TMSC) (<20 mil). Specifically, the eight boys in the TL3 group treated with DECOPDAC-21 consolidation had low sperm counts and low progressive motility after 2 years (i.e. median sperm count 1.4 mil/ml (IQR <0.1; 5.3), n = 7 (88%), low sperm concentration, low median progressive motility 16.5% (IQR 0.0; 51.2), respectively). Age-adjusted serum FSH levels were significantly raised and inhibin B levels (and inhibin B:FSH ratios) were decreased during chemotherapy in (post)pubertal boys, with subsequent normalization in 80% (for FSH) and 60% (for inhibin B) of boys after 2 years. Only 4 out of the 14 (post)pubertal boys (29%) with low sperm concentrations after 2 years had elevated FSH (>7.6 IU/l), while 7 (50%) had low inhibin B levels (<100 ng/l). In pre-pubertal boys, reproductive hormones were low overall and remained relatively stable during chemotherapy. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The present analyses included sperm and laboratory measurements up to 2 years post-diagnosis. Long-term reproductive outcomes and potential recovery of spermatogenesis remain unknown, while recovery was reported up to 5- or even 10-year post-chemotherapy in previous studies.Boys who were pre-pubertal at diagnosis were still too young and/or physically not able to deliver semen after 2 years and we could not assess a potential difference in gonadotoxicity according to pubertal state at the time of treatment. Overall, the statistical power of the analyses on sperm concentration and quality after 2 years was limited. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Results of the semen analyses conducted among the 31 boys who had provided a semen sample at 2 years post-treatment were generally poor. However, additional long-term and adequately powered data are crucial to assess the potential recovery and clinical impact on fertility. The participating boys will be invited to deliver a semen sample after 5 years. Until these data become available, benefits of intensified chemotherapy in cHL treatment to reduce radiotherapy and lower risk for development of secondary tumours should be carefully weighed against potentially increased risk of other late effects, such as diminished fertility due to the increased chemotherapy burden. Boys with newly diagnosed cHL should be encouraged to deliver sperm for cryopreservation whenever possible. However, patients and clinicians should also realize that the overall state of disease and inflammatory milieu of cHL can negatively affect sperm quality and thereby reduce chance of successful fertility preservation. Furthermore, the measurement of FSH and inhibin B appears to be of low value in predicting low sperm quality at two years from cHL treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was funded by the Dutch charity foundation KiKa (project 257) that funds research on all forms of childhood cancer. C.M.-K., D.K., W.H.W., D.H., MC, A.U., and A.B. were involved in the development of the EuroNet-PHL-C2 regimen. The other authors declare no potential conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Elevated circulating follicle stimulating hormone level is associated with dyslipidemia in male type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) commonly combines with dyslipidemia, and both are known as the risk factors of cardiovascular events and aggravate the arteriosclerosis progression. In this study, we investigated the relationship between follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and lipid profiles in male T2DM patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected clinical data of male T2DM patients in the Chinese Han population hospitalised from January 2018 to June 2020. A total of 963 patients with a mean age of 58.89 ± 12.25 years old were enroled in this study. RESULTS: The results showed that the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-C levels were decreased gradually from the highest quartile groups (Q4) to Q1 group relevant to luteinising hormone and FSH, and no significant difference was observed in high-density lipoprotein-C levels among Q4-Q1 groups. Sub-groups analysis showed that, with the increased FSH level, TC, TG, and LDL-C levels were increased in the elder group (40-59 years old) than those in the younger group (20-39 years old). Spearman's analysis revealed a positive correlation between FSH and the levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C (r = 0.354, r = 0.336, r = 0.312, p < 0.001, respectively). The effect of FSH is independent of the changes in total testosterone level. Multivariate analysis found that increased FSH levels (≥9.26 mIU/mL) and decreased total testosterone levels (<13.30 nmol/L) were positively correlated with high TC, TG, and LDL-Cemia (OR = 4.014, 1.565, 1.602, 1.660, 2.127, 1.322, respectively, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that high serum FSH level in male T2DM patients could be a potential independent risk factor correlated with the elevated TC, TG, and LDL-C.

Trajectories of Blood Pressure in Midlife Women: Does Menopause Matter?

BACKGROUND: Whether changes in blood pressure (BP) over women's midlife are more driven by chronological aging or the menopause transition has been debated. We sought to determine whether women can be classified into distinct trajectory groups based on pattern and level of systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP, pulse pressure (PP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) over the menopause transition, and to assess whether menopause-related factors predict the group and level of BP measures. METHODS: Participants were from the SWAN (Study of Women's Health Across the Nation). Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify women who shared distinct BP trajectories over time relative to menopause onset and to assess associations of menopause-related factors with trajectory group and level of BP measures. An accelerated rise relative to menopause onset suggests a menopause contribution. RESULTS: The study included 3302 multiracial and multiethnic women with BP measures over 17 follow-up visits (baseline age [SD]: 46.3 [2.7]). Women were classified into either low, medium, or high trajectory group in each BP measure. The low SBP, PP, and MAP trajectories (in 35%, 53%, and 28% of the cohort, respectively) were rising slowly before menopause but showed a significant accelerated rise 1 year after menopause, indicating a menopause contribution. The remaining BP trajectories were rising up until menopause and either continued with the same rise or declined after menopause. A younger menopause age predicted the low SBP, PP, and MAP trajectories. A greater follicle-stimulating hormone level predicted lower SBP and PP levels, while vasomotor symptoms occurrence predicted higher SBP, PP, and MAP levels over time. Estradiol did not predict trajectory or level of any BP measure. CONCLUSIONS: Distinct BP trajectories over the menopause transition exist that revealed a group of women whose SBP, PP, and MAP trajectories are consistent with a menopause contribution. Our findings support frequent monitoring of BP during the menopause transition.

Associations of sex-related and thyroid-related hormones with risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in T2DM patients.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to examine sex-specific associations between sex- and thyroid-related hormones and the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses of baseline information from an ongoing cohort of 432 T2DM patients (185 women and 247 men) in Xiamen, China were conducted. Plasma sex-related hormones, including estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), progesterone, and total testosterone (TT), and thyroid-related hormones, including free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and parathyroid hormone (PTH), were measured using chemiluminescent immunoassays. MAFLD was defined as the presence of hepatic steatosis (diagnosed by either hepatic ultrasonography scanning or fatty liver index (FLI) score > 60) since all subjects had T2DM in the present study. RESULTS: Prevalence of MAFLD was 65.6% in men and 61.1% in women with T2DM (P = 0.335). For men, those with MAFLD showed significantly decreased levels of FSH (median (interquartile range (IQR)):7.2 (4.9-11.1) vs. 9.8 (7.1-12.4) mIU/ml) and TT (13.2 (10.4-16.5) vs. 16.7 (12.8-21.6) nmol/L) as well as increased level of FT3 (mean ± standard deviation (SD):4.63 ± 0.68 vs. 4.39 ± 0.85 pmol/L) than those without MAFLD (all p-values < 0.05). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, FSH and LH were negative, while progesterone was positively associated with the risk of MAFLD in men, and the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) were 0.919 (0.856-0.986), 0.888 (0.802-0.983), and 8.069 (2.019-32.258) (all p-values < 0.05), respectively. In women, there was no statistically significant association between sex- or thyroid-related hormones and the risk of MAFLD. CONCLUSION: FSH and LH levels were negative, whereas progesterone was positively associated with the risk of MAFLD in men with T2DM. Screening for MAFLD and monitoring sex-related hormones are important for T2DM patients, especially in men.

Molecular characterization and stage-dependent gene expression of gonadotropin receptors in Pacific bluefin tuna, Thunnus orientalis, ovarian follicles.

To understand the physiological mechanisms by which pituitary-derived gonadotropins (Gths), follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) and luteinizing hormone (Lh) regulate asynchronous oocyte development, we investigated the function and expression of Fsh and Lh receptors (Fshr and Lhr, respectively) in Pacific bluefin tuna (PBT, Thunnus orientalis). As a first, we cloned the full-length cDNAs encoding PBT Fshr and Lhr. Recombinant PBT Fsh and Lh single-chain proteins were produced in abundance using stable CHO-DG44 cell lines and were subsequently purified from the culture medium, culminating in their yields being 87.0 and 88.2%, respectively. An in vitro reporter assay using homologous recombinant Gths revealed that PBT Fshr and Lhr responded strongly to their corresponding ligands in a dose-dependent manner, with no cross-activation over a wide range of concentrations. Moreover, quantitative expression analysis of Fshr and Lhr at the follicle level showed that fshr gene expression was highly upregulated in the ovarian follicles through vitellogenesis, while lhr expression was significantly upregulated and peaked in fully vitellogenic ovarian follicles. These findings suggest that asynchronous-type oocyte development is primarily attributed to the differential function and expression of Gthrs, rather than the ligand, in PBT.

Characterization of gonadotropins and their receptors in a chondrichthyan, Scyliorhinus canicula, fills a gap in the understanding of their coevolution.

In Gnathostomes, reproduction is mainly controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, with the involvement of the pituitary gonadotropic hormones (GTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which activate their cognate receptors, FSHR and LHR, expressed in gonads. Each GTH consists of a common α subunit and of a specific FSHß or LHß subunit. Chondrichthyes (holocephalans and elasmobranchs) is a sister group of bony vertebrates. This position is highly favorable for the understanding of the evolution of endocrine regulations of reproduction among gnathostomes. Surprisingly, the characterization of gonadotropins and their receptors is still limited in chondrichthyes. In the present study, GTH and GTHR sequences have been identified from several chondrichthyan genomes, and their primary structures were analyzed relative to human orthologs. 3D models of GTH/GTHR interaction were built, highlighting the importance of the receptor hinge region for ligand recognition. Functional hormone-receptor interactions have been studied in HEK cells using the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) recombinant proteins and showed that LHR was specifically activated by LH whereas FSHR was activated by both FSH and LH. Expression profiles of GTHs and their receptors were explored by real-time PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry during spermatogenesis, along the male genital tract and other tissues, as well as in some female tissues for comparison. Tissue-expression analyses showed that the highest levels were observed for fshr transcripts in testis and ovary and for lhr in specific extragonadal tissues. The two receptors were expressed at all stages of spermatogenesis by both germ cells and somatic cells, including undifferentiated spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, somatic precursors and Sertoli cells; differentiated Leydig cells being absent in the testis of S. canicula. Receptors were also expressed by the lymphomyeloid epigonal tissue and the testicular tubules. These results, suggest a wide range of gonadotropin-regulated functions in Elasmobranchs, as well as functional redundancy during spermatogenesis. These extended functions are discussed in an evolutionary context in which the specificity of gonadotropin signaling must have contributed to the evolution of gonadal cells' morphology and function.

Investigations of the function of AMH in granulosa cells in hens.

Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) plays a crucial role in follicle regulation in mammals by preventing premature primordial follicle activation and restricting follicle development through reduction of FSH sensitivity and inhibition of FSH-induced increase of steroidogenic enzymes. AMH is produced by granulosa cells from growing follicles and expression declines at the time of selection in both mammalian and avian species. The role of AMH in chicken granulosa cells remains unclear, as research is complicated because mammalian AMH is not bioactive in chickens and there is a lack of commercially available chicken AMH. In the current experiments, we used RNA interference to study the role of AMH on markers of follicle development in the presence and absence of FSH. Cultured chicken granulosa cells from 3-5 mm follicles and 6-8 mm follicles, the growing pool from which follicle selection is thought to occur, were used. Transfection with an AMH-specific siRNA significantly reduced AMH mRNA expression in granulosa cells from 3-5 mm and 6-8 mm follicles. Genes of interest were only measured in granulosa cells of 3-5 mm follicles due to low expression of AMH mRNA at the 6-8 mm follicle stage. Knockdown of AMH mRNA did not affect markers of follicle development (follicle stimulating hormone receptor, FSHR; steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, STAR; cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1, CYP11A1; bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2, BMPR2) or FSH responsiveness in granulosa cells from 3-5 mm follicles, indicating that AMH does not regulate follicle development directly by affecting markers of steroidogenesis, FSHR or BMPR2 at this follicle stage in chickens.

In vivo effect of recombinant Fsh and Lh administered to meagre (Argyrosomus regius) at the initial stages of sex differentiation.

Recombinant gonadotropins, follicle stimulating (rFsh) and luteinizing hormone (rLh), offer the potential to induce gametogenesis in prepubertal fish. This study aimed to determine the in vivo effect of the administration of Argyrosomus regius rFsh and rLh on the reproductive development of prepubertal meagre juveniles at the initial stages of sexual differentiation. Juvenile meagre, 9-months old with mean weight of 219 ± 3.9 g (mean ± SEM) were randomly distributed into nine groups (n = 8 per group). Experimental groups were treated weekly with an acute injection of either rFsh or rLh. Control groups were injected with saline solution. In a 3-week experiment, different groups were administered with different doses 6, 12 or 18 µg kg-1 of rFsh or rLh or saline solution. In a 6-week experiment a group was administered with 12 µg kg-1 of rFsh and a second group with saline solution. The fish were held in a single 10 m3 tank with natural photoperiod (Feb. - March) and temperature 16.1 ± 0.4 °C. At the start of the experiment (n = 8) and at the end of the 3-week experiment, fish were blood sampled and sacrificed. Blood was analysed for 17ß-estradiol (E2) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT). Gonads and liver were dissected and weighed. Gonads were fixed in Bouins solution and processed for histological analysis. Juvenile meagre at the start of the experiment were in the initial stages of sexual differentiation, indicated by the presence of the ovarian cavity or testes duct that was surrounded by undifferentiated embryonic germ stem cells and somatic cells. At the end of the 3-week experiment, there was no significant difference in gonadosomatic index (GSI) amongst control (initial and saline treated) and the experimental groups. After three weeks of application of rFsh, rLh or saline all fish presented a similar gonadal structure as at the start of the experiment. However, the incidence of sporadic developing germ cells (principally spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, but also perinucleolar stage oocytes) generally increased in rGth treated meagre. A mean of 44 % of meagre treated with rFsh or rLh presented sporadic isolated developing germ cells, mainly male cells. Plasma steroid levels of E2 decreased significantly from the start of the experiments to the end. At the end of the experiments there were no differences in plasma E2 amongst Control fish and rGth treated fish. Plasma 11-KT showed no change from the start of the experiment to week 3. However, a significant increase was observed in a proportion of the rFsh group after six weeks of treatment compared to the start of the experiment and the saline control group on week 6. The application of rFsh or rLh to meagre at the initial stages of sex differentiation did not stimulate steroid production until week six (11-KT) and had a limited, but evident effect on the development of sporadic isolated germ cells. However, we conclude that rGth, rFsh or rLh did not stimulate large developmental changes in sexually undifferentiated meagre gonads.

Selenium reduces acrylamide-induced testicular toxicity in rats by regulating HSD17B1, StAR, and CYP17A1 expression, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and DNA damage.

This study investigated the effects of Selenium (Se) on testis toxicity induced by Acrylamide (ACR) in rats. In our study, 50 male adult rats were used, and the rats were divided into five groups; control, ACR, Se0.5 + ACR, Se1 + ACR, and Se1. Se and ACR treatments were applied for 10 days. On the 11th day of the experimental study, intracardiac blood samples from the rats were taken under anesthesia and euthanized. Sperm motility and morphology were evaluated. Dihydrotestosterone, FSH, and LH levels in sera were analyzed with commercial ELISA kits. MDA, GSH, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß levels and SOD, GPx, and CAT, activities were measured to detect the level of oxidative stress and inflammation in rat testis tissues. Expression analysis of HSD17B1, StAR, CYP17A1, MAPk14, and P-53 as target mRNA levels were performed with Real Time-PCR System technology for each cDNA sample synthesized from rat testis RNA. Testicular tissues were evaluated by histopathological, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescent examinations. Serum dihydrotestosterone and FSH levels decreased significantly in the ACR group compared to the control group, while LH levels increased and a high dose of Se prevented these changes caused by ACR. A high dose of Se prevented these changes caused by ACR. ACR-induced testicular oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, changes in the expression of reproductive enzymes, some changes in sperm motility and morphology, DNA, and tissue damage, and Se administration prevented these pathologies caused by ACR. As a result of this study, it was determined that Se prevents oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and DNA damage in testicular toxicity induced by ACR in rats.

Relationship between phthalates exposure, risk of decreased ovarian reserve, and oxidative stress levels.

Phthalates (PAEs), a group of environmental endocrine disruptors, are associated with oxidative stress and have adverse effects on female ovarian reserves. However, this association has been poorly investigated, particularly with respect to clinical evidence. In this study, we provided clinical evidence of a relationship between exposure levels of PAEs, oxidative stress and decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). Firstly, the urinary concentrations of metabolites of PAEs were measured by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), and the biomarkers of oxidative stress, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), were determined. Finally, statistical analyses were conducted to describe the relationship between the PAEs exposure, oxidative stress and DOR. We found that the levels of monomethyl phthalate (MMP), monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), and mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP) in the DOR group were significantly higher than those in the control group. There was a significant negative association between AMH and MMP, MiBP levels. and a significant positive association between FSH and MMP levels. PAEs exposure was also associated with a significant increase in MDA levels and decrease in SOD levels. In conclusion, the exposure of PAEs was closely associated with DOR, potentially mediated by oxidative stress pathways; however, small sample size was a limitation in this study.

Reproductive hormones in relation to white matter hyperintensity volumes among midlife women.

INTRODUCTION: Although reproductive hormones are implicated in cerebral small vessel disease in women, few studies consider measured hormones in relation to white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV), a key indicator of cerebral small vessel disease. Even fewer studies consider estrone (E1), the primary postmenopausal estrogen, or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), an indicator of ovarian age. We tested associations of estradiol (E2), E1, and FSH to WMHV among women. METHODS: Two hundred twenty-two women (mean age = 59) underwent hormone assays (E1, E2, FSH) and 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging. Associations of hormones to WMHV were tested with linear regression. RESULTS: Higher E2 (B[standard error (SE)] = -0.17[0.06], P = 0.008) and E1 (B[SE] = -0.26[0.10], P = 0.007) were associated with lower whole-brain WMHV, and higher FSH (B[SE] = 0.26[0.07], P = 0.0005) with greater WMHV (covariates age, race, education). When additionally controlling for cardiovascular disease risk factors, associations of E1 and FSH to WMHV remained. DISCUSSION: Reproductive hormones, particularly E1 and FSH, are important to women's cerebrovascular health. HIGHLIGHTS: Despite widespread belief that sex hormones are important to women's brain health, little work has considered how these hormones in women relate to white matter hyperintensities (WMH), a major indicator of cerebral small vessel disease. We considered relations of estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to WMH in midlife women. Higher E2 and E1 were associated with lower whole-brain WMH volume (WMHV), and higher FSH with higher whole-brain WMHV. Associations of E1 and FSH, but not E2, to WMHV persisted with adjustment for cardiovascular disease risk factors. Findings underscore the importance of E2 and FSH to women's cerebrovascular health.

Effects of dietary supplementation with benthic diatom Amphora coffeaeformis on blood biochemistry, steroid hormone levels and seed production efficiency of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus broodstock.

Aquafeed additive quality and quantity remain pivotal factors that constrain the sustainability and progress of aquaculture feed development. This study investigates the impact of incorporating the benthic diatom Amphora coffeaeformis into the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) broodstock, on the blood biochemistry, steroid hormone (SH) levels and seed production efficiency. Broodstock females displaying mature ovary indications were initially combined with males at a ratio of three females to one male. A total of 384 adult Nile tilapia (288 females and 96 males) were used, with 32 fish (24 females and eight males) assigned to each of 12 concrete tanks (8 m³; 2 m × 4 m × 1 m), with three replicate tanks for each dietary treatment, throughout a 14-day spawning cycle until egg harvest. Fish were fed one of four different dietary treatments: AM0% (control diet), and AM2%, AM4% and AM6% enriched with the diatom A. coffeaeformis at levels of 20, 40 and 60 g/kg of diet respectively. At the trial's conclusion, total protein, albumin, triglyceride and creatinine), SHs (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, free testosterone, total testosterone, progesterone and prolactin) and seeds production efficiency of Nile tilapia improved significantly (p < 0.05) in alignment with the increment of A. coffeaeformis supplementation. The findings propose that including A. coffeaeformis at levels ranging from 4% to 6% could be effectively employed as a feed additive during the Nile tilapia broodstock's spawning season.

Efficacy and safety of follitropin delta versus follitropin alpha/beta in infertility treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Follitropin δ may be an alternative to conventional follitropin α/ß for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) within assisted reproductive treatment (ART), but its efficacy and safety remain unknown. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of follitropin δ and follitropin α/ß. Methods: We searched randomized controlled trials comparing follitropin δ and follitropin α/ß using MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO-ITCRP on December 14, 2022. The primary outcomes were the live birth rate and the incidence of moderate or severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation approach. The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework. Results: Three studies involving 2682 participants were included in our meta-analysis. The results indicated that follitropin δ may result in little to no difference in live birth rates (risk ratio [RR], 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91-1.38; low certainty) and the incidence of moderate or severe OHSS (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.48-1.26; low certainty) compared with follitropin α/ß. Conclusion: Follitropin δ may result in little to no difference in COS compared with follitropin α/ß, especially in terms of live births and safety.