No abstract available.
Aldosterone/physiology* ; Animal ; Epithelial Cells/physiology* ; Estradiol/physiology* ; Signal Transduction/physiology*

OBJECTIVETo explore the potential mechanism of breakthrough bleeding associated with progestin with in vitro methods.

METHODSThe isolation and culture of human endometrial endothelial cells (HEECs) was performed with the method established in our laboratory. The content and activity of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and the content of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in cell supernatants after incubated with different concentrations of progesterone (0-5 micromol/L) and 17beta-estradiol (0, 0.1, or 1 nmol/L) were measured by method of ELISA. Apoptosis rate of HEECs was measured by flow cytometry. Viable cell count was measured by MTT.

RESULTSThe increased level of progesterone (0.5-5 micromol/L) combined with 17beta-estradiol elevated content and activity of uPA while the production of PAI-1 remained unchanged. The apoptosis of HEECs was inhibited along with the increment of total viable cell counts at higher concentrations of progesterone with 17beta-estradiol.

CONCLUSIONThe inhibition of apoptosis and increased content and activity of uPA may contribute to the occurrence of irregular bleeding associated with progestin use to some extent

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; physiology ; Endometrium ; cytology ; physiology ; Endothelium ; cytology ; physiology ; Estradiol ; pharmacology ; Female ; Humans ; Metrorrhagia ; etiology ; Progestins ; physiology

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the characteristics of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) in senior males living on high altitude

METHODSAccording to the years of living on 3,100-meter high altitude. 90 senior males who were more than sixty years old were divided into three groups: group 1 (one year on the high altitude, n = 30), group 2 (two years on the high altitude, n = 30) and group 3 (over 10 years on the high altitude, n = 30). Additionally, there was a control group (living on the sea level). Radioimmunoassay technique was used to measure the level of T and E2 in their serum respectively. At the same time, the ratio of T/E2 was also examined.

RESULTSThe levels of T, E2 and T/E2 of the three groups were 42.2 +/- 38.5, 70.0 +/- 31.5, 190.3 +/- 73.5 and 44.0 +/- 42.2, 60.6 +/- 28.3, 144.9 +/- 62.0 and 0.96 +/- 0.19, 1.16 +/- 0.11, 1.33 +/- 0.24, respectively. The levels of T, E2 and T/E2 of group 3 increased obviously than those of the other two groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe sexual hormone levels in senior males living on high altitude increase along with the living years.

Aged ; Aging ; physiology ; Altitude ; Estradiol ; blood ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radioimmunoassay ; Testosterone ; blood

OBJECTIVETo observe the protective effect of Oviductus Ranae (OR) capsules on the reproductive organs in an aged mouse model established by D-galactose injection.

METHODSForty-eight female Kunming mice were randomly divided into 4 equal groups, namely the high- and low-dose OR groups, diethylstilbestrol (DT) group, and model group. The mice received subcutaneous injection of D-galactose for 6 weeks to establish aging models. Another 12 mice were injected daily with normal saline (NS) to serve as the normal control group. From the third week of the experiment, the mice were given oral OR at low or high doses (in the OR groups) or vegetable oil (in the model or control groups) till the sixth week. In the last two weeks, the vaginal smears were obtained from the mice for evaluating the changes of the vaginal keratinocytes and counting the days of estrus. After completion of drug administration, all the mice were sacrificed and the serum content of estradiol (E(2)) was detected by radioimmunoassay, with the ovarian and uterine indices determined. The ovarian and uterine pathologies were observed using HE staining, and SOD and MDA activities in the ovary and uterus were also assessed.

RESULTSOR obviously increased E(2) level and the ovarian and uterine indices in the aged mice, also alleviating the pathological change of the ovary and uterus. OR substantially depressed MDA content and enhanced SOD activity in the ovary and uterus.

CONCLUSIONOR has definite antioxidative effects and ameliorates the degenerative changes of the reproductive organs in mouse models of aging.

Aging ; Animals ; Capsules ; Estradiol ; blood ; Female ; Materia Medica ; pharmacology ; Mice ; Ovary ; drug effects ; physiology ; Random Allocation ; Uterus ; drug effects ; physiology

The reliability of a Korean black goat (Capra hircus coreanae) to detect estrus in Himalayan tahrs (Hemitragus jemlahicus) for an artificial breeding program was investigated. Estrus in six female Himalayan tahrs was synchronized using fluorogestone acetate (FGA) sponges. Thirteen days later, 200 IU of PMSG and 100 IU of hCG were injected before removing the sponges and simultaneously injecting 5 mg of PGF2alpha the next day. Penetration of the cervical canal and the thickness and location of red crayon marks were examined 40~43 h later. Two females treated with sponges containing 60 or 45 mg of FGA had estrogen levels of 8.7 and 11.1 pg/mL, respectively. No red marks were found on the backs of these two tahrs. The remaining females had higher levels of estradiol, and the red crayon marks were clearly shown. The cervical folds of these tahrs were readily penetrated and the insemination gun was smoothly inserted into the uterine body. In conclusion, a Korean domestic goat with its chest crayon-harnessed was successfully used to detect estrus of Himalayan tahrs. This technique might be utilized as a part of breeding programs for wild goats and avoid the need for a vasectomy of conspecific males.
Animals ; Breeding/methods ; Estradiol/blood ; Estrus/physiology ; Estrus Detection/*methods ; Estrus Synchronization/methods ; Female ; Goats/*physiology ; Male ; Progesterone/blood

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation between the symptoms and serum levels of androgen in healthy Chinese men aged over 40 years, and to work out a new symptomatic inventory for screening late onset hypogonadism (LOH) in Chinese men.

METHODSAn 18-item questionnaire was designed and 637 respondents were collected from Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and Chongqing. Serum total testosterone, calculated free testosterone, testosterone secretion index and free testosterone index were measured. An analysis of the correlation between symptoms and androgens was performed.

RESULTSThe twelve-item symptoms were significantly correlated to 2 or more of the 4 androgens mentioned above, marking up a new symptomatic inventory for screening LOH, with a 70% sensitivity and 46% specificity.

CONCLUSIONThe new symptomatic inventory is acceptable for the screening purpose. The relatively low specificity may be related to the individual response to the decline of serum androgens and age-related changes of other hormones, such as GH-IGF-1 axis, DHEA, thyroid hormones, melatonin and leptin.

Adult ; Aged ; Aging ; physiology ; China ; Estradiol ; blood ; Humans ; Hypogonadism ; diagnosis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Testis ; physiology ; Testosterone ; blood

OBJECTIVETo assess the recovery of the reproductive endocrine function in rats following orthotopic transplantation of fetal ovarian allograft.

METHODSNinety female SD rats (50-60 days old) were randomized into graft recipient group (n=50), positive control group (n=20), and negative control group (n=20) to receive orthotopic transplantation of fetal (17-19 gestational days) ovaries following bilateral oophorectomy, sham abdominal surgery, and bilateral oophorectomy, respectively. At 45 days after the surgeries, serum estradiol and progesterone levels were measured and the ovaries were removed for evaluation of the ovarian volume and follicle development.

RESULTSOn day 45 after the operations, the estradiol or progesterone levels showed no significant difference between the recipient group and positive control group (P>0.05), but both were significantly lowered in the negative control group (P<0.05). The ovarian volume was comparable between the recipient group and positive control group (P>0.05), and optical microscopy showed follicles in different stages of development and formation of corpus luteum in the ovaries in both groups.

CONCLUSIONFetal rat ovary allografts can develop into functional ovaries capable of ovulation to restore the reproductive endocrine function of recipient female rats.

Animals ; Estradiol ; blood ; Female ; Fetus ; Ovariectomy ; Ovary ; physiology ; transplantation ; Ovulation ; physiology ; Pregnancy ; Progesterone ; blood ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transplantation, Homologous

OBJECTIVESTo study the role of leptin in the development boys during their puberty and its relationship with insulin (INS), growth hormone (GH), estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T).

METHODSOne hundred and fifty boys with simple obese aged 7 to 17 years, 150 normal healthy boys and 150 boys with malnutrition matched for age (+/- 3 months) and height (+/- 2 cm) were selected. Serum levels of leptin, INS, GH, E2 and T were measured for them.

RESULTSSerum level of leptin in obese group was significantly higher than that in normal group, and that in normal group was significantly higher than that in malnourished group. In the all three groups, serum level of leptin increased with age first until peak value, then began to decrease, with peak value of 6.96 microg/L at ages of 10-11 y in obese group, 10.25 microg/L at ages of 11-12 y in normal group and 5.08 microg/L at ages of 11-12 y in malnourished group. Serum level of leptin increased steadily from Tanner stages G1 to G2, then began to decrease steadily in G2 to G4. Serum level of leptin increased again in stage G5. Serum level of INS in boys increased steadily with age from 7 to 17 years old. Serum levels of GH, T and E2 in boys began to increase since 10-11 years old. Serum level of leptin positively correlated with serum level of INS and negatively correlated with serum levels of GH and T, but not correlated with serum level of E2.

CONCLUSIONSLeptin may promote pubertal development of boys, but not the determinant factor in triggering and maintaining their pubertal development. Re-increase in level of leptin during stage G5 could inhibit secretion of GH, and signalize the end of puberty in boys.

Adolescent ; Body Height ; physiology ; Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; physiology ; Child ; Estradiol ; metabolism ; Growth Hormone ; metabolism ; Humans ; Leptin ; blood ; physiology ; Male ; Puberty ; physiology ; Testosterone ; metabolism

The epididymis is critically dependent on the presence of the testis. Although several hormones, such as retinoids and progestins, and factors secreted directly into the epididymal lumen, such as androgen binding protein and fibroblast growth factor, might play regulatory roles in epididymal function, testosterone (T) and its metabolites, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol (E2), are accepted as the primary regulators of epididymal structure and functions, with the former playing the greater role. To ascertain the molecular action of androgens on the epididymis, three complementary approaches were pursued to monitor changes in gene expression in response to different hormonal milieux. The first was to establish changes in gene expression along the epididymis as androgenic support is withdrawn. The second was to determine the sequence of responses that occur in an androgen deprived tissue upon re-administration of the two metabolites of T, DHT and E2. The third was to study the effects of androgen withdrawal and re-administration on gene expression in immortalized murine caput epididymidal principal cells. Specific responses were observed under each of these conditions, with an expected major difference in the panoply of genes expressed upon hormone withdrawal and re-administration; however, some key common features were the common roles of genes in insulin like growth factor/epidermal growth factor and the relatively minor and specific effects of E2 as compared to DHT. Together, these results provide novel insights into the mechanisms of androgen regulation in epididymal principal cells.
Androgens ; physiology ; Animals ; Dihydrotestosterone ; pharmacology ; Embryo, Mammalian ; physiology ; Epididymis ; physiology ; Estradiol ; physiology ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Leydig Cells ; physiology ; Male ; Placenta ; physiology ; Pregnancy ; Rats ; Rats, Inbred BN ; Testosterone ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of hyperoxia and paired immunoglobin-like receptor B (PirB) on rat oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) in vivo and the neuroprotective effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) on these cells.

METHODSRat OPCs were treated with different concentrations of E2 and the cells were harvested for RT‑qPCR analysis at different time points. PriB was silenced with small interfering siRNA. The effects of E2 treatment and silencing of PriB on OPCs viability and apoptosis under hyperoxic stimulation were detected using 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthi‑azol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry analysis.

RESULTSHyperoxia induced apoptosis in OPCs and decreased their viability. E2 treatment markedly down-regulated the expression of PirB. E2 treatment or PirB silencing markedly decreased hyperoxia-induced apoptosis and increased cell viability in OPCs.

CONCLUSIONSE2 can protect OPCs from hyperoxia-induced apoptosis.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Estradiol ; pharmacology ; Hyperoxia ; pathology ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; Oligodendroglia ; drug effects ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Immunologic ; physiology ; Stem Cells ; drug effects ; physiology