OBJECTIVEThe present work aims to investigate the effects of subacute exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on reproductive function in female mice.

METHODSA total of 168 ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mice were randomly divided into four groups by numeration table method, including the low (B), middle (C), high (D) dose DEP exposure groups and the control group (A). Each group consisted of 42 mice. Mice were inoculated with 30 µl DEP suspension at 0.8 (B), 3.0 (C), 12.0 (D) µg/µl, respectively, or the same volume of phosphate-buffered saline (A) on pharynx posterior wall per triduum for 4 times. The body weight and ovary weight were tested and ovary weight/body weight ratios were calculated. Rates of survival, germinal vesicle breakdown, extrusion of the first polar body, in-vitro fertilization and quantity of mitochondrial DNA for the oocytes were investigated. Ultrastructural changes of the oocytes were observed.

RESULTSThe ovary weight/body weight ratios were (15.4 ± 7.3) × 10(-5), (14.1 ± 6.8) × 10(-5), (8.2 ± 0.7) × 10(-5) and (7.2 ± 2.5) × 10(-5) in groups A, B, C and D (F = 3.841, P < 0.05). In groups A, B, C and D at 48 h post-insemination, rates of oocyte survival were 64.3%, 56.8%, 39.5% and 32.9% (χ(2) = 21.575, P < 0.05), rates of extrusion of the first polar body were 75.5%, 65.3%, 37.0% and 27.1% (χ(2) = 52.772, P < 0.05), rates of 2-cell embryos were 27.9%, 39.1%, 17.6% and 12.5% (χ(2) = 20.148, P < 0.05), and rates of embryos over 2 cells were 45.3%, 32.2%, 12.5% and 13.9% (χ(2) = 32.135, P < 0.05), respectively, and were significantly lower in groups C and D compared with group A (P < 0.05). Logarithmic values of mitochondrial DNA copy numbers were 6.54 ± 0.13, 6.48 ± 0.09, 5.57 ± 0.15 and 5.41 ± 0.07 in groups A, B, C and D, respectively, and were significantly lower in groups C and D compared with group A or B (F = 89.241, P < 0.05). A number of mitochondria of the oocytes exhibited tremendous tumescence and vacuolization in groups C and D, which was contrast to a roughly normal appearance in groups A and B.

CONCLUSIONSDEP is noxious to murine female reproduction. Subacute exposure to DEP injures the ovary and oocyte resulting in compromised ovarian function and fertilizability of the oocyte.

Animals ; Female ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Oocytes ; drug effects ; Ovary ; cytology ; drug effects ; Vehicle Emissions ; toxicity

This paper summarizes the research progress of reproductive toxicity of Tripterygium wilfordii from 1979,and the toxicity characterization,damage mechanism,and attenuated measures are summarized. It was found that,the reproductive toxicity caused by T. wilfordii is mainly distributed on components of Tripterygium glycosides,triptolide,tripchlorolide,and clinically preparations,such as Leigongteng Tablets and Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets. Adverse reactions to male reproductive system caused by Tripterygium preparations mainly include decreased sperm motility,oligospermia or spermatozoa,decreased fertility or infertility,etc. Long-term drug use may also lead to testicular atrophy and decreased sexual desire. Adverse reactions to women are mainly manifested as menstrual disorders,decreased menstrual volume or even amenorrhea,decreased sexual desire,infertility,etc. The reproductive toxicity of T. wilfordii is related to apoptosis of reproductive cells,disturbance of spermatogenesis or oogenesis,damage of testis and ovary in reproductive target tissues,and changes of internal environment in gonad tissues( hormones,hormone synthesis rate-limiting enzymes and energy metabolism). Drug compatibility,hormone replacement,medication duration and dosage form changes can help reduce the damage of T. wilfordii to the reproductive system. In addition,in view of the existing problems in the current study,the author proposes new directions in clinical studies,pharmacological metabolism mechanism,preparation quality standards and new therapeutic effects,etc.,to provide a basis for the safe and reasonable clinical application of T. wilfordii.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; toxicity ; Female ; Genitalia ; drug effects ; Humans ; Male ; Ovary ; drug effects ; Testis ; drug effects ; Tripterygium ; toxicity

Ice easily recrystallizes during warming after vitrification, and antifreeze protein (AFP) can inhibit the re-crystallization. However, no study has evaluated the effect of AFP treatment only thereon during warming. This study sought to compare AFP treatment protocols: a conventional protocol with AFP treatment during vitrification and first-step warming and a new protocol with AFP treatment during the first-step warming only. According to the protocols, 10 mg/mL of LeIBP (a type of AFP) was used. Five-week-old B6D2F1 mouse ovaries were randomly divided into a vitrified-warmed control and two experimental groups, one treated with the conventional AFP treatment protocol (LeIBP-all) and the other with the new AFP treatment protocol (LeIBP-w). For evaluation, ratios of ovarian follicle integrity, apoptosis, and DNA double-strand (DDS) damage/repairing were analyzed. The LeIBP-treated groups showed significantly higher intact follicle ratios than the control, and the results were similar between the LeIBP-treated groups. Apoptotic follicle ratios were significantly lower in both LeIBP-treated groups than the control, and the results were not significantly different between the LeIBP-treated groups. With regard to DDS damage/repairing follicle ratio, significantly lower ratios were recorded in both LeIBP-treated groups, compared to the control, and the results were similar between the LeIBP-treated groups. This study demonstrated that both protocols with LeIBP had a beneficial effect on maintaining follicle integrity and preventing follicle apoptosis and DDS damage. Moreover, the new protocol showed similar results to the conventional protocol. This new protocol could optimize the mouse ovary vitrification-warming procedure using AFP, while minimizing the treatment steps.
Animals ; Antifreeze Proteins/*pharmacology ; Apoptosis/drug effects ; Cryopreservation ; Cryoprotective Agents/pharmacology ; Female ; Mice ; Ovarian Follicle/cytology/drug effects ; Ovary/cytology/drug effects/*physiology ; *Vitrification/drug effects

OBJECTIVETo explore the direct contribution of dexamethasone (Dex) for insulin resistance inducing in thecal cells and effects of berberine (Ber) and puerarin (Pue).

METHODSOvarian thecal cells from porcine follicles were isolated and cultured in vitro. Insulin resistance of thecal cells was induced by Dex treatment for 48 h. Then the glucose utilization ratio of thecal cells was detected. Meanwhile, the effects of Ber and Pue on insulin signal transmission and steroid hormones synthesis were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS(1) After being treated by Dex for 48 h, the [3-3H] -glucose uptake in cells was lowered by about half, and the glucose content in supernate increased for about 1/3. (2) The RT-PCR and Western blotting showed that levels of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), mRNA and protein expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) lowered, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor -gamma(PPARgamma) and cytochrome P450 17 hydroxylase (CYP17) mRNA or protein expression increased in the model cells. However, the changes of above insulin signal molecules and CYP17 expression were inversed significantly after treated with Ber and Pue for 48 h. (3) As compared with the control, in the model cells, levels of testosterone (T, microg/mL) was higher (0.82 +/- 0.20 vs 0.38 +/- 0.01, P < 0.05), while after Ber and Pue treatment it was 0.44 +/- 0.24 and 0.45 +/- 0.21 respectively, all lower than that in the model cells (P < 0.05). No significant change of serum progesterone was found in all groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAfter insulin resistance has been induced, the androgen synthetic capacity of thecal cells enhanced significantly. Ber and Pue could lower the degree of insulin resistance and the androgen synthesis in the model cells, displaying the favorable prospect of the two insulin sensitizing agents for the treatment of polycystic syndrome.

Animals ; Berberine ; pharmacology ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Insulin Resistance ; Isoflavones ; pharmacology ; Ovary ; cytology ; drug effects ; Swine ; Theca Cells ; drug effects

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

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a commonly used phenolic environmental estrogen. Long-term exposure of female mammalians to BPA can lead to endocrine disorders, followed by the morphological and functional changes in ovary, uterus, vagina, and oviducts. The interactions of BPA with various target molecules or tissues will cause different effects. To further elucidate the effects of BPA on female reproductive system, we review the changes in the structure and functions of female reproduction system after BPA exposure and their possible mechanisms.
Benzhydryl Compounds ; toxicity ; Endocrine Disruptors ; toxicity ; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal ; toxicity ; Female ; Humans ; Ovary ; drug effects ; Phenols ; toxicity ; Uterus ; drug effects ; Vagina ; drug effects

The present study was to investigate the effect of kinetin on ovary and uterus of D-galactose-induced female mouse model of aging. Aging female mice model caused by D-galactose were used as model group, the aging model mice intragastrically administered with kinetin solution (daily 25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) were used as kinetin groups, and the mice with solvent as normal group (n = 20). To detect the effects of kinetin, estrous cycle, estradiol content, ovarian and uterine wet weight and organ index, SOD and GSH-Px activities, MDA and total protein contents, as well as the reserve function of ovaries were examined. The results showed that, kinetin-induced changes in two kinetin groups were observed, compared with the model group: (1) the estrous cycle was shortened; (2) serum estradiol content was significantly increased; (3) the wet weights of the ovary and uterus were increased significantly; (4) SOD and GSH-Px activities of ovary and uterus were significantly higher; (5) the MDA contents of the ovary and uterus were reduced significantly; (6) total protein contents of the ovary and uterus were increased significantly; (7) the numbers of mature oocytes in fallopian tubes were increased significantly. The results show that kinetin can protect ovary and uterus against oxidative damage, prevent low estrogen secretion caused by ovarian oxidative damage, shorten the estrous cycle in mice, and eventually maintain ovarian and uterine vitalities.
Aging ; Animals ; Estradiol ; metabolism ; Estrous Cycle ; drug effects ; Female ; Galactose ; Kinetin ; pharmacology ; Mice ; Organ Size ; Ovary ; drug effects ; Uterus ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate ovarian follicular damage induced by chemotherapeutic agents and gonadotropin- releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) expression in the damaged ovaries in rats.

METHODSTwo groups of adult SD rats were subjected to intraperitoneal injection of a single-dose cyclophosphamide and saline, respectively, and 8 weeks later, the ovaries were taken for observing the ovarian damages. The distribution of GnRHR was detected with immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR was used to determine the expression of GnRHR mRNA in the rat ovaries.

RESULTSMassive primordial follicular loss occurred in the ovaries of rats exposed to cyclophosphamide with also evident stromal ovarian blood vessel damages and focal fibrosis. Both the protein and mRNA expressions of GnRHR were detected in normal rat ovaries, but in rats exposed to cyclophosphamide, the expressions were significantly lowered in the ovaries (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONLow-level GnRHR expressions in the ovaries of rats with cyclophosphamide exposure suggest microenvironment disturbances in the damaged rat ovaries in advanced stage of chemotherapy.

Animals ; Cyclophosphamide ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Ovary ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, LHRH ; metabolism

To investigate the clinical effect of tonifying the kidney and promoting blood circulation to promote oocyte decoction in the treatment of anovulatory infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome. Sixty cases were selected from the out-patient department of Xiyuan hospital of China academy of Chinese medical sciences and the Chinese academy of traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese medicine out-patient department. Sixty patients with PCOS patients were randomly divided into the treatment group and the control group, with 30 cases and 30 cases respectively. The treatment group was given decoction of the reinforcing kidney, activating blood circulation and ovarian stimulation compound recipe. The control group was treated with clomiphene. Through the treatment of 1-2 courses, in the treatment group the pregnancy rate was 56.67%, the ovulation rate 61%; in control group of clomiphene citrate ovulation ratepregnancy rate was 30% , 72.84% of ovulation rate. The difference was significant between two groups (P < 0.05), the pregnancy rate in the treatment group was higher than the control group. The treatment group has regulatory effect on FSH, LH and their ratio, and increase E2 level, decrease T, PRL, INS and other hormone levels, contributing to the mature development of the follicles and endometrium growth, increase the ovulation rate and pregnancy rate. The control group on FSH, E2 increased, LH, T, PRL and INS showed no obvious effect.
Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Fertility Agents, Female ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Infertility, Female ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Kidney ; drug effects ; Ovulation ; drug effects ; Ovulation Induction ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; complications

OBJECTIVETo investigate the possible pathways for ovarian injury after administration of cyclophosphamide in rats.

METHODSAdult SD rats received a single injection of saline vehicle or chemotherapeutic agent cyclophosphamide, and 8 weeks later, the ovaries were removed, fixed and serially sectioned for pathological examination and ovarian follicle counting. The expression of stem cell factor (SCF) protein was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and immunoreactive score, and SCF mRNA expression determined by RT-PCR in rat ovaries.

RESULTSCyclophosphamide had a detrimental effect on ovarian stromal function and lead to primordial follicle loss. Immunoreactive SCF antigens were expressed on the oocytes in the primordial and primary follicles of rat ovaries, and also in the granulosa cells of the secondary follicles and early antral follicles. There was a higher granulosa SCF, lower oocyte SCF and higher SCF mRNA level in the ovaries of the rats exposed to cyclophosphamide as compared with those in control rat ovaries (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONAltered SCF expression in the ovaries of rats exposed to cyclophosphamide can be helpful for understanding the mechanisms for chemotherapeutic drug-induced ovarian damage.

Animals ; Cyclophosphamide ; adverse effects ; Female ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Granulosa Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Oocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Ovary ; cytology ; drug effects ; injuries ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Stem Cell Factor ; genetics ; metabolism