63 EQUINE FOLLICLES MODULATE CORTISOL LEVELS AND CAPABILITY OF OOCYTES TO ADAPT TO STRESS SITUATIONS

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
D. Scarlet ◽  
N. Ille ◽  
G. D. A. Gastal ◽  
B. G. Alves ◽  
S. O. Paiva ◽  
...  

Glucocorticoids are mediators of the systemic stress response. Acute or chronic stress characterised by high cortisol concentrations in the periphery impairs reproductive function in a variety of species and therefore may affect fertility. The ovary has been shown to be a target tissue for glucocorticoids in many species, including the mare. This study hypothesised that the equine ovary possesses internal mechanisms to modulate cortisol activity and that supraphysiologic levels of glucocorticoids do not affect oocyte IVM rates. Light horse mares (n = 9) were used in this study. Growing follicles from an induced follicular wave were divided into the following groups: G1: 5–9 mm, G2: 10–14 mm, G3: 15–19 mm, G4: 20–24 mm, and G5: ≥25 mm. Follicular fluid (FF) and compact cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) were obtained by ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and the end of every aspiration session. Cortisol (DE1887, Demeditec, Kiel-Wellsee, Germany), progesterone (ADI-901–011, Enzo Life Sciences, Farmingdale, NY, USA), and corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG, MBS047353, MyBioSource, San Diego, CA, USA) concentrations were determined by ELISA. COCs (n = 80) were randomly distributed to either the control group (DMEM-F12+ medium) or the following hydrocortisone treatment groups: 0.1 µg mL–1, 1 µg mL–1, 5 µg mL–1, 10 µg mL–1. Maturation rate was assessed 30 h after incubation. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS Statistics 22 software. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and chi-squared test. Cortisol (115.4 ± 13.3 ng mL–1) and progesterone (22.1 ± 3.1 ng mL–1) FF concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in G5 follicles than in all other groups, and were positively correlated (r = 0.8; P < 0.001). Plasma concentrations of cortisol (118.6 ± 7.8 v. 120.3 ± 12.2 ng mL–1), progesterone (2.4 ± 0.5 v. 2.5 ± 0.4 ng mL–1), and CBG (11.1 ± 5.1 v. 9.9 ± 3.2 µg mL–1) did not differ before and after follicle aspiration. However, plasma CBG and progesterone were negatively correlated (r = –0.56; P < 0.01). Maturation rates did not differ among groups, regardless of the hydrocortisone concentration added to the culture medium. Our results demonstrated higher cortisol concentrations in preovulatory follicles in vivo, suggesting its importance for oocyte maturation. The greater unbound cortisol available in the FF of preovulatory follicles can be indicative of the displacement of cortisol from CBG in favour of progesterone. Furthermore, equine oocytes were capable of surviving cortisol concentrations 100 times higher than those physiologically present in preovulatory follicles. This finding suggests the ability of equine oocytes to modulate cortisol levels and adapt to stress situations.

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 196-207
Author(s):  
Emanuel Sporer ◽  
Christian B. M. Poulie ◽  
Sture Lindegren ◽  
Emma Aneheim ◽  
Holger Jensen ◽  
...  

Targeted α-therapy (TAT) can eradicate tumor metastases while limiting overall toxicity. One of the most promising α-particle emitters is astatine-211 (211At). However, 211At-carbon bonds are notoriously unstable in vivo and no chelators are available. This hampers its adoption in TAT. In this study, the stability of 211At on the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was investigated. The employed AuNPs had sizes in the 25–50 nm range. Radiolabeling by non-specific surface-adsorption in >99% radiochemical yield was achieved by mixing 211At and AuNPs both before and after polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating. The resulting 211At-AuNPs were first challenged by harsh oxidation with sodium hypochlorite, removing roughly 50% of the attached 211At. Second, incubation in mouse serum followed by a customized stability test, showed a stability of >95% after 4 h in serum. This high stability was further confirmed in an in vivo study, with comparison to a control group of free 211At. The AuNP-associated 211At showed low uptake in stomach and thyroid, which are hallmark organs of uptake of free 211At, combined with long circulation and high liver and spleen uptake, consistent with nanoparticle biodistribution. These results support that gold surface-adsorbed 211At has high biological stability and is a potentially useful delivery system in TAT.


1977 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Yamazaki ◽  
T. Motomiya ◽  
M. Sonoda ◽  
N. Miyagawa

Substantial clinical evidence indicates that large doses of estrogen frequenly result in thromboembolic disorders. Effects of estrogen on platelet aggregability were examined in women with uterine myoma before and after oophorectomy. Bilateral oophorectomy on 15 cases (48.7+0.12 yrs, mean+SE) and unilateral or no oophorectomy on 18 cases (control group : 42.2+0.18 yrs) were performed with myomectomy of the uterus. On one day before and one day, one week and one month after the operation performed, their platelet count by Coulter counter, platelet volume by Coulter channelyzer and platelet aggregability by Sienco aggregometer were measured. 24 hrs total estrogen in urine was also determined. In the control group, platelet counts were 85.1+ 4.9 % of the preoperated value one day after, 127.9+9.0 % one week after and 98.1+7.6 % one month after the operation. In the bilateral oophorectomy group, these were 82.4+5.2 % one day after, 124.0+4.7 % one week after and 96.1+4.8 % one month after. Both the groups showed the same change. Platelet aggregability by 3 μM ADP were 76.9+14.3 % one day after, 203.0+57.1 % one week after and 193.4+59.0 % one month after in the control, while 55.0+13.6 % one day after, 102.5+12.9 % one week after and 60.6+14.7 % one month after the operation in the total oophorectomy group. There was a statistically significant difference in the values obtained one month after the operation between the groups (p<0.05). Characteristic changes in platelet volumes were also observed. A significant correlation was observed between the platelet aggre-gabilities and the daily urinary estrogen excretion levels. The above results suggest that estrogen may enhance platelet aggregability in vivo.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3566
Author(s):  
Federica Gaiani ◽  
Sara Graziano ◽  
Fatma Boukid ◽  
Barbara Prandi ◽  
Lorena Bottarelli ◽  
...  

The reasons behind the increasing prevalence of celiac disease (CD) worldwide are still not fully understood. This study adopted a multilevel approach (in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo) to assess the potential of gluten from different wheat varieties in triggering CD. Peptides triggering CD were identified and quantified in mixtures generated from simulated gastrointestinal digestion of wheat varieties (n = 82). Multivariate statistics enabled the discrimination of varieties generating low impact on CD (e.g., Saragolla) and high impact (e.g., Cappelli). Enrolled subjects (n = 46) were: 19 healthy subjects included in the control group; 27 celiac patients enrolled for the in vivo phase. Celiacs were divided into a gluten-free diet group (CD-GFD), and a GFD with Saragolla-based pasta group (CD-Sar). The diet was followed for 3 months. Data were compared between CD-Sar and CD-GFD before and after the experimental diet, demonstrating a limited ability of Saragolla to trigger immunity, although not comparable to a GFD. Ex vivo studies showed that Saragolla and Cappelli activated immune responses, although with great variability among patients. The diverse potential of durum wheat varieties in triggering CD immune response was demonstrated. Saragolla is not indicated for celiacs, yet it has a limited potential to trigger adverse immune response.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xun Wang ◽  
Yongheng Huang ◽  
Shiwen Yuan ◽  
Amin Tamadon ◽  
Shulan Ma ◽  
...  

Hormone replacement therapy is the principal treatment for perimenopausal affective disorders which can cause severe side effects. The present study compared the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) and estradiol treatment on perimenopausal affective disorders at the behavioral and cellular levels. In this randomized experimentalin vivostudy, adult female rats were divided into intact, ovariectomy, chronic unpredictable stress (CUS), and ovariectomy and CUS combination groups. After week 6, all groups were subdivided to three subgroups of control, EA, and estradiol treatment. The behavioral parameters in the open field and the elevated plus maze tests were assessed before and after treatments. Alterations of serum steroid hormones and changes of estradiol receptor-α(ER-α) immunofluorescence neurons in the hippocampus sections were evaluated. EA treatment caused more antianxiety effects than estradiol treatment in CUS group (P<0.05). Notably, estradiol and EA treatments had better significant behavioral effects when the models were not estrogen-deficient. Importantly, within each group, compared to the control group, the numbers of ER-α-positive neurons were significantly larger in EA subgroups. Therefore, EA had antianxiety effects on perimenopausal affective disorders caused by CUS but not by estrogen deficiency and upregulation of hippocampus ER-αneurons may contribute to its mechanism of action.


Reproduction ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 140 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iain J McEwan ◽  
Dagmara McGuinness ◽  
Colin W Hay ◽  
Robert P Millar ◽  
Philippa T K Saunders ◽  
...  

The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, and is important for both male and female reproductive health. The receptor is a target for a number of post-translational modifications including phosphorylation, which has been intensively studied in vitro. However, little is known about the phosphorylation status of the receptor in target tissues in vivo. The common marmoset is a useful model for studying human reproductive functions, and comparison of the AR primary sequence from this primate shows high conservation of serines known to be phosphorylated in the human receptor and corresponding flanking amino acids. We have used a panel of phosphospecific antibodies to study AR phosphorylation in the marmoset ovary throughout the follicular phase and after treatment with GNRH antagonist or testosterone propionate. In normal follicular phase ovaries, total AR (both phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated forms) immunopositive staining was observed in several cell types including granulosa cells of developing follicles, theca cells and endothelial cells lining blood vessels. Receptor phosphorylation at serines 81, 308, and 650 was detected primarily in the granulosa cells of developing follicles, surface epithelium, and vessel endothelial cells. Testosterone treatment lead to a modest increase in AR staining in all stages of follicle studied, while GNRH antagonist had no effect. Neither treatment significantly altered the pattern of phosphorylation compared to the control group. These results demonstrate that phosphorylation of the AR occurs, at a subset of serine residues, in a reproductive target tissue in vivo, which appears refractory to hormonal manipulations.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chih-Hsun Chu ◽  
Hing-Chung Lam ◽  
Jenn-Kuen Lee ◽  
Chih-Chen Lu ◽  
Chun-Chin Sun ◽  
...  

To evaluate the relationship between circulating adiponectin and insulin sensitivity in patients with hyperthyroid Graves' disease, we studied 19 adult patients with this disease and 19 age- and sex-matched euthyroid controls. All hyperthyroid patients were treated with antithyroid drugs and were re-evaluated after thyroid function normalized. Before antithyroid treatment, the adiponectin plasma concentrations were not different comparing with those in control group. The adiponectin levels remained unchanged after treatment. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in hyperthyroid group was higher before treatment than after treatment. There was no significant difference in serum glucose and insulin levels between hyperthyroid and control groups and in the hyperthyroid group before and after treatment. BMI-adjusted adiponectin levels were not different among three groups. On the other hand, BMI-adjusted insulin levels and HOMA-IR values were significantly decreased after management of hyperthyroidism. Pearson's correlation revealed that insulin and HOMA-IR values positively correlated with triiodothyronine (T3) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels. However, adiponectin did not correlate with T3, FT4, insulin, HOMA-IR and thyrotropin receptor autoantibody (TRAb) levels. In conclusion, insulin resistance associated with hyperthyroidism is not mediated by the levels of plasma adiponectin.


2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Baitul Mukarromah ◽  
Hardhono Susanto ◽  
Tandiyo Rahayu

Exercise is physical stress which potentially causes disruption of homeostasis, especially in sports that is excessively done. Weight Training (LB) and Aquarobic Exercise (LA) can be modulators of handling stress. This research aims at investigating the effect of the difference between LB and LA to physical stress in obese women. The study was conducted in 2014. The method used in this study was randomized experimental pretest-posttest control group design in 36 obese women, aged 45-50 years who were divided into 3 groups, group LB 50% RM, 3 sets, 12 repetition, treatment two times a day for 8 weeks (n = 12), LA 75% HRmax, treatment 2 days for 8 weeks (n = 12) and control group (n = 12). Body Mass Index (BMI) and cortisol levels were measured before and after the treatment. Hypothesis testing was conducted using test (One-Way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis) and the mean difference test (Tukey HSD and Mann Whitneys). The results of BMI is increased in the WT group and is decreased in LA group as compared to control group (p <0.05). The decrease of cortisol level is higher than in LA and LB group and controls (p <0.05). LB and LA affect the physical stress that is characterized by the increase in cortisol levels in obese women. Conclusion: LB is more dominant than LA in increasing physical stress.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitaly V. Potyomkin ◽  
Tatyana S. Varganova ◽  
Irina V. Terehova ◽  
Elena V. Ageeva

Phacoemulsification (PE) is the leading method of cataract surgery. Purpose. To assess the impact of PE on corneal subbasal nerve plexus in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) using confocal in vivo microscopy. Methods. 42 patients (42 eyes) were enrolled in the study. The main group consisted of 24 patients (24 eyes) with PEX syndrome, and 18 patients (18 eyes) without it composed the control group. Confocal in vivo microscopy was performed before and after PHACO. Results. In patients with PEX after PE, an increase in number of nerve branches and pellet-like structures in them were noticed (p < 0,05).


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Łukasz Wołowiec ◽  
Daniel Rogowicz ◽  
Joanna Banach ◽  
Wojciech Gilewski ◽  
Władysław Sinkiewicz ◽  
...  

Background and Purpose. The main goal of the study was to assess the usefulness of plasma concentrations of catestatin as a predictor of a composite endpoint (CE): unplanned hospitalization and death for all causes in patients with HFrEF in the midterm follow-up. Experimental Approach. The study group consisted of 52 Caucasian patients in NYHA classes II and III. The control group consisted of 24 healthy volunteers. The biomarkers, whose concentration was assessed before and after physical exertion as well as the variability of their concentration under the influence of the physical exertion, were NT-proBNP, troponin T, and catestatin. Key Results. During the 24-month follow-up period, 11 endpoints were recorded. The univariate analysis of the Cox proportional hazard model showed a statistically significant effect of all assessed CST concentrations on the occurrence of CE. In the 24-month follow-up, where the starting concentration of catestatin was compared with other recognized prognostic factors in HF, the initial concentration of catestatin showed statistical significance in CE prognosis as the only parameter tested. Conclusions. Plasma concentration of catestatin before and after physical exertion is a valuable prognostic parameter in predicting death from all causes and unplanned hospitalization in the group of patients with HFrEF in the 2-year follow-up.


1993 ◽  
Vol 265 (1) ◽  
pp. R28-R34 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Gaspo ◽  
N. Yamaguchi ◽  
J. De Champlain

The effects of nifedipine and BAY K 8644 on the adrenal medullary secretion in response to direct splanchnic nerve stimulation were studied in anesthetized dogs. Supramaximal stimulation (12 V) was given on the left splanchnic nerve at a frequency of 2 Hz with three different pulse durations (0.2, 2, and 20 ms) for a total period of 1.5 min. Each stimulation was given for 30 s without interruption between each stimulation. Plasma concentrations of epinephrine and norepinephrine were measured in adrenal venous and aortic blood. In the vehicle control group, epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations in adrenal venous blood proportionally increased with the lengthening of the pulse duration without significant changes in catecholamine concentrations in aortic blood. In dogs receiving nifedipine (100 micrograms/kg iv), the net increase in adrenal venous epinephrine concentration during stimulation with 20-ms pulse duration was attenuated by approximately 50% (P < 0.05). In dogs treated with BAY K 8644 (30 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 iv), both adrenal venous epinephrine and norepinephrine secretions evoked by stimulation with 20-ms pulse duration were significantly enhanced by approximately 50%. The present results suggest that the secretion of adrenal catecholamines under in vivo conditions is controlled through mechanism(s) involving dihydropyridine sensitive L-type Ca2+ channels presumably localized on the surface of adrenal medullary chromaffin cells.


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