Relação da concentração do hormônio antimulleriano com população folicular e fertilidade em fêmeas bovinas

Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Farmacologia) - IBB

Desenvolvimento reprodutivo de ratos machos expostos ao agente hipolipemiante rosuvastatina

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Nicho espermatogonial em Cyprinus carpio e papel do Amh na espermaogênese

Pós-graduação em Aquicultura - FCAV

Endocrine and paracrine regulation of zebrafish spermatogenesis: the Sertoli cell perspective

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) either self-renew or differentiate into spermatogonia that further develop into spermatozoa. Self-renewal occurs when residing in a specific micro-environment (niche) while displacement from the niche would tip the signalling balance towards differentiation. Considering the cystic type of spermatogenesis in fish, the SSC candidates are single type A undifferentiated (A(und)) spermatogonia, enveloped by mostly one niche-forming Sertoli cell. When going through a self-renewal cell cycle, the resulting new single type Aund spermatogonium would have to recruit another Sertoli cell to expand the niche space, while a differentiating germ cell cyle would result in a pair of spermatogonia that remain in contact with their cyst-forming Sertoli cells. In zebrafish, thyroid hormone stimulates the proliferation of Sertoli cells and of type Aund spermatogonia, involving Igf3, a new member of the Igf family. In cystic spermatogenesis, type Aund spermatogonia usually do not leave the niche, so that supposedly the signalling in the niche changes when switching from self-renewal to differentiation. and rzAmh inhibited differentiation of type A(und) spermatogonia as well as Fsh-stimulated steroidogenesis. Thus, for Fsh to efficiently stimulate testis functions, Amh bioactivity should be dampened. We also discovered that Fsh increased Sertoli cell Igf3 gene and protein expression; rzIgf3 stimulated spermatogonial proliferation and Fsh-stimulated spermatogenesis was significantly impaired by inhibiting Igf receptor signaling. We propose that in zebrafish, Fsh is the major regulator of testis functions and, supported by other endocrine systems (e.g. thyroid hormone), regulates Leydig cell steroidogenesis as well as Sertoli cell number and growth factor production to promote spermatogenesis.

Ovum pick-up technique in recently weaned ewe lambs subjected to ovarian stimulation

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Efficiency of superstimulatory protocol P-36 associated with the administration of eCG and LH in Nelore cows

Recent work with P-36 demonstrates that the replacement of the last two doses of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) increases embryo yields. However, it is unclear if the positive effect of eCG is related to its FSH-like activity, LH-like activity, or both. This study aimed to verify the replacement of eCG with pLH on the last day of superstimulatory treatment. Twenty-five Nelore cows were allocated to four groups: P-36 (control), P-36/eCG, P-36/LH2, and P-36/LH4. All animals underwent four treatments in a crossover design. The control group cows were superstimulated with decreasing doses of porcine Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (pFSH, 133 mg, im). In the P-36/eCG, P-36/LH2, and P-36/LH4 groups, the last two doses of pFSH were replaced in the former group by two doses of eCG (200 IU each dose, im) and in the latter two groups by two doses of pLH (1 and 2 mg each dose, im), respectively. Donors received fixed-time artificial insemination 12 and 24 hours after pLH. Embryo flushing was performed on D16. Data were analyzed by ANOVA (Proc Mixed, SAS). There was a trend of decreasing ovulation rate when comparing groups LH2 and eCG (P = 0.06). However, there was no significant difference in the mean number of viable embryos among groups P-36 (3.3 ± 0.7), P-36/eCG (4.5 ± 0.5), P-36/LH2 (3.7 ± 0.8), and P-36/LH4 (4.2 ± 1.0). It is concluded that the replacement of eCG by pLH on the last day of superstimulatory treatment can be performed with no significant variation in the production of viable embryos.

Time course of the meiotic arrest in sheep cumulus-oocyte complexes treated with roscovitine

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Insuficiência de vitamina D em pacientes infectados pelo HIV tratados com terapia antirretroviral contendo tenofovir

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Insuficiência de vitamina D em pacientes infectados pelo HIV tratados com terapia antirretroviral contendo tenofovir

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Early onset of obesity induces reproductive deficits in female rats

The incidence of obesity is increasing rapidly all over the world and results in numerous health detriments, including disruptions in reproduction. However, the mechanisms by which excess body fat interferes with reproductive functions are still not fully understood. After weaning, female rats were treated with a cafeteria diet or a chow diet (control group). Biometric and metabolic parameters were evaluated in adulthood. Reproductive parameters, including estradiol, progesterone, LH and prolactin during the proestrus afternoon, sexual behavior, ovulation rates and histological analysis of ovaries were also evaluated. Cafeteria diet was able to induce obesity in female rats by increasing body and fat pad weight, which resulted in increased levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and induced insulin resistance. The cafeteria diet also negatively affected female reproduction by reducing the number of oocytes and preantral follicles, as well as the thickness of the follicular layer. Obese females did not show preovulatory progesterone and LH surges, though plasma estradiol and prolactin showed preovulatory surges similar to control rats. Nevertheless, sexual receptiveness was not altered by cafeteria diet. Taken together, our results suggest that the cafeteria diet administered from weaning age was able to induce obesity and reduce the reproductive capability in adult female rats, indicating that this obesity model can be used to better understand the mechanisms underlying reproductive dysfunction in obese subjects. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Glutamate-induced obesity leads to decreased sperm reserves and acceleration of transit time in the epididymis of adult male rats

Background: Given the established fact that obesity interferes with male reproductive functions, the present study aimed to evaluate sperm production in the testis and storage in the epididymis in a glutamate-induced model of obesity. Methods: Male rats were treated neonatally with monosodium glutamate (MSG) at doses of 4 mg/kg subcutaneously, or with saline solution (control group), on postnatal days 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10. On day 120, obesity was confirmed by the Lee index in all MSG-treated rats. After this, all animals from the two experimental groups were anesthetized and killed to evaluate body and reproductive organ weights, sperm parameters, plasma hormone levels (FSH, LH and testosterone), testicular and epididymal histo-morphometry and histopathology. Results: Significant reductions in absolute and relative weights of testis, epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicle were noted in MSG-treated animals. In these same animals plasma testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were decreased, as well as sperm counts in the testis and epididymis and seminiferous epithelium height and tubular diameter. The sperm transit time was accelerated in obese rats. However, the number of Sertoli cells per seminiferous tubule and stereological findings on the epididymis were not markedly changed by obesity. Conclusions: Neonatal MSG-administered model of obesity lowers sperm production and leads to a reduction in sperm storage in the epididymis of adult male rats. The acceleration of sperm transit time can have implications for the sperm quality of these rats.

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome: morphofunctional penile abnormalities with normal sperm analysis

Objective: To perform a global gonadal and sexual functions assessment in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 male PAPS patients and 20 healthy controls. They were assessed by demographic data, clinical features, systematic urological examination, sexual function, testicular ultrasound, seminal parameters according to the World Health Organization (WHO), seminal sperm antibodies, and hormone profile, including follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), morning total testosterone, and thyroid hormones. Results: The median of current age and age of spermarche were similar in PAPS patients and controls (37.5 vs. 32.4 years, p = 0.270, and 13.1 vs. 12.85 years, p = 0.224, respectively), with a higher frequency of erectile dysfunction in the former group (25% vs. 0%, p = 0.044). Further analysis of PAPS patients with and without previous arterial thrombosis demonstrated that the median penis circumference was significantly lower in PAPS with arterial thrombosis than in PAPS without this complication (8.1 [6-10] vs. 10.2 [10-11] cm, p = 0.007). In addition, the median penis circumference was significantly lower in PAPS patients with erectile dysfunction than in patients without this complication (7.5 [6-9.5] vs. 9.5 [7.5-11] cm, p = 0.039). Regarding seminal analysis, the median sperm concentration, sperm motility, and normal sperm forms by WHO guidelines were comparable in PAPS patients and controls (141.5 [33-575] vs. 120.06 [34.5-329] x 106/ml, p = 0.65; 61.29 [25-80] vs. 65.42 [43-82]%, p = 0.4; 21.12 [10-42.5] vs. 23.95 [10-45]%, p = 0.45, respectively), and none of them had oligo/azoospermia. No differences were observed between PAPS patients and controls regarding the frequency of antisperm antibodies, testicular volume by ultrasound, or hormone profile (FSH, LH, morning total testosterone, and thyroid hormone) (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Normal testicular function has been identified in PAPS patients, in spite of morphofunctional penile abnormalities. Previous arterial thrombosis may underlie penile anthropometry alteration. Lupus (2012) 21, 251-256.

VIP expression in vessels of the vaginal wall: relationship with estrogen status

Objective Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a neuropeptide with elevated expression in regions that control urogenital functions. Estrogen appears to modulate VIP expression in various organs, but this effect has not been demonstrated in the vaginal wall. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of estrogen status on VIP expression in vessels of the vaginal wall. Methods Surgical specimens were removed from the vaginal walls of 18 premenopausal women and 12 postmenopausal women who were given surgery for genital prolapse grade I or II. Vaginal specimens were stained with estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) and VIP antibodies. Levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, prolactin, fasting glucose and serum thyroxine stimulating hormone were also measured. Estrogen status was assessed on the basis of FSH and ER-alpha scores. Results The vaginal walls of premenopausal women had significantly higher ER-alpha scores than those of menopausal women (premenopausal group, 3.6 +/- 2.2; menopausal group, 1.4 +/- 1.8; p = 0.01). Premenopausal women also had significantly higher levels of VIP in the vaginal wall than menopausal women (p = 0.02). Increasing age was associated with lower level of VIP staining (odds ratio 0.88; 95% confidence interval 0.78-0.99). Conclusion Levels of ER-alpha and VIP expression in the posterior vaginal wall were higher in premenopausal than in menopausal women, but VIP expression was not associated with estrogen status. Age was an independent predictor of VIP staining in vaginal wall biopsies.

Is the Sexual Satisfaction of Postmenopausal Women Enhanced by Physical Exercise and Pelvic Floor Muscle Training?

Introduction. Physical exercise including pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training seems to improve the sexual function of women with urinary incontinence. This effect in postmenopausal women who are continent has not yet been determined. Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a 3-month physical exercise protocol (PEP) on the sexual function and mood of postmenopausal women. Methods. Thirty-two sedentary, continent, sexually active women who had undergone menopause no more than 5 years earlier and who had follicle stimulating hormone levels of at least 40 mIU/mL were enrolled into this longitudinal study. All women had the ability to contract their PFMs, as assessed by vaginal bimanual palpation. Muscle strength was graded according to the Oxford Modified Grading Scale (OMGS). A PEP was performed under the guidance of a physiotherapist (M. M. F.) twice weekly for 3 months and at home three times per week. All women completed the Sexual Quotient-Female Version (SQ-F) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) before and after the PEP. Main Outcome Measures. SQ-F to assess sexual function, HASDS to assess mood, and OMGS to grade pelvic floor muscle strength. Results. Thirty-two women (24 married women, eight women in consensual unions) completed the PEP. Following the PEP, there was a significant increase in OMGS score (2.59 +/- 1.24 vs. 3.40 +/- 1.32, P < 0.0001) and a significant decrease in the number of women suffering from anxiety (P < 0.01), but there was no effect on sexual function. Conclusion. Implementation of our PEP seemed to reduce anxiety and improve pelvic floor muscular strength in sedentary and continent postmenopausal women. However, our PEP did not improve sexual function. Uncontrolled variables, such as participation in a long-term relationship and menopause status, may have affected our results. We suggest that a randomized controlled trial be performed to confirm our results. Lara LAS, Montenegro ML, Franco MM, Abreu DCC, Rosa e Silva ACJS, Ferreira CHJ. Is the sexual satisfaction of postmenopausal women enhanced by physical exercise and pelvic floor muscle training? J Sex Med 2012; 9: 218-223.

Subclinical impairment of ovarian reserve in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus after cyclophosphamide therapy

Objective To perform systematic assessment of ovarian reserve markers using a combination of tests in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) patients without amenorrhoea. Methods Twenty-seven consecutive JSLE female patients and 13 healthy controls without amenorrhoea were evaluated for 6 months. Ovarian reserve was assessed during early follicular phase by serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), estradiol, inhibin A, inhibin B and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). Ovarian size was measured by abdominal ultrasonography. Demographic data, disease activity, damage and treatment were also analysed. Results The median of current age was similar in ISLE patients and controls (16.5 vs. 15years, p=0.31) with a significantly higher age at menarche (13 vs. 12years, p=0.03). A trend of lower median total antral follicle count was observed in JSLE compared to controls (9 vs. 14.5, p=0.062) with similar median of other ovarian reserve parameters (p>0.05). Further evaluation of patients treated with cyclophosphamide and those without this treatment revealed a higher median FSH levels (6.4 vs. 4.6 IU/L, p=0.023). Inhibin B, AMH levels and ovarian volume were also lower but did not reach statistical significance (10.8 vs. 27.6 pg/mL, p=0.175; 0.6 vs. 1.5 ng/mL, p=0.276; 3.4 vs. 5 cm(3), p=0.133; respectively). LH (2.7 vs. 2.9 IU/L, p=0.43), estradiol (50 vs. 38 pg/mL, p=0.337) and inhibin A (1.1 vs. 0 pg/mL, p=0.489) levels were comparable in both groups. Conclusions Our study suggests that ovarian reserve after cyclophosphamide treatment may be hampered in spite of the presence of menstrual cycles emphasising the relevance of gonadal protection during the use of this alkylating agent.