Objective:To evaluate the effects of three oxidized palm oil diets(OPD)on female rat reproductive function.Methods:Forty-four female Wistar rats presenting five consecutive and regular estrous cycles were divided into...Objective:To evaluate the effects of three oxidized palm oil diets(OPD)on female rat reproductive function.Methods:Forty-four female Wistar rats presenting five consecutive and regular estrous cycles were divided into 4 groups.The rats were fed with:a standard diet,70%of standard diet+30%oxidized palm oil diet(OPD1),OPD1+5 g of boiled yolk egg(OPD2)and OPD1+10%sucrose(OPD3)for 125 days,respectively.During the feeding period,morphometric,estrous cycle,sexual behavior,gestation,biochemical and histomorphometric parameters were evaluated.Results:All OPDs significantly increased abdominal circumference,body mass index and Lee index coupled to an irregularity and lengthening of the estrous cycle.They significantly decreased appetite and consumption behaviours,quantic pregnancy index,fertility rate,implantation sites and index,serum progesterone and high-density lipoprotein levels,increased pre-implantation losses,anti-implantation activities,serum estradiol,triglycerides,total and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels,and impaired brain and ovaries oxidative status.Histomorphometric examinations revealed increases in the number of atresic and primary follicles and decreases in secondary,tertiary,Degraaf,total and corpus luteum follicles in ovaries coupled to a neurodegeneration of hypothalamic anteroventral periventricular neurons in the OPD groups compared to the standard diet group.Conclusions:The three OPDs induce obesity and impair the female reproductive function,especially OPD2 and OPD3.These findings contribute to a better understanding of the adverse effects of palm oil bleaching on the reproductive function in female rats,which could be useful in the management of women with obesity-related sexual dysfunction.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effects of prophylactic administration of Astragalus-Hawthorn on ovarian reproductive function and inflammatory mechanism in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:Fifty 21-day-...Objective:To investigate the effects of prophylactic administration of Astragalus-Hawthorn on ovarian reproductive function and inflammatory mechanism in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:Fifty 21-day-old female rats were randomly divided into five groups of 10 rats each:Normal group,Model group,Astragalus group,Hawthorn group and Astragalus-Hawthorn group.All groups,except the normal group,were fed a high-fat model diet.Each treatment group received astragalus,hawthorn and an astragalus-hawthorn solution orally during the molding period for an intervention period of 15 weeks.The estrous cycle of the rats in each group was observed under the microscope from week 8,the interference rate was calculated,changes in ovarian tissues were observed by HE staining and the levels of sex hormones,proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors in the serum of the rats were measured by ELISA.Results:Rate of estrous cycle disorders were more frequent in the model group than in the normal group.(P<0.01);ovarian tissue was polycystic,with few corpora lutea and sinusoids and numerous follicular ovarian cysts;Luteinising hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone(LH/FSH),testosterone(T),interleukin 6(IL-6),interleukin 17A(IL-17A)and tumour necrosis factor(TNF-α)levels were significantly higher in the model group than in the normal group;interleukin 10(IL-10)was significantly lower than in the normal group(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,rats in the Astragalus and hawthorn groups had a lower rate of estrous cycle disorders(P<0.01);the number of cystic follicles in the ovarian tissue decreased;the number of mature follicles and corpus luteum increased;LH/FSH,T,IL-6 and IL-17A levels were significantly lower in the Astragalus group,hawthorn group and the Astragalus and hawthorn groups;TNF-αlevels were significantly lower in the astragalus and hawthorn groups;IL-10 levels were significantly higher in the hawthorn and astragalus hawthorn groups(P<0.05).IL-10 levels were significantly higher in the astragalus and hawthorn groups(P<0.05).Compared to the astragalus group,T levels were significantly lower in the astragalus and hawthorn groups and IL-10 levels were significantly higher in the astragalus and hawthorn groups(P<0.05).Compared to the hawthorn group,levels of T and IL-17A were significantly lower in the astragalus-hawthorn group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Astragalus-Hawthorn prophylactic administration can improve ovarian reproductive function in rats with PCOS,and the mechanism of action may be related to reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory factors IL-6,IL-17A and TNF-α,increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10,and reducing the inflammatory state.展开更多
Objective: To explore the effects of aqueous extract from Phthirusa pyrifolia leaves(67 mg/kg body weight for 12 days) on the reproductive function of male Wistar rats through oral administration.Methods: Animals(n = ...Objective: To explore the effects of aqueous extract from Phthirusa pyrifolia leaves(67 mg/kg body weight for 12 days) on the reproductive function of male Wistar rats through oral administration.Methods: Animals(n = 30), aged 13 weeks and weighing(378.5 ± 5.0) g, were housed in a vivarium under controlled environmental conditions [photoperiod of 12 h light/dark,temperature of(23 ± 1)C] and were fed standard rations ad libitum. The experiment ran for 12 days, wherein animals were divided into three groups: negative control(n = 6)received water, positive control(n = 12) with finasteride at a concentration of 1.0 mg/kg;and a test group(n = 12) submitted to aqueous extract. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and submitted to analyses.Results: The morphological results of the testes showed that the aqueous extract induced significant changes in the diameter and cross-sectional area of the seminiferous tubules as well as the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium. Furthermore, the extract was able to abruptly decrease testosterone concentrations by about 81.88% in the treated group when compared with the negative control,(47.0 ± 4.8) ng/d L and(255.0 ± 2.0) ng/d L,respectively, and 76.8%,(211.0 ± 8.7) ng/d L, when compared with finasteride. However,the extract causes neither liver damage nor impairment of renal function.Conclusions: These results suggest that the high amounts of flavonoids shown to be in the extract may be responsible for its hepato-protective effects and suggest a possible decrease in the libido and reproduction of rats.展开更多
Aim: To develop an algorithm for use in population-based studies to assess testicniar function by measurements of total urinary follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Methods: Total concentrations of unnary FSH were meas...Aim: To develop an algorithm for use in population-based studies to assess testicniar function by measurements of total urinary follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Methods: Total concentrations of unnary FSH were measured in a group of 44 men at the University of Califomia, Davis (UCD) and were compared to FSH measurements in serum. On the basis of these and other published data, a urinary FSH value of>2 ng/mg creatinine (Cr) was selected as the cutoffpoint to identify men with elevated serum FSH ( > 12 IU/L) or low sperm counts ( < 20 million/mL). Results: Thesensitivity and specificity of this algorithm for detecting elevated serum FSH in a group of 58 agricultural workers in thePeople' s Republic of China were 100 % and 50 %, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of this algorithm fordetecting low sperm counts in a population of 105 infertility patients at UCD were 58 % and 76 %, respectavely.Conclusion: This test may have particular value in identifying populations with no evidence of testicular toxicity, andin which labor-intensive semen studies may not be feasible. (As/an JAndrol 1999; 1 : 67 - 72)展开更多
Background:This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of Macleaya cordata extract(MCE)and Bacil-lus could improve the laying performance and health of laying hens better.Methods:A total of 36029-week-old ...Background:This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of Macleaya cordata extract(MCE)and Bacil-lus could improve the laying performance and health of laying hens better.Methods:A total of 36029-week-old Jingbai laying hens were randomly divided into 4 treatments:control group(basal diet),MCE group(basal diet+MCE),Probiotics Bacillus Compound(PBC)group(basal diet+compound Bacil-lus),MCE+PBC group(basal diet+MCE+compound Bacillus).The feeding experiment lasted for 42 d.Results:The results showed that the laying rate and the average daily egg mass in the MCE+PBC group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05)and better than the MCE and PBC group.Combina-tion of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the content of follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)in the serum and up-regulated the expression of related hormone receptor gene(estrogen receptor-β,FSHR and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor)in the ovary of laying hens(P<0.05).In the MCE+PBC group,the mRNA expressions of zonula occluden-1,Occludin and mucin-2 in jejunum was increased and the intestinal epithelial barrier detected by transmission electron microscopy was enhanced compared with the control group(P<0.05).In addition,compared with the control group,combination of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity(P<0.05),and down-regulated the mRNA expressions of inflammation-related genes(interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α)as well as apoptosis-related genes(Caspase 3,Caspase 8 and P53)(P<0.05).The concen-tration of acetic acid and butyric acid in the cecum content of laying hens in the MCE+PBC group was significantly increased compared with the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Collectively,dietary supplementation of 600μg/kg MCE and 5×108 CFU/kg compound Bacillus can improve laying performance by improving microbiota to enhance antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier,regulate reproductive hormones and the concentration of cecal short-chain fatty acids of laying hens,and the combined effect of MCE and Bacillus is better than that of single supplementation.展开更多
Fatty acids are not only widely known as energy sources,but also play important roles in many metabolic pathways.The significance of fatty acids in modulating the reproductive potential of livestock has received great...Fatty acids are not only widely known as energy sources,but also play important roles in many metabolic pathways.The significance of fatty acids in modulating the reproductive potential of livestock has received greater recognition in recent years.Functional fatty acids and their metabolites improve follicular development,oocyte maturation and embryo development,as well as endometrial receptivity and placental vascular development,through enhancing energy supply and precursors for the synthesis of their productive hormones,such as steroid hormones and prosta-glandins.However,many studies are focused on the impacts of individual functional fatty acids in the reproductive cycle,lacking studies involved in deeper mechanisms and optimal fatty acid requirements for specific physiological stages.Therefore,an overall consideration of the combination and synergy of functional fatty acids and the establish-ment of optimal fatty acid requirement for specific stages is needed to improve reproductive potential in livestock.展开更多
BACKGROUND Functioning gonadotroph adenomas are extremely rare pituitary tumors that secrete gonadotropins and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Here,we report a case of functioning gonadotroph adenoma in a rep...BACKGROUND Functioning gonadotroph adenomas are extremely rare pituitary tumors that secrete gonadotropins and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Here,we report a case of functioning gonadotroph adenoma in a reproductive-aged woman and discuss its diagnosis and management.CASE SUMMARY A 21-year-old female patient with abdominal pain,irregular menstruation,hyperestrogenemia,and an ovarian mass was included.Brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)revealed a pituitary macroadenoma,and transsphenoidal surgery relieved her clinical symptoms.Before transsphenoidal surgery,plasma CA125,estradiol levels were elevated,while prolactin,luteinizing hormone,follicle-stimulating hormone,PROG,cortisol,FT4,thyroid-stimulating hormone,para-thyroid hormone,and GH levels were maintained at normal levels.After trans-sphenoidal surgery,the patient was diagnosed with a functioning gonadotroph adenoma.During follow-up,pelvic ultrasound confirmed normal-sized ovaries in the patient,the menstrual cycle returned to regular,and her hormones were maintained within a normal range.There was no evidence of tumor recurrence after two years of follow-up.CONCLUSION Early diagnosis of functioning gonadotroph adenomas should be considered in patients with hyperestrogenism,irregular menstruation,large or recurrent ovarian cysts,and visual field defects.Pituitary MRI should be performed,and transsphenoidal surgery is recommended for the management of this disease.展开更多
Background:Shilajit is mentioned in the“Kama Sutra”as a potent enhancer of sexual desire.This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral Shilajit tablets on sexual function and sexual quality of life among women...Background:Shilajit is mentioned in the“Kama Sutra”as a potent enhancer of sexual desire.This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral Shilajit tablets on sexual function and sexual quality of life among women of reproductive age.Methods:Forty-eight reproductive-aged women participated in a placebo-controlled triple-blind clinical trial.The intervention group took oral Shilajit tablets(200 mg)twice daily for 60 days and the control group took the placebo.Data collection tools were Sexual Quality of Life-Female and Female Sexual Function Index.Data were collected before the intervention,30,60,and 90 days after the start of the study.Results:Forty-three women completed the study.The mean score of total sexual function in the intervention group was significantly higher than before the intervention(P<0.001).The mean score of sexual function was 28.93 after 90 days in the intervention group while it was 22.09 in the control group.This finding was observed in most domains of the sexual function index.The mean score of sexual quality of life increased after 60 days of intervention in both groups;however,the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.094).Conclusion:The study indicated that Shilajit,as a complementary therapy,may improve sexual function and most of its domains;while there was no effect on improving the quality of sexual life.展开更多
Glycosylation is a process that involves the addition of sugar moieties or glycans to different types of molecules,including proteins,lipids,and nucleic acids.Among these,protein glycosylation is one of the most preva...Glycosylation is a process that involves the addition of sugar moieties or glycans to different types of molecules,including proteins,lipids,and nucleic acids.Among these,protein glycosylation is one of the most prevalent forms of post-translational modification,playing a crucial role in biological complexity.With more than ten monosaccharides identified within mammalian brain cells and more than 1×1012 possible combinations,the heterogeneity of glycosylation is extensive(Conroy et al.,2021).The diversity of glycans and the complexity of their structures allow for a wide range of protein functions.N-glycans are one of the most abundant forms of glycans and are involved in various cellular functions.N-glycans can be added to proteins at specific sequons,Asn-X-Ser/Thr,and are classified into three main types in mature glycoproteins:high mannose,complex,and hybrid.High mannose N-glycans consist of 5-9 mannose residues linked to a chitobiose core and undergo processing into complex or hybrid forms in the Golgi apparatus(Varki et al.,2017).Complex N-glycans are more diverse and contain various branched structures such as antennae with fucose,galactose,and sialic acid residues.Hybrid N-glycans contain one or more complex branches in conjunction with an oligomannose branch(Fisher and Ungar,2016).Understanding the specific functions of these different types of N-glycans in protein regulation,folding,and function is an active area of research in the life sciences,including glycobiology.展开更多
Background Maternal nutrition is essential in keeping a highly efficient production system in the pig industry.Laminarin has been shown to improve antioxidant capacity,reduce the inflammatory response,and favor the ho...Background Maternal nutrition is essential in keeping a highly efficient production system in the pig industry.Laminarin has been shown to improve antioxidant capacity,reduce the inflammatory response,and favor the homeostasis of intestinal microbiota.However,the effect of dietary supplementation of laminarin on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth of suckling offspring remains unknown.Methods A total of 40 Landrace×Yorkshire multiparous sows on d 85 of gestation,similar in age,body weight(BW),parity and reproductive performance,were randomly divided into four dietary treatments with 10 sows per treatment,receiving a control diet(basal pregnancy or lactating diets)and a basal diet supplemented with 0.025%,0.05%and 0.10%laminarin,respectively.The experiment lasted from d 85 of gestation to d 21 of lactation.Results Laminarin supplementation linearly increased number born alive per litter(P=0.03),average daily feed intake(ADFI,P<0.01),and total milk yield of sows during the lactation of 1–21 d(P=0.02).Furthermore,maternal laminarin supplementation increased the average daily gain(ADG)of piglets while tending to reduce the culling and death rate before weaning.In addition,alterations to the composition of colostrum and milk,as well as to serum inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins of sows were observed.The fecal microbiota profile of sows supported the improvement of reproductive performance in sows and the growth performance in suckling offspring.Conclusions Dietary supplementation of laminarin during late pregnancy and lactation could significantly improve reproductive performance of sows and growth performance of piglets.展开更多
Background:Excessive heat exposure can lead to hyperthermia in humans,which impairs physical performance and disrupts cognitive function.While heat is a known physiological stressor,it is unclear how severe heat stres...Background:Excessive heat exposure can lead to hyperthermia in humans,which impairs physical performance and disrupts cognitive function.While heat is a known physiological stressor,it is unclear how severe heat stress affects brain physiology and function.Methods:Eleven healthy participants were subjected to heat stress from prolonged exercise or warm water immersion until their rectal temperatures(T_(re))attained 39.5℃,inducing exertional or passive hyperthermia,respectively.In a separate trial,blended ice was ingested before and during exercise as a cooling strategy.Data were compared to a control condition with seated rest(normothermic).Brain temperature(T_(br)),cerebral perfusion,and task-based brain activity were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging techniques.Results:T_(br)in motor cortex was found to be tightly regulated at rest(37.3℃±0.4℃(mean±SD))despite fluctuations in T_(re).With the development of hyperthermia,T_(br)increases and dovetails with the rising T_(re).Bilateral motor cortical activity was suppressed during high-intensity plantarflexion tasks,implying a reduced central motor drive in hyperthermic participants(T_(re)=38.5℃±0.1℃).Global gray matter perfusion and regional perfusion in sensorimotor cortex were reduced with passive hyperthermia.Executive function was poorer under a passive hyperthermic state,and this could relate to compromised visual processing as indicated by the reduced activation of left lateral-occipital cortex.Conversely,ingestion of blended ice before and during exercise alleviated the rise in both T_(re)and T_(bc)and mitigated heat-related neural perturbations.Conclusion:Severe heat exposure elevates T_(br),disrupts motor cortical activity and executive function,and this can lead to impairment of physical and cognitive performance.展开更多
This review explores tissue engineering as a potential solution for reproductive health issues in women caused by genetic or acquired diseases,such as premature ovarian failure or oophorectomy.The loss of ovarian func...This review explores tissue engineering as a potential solution for reproductive health issues in women caused by genetic or acquired diseases,such as premature ovarian failure or oophorectomy.The loss of ovarian function can lead to infertility,osteoporosis,and cardiovascular disease.Hormone replacement therapy is a common treatment,but it has limitations and risks.The review focuses on two main approaches in tissue engineering:scaffold-based(3D printing,electrospinning,decellularization)and scaffold-free(stem cell transplantation,organoid cultivation).Both approaches show promise in preclinical studies for creating functional ovarian tissue.Challenges include vascularization,innervation,long-term function,and safety.Despite these challenges,tissue engineering offers a potential avenue for restoring fertility and hormone balance in women with ovarian dysfunction.展开更多
We studied sexual dimorphism in body size and shape and female reproductive characteristics in the Hainan Water Skink(Tropidophorus hainanus)from Hainan,South China.In our sample the largest female and male were 61.1 ...We studied sexual dimorphism in body size and shape and female reproductive characteristics in the Hainan Water Skink(Tropidophorus hainanus)from Hainan,South China.In our sample the largest female and male were 61.1 and 55.2 mm snout-vent length(SVL),respectively.The mean SVL was larger in adult females(52.0 mm)than in adult males(48.3 mm).Juveniles were sexually dimorphic in head length but not in other examined morphological variables.Adult males were longer in head length and shorter in abdomen length and fore-limb length than adult females of the same SVL.Ontogenetic shifts in sexual dimorphism in body shape were evident,as revealed by the fact that morphological differences between the sexes were more pronounced in adults than in juveniles.Females produced a single litter of 3–6 offspring per season from early August to early September.Litter size,litter mass and offspring(neonate)mass were positively related to female SVL.Neonate mass was independent of relative fecundity.From the above findings we draw three main conclusions.First,females are the larger sex in T.hainanus,and sexual dimorphism in body shape is more pronounced in adults than in juveniles.Second,larger female T.hainanus produce more and larger offspring and thus heavier litters than smaller ones.Third,the offspring size-number trade-off does is not evident in T.hainanus.展开更多
Two questions in the research of animal personality—whether there is a correlation between a personality trait and individual reproductive success,and what is the genetic basis underlying a personality trait—remain ...Two questions in the research of animal personality—whether there is a correlation between a personality trait and individual reproductive success,and what is the genetic basis underlying a personality trait—remain unresolved.We addressed these two questions in three shrub-nesting birds,the Azure-winged Magpie(Cyanopica cyanus,AM),White-collared Blackbird(Turdus albocinctus,WB),and Brown-cheeked Laughingthrush(Trochalopteron henrici,BL).The personality type of an individual was first identified according to its response to a territorial intruder.Then,we compared the fleeing distance,breeding parameters,and differential expressed genes(DEGs) in the brain transcriptome between bold and shy breeders.In the three species,bold breeders exhibited more aggressiveness towards an intruder of their territory than did shy breeders.The reproductive success of bold breeders was significantly higher than that of shy breeders in AM but not in WB and BL.The three species shared one DEG,crabp1,which was up-regulated in bold relative to in shy individuals.By regulating the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone,higher crabp1 gene expression can decrease cellular response to retinoic acid.Therefore,bold individuals are insensitive to external stresses and able to exhibit more aggressiveness to intruders than their shier counterparts.Aggressiveness is beneficial to bold individuals in AM but not in WB and BL because the former could evoke neighbors to make the same response of defending against intruders but the latter could not.Although a personality trait may have the same genetic basis across species,its correlation with reproductive success depends largely on the life history style of a species.展开更多
Our brain is constantly active.Even at rest,the brain carries out essential functions such as maintenance of resting potentials,subthreshold synaptic activity,and spiking activity related to information processing.Thi...Our brain is constantly active.Even at rest,the brain carries out essential functions such as maintenance of resting potentials,subthreshold synaptic activity,and spiking activity related to information processing.This resting activity can be assessed with several in vivo tools,such as resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging.This technique measures subtle changes in blood flow,volume,and oxygenation that occur over time.Although vascular in nature,resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging is considered a reliable proxy of neural activity and several studies have shown that the brain is functionally divided into interacting neural networks called the“functional connectome”.展开更多
Functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI)is a popular tool used to investigate not only how the brain responds to specific stimuli during sensorimotor or cognitive tasks,but also brain activity at rest.The physics b...Functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI)is a popular tool used to investigate not only how the brain responds to specific stimuli during sensorimotor or cognitive tasks,but also brain activity at rest.The physics beyond this approach is based on the analysis of the blood oxygenation level-dependent signal.展开更多
With the increase of life expectancy and population growth,neurodegenerative diseases have risen too and are projected to be a major health public concern by 2050.Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the pr...With the increase of life expectancy and population growth,neurodegenerative diseases have risen too and are projected to be a major health public concern by 2050.Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive decline of cognitive function leading to the subsequent loss of autonomy.Although the underlying causes of neurodegeneration are not well understood,aging is the main risk factor.展开更多
The implementation of Ecological Function Protection Zone(EFPZ)policy is significant for the ecological restoration and conservation of soil and water in the territory space.This manuscript analyzed and quantified the...The implementation of Ecological Function Protection Zone(EFPZ)policy is significant for the ecological restoration and conservation of soil and water in the territory space.This manuscript analyzed and quantified the impact of EFPZ on the regional water conservation function,based on land use data from 2005,2008,2010,2015 and 2020,by conducting a counterfactual simulation along with the GeoSOS-FLUS model and the InVEST model.The results demonstrate that the delineation of EFPZ can significantly influence the water conservation.(1)From 2010 to 2020,as the EFPZ was implemented,the water conservation in the study area was increasing year by year,with a growth rate of 0.03×10^(8) m^(3)∙a^(-1).On the other hand,the simulated water conservation capacity without the implementation of EFPZ decreased year by year,with a decrease rate of 0.01×10^(8) m^(3)∙a^(-1).(2)The EFPZ accounts for only 23%of the total area,but the contribution rate of water conservation reaches 80%.The actual values of water conservation and average water yield per unit pixel in the EFPZ show an increasing trend both internally and externally,while the counterfactual simulation values exhibit a decreasing trend.(3)The water conservation is much higher within the EFPZ than without EFPZ.The implementation of EFPZ has a significant effect on the improvement of the water conservation capacity in Maqu EFPZ and Yellow River Source EFPZ.The protection effectiveness should be enhanced in Qilian Mountain EFPZ and afforestation activities need to be carefully considered in Loess Plateau EFPZ.展开更多
文摘Objective:To evaluate the effects of three oxidized palm oil diets(OPD)on female rat reproductive function.Methods:Forty-four female Wistar rats presenting five consecutive and regular estrous cycles were divided into 4 groups.The rats were fed with:a standard diet,70%of standard diet+30%oxidized palm oil diet(OPD1),OPD1+5 g of boiled yolk egg(OPD2)and OPD1+10%sucrose(OPD3)for 125 days,respectively.During the feeding period,morphometric,estrous cycle,sexual behavior,gestation,biochemical and histomorphometric parameters were evaluated.Results:All OPDs significantly increased abdominal circumference,body mass index and Lee index coupled to an irregularity and lengthening of the estrous cycle.They significantly decreased appetite and consumption behaviours,quantic pregnancy index,fertility rate,implantation sites and index,serum progesterone and high-density lipoprotein levels,increased pre-implantation losses,anti-implantation activities,serum estradiol,triglycerides,total and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels,and impaired brain and ovaries oxidative status.Histomorphometric examinations revealed increases in the number of atresic and primary follicles and decreases in secondary,tertiary,Degraaf,total and corpus luteum follicles in ovaries coupled to a neurodegeneration of hypothalamic anteroventral periventricular neurons in the OPD groups compared to the standard diet group.Conclusions:The three OPDs induce obesity and impair the female reproductive function,especially OPD2 and OPD3.These findings contribute to a better understanding of the adverse effects of palm oil bleaching on the reproductive function in female rats,which could be useful in the management of women with obesity-related sexual dysfunction.
基金Key R&D Plan Project for Social Development of Shanxi Provincial Department of Science and Technology(No.201903D321224)。
文摘Objective:To investigate the effects of prophylactic administration of Astragalus-Hawthorn on ovarian reproductive function and inflammatory mechanism in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:Fifty 21-day-old female rats were randomly divided into five groups of 10 rats each:Normal group,Model group,Astragalus group,Hawthorn group and Astragalus-Hawthorn group.All groups,except the normal group,were fed a high-fat model diet.Each treatment group received astragalus,hawthorn and an astragalus-hawthorn solution orally during the molding period for an intervention period of 15 weeks.The estrous cycle of the rats in each group was observed under the microscope from week 8,the interference rate was calculated,changes in ovarian tissues were observed by HE staining and the levels of sex hormones,proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors in the serum of the rats were measured by ELISA.Results:Rate of estrous cycle disorders were more frequent in the model group than in the normal group.(P<0.01);ovarian tissue was polycystic,with few corpora lutea and sinusoids and numerous follicular ovarian cysts;Luteinising hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone(LH/FSH),testosterone(T),interleukin 6(IL-6),interleukin 17A(IL-17A)and tumour necrosis factor(TNF-α)levels were significantly higher in the model group than in the normal group;interleukin 10(IL-10)was significantly lower than in the normal group(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,rats in the Astragalus and hawthorn groups had a lower rate of estrous cycle disorders(P<0.01);the number of cystic follicles in the ovarian tissue decreased;the number of mature follicles and corpus luteum increased;LH/FSH,T,IL-6 and IL-17A levels were significantly lower in the Astragalus group,hawthorn group and the Astragalus and hawthorn groups;TNF-αlevels were significantly lower in the astragalus and hawthorn groups;IL-10 levels were significantly higher in the hawthorn and astragalus hawthorn groups(P<0.05).IL-10 levels were significantly higher in the astragalus and hawthorn groups(P<0.05).Compared to the astragalus group,T levels were significantly lower in the astragalus and hawthorn groups and IL-10 levels were significantly higher in the astragalus and hawthorn groups(P<0.05).Compared to the hawthorn group,levels of T and IL-17A were significantly lower in the astragalus-hawthorn group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Astragalus-Hawthorn prophylactic administration can improve ovarian reproductive function in rats with PCOS,and the mechanism of action may be related to reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory factors IL-6,IL-17A and TNF-α,increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10,and reducing the inflammatory state.
基金Supported by the National Research Council(CNPq)Foundation for Science and Technology of the State of Pernambuco(FACEPE)Personnel Improvement Coordination-CAPES/PROCAD/NF/no 1415/2007,Brazil
文摘Objective: To explore the effects of aqueous extract from Phthirusa pyrifolia leaves(67 mg/kg body weight for 12 days) on the reproductive function of male Wistar rats through oral administration.Methods: Animals(n = 30), aged 13 weeks and weighing(378.5 ± 5.0) g, were housed in a vivarium under controlled environmental conditions [photoperiod of 12 h light/dark,temperature of(23 ± 1)C] and were fed standard rations ad libitum. The experiment ran for 12 days, wherein animals were divided into three groups: negative control(n = 6)received water, positive control(n = 12) with finasteride at a concentration of 1.0 mg/kg;and a test group(n = 12) submitted to aqueous extract. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and submitted to analyses.Results: The morphological results of the testes showed that the aqueous extract induced significant changes in the diameter and cross-sectional area of the seminiferous tubules as well as the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium. Furthermore, the extract was able to abruptly decrease testosterone concentrations by about 81.88% in the treated group when compared with the negative control,(47.0 ± 4.8) ng/d L and(255.0 ± 2.0) ng/d L,respectively, and 76.8%,(211.0 ± 8.7) ng/d L, when compared with finasteride. However,the extract causes neither liver damage nor impairment of renal function.Conclusions: These results suggest that the high amounts of flavonoids shown to be in the extract may be responsible for its hepato-protective effects and suggest a possible decrease in the libido and reproduction of rats.
基金Project supported by National Institute of Health Grants ES04699, ES06198 and ES05707
文摘Aim: To develop an algorithm for use in population-based studies to assess testicniar function by measurements of total urinary follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Methods: Total concentrations of unnary FSH were measured in a group of 44 men at the University of Califomia, Davis (UCD) and were compared to FSH measurements in serum. On the basis of these and other published data, a urinary FSH value of>2 ng/mg creatinine (Cr) was selected as the cutoffpoint to identify men with elevated serum FSH ( > 12 IU/L) or low sperm counts ( < 20 million/mL). Results: Thesensitivity and specificity of this algorithm for detecting elevated serum FSH in a group of 58 agricultural workers in thePeople' s Republic of China were 100 % and 50 %, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of this algorithm fordetecting low sperm counts in a population of 105 infertility patients at UCD were 58 % and 76 %, respectavely.Conclusion: This test may have particular value in identifying populations with no evidence of testicular toxicity, andin which labor-intensive semen studies may not be feasible. (As/an JAndrol 1999; 1 : 67 - 72)
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32072766,31672460,31472128)Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang province(No.LZ20C170002)the National High-Tech R&D Program Project(863)of China(NO.2013AA102803D).
文摘Background:This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of Macleaya cordata extract(MCE)and Bacil-lus could improve the laying performance and health of laying hens better.Methods:A total of 36029-week-old Jingbai laying hens were randomly divided into 4 treatments:control group(basal diet),MCE group(basal diet+MCE),Probiotics Bacillus Compound(PBC)group(basal diet+compound Bacil-lus),MCE+PBC group(basal diet+MCE+compound Bacillus).The feeding experiment lasted for 42 d.Results:The results showed that the laying rate and the average daily egg mass in the MCE+PBC group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05)and better than the MCE and PBC group.Combina-tion of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the content of follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)in the serum and up-regulated the expression of related hormone receptor gene(estrogen receptor-β,FSHR and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor)in the ovary of laying hens(P<0.05).In the MCE+PBC group,the mRNA expressions of zonula occluden-1,Occludin and mucin-2 in jejunum was increased and the intestinal epithelial barrier detected by transmission electron microscopy was enhanced compared with the control group(P<0.05).In addition,compared with the control group,combination of MCE and Bacillus significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity(P<0.05),and down-regulated the mRNA expressions of inflammation-related genes(interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α)as well as apoptosis-related genes(Caspase 3,Caspase 8 and P53)(P<0.05).The concen-tration of acetic acid and butyric acid in the cecum content of laying hens in the MCE+PBC group was significantly increased compared with the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Collectively,dietary supplementation of 600μg/kg MCE and 5×108 CFU/kg compound Bacillus can improve laying performance by improving microbiota to enhance antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier,regulate reproductive hormones and the concentration of cecal short-chain fatty acids of laying hens,and the combined effect of MCE and Bacillus is better than that of single supplementation.
基金funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China(32022080).
文摘Fatty acids are not only widely known as energy sources,but also play important roles in many metabolic pathways.The significance of fatty acids in modulating the reproductive potential of livestock has received greater recognition in recent years.Functional fatty acids and their metabolites improve follicular development,oocyte maturation and embryo development,as well as endometrial receptivity and placental vascular development,through enhancing energy supply and precursors for the synthesis of their productive hormones,such as steroid hormones and prosta-glandins.However,many studies are focused on the impacts of individual functional fatty acids in the reproductive cycle,lacking studies involved in deeper mechanisms and optimal fatty acid requirements for specific physiological stages.Therefore,an overall consideration of the combination and synergy of functional fatty acids and the establish-ment of optimal fatty acid requirement for specific stages is needed to improve reproductive potential in livestock.
基金Supported by Shenzhen High-level Hospital Construction Fund and Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen,No.SZSM201812075.
文摘BACKGROUND Functioning gonadotroph adenomas are extremely rare pituitary tumors that secrete gonadotropins and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Here,we report a case of functioning gonadotroph adenoma in a reproductive-aged woman and discuss its diagnosis and management.CASE SUMMARY A 21-year-old female patient with abdominal pain,irregular menstruation,hyperestrogenemia,and an ovarian mass was included.Brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)revealed a pituitary macroadenoma,and transsphenoidal surgery relieved her clinical symptoms.Before transsphenoidal surgery,plasma CA125,estradiol levels were elevated,while prolactin,luteinizing hormone,follicle-stimulating hormone,PROG,cortisol,FT4,thyroid-stimulating hormone,para-thyroid hormone,and GH levels were maintained at normal levels.After trans-sphenoidal surgery,the patient was diagnosed with a functioning gonadotroph adenoma.During follow-up,pelvic ultrasound confirmed normal-sized ovaries in the patient,the menstrual cycle returned to regular,and her hormones were maintained within a normal range.There was no evidence of tumor recurrence after two years of follow-up.CONCLUSION Early diagnosis of functioning gonadotroph adenomas should be considered in patients with hyperestrogenism,irregular menstruation,large or recurrent ovarian cysts,and visual field defects.Pituitary MRI should be performed,and transsphenoidal surgery is recommended for the management of this disease.
基金received financial support from Tarbiat Modares University and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences,Tehran,Iran。
文摘Background:Shilajit is mentioned in the“Kama Sutra”as a potent enhancer of sexual desire.This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral Shilajit tablets on sexual function and sexual quality of life among women of reproductive age.Methods:Forty-eight reproductive-aged women participated in a placebo-controlled triple-blind clinical trial.The intervention group took oral Shilajit tablets(200 mg)twice daily for 60 days and the control group took the placebo.Data collection tools were Sexual Quality of Life-Female and Female Sexual Function Index.Data were collected before the intervention,30,60,and 90 days after the start of the study.Results:Forty-three women completed the study.The mean score of total sexual function in the intervention group was significantly higher than before the intervention(P<0.001).The mean score of sexual function was 28.93 after 90 days in the intervention group while it was 22.09 in the control group.This finding was observed in most domains of the sexual function index.The mean score of sexual quality of life increased after 60 days of intervention in both groups;however,the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.094).Conclusion:The study indicated that Shilajit,as a complementary therapy,may improve sexual function and most of its domains;while there was no effect on improving the quality of sexual life.
基金supported by the Institute for Basic Science(IBS-R001-D2-2022-A03).
文摘Glycosylation is a process that involves the addition of sugar moieties or glycans to different types of molecules,including proteins,lipids,and nucleic acids.Among these,protein glycosylation is one of the most prevalent forms of post-translational modification,playing a crucial role in biological complexity.With more than ten monosaccharides identified within mammalian brain cells and more than 1×1012 possible combinations,the heterogeneity of glycosylation is extensive(Conroy et al.,2021).The diversity of glycans and the complexity of their structures allow for a wide range of protein functions.N-glycans are one of the most abundant forms of glycans and are involved in various cellular functions.N-glycans can be added to proteins at specific sequons,Asn-X-Ser/Thr,and are classified into three main types in mature glycoproteins:high mannose,complex,and hybrid.High mannose N-glycans consist of 5-9 mannose residues linked to a chitobiose core and undergo processing into complex or hybrid forms in the Golgi apparatus(Varki et al.,2017).Complex N-glycans are more diverse and contain various branched structures such as antennae with fucose,galactose,and sialic acid residues.Hybrid N-glycans contain one or more complex branches in conjunction with an oligomannose branch(Fisher and Ungar,2016).Understanding the specific functions of these different types of N-glycans in protein regulation,folding,and function is an active area of research in the life sciences,including glycobiology.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,2018YFD0500400。
文摘Background Maternal nutrition is essential in keeping a highly efficient production system in the pig industry.Laminarin has been shown to improve antioxidant capacity,reduce the inflammatory response,and favor the homeostasis of intestinal microbiota.However,the effect of dietary supplementation of laminarin on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth of suckling offspring remains unknown.Methods A total of 40 Landrace×Yorkshire multiparous sows on d 85 of gestation,similar in age,body weight(BW),parity and reproductive performance,were randomly divided into four dietary treatments with 10 sows per treatment,receiving a control diet(basal pregnancy or lactating diets)and a basal diet supplemented with 0.025%,0.05%and 0.10%laminarin,respectively.The experiment lasted from d 85 of gestation to d 21 of lactation.Results Laminarin supplementation linearly increased number born alive per litter(P=0.03),average daily feed intake(ADFI,P<0.01),and total milk yield of sows during the lactation of 1–21 d(P=0.02).Furthermore,maternal laminarin supplementation increased the average daily gain(ADG)of piglets while tending to reduce the culling and death rate before weaning.In addition,alterations to the composition of colostrum and milk,as well as to serum inflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins of sows were observed.The fecal microbiota profile of sows supported the improvement of reproductive performance in sows and the growth performance in suckling offspring.Conclusions Dietary supplementation of laminarin during late pregnancy and lactation could significantly improve reproductive performance of sows and growth performance of piglets.
基金supported by Defence Innovative Research Program(DIRP)Grant(PA No.9015102335)from Defence Research&Technology Office,Ministry of Defence,Singapore。
文摘Background:Excessive heat exposure can lead to hyperthermia in humans,which impairs physical performance and disrupts cognitive function.While heat is a known physiological stressor,it is unclear how severe heat stress affects brain physiology and function.Methods:Eleven healthy participants were subjected to heat stress from prolonged exercise or warm water immersion until their rectal temperatures(T_(re))attained 39.5℃,inducing exertional or passive hyperthermia,respectively.In a separate trial,blended ice was ingested before and during exercise as a cooling strategy.Data were compared to a control condition with seated rest(normothermic).Brain temperature(T_(br)),cerebral perfusion,and task-based brain activity were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging techniques.Results:T_(br)in motor cortex was found to be tightly regulated at rest(37.3℃±0.4℃(mean±SD))despite fluctuations in T_(re).With the development of hyperthermia,T_(br)increases and dovetails with the rising T_(re).Bilateral motor cortical activity was suppressed during high-intensity plantarflexion tasks,implying a reduced central motor drive in hyperthermic participants(T_(re)=38.5℃±0.1℃).Global gray matter perfusion and regional perfusion in sensorimotor cortex were reduced with passive hyperthermia.Executive function was poorer under a passive hyperthermic state,and this could relate to compromised visual processing as indicated by the reduced activation of left lateral-occipital cortex.Conversely,ingestion of blended ice before and during exercise alleviated the rise in both T_(re)and T_(bc)and mitigated heat-related neural perturbations.Conclusion:Severe heat exposure elevates T_(br),disrupts motor cortical activity and executive function,and this can lead to impairment of physical and cognitive performance.
文摘This review explores tissue engineering as a potential solution for reproductive health issues in women caused by genetic or acquired diseases,such as premature ovarian failure or oophorectomy.The loss of ovarian function can lead to infertility,osteoporosis,and cardiovascular disease.Hormone replacement therapy is a common treatment,but it has limitations and risks.The review focuses on two main approaches in tissue engineering:scaffold-based(3D printing,electrospinning,decellularization)and scaffold-free(stem cell transplantation,organoid cultivation).Both approaches show promise in preclinical studies for creating functional ovarian tissue.Challenges include vascularization,innervation,long-term function,and safety.Despite these challenges,tissue engineering offers a potential avenue for restoring fertility and hormone balance in women with ovarian dysfunction.
基金supported by grants from the Special Foundation for Basic Work of the Science and Technology Ministry of China (2022FY100500-2)National Natural Science Foundation of China (31470471)+2 种基金Hainan Key Program of Science and Technology (ZDXM20110008)Hainan Specially Supporting Discipline of ZoologyWenzhou Ecological Park Research Project。
文摘We studied sexual dimorphism in body size and shape and female reproductive characteristics in the Hainan Water Skink(Tropidophorus hainanus)from Hainan,South China.In our sample the largest female and male were 61.1 and 55.2 mm snout-vent length(SVL),respectively.The mean SVL was larger in adult females(52.0 mm)than in adult males(48.3 mm).Juveniles were sexually dimorphic in head length but not in other examined morphological variables.Adult males were longer in head length and shorter in abdomen length and fore-limb length than adult females of the same SVL.Ontogenetic shifts in sexual dimorphism in body shape were evident,as revealed by the fact that morphological differences between the sexes were more pronounced in adults than in juveniles.Females produced a single litter of 3–6 offspring per season from early August to early September.Litter size,litter mass and offspring(neonate)mass were positively related to female SVL.Neonate mass was independent of relative fecundity.From the above findings we draw three main conclusions.First,females are the larger sex in T.hainanus,and sexual dimorphism in body shape is more pronounced in adults than in juveniles.Second,larger female T.hainanus produce more and larger offspring and thus heavier litters than smaller ones.Third,the offspring size-number trade-off does is not evident in T.hainanus.
基金provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant 32071491, 31772465, 31672299, 31572271, and 32260128)the Natural Sciences Foundation of the Tibetan (XZ202101ZR0051G)。
文摘Two questions in the research of animal personality—whether there is a correlation between a personality trait and individual reproductive success,and what is the genetic basis underlying a personality trait—remain unresolved.We addressed these two questions in three shrub-nesting birds,the Azure-winged Magpie(Cyanopica cyanus,AM),White-collared Blackbird(Turdus albocinctus,WB),and Brown-cheeked Laughingthrush(Trochalopteron henrici,BL).The personality type of an individual was first identified according to its response to a territorial intruder.Then,we compared the fleeing distance,breeding parameters,and differential expressed genes(DEGs) in the brain transcriptome between bold and shy breeders.In the three species,bold breeders exhibited more aggressiveness towards an intruder of their territory than did shy breeders.The reproductive success of bold breeders was significantly higher than that of shy breeders in AM but not in WB and BL.The three species shared one DEG,crabp1,which was up-regulated in bold relative to in shy individuals.By regulating the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone,higher crabp1 gene expression can decrease cellular response to retinoic acid.Therefore,bold individuals are insensitive to external stresses and able to exhibit more aggressiveness to intruders than their shier counterparts.Aggressiveness is beneficial to bold individuals in AM but not in WB and BL because the former could evoke neighbors to make the same response of defending against intruders but the latter could not.Although a personality trait may have the same genetic basis across species,its correlation with reproductive success depends largely on the life history style of a species.
文摘Our brain is constantly active.Even at rest,the brain carries out essential functions such as maintenance of resting potentials,subthreshold synaptic activity,and spiking activity related to information processing.This resting activity can be assessed with several in vivo tools,such as resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging.This technique measures subtle changes in blood flow,volume,and oxygenation that occur over time.Although vascular in nature,resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging is considered a reliable proxy of neural activity and several studies have shown that the brain is functionally divided into interacting neural networks called the“functional connectome”.
文摘Functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI)is a popular tool used to investigate not only how the brain responds to specific stimuli during sensorimotor or cognitive tasks,but also brain activity at rest.The physics beyond this approach is based on the analysis of the blood oxygenation level-dependent signal.
基金supported by The David and Inez Myers Foundation,Beachwood,OH,USA(to DT)。
文摘With the increase of life expectancy and population growth,neurodegenerative diseases have risen too and are projected to be a major health public concern by 2050.Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive decline of cognitive function leading to the subsequent loss of autonomy.Although the underlying causes of neurodegeneration are not well understood,aging is the main risk factor.
基金funded by the National Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42161043)the improvement plan of scientific research ability in Northwest Normal University(NWNU-LKQN2020-16).
文摘The implementation of Ecological Function Protection Zone(EFPZ)policy is significant for the ecological restoration and conservation of soil and water in the territory space.This manuscript analyzed and quantified the impact of EFPZ on the regional water conservation function,based on land use data from 2005,2008,2010,2015 and 2020,by conducting a counterfactual simulation along with the GeoSOS-FLUS model and the InVEST model.The results demonstrate that the delineation of EFPZ can significantly influence the water conservation.(1)From 2010 to 2020,as the EFPZ was implemented,the water conservation in the study area was increasing year by year,with a growth rate of 0.03×10^(8) m^(3)∙a^(-1).On the other hand,the simulated water conservation capacity without the implementation of EFPZ decreased year by year,with a decrease rate of 0.01×10^(8) m^(3)∙a^(-1).(2)The EFPZ accounts for only 23%of the total area,but the contribution rate of water conservation reaches 80%.The actual values of water conservation and average water yield per unit pixel in the EFPZ show an increasing trend both internally and externally,while the counterfactual simulation values exhibit a decreasing trend.(3)The water conservation is much higher within the EFPZ than without EFPZ.The implementation of EFPZ has a significant effect on the improvement of the water conservation capacity in Maqu EFPZ and Yellow River Source EFPZ.The protection effectiveness should be enhanced in Qilian Mountain EFPZ and afforestation activities need to be carefully considered in Loess Plateau EFPZ.
