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Background/Objectives: Infertility constitutes a significant challenge for couples around the world. Ovarian dysfunction, a major cause of infertility, can manifest with anovulatory cycles, elevated follicle-stimulating hormone levels, and diminished ovarian reserve markers such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels or the Antral Follicle Count (AFC). Blood-derived therapies including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have been used in fertility treatments in women with low ovarian reserve or premature ovarian insufficiency. This prospective clinical cohort study aims to assess the effects of intraovarian PRP therapy on ovarian function in women diagnosed with anovulatory cycles. Methods: The preliminary findings of this prospective cohort study are based on the first 32 patients enrolled. In this study, patients over 40 years old with anovulatory infertility were included. Venous blood samples were collected from each participant for the preparation of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Each participant received two courses of intraovarian PRP injections using a transvaginal ultrasound-guided approach. Serum levels of reproductive hormones before and after PRP intervention were measured. Results: This study's results demonstrate a significant improvement in ovarian physiology following transvaginal ultrasound-guided PRP infusion. A 75% increase in Antral Follicle Count (AFC) was observed, which was statistically significant. Furthermore, statistically significant reductions in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin levels were observed. Serum Vitamin D 1-25 levels were substantially increased after the injection. Conclusions: These findings highlight the beneficial impact of intraovarian PRP injection in optimizing ovarian function and other metabolic parameters. However, the published literature on this subject is limited and further clinical studies should be conducted to confirm the role of intraovarian PRP in fertility treatments.

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Heat stress (HS) disrupts testicular homeostasis because of oxidative stress. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a thiol compound with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. As a sequel, this research aimed to assess the ameliorative effects of NAC supplementation on the reproductive performance of goat bucks kept under environmental HS. Primarily, Doppler examination as well as semen collection and evaluation were conducted on 12 mature bucks for 2 weeks (W) as pre-heat stress control (W1 and W2) during winter (February 2023). The temperature-humidity index (THI) was 63.4-64.3 (winter season). Then during summer HS conditions (from the beginning of July till the end of August 2023) bucks were assessed before NAC supplementation (W0), afterwards they were arbitrarily assigned into two groups. The control group (CON; n = 6) received the basal diet while the NAC group (n = 6) received the basal diet in addition to oral NAC daily for 7 weeks (W1-W7). The THI was 78.1-81.6 (summer season). Testicular blood flow parameters, serum concentration of nitric oxide (NO) and testosterone were measured. Additionally, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in seminal plasma and semen quality parameters were evaluated. There were marked reductions (p < 0.05) in the resistive index (RI; W1, W4 and W5), pulsatility index (PI; W2 and W4-W7), and systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D; W4-W7) in the NAC group compared to the CON group. Furthermore, testosterone and NO levels were higher (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) in the NAC group (W2, W3, W5 and W3-W5, respectively). Seminal plasma TAC increased (p < 0.05) and MDA decreased (p < 0.05) in the NAC group (W2, W4 and W5) compared to the CON group. Moreover, there were marked improvements (p < 0.05) in semen quality parameters (mass motility, total motility, viability and normal morphology) in the NAC group. In conclusion, oral NAC supplementation could be used to enhance the reproductive performance of goat bucks during HS conditions which is supported by remarkable enhancement in testicular haemodynamics, NO, testosterone levels and semen quality parameters.

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Hormone-based reproductive management programs can be beneficial to improve dairy cow's reproductive performance. This study aimed to compare the economic impact of reproductive management programs using systematic hormonal treatments to individual cows with a specific DIM range with a reproductive management program using cow-specific hormonal treatment based on a veterinary diagnosis of ovarian dysfunction during a fertility check. An existing individual cow-based, dynamic, and stochastic bio-economic simulation model, mimicking the production dynamics of a 200 cow-herd in daily time steps, was extended with ovarian dysfunction and fertility inputs. Four hormone-based reproductive management programs were modeled. In the default reproductive management program, reflecting the current reproductive management of Dutch herds, lactating dairy cows are inseminated based on detection of estrus and non-cyclic dairy cows are treated with hormones based on a veterinary diagnosis of ovarian dysfunction during a fertility check. Hormone treatments prescribed by the veterinarian for anestrus, cystic, and sub-estrus cows were an 8-d progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID)-Synch protocol (PRIDsynch), an Ovsynch protocol, and a PGF2⍺ treatment, respectively. The 3 other reproductive management programs reflected systematic hormonal treatments to cows at specific DIM and included a 1) Double-Ovsynch protocol for TAI with nonpregnant cows submitted to a resynchronization protocol (FTAI), 2) Double-Ovsynch protocol for TAI with nonpregnant cows detected in estrus or submitted to a resynchronization protocol (FTAI+ED), and 3) detection of estrus with cows not detected submitted to a PRIDsynch protocol (ED+TAI). All nonpregnant cows were submitted to a resynchronization protocol based on the absence (PRIDsynch) or presence (Ovsynch protocol) of a corpus luteum (CL). The annual mean net economic return (NER) was calculated for all reproductive management programs. Compared with the default reproductive management program, the highest NER was observed for the FTAI+ED reproductive management program with €23,764 higher net revenues, followed by the FTAI and the ED+TAI reproductive management programs with €19,550 and €14,314 higher net revenues, respectively. Overall, systematic hormone-based reproductive management programs gave higher costs due to more hormones administered and higher calving and feed costs due to more pregnant cows. Nevertheless, the additional revenues of milk and calves in the systematic hormone-based reproductive management programs outweighed the total cost. For instance, the FTAI+ED reproductive management program gave €8,953 higher total cost per year compared with the default but with €32,654 higher revenues. In summary, reproductive management programs where hormones were systematically used gave economic advantages over the current default reproductive management program in which hormones are administered to individual cows based on a veterinary diagnosis of ovarian dysfunction during a fertility check.

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Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) may disrupt women's reproductive hormones, posing potential reproductive risks. However, the exact compositions of PM2.5 responsible for these effects remain unclear. Our investigation explored the long-term impacts of PM2.5 constituents on reproductive hormones, based on a large longitudinal assisted reproductive cohort study in Anhui, China. We included 24,396 reproductive hormone samples from 19,845 women attending assisted reproductive technologies (ART) between 2014 and 2020. Using high-resolution gridded data (1-km resolution), we calculated the residence-specified PM2.5 constituents during the year before the month of hormone testing. Relationships between PM2.5 constituents [organic matter (OM), chloride (Cl-), sulfate (SO42-), ammonium (NH4+), black carbon, and nitrate] and reproductive hormones were investigated using the linear mixed model with subject-specific intercepts. The constituent-proportion model and the constituent-residual model were also constructed. Additionally, cubic spline analysis was used to examine the potential non-linear exposure-response relationship. We found that per interquartile range (IQR) increment in OM was associated with a 5.31 % (3.74 %, 6.89 %) increase in estradiol, and per IQR increment in Cl- and NH4+ were associated with 13.56 % (7.63 %, 19.82 %) and 9.07 % (4.35 %, 14.01 %) increases in luteinizing hormone. Conversely, per IQR increment in OM and Cl- were associated with -7.27 % (-9.34 %, -5.16 %) and -8.52 % (-10.99 %, -5.98 %) decreases in progesterone, and per IQR increment in SO42- was associated with a -9.15 % (-10.31 %, -7.98 %) decrease in testosterone. These associations were held in both proportional and residual models. Moreover, exposure-response curves for estradiol and progesterone with PM2.5 constituents exhibited approximately U-shaped. These results suggested that specific PM2.5 constituents might disrupt reproductive hormone homeostasis in women attending ART, providing new evidence for formulating PM2.5 pollution reduction strategies that could benefit women's reproductive health.

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Monitoring reproductive physiology in wildlife can be a useful tool for assessing population dynamics for conservation and management purposes. Utilizing non-invasive approaches for this, such as quantifying reproductive hormone metabolites from faeces, can be challenging when defaecation events are not observed, or when cryptic species like African clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) are involved. Additionally, test systems for quantifying hormone metabolites in a species for the first time must first be reliably validated prior to use. Our results indicate that Epiandrosterone and Progesterone EIAs are most suitable for determining fAM and fPM concentrations in African clawless otter spraints. The fAM:fPM ratio and respective thresholds are more reliable in sex identification compared to the separate use of individual hormone classes. Sex-related hormone metabolite concentrations remained comparable for up to 12hrs post-defaecation in both sexes.•We screened two androgen and two progestagen enzyme-immunoassays (EIAs) for suitability and reliable quantification of faecal androgen metabolites (fAM) and faecal progestagen metabolites (fPM) in African clawless otters.•We assessed whether the ratio of fAM:fPM concentrations can be used to assign sex to faecal samples from unknown individuals.•We tested the stability of fAM and fPM concentrations post-defaecation to determine the effects of environmental exposure and bacterial metabolism.

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Background: Reproductive hormones may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but their influence is often underestimated. Obesity can exacerbate the progression of CVD. Arterial stiffness (AS) is correlated with the risk of CVD. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) has served as a practical tool for assessing AS with broad clinical applications. This study aimed to investigate the association between reproductive hormones and baPWV in obese male and female subjects. Methods: A retrospective case-control design was designed. AS was assessed using baPWV, with a baPWV ≥ 1400 cm/s indicating increased AS. Between September 2018 and October 2022, 241 obese subjects with increased AS were recruited from Ningbo Yinzhou No. 2 Hospital. The control group consisted of 241 obese subjects without increased AS. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed to correct potential confounders by age and sex. We additionally performed a sex-based sub-analysis. Results: Correlation analysis demonstrated that luteinizing hormone (LH) (r = 0.214, P = 0.001) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (r = 0.328, P < 0.001) were positively correlated with baPWV in obese male subjects. In the multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis, FSH (OR = 1.407, 95% CI = 1.040-1.902, P = 0.027) rather than LH (OR = 1.210, 95% CI = 0.908-1.612, P = 0.194) was independently and positively associated with increased AS in obese male subjects. However, there was no significant correlation between reproductive hormones and baPWV in women. Conclusions: Our study identified FSH as a potential risk factor for arteriosclerosis in obese male subjects. This provides a novel and intriguing perspective on the pathogenesis of CVD in obese subjects.

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Melatonin is an indolamine secreted to circulation by the pineal gland according to a circadian rhythm. Melatonin levels are higher during nighttime, and the principal function of this hormone is to organize the temporal night and day distribution of physiological adaptive processes. Besides hormonal pineal production, melatonin is synthesized in various organs and tissues like the ovaries or the placenta for local utilization. In addition to its function as a circadian messenger, melatonin is also associated with many physiological functions. For example, melatonin has antioxidant properties and is involved in the regulation of energy and bone metabolism, and reproduction. Melatonin impacts several stages of reproduction and the action across the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis is well described. However, it is not well understood how those actions impact the female reproductive hormones secretion nor the consequent physiological outcomes. Thus, the first part of this chapter describes the regulation of female reproductive hormone synthesis by melatonin. Moreover, melatonin and female reproductive hormones have coincident physiological functions. Life stages like pregnancy or menopause are characterized by alterations in the reproductive hormones secretion that may be associated with certain physiological stages. Therefore, the second part discusses whether melatonin fluctuations could have an overlapping role with reproductive hormones in contributing to clinical outcomes associated with pregnancy and menopause.

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OBJECTIVE: Reproductive hormones might impact disease course in cognitive decline. We examined the association between male and female endogenous reproductive hormones and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) score. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: A cross-sectional study design was used with baseline data from the Pingyin cohort study, involving 1943 participants aged 45-70 years. Oestrogen (E2), testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured in females and E2 and testosterone were measured in males. We categorised hormones into three levels of low, intermediate and high level. The 9-item subjective cognitive decline questionnaire (SCD-Q9) scores were collected to assess the symptoms of SCD. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) between categorised hormone levels and SCD status. Multivariable linear regression models were also used. RESULTS: Overall, 1943 participants were involved and 1285 (66.1%) were female. The mean age at baseline was 59.1 (standard deviation 7.1) years. Women with high testosterone levels had a higher probability of having SCD compared with those with low testosterone levels (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.01-2.05). Men with a high level of testosterone (0.59, 0.35-0.98) and high testosterone/E2 ratio (0.55, 0.33-0.90) were related to decreased chances of having SCD. Each one-unit increase of testosterone was linked to reduced SCD score in males [(ß: -.029, 95% CI (-0.052, -0.007)]. CONCLUSION: There was sex-specific relationship between hormone levels and SCD abnormal. Those with higher testosterone levels in females may increase likelihood of experiencing SCD. Males with higher testosterone levels and higher testosterone/E2 ratio may be associated with reduced likelihood of SCD. The roles of endogenous reproductive hormone levels and their dynamic changes in cognitive function need further investigation.

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BACKGROUND: Infertility impacts 16% of North American couples, with male factor infertility contributing to ∼30% of cases. Reproductive hormones, especially testosterone, are essential for spermatogenesis. An age-independent population-level decline in testosterone concentrations over the past few decades has been proposed to be a consequence of diet and lifestyle changes. Vitamin B12 is present in the testes and has been suggested as an adjuvant nutritional therapy for male infertility due to its potential to improve sperm parameters. However, evidence examining the relationship between vitamin B12 and reproductive hormones is limited. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to cross-sectionally examine the relationship between serum vitamin B12 and male reproductive hormones (luteinizing hormone, follicular stimulating hormone, total testosterone, estradiol, and prolactin). METHODS: Men with infertility (n = 303) were recruited from Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Canada. Serum was analyzed for vitamin B12 and reproductive hormones. Statistical analyses included nonparametric Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, linear regression, logistic regression, and effect modification by age and BMI linear regressions. RESULTS: An independent monotonic relationship between serum vitamin B12 and total testosterone (ρ = 0.19, P = 0.001) was observed. Serum vitamin B12 was linearly associated with total testosterone (unadjusted ß = 0.0007, P = 0.008 and adjusted ß = 0.0005, P = 0.03). Compared to individuals in the lowest tertile of serum vitamin B12, those in the middle tertile (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25, 0.93, P = 0.03) and the highest tertile (unadjusted OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.77, P = 0.005 and adjusted OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.87, P = 0.02) had reduced odds of testosterone deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that among men with infertility, low serum vitamin B12 is associated with a higher risk of testosterone deficiency and impaired androgenic hormonal profiles that impact spermatogenesis and consequently, fertility.

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BACKGROUND: Male infertility has become a global health problem, and genetic factors are one of the essential causes. Y chromosome microdeletion is the leading genetic factor cause of male infertility. The objective of this study is to investigate the correlation between male infertility and Y chromosome microdeletions in Hainan, the sole tropical island province of China. METHODS: We analyzed the semen of 897 infertile men from Hainan in this study. Semen analysis was measured according to WHO criteria by professionals at the Department of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, where samples were collected. Y chromosome AZF microdeletions were confirmed by detecting six STS markers using multiple polymerase chain reactions on peripheral blood DNA. The levels of reproductive hormones, including FSH, LH, PRL, T, and E2, were quantified using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The incidence of Y chromosome microdeletion in Hainan infertile men was 7.13%. The occurrence rate of Y chromosome microdeletion was 6.69% (34/508) in the oligozoospermia group and 7.71% (30/389) in the azoospermia group. The deletion of various types in the AZF subregion was observed in the group with azoospermia, whereas no AZFb deletion was detected in the oligozoospermia group. Among all patients with microdeletions, the deletion rate of the AZFc region was the higher at 68.75% (44 out of 64), followed by a deletion rate of 6.25% (4 out of 64) for the AZFa region and a deletion rate of 4.69% (3 out of 64) for the AZFb region. The deletion rate of the AZFa region was significantly higher in patients with azoospermia than in patients with oligozoospermia (0.51% vs. 0.39%, p < 0.001). In comparison, the deletion rate of the AZFc region was significantly higher in patients with oligozoospermia (3.08% vs. 6.30%, p < 0.001). Additionally, the AZFb + c subregion association deletion was observed in the highest proportion among all patients (0.89%, 8/897), followed by AZFa + b + c deletion (0.56%, 5/897), and exclusively occurred in patients with azoospermia. Hormone analysis revealed FSH (21.63 ± 2.01 U/L vs. 10.15 ± 0.96 U/L, p = 0.001), LH (8.96 ± 0.90 U/L vs. 4.58 ± 0.42 U/L, p < 0.001) and PRL (263.45 ± 21.84 mIU/L vs. 170.76 ± 17.10 mIU/L, p = 0.002) were significantly increased in azoospermia patients with microdeletions. Still, P and E2 levels were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of AZF microdeletion can reach 7.13% in infertile men in Hainan province, and the deletion of the AZFc subregion is the highest. Although the Y chromosome microdeletion rate is distinct in different regions or populations, the regions mentioned above of the Y chromosome may serve an indispensable role in regulating spermatogenesis. The analysis of Y chromosome microdeletion plays a crucial role in the clinical assessment and diagnosis of male infertility.

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1. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms affecting brooding in Zhedong white geese by examining differences in reproductive endocrine levels, ovarian histology and transcriptomics.2. Twenty 18-month-old Zhedong white geese were selected to examine their ovaries using histological, biochemical, molecular biological, and high-throughput sequencing techniques during the laying and brooding periods.3. The results showed that the number of atretic follicles and apoptotic cells in the ovaries increased significantly (p < 0.05), the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone and oestradiol decreased significantly (p < 0.05), and the level of prolactin increased significantly (p < 0.01) during the brooding stage.4. In broody geese, the expression of CASP3, CASP9, P53, BAX, and Cyt-c were considerably higher (p < 0.05), but BCL2 expression was significantly lower (p < 0.05).5. In ovarian tissues, 260 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 13 differentially expressed miRNA and 60 differentially expressed mRNA were all discovered using transcriptome sequencing analysis. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed mRNA and non-coding RNA target genes were primarily involved in ECM-receptor interaction, cell adhesion, cardiac muscle contraction, mTOR signalling, and the calcium signalling pathway.6. In conclusion, follicular atrophy and apoptosis occurred in the ovaries and serum reproductive hormone levels were significantly changed during the brooding period of Zhedong white geese. COL3A1, COL1A2, GRIA1, RNF152, miR-192, and miR-194 may be important candidates for the regulation of brooding behaviour, with the mTOR signalling pathway playing a key role.

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Age is a known determinant of reproductive health and fertility in both genders. The present work aims to assess the reproductive hormone profile of a middle-aged and elderly man. For this descriptive cross-sectional study, healthy male subjects (n=77) were recruited from the valley. Any individual suffering from any acute or chronic diseases and on drugs was ruled out from the study. Group A consisted of 40 elderly men between 60-70 years of age, and Group B comprised 37 men between 35-46 years of age. Blood samples were taken to estimate the reproductive hormone profile. Level of oxidant and antioxidant: Malondialdehyde and Glutathione. The demographic variables, which included retrospective and prospective questions, helped to assess the physical activity and diet intake behaviour of all inducted individuals. The analysis of the reproductive profile of both groups was similar and within the normal range of standards. However, the median level of LH was higher in group A than in group B: 6.7 mIU/ml versus 3.4 mIU/ml, respectively, and p<0.003. Both groups showed predominantly involvement in physical activity, >90%. The correlation of biochemical variables gives an insight into the fact that the Mediterranean diet and physical activity help to maintain a normal BMI. These implicate the normal secretion of various hormones, leading to intact spermatogenesis. We can safely deduce from this study that physically active lifestyles and a healthy diet are crucial factors in maintaining an endocrine profile.

L'âge est un déterminant connu de la santé reproductive et de la fécondité chez les deux sexes. Le présent travail vise à évaluer le profil hormonal de la reproduction d'un homme d'âge moyen et âgé. Pour cette étude transversale descriptive, des sujets masculins en bonne santé (n = 77) ont été recrutés dans la vallée. Toute personne souffrant de maladies aiguës ou chroniques et prenant des médicaments a été exclue de l'étude. Le groupe A était composé de 40 hommes âgés de 60 à 70 ans et le groupe B de 37 hommes âgés de 35 à 46 ans. Des échantillons de sang ont été prélevés pour estimer le profil des hormones reproductives. Niveau d'oxydant et d'antioxydant : Malondialdéhyde et Glutathion. Les variables démographiques, qui comprenaient des questions rétrospectives et prospectives, ont permis d'évaluer l'activité physique et le comportement alimentaire de tous les individus intronisés. L'analyse du profil reproducteur des deux groupes était similaire et se situait dans la fourchette normale des normes. Cependant, le taux médian de LH était plus élevé dans le groupe A que dans le groupe B : respectivement 6,7 mUI/ml versus 3,4 mUI/ml et p<0,003. Les deux groupes présentaient une participation prédominante à l'activité physique, > 90 %. La corrélation des variables biochimiques donne un aperçu du fait que le régime méditerranéen et l'activité physique contribuent à maintenir un IMC normal. Celles-ci impliquent la sécrétion normale de diverses hormones, conduisant à une spermatogenèse intacte. Nous pouvons déduire de cette étude qu'un mode de vie physiquement actif et une alimentation saine sont des facteurs cruciaux pour maintenir un profil endocrinien.

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Reproductive deficiency is a major outcome of pesticide exposure sequel to cellular oxidative damage to sex organs. Flavonoid possess potent antioxidant capacities to mitigate pesticide related cellular injury. The present investigation examined the mitigative effect of micronized purified fractions of diosmin and hesperidin on reproductive hormones, sperm parameters, and testicular glycogen in male Wistar rats after sub-chronic Chlorpyriphos (CPF) exposure. Twenty-five male Wistar rats (120-145 g) were randomly allocated five rats per group. Group I (DW) received distilled water (2 ml/kg), Group II (S/oil) received soya oil (2 ml/kg), Group III (DAF) received Daflon at 1000 mg/kg, Group IV (CPF) received Chlorpyriphos (7.74 mg/kg), and Group V (DAF + CPF) received Daflon (1000 mg/kg) followed by CPF (7.74 mg/kg) after 30 min of Daflon. This regimen was administered daily for 60 days. After cervical venesection under light chloroform anesthesia, blood samples were examined for levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone. Each rat's testicular tissue was quickly cut, collected, and glycogen evaluated. Sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and viability were measured in the right caudal epididymis. Results revealed that the untreated CPF group had significantly lower FSH, LH, testosterone, testicular glycogen, and sperm concentration. Additionally, CPF group sperm characteristics were abnormal compared to other groups. These reproductive hormones, testicular glycogen, and sperm parameters improved in the Daflon-treated groups. Hence, pre-treatment with flavonoid fractions of diosmin and hesperidin mitigated CPF-induced reproductive toxicity.

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Background: Studies exploring the effect of COVID-19 on male reproductive system suggest a detrimental association, however with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to assess the association between COVID-19 infection and male reproductive potential including hormone profiles and semen parameters. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 48 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Patients were subdivided into an asymptomatic group (n = 30) and a group with COVID-19 symptoms (n = 18). Serum hormone levels including testosterone, LH, FSH and estradiol were collected during active infection (baseline, time 0), and at 3 and 6 months following COVID-19 infection. Semen samples (basic semen analysis and oxidation reduction potential) were examined at 3 and 6 months following infection. Student and paired-t tests were used to compare continuous variables between the study groups and across the studied time intervals, respectively. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to explore predictors for COVID-19 symptoms during active infection. Results: Patients with COVID-19 symptoms were significantly older (p = 0.02) and had significantly lower serum testosterone levels (p = 0.01) and significantly higher LH: testosterone ratio (p = 0.01) than asymptomatic patients. Multivariate analysis revealed older age (OR = 1.18, p = 0.03) and lower serum testosterone level (OR = 0.8, p = 0.03) as independent predictors of symptomatic COVID-19 infection. Significant increase in testosterone (p < 0.001 for both) and decrease in LH (p = 0.02, p = 0.007) and LH: testosterone (p = 0.02, p = 0.005) levels were observed at 3 and 6 months in patients with COVID-19 symptoms. Asymptomatic patients demonstrated significant increase in testosterone (p = 0.02) and decrease in LH: testosterone (p = 0.04) levels only at 3 months following COVID-19 infection. No significant differences were observed between the two study groups with regards to the semen analysis results obtained at 3 or 6 months following COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: Significantly lower testosterone values are associated with worse disease severity among men with COVID-19 infection. This association appears to be temporary as a significant increase in testosterone levels are witnessed as early as 3 months following recovery. No significant detrimental effect for COVID-19 infection on testicular sperm production is found in this patient population.

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Objectives: Male infertility is a major public health issue due to increased prevalence, so there is an urgent need for a therapeutic solution. The search for a natural dietary substance that could modulate redox balance and inflammation and protect testicular function is in demand. Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) has found use in the treatment of diabetes, and cancer owing to the presence of polyphenols. However, there is a dearth of information on its effect on testicular toxicity. The present study investigated VCO as a possible treatment for testicular toxicity in the Sodium Benzoate (SB) model of male infertility by evaluating the oxidative and inflammatory status, circulating hormonal levels, and key sperm indices. Materials and Methods: Twenty adult male rats were randomly assigned to four groups of 5 rats each and were treated with normal saline, sodium benzoate, sodium benzoate+5% VCO, and sodium benzoate+15% VCO for 30 days respectively. Biochemical analysis of reproductive hormones was assessed. Sperm parameters assessed include sperm function tests and sperm kinematics. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc Tukey tests was performed. Results: 5% VCO reverts the deranged serum reproductive hormones caused by sodium benzoate. 5% VCO was more potent as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory treatment than 15% VCO. However, both doses prevented SB's effect on the sperm function test and kinematics. Conclusion: VCO-supplemented diet can ameliorate SB-induced testicular toxicity by inhibiting its mechanisms of toxicity that are related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation.

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PURPOSE: To determine correlations between chemicals in follicular fluid (FF) and follicular reproductive hormone levels. METHODS: The analysis was part of a larger cohort study to determine associations between exposure to EDCs and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. FF was aspirated from a single leading follicle per participant. Demographics and data on exposure to EDCs were self-reported by the participants using a questionnaire. The concentrations of estradiol (E2), progesterone (PG), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), and inhibin B, as well as that of 12 phthalate metabolites and 12 phenolic chemicals were measured in each FF sample. Multivariate linear regression model was used to identify the drivers of hormone levels based on participant's age, BMI, smoking status, and chemical exposure for the monitored chemicals detected in more than 50% of the samples. Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) correction was applied on the resulting p values (q value). RESULTS: FF samples were obtained from 72 women (mean age 30.9 years). Most of the phthalates and phenolic substances monitored (21/24, 88%) were identified in FF. Ten compounds (7 phthalate metabolites, 3 phenols) were found in more than 50% of samples. In addition, there were positive associations between E2 levels and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) (beta = 0.01) and mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) (beta = 0.03) levels (q value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Higher concentrations of several phthalate metabolites, present among others in personal care products, were associated with increased E2 levels in FF. The results emphasize the need to further investigate the mechanisms of action of such EDCs on hormonal cyclicity and fertility in women.

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Pentachlorophenol (PCP), a typical environmental endocrine disruptor and a new persistent organic pollutant, has been extensively used as a pesticide worldwide. Although its use has been restricted for decades, PCP remains prevalent in both the environment and human bodies. Despite the known endocrine-disrupting and exogenous hormonal effects of PCP, few epidemiological studies examined such impact, especially among sensitive populations and during critical periods. Based on a prospective birth cohort in Wuhan, China, we collected maternal (first trimester; 13.0 ± 1.02 gestational weeks) and infant urine samples (1.16 ± 0.22 months postpartum) from 720 mother-infant pairs. We aimed to examine the association of PCP exposure during early pregnancy with maternal and infant urinary sex steroid hormones, including estrogens (estrone, E1; estradiol, E2; estriol, E3), progestogens (progesterone, P4; pregnenolone, P5; 17α-OH-Progesterone, 17OHP4; 17α-OH-Pregnenolone, 17OHP5), and androgens (testosterone, Testo; dihydrotestosterone, DHT; dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA; androstenedione, A4). Additionally, gonadotropins [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)] were measured in infant urine. Detection frequencies of all the sex steroid hormones in the maternal urine samples (>99 %) were higher than those in the infants' [most ≥80 %, except for E1 (3.36 %) and E2 (21.4 %)]. Maternal urinary PCP concentration was found to be significantly related with increased maternal sex steroid hormone concentrations; each interquartile increase in PCP concentration was positively related with percent change of the hormones (%Δ) ranging from 26.6 % to 48.5 %. On the other hand, maternal PCP exposure was associated with significantly increased P4 in male infants [%Δ (95 % confidence interval): 10.5 (0.56, 21.4)] but slightly decreased P4 in female infants [-11.9 (-21.8, 0.68)]. In addition, maternal PCP exposure was significantly associated with decreased FSH [%Δ (95 % CI): -9.90 (-17.0, -2.18)] and LH [-8.44 (-16.0, -0.19)] in the female infants, but not in the male infants. Sensitivity analyses, excluding infertility related treatment, pregnancy complications, preterm birth, or low birth weight, showed generally consistent results. Our findings implied that maternal/prenatal PCP exposure might disrupt the homeostasis of maternal and infant reproductive hormones. However, further studies are needed to confirm the findings.

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BACKGROUND: Exposure to phthalate/DINCH metabolites can induce human reproductive toxicity, however, their endocrine-disrupting mechanisms are not fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between concentrations of phthalate/DINCH metabolites, serum kisspeptin, and reproductive hormones among European teenagers from three of the HBM4EU Aligned Studies. METHODS: In 733 Belgian (FLEHS IV study), Slovak (PCB cohort follow-up), and Spanish (BEA study) teenagers, ten phthalate and two DINCH metabolites were measured in urine by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Serum kisspeptin (kiss54) protein, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels were measured by immunosorbent assays. Free Androgen Index (FAI) was calculated as a proxy of free testosterone. Adjusted sex-stratified linear regression models for individual studies, mixed effect models (LME) accounting for random effects for pooled studies, and g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models for the phthalate/DINCH mixture were performed. RESULTS: The LME suggested that each IQR increase in ln-transformed levels of several phthalates was associated with lower kisspeptin [MnBP: %change (95%CI): -2.8 (-4.2;-0.4); MEHP: -1.4 (-3.4,0.2)] and higher FSH [∑DINP: 11.8 (-0.6;25.1)] levels in females from pooled studies. G-computation showed that the phthalates/DINCH mixture was associated with lower kisspeptin [-4.28 (-8.07;-0.34)] and higher FSH [22.13 (0.5;48.4)] also in females; BKMR showed similar although non-significant pattern. In males, higher phthalates metabolites [MEHP: -12.22 (-21.09;-1.18); oxo-MEHP: -12.73 (-22.34;-1.93)] were associated with lower TT and FAI, although higher DINCH [OH-MINCH: 16.31 (6.23;27.35), cx-MINCH: 16.80 (7.03;27.46), ∑DINCH: 17.37 (7.26;29.74)] were associated with higher TT levels. No mixture associations were found in males. CONCLUSION: We observed sex-specific associations between urinary concentrations of phthalate/DINCH metabolites and the panel of selected effect biomarkers (kisspeptin and reproductive hormones). This suggests that exposure to phthalates would be associated with changes in kisspeptin levels, which would affect the HPG axis and thus influence reproductive health. However, further research is needed, particularly for phthalate replacements such as DINCH.

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BACKGROUND: The research gap regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in people who were assigned female at birth has led to a lack of knowledge and adequate approaches in clinical practice, as well as diagnosis processes. Recent studies report potential associations between reproductive hormones and ADHD, but existing research remains scarce. AIM: This study aims to explore the experiences of people who perceive an association between their menstrual cycle and their ADHD symptoms. METHODOLOGY: Design and Method. A qualitative research design with an inductive approach was used. Ten participants were interviewed, using semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The data was transcribed, coded, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke. RESULTS: Findings show participant's perceived associations between their ADHD and their menstrual cycle: participants reported experiencing ADHD symptom mor severe during the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Other results showed uncertainty around ADHD medication in relation to the cycle and varied experiences with health care encounters as well as heightened challenged around menstrual health management. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights to how perceived associations between ADHD and the menstrual cycle might be experienced. This report highlights the need for further research and theory about the potential associations between ADHD and reproductive hormones. The researchers strongly suggested that forthcoming ADHD studies consider times of key hormonal changes, such as puberty and menarche, menopause, hormonal birth control, pregnancy, hormone treatment, and more.

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Bisphenol A (BPA), an acknowledged endocrine disrupter, is easily exposed to humans via food packaging and container. However, a consensus has not been reached on the extent to which BPA exposure affects the reproductive system. We therefore conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to elucidate the relationship between BPA exposure and male reproduction-related indicators. Up to October 2023, a comprehensive search was carried out in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science, and 18 studies were ultimately included. ß coefficients from multivariate linear regression analyses were pooled using a random effects model. The results showed that the urinary BPA concentration was negatively correlated with the sperm concentration (ß coefficient = -0.03; 95% CI: -0.06 to -0.01; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.003) and total sperm count (ß coefficient = -0.05; 95% CI: -0.08 to -0.02; I2 = 0.0%, p < 0.001). In addition, BPA concentrations were associated with increased sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, increased estradiol (E2) levels, and reduced biologically active androgen levels. However, the relationship between an increased risk of below-reference sperm quality and BPA exposure was not robust. This systematic review revealed that BPA exposure disrupts reproductive hormones, reduces sperm counts and may ultimately adversely affect male reproduction.