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At least 1,153 records · Page 64Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Pre-validation study for OECD enhanced test guideline 407 protocol by gavage for 4 weeks using propylthiouracil and tamoxifen.

To develop and pre-validate an enhanced protocol for OECD Test Guideline 407, we performed a 28-day repeated-dose toxicity study using the administration of propylthiouracil (PTU) and tamoxifen (TAM) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Six male and female SD rats were treated orally with PTU in corn oil at the dose of 0, 0.1, 1, or 10 mg/kg per day and TAM at dose of 0, 5, 30 or 200 microg/kg per day for 4 weeks. In the study using PTU, the body weights were reduced from the third week of the study in 10 mg/kg per day group. In clinical biochemistry, the levels of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4, 3,5,3',5'-tetraiodothyrosine) were also significantly decreased in 10 mg/kg per day group. Also, thyroid glands in 10 mg/kg per day group were bigger than those in the control group. In the histopathological examination, diffuse hyperplasia and hypertrophy of thyroid follicular cells were observed in all treatment groups, leading to the reduction of lumen size and papillary enfolding of lining epithelium. In the study using TAM, the body weights were reduced from the first week of the study in 200 microg/kg per day group. Relative testes and epididymes weights were increased and relative right ovary and uterus weights were reduced in 200 microg/kg per day group. Also, in the histopathological finding severe endometrial squamous metaplasia and endometrial gland atrophy and severe follicular cystic change were observed in TAM 200 microg/kg per day-treated group. On the basis of the results, the thyroid hormone levels, gross findings, and histopathological findings may be useful parameters for the detection of the endocrine-related effect of PTU and also reproductive organ weight and histopathological findings may be good parameters to detect the effect of TAM. Therefore, it is concluded that enhanced OECD TG407 might be useful for screening and detecting endocrine disrupters.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Predictive factors and a corresponding treatment algorithm for controlled ovarian stimulation in patients treated with recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (follitropin alfa) during assisted reproduction technology (ART) procedures. An analysis of 1378 patients.

BACKGROUND: Identifying parameters that can accurately predict the response to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) would be of great benefit in assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. An analysis was undertaken with the objective of determining whether specific factors could optimally predict a response to stimulation in ART, and to then develop a corresponding treatment algorithm that could be used to calculate the optimal starting dose of recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone (r-hFSH; follitropin alfa) for selected patients. METHODS: The overall population consisted of 2280 normo-ovulatory ART patients from 11 randomised clinical trials. However, for the final analysis population, only patients less than 35 years of age who received r-hFSH monotherapy (N = 1378) were included. RESULTS: Backwards stepwise regression modelling indicated that predictive factors for ovarian response included basal FSH, BMI, age and number of follicles < 11 mm at baseline screening. The concordance probability index was 59.5% for this model. CONCLUSIONS: In the largest data series so far analysed to determine predictive factors of ovarian response, basal FSH, BMI, age and number of follicles < 11 mm at screening were the most important variables in ART patients less than 35 years of age who were treated with r-hFSH monotherapy. Using these four predictive factors, a follitropin alfa starting dose calculator was developed that can be used to select the FSH starting dose required for an optimal response. The relevance of this dose calculator will be evaluated in a prospective clinical trial.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Lifestyle factors affecting heel ultrasound in Greek females across different life stages.

The use of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the bone is rapidly gaining in popularity, and QUS is widely used worldwide for the assessment of skeletal status. Although much has been learned about the influence of various factors on ultrasonic parameters in various populations, similar information at the local level is not available. This study was carried out to examine the effects of anthropometric, dietary, physical activity, reproductive, and other lifestyle factors on QUS parameters in healthy Greek women, including children (n=217), adults (n=235), and elderly (n=369) subjects. Calcaneal QUS measurements were performed with the SAHARA device, which measures broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and speed of sound (SOS) through the os calcis; a composite parameter, the quantitative ultrasound index (QUI), and an estimate of heel bone mineral density (eBMD) were also derived. All QUS indices were higher in adult women than in girls or elderly women (P<0.05). The latter had a similar BUA to girls, but lower SOS, QUI, and eBMD (P<0.05). Most QUS parameters correlated positively with height, weight, body mass index (BMI), hip circumference, organized physical activity, and activity promoting bone mass, but negatively with the time devoted to sedentary activities and absolute carbohydrate intake (P<0.05). Age of menarche and years since menopause were negatively associated with QUS in the adult and elderly women, respectively (P<0.05). The latter relationship, however, was due to the confounding effect of advancing age. Overweight and obese females had significantly higher BUA and eBMD than normal-weight subjects (P<0.05), but similar SOS and QUI; this held true for all age groups. Likewise, in all ages, individuals spending more than 2 h/week on organized activities had significantly higher QUS indices than those spending less time on exercise (P<0.05). Further, postmenarchial girls had significantly higher age-adjusted BUA, SOS, QUI, and eBMD than premenarchial ones (P<0.05). Similarly, all QUS parameters were significantly higher in adult women with an early onset of menarche (<14 years old) than in those with a late onset (P<0.05), but no effects of menarche were detected among the elderly. No significant effects of calcium intake (which was generally adequate), smoking or alcohol drinking (which were generally low) on QUS indices were observed, in either age group. Available independent variables could explain approximately 16%-24% of the total variance in BUA, SOS, QUI and eBMD. The most important positive predictors of QUS were adulthood, time devoted to organized activities, and weight or BMI, while age and carbohydrate intake per se contributed negatively. In conclusion, age, body size, physical activity, and some aspects of reproductive history and diet appear to variably affect calcaneal QUS indices among otherwise healthy Greek women at different life stages.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Semen quality and sperm functional parameters in fertile Indian men.

The reports of a decline in the reproductive health of men worldwide prompted the present study to be undertaken so that baseline semen parameters could be established in Indian men. Semen profile and sperm function parameters were evaluated in 368 Indian men of proven fertility, settled in Delhi. The results of the study were compared with available published information from Indian men. The mean sperm concentration and semen volumes were 68.22 +/- 15.14 x 10(6) ml(-1) and 3.20 +/- 0.94 ml, respectively. Rapid, linear progressive motility and sluggish linear motility were 40.95 +/- 9.15% and 24.95 +/- 7.01%, respectively. A comparison of the results of the present study with earlier published data did not support the contention of a decrease in the semen quality in Indian men.

Acrosome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Population dynamics of Donax dentifer (Veneroida: Donacidae) in Bay of Bahía Málaga, Colombian Pacific during the "El Niño" 1997/1998].

Donax dentifer is a dominant member of the sandy beach communities of the Colombian Pacific coast. A population of this bivalve was monthly sampled in Playa Chucheros at the Bay of Málaga, Colombian Pacific, between August 1997 and July 1998, during the "El Niño 1997/1998" phenomenon. Quantitative samples were taken in perpendicular and parallel to the coastal line transects to determine the population density and a length-frequency distribution. Qualitative samples were taken to study the reproduction and monthly length weight relationship. Sea surface temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity and pH in the water was monthly registered in the sampling station. Additionally, a tagging-recapture experiment was performed to growth estimations. Results indicate a continuous reproduction cycle with two annual spawning seasons in December and March. The growth parameters of the non-oscillating von Bertalanffy growth function were K = 0.62 yr-1 and L infinity = 29.3 mm. Mortality (Z) was higher (2.65 yr-1) for small individuals (between 2 mm and 5 mm) while a lower Z value (1.71 yr-1) were obtained for larger ones (between 19 mm and 25 mm). An annual mean biomass value of B = 1.229 g ash-free dry weight m-2 and an annual somatic production of Psom = 1.215 g ash-free dry weight m-2 were estimated, which correspond to a Psom/B value of 0.988. Population density increased in November and April, but any population density pattern related with "El Niño" was evident. Low body weight during November-December seems to show a relation between reproductive cycle in D. dentifer and El Niño 97/98 event. The fluctuation in dissolved oxygen show a high correlation with parameters of the reproductive cycle, which could be related to assimilation process and body weight cycle. Growth in D. dentifer in the Colombian Pacific coast was faster than other Donax species, as can be expected for tropical bivalves mollusks in comparison whit high latitude bivalves. The mortality pattern suggest that the population was selectively affected by El Niño 97/98, due to smaller individuals are living in the lowest areas of the beach, where they are exposed to abnormal seawater conditions for a longer time. Individual and population production was higher for medium-size animals than each for small-size ones, which were the most abundant in the population.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

[Desire for children and family planning in Algeria (Approach to reproduction in Arab countries) (author's transl)].

Arab patients in the Gynaecological Hospital of the University of Oran, Algeria, were observed. Aspects relating to desire for children, family planning, and parity are discussed in conjunction with the outcome of the latest Algerian census. Three of four children in one family are considered an optimum solution. Early marriage and early gravidity still are widespread. Family planning continues to play a minor role, and only 25.3 per cent of all patients reviewed took to oral contraceptives for shorter or longer periods of time. - The percentages of primiparae and secundiparae in all births as well as the high percentage of multigravidity are parameters by which the approach to reproduction differs substantively from behaviour patterns in Europe. Traditional thinking of couples and resulting behaviours as well as religious and social motivations and insufficient use of family planning facilities are the major reasons.

Algeria↗
PubMed1993

The duration of leuprolide acetate administration prior to ovulation induction does not impact ovarian responsiveness to exogenous gonadotropins.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible impact that the duration of GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) suppression has on subsequent ovarian responsiveness to exogenous gonadotropins. DESIGN: Prospective evaluation of the relationship between the duration of GnRH-a and multiple parameters of ovarian responsiveness. SETTING: Assisted reproduction program in a large military tertiary care center. PATIENTS: One hundred sixty-five women being pretreated with leuprolide acetate (LA) before ovulation induction with exogenous gonadotropins. INTERVENTIONS: Variable duration of LA administration before stimulation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures include duration of stimulation, days until doubling of basal E2, number of ampules of exogenous gonadotropins, peak E2, number of mature follicles, and number of mature oocytes. RESULTS: The duration of LA pretreatment had no effect on any of the parameters of ovarian responsiveness analyzed. CONCLUSION: Once complete suppression of gonadal function is attained, the duration of GnRH-a suppression has no impact on subsequent ovarian responsiveness to exogenous gonadotropins.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Feasibility of refreezing human spermatozoa through the technique of liquid nitrogen vapor.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of refreezing human semen using the technique of liquid nitrogen vapor with static phases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty samples from 16 subjects who required disposal of their cryopreserved semen were thawed, corresponding to 6 cancer patients and 10 participants in the assisted reproduction (AR) program. Samples were refrozen using the technique of liquid nitrogen vapor with static phases, identical to the one used for the initial freezing, and thawed again after 72 hours. We assessed the concentration of motile spermatozoa, total and progressive percent motility and spermatic vitality, according to criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as spermatic morphology according to the strict Kruger criterion, after the first and after the second thawing. RESULTS: We observed a significant decrease in all the parameters evaluated between the first and the second thawing. Median values for the concentration of motile spermatozoa decreased from 2.0x10(6)/mL to 0.1x10(6)/mL (p < 0.01); total percent motility from 42% to 22.5% (p < 0.01); progressive percent motility from 34% to 9.5% (p < 0.01); vitality from 45% to 20% (p < 0.01); and morphology from 5% to 5% (p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in the spermatic parameters between the cancer and assisted reproduction groups, both after the first and after the second thawing. We observed that in 100% of cases there was retrieval of motile spermatozoa after the second thawing. CONCLUSION: Refreezing of human semen by the technique of liquid nitrogen vapor allows the retrieval of viable spermatozoa after thawing.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Methods for assessing sperm motility, morphology, and counts in the rat, rabbit, and dog: a consensus report. ILSI Risk Science Institute Expert Working Group on Sperm Evaluation.

Reproductive toxicity studies are increasingly including assessments of sperm parameters including motility, morphology, and counts. While these assessments can provide valuable information for the determination of potential reproductive toxicity, the methods for conducting the assessments have not been well developed in all laboratories and are continually evolving. The use of different methods in different laboratories makes comparison of data among laboratories difficult. To address the differences in methods, a working group was convened to discuss methods currently in use, share data, and try to reach consensus about optimal methods for assessing sperm parameters in rats, rabbits, and dogs. This article presents the consensus report, as well as future research needs, with the hope that optimized common methods will aid in the detection of reproductive effects and enhance interlaboratory comparisons.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Effect of nutrition on endocrine parameters, ovarian physiology, and oocyte and embryo development.

Reproductive efficiency in high yielding dairy cows has decreased over the past 50 years, despite significant gains in genetic selection for increased milk output. One possible reason for this decline has been a change in the nutritional intake to meet the increased energy and protein demands for higher milk production. Excess energy intake in sheep will lead to significant reductions in progesterone concentrations; the effects in cattle are not so clear. Nutrition, unless radically changed, will have little effect on gonadotropin concentrations in ruminants, and this is in contrast to the situation for pigs and for primates, where very short-term nutritional changes manifest themselves in altered gonadotropin secretion. Cattle with reduced energy intake have smaller dominant follicles and more three-wave cycles, compared with animals on higher feed intakes. One of the main areas where nutrition influences reproductive efficiency is at the level of embryo production. Several studies indicate that excess energy intake reduces the response to superovulation and also decrease the yield of embryos and alters expression of some gene constructs within the developing embryo. The mechanism of this effect is not clear but indications are that the quality of the oocytes may be compromised. Indeed recent data indicate that nutritional changes around the time of mating may have detrimental effects on the establishment of pregnancy in heifers. Thus, nutritional balancing is critical for high-yielding dairy cows, in particular. The challenge remains to modify nutritional and management strategies in such cows to maintain the levels of production made possible by genetic selection and still maintain an acceptable level of fertility.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The characteristics of combined genetic screening of the first trimester of pregnancy after use of assisted reproductive technology programs].

Results of comparison of nuchal translucency measurments (NT) and parameters of the biochemical analysis of blood serum of pregnant women in the first trimester and after use of assisted reproductive technologies (in vitro fertilization and cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)) are submitted. It was shown that NT does not differ from those of women with spontaneous pregnancy, and parameters of biochemical markers tend only to change. After ICSI use concentration of free beta-HCG authentically increases.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Methods for detecting occupational causes of male infertility. Reproductive history versus semen analysis.

The use of semen and reproductive histories in epidemiologic studies is reviewed. Traditional parameters of semen quality are easily measured. A significant change may be positive proof of an effect on the reproductive tract and may occur within two or three months of the start of exposure. Conversely, semen specimens are difficult to obtain. The use of an appropriate reference group may be hard to ensure. A change in semen quality need not lead to abnormalities of reproduction. Past effects of exposure may not be detectable if exposure has been reduced or eliminated. Reproductive histories are readily obtained for fertility analysis. A reduction in fertility may be evidence of impaired health. Past effects of exposure are easily determined. For the detection of reduced fertility, however, two or three years of exposure may be needed. A change in fertility does not necessarily indicate an effect on the reproductive tract. The analysis of fertility requires considerable technical expertise. Since data for fertility analysis may be gathered in the workplace with little effort, suitable information should be obtained during employee medical examinations wherever potential exists for effects on reproduction.

Epidemiologic Methods↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Spontaneous recovery from ethanol-induced male infertility.

Chronic ethanol ingestion by the male is associated with reproductive impairment. No longitudinal studies have been carried out to determine the recovery of ethanol-related reproductive failure subsequent to moderate periods of abstinence. An animal model (C57B1 mouse) was utilized to examine the effectiveness of abstinence for reversal of ethanol-induced reproductive failure. After treatment with either a 5% ethanol diet (10 weeks) or a 6% ethanol diet (5 weeks), animals were hemicastrated (right testis and accessory organs); their reproductive tracts and epididymal spermatozoa were examined. Ingestion of the 5% and 6% ethanol diets resulted in significantly (p less than 0.05) decreased testicular weights (24% and 28%, respectively) and seminal vesicle/prostate weights (20%, 6% diet only), increased frequencies of germ cell desquamation (480% and 400%), inactive seminiferous tubules (186% and 567%) and inhibition of in vitro fertilization of mouse oocytes by epididymal spermatozoa (26% and 62%), as compared to their respective pair-fed control values. Also observed was a significant decrease in total motile spermatozoa (85%, 6% diet only). Improvement in all parameters was observed in the contralateral reproductive organs subsequent to ten weeks abstinence. Only germ cell desquamation remained significantly elevated (100% as compared to control) in animals that ingested the 5% diet. In contrast, significant abnormalities persisted ten weeks after treatment with the 6% ethanol diet, including increased germ cell desquamation (200%) and inactive seminiferous tubules (157%); decreased forward progression (17%) of epididymal sperm also persisted. If these data can be applied clinically, male alcoholic patients with reproductive disorders could have a prognosis of at least partial recovery following moderate periods of abstinence from ethanol.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Evolution of life cycle: models based on optimization of energy allocation].

A brief history of optimization approach in modern evolutionary ecology is given and author's own results concerning life history evolution are considered in more details. The problem of evolutionary optimization is formulated in terms of mathematical theory of optimal control as a problem of optimal sharing of organism's resources between growth, reproduction, repair, and maintenance. The Malthusian parameter is used as optimality criterion. This approach allows, in particular, to give evolutionary ecological explanations for some well known empirical facts such as attenuation of growth with age (law of Bertalanffi), acceleration of ageing with age (law of Gompertz), human sexual dimorphism in mean lifespan, age and size of maturity.

Aging↗
PubMed2003

LH serum levels during ovarian stimulation as predictors of ovarian response and assisted reproduction outcome in down-regulated women stimulated with recombinant FSH.

BACKGROUND: There has been much debate about the effect of 'residual' LH levels in normogonadotrophic women undergoing assisted reproduction with GnRH agonist down-regulation and recombinant FSH ovarian stimulation. The aim of this prospective study, where receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used, was to assess further the usefulness of serum LH levels as predictors of ovarian response, assisted reproduction treatment outcome, and the outcome of pregnancy when measured throughout the ovarian stimulation period in a large cohort of such assisted reproduction treatment women. METHODS: A total of 246 consecutive women undergoing their first cycle of IVF or ICSI treatment were included in this study. Blood samples for hormone analyses were obtained on day S0 (the day when pituitary suppression was evidenced) and every other day from stimulation day 5 (S5) until the day of hCG injection. RESULTS: LH serum levels throughout ovarian stimulation treatment were similar for cancelled (n =32) versus non-cancelled (n = 214) cycles, non-conception (n = 132) versus conception (n = 82) cycles, and ongoing pregnancy (n = 66) versus early pregnancy loss (n = 16) groups. There was no correlation between LH serum levels in non-cancelled cycles and parameters of ovarian response and assisted reproduction treatment outcome. ROC analysis showed that serum LH concentration during ovarian stimulation was unable to discriminate between cancelled and non-cancelled cycles, conception versus non-conception cycles, or early pregnancy loss versus ongoing pregnancy groups. CONCLUSIONS: Serum LH measurements during ovarian stimulation with recombinant FSH under pituitary suppression in normogonadotrophic women undergoing assisted reproduction treatment cannot predict ovarian response, IVF/ICSI outcome, implantation, and the outcome of pregnancy. Thus, there is little underlying physiological support for the addition of LH in stimulation protocols if daily doses of an appropriate GnRH agonist (leuprolide or triptorelin having lower potency than buserelin) and a step-down regimen of recombinant FSH administration are used.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

A two-generation reproductive toxicity study of benzophenone in rats.

The reproductive toxicity of benzophenone (BZP) was evaluated in a two generation test in which male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, parental (F0) and first generation (F1), were exposed to BZP by feeding diet containing BZP at concentrations of 0 (control), 100, 450 or 2000 ppm. With regard to the effects of BZP on the F0 and F1 parental animals, inhibition of body weight gain and food consumption, significantly elevated renal weights, dilatation of the renal proximal tubules, and regeneration of the proximal tubular epithelium were recognized at doses of 450 ppm and 2000 ppm, along with an increase in hepatic weight and centrilobular hepatocytic hypertrophy, considered as vital adaptive changes, at the doses of 100 ppm or more. Obvious effects on the endocrine system and reproductive toxicological effects were not found even at the dose of 2000 ppm in the F0 or F1 parent. There were no test substance related changes in the estrous cycle, reproductive capability, delivery and lactation, sperm parameters, serum hormone levels, or necropsy findings. As for effects on the offspring, inhibition of body weight gain was observed in both the F1 and F2 males and females of the 2000 ppm group. No effects of BZP treatment were recognized in the number of male and female F1 or F2 pups delivered, viability, anogenital distance (AGD), physical development, the results of reflex and response tests, or on the observation results of external abnormalities. From the present study of BZP administered to rats over two successive generations, the no observed effect level (NOEL) on the parental animals is concluded to be less than 100 ppm. Concerning the effects on the endocrine system and the reproductive toxicity in the parental animals, the NOEL is 2000 ppm. In terms of the effects on the offspring, the NOEL is considered to be 450 ppm.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1992

Sister chromatid exchange frequencies in a group of individuals with unfavorable reproductive health.

Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies and other cytogenetic parameters were investigated in peripheral blood lymphocytes from 92 subjects comprising 44 parents of malformed offspring or repeated fetal wastage (Group I) and 48 controls, age and sex matched, having normal reproductive health (Group II). The karyotypes were normal and the mean mitotic indices were comparable in both groups. The mean frequency of SCE per metaphase in Group I (8.67 +/- 0.32) was significantly higher than the mean for group II (6.65 +/- 0.16), and the cellular replicative index in Group I (1.78 +/- 0.04) was significantly different from that of Group II (1.66 +/- 0.03). The results are discussed in the light of the present understanding of the etiology and mechanism of production of sister chromatid exchanges.

Abortion, Habitual↗