Progesterones are ubiquitous in hospital wastewater(HWW)with concentrations much higher than those of estrogens and androgens.To ensure that these water systems are safe to use,disinfection is crucial during HWW treat...Progesterones are ubiquitous in hospital wastewater(HWW)with concentrations much higher than those of estrogens and androgens.To ensure that these water systems are safe to use,disinfection is crucial during HWW treatment by providing"front line"defense against biological contaminations.Here,five disinfection processes,namely,chlorine(Cl_(2)),chlorine dioxide(ClO_(2)),ozone(O_(3)),ultraviolet(UV)),and UV/chlorine(UV/Cl_(2)),were selected to investigate their removal efficiencies for progesterones in primary filtration and secondary biological treatment effluents.There were 61 natural and synthetic progesterones detected in HWW,with the natural progesterones being the main components with a concentration of 845.51 ng/L and contributing to 75.08%of the total proge-sterones.The primary filtration treatment presented insignificant removal effects on the progesterones,while the secondary biological treatment significantly reduced the progesterone content by biode-gradation.The order of removal efficiencies of total progesterones by different disinfection processes was UV/Cl_(2)>Cl_(2)>O_(3)>ClO_(2)>UV.UV/Cl_(2)showed the highest removal efficiency against progesterones mainly due to the activation of Cl_(2)by ultraviolet(UV)photolysis,which helps open the heterocyclic,aromatic,and phenolic rings,thus accelerating progesterone degradation.In addition,the removal efficiencies of natural progesterones in the five disinfection processes were higher than those of synthetic progesterones(progesterone derivatives,19-nortestosterone derivatives,and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone derivatives).展开更多
Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a neurological disorder characterized primarily by a progressive decline in cognitive and behavioral functions.The pathogenesis of AD has not been fully elucidated till now.The progesterone ...Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a neurological disorder characterized primarily by a progressive decline in cognitive and behavioral functions.The pathogenesis of AD has not been fully elucidated till now.The progesterone receptor(PR)family has recently attracted increasing attention and has become the focus of potential links to factors such as the pathogenesis and pathological changes of AD due to its role in the central nervous system.This article summarizes the progress of research progress on the PR family in AD,including its role in pathophysiology,molecular mechanisms,and potential therapeutic strategies.展开更多
The analytical method developed is based on HPLC-MS/MS to simultanous determine Progesterone,Boldenone and Trenbolone in Chicken,Beef and Pork meats.The sample is freeze drying reduced in powder and a Methanol-Acetate...The analytical method developed is based on HPLC-MS/MS to simultanous determine Progesterone,Boldenone and Trenbolone in Chicken,Beef and Pork meats.The sample is freeze drying reduced in powder and a Methanol-Acetate Buffer (pH=5.2) solution is added in order to perform the extraction and sonicated with a solution prior to deconjugation using β-glucosidase.The sample is purified using C18 and SiOH solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridge prior to analyze on reversed phase with a elution gradient performed on Agilent C18 coupled with a HPLC-MS/MS.The detection Limit is respectively 0.11,0.17 and 0.02 μg/kg for Trenbolone,Boldenone and Progesterone with a ratio Signal/Noise>3 in the 3 different kind of meat.The quantification was based on the peak area and overall recoveries of synthetic growth hormones were 62%-99%.展开更多
Understanding basic reproductive physiology is crucial for the management of both captive and free-ranging wolf. In the present study, we determined hormonal changes during pregnancy and the estrous cycle in captive f...Understanding basic reproductive physiology is crucial for the management of both captive and free-ranging wolf. In the present study, we determined hormonal changes during pregnancy and the estrous cycle in captive female wolf by measuring fecal steroids collected during the breeding season with high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）. These biochemical analyses were validated using chemical devivatization and mass spectrometry, and interpreted along with the behavioral data. All four females undergoing estrus cycles were copulated with their partners and delivered pups successfully. We found that estradiol concen-trations were significantly higher during the estrus cycle than other stages （p0.01） and progesterone was also significantly increased throughout the pregnancy （p0.01）. These hormonal fluctuations demonstrated pregnancy-specific changes in the fecal progesterone and estradiol con-centrations. Patterns of fecal estradiol and progesterone concentrations during estrous cycles were similar to those reported for other canids.展开更多
The effect of gonadal hormones on brain tubulin synthesis has been studied in the castrated middle-aged male mouse and testes intact oldaged male mouse.Estrogen exerts potent influences on stimulating tubulin synthesi...The effect of gonadal hormones on brain tubulin synthesis has been studied in the castrated middle-aged male mouse and testes intact oldaged male mouse.Estrogen exerts potent influences on stimulating tubulin synthesis.Treatment with estradiol benzoate or estradiol benzoate and hydroxyprogesterone caproate increase the amount of tubulin by almost 37%-43%.Administration of testosterone propionate can produce a 13%-23% increase.Both estrogen and androgen can stimulate tubulin synthesis after the critical period of brain development but, estrogen plays a stronger role than androgen in stimulating tubulin synthesis in male mouse.展开更多
Objective:To observe preventive and therapeutic effects and the mechanism of actions on Zishen Yutai pill combined with progesterone on threatened abortion in rats.Methods:After pregnancy,50 SPF female SD rats were se...Objective:To observe preventive and therapeutic effects and the mechanism of actions on Zishen Yutai pill combined with progesterone on threatened abortion in rats.Methods:After pregnancy,50 SPF female SD rats were selected and divided into control group,model group,progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group,and progesterone plus Zishen Yutai pill group(combination group),with 10 rats in each group.The rats of control group and abortion model group were lavaged with 2 mL/kg normal saline on pregnancy day 1 for continuous 10 days.Rats in Zishen Yutai pill group were given 1.575 g/kg/d of Zishen Yutai pill for intragastric administration for continuous 10 days.Rats in progesterone group were given intramuscular injection treatment of 0.1 mL/d progestin,continuous for 10 days.Rats in combination group were given injection therapy of aqueous solution of Zishen Yutai pill for continuous 10 days,and other treatments were the same as previous two groups.Abortion model were established then and live births,numbers of abortion and average rate of abortion were compared between the five groups.Peripheral blood was collected to detect the estradiol(E2) and progestational hormone(P),and obtain ratio of Th1/Th2 cytokines(IL-2,INF-γ,IL-4,IL-10).Results:Significant more live births of rats were found in the control group compared with other four groups(P<0.05).The numbers of live births of the rats in abortion model group were significantly less than that of progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group and joint group(P<0.05).The numbers of live births of rats in joint group were significant more than that of progesterone group and Zishen Yutai pill group.The serum E2 level of P of rats in the control group,progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group and joint group were significant higher than that of abortion model group(P<0.05).Serum levels of E2 and P of rats in the control group,progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group and joint group were not significant different(P>0.05) but these levels in the control group and Zishen Yutai pill group were significant lower than that of progesterone group and joint group(P<0.05).The maternal-fetal interface IL-4/IL-2,IL-10 / IL-2 of model group were balanced deviating to Th1,while the IL-4/IL-2,IL-10/IL-2 of progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group and joint group were balanced deviating to Th2,and joint group' deviation was better than progesterone group and Zishen Yutai pill group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Zishen Yutai pill combined with progesterone has a significant control effect for threatened abortion,which can obviously increase contents of maternal serums E2 and P,and regulate the Thl/Th2 balance with a remarkable effect.展开更多
Objective Traumatic brain injury （TBI） is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in young people. Inflammatory cytokines play an important part in the pathophysiology of TBI. Recent studies demonstrate...Objective Traumatic brain injury （TBI） is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in young people. Inflammatory cytokines play an important part in the pathophysiology of TBI. Recent studies demonstrate that progesterone significantly reduces cerebral edema and enhances functional recovery from TBI and stroke in several animal models. This study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effect of progesterone on inflammatory response after traumatic brain injury. Methods Progesterone was injected intraperitoneally using rats as a model of traumatic brain injury, and Western blot technique was applied to detect the expression of three inflammation-related factors： nuclear factor kappa B p65 （NFκB p65）, glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP）, and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）. The water content of injured brain was also examined. A neurological severity score was recorded to evaluate the effect of progesterone on neurodeficit recovery. Results NFκB p65, GFAP, and TNF-α were increased in all injured animals. In rats treated with progesterone, the expression level of NFκB p65 and TNF-α were reduced significantly in comparison with vehicle-treated rats. However, progesterone did not alter the expression of GFAP in the injured rats. Progesterone also reduced the water content of injured brain and the lesion volume. In addition, progesterone-treated injured rats showed significant improvements in the Neurological Severity Score test, compared with vehicle-treated ones. Conclusions Progesterone inhibits the inflammatory response after experimental traumatic brain injury and mitigates the severity of brain damage.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the tissular expression of Androgen (A), Estrogen (E) and Progesterone (Pg) receptors, and Apolipoprotein D (ApoD), in liver tumors from resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases in order to asses...AIM: To evaluate the tissular expression of Androgen (A), Estrogen (E) and Progesterone (Pg) receptors, and Apolipoprotein D (ApoD), in liver tumors from resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases in order to assess their possible relationship to prognosis. METHODS: We performed an immunohistochemical study using tissue microarrays (containing more than 260 cancer specimens, from 31 HCC patients and controls) to determine the presence of specif ic antibodies against AR, ER, PgR and ApoD, correlating their findings with several clinico-pathological and biological variables. The staining results were categorized using a semi-quantitive score based on their intensity, and the percentage of immunostained cells was measured. RESULTS: A total of 21 liver tumors (67.7%) were positive for AR; 16 (51.6%) for ER; 26 (83.9%) for PgR and 12 (38.7%) stained for ApoD. We have found a wide variability in the immunostaining score values for each protein, with a median (range) of 11.5 (11.5-229.5) for AR; 11.1 (8.5-65) for ER; 14.2 (4-61) for PgR; and 37.7 (13.8-81.1) for ApoD. A history of heavy ethanol consumption, correlated positively with AR and PgR and negatively with ER status. HCV chronic infection also correlated positively with AR and PgR status. However, the presence of ApoD immunostaining did not correlate with any of these variables. Tumors with a positive immuno-staining for PgR showed a better prognosis. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a moderate clinical value of the steroid receptor status in HCC, emphasizing the need to perform further studies in order to evaluate the possible role of new hormonal-based therapies.展开更多
AIM To investigate the clinicopathological significance of progesterone receptor membrane component 1(PGRMC1) and PGRMC2 in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS We performed immunohistochemical staining to evaluate ...AIM To investigate the clinicopathological significance of progesterone receptor membrane component 1(PGRMC1) and PGRMC2 in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS We performed immunohistochemical staining to evaluate the estrogen receptor(ER), progesterone receptor(PR), PGRMC1, and PGRMC2 in a clinical cohort consisting of 89 paired HCC and non-tumor liver samples. We also analyzed HCC data(n = 373) from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA). We correlated the expression status of PGRMC1 and PGRMC2 with clinicopathological indicators and the clinical outcomes of the HCC patients. We knocked down or overexpressed PGRMC1 in HCC cell lines to evaluate its biological significance in HCC cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and invasion. RESULTS We found that few HCC cases expressed ER(5.6%) and PR(4.5%). In contrast, most HCC cases expressed PGRMC1(89.9%) and PGRMC2(100%). PGRMC1 and PGRMC2 exhibited significantly lower expression in tumor tissue than in non-tumor tissue(P < 0.001). Lower PGRMC1 expression in HCC was significantly associated with higher serum alpha-fetoprotein expression(P = 0.004), poorer tumor differentiation(P = 0.045) and liver capsule penetration(P = 0.038). Low PGRMC1 expression was an independent predictor for worse disease-free survival(P = 0.002, HR = 2.384,CI: 1.377-4.128) in our cases, as well as in the TCGA cohort(P < 0.001, HR = 2.857, CI: 1.781-4.584). The expression of PGRMC2 did not relate to patient outcome. PGRMC1 knockdown promoted a poorly differentiated phenotype and proliferation of HCC cells in vitro, while PGRMC1 overexpression caused the opposite effects.CONCLUSION PGRMC1 is a non-classical hormonal receptor that negatively regulates hepatocarcinogenesis. PGRMC1 down-regulation is associated with progression of HCC and is a poor prognostic indicator.展开更多
AIM: To study the dose-dependent of progesterone (P) effect and the interaction between the oxytocin (OT) and P on gastrointestinal motility. METHODS: In order to monitor the gastric emptying and intestinal transit, t...AIM: To study the dose-dependent of progesterone (P) effect and the interaction between the oxytocin (OT) and P on gastrointestinal motility. METHODS: In order to monitor the gastric emptying and intestinal transit, the SD male rats were intubated via a catheter with normal saline (3 ml/kg) containing Na(2)(51)CrO(4) (0.5 microCi/ml) and 10% charcoal. OT was dissolved into normal saline and P was dissolved into 75% alcohol. RESULTS: Low does of P (1 mg/kg, i.p.) enhanced the gastric emptying (75+/-3%, P【0.05) and high dose of P (5 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibit it (42+/-11.2%, P【0.01). P (1 mg/kg) increased the intestinal transit (4.2+/-0.3, P【0.05) while the higher dose (10-20 mg/kg) had no effect. OT (0.8 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited the gastric emptying (23.5+/-9.8%, P【0.01). The inhibitory effects of P(20 mg/kg) (32+/-9.7%, P【0.05) and OT (0.8 mg/kg) on gastric emptying enhanced each other when the two chemicals were administrated simultaneously (17+/-9.4%, P【0.01). CONCLUSION: Low dose of P increased GI motility while high dose of P decreased it. During the later period of pregnancy, elevated plasma level of OT may also participate in the gastrointestinal inhibition.展开更多
In this study, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells from full-term neonates born by vagina delivery were cultured in medium containing 150 mg/mL of brain tissue extracts from Sprague-Dawley rats （to mimic the ...In this study, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells from full-term neonates born by vagina delivery were cultured in medium containing 150 mg/mL of brain tissue extracts from Sprague-Dawley rats （to mimic the brain microenvironment）. Immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated that the cells differentiated into neuron-like cells. To evaluate the effects of progesterone as a neurosteroid on the neuronal differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells, we cultured the cells in medium containing progesterone （0.1, 1, 10 pM） in addition to brain tissue extracts. Reverse transcription-PCR and flow cytometric analysis of neuron specific enolase-positive cells revealed that the percentages of these cells increased significantly following progesterone treatment, with the optimal progesterone concentration for neuron-like differentiation being 1 tJM. These results suggest that progesterone can enhance the neuronal differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in culture medium containing brain tissue extracts to mimic the brain microenvironment.展开更多
Progesterone is an efficient candidate for treating stroke and traumatic brain damage. The current study was designed to investigate the effects of pro gesterone on glucose transporter proteins （GLUT1 and GLUT3） dur...Progesterone is an efficient candidate for treating stroke and traumatic brain damage. The current study was designed to investigate the effects of pro gesterone on glucose transporter proteins （GLUT1 and GLUT3） during hypoxicischemic injury in a neo natal rat model. We demonstrated strong staining for GLUT1 in the walls of blood vessels and GLUT3 im munoreactivity in hippocampal neurons after hypoxia ischemia. Hypoxiaischemia elevated GLUT1 and GLUT3 at both the mRNA and protein levels in the hippocampus, and pretreatment with progesterone （8 mg/kg） further enhanced their accumulation until 24 h after hypoxicischemic injury. These results showed that progesterone treatment induced the accumula tion of both GLUT1 and GLUT3 transporters, and an energycompensation mechanism may be involved in the neuroprotective effect of progesterone during hy poxicischemic injury after cerebral ischemic attacks.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the effects of estradiol (E2) and progesterone on the unstimulated and oxidative stressstimulated production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, and macrophage chemotactic...AIM:To investigate the effects of estradiol (E2) and progesterone on the unstimulated and oxidative stressstimulated production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, and macrophage chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with chronic hepatitis C and healthy controls. METHODS:The PBMCs were separated from agematched 72 males and 71 females with and without chronic hepatitis C, who were divided into two groups based on a mean menopausal age of 50 years. Oxidative stress was induced by hydrogen peroxide in the cells incubated in serum-free media. Cytokines in the culture supernatant were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS:The highest levels of the spontaneous production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, and MCP-1 by the unstimulated PBMCs were in the older male patients with chronic hepatitis C and the lowest levels were in the premenopausal female healthy controls. E2 inhibited the cytokine production by the unstimulated PBMCs from the older male and post-menopausal female patients, which was further stimulated by progesterone. The exposure to hydrogen peroxide in the PBMCs from the younger male and pre-menopausal female healthy subjects induced the production of cytokines. The change rates of the hydrogen peroxide-stimulated cytokine production were suppressed by E2 and enhanced by progesterone. CONCLUSION:These findings suggest that E2 may play a favorable role in the course of persistent liver injury by preventing the accumulation of monocytes-macrophages and by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine production, whereas progesterone may counteract the favorable E2 effects.展开更多
Background:Ultrasound-triggered microbubble destruction(UTMD) is a widely used noninvasive technology in both military and civilian medicine,which could enhance radiosensitivity of various tumors.However,little inform...Background:Ultrasound-triggered microbubble destruction(UTMD) is a widely used noninvasive technology in both military and civilian medicine,which could enhance radiosensitivity of various tumors.However,little information is available regarding the effects of UTMD on radiotherapy for glioblastoma or the underlying mechanism.This study aimed to delineate the effect of UTMD on the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma and the potential involvement of autophagy.Methods:GL261,U251 cells and orthotopic glioblastoma-bearing mice were treated with ionizing radiation(IR) or IR plus UTMD.Autophagy was observed by confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis were used to detect progesterone receptor membrane component 1(PGRMC1),light chain 3 beta 2(LC3B2) and sequestosome 1(SQSTM1/p62) levels.Lentiviral vectors or siRNAs transfection,and fluorescent probes staining were used to explore the underlying mechanism.Results:UTMD enhanced the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma in vitro and in vivo(P<0.01).UTMD inhibited autophagic flux by disrupting autophagosome-lysosome fusion without impairing lysosomal function or autophagosome synthesis in IR-treated glioblastoma cells.Suppression of autophagy by 3-methyladenine,bafilomycin A1 or ATG5 siRNA had no significant effect on UTMD-induced radiosensitization in glioblastoma cells(P<0.05).Similar results were found when autophagy was induced by rapamycin or ATG5 overexpression(P>0.05).Furthermore,UTMD inhibited PGRMC1expression and binding with LC3B2 in IR-exposed glioblastoma cells(P<0.01).PGRMC1 inhibitor AG-205 or PGRMC1siRNA pretreatment enhanced UTMD-induced LC3B2 and p62 accumulation in IR-exposed glioblastoma cells,thereby promoting UTMD-mediated radiosensitization(P<0.05).Moreover,PGRMC1 overexpression abolished UTMD-caused blockade of autophagic degradation,subsequently inhibiting UTMD-induced radiosensitization of glioblastoma cells.Finally,compared with IR plus UTMD group,PGRMC1 overexpression significantly increased tumor size [(3.8±1.1) mm^(2)vs.(8.0±1.9) mm^(2),P<0.05] and decreased survival time [(67.2±2.6) d vs.(40.0±1.2) d,P=0.0026] in glioblastoma-bearing mice.Conclusions:UTMD enhanced the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma partially by disrupting PGRMC1-mediated autophagy.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To assess the effects of Bushenantai(BSAT)granule(补肾安胎颗粒)on angiogenesis-related factors[E2,P,and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)]at the maternal-fetal interface of recurrent spontaneous abort...OBJECTIVE:To assess the effects of Bushenantai(BSAT)granule(补肾安胎颗粒)on angiogenesis-related factors[E2,P,and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)]at the maternal-fetal interface of recurrent spontaneous abortion(RSA)mice,and to evaluate the role of BSAT in promoting angiogenesis at the maternal-fetal interface by influencing the expression of sex hormones,and VEGF.METHODS:A mouse model with normal pregnancy and another with Clark’s classic RSA were established.The RSA mice were randomly assigned to six groups:normal,model,progesterone,high-doseBSAT granule(BSAT-H),medium-dose-BSAT granule(BSAT-M),and low-dose-BSAT granule(BSAT-L)(n=10 for each group).The embryo loss rate and the histopathological changes in the decidual tissues were measured.Serum levels of estrogen(E2),progesterone(P),and VEGF were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The m RNA and protein expressions of estradiol receptor(ER),progesterone receptor(PR),VEGF,and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2)in the decidual tissues were identified by immunohistochemistry,Western blotting,and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS:The embryo loss rate in all groups that received BSAT treatment was reduced,while the number of blood vessels at decidual tissues was increased.The serum levels of E2,P and VEGF were elevated,and the m RNA and protein expressions of ER,PR,VEGF,and VEGFR2 in the decidual tissues were enhanced.CONCLUSION:BSAT can improve angiogenesis at the maternal-fetal interface and reduce the embryo loss rate,which may be associated with its ability to increase the serum levels of estrogen,progesterone,and VEGF,in addition to up-regulation of m RNA and protein expression of ER,PR,VEGF,and VEGFR2 in the decidual tissues.展开更多
Objective To observe the effects of fenv＇,derate on calcium homeostasis in rat ovary. Methods Female SpragueDawley rats were orally given fenvalerate at dally doses of 0.00, 1.91, 9.55, and 31.80 mg/kg for four weeks...Objective To observe the effects of fenv＇,derate on calcium homeostasis in rat ovary. Methods Female SpragueDawley rats were orally given fenvalerate at dally doses of 0.00, 1.91, 9.55, and 31.80 mg/kg for four weeks. The ovary ultrastucture was observed by electron microscopy. Serum free calcium concentration was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The activities of phosphorylase a in rat ovary were evaluated by the chromatometry. The total content of calmodulin in ovary was estimated by ELISA at each stage of estrous cycle. Radioimmunoassay （R/A） was used to evaluate the level of serum progesterone. Results Histopathologically, damages of ovarian corpus luteum cells were observed. An increase in serum fi＇ee calcium concentration was observed in rats treated with 31.80mg/kg fenvalerate. The activities of phosphorylase a enhanced in all treated groups, and fenvalerate increased the total content of calmodulin significantly in estrus period. Serum progesterone levels declined in fenvalerate exposed rats in diestrus. Conclusion Fenvalerate interferes with calcium homeostasis in rat ovary. Also, the inhibitory effects of fenvalerate on serum progesterone levels may be mediated partly through calcium signals.展开更多
Objective:To observe whether electro-acupuncture(EA) is better in improving hormone levels among women with diminished ovarian reserve(DOR) compared with oral medicine [Chinese herbs with or without hormone replacemen...Objective:To observe whether electro-acupuncture(EA) is better in improving hormone levels among women with diminished ovarian reserve(DOR) compared with oral medicine [Chinese herbs with or without hormone replacement therapy(HRT)] that is often used in gynecology clinics in China.Methods:Eligible participants entered the EA group or medication group according to their preferences.Participants in the EA group received EA treatment,and participants the medication group received herbal decoction alone or combined with HRT.Reproductive hormone levels of the participants were tested before and during treatment in both groups.Results:A total of 80 women with DOR were screened and 57 cases were included(29 in the EA group and 28 in the medication group) in the final analysis.The differences in the change from baseline between the EA and medication group in mean follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) levels were-6.6(95% Cl,-17.03 to 3.72),(P=0.848) and-7.09(95% CI,-15.86 to 1.66),(P=0.539) at weeks 12 and 24,respectively.The proportion of women with regular FSH levels in the EA and medication group was 51.3% vs 32.1% at week 12(P=0.134) and 51.3% vs 25.0% at week 24(P=0.038).Conclusion:EA might influence regulating the levels of FSH,luteinizing hormone(LH),estrogen and the FSH/LH ratio,and no difference was found between the effects of EA and oral medicine in changes of reproductive hormone levels.展开更多
基金the funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.42177051 and 41977317).
文摘Progesterones are ubiquitous in hospital wastewater(HWW)with concentrations much higher than those of estrogens and androgens.To ensure that these water systems are safe to use,disinfection is crucial during HWW treatment by providing"front line"defense against biological contaminations.Here,five disinfection processes,namely,chlorine(Cl_(2)),chlorine dioxide(ClO_(2)),ozone(O_(3)),ultraviolet(UV)),and UV/chlorine(UV/Cl_(2)),were selected to investigate their removal efficiencies for progesterones in primary filtration and secondary biological treatment effluents.There were 61 natural and synthetic progesterones detected in HWW,with the natural progesterones being the main components with a concentration of 845.51 ng/L and contributing to 75.08%of the total proge-sterones.The primary filtration treatment presented insignificant removal effects on the progesterones,while the secondary biological treatment significantly reduced the progesterone content by biode-gradation.The order of removal efficiencies of total progesterones by different disinfection processes was UV/Cl_(2)>Cl_(2)>O_(3)>ClO_(2)>UV.UV/Cl_(2)showed the highest removal efficiency against progesterones mainly due to the activation of Cl_(2)by ultraviolet(UV)photolysis,which helps open the heterocyclic,aromatic,and phenolic rings,thus accelerating progesterone degradation.In addition,the removal efficiencies of natural progesterones in the five disinfection processes were higher than those of synthetic progesterones(progesterone derivatives,19-nortestosterone derivatives,and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone derivatives).
文摘Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a neurological disorder characterized primarily by a progressive decline in cognitive and behavioral functions.The pathogenesis of AD has not been fully elucidated till now.The progesterone receptor(PR)family has recently attracted increasing attention and has become the focus of potential links to factors such as the pathogenesis and pathological changes of AD due to its role in the central nervous system.This article summarizes the progress of research progress on the PR family in AD,including its role in pathophysiology,molecular mechanisms,and potential therapeutic strategies.
文摘The analytical method developed is based on HPLC-MS/MS to simultanous determine Progesterone,Boldenone and Trenbolone in Chicken,Beef and Pork meats.The sample is freeze drying reduced in powder and a Methanol-Acetate Buffer (pH=5.2) solution is added in order to perform the extraction and sonicated with a solution prior to deconjugation using β-glucosidase.The sample is purified using C18 and SiOH solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridge prior to analyze on reversed phase with a elution gradient performed on Agilent C18 coupled with a HPLC-MS/MS.The detection Limit is respectively 0.11,0.17 and 0.02 μg/kg for Trenbolone,Boldenone and Progesterone with a ratio Signal/Noise>3 in the 3 different kind of meat.The quantification was based on the peak area and overall recoveries of synthetic growth hormones were 62%-99%.
基金This research was supported by Program for New Century Excellent Talents (NCET-07-0507)Shandong Province Natural Science Foundation (Z2008D01)+1 种基金Project of Science and Technology Development Plan in Shandong Province (2007GG2009011)Shandong Province Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars(2005BS02005, 2008BS09011)
文摘Understanding basic reproductive physiology is crucial for the management of both captive and free-ranging wolf. In the present study, we determined hormonal changes during pregnancy and the estrous cycle in captive female wolf by measuring fecal steroids collected during the breeding season with high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）. These biochemical analyses were validated using chemical devivatization and mass spectrometry, and interpreted along with the behavioral data. All four females undergoing estrus cycles were copulated with their partners and delivered pups successfully. We found that estradiol concen-trations were significantly higher during the estrus cycle than other stages （p0.01） and progesterone was also significantly increased throughout the pregnancy （p0.01）. These hormonal fluctuations demonstrated pregnancy-specific changes in the fecal progesterone and estradiol con-centrations. Patterns of fecal estradiol and progesterone concentrations during estrous cycles were similar to those reported for other canids.
文摘The effect of gonadal hormones on brain tubulin synthesis has been studied in the castrated middle-aged male mouse and testes intact oldaged male mouse.Estrogen exerts potent influences on stimulating tubulin synthesis.Treatment with estradiol benzoate or estradiol benzoate and hydroxyprogesterone caproate increase the amount of tubulin by almost 37%-43%.Administration of testosterone propionate can produce a 13%-23% increase.Both estrogen and androgen can stimulate tubulin synthesis after the critical period of brain development but, estrogen plays a stronger role than androgen in stimulating tubulin synthesis in male mouse.
基金supported by Natural Sciences Fund of Zhejiang Province(grant number:LY14H040011)Subject of Zhejiang Provincial Administration of traditional Chinese Medicine(grant number:2013ZB058)
文摘Objective:To observe preventive and therapeutic effects and the mechanism of actions on Zishen Yutai pill combined with progesterone on threatened abortion in rats.Methods:After pregnancy,50 SPF female SD rats were selected and divided into control group,model group,progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group,and progesterone plus Zishen Yutai pill group(combination group),with 10 rats in each group.The rats of control group and abortion model group were lavaged with 2 mL/kg normal saline on pregnancy day 1 for continuous 10 days.Rats in Zishen Yutai pill group were given 1.575 g/kg/d of Zishen Yutai pill for intragastric administration for continuous 10 days.Rats in progesterone group were given intramuscular injection treatment of 0.1 mL/d progestin,continuous for 10 days.Rats in combination group were given injection therapy of aqueous solution of Zishen Yutai pill for continuous 10 days,and other treatments were the same as previous two groups.Abortion model were established then and live births,numbers of abortion and average rate of abortion were compared between the five groups.Peripheral blood was collected to detect the estradiol(E2) and progestational hormone(P),and obtain ratio of Th1/Th2 cytokines(IL-2,INF-γ,IL-4,IL-10).Results:Significant more live births of rats were found in the control group compared with other four groups(P<0.05).The numbers of live births of the rats in abortion model group were significantly less than that of progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group and joint group(P<0.05).The numbers of live births of rats in joint group were significant more than that of progesterone group and Zishen Yutai pill group.The serum E2 level of P of rats in the control group,progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group and joint group were significant higher than that of abortion model group(P<0.05).Serum levels of E2 and P of rats in the control group,progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group and joint group were not significant different(P>0.05) but these levels in the control group and Zishen Yutai pill group were significant lower than that of progesterone group and joint group(P<0.05).The maternal-fetal interface IL-4/IL-2,IL-10 / IL-2 of model group were balanced deviating to Th1,while the IL-4/IL-2,IL-10/IL-2 of progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group and joint group were balanced deviating to Th2,and joint group' deviation was better than progesterone group and Zishen Yutai pill group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Zishen Yutai pill combined with progesterone has a significant control effect for threatened abortion,which can obviously increase contents of maternal serums E2 and P,and regulate the Thl/Th2 balance with a remarkable effect.
文摘Objective Traumatic brain injury （TBI） is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in young people. Inflammatory cytokines play an important part in the pathophysiology of TBI. Recent studies demonstrate that progesterone significantly reduces cerebral edema and enhances functional recovery from TBI and stroke in several animal models. This study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effect of progesterone on inflammatory response after traumatic brain injury. Methods Progesterone was injected intraperitoneally using rats as a model of traumatic brain injury, and Western blot technique was applied to detect the expression of three inflammation-related factors： nuclear factor kappa B p65 （NFκB p65）, glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP）, and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）. The water content of injured brain was also examined. A neurological severity score was recorded to evaluate the effect of progesterone on neurodeficit recovery. Results NFκB p65, GFAP, and TNF-α were increased in all injured animals. In rats treated with progesterone, the expression level of NFκB p65 and TNF-α were reduced significantly in comparison with vehicle-treated rats. However, progesterone did not alter the expression of GFAP in the injured rats. Progesterone also reduced the water content of injured brain and the lesion volume. In addition, progesterone-treated injured rats showed significant improvements in the Neurological Severity Score test, compared with vehicle-treated ones. Conclusions Progesterone inhibits the inflammatory response after experimental traumatic brain injury and mitigates the severity of brain damage.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the tissular expression of Androgen (A), Estrogen (E) and Progesterone (Pg) receptors, and Apolipoprotein D (ApoD), in liver tumors from resected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases in order to assess their possible relationship to prognosis. METHODS: We performed an immunohistochemical study using tissue microarrays (containing more than 260 cancer specimens, from 31 HCC patients and controls) to determine the presence of specif ic antibodies against AR, ER, PgR and ApoD, correlating their findings with several clinico-pathological and biological variables. The staining results were categorized using a semi-quantitive score based on their intensity, and the percentage of immunostained cells was measured. RESULTS: A total of 21 liver tumors (67.7%) were positive for AR; 16 (51.6%) for ER; 26 (83.9%) for PgR and 12 (38.7%) stained for ApoD. We have found a wide variability in the immunostaining score values for each protein, with a median (range) of 11.5 (11.5-229.5) for AR; 11.1 (8.5-65) for ER; 14.2 (4-61) for PgR; and 37.7 (13.8-81.1) for ApoD. A history of heavy ethanol consumption, correlated positively with AR and PgR and negatively with ER status. HCV chronic infection also correlated positively with AR and PgR status. However, the presence of ApoD immunostaining did not correlate with any of these variables. Tumors with a positive immuno-staining for PgR showed a better prognosis. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a moderate clinical value of the steroid receptor status in HCC, emphasizing the need to perform further studies in order to evaluate the possible role of new hormonal-based therapies.
基金Supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology,No.NSC102-2320-B-006-011.,No.MOST103-2320-B-006-021-MY2,and No.MOST105-2320-B-006-033 to Tsai HWNational Cheng Kung University Hospital,Taiwan,No.NCKUH-10406002 and No.NCKUH-10509001 to Tsai HW
文摘AIM To investigate the clinicopathological significance of progesterone receptor membrane component 1(PGRMC1) and PGRMC2 in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS We performed immunohistochemical staining to evaluate the estrogen receptor(ER), progesterone receptor(PR), PGRMC1, and PGRMC2 in a clinical cohort consisting of 89 paired HCC and non-tumor liver samples. We also analyzed HCC data(n = 373) from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA). We correlated the expression status of PGRMC1 and PGRMC2 with clinicopathological indicators and the clinical outcomes of the HCC patients. We knocked down or overexpressed PGRMC1 in HCC cell lines to evaluate its biological significance in HCC cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and invasion. RESULTS We found that few HCC cases expressed ER(5.6%) and PR(4.5%). In contrast, most HCC cases expressed PGRMC1(89.9%) and PGRMC2(100%). PGRMC1 and PGRMC2 exhibited significantly lower expression in tumor tissue than in non-tumor tissue(P < 0.001). Lower PGRMC1 expression in HCC was significantly associated with higher serum alpha-fetoprotein expression(P = 0.004), poorer tumor differentiation(P = 0.045) and liver capsule penetration(P = 0.038). Low PGRMC1 expression was an independent predictor for worse disease-free survival(P = 0.002, HR = 2.384,CI: 1.377-4.128) in our cases, as well as in the TCGA cohort(P < 0.001, HR = 2.857, CI: 1.781-4.584). The expression of PGRMC2 did not relate to patient outcome. PGRMC1 knockdown promoted a poorly differentiated phenotype and proliferation of HCC cells in vitro, while PGRMC1 overexpression caused the opposite effects.CONCLUSION PGRMC1 is a non-classical hormonal receptor that negatively regulates hepatocarcinogenesis. PGRMC1 down-regulation is associated with progression of HCC and is a poor prognostic indicator.
基金Chinese Developing Funds (provided by Taiwan)Scientific Initiating Grants of Shandong University
文摘AIM: To study the dose-dependent of progesterone (P) effect and the interaction between the oxytocin (OT) and P on gastrointestinal motility. METHODS: In order to monitor the gastric emptying and intestinal transit, the SD male rats were intubated via a catheter with normal saline (3 ml/kg) containing Na(2)(51)CrO(4) (0.5 microCi/ml) and 10% charcoal. OT was dissolved into normal saline and P was dissolved into 75% alcohol. RESULTS: Low does of P (1 mg/kg, i.p.) enhanced the gastric emptying (75+/-3%, P【0.05) and high dose of P (5 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibit it (42+/-11.2%, P【0.01). P (1 mg/kg) increased the intestinal transit (4.2+/-0.3, P【0.05) while the higher dose (10-20 mg/kg) had no effect. OT (0.8 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited the gastric emptying (23.5+/-9.8%, P【0.01). The inhibitory effects of P(20 mg/kg) (32+/-9.7%, P【0.05) and OT (0.8 mg/kg) on gastric emptying enhanced each other when the two chemicals were administrated simultaneously (17+/-9.4%, P【0.01). CONCLUSION: Low dose of P increased GI motility while high dose of P decreased it. During the later period of pregnancy, elevated plasma level of OT may also participate in the gastrointestinal inhibition.
基金supported by the Military Medical Research Program during the 12th Five-Year Plan Period, No.BWS11J002
文摘In this study, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells from full-term neonates born by vagina delivery were cultured in medium containing 150 mg/mL of brain tissue extracts from Sprague-Dawley rats （to mimic the brain microenvironment）. Immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated that the cells differentiated into neuron-like cells. To evaluate the effects of progesterone as a neurosteroid on the neuronal differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells, we cultured the cells in medium containing progesterone （0.1, 1, 10 pM） in addition to brain tissue extracts. Reverse transcription-PCR and flow cytometric analysis of neuron specific enolase-positive cells revealed that the percentages of these cells increased significantly following progesterone treatment, with the optimal progesterone concentration for neuron-like differentiation being 1 tJM. These results suggest that progesterone can enhance the neuronal differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in culture medium containing brain tissue extracts to mimic the brain microenvironment.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81100912)the Science Foundation of Xinxiang Medical University, China (CL and ZD 2009-63)the Science and Technology Project of Henan Province, China (092102310098)
文摘Progesterone is an efficient candidate for treating stroke and traumatic brain damage. The current study was designed to investigate the effects of pro gesterone on glucose transporter proteins （GLUT1 and GLUT3） during hypoxicischemic injury in a neo natal rat model. We demonstrated strong staining for GLUT1 in the walls of blood vessels and GLUT3 im munoreactivity in hippocampal neurons after hypoxia ischemia. Hypoxiaischemia elevated GLUT1 and GLUT3 at both the mRNA and protein levels in the hippocampus, and pretreatment with progesterone （8 mg/kg） further enhanced their accumulation until 24 h after hypoxicischemic injury. These results showed that progesterone treatment induced the accumula tion of both GLUT1 and GLUT3 transporters, and an energycompensation mechanism may be involved in the neuroprotective effect of progesterone during hy poxicischemic injury after cerebral ischemic attacks.
文摘AIM:To investigate the effects of estradiol (E2) and progesterone on the unstimulated and oxidative stressstimulated production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, and macrophage chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with chronic hepatitis C and healthy controls. METHODS:The PBMCs were separated from agematched 72 males and 71 females with and without chronic hepatitis C, who were divided into two groups based on a mean menopausal age of 50 years. Oxidative stress was induced by hydrogen peroxide in the cells incubated in serum-free media. Cytokines in the culture supernatant were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS:The highest levels of the spontaneous production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, and MCP-1 by the unstimulated PBMCs were in the older male patients with chronic hepatitis C and the lowest levels were in the premenopausal female healthy controls. E2 inhibited the cytokine production by the unstimulated PBMCs from the older male and post-menopausal female patients, which was further stimulated by progesterone. The exposure to hydrogen peroxide in the PBMCs from the younger male and pre-menopausal female healthy subjects induced the production of cytokines. The change rates of the hydrogen peroxide-stimulated cytokine production were suppressed by E2 and enhanced by progesterone. CONCLUSION:These findings suggest that E2 may play a favorable role in the course of persistent liver injury by preventing the accumulation of monocytes-macrophages and by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine production, whereas progesterone may counteract the favorable E2 effects.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82073544 and 81971774)the Chongqing Talent Project (CQYC2019)the Chongqing Chief Expert Program in Medicine (CQYC2018)。
文摘Background:Ultrasound-triggered microbubble destruction(UTMD) is a widely used noninvasive technology in both military and civilian medicine,which could enhance radiosensitivity of various tumors.However,little information is available regarding the effects of UTMD on radiotherapy for glioblastoma or the underlying mechanism.This study aimed to delineate the effect of UTMD on the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma and the potential involvement of autophagy.Methods:GL261,U251 cells and orthotopic glioblastoma-bearing mice were treated with ionizing radiation(IR) or IR plus UTMD.Autophagy was observed by confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis were used to detect progesterone receptor membrane component 1(PGRMC1),light chain 3 beta 2(LC3B2) and sequestosome 1(SQSTM1/p62) levels.Lentiviral vectors or siRNAs transfection,and fluorescent probes staining were used to explore the underlying mechanism.Results:UTMD enhanced the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma in vitro and in vivo(P<0.01).UTMD inhibited autophagic flux by disrupting autophagosome-lysosome fusion without impairing lysosomal function or autophagosome synthesis in IR-treated glioblastoma cells.Suppression of autophagy by 3-methyladenine,bafilomycin A1 or ATG5 siRNA had no significant effect on UTMD-induced radiosensitization in glioblastoma cells(P<0.05).Similar results were found when autophagy was induced by rapamycin or ATG5 overexpression(P>0.05).Furthermore,UTMD inhibited PGRMC1expression and binding with LC3B2 in IR-exposed glioblastoma cells(P<0.01).PGRMC1 inhibitor AG-205 or PGRMC1siRNA pretreatment enhanced UTMD-induced LC3B2 and p62 accumulation in IR-exposed glioblastoma cells,thereby promoting UTMD-mediated radiosensitization(P<0.05).Moreover,PGRMC1 overexpression abolished UTMD-caused blockade of autophagic degradation,subsequently inhibiting UTMD-induced radiosensitization of glioblastoma cells.Finally,compared with IR plus UTMD group,PGRMC1 overexpression significantly increased tumor size [(3.8±1.1) mm^(2)vs.(8.0±1.9) mm^(2),P<0.05] and decreased survival time [(67.2±2.6) d vs.(40.0±1.2) d,P=0.0026] in glioblastoma-bearing mice.Conclusions:UTMD enhanced the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma partially by disrupting PGRMC1-mediated autophagy.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81574017)Special Fund Project of 2015 Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Development of Health and Family Planning Commission of Anhui Province(Wei Ban Mi[2015]No.404)Scientific Research Project of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Health and Family Planning Commission of Anhui Province(No.2016zy19)。
文摘OBJECTIVE:To assess the effects of Bushenantai(BSAT)granule(补肾安胎颗粒)on angiogenesis-related factors[E2,P,and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)]at the maternal-fetal interface of recurrent spontaneous abortion(RSA)mice,and to evaluate the role of BSAT in promoting angiogenesis at the maternal-fetal interface by influencing the expression of sex hormones,and VEGF.METHODS:A mouse model with normal pregnancy and another with Clark’s classic RSA were established.The RSA mice were randomly assigned to six groups:normal,model,progesterone,high-doseBSAT granule(BSAT-H),medium-dose-BSAT granule(BSAT-M),and low-dose-BSAT granule(BSAT-L)(n=10 for each group).The embryo loss rate and the histopathological changes in the decidual tissues were measured.Serum levels of estrogen(E2),progesterone(P),and VEGF were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The m RNA and protein expressions of estradiol receptor(ER),progesterone receptor(PR),VEGF,and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2)in the decidual tissues were identified by immunohistochemistry,Western blotting,and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS:The embryo loss rate in all groups that received BSAT treatment was reduced,while the number of blood vessels at decidual tissues was increased.The serum levels of E2,P and VEGF were elevated,and the m RNA and protein expressions of ER,PR,VEGF,and VEGFR2 in the decidual tissues were enhanced.CONCLUSION:BSAT can improve angiogenesis at the maternal-fetal interface and reduce the embryo loss rate,which may be associated with its ability to increase the serum levels of estrogen,progesterone,and VEGF,in addition to up-regulation of m RNA and protein expression of ER,PR,VEGF,and VEGFR2 in the decidual tissues.
基金This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. C03010501), the Preliminary Study of an Important Project in the National Basic Research (200150) and the Greatest Project in the National Basic Research (2002CB512908).
文摘Objective To observe the effects of fenv＇,derate on calcium homeostasis in rat ovary. Methods Female SpragueDawley rats were orally given fenvalerate at dally doses of 0.00, 1.91, 9.55, and 31.80 mg/kg for four weeks. The ovary ultrastucture was observed by electron microscopy. Serum free calcium concentration was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The activities of phosphorylase a in rat ovary were evaluated by the chromatometry. The total content of calmodulin in ovary was estimated by ELISA at each stage of estrous cycle. Radioimmunoassay （R/A） was used to evaluate the level of serum progesterone. Results Histopathologically, damages of ovarian corpus luteum cells were observed. An increase in serum fi＇ee calcium concentration was observed in rats treated with 31.80mg/kg fenvalerate. The activities of phosphorylase a enhanced in all treated groups, and fenvalerate increased the total content of calmodulin significantly in estrus period. Serum progesterone levels declined in fenvalerate exposed rats in diestrus. Conclusion Fenvalerate interferes with calcium homeostasis in rat ovary. Also, the inhibitory effects of fenvalerate on serum progesterone levels may be mediated partly through calcium signals.
文摘Objective:To observe whether electro-acupuncture(EA) is better in improving hormone levels among women with diminished ovarian reserve(DOR) compared with oral medicine [Chinese herbs with or without hormone replacement therapy(HRT)] that is often used in gynecology clinics in China.Methods:Eligible participants entered the EA group or medication group according to their preferences.Participants in the EA group received EA treatment,and participants the medication group received herbal decoction alone or combined with HRT.Reproductive hormone levels of the participants were tested before and during treatment in both groups.Results:A total of 80 women with DOR were screened and 57 cases were included(29 in the EA group and 28 in the medication group) in the final analysis.The differences in the change from baseline between the EA and medication group in mean follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) levels were-6.6(95% Cl,-17.03 to 3.72),(P=0.848) and-7.09(95% CI,-15.86 to 1.66),(P=0.539) at weeks 12 and 24,respectively.The proportion of women with regular FSH levels in the EA and medication group was 51.3% vs 32.1% at week 12(P=0.134) and 51.3% vs 25.0% at week 24(P=0.038).Conclusion:EA might influence regulating the levels of FSH,luteinizing hormone(LH),estrogen and the FSH/LH ratio,and no difference was found between the effects of EA and oral medicine in changes of reproductive hormone levels.
