The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder in women characterised by chronic ovulatory failure, hyperandrogenaemia, and insulin resistance. Some women are completely asymptomatic and others present with extreme menstrual disturbance, severe hirsutism, infertility and recurrent miscarriage. The pathophysiology of PCOS is not completely understood, but it is thought that insulin resistance plays a central role. In normal subjects, non-diabetic obese patients and patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes, insulin resistance is associated with elevated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels. PAI-1 is a glycoprotein, which inhibits the formation of plasmin (a proteolytic enzyme). Plasmin aids fibrinolysis and extracellular proteolysis. High PAI-1 and low plasmin levels increase the risk of thrombosis and impair extracellular proteolysis required in ovarian follicle growth, ovulation and embryo implantation. This study was designed to determine whether elevated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) was associated with the insulin resistance present in PCOS, investigate its possible role in the causation of anovulation and recurrent pregnancy loss in these women and ascertain whether it was an additional thrombotic risk factor so that clinicians and patients could take appropriate measures to reduce this risk In a pilot study, systemic PAI-1 activity was significantly elevated in oligomenorrhoiec women with PCOS. A larger study supported these findings, but demonstrated that obesity was a significant confounding factor, as the increase in PAI-1activity disappeared when standardised for weight. Activated Protein-C (APC) resistance was subsequently tested in these women because of the unexpected finding of an increased prevalence of a positive family history of thrombosis in women with PCOS compared with controls, but there was no increase in the prevalence of APC-resistance in PCOS. In another project, the cellular distribution of PAI-1 protein in human ovaries was described for the first time using immunohistochemistry. It was localised to the granulosa and theca cell compartments in both polycystic and normal ovaries, however there was no significant difference in the intensity of PAI-l staining between both groups on image analysis. PAI-1 messenger RNA expression was also evaluated in these biopsies by in-situ hybridisation, but no signal was detected suggesting that there was either a low overall RNA preservation in the tissues, or an insufficient sensitivity of the cocktail of oligonucleotide probes used. This study did not support the hypothesis that elevated PAI-1 was a feature of PCOS, however the in-situ location of PAI-1 protein was demonstrated for the first time in the human ovary and consistent with a previously suspected role in ovulation. The results did not support a role for PAI-1 in anovulation, recurrent miscarriage or increased thrombosis in PCOS.

The thesis focuses on menstrual cycle literacy of students at a selected primary school. The main focus of the thesis is primarily on the basic information on menstruation and how to clarify the topic to the chosen respondents. The aim of the paper is to determine the students' awareness regarding this topic, specify discrepancies and, if necessary, refute false information. The paper is divided into two parts, theoretical and practical. The theoretical part covers terms menstruation, the historical context of the menstrual cycle, the anatomy of internal and external reproductive organs and characteristics of menstrual cycle disorders. The practical part contains an analysis of data gained by means of two survey and a plan of a lecture on menstruation. The gained data are summarized and compared in the conclusion. The analysis of the data obtained by means of two questionnaires shows a growing tendency in the number of correct answers. After the second submission, the rate of correct answrs grew from 50,5 % up to 77,6 %. The analysis proved that the awareness of this topic is almost similar throughout the classes involved. There were no significant differences among the students from the 6th and the 9th grade. There were 13 correct answers on average in the 6th grade. This number increasead up to 20...

BACKGROUND: Exposures to air pollution has been associated with lower conception and fertility rates. However, the impact of pollution on infertility is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To examine the associations of roadway proximity (a measure of traffic exposure) and particulate matter (PM) air pollution and incidence of infertility. METHODS: Proximity to major roadways and ambient exposures to particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM10), between 2.5 and 10 microns (PM2.5-10), and less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) were determined for all residential addresses for 36,294 members of the prospective Nurses' Health Study II cohort from 1993 to 2003. Infertility was defined by report of attempted conception for ≥12 months without success. Participants were able to report if evaluation was sought and if so, offer multiple clinical indications for infertility. Multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the relation between each exposure and infertility risk. RESULTS: Over 213,416 person-years, there were 2,508 incident reports of infertility. Results for overall infertility were inconsistent across exposure types. We observed a small increased risk in those living closer to compared to farther from a major road, multivariable adjusted hazard ratio (HR)=1.11(95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02-1.20). Among those reporting primary infertility, risk was greater with closer distance to road and for all PM size fractions and exposure time windows. The multivariable adjusted HR (95%CI) for women living closer to compared to farther from a major road for primary infertility was 1.37 (1.22-1.52), while for secondary infertility HR=1.07 (0.95-1.21). In addition, the HR for every 10 mcg increase in cumulative PM2.5 among women with primary infertility was 1.61 (1.35-1.92), while it was 1.1 (0.91-1.33) for those with secondary infertility. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests exposures to traffic and PM may be associated with a small increased risk of infertility, especially primary infertility.

No description available.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of offering double intrauterine insemination (IUI) to clients in our fertility program. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective, nonrandomized study, 595 couples with ovulatory dysfunction, endometriosis, male factor, unexplained, tubal factor and combined diagnoses utilizing clomiphene citrate-hCG (CC-hCG), CC-gonadotropin-hCG (CC-Gn-hCG), Gn-hCG, lupron-Gn-hCG (L-Gn-hCG) or luteinizing hormone (LH) surge monitoring of natural cycles were offered single or double IUI in a total of 1,276 cycles. Single IUIs were performed at 36 hours following hCG or the day following LH surge; double IUIs were performed 18 and 36 hours following hCG or the day of and day following LH surge. Single versus double IUI clinical pregnancy outcomes were compared between ovarian stimulation protocols and diagnostic categories. RESULTS: One hundred ten clinical pregnancies occurred for 508 couples in 999 single IUI cycles (fecundity, 11.0%); 45 clinical pregnancies for 174 couples occurred in 277 double IUI cycles (16.2%, p < 0.004). The single IUI group was younger than the double IUI group (32.8 vs 33.7, p < 0.004). Differences for fecundity were noted regarding diagnostic categories between single and double IUI groups (ovulation dysfunction, 12.9% vs 19.5%, p < 0.048, and male factor, 7.9% vs 17.5%, p < 0.030) and ovulation protocols (CC-Gn-hCG, 13.0% vs 21.3%, p < 0.031, and L-Gn-hCG, 4.2% vs 25.0%, p < 0.002). CONCLUSION: Double IUI is superior to single IUI overall, especially when comparing Gn-containing ovarian stimulation protocols or within the ovulatory dysfunction and malefactor diagnostic categories.

No description available.

Os neurônios Kiss1 do núcleo anteroventral periventricular (AVPV/PeN) e núcleo arqueado (Arc) possuem o receptor de estrógeno alfa (ER&alpha;) e são essenciais no controle do ciclo ovulatório. Os neurônios Kiss1 do AVPV/PeN apresentam conexões com o núcleo supraquiasmático, através do qual a informação fótica poderia regular a ovulação. A vasopressina (VP) e o peptídeo intestinal vasoativo (VIP) são os principais peptídeos produzidos pelo NSQ, e estudos sugerem a participação deles na secreção de LH. Com isso, investigamos se fibras vasopressinérgicas estão em aposição com neurônios Kiss1 do AVPV/PeN e Arc; se os receptores de VP e VIP são expressos nestes núcleos; e se variações nos níveis circulantes de estradiol (E2) poderiam afetar a expressão destes receptores. Para isso, utilizamos camundongos divididos em: fêmeas em diestro; fêmeas que tiveram os ovários removidos (OVX); e fêmeas OVX que receberam reposição de E2 (OVX+E2). Observamos que neurônios Kiss1 do AVPV/PeN colocalizam com fibras vasopressinérgicas; e os níveis circulantes de estrógeno não afetou este contato e sim o número de neurônios Kiss1. No AVPV/PeN, as OVX tiveram aumento da expressão dos receptores VPAC1 e VPAC2; no Arc, a reposição com E2 induziu um aumento da expressão do Avpr1a. / The Kiss1 neurons in the periventricular anteroventral nucleus (AVPV/PeN) and arcuate nucleus (Arc) have the estrogen receptor alpha (ER&alpha;) and are essential in controlling the ovulatory cycle. The Kiss1 neurons of the AVPV/PeN have connections to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, through which the photic information could regulate ovulation. Vasopressin (VP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) are the main peptides produced by the SCN, and studies suggest their participation in LH secretion. Thus, we investigated whether vasopressinergics fibers are in apposition with Kiss1 neurons in the AVPV/PeN and Arc; whether VP and VIP receptors are expressed in these nuclei; and if changes in circulating levels of estradiol (E2) could affect the expression of these receptors. We used mice divided into: females in estrus; females who had their ovaries removed (OVX); and OVX that receiving E2 replacement (OVX + E2). We observed that Kiss1 neurons of the AVPV/PeN in colocalization with vasopressinergics fibers; and circulating levels of estrogen did not affect this contact but the number of neurons Kiss1. In AVPV/PeN, the OVX had increased expression of VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors; in the Arc, replacement with E2 induced an increased expression of Avpr1a.

O presente estudo está apresentado em Capítulo 1 (Divergência folicular; DF) e 2 (Capacidade ovulatória), e em cada estão incluídos dois experimentos [1 - em bubalinos (Bubalus bubalis); 2 - em zebuínos (Bos indicus)]. Os objetivos do Capítulo 1 foram determinar o momento e diâmetro na DF e avaliar o perfil das concentrações plasmáticas de FSH e LH próximo à seleção folicular. No Experimento 1, a ovulação foi considerada o dia zero (D0), a partir do qual 10 novilhas Murrah foram examinadas por ultra-sonografia (US) a cada oito horas (h) até o D4 e, posteriormente, a cada 24h até o D6. A avaliação da DF foi realizada por análise visual do gráfico de cada novilha (Ginther et al., 1996) e regressão linear segmentada (Bergfelt et al. 2003). As amostras de sangue, para dosagem de FSH e LH, foram colhidas com intervalos de 8h nas primeiras 24h pós-ovulação. A partir deste momento foram feitas colheitas a cada 4h até o D4 e após, a cada 12h até o D6. No método visual, o intervalo ovulação-DF, e o diâmetro dos folículos dominante (FD) e subordinado (FS) foram de, respectivamente, 63,2±5,7h; 7,2±0,3mm e 6,4±0,3mm (média±EPM). No método matemático estes mesmos parâmetros foram de, respectivamente, 61,9±4,9h; 7,3±0,3mm e 6,3±0,3mm. Não houve diferença entre os dois métodos de avaliação da DF (P>0,05). As concentrações plasmáticas de FSH e LH não variaram ao longo do tempo (P>0,05). No Experimento 2, 12 novilhas Nelore foram submetidas à US a cada 12h até o D5 e estes mesmos intervalos foram adotados para as colheitas de sangue (dosagem de FSH e LH). No método visual, o intervalo ovulação-DF, e os diâmetros do FD e FS foram de, respectivamente, 61,0±5,8h; 6,2±0,2mm e 5,8±0,2mm. No método matemático estes mesmos parâmetros foram de, respectivamente, 57,2±6,0h; 6,2±0,3mm e 5,9±0,3mm. Não houve diferença entre os métodos (P>0,05). As concentrações plasmáticas de FSH e LH não variaram ao longo do tempo (P>0,05). No Capítulo 2, o objetivo foi avaliar o diâmetro no qual o FD adquire capacidade ovulatória após administração de 25mg de LH. Os grupos foram formados de acordo com o diâmetro do FD no momento do tratamento com LH (7,0-8,4mm; 8,5-10,0mm e >10,0mm, em ambos os experimentos). No Experimento 1, foram utilizadas 29 novilhas bubalinas Murrah x Mediterrâneo. A partir do D3 (pós-ovulação), os exames US foram realizados a cada 12h até 48h do tratamento com LH. Nos grupos 7,0-8,4; 8,5-10,0 e >10,0mm, os diâmetros foliculares no momento da aplicação do LH foram de 7,8c±0,1; 9,3b±0,2 e 11,0a±0,3mm e as taxas de ovulação de 0,0%b (0/10); 50,0%a (5/10) e 55,6%a (5/9), respectivamente. No Experimento 2, 29 novilhas Bos indicus foram monitoradas por US a cada 24h a partir da ovulação até o tratamento com LH, e então a cada 12h durante 48h. Nos grupos 7,0-8,4; 8,5-10,0 e >10,0mm, os diâmetros foliculares no momento da aplicação do LH foram de 7,6c±0,1; 9,6b±0,1 e 10,9a±0,2mm e as taxas de ovulação de 33,3%b (3/9); 80,0%a (8/10) e 90,0%a (9/10), respectivamente. / Present study is presented in Chapter 1 (Follicle deviation; FD) and 2 (Ovulatory capacity). Each chapter includes two experiments [1 - in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis); 2 - in zebu cattle (Bos indicus)]. In Chapter 1, aims were to determine moment and diameter deviation and to evaluate FSH and LH plasmatic profiles encompassing follicle selection. In Experiment 1, ovulation was considered day 0 (D0). From D0, 10 Murrah heifers were examined by ultrasound (US) each eight hours (h) until D4 and then, every 24h until D6. FD evaluation was performed by visual analysis (Ginther et al., 1996) and by segmented linear regression (Bergfelt et al., 2003). Blood samples were harvested each 8h in the first 24h post ovulation. From this moment blood collections were performed every 4h until D4 and after that, each 12h until D6. Interval ovulation-FD, dominant (DF) and subordinate follicle (SF) diameters, by visual method, were, respectively, 63.2±5.7h; 7.2±0.3mm and 6.4±0.3mm (mean±SEM). These same end points, by mathematical method, were, respectively, 61.9±4.9h; 7.3±0.3mm and 6.3±0.3mm. No differences between both methods of FD evaluation (P>0.05) were found. No changes in plasmatic FSH and LH levels along the time (P>0.05) were found. In Experiment 2, 12 Nelore heifers were submmited to US each 12h until D5, and these same intervals were used to blood harvests (FSH and LH profiles). Interval ovulation-FD, dominant (DF) and subordinate follicle (SF) diameters, by visual method, were, respectively, 61.0±5.8h; 6.2±0.2mm and 5.8±0.2mm. These same end points, by mathematical method, were, respectively, 57.2±6.0h; 6.2±0.3mm and 5.9±0.3mm. No differences between both methods of FD evaluation (P>0.05) were found. No changes in plasmatic FSH and LH levels along the time (P>0.05) were found. In Chapter 2, aim was to evaluate diameter in which DF acquires ovulatory capacity after administration of 25mg of LH. The animals were assigned in groups according to DF diameter at LH treatment (7.0-8.4mm; 8.5-10.0mm and >10.0mm, in both experiments). In Experiment 1, 29 Murrah x Mediterrâneo heifers were used. From D3 (post ovulation), US examinations were performed each 12h until 48h after LH treatment. Follicle diameters at LH chalenge in groups 7.0-8.4mm, 8.5-10.0mm and >10.0mm, were 7.8c±0.1, 9.3b±0.2 and 11.0a±0.3mm, and ovulation rates were 0.0%b (0/10), 50.0%SUP>a (5/10) and 55.6%a (5/9), respectively. In Experiment 2, 29 Bos indicus heifers were monitored by US every 24h from ovulation until LH chalenge, and then each 12h during 48h. Follicle diameters at LH treatment in groups 7.0-8.4mm, 8.5-10.0mm and >10.0mm, were 7.6c±0.1, 9.6b±0.1 and 10.9a±0.2mm, and ovulation rates were 33.3%b (3/9), 80.0%a (8/10) and 90.0%a (9/10), respectively

O estudo foi realizado no Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, INIA -Kampenaike, Punta Arenas, Chile (52°42'17"S 70°55'20"W), com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos da elevada ingestão de NaCl (sal) por ovelhas Corriedale sobre a limitação do consumo voluntário, a capacidade ovulatória, produção e composição de colostro e leite e crescimento de seus respectivos cordeiros. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2x2 (dietas com dois níveis de inclusão de sal e dois níveis de concentrado, determinados pelos dois níveis de sal). No primeiro estudo, 40 fêmeas de fertilidade comprovada, tiveram o ciclo estral sincronizado e foram bloqueadas de acordo com o peso vivo e escore de condição corporal em quatro tratamentos: 17 ou 22% de sal agregado ao alimento concentrado e seus dois respectivos homólogos sem sal (recebendo a mesma quantidade de alimento concentrado consumida nos tratamentos com sal). Os animais foram suplementados por um ciclo estral e posteriormente realizou-se ultrassonografia para aferição da taxa ovulatória. No segundo experimento, 24 ovelhas com 122 dias de gestação e comprovadamente portando cordeiros gêmeos, foram alocadas em quatro tratamentos dispostos em dois pares: 13 ou 17% de sal agregado ao alimento concentrado e seus dois respectivos homólogos sem sal com similar consumo de alimento concentrado. Os tratamentos foram aplicados por 21 dias prévios a data de parto até os 21 dias pós parto. Água e volumoso estavam disponíveis de forma ad libitum nos dois experimentos. Em ambos estudos foram coletadas, de todas as ovelhas, amostras de sangue para descrição do status do perfil proteico e energético. O consumo de concentrado foi inferior em animais com superior proporção de sal na dieta, porém, estes consumiram maiores volumes de água. A elevada ingestão de sal não alterou a taxa ovulatória, produção de colostro ou leite, peso ao nascimento ou crescimento dos cordeiros. Conversão alimentar e peso ao desmame dos cordeiros foi similar entre os tratamentos pareados. Peso vivo e escore de condição corporal das ovelhas não se diferenciaram entre os tratamentos nos distintos experimento. O perfil plasmático sofreu pequenas alterações e todos os animais se mantiveram dentro de limites fisiológicos considerados normais para a espécie. Assim sendo, não há evidências de comprometimento da capacidade reprodutiva de ovelhas adultas consumindo altos níveis de NaCl agregado ao alimento concentrado. / Kampenaike, Punta Arenas, Chile (52°42'17"S 70°55'20"W), to evaluate the effects of high intake of NaCl (salt) of Corriedale ewes on limitation of voluntary intake, ovulatory capacity, production and composition of colostrum and milk, as well as growth of their lambs. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design, with a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments (diets with two inclusion levels of salt and two levels of concentrate, determined by the two levels of salt). In a first experiment, forty ewes of proven fertility were synchronized estrus and blocked according to body weight and body condition score in four treatments: 17 and 22% of salt added to concentrate and its two homologues without salt (fed the same amount of the commercial concentrate as their paired salt counterparts). Ewes were supplemented for an estrus cycle and, subsequently, the ovulatory rate measured by ultrasound. In the second experiment, twenty-four ewes with 122 days of gestation and carrying twins were allocated to four treatments: 13 and 17% of salt added to concentrate and its two homologues without salt (fed the same amount of the commercial concentrate as their paired salt counterparts). Treatments were applied for 21 days before lambing to 21 days after lambing. Water and roughage were provided ad libitum in both experiments. In both studies blood samples were collected to evaluate the proteic and energetic profile. Concentrate intake was less in ewes with superior proportion of salt in the diet, however, they drank higher volumes of water. The higher ingestion of salt did not change ovulatory rate, colostrum and milk production, weight at weaning and growth of lambs. Feed conversion ratio and weight of lambs at weaning were similar between paired treatments. Ewes body weight and body condition score did not differ among treatments in both experiments. Plasmatic profile had variation but it remained within physiological limits considered normal for the specie. Therefore, there impairment of the reproductive capacity of ewes with high inta kise noof N eavCidl ewnitche t hoef concentrate.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a atividade ovulatória ao longo do ano, as concentrações plasmáticas de melatonina e prolactina no período de 24 horas nos solstícios e equinócios de ovelhas lanadas Romney Marsh (10) e deslanadas Santa Inês (10) mantidas sob fotoperíodo natural em baixas latitudes no hemisfério Sul. Para o monitoramento da atividade ovulatória foram colhidas semanalmente sangue da veia jugular das fêmeas durante o período de um ano para determinação das concentrações plasmáticas de progesterona. Para a determinação das concentrações plasmáticas de prolactina e melatonina, foram realizadas colheitas de sangue a cada duas horas durante 24 horas nos dois solstícios e dois equinócios. As ovelhas das raças Santa Inês e Romney Marsh, apresentaram comportamento da atividade ovariana distintos, ou seja, as fêmeas lanadas foram estacionais, enquanto que as fêmeas deslanadas apresentaram atividade ovulatória o ano todo. O ciclo circadiano das concentrações plasmáticas de melatonina de ovelhas Romney Marsh e deslanadas Santa Inês apresentou um padrão sazonal idêntico, mas não apresentou um ritmo circanual. A duração da secreção noturna de melatonina acompanhou a duração do escotoperíodo de cada estação do ano. O perfil plasmático de prolactina de ovelhas Romney Marsh foi mais elevado que ovelhas Santa Inês em todas as estações, mas o padrão sazonal foi idêntico. As concentrações plasmáticas foram mais elevadas na primavera e no verão que no outono e inverno. / This study evaluated the ovulatory activity throughout the year, plasma melatonin and prolactin concentrations on 24 hours during solstices and equinoces on wool (Romney Marsh - 10) and hair (Santa Inês - 10) ewes kept under natural photoperiod and lower latitudes in the southern hemisphere. To monitor the ovulatory activity, blood samples were collected weekly from the jugular vein throughout the year to determine the plasma progesterone concentrations. To determine the plasma melatonin and prolactin concentrations blood samples were collected each two hours during 24 hours on the solstices and equinoces. Santa Inês and Romney Marsh females showed different ovulatory activity. Wool ewes showed a strong seasonality, and hair ewes were in ovulatory activity all the year. The circadian cycle of plasma melatonin concentrations from Romney Marsh and Santa Inês females showed the same seasonal pattern, and did not showed circannual pattern. The duration of nocturnal secretion plasma melatonin was the same of scotoperiod duration on each season of the year. The plasma prolactin profile from Romney Marsh ewes were higher than Santa Inês ewes in all seasons, but the seasonal pattern was identic. Plasma concentrations were higher in spring and summer than autumm and winter.