• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.233-240
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• 1994

This study was conducted to compare the endocrine milieu, and pregnancy rates in In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer(IVF-ET) program employing combined with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist(GnRH-a) and pergonal(LH 75lU+FSH 75lU) when either human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG) or progesterone were used for luteal phase support. A total number of 40 IVF-ET treatment cycles were prospectively studied. Ovarian hyperstimulation method was modified ultrashort protocol using GnRH-a. All patients started Decapeptyl at menstrual cycle day # 2, and HMG was started at # 3 days. When leading follicle was ${\geqq}$18mm or at least two follicles were ${\geqq}$14mm in diameter, HCG 10000lU intramuscularly was injected. After 36 hours HCG administration, oocytes were retrieved as usual guided by transvaginal ultrasound. Embryo were transfered 36-48 hours later. The patient's cycles were prospectively randomized to receive HCG(20cycles) or Progesterone (20cycles) for luteal support. The progesterone group received 25mg 1M starting from the day of ET. The HCG group received 1500IU 1M. on days 0, +2, +5 after ET. Estadiol($E_2$) and Progesterone($P_4$) were measured on the day of oocyte aspiration, ET day, and every 6 days thereafter. Results were follows as; 1. Estradiol, progesterone and LH levels on the day of HCG trigger, retrieved oocytes and number of transfered embryo were not significantly different in both groups. 2. On the day of aspiration and embryo transfered day, $E_2$, $P_4$ level were significantly higher in progesterone group than HCG group(p<0.01). 3. $E_2$, $P_4$ level on 6 days after ET were significantly higher in progesterone group than HCG group(p<0.01). But, $P_4/E_2$ ratio was not different in both groups. 4. $E_2$, $P_4$ level 12 days after ET were decreased abruptly in both groups and higher hormonal level appeared in HCG group(P<0.01). 5. The total pregnancy rate in the HCG group was 40% (8/20) and in the progesterone group 15%(3/20). 6. Comparing the pregnant and nonpregnant cases progesterone group was not different the hormonal status. In HCG group, pregnant cases appeared in higher $P_4$, $P_4/E_2$ ratio than nonpregnanct cases(P<0.01).

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.101-108
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• 2000

Objectives: The pleiotrophin (PTN) and midkine (MK) are secreted heparin-binding neurokines that share 50％ sequence homology. PTN and MK are expressed in the range of primary human tumors. The association of PTN and MK with carcinogenesis, enhancement of plasminogen activator activity and angiogenic factor are reported. Patients with endometriosis are characterized by the ability of the endometrium to implant; angiogenic and growth factors may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. To test the hypothesis that higher expression of PTN and MK in endometrium from women with endometriosis might be increase angiogenesis and growth ectopic endometriosis implants, we investigated PTN and MK expression by quantitative and competitive polymerase chain reaction (QC-PCR) in endometrium from women with and without endometriosis throughout the menstrual cycle. Design: MK and PTN mRNA expression in endomeoium from women with endometriosis and control patients without endometriosis were determined by QC-PCR throughout the menstrual cycle. Methods: Endometrial tissue was obtained from 25 patients with severe endometriosis and 30 patients without endometriosis undergoing hysterectomy or endometrial biopsy. Stage of endometrial cycle and a diagnosis of endometriosis were confirmed histologically. Total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed into c-DNA. QC-PCR was performed to evaluate PTN and MK mRNA expression. Results were analysed by Post Hoc test. Results: MK and PTN were expressed throughout the menstrual cycle in both groups. MK expression was higher in follicular phase than luteal phase in endometrium from normal women. endometrium from endometriosis patients showed increased expression of PTN and MK compared to endometrium from normal women in the luteal phase (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that uterine endometrium from women with endometriosis expresses higher levels of MK and PTN than endometrium from normal women during luteal phase. Increased MK and PTN expression may be related to the initiation of ectopic endometrial implants and their subsequent peritoneal invasion.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.6-10
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• 2003

The present study investigated peripheral plasma immunoreactive inhibin (ir-inhibin) concentrations in relation to the stage of oestrous cycle and progesterone concentrations in cycling Sahiwal cattle (Bos indicus) and Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Blood samples were collected once daily for thirty-two consecutive days from cattle and buffaloes (5 each) during winter months of January and February. Mean (${\pm}$S.E.M.) plasma ir-inhibin concentrations ranged from $0.40{\pm}0.01$ to $0.59{\pm}0.03ng/ml$ in cattle and from $0.29{\pm}0.03$ to $0.52{\pm}0.05ng/ml$ in buffaloes. In cattle, ir-inhibin concentrations increased from $0.47{\pm}0.07ng/ml$ on day -4 (day 0=day of oestrus) to reach a maximum value of $0.59{\pm}0.03ng/ml$ on day -2. Thereafter, ir-inhibin concentrations showed a decline to reach a low of $0.40{\pm}0.01ng/ml$ on day 11 of the oestrous cycle. In buffaloes, ir-inhibin concentrations increased from $0.38{\pm}0.04 ng/ml$ on day -4 to reach a maximum concentration of $0.52{\pm}0.05ng/ml$ on day -2. Ir-inhibin concentrations then declined to reach a low of $0.29{\pm}0.03ng/ml on day 9 of the cycle. In both cattle and buffaloes, ir-inhibin concentrations which were lowest ($0.43{\pm}0.02$ and $0.34{\pm}0.02ng/ml$, respectively) during the mid-luteal phase of the oestrous cycle increased (p<0.05) to $0.52{\pm}0.03$ and $0.44{\pm}0.04ng/ml$, respectively, during the late luteal phase, and then further to the highest value of $0.53{\pm}0.02$ and $0.49{\pm}0.04ng/ml$, respectively, during the perioestrus phase, following which these declined to $0.50{\pm}0.02$ and $0.39{\pm}0.03ng/ml$, respectively, during the early luteal phase. The variations in peripheral plasma ir-inhibin profile in both the species appear to be related to the changes in characteristics of follicular populations during the oestrous cycle. Peripheral plasma ir-inhibin concentrations were negatively correlated with progesterone concentrations in cattle (r=-0.51, p<0.01) and buffaloes (r=-0.30, p<0.01) indicating that the corpus luteum is not a source of peripheral ir-inhibin in these species.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.307-318
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• 1998

Accuracy of rectal palpation and ultrasonography for differential diagnosis of subestrous dairy trows were investigatedl using the result of pIRsma progesterone assay. The ovaries were examined 2 times of 10 days interval in 520 posearom and postinsemination subestroHs dairy cows, using rectal palpation and B-mode transrectal ultrasonography. The results of rectal palpation, ultrasonographic examination and measurement of plasma progesterone profiles in 520 subestrous dairy cows were silent brat or error of estrus detection 303 (58.3%), persistent corpus luteum 59 (11.3%), follicular cyst 37 (7.1%), luteal cyst 16 (3.1%), inactive ovary 9 (1.7%), granulosa tumor 1 (0.2%), hydmsalphinx 1 (0.2%), endomehris 81 (15.6%), pyometra 12 (2.3%) and mummified fetus 1 (0.2%), respectively. Accuncy of rectal palpation and ultrasonography for diagiosing ovarian disordeir based on plasma progesterone profiles were silent heat or error of estrus detection 80.5% and 96.7%$\boxUl$ persistent corpus luteum 57.6% and 94.9%, follicular cyst 62.5% and 91.9%1 luteal cyst 62.5% and 87.5%, maclive ovary 55.6% and 88.9% and granulosa cell tumor 100% and 100%, respectively. Acnuucy of rectal palpation for diagnosing uterine disorders based on ultrasonography was pyometra 75.0%1 endometritis 51.9% and mummified fetus 100%, respectively. Cbaracteristic ultrasonographic appearances of ovaries in subestrous dairy cows were as follows; Silent heat or error of estrus detection: anechoic follicle or hypoechoic corpus luteum than ovarian stroma was alternately present on Day 0 (first examination) and Day 10. Follicular cyst: uniformly nonechogenic ovarian structure $\geq $ 25 mm in diameter with a wall < 3 mm was present in ipsilateral on Day 0 and Day 10. Luteal cyst: luteal cyst was similar to follicular cysts but thickness of cystic wall was $\geq $ 3 mm. Inactive ovary : structures within ovaries was not present on Day 0 Bnd Day 10. Characteristic uthssonograpsc appearances of uterus in subestrous dairy cows were as follows; Endometritis: characterized by uterine lumen containing fluid in which 'snowy'echogenic particles art suspended. Pyometra: ultrasonographic appearance of pyometra was diffuse echogenic particles distributed in fluid within the distended uterus, and a thickened uterine wall. These results indicated that ultrasonography was practical far diagnosing reproductive disorders. To diagnosing ovarian disorders, ultrasonography should be carried out 2 times of 10 days interval and rndometritis should be differentiated with uterus of luteal phase in normal cycling cows.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.85-92
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• 1989

The study was carried out to find out the changes of the sex hormone concentrations in the blood plasma and antrum of follicular and lutein cystic ovaries of Holstein cows. The progesterone, estradiol-17$\beta$, testosterone, FSH and LH from samples of the blood plasma and antrum of cystic ovaries of cows assayed by radioimmunoassay method. The results of this study were summarized as follows : 1. The concentrations fo progesterone and estradiol-17$\beta$ in the blood plasmaat estrous and luteal phase were 0.95$\pm$0.18ng/ml, 11.45$\pm$3.12pg/ml and 4.25$\pm$0.27ng/ml, 6.27$\pm$0.82pg/ml respectively. The concentrations of progesterone and estradiol-17$\beta$ in the antrum fluid of follicles at estrous and luteal phase were 24.8$\pm$4.12ng/ml, 54.3$\pm$7.25pg/ml and 21.7$\pm$3.79ng/ml, 14.3$\pm$2.72pg/ml respectively, and showed significant changes among the estrous and luteal phase and blood plasma and antrum fluid of follicles. 2. The concentrations of progesterone, estradiol-17$\beta$, testosterone and LH in the blood plasma of follicular cystic ovareis of cows were 0.85$\pm$0.25ng/ml, 9.23$\pm$2.72pg/ml, 17.12$\pm$3.26pg/ml and 3.78$\pm$1.02mIU/ml respectively. And the concentrations of progesterone, estradiol-17$\beta$, testosterone and LH in the antrum fluid of follicular cystic ovareis of cows were 284$\pm$48.21ng/ml, 389$\pm$67.23ng/ml, 12.84$\pm$0.29ng/ml and 1.84$\pm$0.17mIU/ml respectively, and showed significant changes between in the blood plasma and antrum fluid of cystic ovaries. 3. The concentrations of progesterone, estradiol-17$\beta$, testosterone and LH in the blood plasma of lutein cystic ovaries of cows were 3.40$\pm$0.78ng/ml, 4.02$\pm$0.42pg/ml, 10.72$\pm$2.74pg/ml and 0.76$\pm$0.12mIU/ml respectively. And the concentrations of progesterone, estradiol-17$\beta$, testosterone and LH in the antrum fluid of lutein cystic ovareis of cows were 427$\pm$35.79ng/ml, 0.76$\pm$0.07ng/ml, 3.45$\pm$0.57ng/ml and 0.29$\pm$0.07mIU/ml respectively, and showed significant changes between the blood plasma and antrum fluid of cystic ovaries. 4. Accordingly, the diagnosis of follicular and lutein cystic ovareis of cows from progesterone, estradiol-17$\beta$ and LH levels in the blood plasma and antrum of cystic ovaries of cows is thought to be possible a diagnostic means.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.188-196
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• 2010

The objective of this study was to characterize the litter sizes in Huanghuai goats with high prolificacy (HP, five or more kids born per litter on at least one occasion), and to compare their peripheral blood concentrations of progesterone and estradiol with those of goats with poor prolificacy (PP, up to three kids born per litter on any occasion). The circulating concentrations of progesterone and estradiol were measured by radioimmunoassay from daily blood samples taken during natural estrus cycles and at 1-5 days after ovariectomy. Estrus was synchronized using two doses of a prostaglandin analog. Litter size for the HP goats increased up to a parity of five and decreased thereafter. The percentage of goats with litter sizes of $\geq$4 from parities 3 to 6 ranged from 44.5% to 58.3%. Although small differences in litter size were obtained for goats of parities three, four and six relative to five, parity five does had the highest mean litter size. Progesterone concentrations began to rise earlier and were higher in the HP than in the PP goats on most days of the luteal phase, but not during the follicular phase of the cycle or after ovariectomy. There was a significant difference between the two groups (p<0.05) in the magnitude of the progesterone plateau. Mean estradiol concentrations in the HP group remained significantly higher than in the PP group (p<0.05) during the estrus cycle. There were two estradiol peaks in the HP goats during the early luteal phase, but only one in the PP group. Measurements of individual corpora lutea (CL) in vitro showed that there was a greater prevalence of small CL (<6 mm in diameter) in the HP group than in the PP group (p<0.05). After ovariectomy, the estradiol level on day 1 was significantly higher than at the nadir during the estrus cycle in both the HP (p<0.01) and PP (p<0.05) goats, while levels decreased by 12.3% and 26.2% respectively compared with the mid-luteal period in HP and PP goats (p<0.05). The overall mean estradiol concentrations in HP goats were lower than in the PP group, but no significant differences were found between groups at 1-5 days after ovariectomy.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.1205-1209
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• 2000

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of stimulation of follicular development with eCG on the peripheral levels of inhibin and FSH in Murrah buffaloes. Estrus was synchronized in five normally cycling females by insertion of Crestar (Intervet, Boxmeer, Holland) implants for nine days. Estradiol valerate was administered i.m. on the day of implant insertion. On the 10th day of the induced estrous cycle a single dose of 3000 IU eCG (Folligon, Intervet, Boxmeer, Holland) was given, followed by treatment with 25 mg of $PGF_2$ alpha (Lutalyse, Upjohn, Belgium) 48 h later. Blood samples were obtained during the induced estrus, on cycle day 10 (luteal phase), at the superovulatory estrus (43 h after PGF) and during the periovulatory period (64 h after PGF). Ultrasonography was done daily to monitor follicular development. Plasma concentrations of inhibin and FSH were determined by specific radioimmunoassays. Differences between $mean{\pm}SEM$ values of different phases of the cycle were compared by ANOVA. The mean number of small (2-5 mm), medium (6-9 mm) and large (>10 mm) follicles observed two days after eCG treatment and on the day of superovulatory estrus was $2.8{\pm}0.31$, $5.2{\pm}0.30$ and $1.4{\pm}0.09$ and $1.9{\pm}0.21$, $2.8{\pm}0.40$ and $5.0{\pm}0.83$, respectively. The mean number of ovulations was $3.6{\pm}0.37$ and the mean number of unovulated follicles was $6.1{\pm}0.47$. Most of the follicles >10 mm in diameter had ovulated (72%). The mean ${\pm}SEM $ of plasma inhibin concentration $(2584.15{\pm}17.92pg/ml)$ during the superovulatory estrus was significantly higher $(p{\leq}0.05)$ than during the induced estrus $(749.87{\pm}17.29pg/ml)$, the luteal phase $(1099.54{\pm}24.98pg/ml)$ and periovulatory period $(1682.71{\pm}29.88pg/ml)$, respectively. $Mean{\pm}SEM$ plasma FSH concentration during the induced estrus $(10.35{\pm}0.41ng/ml)$ was not different from that during the superovulatory estrus $(8.52{\pm}0.39ng/ml)$, but was significantly higher $(p{\leq}0.05)$ than during the luteal phase $(2.81{\pm}0.42ng/ml)$ and periovulatory period $(5.7{\pm}0.28ng/ml)$. These data indicate that treatment with eCG in buffaloes for inducing superovulation results in a significant elevation in plasma inhibin levels and a decrease in plasma FSH levels during the superovulatory estrus. Thus, we suggest that the elevated plasma inhibin coming from fully developed follicles continued for a long time which results in inhibition of FSH leading to poor ovulation in the remaining follicles, which may be the cause of suboptimal superovulatory response.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.199-205
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• 2006

The objective of this study was to investigate the resumption of postpartum ovarian cyclicity, and to determine the relationship between concentrations of plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) and resumption of ovarian cyclicity in Holstein cows. The cows were considered to have resumed ovarian cyclicity on the day of ovulation, if followed by regular ovarian cycles. 58.8 percentage of the cows (114/194) had normal resumption of ovarian cyclicity (resumption within 40days after calving), and 41.2% (80/194) had delayed resumption (resumption did not occur until> 40days after calving). Delayed resumption Type I (one or more ovarian cycles with luteal phase> 20days, i.e. prolonged luteal phase; 17.5%) and delayed resumption Type II (first ovulation did not occur until ${\ge}40days$ after calving, i.e. delayed first ovulation 22.7%) were the most common types of delayed resumption. 18 percentage of the cows (35/194) did not resume their ovarian cyclicity until 60days postpartum. Prolonged luteal phase and delayed first ovulation were two important ovarian dysfunctions that delayed postpartum resumption of cyclicity in dairy cows. Cows with PUN of <15, $15{\sim}19.9\;and\;{\ge}20mg/dl$ had the likelihood ratios of normal ovarian cyclicity of 0.9, 1.14 and 0.55, respectively. Thus, PUN concentration of $15{\sim}19.9mg/dl$ had a favorable association with postpartum resumption of cyclicity, whereas lower or higher PUN had a negative association with postpartum resumption of cyclicity.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.147-152
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of vaginal progesterone for luteal phase support (LPS) on the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) in natural frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles via a meta-analysis. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies that met our selection criteria. Four online databases (PubMed, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Library) were searched between January 2017 and May 2017. Studies were selected according to predefined inclusion criteria and meta-analyzed using R software version 2.14.2. The main outcome measure was CPR. Results: A total of 18 studies were reviewed and assessed for eligibility. One RCT (n = 435) and three retrospective studies (n = 3,033) met the selection criteria. In a meta-analysis of the selected studies, we found no significant difference in the CPR (odds ratio [OR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60-1.55) between the vaginal progesterone and control groups. An analysis of the two retrospective cohort studies that reported the live birth rate (LBR) following FET showed a significantly higher LBR in the vaginal progesterone group (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.21-2.46). A subgroup meta-analysis of FET conducted 5 days after injection of human chorionic gonadotropin showed no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the CPR (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.90-1.55) or miscarriage rate (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.36-1.47). Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis of the currently available literature suggest that LPS with vaginal progesterone in natural FET cycles does not improve the CPR.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess appropriate time to convert intramuscular progesterone support to oral administration for luteal phase support in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: Seventy-six cycles of IVF in which fetal heart beat was identified after treatment were included. Patients underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with GnRH agonist long protocol (n=7) or GnRH antagonist protocol (n=66). Cryopreserved embryo transfer was performed in three cycles. Luteal support was initiated by daily intramuscular injection of progesterone, and after confirmation of fetal heart beat, converted to oral micronized progesterone (Utrogestan, Laboratoires Besins International, France) 300 mg daily before or after 8 gestational weeks. The oral progesterone was continued for 11 weeks. Results: Overall clinical abortion rate was 3.9% (3/76) and mean time to conversion was $8^{+4}$ gestational weeks ($46{\pm}5.8$ days after oocytes retrieval). The abortion rate was 5.6% (1/17) and 3.4% (2/59) in patients with conversion before 7 weeks and after 8 weeks, respectively, which were not statistically significant (p=0.678). The miscarriages were occurred at $9^{+4}$ weeks, $11^{+3}$ weeks and $11^{+4}$ weeks. Conclusion: Sequential luteal support using intramuscular and oral progesterone yields a relatively low clinical abortion rate. If fetal heart beat confirmed, sequential regimen appears to be safe and convenient method to reduce patients' discomfort induced by multiple injections.