Roles of the cholinergic system and vagal innervation in the regulation of GnRH secretion and ovulation: Experimental evidence. Vieyra-Valdez Elizabeth,Linares-Culebro Rosa,Rosas-Gavilán Gabriela,Ramírez-Hernández Deyra,Domínguez-Casalá Roberto,Morales-Ledesma Leticia Brain research bulletin Reproduction is the biological process that sustains life. It is regulated by a neuro-hormonal mechanism that is synchronized by the interaction among the hypothalamus, hypophysis, and ovaries. Ovulation is regulated by the secretion of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the release of the luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In addition to these neuroendocrine signals, other signals originating from the central nervous system, hypophysis, thyroid, adrenal glands, and the ovary itself are also involved. One of the neurotransmission systems involved in the regulation of ovulation is the cholinergic system, which not only participates in the regulation of reproductive functions but also modulates motor coordination, thermoregulation, and cognitive function. In mammals, the vagus nerve is one of the pathways through which acetylcholine reaches the ovary, and this pathway also participates in the regulation of ovulation. However, this regulation depends on the age of the animal (prepubertal or adult) and its endocrine status. The present review analyzes evidence of the roles of the central and peripheral cholinergic system and vagal innervation in the regulation of GnRH secretion and ovulation as well as their roles in the development and persistence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.09.009

Effects of Soy Isoflavones, Resistant Starch and Antibiotics on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)-Like Features in Letrozole-Treated Rats. Liyanage Geethika S G,Inoue Ryo,Fujitani Mina,Ishijima Tomoko,Shibutani Taisei,Abe Keiko,Kishida Taro,Okada Shinji Nutrients Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive-aged women. Recently, various dietary interventions have been used extensively as a novel therapy against PCOS. In the present study, we show that soy isoflavone metabolites and resistant starch, together with gut microbiota modulations, were successful in decreasing the severity of PCOS-like reproductive features while increasing the expression of gut barrier markers and butyric acid in the gut. In the letrozole-induced PCOS model rats, the intake of both 0.05% soy isoflavones and 11% resistant starch, even with letrozole treatment, reduced the severity of menstrual irregularity and polycystic ovaries with a high concentration of soy isoflavones and equol in plasma. Antibiotic cocktail treatment suppressed soy isoflavone metabolism in the gut and showed no considerable effects on reducing the PCOS-like symptoms. The mRNA expression level of occludin significantly increased with soy isoflavone and resistant starch combined treatment. Bacterial genera such as , and were positively correlated with menstrual irregularity under resistant starch intake. Moreover, the concentration of butyric acid was elevated by resistant starch intake. In conclusion, we propose that both dietary interventions and gut microbiota modulations could be effectively used in reducing the severity of PCOS reproductive features. 10.3390/nu13113759

β-Edorphin predict pregnancy outcome of PCOS and DOR women after IVF-ET. Zhang Chan,Liu Shengxian,Liu Gelin,He Yuhui,Wang Yanan,Wang Fang Archives of gynecology and obstetrics PURPOSE:The present study aims to explore whether β-EP in serum (sβ-EP) and follicular fluid (ffβ-EP) could predict the in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). METHODS:90 PCOS women, 50 DOR women, and 100 women with normal ovarian function (control group), who were all undergoing an IVF-embryo transfer trial, were included in the study. Biochemical characteristics, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), sβ-EP, ffβ-EP, embryo formation, and pregnancy indicators were assessed in all women. The correlations of AMH and β-EP with oocyte quality were analyzed. Population-based and age-category stratified receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of AMH and β-EP for predicting pregnancy and live birth were performed. RESULTS:Compared with the control group, the PCOS group had higher antral follicle count, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, AMH, sβ-EP, and ffβ-EP, which were lower in the DOR group. Meanwhile, the PCOS and DOR groups had higher cycle cancellation and miscarriage rates, and lower high quality embryo numbers. Correlation analysis showed that the oocyte quality were positively correlated with AMH, sβ-EP, and ffβ-EP. The population-based and age-stratified ROC curve analysis showed that sβ-EP and ffβ-EP had high sensitivity and specificity to predict pregnancy and live birth. Meanwhile, age-stratified AMH enhanced the sensitivity for prediction of live birth after IVF. CONCLUSION:sβ-EP and ffβ-EP are different among women with PCOS, DOR, and normal ovarian function. β-EP can be used as a good predictor of clinical pregnancy and live birth after IVF. 10.1007/s00404-020-05899-3