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Animals
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Endocrinology of the Female Reproductive System
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Endocrinology of the Female Reproductive System

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Reproduction".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2024 | Viewed by 7634

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ligia Prezotto

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
Interests: nutritional physiology; endocrinology; metabolism; neuroendocrinology
Dr. Jennifer Thorson

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
USDA, Agriculture Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
Interests: neuroendocrinology; endocrinology; reproductive physiology; nutrition

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is our distinct pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript to the Special Issue “Endocrinology of the Female Reproductive System”. Basic and clinical knowledge of endocrine state and disfunction have the potential to expand management and clinical practices to improve animal wellbeing. In this Special Issue, it is our intent to assemble research articles, reviews, commentary, registered reports, and case studies that highlight the current knowledge in the field and future directions that need to be undertaken to improve the management and welfare of animals.

Dr. Ligia Prezotto
Dr. Jennifer Thorson
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • endocrinology
  • female
  • hormone
  • neuroendocrinology
  • reproduction

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3844 KiB  
Article
Effects of Mixed Pasture Legume Phytoestrogens on Superovulatory Response and Embryo Quality in Angus Cows
by Jessica M. Wyse, Rory P. Nevard, Jaymie Loy, Paul A. Weston, Saliya Gurusinghe, Jeffrey McCormick, Leslie A. Weston and Cyril P. Stephen
Animals 2024, 14(7), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14071125 - 07 Apr 2024
Viewed by 747
Abstract
Ovulation and artificial insemination rates have been observed to decrease in sheep and cows when exposed to dietary phytoestrogens at concentrations greater than 25 mg/kg DM. A grazing trial was undertaken to investigate the effects of coumestrol and other key phytoestrogens on the [...] Read more.
Ovulation and artificial insemination rates have been observed to decrease in sheep and cows when exposed to dietary phytoestrogens at concentrations greater than 25 mg/kg DM. A grazing trial was undertaken to investigate the effects of coumestrol and other key phytoestrogens on the superovulatory response, embryo numbers and quality in beef cows grazing legume pastures. A 7-week controlled grazing trial was conducted with legume and ryegrass pasture treatments, with cows exposed to legumes at two timed treatments, 4 and 7 weeks. Twenty Angus cows were subjected to a conventional estrus synchronization and superovulation protocol. Embryos were recovered via conventional uterine body flushing 7 days post artificial insemination (AI). Numerous phytoestrogens were identified in both pasture and plasma samples, including coumestrol and formononetin. Concentrations of phytoestrogens in the pasture ranged from 0.001 to 47.5 mg/kg DM and 0 to 2.6 ng/mL in plasma. Approximately 50% of cows produced viable embryos 7 days post AI. A significant interaction between the effect of treatment groups on the embryo stage was observed (p < 0.05). The results suggest that concentrations of >25 mg/kg DM of phytoestrogens less than 20 days preceding AI may negatively affect oocyte developmental competence, reduce progesterone production and thus contribute to early embryonic loss. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrinology of the Female Reproductive System)
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16 pages, 3589 KiB  
Article
Resveratrol Promotes Proliferation, Antioxidant Properties, and Progesterone Production in Yak (Bos grunniens) Granulosa Cells
by Xudong Jiang, Yao Ma, Sanni Gong, Xiangdong Zi and Dawei Zhang
Animals 2024, 14(2), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020240 - 12 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1015
Abstract
Resveratrol (RES) is a class of natural polyphenolic compounds known for its strong anti-apoptotic and antioxidant properties. Granulosa cells (GCs) are one of the important components of ovarian follicles and play crucial roles in follicular development of follicles in the ovary. Here, we [...] Read more.
Resveratrol (RES) is a class of natural polyphenolic compounds known for its strong anti-apoptotic and antioxidant properties. Granulosa cells (GCs) are one of the important components of ovarian follicles and play crucial roles in follicular development of follicles in the ovary. Here, we explored the effects of RES on the proliferation and functions of yak GCs. Firstly, we evaluated the effect of RES dose and time in culture on the viability of GCs, and then the optimum treatment protocol (10 μM RES, 36 h) was selected to analyze the effects of RES on the proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, lipid droplet content, ATP production, and steroidogenesis of GCs, as well as the expression of related genes. The results show that RES treatment significantly (1) increased cell viability and proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis by upregulating BCL-2 and SIRT1 genes and downregulating BAX, CASP3, P53, and KU70 genes; (2) increased the proportion of GCs in the S phase and upregulated CCND1, PCNA, CDK4, and CDK5 genes; (3) reduced ROS accumulation and MDA content and increased GSH content, as well as upregulating the relative expression levels of CAT, SOD2, and GPX1 genes; (4) decreased lipid droplet content and increased ATP production; (5) promoted progesterone (P4) secretion and the expression of P4 synthesis-related genes (StAR, HSD3B1, and CYP11A1); and (6) inhibited E2 secretion and CYP19A1 expression. These findings suggest that RES at 10 μM increases the proliferation and antioxidant properties, inhibits apoptosis, and promotes ATP production, lipid droplet consumption, and P4 secretion of yak GCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrinology of the Female Reproductive System)
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13 pages, 2756 KiB  
Article
Association of Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders with Bovine Ovarian Follicular Cysts
by Xiaoling Xu, Jiahua Bai, Kexiong Liu, Linli Xiao, Yusheng Qin, Meihong Gao and Yan Liu
Animals 2023, 13(21), 3301; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13213301 - 24 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1392
Abstract
After estrus, when mature follicles fail to ovulate, they may further develop to form follicular cysts, affecting the normal function of ovaries, reducing the reproductive efficiency of dairy cows and causing economic losses to cattle farms. However, the key points of ovarian follicular [...] Read more.
After estrus, when mature follicles fail to ovulate, they may further develop to form follicular cysts, affecting the normal function of ovaries, reducing the reproductive efficiency of dairy cows and causing economic losses to cattle farms. However, the key points of ovarian follicular cysts pathogenesis remain largely unclear. The purpose of the current research was to analyze the formation mechanism of ovarian follicular cysts from hormone and gene expression profiles. The concentrations of progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), leptin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and ghrelin in follicle fluid from bovine follicular cysts and normal follicles were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or 125I-labeled radioimmunoassay (RIA); the corresponding receptors’ expression of theca interna cells was tested via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the mRNA expression profiling was analyzed via RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The results showed that the follicular cysts were characterized by significant lower E2, insulin, IGF1 and leptin levels but elevated ACTH and ghrelin levels compared with normal follicles (p < 0.05). The mRNA expressions of corresponding receptors, PGR, ESR1, ESR2, IGF1R, LEPR, IGFBP6 and GHSR, were similarly altered significantly (p < 0.05). RNA-seq identified 2514 differential expressed genes between normal follicles and follicular cysts. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis linked the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway, especially the STAR, 3β-HSD, CYP11A1 and CYP17A1 genes, to the formation of follicular cysts (p < 0.01). These results indicated that hormone metabolic disorders and abnormal expression levels of hormone synthesis pathway genes are associated with the formation of bovine ovarian follicular cysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrinology of the Female Reproductive System)
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18 pages, 2520 KiB  
Article
Identification of Lipids and Cytokines in Plasma and Follicular Fluid before and after Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Stimulation as Potential Markers for Follicular Maturation in Cattle
by Alexandria P. Snider, Renata S. Gomes, Adam F. Summers, Sarah C. Tenley, Mohamed A. Abedal-Majed, Renee M. McFee, Jennifer R. Wood, John S. Davis and Andrea S. Cupp
Animals 2023, 13(20), 3289; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13203289 - 21 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1053
Abstract
The process of follicle maturation leading to ovulation is a key milestone in female fertility. It is known that circulating lipids and cytokines play a role in the follicle’s ability to go through follicular maturation and the ovulatory processes. However, the specific mechanisms [...] Read more.
The process of follicle maturation leading to ovulation is a key milestone in female fertility. It is known that circulating lipids and cytokines play a role in the follicle’s ability to go through follicular maturation and the ovulatory processes. However, the specific mechanisms are not well understood. We posit that dysregulation of granulosa cells influences the ovarian environment, which tries to adapt by changing released lipids and cytokines to achieve follicular maturation. Eleven non-lactating adult females underwent estrus synchronization with two injections of PGF2α 14 days apart. Daily blood samples were collected for 28 days to monitor steroid hormone production after the second injection. To understand the potential impacts of lipids and cytokines during ovulation, a low-dose FSH stimulation (FSHLow) was performed after resynchronization of cows, and daily blood samples were collected for 14 days to monitor steroid hormone production until ovariectomies. The lipidomic analysis demonstrated increased circulating diacylglycerides and triacylglycerides during the mid-luteal phase and after FSHLow treatment. Cholesteryl esters decreased in circulation but increased in follicular fluid (FF) after FSHLow. Increased circulating concentrations of TNFα and reduced CXCL9 were observed in response to FSHLow. Therefore, specific circulating lipids and cytokines may serve as markers of normal follicle maturation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrinology of the Female Reproductive System)
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16 pages, 1729 KiB  
Article
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Has a Diverse Role in Energetic and Reproductive Physiological Functions of Female Beef Cattle
by Ligia D. Prezotto, Jessica A. Keane, Andrea S. Cupp and Jennifer F. Thorson
Animals 2023, 13(20), 3185; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13203185 - 12 Oct 2023
Viewed by 733
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been identified in multiple mammalian species as a molecular marker of energy metabolism while also providing negative feedback to the gonads. However, the role of FGF21 in regulating the energetic and reproductive physiology of beef heifers and [...] Read more.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been identified in multiple mammalian species as a molecular marker of energy metabolism while also providing negative feedback to the gonads. However, the role of FGF21 in regulating the energetic and reproductive physiology of beef heifers and cows has yet to be characterized. Herein, we investigated the temporal concentrations of FGF21 in female beef cattle from the prepubertal period to early lactation. Circulating concentrations of FGF21, non-esterified fatty acids, plasma urea nitrogen, glucose, and progesterone were assessed. Ultrasonography was employed to determine the onset of puberty and resumption of postpartum ovarian cyclicity as well as to measure backfat thickness. Finally, cows and calves underwent the weigh-suckle-weigh technique to estimate rate of milk production. We have revealed that FGF21 has an expansive role in the physiology of female beef cattle, including pubertal onset, adaptation to nutritional transition, rate of body weight gain, circulating markers of metabolism, and rate of milk production. In conclusion, FGF21 plays a role in physiological functions in beef cattle that can be applied to advance the understanding of basic scientific processes governing the nutritional regulation of reproductive function but also provides a novel means for beef cattle producers to select parameters of financial interest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrinology of the Female Reproductive System)
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Review

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12 pages, 2473 KiB  
Review
Role of Melatonin in Ovarian Function
by Giuseppina Basini and Francesca Grasselli
Animals 2024, 14(4), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14040644 - 17 Feb 2024
Viewed by 889
Abstract
Melatonin is a hormone mainly produced by the pineal gland in the absence of light stimuli. The light, in fact, hits the retina, which sends a signal to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which inhibits the synthesis of the hormone by the epiphysis. Mostly by [...] Read more.
Melatonin is a hormone mainly produced by the pineal gland in the absence of light stimuli. The light, in fact, hits the retina, which sends a signal to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which inhibits the synthesis of the hormone by the epiphysis. Mostly by interacting with MT1/MT2 membrane receptors, melatonin performs various physiological actions, among which are its regulation of the sleep–wake cycle and its control of the immune system. One of its best known functions is its non-enzymatic antioxidant action, which is independent from binding with receptors and occurs by electron donation. The hormone is also an indicator of the photoperiod in seasonally reproducing mammals, which are divided into long-day and short-day breeders according to the time of year in which they are sexually active and fertile. It is known that melatonin acts at the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis level in many species. In particular, it inhibits the hypothalamic release of GnRH, with a consequent alteration of FSH and LH levels. The present paper mainly aims to review the ovarian effect of melatonin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrinology of the Female Reproductive System)
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17 pages, 985 KiB  
Review
The Role of Adipokines in the Control of Pituitary Functions
by Barbara Kaminska, Beata Kurowicka, Marta Kiezun, Kamil Dobrzyn, Katarzyna Kisielewska, Marlena Gudelska, Grzegorz Kopij, Karolina Szymanska, Barbara Zarzecka, Oguzhan Koker, Ewa Zaobidna, Nina Smolinska and Tadeusz Kaminski
Animals 2024, 14(2), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020353 - 22 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1066
Abstract
The pituitary gland is a key endocrine gland in all classes of vertebrates, including mammals. The pituitary gland is an important component of hypothalamus–pituitary–target organ hormonal regulatory axes and forms a functional link between the nervous system and the endocrine system. In response [...] Read more.
The pituitary gland is a key endocrine gland in all classes of vertebrates, including mammals. The pituitary gland is an important component of hypothalamus–pituitary–target organ hormonal regulatory axes and forms a functional link between the nervous system and the endocrine system. In response to hypothalamic stimuli, the pituitary gland secretes a number of hormones involved in the regulation of metabolism, stress reactions and environmental adaptation, growth and development, as well as reproductive processes and lactation. In turn, hormones secreted by target organs at the lowest levels of the hormonal regulatory axes regulate the functions of the pituitary gland in the process of hormonal feedback. The pituitary also responds to other peripheral signals, including adipose-tissue-derived factors. These substances are a broad group of peptides known as adipocytokines or adipokines that act as endocrine hormones mainly involved in energy homeostasis. Adipokines, including adiponectin, resistin, apelin, chemerin, visfatin, and irisin, are also expressed in the pituitary gland, and they influence the secretory functions of this gland. This review is an overview of the existing knowledge of the relationship between chosen adipose-derived factors and endocrine functions of the pituitary gland, with an emphasis on the pituitary control of reproductive processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrinology of the Female Reproductive System)
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