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Mammalian female fertility is defined by a successful and strictly periodic ovarian cycle, which is under the control of gonadotropins and steroid hormones, particularly progesterone and estrogen. The latter two are produced by the ovaries that are engaged in controlled follicular growth, maturation, and release of the eggs, i.e., ovulation. The steroid hormones regulate ovarian cycles via genomic signaling, by altering gene transcription and protein synthesis. However, despite this well-studied mechanism, steroid hormones can also signal via direct, non-genomic action, by binding to their membrane receptors. Here we show, that the recently discovered membrane progesterone receptor α/β hydrolase domain-containing protein 2 (ABHD2) is highly expressed in mammalian ovaries where the protein plays a novel regulatory role in follicle maturation and the sexual cycle of females. Ablation of Abhd2 caused a dysregulation of the estrous cycle rhythm with females showing shortened luteal stages while remaining in the estrus stage for a longer time. Interestingly, the ovaries of Abhd2 knockout (KO) females resemble polycystic ovary morphology (PCOM) with a high number of atretic antral follicles that could be rescued with injection of gonadotropins. Such a procedure also allowed Abhd2 KO females to ovulate a significantly increased number of mature and fertile eggs in comparison with their wild-type littermates. These results suggest a novel regulatory role of ABHD2 as an important factor in non-genomic steroid regulation of the female reproductive cycle.

Knowledge of the reproductive cycle in exploited species is important for a sustainable management of fisheries. Standardized scales to assess maturity stages are a fundamental tool to understand the demographic composition of exploited populations. Staging scales for female Norway lobster, Nephrops norvegicus, have been subject to a series of changes, and multiple inconsistent scales are in use in different fisheries regions. A unified, evidence-based scale has not previously been established. We reviewed previous staging scales for the female ovary maturation and propose a revised scale based on the correlation between macroscopic and microscopic ovary characteristics. To provide better-informed tools for future stock assessment, female stages were characterized through external observation on ovary color and size, and the progress of vitellogenesis. This study clarifies several biological phases that were conflated in previous scales. First, we demonstrate how to distinguish between immature ovaries in juvenile females versus the earliest ovary maturation stage in adults. Second, the new scale differentiates between “mottled” ovaries seen in two separate biological stages: the spent ovaries that undergo partial resorption in berried females, versus ovaries of females which failed to spawn and undergo full resorption. To ensure consistent application, colors are assessed relative to international standards (RAL/Pantone). This new, practical staging scheme clarifies the correlation between microscopic characteristics and macroscopically observable details in ovary maturation. Adoption of this unified staging scale will improve maturity analyses, help to identify stocks with potentially reduced reproductive capacity, and facilitate broad-scale comparisons.

In Southern Nigeria, the leaves of Emilia coccinea (Sims) G Dons are used traditionally for birth control. This study was therefore aimed at evaluating the activities of the methanolic leaf extract of Emilia coccinea (EM) on parameters that affect reproduction as well as the acute toxic effects of the plant using nonpregnant female mice models. Leaves of EM were extracted by maceration with 99.8% methanol. Oral acute toxicity profiles were examined. The effects of EM on female reproductive cycle were determined after oral treatment with EM at 1000 and 100 mg/kg/day daily for 6 days using stilbesterol (1 mg/kg/day) and normal saline as controls. The activities of EM (1000 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day p.o) on reproductive hormones and organs were also studied using estradiol valerat (100 mg/kg/day p.o), progesterone (10 mg/kg/day s.c.), and normal saline as controls. The extract did not induce any observable toxic effect after 24 h. At 1000 mg/kg, the extract significantly shortened the estrus cycle (P

Frauen erkranken in ihrem Leben etwa doppelt so häufig an einer schweren Depression wie Männer. Auch bezüglich Krankheitsverlauf, Komorbiditäten und Therapieansprechen bestehen geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede. Gegenstand dieser Arbeit war es, den Einfluss reproduktiver Events auf affektive Störungen zu untersuchen. Neben einer zusammenfassenden Darstellung der aktuellen Datenlage, wurde eine Befragung an 100 Patientinnen durchgeführt, die sich aktuell wegen einer depressiven Episode in psychiatrischer Behandlung befanden. Erfasst wurden psychische Alterationen in Bezug auf den Reproduktionszyklus, sowie deren Auswirkung auf den Verlauf der affektiven Erkrankung. In dem vorliegenden Patientenkollektiv bestanden deutliche Zusammenhänge zwischen der affektiven Störung und spezifischen Events des Reproduktionszyklus: 69% wiesen eine prämenstruelle Symptomatik, 60,3% eine postpartale und 75,5% eine perimenopausale psychische Symptomatik auf. Es bestand eine deutliche Korrelation zwischen den Events Prämenstruum und Perimenopause. Bei der depressiven Episode in der Perimenopause handelte es sich meist um ein Rezidiv einer vorbestehenden affektiven Erkrankung, das aber häufig besonders schwer ausgeprägt war. Postpartal wiesen viele der Patientinnen eine erste depressive Symptomatik geringeren Ausmaßes auf. Bei Patientinnen mit psychischen Alterationen in mehreren Events des Reproduktionszyklus, lag am häufigsten eine bipolare affektive Erkrankung vor. Auch zeigten diese Patientinnen häufig impulsive Verhaltensweisen. Es konnte aufgezeigt werden, dass Prämenstruum, Postpartum und Perimenopause Phasen erhöhter Vulnerabilität für das Auftreten einer depressiven Symptomatik darstellen. In der Gruppe der affektiven Störungen besteht für Patientinnen mit einer bipolaren Erkrankung das höchste Risiko. Die depressiven Episoden, die in Abhängigkeit zu einem reproduktiven Event auftreten, unterscheiden sich in ihrer Symptomatik nicht grundlegend von Episoden in reproduktions- unabhängigen Lebensphasen. Doch bedingen die Events spezifische Charakteristika, die sich auf Diagnose und Therapie auswirken können. Eine weiterführende Forschung auf dem Gebiet frauenspezifischer Aspekte affektiver Erkrankungen kann somit einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Verbesserung von Therapie und Betreuung betroffener Patientinnen im klinischen Alltag leisten., Women are twice as prone as men to depression. Gender differences exist also in course of illness, resistance to antidepressant and comorbidity. Varying sexual hormone levels across the lifespan may contribute to women’s vulnerability to mood disorders and major depression. Aim of the study was to examine the relationship of reproductive cycle to affective disorders. We evaluated reproductive events as risk factor for mood changes, associations among and unique characteristics of reproductive cycle event – related depressed episodes. 100 women in treatment for depression according to ICD-10 were screened for interaction between reproductive events and mood disorders. In the study population most of the patients reported mood changes associated to the reproductive cycle: 69% in premenstrual, 60,3% in postpartal and 75,5% in perimenopausal period. We found a strong direct correlation for ratings of depressive episodes in the premenstrual and perimenopausal period. Perimenopausal depression was more severe than postpartal depression. Patients with bipolar illness showed the highest risk to develop a mood disorder in different reproductive cycle events. Premenstruum, Postpartum and menopausal transition are considered periods of special vulnerability to mood disorders. So there may be a subgroup of women with a specific vulnerability to reproductive cycle event-related depression. Depressed episodes associated to the reproductive cycle do not show unique characteristics. However a depressive episode associated to women’s reproductive cycle may cause specific diagnosis and therapy options. Further studies are needed to confirm the role of reproductive cycle in mood disorders in order to improve therapy options and care of affected women.

International audience; OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to examine evidence for the role of hormonal changes in the onset and course of depressive symptomatology and to assess the possible future role of hormonal therapies in the treatment of depression. METHODS: A Medline and PsycINFO search of the literature published between 1965 and 2006 was made of studies of depressive symptoms and hormonal treatment in women at all stages of reproductive life. RESULTS: The cyclic fluctuation of gonadal steroids at menarche coincides with the beginning of gender-based differences in depression rates, which continue throughout reproductive life until menopause. Modifications in hormonal status, whether related to endogenous or exogenous exposure or to hormone deprivation, appear to be associated with affective disorder in a subgroup of women. For these women, a growing body of evidence indicates a biological pattern of vulnerability to mood disorders in response to hormonal fluctuations. This could have three major implications: that women vary in vulnerability to mood disorder when abrupt change in steroid levels occur, that these effects could be cumulative across the female life span, and that women do not arrive at menopause with equal risk of mood disorders or equal susceptibility to the effects of hormonal replacement therapy as has been assumed by current clinical research and practice. CONCLUSION: While hormonal therapies could have positive effects in the treatment and prevention of depressive disorders, further research is required to differentiate hormone-responsive subgroups of women for whom specific hormonal treatments may be most beneficial. To this end, we suggest that a multifactorial model of cumulative vulnerability, which takes into account hormonal exposure throughout life, genetic vulnerability, and environmental factors, may provide better prediction of treatment response.

International audience; OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to examine evidence for the role of hormonal changes in the onset and course of depressive symptomatology and to assess the possible future role of hormonal therapies in the treatment of depression. METHODS: A Medline and PsycINFO search of the literature published between 1965 and 2006 was made of studies of depressive symptoms and hormonal treatment in women at all stages of reproductive life. RESULTS: The cyclic fluctuation of gonadal steroids at menarche coincides with the beginning of gender-based differences in depression rates, which continue throughout reproductive life until menopause. Modifications in hormonal status, whether related to endogenous or exogenous exposure or to hormone deprivation, appear to be associated with affective disorder in a subgroup of women. For these women, a growing body of evidence indicates a biological pattern of vulnerability to mood disorders in response to hormonal fluctuations. This could have three major implications: that women vary in vulnerability to mood disorder when abrupt change in steroid levels occur, that these effects could be cumulative across the female life span, and that women do not arrive at menopause with equal risk of mood disorders or equal susceptibility to the effects of hormonal replacement therapy as has been assumed by current clinical research and practice. CONCLUSION: While hormonal therapies could have positive effects in the treatment and prevention of depressive disorders, further research is required to differentiate hormone-responsive subgroups of women for whom specific hormonal treatments may be most beneficial. To this end, we suggest that a multifactorial model of cumulative vulnerability, which takes into account hormonal exposure throughout life, genetic vulnerability, and environmental factors, may provide better prediction of treatment response.