Regulation of the reproductive cycle and early pregnancy by relaxin family peptides

The relaxin family of peptide hormones are structurally closely related to one another sharing a heterodimeric A–B structure, like that of insulin. They may also be active as unprocessed B–C–A pro-forms. Relaxin has been shown to pay a key role within the ovary, being involved in follicle growth, and ovulation. Relaxin is produced in large amounts also by the corpus luteum where it acts as an endocrine hormone positively affecting implantation, placentation and vascularization during the all-important first trimester phase of pregnancy establishment. Relaxin exerts its functions via the receptor RXFP1. Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) in contrast acts through the related receptor RXFP2, and plays an essential role in the production of androgens within growing antral follicles. INSL3 is also produced in large amounts by the male fetus shortly after sex determination, where it controls the first transabdominal phase of testicular descent. However, this fetal INSL3 is also able to influence placental and maternal physiology, indicating associations with later preeclampsia and/or fetal growth restriction. Other members of this relaxin-like family of peptides, such as INSL4, INSL5 and INSL6 are less well studied, though all suggest modulatory roles in ovarian and/or placental function

I Do\u27 X 2: the Stain of Mormon Polygamy

This study investigates The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), known as Mormons, and their struggle for acceptance in nineteenth-century America. Specifically, this paper defends the Mormonsà justification of polygamy underscored by the principles, revelation and perfect obedience. While United States law and culture confronted this practice with disapproval, Mormons used the legal system to argue that polygamy was necessary for compliance of their religious law. Due to Mormonsà embrace of polygamy, their integration into society slowed. The LDS image grew tainted as they fought to maintain plural marriage. As Mormons became further estranged, the United States revoked their citizen rights. In turn, in 1890, Mormons began a deconstruction of polygamy that transformed the Church. Their renouncement of this practice eased their progress on American soil; however, Mormons continue to battle with contemporary misconceptions about their polygamous history. As Mormon fundamentalist groups continue to practice polygamy, mainstream LDS members aim to separate themselves from their history. Because of this contentious history and ongoing debate, it is important to understand the roots and justification of this controversial interpretation of religious beauty. Ultimately, this paperÃs exploration arrives at two present-day questions: How can Mormons find closure with their polygamous past? Furthermore, as the United States deals with emerging polygamous groups, how can civil law handle communities that embrace plural marriage under religion today? Through this study of Mormon belief and struggle within the United States, I propose several ways to resolve the situation

Antral follicle count in normal (fertility-proven) and infertile Indian women

Background: Antral follicle count (AFC) has been labeled as the most accurate biomarker to assess female fecundity. Unfortunately, no baseline Indian data exists, and we continue using surrogate values from the Western literature (inferred from studies on women, grossly different than Indian women in morphology and genetic makeup). Aims: (1) To establish the role of AFC as a function of ovarian reserve in fertility-proven and in subfertile Indian women. (2) To establish baseline cut-off AFC values for Indian women. Settings and Design: Prospective observational case-control study. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients undergoing workup for infertility were included and compared to equal number of controls (women with proven fertility). The basal ovarian volume and AFC were measured by endovaginal. USG the relevant clinical data and hormonal assays were charted for every patient. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS platform was used to perform the Student′s t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test for intergroup comparisons. Correlations were determined by Pearson′s ranked correlation coefficient. Results: Regression analysis revealed the highest correlation of AFC and age in fertile and infertile patients with difference in mean AFC of both the groups. Comparison of the data recorded for cases and controls showed no significant difference in the mean ovarian volume. Conclusions: AFC has the closest association with chronological age in normal and infertile Indian women. The same is lower in infertile women than in matched controls. Baseline and cut-off values in Indian women are lower than that mentioned in the Western literature