Milk has long been known and used to promote sleep. The sleep-promoting effect of milk has been attributed to its psychological associations (i.e., the memory of a mother giving milk at bedtime) and its rich store of sleep-promoting constituents (e.g., tryptophan). Studies have shown that milk harvested at night (Night milk) contains exceptionally high amounts of tryptophan and melatonin. In the present study, we evaluated the psychopharmacological properties of Night milk, particularly its probable sleep-promoting/enhancing, and anxiolytic effects. Night milk was orally administered to ICR mice at various concentrations (100, 200, or 300 mg/kg). An hour after administration, assessment of its sedative (open-field and rotarod tests) and sedative sleep-potentiating effects (pentobarbital-induced sleeping test) was conducted. For comparison, the effects of Day milk (daytime milking) were also assessed. In addition, the effects of Night milk on anxiety behavior (elevated plus maze [EPM] test) and electroencephalographic (EEG) waves were evaluated. Night milk-treated animals exhibited decreased spontaneous locomotion (open-field test) and impaired motor balance and coordination (rotarod test). Furthermore, Night milk shortened the sleep onset and prolonged the sleep duration induced by pentobarbital sodium. These effects were comparable to that of diazepam. In addition, Night milk significantly increased the percentage of time spent and entries into the open arms of the EPM, indicating that it also has anxiolytic effects. No significant changes in EEG waves were observed. Altogether, these findings suggest that Night milk is a promising natural aid for sleep-and anxiety-related disturbances.

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Introduction:In assisted reproduction technique cycles, controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) leads to supraphysiological levels of steroid hormone secretion and the subsequent need for luteal phase support (LPS). Therefore, existing data on the steroid secretion profile in the luteal phase of spontaneous conception cycles and its predictive value for pregnancy outcome need to be discussed against the background of preceding COS. The clinical significance of luteal phase hormones, such as estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4), in predicting pregnancy after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is still poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of midluteal serum E2 and P4 level in predicting successful pregnancy in patients undergoing IVF/ICSI. Materials and methods:One hundred fifteen women were recruited for the study. They were given gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was administered if at least three follicles were more than 18 mm in size. Transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval followed by ICSI and embryo transfer (ET) was done. Post-ET, all women had same LPS. The E2 and P4 measurements were done at day of ET (day 0) and 9 days post-ET (day 9). Levels of E2 and P4 were compared between those who subsequently became pregnant and those who could not achieve pregnancy. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.Results: Forty-six (40%) achieved pregnancy. The E2 and P4 levels on day 9 were significantly higher in those who achieved pregnancy (p < 0.01). Out of 46 pregnancies, 38 were ongoing viable pregnancies. Conclusion:Luteal phase E2 and P4 can be used as prognostic marker to predict pregnancy in IVF/ICSI cycles. Keywords:Midluteal estrogen and progesterone levels, Pregnancy outcome in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles, Prospective study.ijifm ORiGiNAL ARTiCLE

To compare the effectiveness of recombinant gonadotropin versus the combination of recombinant follicle stimulating hormone and highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin versus urinary human menopausal gonadotropin alone for ovarian stimulation in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment cycles Pratibha Vishwakarma*, Kundavi Shankar, Indumathi Joy, Thankam R. Varma INTRODUCTIONIn the last decade the number of gonadotropins available for ovulation induction and controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) has rapidly expanded. In addition to the introduction of various types of recombinant (r) preparations such as r FSH (a and b), r LH and r CG, better human-derived gonadotropins have also entered the market. Highly purified (HP) hMG is the latest addition to this family of infertility drugs. The purification process of HP hMG allows its administration through the subcutaneous route with an incidence of local cutaneous reactions comparable with recombinant products. A recent large multicentre trial comparing HP hMG with rFSHa in 727 treatment cycles has shown that these two drugs appear to be equally effective when employed in Methods: This retrospective study includes total of 371 fresh, non-donor, IVF cycles with COS excluding PCOS, endometriosis and poor ovarian reserve patients. To minimize the bias, only the first cycle for each patient below 40 years old, in one year period (Jan 2014 to Dec 2014) was analyzed. This selection comprised of respondents in 3 groups i.e. rFSH n= 132, HP-HMG +rFSH, n=141 and uHMG, n=98. The primary outcome studied as the result of COS are the mean number of retrieved oocytes and mature oocytes, fertilization rate, mean number of good quality embryos, and -cryopreserved embryos. The secondary outcome was the clinical pregnancy rates and the delivery rates. Results:The current studies do not demonstrate significant differences in duration and dosage of gonadotropins required and clinical outcome of treatment in patients in all 3 groups. We found significant higher E2 levels &better quality oocytes an embryo in patients treated with uHMG and combination groups & significantly increased number of cryopreserved embryos in uHMG group. Lower cancellation rates in rFSH group and HMG group. OHSS rates were similar in all 3 groups. Conclusions: Treatment with uHMG or with combination could achieve the same results and reduce the whole cost of stimulation in comparison with rFSH