Androgenic Sex Hormone Research Articles

Association of endogenous sex hormone levels with tooth loss due to periodontitis in men and post-menopausal women: Themulti-ethnic study of atherosclerosis.

To investigate the association between endogenous sex hormone levels and history of tooth loss related to periodontitis in healthy middle-aged to older men and post-menopausal women. This cross-sectional study included 5649 participants aged 45-84 (mean age, 63 ± 10 years) from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis cohort who had sex hormone levels measured and answered a questionnaire regarding perceived periodontal status at exam 1. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association of sex hormones (exposure) with history of tooth loss (outcome), stratified by sex. Among post-menopausal women, higher free testosterone (per 1SD) was associated with a greater prevalence of tooth loss [OR 1.49 (95% CI, 1.08-2.05)], whereas higher sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) was associated with a lower prevalence of tooth loss [OR 0.74 (0.58-0.94)], after adjustment for cardiometabolic risk factors and reproductive factors. In men, higher free testosterone and lower SHBG were associated with a lower prevalent probability of tooth loss in unadjusted analysis, but these associations lost significance after covariate adjustment. A higher androgenic sex hormone profile in post-menopausal women (i.e., increased free testosterone, lower SHBG) was associated with an increased prevalence of tooth loss, after adjusting cardiometabolic risk factors. No such association was found in men. These findings suggest that sex hormones may influence or serve as a marker for periodontal health.

Genetically predicted androgenic profiles and adverse cardiac markers: a sex-specific Mendelian randomization study.

Observational evidence suggests associations between sex hormone levels and heart failure (HF). We used sex-specific genetic variants associated with androgenic sex hormone profiles to investigate the causal relevance of androgenic sex hormone profiles on cardiac structure and function and HF using Mendelian randomization (MR). Sex-specific uncorrelated genome-wide significant (P<5×10-8 ) variants predicting sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), total testosterone, and bioavailable testosterone were extracted from summary statistics of genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 425097 participants in the UK Biobank. Sex-specific gene-outcome association estimates were computed for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (LVEDV and LVESV, respectively), left ventricular stroke volume (LVSV), cardiac index, and cardiac output in 11528 female and 14356 male UK Biobank Imaging Study participants and for incident or prevalent HF in an external cohort of 47309 cases and 930014 controls. Inverse-variance weighted MR was the primary analysis method. In females, higher genetically predicted bioavailable testosterone was associated with lower LVEDV [β per nmol/L=-0.11 (-0.19 to -0.03), P=0.006], lower LVESV [β=-0.09 (-0.17 to -0.01), P=0.022], lower LVSV [β=-0.11 (-0.18 to -0.03), P=0.005], lower cardiac output [β=-0.08 (-0.16 to 0.00), P=0.046], and lower cardiac index [β=-0.08 (-0.16 to -0.01), P=0.034] and a higher risk of HF [odds ratio 1.10 (1.01-1.19), P=0.026] on external validation analysis in larger scale, sex-adjusted GWAS data. Higher genetically predicted SHBG was associated with higher LVEDV [β per nmol/L=0.17 (0.08-0.25), P=2×10-4 ], higher LVESV [β=0.13 (0.05-0.22), P=0.003], and higher LVSV [β=0.18 (0.08-0.28), P=2×10-4 ]. In males, higher genetically predicted total and bioavailable testosterone was associated with lower LVESV [β=-0.07 (-0.12 to -0.02), P=0.007] and LVEF [β=-0.11 (-0.18 to -0.04), P=0.003], respectively. This study supports a causal effect of pro-androgenic sex hormone profiles in females on adverse markers of left ventricular structure and function typically associated with HF with preserved ejection fraction and with HF. There was weaker evidence of association in males.

Associations between endogenous sex hormone levels and adipokine levels in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Differences in sex hormone levels contribute to differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Adipokines play a role in cardiometabolic pathways and have differing associations with CVD. Adipokine levels differ by sex; however, the association between sex hormone profiles and adipokines is not well established. We hypothesized that a more androgenic sex hormone profile would be associated with higher leptin and resistin and lower adiponectin levels among postmenopausal women, with the opposite associations in men. We performed an analysis of 1,811 adults in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis who had both sex hormones and adipokines measured an average of 2.6 years apart. Sex hormones [Testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)] were measured at exam 1; free T was estimated. Serum adipokines (leptin, resistin, adiponectin) were measured at exams 2 or 3. We used multivariable linear regression to examine the cross-sectional associations between sex hormones and adipokines. The mean (SD) age was 63 (10) years, 48% were women; 59% non-White participants. For leptin, after adjusting for demographics only, higher free T and lower SHBG, were associated with higher leptin in women; this association was attenuated after further covariate adjustment. However in men, higher free T and lower SHBG were associated with greater leptin levels in fully adjusted models. For adiponectin, lower free T and higher SHBG were associated with greater adiponectin in both women and men after adjustment for CVD risk factors. For resistin, no significant association was found women, but an inverse association with total T and bioT was seen in men. Overall, these results further suggest a more androgenic sex profile (higher free T and lower SHBG) is associated with a less favorable adipokine pattern. These findings may provide mechanistic insight into the interplay between sex hormones, adipokines, and CVD risk.

Parity History and Later Life Sex Hormone Levels in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

BackgroundMultiparity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). A more androgenic sex hormone profile, with a higher testosterone (T)/estradiol (E2) ratio, is associated with worse CVD outcomes in women and might be one mechanism linking multiparity to increased CVD risk. We investigated the relationship between parity and sex hormones at mid-to-older age. MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional analysis of 2979 women with data on parity and endogenous sex hormone levels from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a community-based cohort. Parity and gravidity (our exposures) were categorized as 0 (reference), 1-2, 3-4, or ≥ 5. Our outcome measures were T, E2, sex hormone binding globulin, dehydroepiandrosterone, and T/E2 ratio. Progressively adjusted linear regression was used to evaluate the association of parity/gravidity with sex hormones. ResultsIn multivariable adjusted models, there were no significant associations of parity with E2, dehydroepiandrosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin. Compared with nulliparity, after adjustment for CVD risk factors, women with 1-2 and 3-4 live births had higher T, but this was not significant for grand multiparity (≥ 5 live births). However, grand multigravidity (≥ 5 pregnancies) was associated with 10% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1%-20%) higher T and 14% (95% CI, 1%-29%) higher T/E2, compared with null gravidity. Grand multiparity was associated with an 18% (95% CI, 4%-34%) higher T/E2 ratio compared with nulliparity, after adjustment for CVD risk factors. ConclusionsIn this multiethnic cohort, women with grand multigravidity and grand multiparity had higher T/E2 levels, reflecting a more androgenic sex hormone profile. Longitudinal studies on sex hormones’ influence on the relationship between multiparity and CVD are warranted.

Associations between endogenous sex hormones and FGF-23 among women and men in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Elevated levels of testosterone and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) are both independently associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the relationship between sex hormones and FGF-23 is not well established. We explored the association between sex hormones and FGF-23 among middle-aged to older men and women in MESA. We studied 3,052 men and 2,868 postmenopausal women free of CVD at the time of enrollment with baseline serum sex hormones [total testosterone (T), free T, estradiol (E2) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)] and intact FGF-23. In sex-stratified analyses, we examined the cross-sectional associations between log-transformed sex hormones (per 1 SD) and log-transformed FGF-23 using multiple linear regression adjusted for socio-demographics, CVD risk factors, estimated glomerular filtration rate and mineral metabolites (25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone). The mean (SD) age of study participants was 64 (10) years. The median (IQR) of FGF-23 was similar in women and men [38 (30–46) vs 38 (31–47) pg/mL]. In adjusted analyses, among women, 1 SD increment in free T was associated with 3% higher FGF-23 while SHBG was associated with 2% lower FGF-23. In men, 1 SD increment in E2 was associated with 6% higher FGF-23 whereas total T/E2 ratio was associated with 7% lower FGF-23. In conclusion, this exploratory analysis found that a more androgenic sex hormone profile was directly associated with FGF-23 in women and inversely associated with FGF-23 in men. Longitudinal studies are required to determine whether FGF-23 mediates the relationship between sex hormones and CVD risk.

Abstract P219: Associations Between Endogenous Sex Hormone Levels And Adipokine Levels In The Multi-ethnic Study Of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Background: Differences in sex hormone levels contribute to sex differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Adipokines, which are central to cardiometabolic disease, differ by sex and have divergent associations with CVD. However the link between sex hormones and adipokines is not well established. We hypothesized that an androgenic sex hormone profile is associated with higher leptin &amp; resistin and lower adiponectin levels among postmenopausal women and men. Methods: We performed an analysis of 1822 adults in MESA who had sex hormones and adipokines measured. Sex hormones [Testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)] were measured at exam 1; free T was estimated. Serum adipokines [leptin, resistin, adiponectin] were measured at visits 2 or 3, an average of 2.6 yrs later. We used multivariable linear regression to examine the cross-sectional associations between sex hormones and adipokines. Results: The mean age was 63 (10), 48% were women; 41% White, 13% Chinese American, 20% Black, 26% Hispanic. Leptin: After adjusting for demographics (model 1), higher free T &amp; E2 and lower SHBG were associated with greater leptin levels in women and men; higher DHEA was associated with lower leptin in men ( Table ). With full covariate adjustment (model 3), this remained statistically significant for E2 &amp; SHBG in women and for DHEA in men. Adiponectin: With demographic adjustment, higher free T, E2, DHEA &amp; lower SHBG were associated with lower adiponectin in women, and higher free T &amp; lower SHBG with lower adiponectin in men. After full covariate adjustment, these same relationships were slightly attenuated but remained significant for women and men. Resistin: no association in either sex. Conclusion: A more androgenic profile (higher free T &amp; lower SHBG) was independently associated with lower adiponectin in men and women. Higher E2 &amp; lower SHBG in women, and lower DHEA in men, were associated with leptin. These findings may provide mechanistic insight into the interplay between sex hormones, adipokines and CVD risk.

Adaptive potential of cardiovascular system and its relationship with sex hormones and dopamine levels in women of Arkhangelsk Oblast and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug

Aim.To assess the adaptive potential of cardiovascular system in female population of the Russian Arctic territory and its relationship with sex hormones and dopamine levels.Material and methods.The study involved 253 women living in European North (Arkhangelsk Oblast) and Asian North (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug), who were divided into groups of fertile (n=58 and n=70, respectively) and postmenopausal women (n=59 and n=66, respectively). Enzyme immunoassay of serum was used to determine the levels of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones (LH), progesterone, prolactin, total and free testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin. In plasma, dopamine level was identified. Adaptive potential (AP) was estimated according to R. M. Baevsky method.Results.A significant disadaptation was revealed in residents of Asian North compared to European North as follows: the proportion of persons with poor adaptation increases from 16% in European North to 26% in Asian North in fertile women, while the proportion of persons with adaptation failure increases from 9 to 23% in postmenopausal women. The strongest relationships between hormonal parameters and AP level were found in postmenopausal women: in European North, adaptation impairment is associated with higher levels of testosterone at lower concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, LH and sex hormone-binding globulin; in Asian North, adaptation failure is associated with lower values of LH, prolactin, testosterone, and dopamine.Conclusion.A greater AP impairment, which characterizes cardiovascular system adaptation, was noted among Asian North residents. We revealed significant relationships between cardiovascular function and hormonal parameters. In European North residents, poor adaptation is associated with a more androgenic sex hormone profile, while in Asian North — with lower values of LH, prolactin, testosterone and dopamine.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension – Where are we now?

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (previously known as pseudotumor cerebri or benign intracranial hypertension) is a syndrome of increased intracranial pressure of unclear etiology that most often occurs in women of childbearing age, although it can also occur in men, children, and older adults. Most patients are overweight or obese with a history of recent weight gain. Papilledema is the hallmark clinical sign and, if severe and untreated, can result in irreversible vision loss. Recent population studies in the USA have found that the annual incidence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension is increasing in association with obesity rates, while recent scientific studies indicate a possible role for androgen sex hormones and adipose tissue in the pathogenesis of the disease. The main goals of treatment are to preserve vision and alleviate symptoms, which can usually be achieved using a combination of weight loss, medical therapies, and surgical interventions. Prospective clinical trials have found benefit from weight loss, acetazolamide, and topiramate in the management of mild to moderate severity disease. However, the indications for surgical intervention, optimal timing and choice of intervention, and their long-term outcomes remain unclear due to a lack of prospective and controlled clinical trials evaluating surgical interventions for idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Abstract P178: The Association Between Multiparity And Endogenous Sex Hormone Levels In The Multi-ethnic Study Of Atherosclerosis (mesa)

Introduction: Parity is a risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events in women compared to nulliparity. A more androgenic sex hormone profile, with increased testosterone to estrogen ratio, is associated with worse cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in women and may be one mechanism that links a history of multiparity with future increased CVD risk. Given this, we investigated the relationship between parity and sex hormone levels. Methods: We studied 3,003 female MESA participants (ages 45-84 years and free of CVD) with complete data on parity and endogenous sex hormone levels at the baseline visit (2000 - 2002). Parity (number of live births) was categorized as 0 (reference), 1-2, 3-4, or ≥5. Progressively adjusted linear regression models were used to evaluate the association of parity categories with log-transformed levels of testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and testosterone to estradiol (T/E2) ratio. Results: Mean (SD) age at the baseline MESA visit was 65 (9) years. Median sex hormone levels by parity group are shown in the Table . There were no significant associations of parity with E2, DHEA, and SHBG levels in multivariable-adjusted models. Compared to nulliparity, women with 1-2 and 3-4 live births had higher testosterone levels even after adjustment for CVD risk factors, but this was not significant for ≥5 live births. On the other hand, grand multiparity (≥5 live births) was associated with a higher T/E2 ratio compared to nulliparity, even after full covariate adjustment including demographics, lifestyle factors, CVD risk factors and medications. Conclusions: In a multiethnic US cohort of women, a history of grand multiparity is associated with a more androgenic sex hormone profile defined by higher T/E2 ratio at middle to older ages. The clinical significance of this is uncertain. Further longitudinal studies evaluating whether sex hormones influence the relationship between multiparity and CVD are warranted.

A systematic review of the small molecule studies of osteoarthritis using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy

To perform a systematic review of the small molecule metabolism studies of osteoarthritis utilising nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) or mass spectroscopy (MS) analysis (viz., metabolomics or metabonomics), thereby providing coherent conclusions and reference material for future study. We applied PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO 95068) with the following MESH terms: 1. "osteoarthritis" AND ("metabolic" OR "metabonomic" OR "metabolomic" OR "metabolism") 2. ("synovial fluid" OR "cartilage" OR "synovium" OR "serum" OR "plasma" OR "urine") AND ("NMR" or "Mass Spectroscopy"). Databases searched were "Medline" and "Embase". Studies were searched in English and excluded review articles not containing original research. Study outcomes were significant or notable metabolites, species (human or animal) and the Newcastle-Ottawa Score. In the 27 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, there was a shift towards anaerobic and fatty acid metabolism in OA disease, although whether this represents the inflammatory state remains unclear. Lipid structure and composition was altered within disease subclasses including phosphatidyl choline (PC) and the sphingomyelins. Macromolecular proteoglycan destruction was described, but the correlation to disease factors was not demonstrated. Collated results suggested arachidonate signalling pathways and androgen sex hormones as future metabolic pathways for investigation. Our meta-analysis demonstrates significant small molecule differences between sample types, between species (such as human and bovine), with potential OA biomarkers and targets for local or systemic therapies. Studies were limited by numbers and a lack of disease correlation. Future studies should use NMR and MS analysis to further investigate large population subgroups including inflammatory arthropathy, OA subclasses, age and joint differences.

Androgens modulate glucocorticoid receptor activity in adipose tissue and liver.

Glucocorticoid signaling is context-dependent, and in certain scenarios glucocorticoid receptors (GR) are able to engage with other members of the nuclear receptor subfamily. Glucocorticoid signaling can exert sexually dimorphic effects, suggesting a possible interaction with androgen sex hormones. We therefore set out to determine the crosstalk between glucocorticoids and androgens in metabolic tissues including white adipose tissue, liver and brown adipose tissue. Thereto we exposed male C57BL/6J mice to elevated levels of corticosterone in combination with an androgen receptor (AR) agonist or an AR antagonist. Systemic and local glucocorticoid levels were determined by mass spectrometry, tissue expression of glucocorticoid-responsive genes and protein was measured by RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively. To evaluate crosstalk in vitro, cultured white and brown adipocytes were exposed to a combination of corticosterone and an androgen agonist. We found that AR agonism potentiated transcriptional response to GR in vitro in white and brown adipocytes and in vivo in white and brown adipose tissue. Conversely, AR antagonism substantially attenuated glucocorticoid signaling in white adipose tissue and liver. In white adipose tissue this effect could partially be attributed to decreased 11B-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1-mediated glucocorticoid regeneration upon AR antagonism. In liver, attenuated GR activity was independent of active glucocorticoid ligand levels. We conclude that androgen signaling modulates GR transcriptional output in a tissue-specific manner.

Sex Hormones and Change in N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Sex hormones may influence sex differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD). N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a predictor of CVD, is higher in women than men, which may relate to sex hormones. To evaluate whether total testosterone (T), bioavailable T, free T, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and SHBG are associated with NT-proBNP. Cohort study. Cross-sectional sample included 2371 postmenopausal women and 2688 men free of CVD, of which 2041 women and 2348 men were included longitudinally. NT-proBNP at baseline (2000 to 2002) and one or more repeat NT-proBNPs (through 2012). Analyses adjusted for CVD risk factors. Women had higher NT-proBNP than men (median 79.9 vs 38.5 pg/mL). Cross-sectionally, higher bioavailable T, free T, DHEA, and lower SHBG levels were independently associated with lower NT-proBNP among both women and men (all P < 0.05). Higher total T in women and estradiol in men were also associated with lower NT-proBNP (both P < 0.05). Longitudinally, in women, higher total T, bioavailable T, free T, DHEA, and lower estradiol and SHBG were associated with greater 10-year increase in NT-proBNP (all P < 0.05). In men, higher free T and estradiol were associated with greater NT-proBNP increase (both P < 0.05). A more androgenic sex hormone pattern was inversely associated with NT-proBNP cross-sectionally and may contribute to sex differences in NT-proBNP. Longitudinally, a more androgenic sex hormone pattern was associated with greater increase in NT-proBNP in women, which may reflect a mechanism for CVD risk after menopause.

Abstract P054: Endogenous Sex Hormone Levels and Endothelial Function Among Men and Post-Menopausal Women in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Background: Sex is a major determinant of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Endogenous sex hormones exert a variety of effects on the vascular endothelium, and changes in sex hormone levels after menopause may play a role in CVD risk in women. We hypothesized that a more androgenic sex hormone profile among post-menopausal women, but not among men, would be associated with reduced blood flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, a marker of worse endothelial function. Methods: We examined 1396 post-menopausal women and 1707 men participating in MESA, who were free of clinical CVD at baseline. Sex hormone levels [total testosterone (T), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol (E2)] were measured at Exam 1 (2000-02); free T and T/E2 ratio were calculated. FMD was measured by high-resolution ultrasound. Using multivariable adjusted Poisson and linear regression methods, we tested the cross-sectional associations of sex hormones (log transformed) with FMD. Results: The mean age of men and women was 61 and 64 years, respectively. Of women, 34% were using hormone therapy (HT). Among women, after adjusting for demographics, CVD risk factors, and HT use, higher SHBG was associated with higher FMD, whereas higher free T was associated with lower FMD (Table, Model 2). In women, when examining the “best FMD response” (top decile vs. bottom 9 deciles), higher E2 was positively associated with a prevalent best response, whereas higher free T was inversely associated. Among men, a higher T/E2 ratio was marginally associated with lower FMD. Conclusion: The association between sex hormones and FMD differs in men and women. Higher E2 and SHBG and lower free T levels were associated with better FMD in post-menopausal women but not in men. Higher T/E2 ratio was associated with lower FMD in men. Further studies are needed to assess longitudinal changes in sex hormone levels and their association with vascular aging. Sex hormone levels may help identify individuals at increased CVD risk who may benefit from other risk reduction strategies.

Abstract P046: Sex Hormone Levels and 10-Year Change in N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Among Men and Post-Menopausal Women: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Background: The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) differs between men and women, and sex hormones are thought to play a key role. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a sensitive biomarker of ventricular wall stress and a strong predictor of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and heart failure (HF). It can thus be seen as an early marker of CVD. We evaluated whether sex hormones levels were associated with change in NT-proBNP concentrations over 10 years in MESA. Methods: We studied 2348 men and 2041 post-menopausal women. Serum testosterone (T), estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured at Exam 1 (2000-02); free T and bioavailable T were calculated. NT-proBNP was measured by Roche assay at Exam 1, plus Exam 3 (2004-05) and/or Exam 5 (2010-12). Multivariable-adjusted linear mixed effects models were used to study associations between sex hormone levels and change in NT-proBNP over an approximately 10-year period. Results: Mean (SD) age (years) at baseline was 65 (9) for women and 62 (10) for men. Women had higher NT-proBNP than men (median 76.6 vs 37.1 pg/ml). Among women, after adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and CVD risk factors, higher total T, bioavailable T, and free T were independently associated with a greater increase in NT-proBNP over 10 years, whereas estradiol and SHBG were inversely associated with change in NT-proBNP ( Table ). When sex hormones were analyzed together in the same model, total T was positively associated and SHBG was inversely associated with change in NT-proBNP. In men, higher estradiol was associated with greater 10-year increase in NT-proBNP. These associations were preserved after excluding individuals with ejection fraction &lt;50%. Conclusion: A more androgenic sex hormone profile in post-menopausal women and a more estrogenic profile in men were independently associated with 10-year change in NT-proBNP levels. Sex hormone patterns may thus explain in part sex differences in the development of CVD and HF.

Development of Novel Immunosenser System for Sex Determination of Fish

Aquaculture development of some important farmed fish, which have great economic and cultural importance, is key due to the decline of wild populations. While in captivity, fry production relies on the spontaneous formation of male and female pairs. Sex determination of these types of fish is not possible based on morphologic criteria, however, and it is very difficult to optimize reproduction conditions and fry production in each pond, which seriously hampers the culture of this species. Therefore, we developed sexing methodologies based on the determination of 11-ketotestosterone (11-kt) levels as an important androgenic sex hormone in immature juveniles. Detection methods such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, are too time consuming and complex for their practical application in the aquaculture setting. Thus, a simple and rapid method of detecting 11-kt for early determination of fish sex is desired. Here we describe a label-free immunosensor system that detects 11-kt levels in fish with high sensitivity. Detection of 11-kt using cyclic voltammetry is achieved by immobilizing both anti-rabbit IgG antibody (high efficiency and recovery rate binding anti-11-kt antibody) and anti-11-kt antibody (selective detection of 11-kt) on an Au electrode (diameter: 3 mm) with a self-assembled monolayer. The principle of the system is based on the maximum oxidation peak current change induced by the generation of a nonconductive antigen-antibody complex, which depends on the levels of 11-kt in the sample. The effects of temperature and pH on the CV oxidation peak current change were tested. We found that the highest current reduction (optimal immune response conditions) occurred at pH 7.5 and 25℃. The immunosensor showed a response to 11-kt levels, and the oxidation peak current linearly decreased in the range of 0.125 - 0.750 ng ml-1 (R=0.9871) as shown in Figure. A good correlation between the 11-kt concentration and sensor current change was found and it only takes about 10 min for electrochemical measurement of one sample. The specificity of the label-free immunosensor system was investigated using other steroid hormones, such as testosterone. The specific detection of 11-kt was suggested by a minimal change from -1.1 to 0.8 % in the anodic peak value of the other steroid hormones. These findings suggest that the proposed label-free immunosensor could be useful for rapid and convenient analysis of 11-kt levels in fish. Figure 1

A Crayfish Insulin-like-binding Protein: ANOTHER PIECE IN THE ANDROGENIC GLAND INSULIN-LIKE HORMONE PUZZLE IS REVEALED

Across the animal kingdom, the involvement of insulin-like peptide (ILP) signaling in sex-related differentiation processes is attracting increasing attention. Recently, a gender-specific ILP was identified as the androgenic sex hormone in Crustacea. However, moieties modulating the actions of this androgenic insulin-like growth factor were yet to be revealed. Through molecular screening of an androgenic gland (AG) cDNA library prepared from the crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus, we have identified a novel insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP) termed Cq-IGFBP. Based on bioinformatics analyses, the deduced Cq-IGFBP was shown to share high sequence homology with IGFBP family members from both invertebrates and vertebrates. The protein also includes a sequence determinant proven crucial for ligand binding, which according to three-dimensional modeling is assigned to the exposed outer surface of the protein. Recombinant Cq-IGFBP (rCq-IGFBP) protein was produced and, using a "pulldown" methodology, was shown to specifically interact with the insulin-like AG hormone of the crayfish (Cq-IAG). Particularly, using both mass spectral analysis and an immunological tool, rCq-IGFBP was shown to bind the Cq-IAG prohormone. Furthermore, a peptide corresponding to residues 23-38 of the Cq-IAG A-chain was found sufficient for in vitro recognition by rCq-IGFBP. Cq-IGFBP is the first IGFBP family member shown to specifically interact with a gender-specific ILP. Unlike their ILP ligands, IGFBPs are highly conserved across evolution, from ancient arthropods, like crustaceans, to humans. Such conservation places ILP signaling at the center of sex-related phenomena in early animal development.

The impact of supervised weight loss and weight regain on the androgenic sex hormone profile: sex hormone binding globulin is the most sensitive marker of weight fluctuations

The impact of supervised weight loss and weight regain on the androgenic sex hormone profile: sex hormone binding globulin is the most sensitive marker of weight fluctuations

Metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is high across all age groups. Dyslipidemia, particularly a decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, also is common in women with PCOS.

The androgenic sex hormone profile is an essential feature of metabolic syndrome in premenopausal women: a controlled community-based study

Objective To evaluate sex hormones in premenopausal white women with metabolic syndrome (MBS). Design Cross-sectional controlled community-based study. Setting Pieksämäki District Health Center, Pieksämäki, Finland. Patient(s) Five hundred forty-three women, aged 34 to 54 years, were screened according to National Cholesterol Education Program criteria: waist >88 cm, hypertension ≥130/≥85 mm Hg, hypertriglyceridemia ≥1.7 mmol/L, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol <1.3 mmol/L, and fasting glucose ≥6.1 mmol/L. Sixty-three women fulfilled at least three of the above-mentioned criteria and were enrolled. Eighty-eight age-matched women without MBS served as controls. Intervention(s) None. Main outcome measure(s) Sex steroid levels in relation to insulin sensitivity and body composition. Result(s) A markedly lower insulin sensitivity index and higher free androgen index were detected in the women with MBS than in the controls. Abdominal obesity and increased diastolic blood pressure were significantly associated with high free androgen index in multiple regression analysis. Conclusion(s) A hyperandrogenic hormone profile appeared to be a typical feature of premenopausal female MBS even without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Associations of Body Mass and Fat Distribution with Sex Hormone Concentrations in Postmenopausal Women

The associations of body mass and body fat distribution, as measured by waist-to-hip circumference ratio, with serum concentrations of sex hormones and sex hormone binding globulin were examined in 88 postmenopausal women. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly and negatively associated with sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) (r = -0.41), luteinizing hormone (LH) (r = -0.40) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (r = -0.38) and was also significantly positively associated with both total and free oestradiol (r = 0.40 and 0.45, respectively). Waist-to-hip circumference ratio was significantly negatively correlated with SHBG (r = -0.53), LH (r = -0.35), and FSH (r = -0.35). After adjustment for BMI and other related factors, waist-to-hip circumference ratio was significantly and negatively associated with SHBG, LH, and FSH, and demonstrated a significant curvilinear relationship with free testosterone. These results suggest that in postmenopausal women, abdominal adiposity is associated with a relatively more androgenic sex hormone profile.