Changes In Hormone Levels Research Articles

Study on assessment of reproductive hormones in male patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus

The process and viability of fertility are put at risk by diabetes mellitus, which also causes hyperglycemia. Males who experience hypogonadism or anxiety may find it difficult to feel sexually exhilarated. This study included 79 healthy controls and 158 male patients with diabetes mellitus (85) with type 1 (T1DM) and (73) with type 2 (T2DM), all of whom were between the ages of 20 and 49. Levels of reproductive hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T)), and prolactin (PRL) were all measured. The results showed notable variations in the levels of these hormones among patients of different ages. PRL levels were significantly elevated (p 0.05) in T1DM compared to T2DM in the age groups 20-29 and 30-39. Additionally, FSH and LH levels in all age groups were greatly increased in T1DM compared to T2DM, but T hormone levels were dramatically reduced in T1DM patients compared to T2DM patients. In contrast to T hormone, which showed a substantial reduction in patients with a disease duration of 11–15 years compared to a disease duration of 1–5 years, reproductive hormone levels and PRL in T1DM and T2DM patients did not differ significantly based on disease duration. Therefore, high levels of PRL hormone could increase the effect of DM, which in turn can affect the reproductive hormones due to age-related changes in hormone levels between (T1DM and T2DM) and a drop in T levels over the course of the disease.

Smooth muscle electromyography for detecting major alterations in the estrus cycle in rats.

Determining the female animal cycle is crucial in preclinical studies and animal husbandry. Changes in hormone levels during the cycle affect physiological responses, including altered contractility of the visceral smooth muscle. The study aimed to identify estrus and anestrus using smooth muscle electromyographic (SMEMG) measurements, in vivo fluorescent imaging (IVIS) and in vitro organ contractility of the uterus and cecum. The study involved sexually mature female Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 10-12 weeks. The rats received a daily injection of cetrorelix acetate solution for 7 days, while another group served as the control. The animals were subjected to gastrointestinal and myometrial SMEMG. The change in αvβ3 integrin activity was measured with IVIS in the abdominal cavity. Contractility studies were performed in isolated organ baths using dissected uterus and cecum samples. Plasma samples were collected for hormone level measurements. A 3-fold increase in spontaneous contraction activity was detected in SMEMG measurements, while a significant decrease in αvβ3 integrin was measured in the IVIS imaging procedure. Cetrorelix reduced the level of LH and the progesterone / estradiol ratio, increased the spontaneous activity of the cecum rings, and enhanced KCl-evoked contractions in the uterus. We found a significant change in the rate of SMEMG signals, indicating simultaneous increases in the contraction of the cecum and the non-pregnant uterus, as evidenced by isolated organ bath results. Fluorescence imaging showed high levels of uterine αvβ3 integrin during the proestrus-estrus phase, but inhibiting the sexual cycle reduced fluorescence activity. Based on the results, the SMEMG and IVIS imaging methods are suitable for detecting estrus phase alterations in rats.

ВЗАИМОСВЯЗИ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ ТИРЕОИДНОГО СТАТУСА С ПАРАМЕТРАМИ ОБЩЕГО И БИОХИМИЧЕСКОГО АНАЛИЗОВ КРОВИ У МУЖЧИН С ОСТРЫМИ ИНФЕКЦИОННЫМИ ДЕСТРУКЦИЯМИ ЛЕГКИХ

Background. Acute infectious pulmonary destruction (AIPD) is characterized by the presence of a pronounced intoxication syndrome, with the development of anemia, disorders of protein and lipid metabolism as well as other types of metabolism. Thyroid hormones play an important role in regulating metabolic processes in the body. Aim. To study the correlations between the thyroid status indicators and the parameters of complete and biochemical blood tests in males with AIPD. Material and methods. The serum levels of total triiodothyronine, total thyroxine, free thyroxine and thyroidstimulating hormone were measured in 80 males with AIPD and 30 apparently healthy male volunteers. The obtained data were compared with the main indicators of complete and biochemical blood tests. Results. The correlations were found between the thyroid status indicators and parameters of complete and biochemical blood tests in males with AIPD, which are normally absent. Changes in the thyroid hormones levels, hematological and biochemical blood parameters occurred proportionally to each other, and the degree of these changes depended on the severity of the inflammatory reaction. Males with AIPD and euthyroidism or nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) of types I and V did not differ by total protein (p=0.24) and albumin (p=0.2) levels, which were higher than in primary hypothyroidism and NTIS of type II (p=0.001 and p=0.002). The lowest concentration of total cholesterol was observed in primary hypothyroidism (p=0.013). The low-density lipoprotein levels did not differ in patients with primary hypothyroidism, NTIS of type I and type II (p=0.39) and were lower than in case of euthyroidism and NTIS of type V (p=0.004). Conclusion. In males with AIPD the functional status of the thyroid gland is associated with the severity of inflammation. Thyroid hormones are involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders in AIPD. The types of thyroid function in AIPD are associated with varying degrees of severity of protein and lipid metabolism disorders.

Деякі особливості ендокринного статусу у реконвалесцентів після COVID-19 та його зміни під впливом відновлювального лікування

Abstract. The aim — to study the thyroid hormones and cortisol levels in convalescents after COVID-19, including patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their possible changes under the influence of recovery treatment. Materials and methods. 83 convalescents after COVID-19 (with manifestations of COVID pneumonia in the acute period) aged 32–67 years, who had no history of thyroid or adrenal glands lesions’ manifestations were examined. 29 of them had COPD (GOLD II-III). Patients began the course of rehabilitation within 1–3 weeks after inpatient treatment. Тhe levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total fractions of thyroid hormones (thyroxine — T4 , triiodothyronine — T3 ), cortisol as well as the level of interleukin-8 (IL-8) were determined in blood serum. Assessment was carried out by immunoenzymatic method at the beginning of recovery treatment and after it (within 21–22 days). Recovery treatment included the necessary basic anti-inflammatory and broncholytic therapy (for patients with COPD) and a physiotherapeutic complex, which included the use of haloaerosoltherapy (HAT) — dry aerosol media with certain concentration and dispersion (18-20 sessions per course) and singlet oxygen therapy (12 procedures per course). Results. Before treatment significantly higher levels of all studied indices compared to control were found in both groups of patients (without history of COPD and patients with COPD). Certain change of the inverse relationship between the values of TSH and T4 , T3 was noted, which probably indicates the presence of maladaptive thyroid syndrome. The obtained results can be interpreted as a consequence of systemic immune activation caused by SARS-CoV 2 infection and as a result of intensive treatment in the acute period. These changes took place on the background of a significant IL-8 level increase. A correlation between the levels of IL-8 and TSH (r=0.43) was revealed, which indicates a certain dependence between stimulation of thyroid gland function and the severity of the inflammatory process. Thyroid hormone levels in convalescents after COVID-19 without COPD (1st group) and convalescents after COVID-19 with COPD history (2nd group) were compared. Direction of changes in the thyroid hormones levels in both groups was similar, but the increase of TSH and T4 levels in the 2nd group was significantly higher and took place on the background of a higher IL-8 level. Studies of cortisol secretion in the examined groups showed a moderate, but reliable increase in its levels compared to the control by 1.2 and 1.4 times respectively. This may be related to both activation of the adrenal cortex during the convalescence and the consequences of therapy in the acute period of COVID-19. Taking into account received data, as well as the analysis of individual deviations of the studied indices, these changes should be considered as a non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) and dysfunctional adrenal disorders. The applied recovery treatment had a corrective effect on the thyroid and adrenal functions. Thus, by the end of treatment, the levels of cortisol and T3 reached the control level on the background of a significant decrease of IL-8 level in both groups of patients. Positive changes in thyroid function in convalescents after COVID-19 without COPD history were more pronounced. Conclusions. In convalescents after COVID-19 thyroid and adrenal dysfunctional disorders were observed, they were more pronounced in patients with COPD and directly correlated with an increase of pro-inflammatory IL-8 level. Rehabilitation treatment based on haloaerosoltherapy, which is aimed at bronchopulmonary system sanation and reduction of inflammatory process, contributes to the recovery of thyroid and adrenal function. Positive effect is more pronounced in patients without a history of chronic bronchopulmonary pathology.

The relationship between sex hormone levels and ocular surface parameters in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty.

The study aimed to investigate the correlation between the change of sex hormone levels and ocular surface parameters in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty(ICPP). Eighteen girls with ICPP and 18 age-matched normal girls participated in this study, all of the participants had undergone physical measurements, laboratory tests, imaging examination and ocular surface assessments. The Objective Scatter Index (OSI) in the ICPP group was significantly higher than in the control group (P = 0.031), girls with ICPP showed slightly lower MNITBUT compared to the normal control group, although this difference was not statistically significant. Bivariate analysis revealed a positive association between estradiol and OSI (r=0.383, P=0.021), Additionally, in the study population, both Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were negatively correlated with Mean noninvasive tear breakup time (MNITBUT) (r=-0.359, P=0.031)(r=-0.357, P=0.032). In comparison with the normal control group, alterations in the OSI were observed in girls with ICPP. This alteration may be associated with an elevation in estrogen levels. Although there was a slight non-significant decrease in NITBUT in ICPP girls, the negative correlation between LH and FSH with MNITBUT suggests new perspective for further investigation.

The effect of experimentally induced acute fluoride poisoning on the thyroid gland and hormones in geriatric rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fluoride on the thyroid gland and hormones in rats with acute poisoning by different doses of fluoride. For this purpose, a total of 5 groups were formed, including a control (C) group of 8 rats and 4 test groups consisting of 10 rats each. Toxicity was induced with NaF at doses of 45, 60, 70, and 90 mg/kg/bw in the test groups F45, F60, F70, and F90, respectively. During the study, 2 rats died in F45, 3 in both F60 and F70, and 4 in F90. Surviving rats were euthanized 24 hours after poisoning, and blood samples were collected. Urine samples were also taken before and after poisoning. Urinary fluoride levels increased after intoxication and were found to be statistically significant. There were no significant differences in the levels of thyroid hormones TT3, TT4, and FT4 between the test groups and the control group. However, a significant decrease in FT3 levels was observed in the test groups compared to the control group. Although there were no significant changes in TSH hormone levels in the F45 and F90 groups compared to the control group, a significant decrease was observed in the F60 and F70 groups. Histopathological examination revealed follicular degeneration, a decrease in the volume of colloidal fluid, and atypical follicular epithelium in the thyroid glands of the test groups. In conclusion, abnormal changes in the thyroid gland and hormones were observed in rats with acute poisoning by different doses of fluoride.

Single-Cell Transcriptomics Identifies Pituitary Gland Changes in Diet-Induced Obesity in Male Mice.

Obesity is a chronic disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. Obesity leads to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, as well as endocrine alterations, reproductive disorders, changes in basal metabolism, and stress hormone production, all of which are regulated by the pituitary. In this study, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of pituitary glands from male mice fed control and high-fat diet (HFD) to determine obesity-mediated changes in pituitary cell populations and gene expression. We determined that HFD exposure is associated with dramatic changes in somatotrope and lactotrope populations, by increasing the proportion of somatotropes and decreasing the proportion of lactotropes. Fractions of other hormone-producing cell populations remained unaffected. Gene expression changes demonstrated that in HFD, somatotropes became more metabolically active, with increased expression of genes associated with cellular respiration, and downregulation of genes and pathways associated with cholesterol biosynthesis. Despite a lack of changes in gonadotrope fraction, genes important in the regulation of gonadotropin hormone production were significantly downregulated. Corticotropes and thyrotropes were the least affected in HFD, while melanotropes exhibited reduced proportion. Lastly, we determined that changes in plasticity and gene expression were associated with changes in hormone levels. Serum prolactin was decreased corresponding to reduced lactotrope fraction, while lower luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in the serum corresponded to a decrease in transcription and translation. Taken together, our study highlights diet-mediated changes in pituitary gland populations and gene expression that play a role in altered hormone levels in obesity.

Ovarian hormones reduce the negative association between worry and cognitive control: A combined neural and behavioral investigation

BackgroundIncreased reactivity to response conflict and errors, processes governed by the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), have both been implicated in anxiety. Anxiety is also more common in females than males. Importantly, natural changes in ovarian hormones levels are related to fluctuations in anxiety symptoms in healthy and clinical populations, and ovarian hormones likely modulate prefrontal cortex structure and function. No studies, however, have examined the role of fluctuating ovarian hormones in the association between anxiety and cognitive control across the menstrual cycle. MethodsIn this multimodal proof-of-concept study, naturally cycling females (N = 30 twins from 14 complete twin pairs and 2 participants whose co-twin was not in the final sample; age 18–29) provided saliva samples to assay for estradiol and progesterone and completed the Penn State Worry Questionnaire for 35 consecutive days. At two time points, during projected pre-ovulatory and post-ovulatory phases, they also completed the Flanker task while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging to probe cognitive control-related dACC activity. Multilevel modeling was used to examine within- and between-person effects of hormones and worry on cognitive-control indices. ResultsOn days when estradiol and progesterone were low relative to a female’s own average (i.e., within-subjects effect), worry was associated with greater flanker interference. In females with higher estradiol and progesterone levels compared to other females (i.e., between-subject effects), worry was associated with less error-related dACC activity, irrespective of the day that dACC activity was assessed. ConclusionFindings suggest a protective effect of ovarian hormones on the link between worry and cognitive control. Associations between worry and conflict-monitoring were sensitive to daily hormonal fluctuations (within-person states), whereas associations between worry and error-monitoring were sensitive to mean hormone levels (between-person traits), suggesting that ovarian hormones are critical to consider in studies examining associations between anxiety and cognitive control in females.

Simultaneous quantification of the 22-kDa isoforms of human growth hormone 1 and 2 in human plasma by multiplexed immunocapture and LC-MS/MS

An LC-MS/MS method is presented for the simultaneous quantification of two structurally closely related protein biomarker isoforms, the 22-kDa isoforms of human growth hormone 1 and human growth hormone 2, in human plasma. It is based on multiplexed immunocapture using two monoclonal antibodies immobilized on magnetic beads, tryptic digestion and quantification of two specific signature peptides plus an additional peptide for estimation of total growth hormone related concentrations. A full validation according to international guidelines was performed across the clinically relevant concentration ranges of 0.5 to 50 ng/mL for growth hormone 1, and 2 to 50 ng/mL for growth hormone 2 and demonstrated satisfactory method performance in terms of accuracy, precision, stability and absence of interference. The method’s applicability for routine analysis and its ability to effectively distinguish between GH1 and GH2 was demonstrated by the analysis of plasma samples from pregnant individuals to study the changes in growth hormone levels during pregnancy.

A Breeding Plumage in the Making: The Unique Process of Plumage Coloration in the Crested Ibis in Terms of Chemical Composition and Sex Hormones.

The Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) has long fascinated ornithologists with its enigmatic plumage color change. After more than a century of curiosity, the mystery was finally unraveled in the 1970s, unveiling the mechanism behind this remarkable transformation. Unlike other bird species, the Crested Ibis achieves its nuptial plumage coloration through a unique daubing behavior. After a water-bathing, it applies a sticky black substance secreted by a patch of skin in the neck and throat region. However, the chemical components of this black substance have not been studied in detail until now. To address this issue, we conducted a study to detect the components of the black substance and explore the relationship between sex hormone levels and the secretion of the black substance. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure the monthly changes in steroid hormone levels (estradiol E2, testosterone T, and progesterone PROG) levels in feces. We also analyzed the correlation between sex hormone levels and daubing behavior. The results showed that the sex hormone levels are closely related to the secretion and application of the black substance. In addition, we qualitatively analyzed the chemical components of the black substance using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), uncovering the presence of 117 distinct chemical components. We assume that the black coloration results from the polymerization of selected chemical constituents among these components. These findings provide a groundwork for further exploration into the biological significance of the black substance. Overall, our study detected components in the black substance and studied how sex hormone levels relate to its secretion. Understanding the hormone effects on coloration helps in precise habitat management, like wetland preservation, crucial for Crested Ibis survival. Implementing hormone-boosting measures during breeding seasons enhances reproduction and health, vital for their conservation.

Effects of Different Exercise Modalities on Sex Hormones and Anxiety and Depression in Female Drug Addicts

To explore the effects of different exercise modes on sex hormones and anxiety and depression of female drug addicts. METHODS: A random sampling method was used to include 30 female drug addicts who met the criteria from the Female Compulsory Drug Rehabilitation Center in Nanan District, Chongqing, China, who were randomly divided into a yoga group (n=10), a physical fitness group (n=10), and a control group (n=10), and underwent intervention training for a period of 12 weeks, 3 times per week, 1 h each time. The subjects' serum luteinizing hormone (LH), pituitary prolactin (PRL), and estradiol (E2) levels were quantitatively detected and analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Changes in sex hormone levels of female drug addicts showed that serum luteinizing hormone (LH), pituitary prolactin (PRL), and estradiol (E2) levels were reduced compared with those of the control group. 12 weeks of different training interventions were able to regulate sex hormones, and hormone levels of the Yoga group and the Physical Fitness group were all significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the Yoga group was significantly lower than the Physical Fitness group and the control group (P<0.05); and reduced anxiety (HAHA), and reduced anxiety (HAHA). And reduce anxiety (HAHA) and depression (SDS) status.

Lack of associations between thyroid dysfunction and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome: A meta-analysis.

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a comprehensive syndrome with endocrine and metabolic complications. This review aims to explore the correlation between thyroid hormone levels and the severity of OSAHS in patients. The protocol for this meta-analysis has been registered on PROSPERO. Searches were carried out from the inception of the databases to July 18, 2023, utilizing 6 databases (PubMed, CNKI, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine, and Wanfang). Standardized mean difference (SMD) and correlation coefficients were used as the effect size measures. Additionally, random effects or fixed effects models were used for pooled analysis. Moreover, data were statistically evaluated with the help of STATA 11.0 and R 4.1.3. This study included 23 articles that satisfied the pre-defined criteria. The prevalence of hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism in OSAHS patients was 6% and 8%, whereas hyperthyroidism had a prevalence of 2%. Moreover, thyroid hormone levels in OSAHS individuals exhibited no significant difference relative to healthy subjects. Subgroup analysis based on disease severity also established no significant changes in thyroid hormone levels between OSAHS individuals and controls. There was no significant correlation between the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) and free triiodothyronine (FT3), serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and free thyroxine (FT4) levels. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction is relatively low in OSAHS individuals. Thyroid hormone levels show no significant difference between OSAHS patients and healthy subjects. Furthermore, there is no significant correlation between AHI and serum TSH, FT3, and FT4 levels. Based on existing data, the relationship between OSAHS and thyroid function remains controversial, and further in-depth research is warranted to validate the connection and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Characterization of MicroRNA expression profiles in the ovarian tissue of goats during the sexual maturity period

BackgroundThe ovary is an important reproductive organ in mammals, and its development directly affects the sexual maturity and reproductive capacity of individuals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as regulators of reproductive physiological processes in various animals and have been shown to regulate ovarian development through typical targeting and translational repression. However, little is known about the regulatory role of miRNAs in ovarian tissue development during sexual maturity in goats. To comprehensively profile the different physiological stages of sexual maturation in goats, we performed small-RNA sequencing of ovarian tissue samples collected at four specific time points (1 day after birth (D1), 2 months old (M2), 4 months old (M4), and 6 months old (M6)). In addition, we used ELISAs to measure serum levels of reproductive hormones to study their temporal changes.ResultsThe results showed that serum levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, oestradiol, progesterone, oxytocin, and prolactin were lower in goats at the D1 stage than at the other three developmental stages (P < 0.05). The secretion patterns of these seven hormones show a similar trend, with hormone levels reaching their peaks at 4 months of age. A total of 667 miRNAs were detected in 20 libraries, and 254 differentially expressed miRNAs and 3 groups of miRNA clusters that had unique expression patterns were identified (|log2-fold change|> 1, FDR < 0.05) in the 6 comparison groups. RT‒qPCR was employed to confirm that the expression pattern of the 15 selected miRNAs was consistent with the Illumina sequencing results. Gene ontology analyses revealed significant enrichment of GO terms such as cell proliferation regulation, epithelial cell development, and amino acid transport, as well as important signaling pathways including the MAPK signaling pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and the oestrogen signaling pathway. Further miRNA‒mRNA regulation network analysis revealed that 8 differentially expressed miRNAs (chi-miR-1343, chi-miR-328-3p, chi-miR-877-3p, chi-miR-296-3p, chi-miR-128-5p, chi-miR-331-3p, chi-miR-342-5p and chi-miR-34a) have important regulatory roles in ovarian cell proliferation, hormone secretion and metabolism-related biological processes.ConclusionsOverall, our study investigated the changes in serum hormone and miRNA levels in the ovaries. These data provide a valuable resource for understanding the molecular regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in ovarian tissue during the sexual maturity period in goats.

Evaluation of Styloid Process Length and Calcification Degrees of Renal Transplant Patients with Panoramic Radiographs

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the styloid process length and calcification degrees of renal-transplant patients and compare them with the healthy control group. Materials &amp;amp; Methods: Panoramic radiographs of 93 patients who had renal transplantation and 93 healthy patients were reviewed retrospectively. Length measurements were made from the apex to the base of the styloid process with a line following the profile. The elongation degrees were classified into five groups as normal (type 0), elongated (Type 1), pseudo-segmented (Type 2), segmented (Type 3) and non-continuous (Type 4). Calcification degrees were classified into four different groups as external (Type A), partial (Type B), nodular (Type C) and complete calcification (Type D). Results: The study and control groups were matched for age and gender. Styloid process length was found to be significantly higher in male than in female (p&amp;lt;0.001). The extent of elongation and calcification did not differ in terms of gender. The mean styloid process length values were found to be significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (p&amp;lt;0.001). There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of elongation degrees (p&amp;lt;0.001). For elongation types, while the majority of the study group was type 1, type 0 was observed more in the control group. No difference was observed between the groups in terms of the calcification degrees (p=0.076). Conclusion: Changes in phosphate balance and parathyroid hormone levels, possibly due to hemodialysis treatment in renal transplant patients, may have led to styloid process elongation.

Perimenopause and menopause-Symptoms and treatments

Menopause, which typically begins around 45-50 and lasts 5-10 years, is a physiological phase relevant to every woman and signifies the end of reproductive ability. Extensive research has shown that the occurrence, development, and end of menopause are related to changes in hormone levels in the body. Many women experience a transitional phase called perimenopause before officially entering menopause, in which they mainly experience menstrual irregularity, including disrupted menstrual cycles and changes in menstrual flow. In addition to the emotional and psychological changes similar to those in perimenopause, the main shift in menopause is the cessation of menstruation. Currently, the treatments for menopausal symptoms primarily involve hormone replacement therapy, although long-term use of hormones elevates the chance of getting breast and endometrial cancer. Non-pharmacological approaches such as exercising and maintaining a balanced diet can alleviate mild symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine, a popular choice for many patients in East Asia, explains all symptoms, such as liver and kidney weakness and Yin-Yang imbalance. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners customize herbal formulas based on individual symptoms and use acupuncture to alleviate menopausal symptoms. This review summarizes the symptoms and corresponding treatment approaches for perimenopause and menopause, as well as the limitations of current research.

Games, hormones, and “dark” personalities: Dark tetrad and the effects of violent gaming on aggression, cortisol, and testosterone

We investigated how playing a violent versus non-violent video game affects cortisol and testosterone levels, whether these hormonal changes increase implicit aggressive cognition, and whether so-called Dark Tetrad personality traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism, everyday sadism) moderate these effects. Fifty-four men played either a violent or a non-violent video game for 25 min. Participants provided salivary samples at the beginning of the experiment (T1), after 25 min of gameplay (T2), and 20 min after gameplay ended (T3). In the violent condition, participants showed a significant decrease in cortisol levels (T1 to T2) and a significant negative trend in cortisol levels from T1 to T3. Moreover, higher Machiavellianism scores were related to a significantly stronger decrease in cortisol (T1 to T2) in this condition. In the non-violent condition, however, participants with higher scores in Machiavellianism had a higher increase in cortisol (T1 to T2). In contrast to changes in hormonal levels, there were no significant effects on implicit aggressive cognition. The present findings illustrate the complex interplay between personality, hormones, and game content, thus further specifying current notions on the effects of violent video games. Playing a violent video game can have a stress-reducing calming effect depending on personality traits such as Machiavellianism and the psychological need satisfaction associated with it. Also, the fact that VVG exposure was not automatically accompanied by an aggression-increasing effect proves that simple cause-effect models are not sufficiently specified without taking the underlying mechanisms into account.

Timing of conceptions in Phayre's leaf monkeys: Energy and phytochemical intake.

Raising offspring imposes energetic costs, especially for female mammals. Consequently, seasons favoring high energy intake and sustained positive energy balance often result in a conception peak. Factors that may weaken this coordinated effect include premature offspring loss and adolescent subfertility. Furthermore, seasonal ingestion of phytochemicals may facilitate conception peaks. We examined these factors and potential benefits of a conception peak (infant survival and interbirth interval) in Phayre's leaf monkeys (Trachypithecus phayrei crepusculus). Data were collected at Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand (78 conceptions). We estimated periods of high energy intake based on fruit and young leaf feeding and via monthly energy intake rates. Phytochemical intake was based on fecal progestin. We examined seasonality (circular statistics and cox proportional hazard models) and compared consequences of timing (infant survival and interbirth intervals, t-test, and Fisher exact test). Conceptions occurred in all months but peaked from May to August. This peak coincided with high fecal progestin rather than presumed positive energy balance. Primipara conceived significantly later than multipara. Neither infant survival nor interbirth intervals were related to the timing of conception. Periods of high energy intake may not exist and would not explain the conception peak in this population. However, the presumed high intake of phytochemicals was tightly linked to the conception peak. Timing conceptions to the peak season did not provide benefits, suggesting that the clustering of conceptions may be a mere by-product of phytochemical intake. To confirm this conclusion, seasonal changes in phytochemical intake and hormone levels need to be studied more directly.

The Impact of Irregular Menstruation on Health: A Review of the Literature.

Women are considered to have an irregular menstrual cycle if their cycle length is less than 21 days or more than 35 days, accompanied by less or very severe blood flow. The prevalence of menstrual cycle irregularities varies across countries. Irregular periods can occur due to changes in the body's levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones, which disrupt the normal pattern of the period. Menstrual irregularity has been found to be associated with various diseases and medical conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Anemia, osteoporosis, psychological problems, impaired quality of life, and infertility have also been recorded. Moreover, a significant correlation between irregular periods and the risk of developing pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders, as well as an increased risk of adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes, has been proven. Therefore, irregular menstruation is considered an important health indicator among women. Physical, mental, social, psychological, and reproductive problems are often associated with menstrual irregularities. Thus, evaluating the factors associated with irregular menstruation is necessary to determine appropriate preventive and treatment strategies and to decrease the associated health problems. The aim of this review was to define normal and irregular menstruation, their types, and prevalence, to recognize the risk factors and causes of irregular menstruation, and to understand their impact on women's health.

Essential Role of Granulosa Cell Glucose and Lipid Metabolism on Oocytes and the Potential Metabolic Imbalance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Granulosa cells are crucial for the establishment and maintenance of bidirectional communication among oocytes. Various intercellular material exchange modes, including paracrine and gap junction, are used between them to achieve the efficient delivery of granulosa cell structural components, energy substrates, and signaling molecules to oocytes. Glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism are two basic energy metabolism pathways in granulosa cells; these are involved in the normal development of oocytes. Pyruvate, produced by granulosa cell glycolysis, is an important energy substrate for oocyte development. Granulosa cells regulate changes in intrafollicular hormone levels through the processing of steroid hormones to control the development process of oocytes. This article reviews the material exchange between oocytes and granulosa cells and expounds the significance of granulosa cells in the development of oocytes through both glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. In addition, we discuss the effects of glucose and lipid metabolism on oocytes under pathological conditions and explore its relationship to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A series of changes were found in the endogenous molecules and ncRNAs that are related to glucose and lipid metabolism in granulosa cells under PCOS conditions. These findings provide a new therapeutic target for patients with PCOS; additionally, there is potential for improving the fertility of patients with PCOS and the clinical outcomes of assisted reproduction.

Sex differences in the age-related decrease of spontaneous baroreflex function in healthy individuals.

The baroreflex is a powerful physiological mechanism for rapidly adjusting heart rate in response to changes in blood pressure. Spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) has been shown to decrease with age. However, studies of sex differences in these age-related changes are rare. Here we investigated several markers of spontaneous baroreflex function in a large sample of healthy individuals. Cardiovascular signals were recorded in the supine position under carefully controlled resting conditions. After quality control, n = 980 subjects were divided into five age groups [age < 30 yr (n = 612), 30-39 yr (n = 140), 40-49 yr (n = 95), 50-59 yr (n = 61), and >60 yr (n = 72)]. Spontaneous baroreflex function was assessed in the time domain (bradycardic and tachycardic slope) and in the frequency domain in the low- and high-frequency band (LF-α, HF-α) applying the transfer function. General linear models showed a significant effect of factor age (P < 0.001) and an age × sex interaction effect (P < 0.05) on each indicator of the baroreflex function. Simple main effects showed a significantly higher BRS as indicated by tachycardic slope, LF-α and HF-α in middle-aged women compared with men (30-39 yr) and higher LF-α, bradycardic and tachycardic slope in men compared with women of the oldest age group (>60 yr). Changes in BRS over the lifespan suggest that baroreflex function declines more slowly but earlier in life in men than in women. Our findings could be linked to age-related changes in major sex hormone levels, suggesting significant implications for diverse cardiovascular outcomes and the implementation of targeted preventive strategies.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we demonstrate that the age-related decrease of spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity is different in men and women by analyzing resting state cardiovascular data of a large sample of healthy individuals.