Changes In Steroid Levels Research Articles

Effects of bariatric surgery on sex hormones in male patients with obesity

Objective: To analyze and evaluate the differences in sex hormones after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in male patients with obesity. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study. The inclusion criteria were (1) male patients with obesity who met the surgical indications of the "Chinese Guidelines for Surgical Treatment of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes" (2019 Edition); (2) patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥27.5 kg/m2 and obesity-related metabolic diseases, or patients with severe obesity and a BMI of ≥35 kg/m2; and (3) sex hormone levels checked 1 year after surgery. The exclusion criteria included (1) patients with endocrine diseases (thyrotoxicosis, hyperprolactinemia) and hypothalamic-pituitary lesions and (2) those with severe major organ dysfunction who could not tolerate anesthesia or surgery. According to the above criteria, the clinical data of male patients with obesity admitted to the Gastrointestinal Surgery/Bariatric Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University from October 2017 to January 2020 were included. A total of 52 male patients with obesity were included in this study. The mean age, body weight, BMI, and total testosterone level were (29.3±10.2) years, (123.6±35.4) kg, (40.1±11.1) kg/m2, and 7.6 (5.5, 9.1) nmol/L, respectively. Forty-five patients (86.5%) exhibited testosterone deficiency. Among all the patients, 29 underwent LSG (LSG group) and 23 underwent LRYGB surgery (LRYGB group). The main outcome measure was the change in sex hormone levels before and after bariatric surgery in all the patients. The secondary outcome measures were the comparison of changes in sex hormone levels before and after LSG and LRYGB. Results: Pearson correlation analysis showed that preoperative estradiol was positively correlated with waist circumference (R=0.299, P<0.05), hip circumference (R=0.326, P<0.05), and chest circumference (R=0.388, P<0.05). Testosterone was negatively correlated with BMI (R=-0.563, P<0.01), waist circumference (R=-0.521, P<0.01), hip circumference (R=-0.456, P<0.01), chest circumference (R=-0.600, P<0.01), and neck circumference (R=-0.547, P<0.01). One year following bariatric surgery, the serum testosterone (7.6 [5.5, 9.1] nmol/L vs. 13.6 [10.5, 15.4] nmol/L, Z=-5.910, P<0.001), follicle-stimulating hormone (4.7 [2.7, 5.3] IU/L vs. 6.5 [3.6, 7.8] IU/L, Z=-4.658, P<0.001), and progesterone (1.2 [0.4, 1.5] nmol/L vs. 1.9 [0.8, 1.3] nmol/L, Z=-2.542, P=0.011) levels were significantly higher in all the patients. Both estradiol (172.8 [115.6, 217.5] pmol/L vs. 138.3 [88.4, 168.1] pmol/L, Z=-2.828, P=0.005) and prolactin (11.4 [6.4, 14.6] mIU/L vs. 8.6 [4.8, 7.3] mIU/L, Z=-2.887, P=0.004) levels were decreased. In addition to prolactin levels in the LRYGB group, there were statistically significant differences in the levels of estradiol (P=0.030), follicle-stimulating hormone (P < 0.001), luteinizing hormone (P=0.033), progesterone (P=0.034), and testosterone (P<0.001) compared with their preoperative levels. In the LSG group, there were statistically significant differences in the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (P=0.011), prolactin (P=0.023), and testosterone (P<0.001) compared with their preoperative levels. Conclusion: The degree of obesity in men was negatively correlated with testosterone levels. Both LRYGB and LSG can significantly improve sex hormone levels in male patients with obesity, and testosterone levels show a significant increase after surgery.

Effects of resistance training on C-reactive protein in menopausal and postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Menopause is a biological stage associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality due to changes in sex hormone levels. This systematic review aimed to investigate the benefits and harms of RT in menopausal and postmenopausal women. We searched PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to 2021, and clinical trial registries. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) in menopausal and postmenopausal women that compared women undergoing RT programs with a control group were included. The primary outcomes were C-reactive protein level and adverse events; and, the secondary outcomes were lipid profile and waist circumference. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, extracted data, and assessed the completeness of RT programs, risk of bias, and quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach (GRADE). A random-effects model was used. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Twelve RCTs published from 2012 to 2020 met the inclusion criteria (n = 482). Four follow-up periods were assessed. RT caused reductions in C-reactive protein levels compared to those in the control group in postmenopausal women in the short- to long-term follow-up (mean difference, -0.47 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval, -0.66 to -0.29; P < 0.00001). Furthermore, RT may reduce C-reactive protein levels even at moderate and moderate-to-high intensity ( P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0005, respectively). Similar findings were found for lipid profiles in the short- to long-term follow-up ( P < 0.05). RT may have had little to no effect on waist circumference. The certainty of the body of evidence was assessed as very low and downgraded owing to serious study limitations, inconsistency, imprecision, and publication bias. There was very low-quality evidence supporting the benefits of RT compared with control for C-reactive protein levels and lipid profile. No benefits were found for the outcome of waist circumference in postmenopausal women with different comorbidities or risk factors. Safety data were scarce. We have little confidence in the results, and the true effect is likely to be substantially different. Further well-conducted and well-reported RCTs are warranted to strengthen the evidence. PROSPERO CRD42020213125.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and neurobehavioral function and cognition in adolescents (2010–2011) and elderly people (2014): results from the Flanders Environment and Health Studies (FLEHS)

BackgroundPFAS are persistent, bioaccumulative compounds repelling water, oil and stains which are widely used. There is mounting evidence linking exposure to a range of adverse health outcomes including renal, hepatic, immunotoxic, reproductive, endocrine disrupting and carcinogenic effects. PFAS possibly also induce neurobehavioral and developmental effects. Within Flanders Environment and Health Studies (FLEHS) internal exposure to PFAS and relevant health effects are assessed since 2008.ResultsAdolescents 14–15 y (2010–2011) living in an industrially contaminated area (without known PFAS contamination) and adults 50–65 y (2014) randomly sampled from the general Flemish population using a stratified clustered multi-stage design, were recruited. For the adolescents perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were measured in serum, for the adults PFOS, PFOA, perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS). In adolescents the Neurobehavioral Evaluation System (NES3) computerized battery of tests developed to study the neurological effects of an exposure to environmental agents was applied. The adults did the Stroop test, the NES3 Continuous Performance Test and the NES3 Digit Span Test. In adolescents sleepiness, masculinity and femininity were assessed via the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Personal Attributes Questionnaires, respectively. In adolescents PFOA was associated with significantly increased somnolence, and PFOS with a significant inverse association with boys’ femininity and with girls’ masculinity. In adolescents, PFAS were also associated with a marginal decrease in sustained attention (PFOS) and cognitive performance (PFOA) and a significant decrease in short-term memory (PFOS). However, in older adults PFOS was associated with a significant increase in the capacity to pay attention and PFHxS with a significant increase in sustained attention.ConclusionOur observations point to neurobehavioral and cognitive effects of PFAS. The neurobehavioral effects might in part result from the changes in sex hormone levels that have been reported to be associated with internal exposure to PFAS. Interestingly, whereas in relation to cognition some adverse effects were recorded for adolescents, for elderly persons our observations rather suggest possible weak positive effects with respect to cognition. Our observations might be in line with the view that PFAS have many, sometimes contrasting health effects.

Acupoint selection and acupuncture in the treatment of premature ovarian failure by promoting the secretion of exosome protein NELL2

IntroductionTo explore the mechanism and clinical effect of acupoint selection and acupuncture therapy on premature ovarian failure.Material and methodsA total of 100 cases of POF were collected and divided into POF group and POF+acupoint selection and acupuncture therapy (POF+ACU) group. Cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients in each group were extracted by lumbar puncture, and exosomes were isolated and purified. The expression level of exosome protein NELL2 was analyzed by western blot, and the morphology of exosomes was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The changes of sex hormone levels were detected by TOSOH AIA 1800 automatic chemiluminescence analyzer. Follicular development and ovulation were monitored by B-ultrasound.ResultsThe expression of protein CD9, CD81 and NELL2 in POF+ACU group all increased compared with POF group. TEM images showed that the exosomes were oval or round membranous vesicles. After 3 months of continuous acupoint selection and acupuncture therapy, it was found that the level of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) in the POF+ACU group were significantly increased, while the follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were significantly decreased, showing a significant difference compared with the POF group. B-ultrasound observation of the endometrial thickness and the maximum follicle diameter showed that the values of POF+ACU group increased, showing no statistical difference compared with the NC group. Ovulation occurred in 20% of the 50 patients in the POF group and 70% in the POF+ACU treatment group.ConclusionsAcupoint selection and acupuncture therapy can treat POF by promoting the secretion of exosome protein NELL2

A study on changes in hormonal disruption in polycystic ovary syndrome with advancing age and body mass index

Introduction and Aim: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a diverse condition that contributes to metabolic problems like insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism which women experience during their reproductive years, and it is closely related to the body mass index. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical, biochemical, and hormonal profiles of PCOS patients and healthy women concerning age and BMI and to correlate insulin with other parameters. Materials and Methods: The present case-control study was conducted from June 2019-April 2021. 180 PCOS women and 170 age-matched healthy women were enrolled from Mangalore, Karnataka. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical, hormonal profile, and the presence of IR were estimated in all patients and were further subdivided based on age and BMI. Results: The mean age of patients with PCOS and controls was 25.9± 5.6 years vs 24.7 ± 6.8 years. BMI and WHR had statistical significance (p&lt;0.01) between the groups. TG &amp; HDL showed statistical significance (p&lt;0.05) in both age groups who were underweight and had normal BMI. A significant difference (p&lt;0.05) was also observed in plasma insulin and HOMA-IR in all groups except in women who were obese. Conclusion: PCOS women were presented with hyperandrogenism and had metabolic risk factors like insulin resistance and low HDL-C levels at budding age and increased BMI. When comparing women with and without PCOS from the south Indian state of Karnataka, our findings revealed that changes in sex hormone levels had no significant impact on age or BMI.

Personalized use of minor food components in the menopause period

In the Russian Federation, the number of women in peri- and postmenopause is more than 21 million [1]. In addition to changes in sex hormone levels associated with menopause, its timing is an important predictor of future health outcomes, such as the duration of vasomotor symptoms and the risk of developing hormone-dependent tumors. The influence of reproductive factors (e.g., age at menarche, pregnancy) and sociodemographic factors on intermediate and long-term health outcomes of menopause has been extensively studied in the past. However, the influence of a woman’s diet on the course of menopause has not been studied sufficiently. There is also little evidence in the literature on the impact of diet at a young age, the so-called established eating patterns, on the menopause course. The authors aim to study the actual nutrition of menopausal women with manifestations of climacteric syndrome and make an attempt to influence the quality of life and the manifestation of menopausal syndrome with the help of lifestyle correction, diet modification and the use of minor biologically active substances. The aim was also to determine the features of the diet of women of reproductive age (to determine the excess and lack of nutrients) in order to create an algorithm for correcting the diet and preventing delayed risk factors.

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Adverse Reactions of Mirena Combined with Hysteroscopic Surgery When Treating AUB: Based on a Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective A case-control study was performed to explore the efficacy and adverse reactions of Mirena combined with hysteroscopy when treating AUB. Methods 108 patients with perimenopausal AUB treated in our hospital from June 2019 to December 2021 were enrolled, and their clinical data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. According to the mode of treatment, the patients were assigned into control group (54 cases) and study group (54 cases). The therapeutic effects were compared. Visual analog score (VAS) was adopted to evaluate the degree of incision pain, Barthel index score was adopted to evaluate the ability of daily living, quality of life scale was adopted to investigate the quality of life before and after treatment, and the changes of sex hormone levels, endometrial thickness, and menstruation were detected before and after treatment. The incidence of adverse reactions was calculated. Results In terms of the therapeutic effects, 46 cases were cured, 6 cases were effective, and 2 cases were ineffective in the study group, and the effective rate was 96.30%; in the control group, 32 cases were cured, 10 cases were effective, and 12 cases were ineffective, and the effective rate was 77.78%; the effective rate of the study group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). In terms of VAS score, the VAS score decreased after treatment, and the VAS score in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment. With regard to the Barthel index scores after treatment, the Barthel index scores increased, and the Barthel index scores of the study group at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment were higher compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In terms of the Barthel index scores after treatment, the Barthel index scores increased, and the Barthel index scores of the study group at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment were higher compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the levels of FSH, LH, and E2 in both groups decreased remarkably (all P < 0.05). In terms of the changes of endometrium and menstruation, the endometrial thickness, menstrual time, and menstrual volume were significantly improved after treatment (P < 0.05). After treatment, the endometrial thickness, menstrual time, and menstrual volume in the study group were better than those in the control group (P < 0.05). With regard to the scores of qualities of life, the scores of qualities of life decreased after treatment. Compared between the two groups, the scores of physiological function, psychological function, social function, and health self-cognition in the study group were lower compared to the control group. Regarding the incidence of adverse reactions, in the study group, there were 1 case of breast pain, 2 cases of vaginal bleeding, and no dizziness and nausea, and the incidence of adverse reaction was 5.56%; In the control group, there were 1 case of dizziness, 2 cases of breast pain, 4 cases of nausea, and 3 cases of vaginal bleeding, and the incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was 18.52%. The incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was lower compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Hysteroscopy combined with Mirena when treating perimenopausal AUB can remarkably enhance the related symptoms, regulate the level of sex hormones, and remarkably reduce the amount of menstrual bleeding. The curative effect is better than hysteroscopy combined with dydrogesterone tablets, which is worth popularizing in clinic.

An Examination of sex hormone levels in epilepsy patients taking antiepileptic treatment

Aim Reproductive adverse events may be observed in patients with epilepsy associated with antiepileptic drugs. This study aimed to evaluate changes in sex hormone levels in patients receiving antiepileptic treatment as monotherapy and polytherapy. Method In this case-control study, the sex hormone levels and free androgen indexes were evaluated in 83 patients and 40 controls. In the hormone evaluations, measurements were performed for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, sex hormone-binding globulin, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, total and free testosterone, prolactin and estradiol levels. Results A total of 83 patients (42 males, 41 females) with a mean age of 28±7.2 years and a control group of 40 healthy subjects (14 males, 26 females) with a mean age of 33±8.7 years were included. In the patient group, 45 were receiving monotherapy and 38 polytherapy, 13 (15.7%) patients had focal onset seizures, 68 (81.9%) had generalized onset seizure and 2 (2.4%) had seizure type of unknown origin. In the males of the study group, no difference was determined in the hormone levels. In the females of the study group, the free androgen index was determined to be significantly low in the carbamazepine group compared to the control group (p=0.04) and the sex hormone-binding globulin values were significantly high (p=0.01). In males, a significant positive correlation was determined between serum carbamazepine and follicle-stimulating hormone (p=0.046) and prolactin (p=0.035) and a significant negative correlation was determined with the free androgen index (p=0.032). In females, a statistically significant positive correlation was determined between carbamazepine and prolactin (p=0.036). Conclusion The use of antiepileptic drugs creates changes in the sex hormone levels in males, and associated reproductive side-effects may be seen. In the management of patients with epilepsy, an awareness of these side-effects and individual evaluation could have a positive effect on treatment compliance and patient satisfaction.

Abstract 9974: Effect of Graves’ Disease on Female Probability Derived from Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Electrocardiograms in Women

Introduction: Graves’ disease (GD) is known to cause menstrual changes and has been linked to infertility in women. This can be due to the increased production of androstenedione and testosterone induced by the excess thyroid hormone. However, screening for sex hormone levels in all women diagnosed with GD to identify patients more likely to have infertility is not cost-effective and not clinically indicated. AI-augmented ECG can identify the signature of female with an AUC of 0.97. In this model, AI- ECG gives a probability number between 0-100% of being female, with higher numbers indicating high probability of being female. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that this inexpensive AI ECG tool is reflective of hormonal levels and the resulting changes in menstrual cycle and fertility associated with GD in women. Methods: Patients diagnosed with GD (2009-2019) at our institution were included. Three intervals were identified: 1) Before GD: &gt;2 months before GD diagnosis 2) During GD: within 2 months before GD and before attaining euthyroidism 3) After GD: after attaining euthyroidism. The matched-pairs t-test was used to compare probability of being a female; patients acted as their own controls. A subset analysis was done on females &lt;45 years at GD diagnosis to study the association between female probability during GD and menstrual changes (defined as shorter, lighter, or newly irregular menstrual cycles). Results: 154 females with ECGs both before and during GD were identified. AI ECG female probability decreased with GD diagnosis (85% vs. 77%, P&lt;.001). On the other hand, 137 females with GD had ECGs during and after GD. Female probability increased after attaining euthyroidism (76% vs 83%, P=.005). Moreover, 72 females &lt;45 years were identified; 30 (42%) developed menstrual changes and had significantly lower AI-ECG female probability [77 (58-94)% vs 98 (92-100)%, P&lt;.001] Conclusions: AI-enabled ECG signature of female gender in women was altered by GD and was associated with menstrual changes, likely reflecting changes in sex hormone levels. Future studies to confirm its role in screening for infertility in women with GD are needed.

Impact of Clomiphene Citrate on the Steroid Profile in Dysmetabolic Men with Low Testosterone Levels.

Clomiphene citrate (CC) in male hypogonadism increases testosterone (T) and estrogen levels by stimulating pituitary gonadotropin release. Our group confirmed these hormonal changes in a randomized, cross-over, double-blind trial of CC versus placebo in addition to metformin, conducted in 21 obese dysmetabolic men with low T levels. However, we hypothesize that based on its mechanism of action, CC may directly or indirectly affect adrenal steroidogenesis. The aim of this sub-study was to better understand the changes in steroid levels and metabolism induced by CC treatment. We assessed 17α-hydroxypregnelone (17αOH-P5), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), progesterone (P4), 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17αOH-P4), androstenedione (A), T, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), 11-deoxycortisol (11 S), cortisol (F), and cortisone (E) by LC-MS/MS, and corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) by ELISA, before and after each treatment. In addition, free-F and steroid product/precursor ratios were calculated. We observed a significant change in serum levels induced by CC compared with placebo for 17αOH-P4, DHT, T, E2, E1, F, E, and CBG, but not free-F. In addition, compared to placebo, CC induced higher 17αOH-P4/P4, E2/E1, 17αOH-P4/17αOH-P5, A/17αOH-P4, T/A, E1/A, F/11 S, and F/E ratios. Therefore, besides the CC stimulating effect on testis steroidogenesis, our study showed increased F, E, but not free-F, levels, indicating changes in steroid metabolism rather than adrenal secretion stimulation. The steroid profiling also revealed the CC stimulation of the Δ5 rather than the Δ4 pathway, thus indicating considerable testicular involvement in the increased androgen secretion.

Correlation of Sex Hormones and Periodontal Disease in Women with Menstrual Cycle Irregularities

Background &amp; Objectives: Variations in the levels of female sex hormones,i.e., estrogen and progesterone,are responsible for various physiological changes,including those in the oral tissues. The aim of this researchis to determine the effects of changes in sex hormone levels in women with irregular periodsand sufferingfrom periodontal diseases in comparison to healthy women.Methods: This study included70 subjects who visited the Clinic at the Department of Periodontology,College of Dentistry,University of Anbar, during the period of July 2019to September 2019. The gingivalcrevicular fluid(GCF) was collected from the patient group (35 females with irregular periodsand periodontaldisease) and the control group(25 healthy females).Results: Compared to control, asignificantlyhighermean concentration of GCFestradiolwas found in thepatient group. Additionally, the patient group also exhibited a significantly lower mean concentration ofGCFprogesterone compared to the control group.Interpretation &amp; Conclusion: Changes in sex hormonesaresignificantlycorrelated with periodontal tissuechangesand GCF examination can be used as a non-invasive method to detect these hormonal changes.Thisstudy demonstrated that GCF could prove to be a good, non-invasive method to validate the levels of sexhormones in females with periodontal diseases.

Testosterone-to-estradiol ratio and lung function in a prospective study of Puerto Rican youth

BackgroundAge- and sex-related differences in asthma may be due to changes in sex hormone levels. ObjectiveTo evaluate whether a change in free testosterone or free testosterone-to-estradiol ratio is associated with changes in lung function and eosinophils in the Puerto Rican youth. MethodsWe tested for the association between the change in sex hormone levels and change in lung function or change in eosinophils in a prospective study of 317 children (with and without asthma) followed up from ages 6 to 14 years to ages 10 to 20 years (146 females, 171 males) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Serum levels of testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone–binding globulin, and progesterone were measured at 2 study visits, approximately 4.9 years apart. Using testosterone and sex hormone–binding globulin levels, we derived free testosterone and the free testosterone-to-estradiol ratio. Multivariable linear regression was used for the analysis of change in lung function and eosinophils, conducted separately by sex. ResultsIn girls, each quartile increment in the free testosterone-to-estradiol ratio was associated with a 2.03% increment in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) between study visits. In males, each quartile increment in the free testosterone-to-estradiol ratio was associated with a 3.27% increment in percent predicted FEV1 and a 1.81% increment in percent predicted FEV1/FVC between study visits. In girls with asthma, an increased free testosterone-to-estradiol ratio was significantly associated with decreased eosinophils between visits (P=0.03). ConclusionIn Puerto Rican youth, increased free testosterone-to-estradiol ratio over time was associated with an increased FEV1/FVC in both sexes, and with an increased FEV1 in males.

Efficacy and safety of moxibustion in the treatment of infertility with polycystic ovary syndrome: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the common diseases of reproductive endocrine metabolism in gynecology, and it is also a common and difficult disease affecting female reproductive endocrine health. PCOS characterized by insulin resistance and hyperandrogenemia, the clinical manifestations are polychaemia, acne, obesity, infertility, menstrual disorders and so on. Clinical treatment of patients with PCOS ovulatory dysfunction infertility is mainly treated with ovulation-promoting drugs, insulin sensitizer, hyperandrogenemia drugs and other drugs Healing. It is found that the sensitivity of patients to ovulation promotion is poor, and it is often necessary to increase the dosage of drugs to increase ovulation rate, thus increasing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and the recurrence rate is higher after withdrawal. Moxibustion therapy has shown strong advantages in the treatment of PCOS, and the curative effect is accurate. Therefore, this paper will carry out a systematic evaluation and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of moxibustion therapy in the treatment of PCOS.Methods:We will search 8 electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Wanfang Database (WF), and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM). We will search above electronic databases from the beginning to January 2021, without any language restriction. Ovulation rate and pregnancy rate will be accepted as the primary outcomes. The changes of Sex hormone levels, including Luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, serum estradiol, total testosterone will be used as secondary outcomes. RevMan 5.3 software will be used for statistical analysis. The result about the curative effect and safety of moxibustion therapy for PCOS will be presented as risk ratio for dichotomous data and mean differences with a 95% confidence interval for continuous data.Results:Only when we finish this meta-analysis can we get the result.Conclusions:The results of this study will provide reliable evidence for the efficacy and safety of moxibustion therapy in the treatment of PCOS.

A longitudinal evaluation of ovulatory cycle shifts in women's mate attraction and preferences

Are ovulatory cycle shifts in women's mate attraction and preferences robust? What are underlying mechanisms of potential cycle shifts? These questions are the subject of a current scientific debate surrounding the good genes ovulatory shift hypothesis. Here, we report a large, preregistered, within-subjects study, including salivary hormone measures and conception risk estimates based on luteinizing hormone tests. In four sessions across one ovulatory cycle, N = 257 women (= 1028 sessions) rated the attractiveness of 40 natural male bodies, 40 natural female bodies and 40 objects. Multilevel analyses yielded weak evidence for ovulatory increases in women's general attraction, specifically to male bodies, though they are not systematically related to changes in steroid hormone levels. Further, we found no compelling robust evidence for mate preference shifts across the cycle, as only one out of many different tests showed some weak evidence for such effects. Mechanisms regulating cycle shifts, the impact of our results on developing and revising cycle shift theories, and influences of different methodologies on results are discussed.

Long-Term Consequences of Menopause Victor manuel vargas hernandez Academic of the Mexican Academy of Surgery Secretary of the Mexican Association for the study of Climacteric

The dramatic changes in sex hormone levels that occur during the transition to menopause and beyond are responsible for the long-term consequences, which are of primary importance to healthy aging in women. Sex hormones have a vital physiological role in maintaining the health and normal functioning of various organs; like bone, heart and brain. Disease activity is highly dependent on estrogen exposure; cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders frequently occur during postmenopause. Even cognitive decline is related to hypoestrogenism during the menopausal transition. Several lines of evidence indicate that the presence, duration and severity of menopausal vasomotor symptoms, especially hot flashes, not only have an impact on quality of life, but are biomarkers of increased risk of chronic conditions, which require prevention strategies, including menopausal hormone therapy. Nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle measures, use of appropriate hormonal treatments in symptomatic women during the "window" of opportunity (under 60 years or within 10 years after menopause) can significantly counteract the process of aging of the female body. Meanwhile an individualized menopausal hormone therapy helps postmenopausal women overcome the burden of symptoms, including those related to Genitourinary Menopause Syndrome.

Associations between the number of children, age at childbirths and prevalence of chronic low back pain: the Nord-Tr\xf8ndelag Health Study

BackgroundAssociations between childbirths and subsequent risk of low back pain (LBP) have not been clarified. Changes in sex hormone levels or lumbar posture during pregnancy may have an impact on LBP later in life. The purpose of this study was to explore associations between the number of childbirths, age at childbirths and prevalence of chronic LBP in a general population of women.MethodsData were obtained from the Norwegian community-based Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, HUNT2 (1995–1997). Women aged 20–69 years indicated whether they suffered from chronic LBP, defined as LBP persisting at least 3 months continuously during last year. Information about LBP was collected from 3936 women who had experienced no childbirths, 3143 women who had delivered one child only and 20,584 women who had delivered 2 or more children. Of these, 7339 women reported chronic LBP. The 595 women who were pregnant when information was collected were considered separately, regardless of previous births, with 80 women reporting chronic LBP. Associations with prevalence of chronic LBP were examined by generalised linear modelling with adjustment for potential confounders in a cross-sectional design.ResultsWomen who had delivered one child only showed a higher prevalence of chronic LBP than women with no childbirths (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01–1.22). Among women with one or more childbirths, no overall change in prevalence could be demonstrated with an increasing number of children in analyses adjusted for age at first delivery. In women with at least two childbirths, an age less than 20 years at first childbirth was associated with an increased prevalence of chronic LBP (PR 1.36; 95% CI: 1.25–1.49; compared with age 25–29 years). No association was observed between age at last delivery and chronic LBP. The lowest prevalence of chronic LBP was found among women who were currently pregnant (PR 0.80; 95% CI: 0.63–1.00; compared with women with no childbirths).ConclusionsHaving experienced at least one childbirth seems to be associated with a higher prevalence of chronic LBP later in life. A young age at first childbirth is also associated with a long-lasting increased prevalence.

Effects of selenium deficiency on testis development and autophagy in chicks

To investigate the effects of Selenium (Se) deficiency on testis development and autophagy in chicks. 20 1-day old cocks were randomly divided into two groups, named the control check (CK) group [a basic diet (containing 0.333 mg Se/kg) was fed] and the Se-deficiency (Low Se) group [a selenium deficiency diet (containing 0.033 mg Se/kg) was supplied]. After 30 days, the body and testicle weights of the chicks were measured, and the organ coefficient was calculated. While haematoxylin–eosin staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, colorimetric method was used to assess the histopathological changes of testis, the changes of sex hormone levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities in two groups of chicks, respectively, the mRNA and protein expression of autophagy-related factors in the testes was determined by using quantitative PCR and western blotting. We found that Se deficiency resulted in a significant decrease in body and testicle weights of the chicks, a reduction in organ coefficients, and damaged testis tissue. The levels of sex hormone testosterone, oestradiol, the activities of serum antioxidant enzymes T-AOC, GSH-ST and GSH-PX in the Low-Se group were significantly lower than those in the CK group. Furthermore, the level of autophagy was significantly increased in the Low-Se group compared with the CK counterpart. The mRNA levels of Beclin1, Dynein, ATG-4B, ATG5, LC3-A and LC3-B genes in the Low-Se group were significantly higher than those in the CK group, while the protein expression of ATG5 and LC3-B was significantly increased in the Low-Se group compared with the CK counterpart. These data indicates dietary selenium-deprived chicks exhibit poor testicular development, impaired sex hormone synthesis, reduced antioxidant enzyme activity, and increased mRNA and protein expression of autophagy-related factors. HIGHLIGHTS Se-deprived chicks display poor testicular development, impaired sex hormone synthesis, reduced activity of antioxidant enzymes, and increased mRNA and protein levels of autophagy-related factors.

Circulating Steroid Changes In Response To Extreme Physical Stress In Male Athletes

PURPOSE: Athletes put themselves on a regular physical load to stay competitive. Steroids play a significant role in the regulation of cardiovascular, metabolic and many other functions in stress situations. Our aim was to monitor the response of steroid hormones to physical stress. METHODS: We investigated the plasma levels of 14 different endogenous steroid molecules in a model of extreme acute physical stress (vita maxima treadmill test) in male athletes (n=45; median age=21). Steroid levels were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Cardiovascular-, metabolic-, and gas-exchange parameters were also evaluated. All values were measured at baseline, at maximum stress and 30 minutes into the rest period. RESULTS: The plasma concentrations of 9 steroids elevated significantly (p<0.05) at the peak compared to baseline, and 11 metabolites elevated significantly (p<0.05) in the rest period compared to baseline. After load 9 steroid showed an increase of at least 50% compared to baseline. Aldosterone showed the highest increase at peak, with 75.83%, and in the rest phase corticosterone elevated with 123.36%. Blood pressure, heart rate and lactate parameters increased significantly at the peak of the load (p<0.01). Cardiac and metabolic values did not correlate with the steroid concentrations. We calculated 11 enzyme activities from the product and substrate ratios, and we found significant differences. There were 4 enzymatic pathway which showed significant increase. 11β-HSD (p<0.01) and aldosterone-synthase (p<0.01) elevated at the peak. In the restitution 17,20-lyase and 11β-HSD in another pathway increased significantly (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: All three lines of the adrenal cortex are affected by extreme physical stress. Cardiovascular, metabolic and gas-exchange parameters increase early, followed by changes in the levels of endogenous steroids. as a later response. We showed for the first time in this model the elevation of some steroids, like aldosterone, corticosterone and others, and identified the enzymatic pathways involved. Literature results were partially reproduced, with further changes in steroid levels revealed by our model. This research was supported by: GINOP-2.3.2-15-2016-00047, Széchenyi 2020., 20765/3/2018 FEKUTSRAT projects.

Optimization of mass spectrometry settings for steroidomic analysis in young and old killifish

Steroids are essential structural components of cell membranes that organize lipid rafts and modulate membrane fluidity. They can also act as signalling molecules that work through nuclear and G protein–coupled receptors to impact health and disease. Notably, changes in steroid levels have been implicated in metabolic, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, but how alterations in the steroid pool affect ageing is less well understood. One of the major challenges in steroidomic analysis is the ability to simultaneously detect and distinguish various steroids due to low in vivo concentrations and naturally occurring stereoisomers. Here, we established such a method to study the mass spectrometry behaviour of nine sterols/steroids and related molecules (cholesterol precursors: squalene, lanosterol; sterol metabolites; 7 Dehydrocholesterol, 24, 25 and 27 Hydroxycholesterol; and steroids: progesterone, testosterone, and corticosterone) during ageing in the African turquoise killifish, a new model for studying vertebrate longevity. We find that levels of all tested steroids change significantly with age in multiple tissues, suggesting that specific steroids could be used as biomarkers of ageing. These findings pave the way for use of Nothobranchius furzeri as a novel model organism to unravel the role of sterols/steroids in ageing and age-related diseases.Graphical abstract

Comparative Study in Sexual Function between Male Renal Transplant Recipient and ESRD Patients on Hemodialysis

Abstract Background erectile function is greatly affected in patients with chronic renal failure which manifest itself with various grades of erectile dysfunction which is reflected on physical and psychosocial health of the patients which has a significant impact on quality of life (QOL). Purpose to evaluate erectile function in CRF patients on regular hemodialysis versus post renal transplant patients. Patients and Methods the study included 50 patients recruited from urology and nephrology outpatient clinic in El Zaitoon and Naser Institute Hospitals during a period of 6 months. The 50 patients were divided into two groups: chronic kidney disease group (DIALYSIS) and renal transplant group (TRANSPLANT). Results the domains concerning the sexual performance of IIEF-5 showed that in our study erection function domain showed better results in renal transplantation group (p &amp;lt; 0.003) with median(IQR) in the CKD and renal transplant patients 10(40%) and 15(60%) respectively. Conclusion successful kidney transplantation can significantly improve ED in CKD patients, especially in individuals with a shorter time on dialysis. Changes in sex hormone levels may contribute to this improvement in ED.