Changes In Endocrine Profiles Research Articles

Allopregnanolone alters follicular and luteal dynamics during the estrous cycle

BackgroundAllopregnanolone is a neurosteroid synthesized in the central nervous system independently of steroidogenic glands; it influences sexual behavior and anxiety. The aim of this work is to evaluate the indirect effect of a single pharmacological dose of allopregnanolone on important processes related to normal ovarian function, such as folliculogenesis, angiogenesis and luteolysis, and to study the corresponding changes in endocrine profile and enzymatic activity over 4 days of the rat estrous cycle. We test the hypothesis that allopregnanolone may trigger hypothalamus - hypophysis - ovarian axis dysregulation and cause ovarian failure which affects the next estrous cycle stages.MethodsAllopregnanolone was injected during the proestrous morning and then, the animals were sacrificed at each stage of the estrous cycle. Ovarian sections were processed to determine the number and diameter of different ovarian structures. Cleaved caspase 3, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, α-actin and Von Willebrand factor expressions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Luteinizing hormone, prolactin, estrogen and progesterone serum levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. The enzymatic activities of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase and 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase were determined by spectrophotometric assays. Two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni was performed to determine statistical differences between control and treated groups along the four stages of the cycle.ResultsThe results indicate that allopregnanolone allopregnanolone decreased the number of developing follicles, while atretic follicles and cysts increased with no effects on normal cyclicity. Some cysts in treated ovaries showed morphological characteristics similar to luteinized unruptured follicles. The apoptosis/proliferation balance increased in follicles from treated rats. The endocrine profile was altered at different stages of the estrous cycle of treated rats. The angiogenic markers expression increased in treated ovaries. As regards corpora lutea, the apoptosis/proliferation balance and 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymatic activity decreased significantly. Progesterone levels and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymatic activity increased in treated rats. These data suggest that allopregnanolone interferes with steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis at different stages of the cycle.ConclusionAllopregnanolone interferes with corpora lutea regression, which might indicate that this neurosteroid exerts a protective role over the luteal cells and prevents them from luteolysis. Allopregnanolone plays an important role in the ovarian pathophysiology.

Level of Estrogens and Their Metabolites in Infected Ovarian Tissue in Women Having Uterine Carcinomas

ABSTRACT Aim: Recently growing evidence has indicated the presence of persistent viruses and microorganisms in malignant tumor cells. Studying of the effect of infectious factors on the changes in endocrine profile in hormone-dependent tissues can contribute to detection of the reasons of sharp rise in the frequency of cancer in women over fifty years and the possibility of prevention and treatment of oncopathologies. Methods: 67 samples of ovarian tissue in patients with uterine carcinomas T1-2N0M0 were studied, mean age 53,4±3,2 years. Levels of estrone (Е1), estradiol (Е2), estriol (Е3), estrogen metabolite ratio 2-ОНЕ and 16-ОНЕ were detected in 10% homogenates by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with the help of standard test systems (XEMA Co., Ltd.). Intact ovarian tissue without IgG antibodies against infectious agents served as a control. Polymerase chain reaction method was used for the detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV) and chlamydia infection in ovarian tissue. Statistical analysis of results was made using Statistica 6.0 programme. Written voluntary informed consent of all patients was received in all cases. Results: 35,8% of 67 samples of ovarian tissue were infected with complex of infections – clamydias+HSV+CMV; 32,8% – HSV only; 11,9% – CMV+HSV; 11,9% – CMV only. Only 7,6% of the samples occurred to be intact. The results of the study show increase of Е1 concentration by 1,6-3,5 times and decrease of Е2 by 7,3-16,4 times in infected ovaries in comparison with uninfected tissues. When calculating the ratio Е1/Е2, maximum prevalence of Е1 – by 25-28,8 times higher in comparison with uninfected tissue – was recorded in HSV and HSV+CMV. In all other cases – CMV and clamydias+CMV – Е1/Е2 ratio increased by 15-16 times. Estrogen metabolite ratio 2-ОНЕ/16-ОНЕ in infected ovarian tissue was decreased on average by 1,5 times in comparison with intact samples. Conclusions: Е1/Е2 ratio changes towards Е1 prevalence in infected ovarian tissue, and estrogen metabolite ratio decreases towards aggressive 16ОНЕ prevalence. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Resuscitation volume and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

Patients with severe infections and major trauma often develop multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Aggressive fluid resuscitation can be involved in such a process and several lines of evidence have demonstrated the detrimental effects of large crystalloid-based resuscitation strategies on MODS. Additionally, fluid-restrictive strategies have been associated with a decreased frequency of acute respiratory distress syndrome (and a shorter time to recover from it) and with trends toward a shorter length of hospital stay and lower mortality. Recent knowledge of the pathophysiology of septic shock and severe trauma indicates that a release of inflammatory mediators occurs early in the course of the disease. These mediators, especially pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as hypopituitary adrenal axis dysfunction, are involved in cardiac dysfunction and vasodilatation-induced hypotension. Taking into account this combination of severe inflammation and secondary changes in endocrine profile through an ear...

Changes in endocrine profiles during ovsynch and ovsynch plus norprolac treatment in Murrah buffalo heifers at hot summer season

The aim of this study was to compare the changes in hormonal profiles during ovsynch and ovsynch plus norprolac treatment in Murrah buffalo heifers following timed artificial insemination (TAI) at stressful summer months, through intensive endocrine analysis. The norprolac (an anti-prolactin drug) at the dose rate of 10.0 mg/animal /day effectively suppressed the level of prolactin upto 30 hours. The hormones quantified in blood plasma samples collected before, during and after ovsynch and ovsynch plus norprolac treatment were LH, prolactin, progesterone, estradiol-17beta and total estrogens. The plasma prolactin and progesterone concentrations were negatively correlated (r = - 0.24) during summer estrous cycle, which indicated prolactin-induced suppression of progesterone secretion through poor luteal development. The ovsynch treatment reduced the incidence of anestrous from 45% before treatment to only 18% after treatment. The norprolac induced prolactin suppression improved the efficiency of ovsynch treatment upto 100% cyclicity after treatment in comparison to 36% acyclicity before treatment. In both the treatments 45% and 55% of animal became pregnant after TAI, respectively. The high prolactin secretion contributed to poor fertility by lowering gonadal hormones (estradiol-17beta, total estrogens and progesterone) production in summer months. This finding of endocrine changes suggests that ovsynch protocol for estrus synchronization has potential application for improvement of fertility in repeat breeding buffaloes even during extreme summer months through suppression of prolactin secretion.

Changes in endocrine profile and reproductive organs during puberty in the male marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus)

Data on pubertal maturation in male marmoset, a model for human reproduction, are scant and conflicting. We collected data on novel parameters to characterize puberty. Twenty-five marmoset monkeys were assigned to five age groups by weeks (wk): 21 (pre-pubertal), 43 (onset of puberty), 52 (fully pubertal), 70 (mature), and 116 (fully adult). Serum and intratesticular testosterone and pituitary bioactive chorionic gonadotropin (bioCG) were measured. Testicular development was assessed by ultrasonography, histology, and flow cytometry. Three consecutive blood samples revealed extreme fluctuations in testosterone concentrations, suggesting an erratic secretion. Age-related changes in serum testosterone and pituitary bioCG concentrations were observed. Intratesticular androgens (ITAs) showed high fluctuations within groups at all ages and were high in some animals by 21 wk. Unexpectedly, no correlation between pituitary bioCG and serum testosterone or ITAs was found, but these parameters significantly correlated with testicular weight and volume. These observations were consistent a dependence on the testis growth on bioCG. Unfortunately, the low serum levels of bioCG were not measurable in this study. At 43 wk, the animals reached puberty. At 52 wk of age, animals attained maximum body and epididymal weights and qualitatively normal spermatogenesis, but testes continued growing, reaching a maximum of all parameters at 70 wk of age, without further major changes at the age of 116 wk. It is concluded that (1) gonadal activation is evident at wk 21, (2) the male marmoset reaches the pubertal threshold around 43 wk of age, attains qualitative parameters at 52 wk, matures further to sexual maturity at 70 wk, and (3) serum testosterone and ITAs are highly variable without any identifiable correlation with pituitary bioCG.

Multiorgan failure is an adaptive, endocrine-mediated, metabolic response to overwhelming systemic inflammation

Sepsis and other critical illnesses produce a biphasic inflammatory, immune, hormonal, and metabolic response. The acute phase is marked by an abrupt rise in the secretion of so-called stress hormones with an associated increase in mitochondrial and metabolic activity. The combination of severe inflammation and secondary changes in endocrine profile diminish energy production, metabolic rate, and normal cellular processes, leading to multiple organ dysfunction. This perceived failure of organs might instead be a potentially protective mechanism, because reduced cellular metabolism could increase the chances of survival of cells, and thus organs, in the face of an overwhelming insult. We propose that, first, multiple organ failure induced by critical illness is primarily a functional, rather than structural, abnormality. Indeed, it may not be failure as such, but a potentially protective, reactive mechanism. Second, the decline in organ function is triggered by a decrease in mitochondrial activity and oxidative phosphorylation, leading to reduced cellular metabolism. Third, this effect on mitochondria might be the consequence of acute-phase changes in hormones and inflammatory mediators.

Endocrine profile in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Cyclophosphamide and other alkylating agents suppress ovarian function in pre-menopausal women. However, endocrine details remain unknown regarding the influence of patients' age and obesity on CMF-induced hormonal changes. We studied changes in endocrine profile due to chemotherapy (CMF) in 70 pre-menopausal patients with axillary node positive, stage II and/or III breast carcinoma. Plasma levels of estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), androstenedione (A2), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL) were determined on day 1 and 8 of each chemocycle for 12 cycles. After receiving therapy, 23% of the women continued to have regular menstrual cycles (non-amenorrheic group). In the remaining 77%, ovarian function was suppressed, as evidenced by the onset of amenorrhea within 0-11 months (amenorrheic group). The mean time to amenorrhea was 2.83 +/- 0.33 months (SE). The time required to develop amenorrhea inversely correlated to the patient's age. Both incidence of amenorrhea and time to amenorrhea remained unaffected by either patient's obesity or the timing of chemotherapy initiation in relation to menstrual cycle phase (progestational, follicular). Plasma hormone levels fluctuated widely in both groups during the first three chemocycles. During chemocycle months 4 to 10, in the amenorrheic group, plasma E1, E2, and P declined to their baseline levels with a concomitant rise in LH levels. At this time, E1, E2, and P levels were significantly lower in amenorrheics, despite menstrual cycle associated fluctuations in the non-amenorrheic group. Estrogens (E1 and E2) gradually declined further following the onset of amenorrhea in subsequent months. Further data analysis suggests that host age or obesity did not influence CMF-induced changes in the plasma endocrine profile.

Changes in endocrine profiles and spermiation response in carp after LHRH analogue injection.

LHRH analogue [(D-Ala6-desGly10) LHRH ethylamide] injection at a dose of 30μg/kg body weight accelerated spermiation in carp. The amount of collectable milt increased rapidly at 12h after injection and was maintained at high levels for 24h. The spermatocrit gradually in-creased throughout the experiment, and motility of the spermatozoa did not appear to be affected. Plasma gonadotropin (GtH) level showed a significant rise at 5min after the LHRH analogue injection. The level decreased at 40min but increased again gradually and reached a peak at 24h. The control group had a lower plasma GtH level than the injected group throughout the experiment. Plasma testosterone increased significantly from 1h and was maintained at a high level for 24h. Plasma 11-ketotestosterone also showed a similar pattern of changes. No signi-ficant changes were recognized for both androgens in the control fish. From these results, it is possible to postulate that exogenous LHRH analogue stimulated an early and rapid discharge of gonadotropin from the pituitary gland, and that spermiation was enhanced by the action of the successive secretion of gonadotropin and androgens.

Plasma FSH, LH, prolactin and progesterone profiles of Cheviot ewes with different levels of intake before and after mating, and associated effects on reproductive performance

Patterns of secretion of FSH, LH and prolactin were investigated in the luteal and follicular phases of the cycle prior to mating in Cheviot ewes on high and low intakes (approximately 3.0 and 0.8 kg DM per head per day) during the weeks before mating. Ewes on the high intake had a higher mean ovulation rate (1.95 vs 1.40; P < 0.01) and higher mean potential litter size (1.75 vs 1.00; P < 0.001) as determined at slaughter 3 weeks after mating. No significant differences associated with intake were observed in the endocrine profiles during the luteal phase of the cycle before mating, indicating that differences in reproductive performance were not mediated by changes in endocrine profiles in this period. However, during periods of the subsequent follicular phase, ewes on a high intake had a higher LH pulse frequency, higher mean prolactin levels and non-significantly higher FSH levels. The preovulatory peaks of these hormones were not altered by the level of intake but the mean peak values for prolactin and LH were significantly higher in ewes with multiple ovulations than in those with single ovulations. Differences in endocrine status prior to mating were not associated with differences in luteal function after mating, as measured by circulating progesterone levels. However, mean progesterone levels were higher in ewes on a low intake after mating compared with those on a high intake.

Endocrine studies of azoospermia. I. Serum steroid levels in Sertoli cell only syndrome.

Estrone, estradiol, estriol, progesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone levels were determined in sera of 20 fertile men and 15 male patients with Sertoli cell only syndrome. In men with Sertoli cel only syndrome there was a significant decrease in serum estrone, estradiol, progesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, and dihydrotestosterone and a significant increase in serum estriol and testosterone. Changes in endocrine profile discussed in relation to the possible role of inhibin.