Changes In Hormone Profiles Research Articles

Changes in hormonal profiles during competition preparation in physique athletes.

Physique athletes engage in rigorous competition preparation involving intense energy restriction and physical training to enhance muscle definition. This study investigates hormonal changes and their physiological and performance impacts during such preparation. Participants included female (10 competing (COMP) and 10 non-dieting controls (CTRL)) and male (13 COMP and 10 CTRL) physique athletes. COMP participants were tested 23weeks before (PRE), one week before (MID), and 23weeks after the competition (POST). Non-dieting CTRL participants were tested at similar intervals. Measurements included body composition (DXA), muscle cross-sectional area (ultrasound), energy availability (EA) derived by subtracting exercise energy expenditure (EEE) from energy intake (EI) and dividing by fat-free mass (FFM), muscle strength, and various serum hormone concentrations (ACTH, cortisol, estradiol, FSH, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, insulin, and free and total testosterone and SHBG). During the diet, EA (p < 0.001), IGF-1 (p < 0.001), IGFBP-3 (p < 0.01), and absolute muscle strength (p < 0.01-0.001) decreased significantly in both sexes in COMP. Decreases in IGF-1 were also associated with higher loss in FFM. In males, testosterone (p < 0.01) and free testosterone (p < 0.05) decreased, while SHBG (p < 0.001) and cortisol (p < 0.05) increased. Insulin decreased significantly only in males (p < 0.001). Mood disturbances, particularly increased fatigue in males (p < 0.05), highlighted the psychological strain of competition preparation. All these changes were restored by increased EA during the post-competition recovery period. Significant reductions in IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 during competition preparation may serve as biomarkers for monitoring physiological stress. This study offers valuable insights into hormonal changes, muscle strength, and mood state during energy-restricted intense training.

Letrozole co-treatment in an antagonist protocol for overweight women undergoing IVF treatment: a retrospective study

BackgroundOverweight women undergoing IVF treatment have lower success rates. Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, has been used as an adjunct for IVF treatment, but its specific effects in overweight women have not been investigated. This study was to explore the effects of letrozole co-treatment in an antagonist protocol for overweight infertile women undergoing IVF treatment.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included overweight infertile women who underwent IVF/ICSI treatment and fresh embryo transfer (ET), with or without letrozole co-treatment in an antagonist protocol, from 2007 to 2021 at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital (Shanghai, China). A total of 704 overweight infertile women were included: 585 women were in the antagonist group, and 119 women were in the letrozole co-treatment group. The primary outcome was the live birth rate after fresh ET. Propensity score-based patient-matching was employed to balance the covariates between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was also performed to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for association of letrozole co-treatment and the live birth outcome.ResultsLetrozole co-treatment induced significant changes in hormonal profile on the trigger day. The letrozole group exhibited a decrease in the total number of follicles compared to the antagonist group, but a higher proportion of large follicles at oocyte retrieval (P < 0.05). The quantity and quality of embryos were comparable between the two groups (P > 0.05). The letrozole co-treatment group had a significantly higher live birth rate than the control group (38.7% vs. 22.6%, P = 0.026). With multivariate logistic regression analysis, letrozole co-treatment was associated with higher odds of live birth after adjusting for potential confounding factors (adjusted OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.17–3.39, P = 0.011). Letrozole presented no significant associations with obstetrical or neonatal complications (P > 0.05).ConclusionLetrozole co-treatment in an antagonist protocol may offer potential benefits for overweight infertile women undergoing IVF treatment. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore the broader implications for letrozole co-treatment.

Improving Fertility in Non-obstructive Azoospermia: Results from an Autologous Bone Mar-row-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell Phase I Clinical Trial.

In this phase I clinical trial, our primary objective was to develop an innovative therapeutic approach utilizing autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (BM-MSCs) for the treatment of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Additionally, we aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of this approach. We recruited 80 participants in this non-randomized, open-label clinical trial, including patients undergoing NOA treatment using autologous BM-MSCs (n=40) and those receiving hormone therapy as a control group (n=40). Detailed participant characteristics, such as age, baseline hormonal profiles, etiology of NOA, and medical history, were thoroughly documented. Autotransplantation of BM-MSCs into the testicular network was achieved using microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (microTESE). Semen analysis and hormonal assessments were performed both before and six months after treatment. Additionally, we conducted an in-silico analysis to explore potential protein-protein interactions between exosomes secreted from BM-MSCs and receptors present in human seminiferous tubule cells. Our results revealed significant improvements following treatment, including increased testosterone and inhibin B levels, elevated sperm concentration, and reduced levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin. Notably, in nine patients (22.5%) previously diagnosed with secondary infertility and exhibiting azoospermia before treatment, the proposed approach yielded successful outcomes, as indicated by hormonal profile changes over six months. Importantly, these improvements were achieved without complications. Additionally, our in-silico analysis identified potential binding interactions between the protein content of BM-MSC-derived exosomes and receptors integral to spermatogenesis. Autotransplantation of BM-MSCs into the testicular network using microTESE in NOA patients led to the regeneration of seminiferous tubules and the regulation of hormonal profiles governing spermatogenesis. Our findings support the safety and effectiveness of autologous BM-MSCs as a promising treatment modality for NOA, with a particular focus on the achieved outcomes in patients with secondary infertility (registration number: IRCT20190519043634N1).

Changes in Hormonal Profiles and Corresponding Gene Expressions During the Initiation and Development of Juice Sac Primordia in Citrus Ovaries and Fruitlets

The edible part of citrus fruit is composed of juice vesicles/sacs which develop from the endocarp, the two to three inner cell layers of the white spongy peel termed albedo. Juice sac primordia usually appear 1 week after anthesis. Hormones, especially auxin and gibberellin, play a role in pericarp development during the ovary-to-fruit transition, but their effect on juice vesicle induction has not been studied. Here, hormone profiling in the pericarp and changes in the expression of their corresponding genes in the endocarp and pericarp were compared between two citrus cultivars: Calabria citron, in which juice sacs develop normally, and Yemenite citron, in which juice sac formation does not initiate. Most of the identified hormones, abscisic acid, gibberellin A4, indole-3-acetic acid, isopentenyladenine, jasmonic acid and zeatin riboside, were at higher levels in Yemenite than in Calabria. Overall, changes in abscisic acid levels in the pericarp were very well correlated with changes in the expression of abscisic acid-related genes in the endocarp. However, the application of various hormones, including abscisic acid, to Calabria flowers failed to arrest juice sac initiation. The possible involvement of abscisic acid and other hormones in the process of juice vesicle initiation and pericarp growth is discussed.

Hormonal profile changes under the influence of environmental factors in children residing in the Aral environmental disaster region

BACKGROUND: Since the mid 20th century, the Southern Aral Sea Region is notorious as a region of ecological disaster, where anthropogenic influence led to the desiccation of the Aral Sea. Aridization of these territories is the cause of accumulation of endocrine disrupting chemicals — pesticides and toxic metals in soil and water.&#x0D; AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the changes in hormonal profile under the influence of environmental factors in prepubertal children living at different distances from the epicenter of the Aral ecological disaster.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 58 male children aged 11–13 years. All children from birth lived in two regions of the Aral Sea Region and were divided into two groups depending on their place of residence. The group “North” (unfavorable conditions) consisted of 27 children from Muynak, Kungrad, Karauzyak, Takhtakupyr districts. The “Nukus” group (relatively favorable conditions) included 31 volunteers from Nukus city. All children were determined the concentration of IGF-1 — Insulin-like growth factor 1, GH — growth gormone, TT — total testosterone, E2 — estradiol, FSH — follicle-stimulating hormone, LH — luteinizing hormone, TSH — thyroid-stimulating hormone, TT3 — total triiodothyronine in blood sample. The statistical significance of the differences of the mentioned hormones in children from the “North” and “Nukus” groups was checked using the Mann–Whitney test.&#x0D; RESULTS: This analysis revealed statistically significantly higher values of TT, FSH and LH in children from the “Nukus” group compared to their peers from the “North” group. The concentrations of IGF-1, GH, E2, TTG and T3 in blood plasma in volunteers from both groups were not statistically significantly different.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: The environment of the Aral ecological disaster region with increased content of organochlorine compounds, pesticides and heavy metals changes the endocrine status in local prepubertal children. This is expressed in a moderate decrease in the activity of androgens (but not estrogens) and gonadotropic hormones. This research work can be considered as a pilot study, which determines the need for further monitoring of endocrine disorders in children and adults living in negative environmental conditions.

Fluctuations of testosterone and cortisol levels in male dromedary camels in response to behavioral and management situations.

Biostimulation is a management practice that improves the reproductive parameters, potentiates the desire, and improves the reproductive efficiency during the short breeding season in camels. This study aims to investigate the concurrent changes in hormonal profiles in response to management and behavioral situations on camel farms in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 10 male and 50 female camels were used in this study. The hormonal profile of male camels was evaluated weekly starting from December to August. The results show that both serum testosterone and cortisol levels increased (p < 0.01) from December to March compared to April to August. A strong negative correlation was observed between testosterone levels and temperature (r = -0.81, p < 0.05), and a similarly robust negative correlation was found between cortisol levels and temperature (r = -0.83, p < 0.05). The dominant rutting males showed higher levels of testosterone than the submissive males. Serum testosterone levels increased (p < 0.01) in males out of rutting after hearing the sounds of other couples before and during mating. Hearing sounds emitted during mating increases the testosterone output, and improves the libido of male camels during the nonrutting period. It is important to keep two individually housed males for mating purposes. One male joins the herd alone in winter (winter rutter), and the other joins in spring (spring rutter), this could keep the libido extended rutting and improve the reproductive performance in camel herds.

Anti-Müllerian hormone and inhibin-B concentrations vary cyclically in nonovulating queens within reference ranges established for determining gonadal status in cats.

To define cyclic changes in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin-B, and progesterone concentrations and establish statistically valid, population-based clinical reference ranges in queens. Cyclic queens (fertile, n = 6; infertile, 6) from an institutional breeding colony were blood sampled longitudinally, each for over 2 months, between November 2021 and February 2022, and residual serum samples from intact (n = 205) and ovariohysterectomized (49) queens from clinical submissions were used to establish reference ranges for intact and spayed females. AMH and inhibin-B were measured using commercially available ELISAs, progesterone was measured using an in-house ELISA, and 90% CIs were calculated from these data. AMH and inhibin-B fluctuated in a highly correlated, cyclic pattern in 3 queens that did not ovulate immediately, whereas AMH declined as progesterone increased, indicative of ovulation, which occurred spontaneously early in the sampling period in 3 others; statistically valid reference ranges were established in intact and ovariohysterectomized females. Cyclic changes in hormone profiles were defined, providing relevant context for interpreting results in cases seeking to determine gonadal status (presence or absence of gonadal tissue) on the basis of established, population-based reference ranges reported here for cats for the first time.

Age-related changes in hormonal profiles and testicular diameter of West African Dwarf buck treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone

This study aimed to investigate the impact of age-related peripheral and Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) -stimulated hormonal profiles on testicular size in West African dwarf bucks. Twelve 3-month-old bucks were randomly divided into two groups: the GnRH- treated group (n = 6) and the control group (n = 6). Over the course of 10 months, from month 3 to month 12, the testicular diameter of all bucks was measured monthly, and blood samples were collected monthly for hormone analysis. The results showed that testicular diameter increased with age and higher concentrations of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Testosterone (T). The GnRHtreated group reached its peak testicular diameter (28.36±1.44 mm) earlier at 8 months compared to the control group (30.50±1.44 mm) at 10 months, aligning with the peak concentrations of FSH, LH, and T. While the GnRH stimulation led to higher FSH, LH, T, and estrogen levels in the treated group, it didn't significantly affect the final testicular diameter (p&lt;0.05). It can be concluded that hormonal levels rise with age and increasing testicular size, and GnRH stimulation can accelerate this process. Testicular size is an important factor in breeding soundness and is influenced by LH, FSH, and testosterone concentrations. These hormones can reliably indicate the reproductive capacity of the buck. Therefore, hormonal profiling should be an integral part of the breeding soundness examination.

Azoospermia and Sperm Retrieval in Post-Pubertal Testicular Torsion; Benefits and limitations

To assess the risk of azoospermia development and the value of sperm retrieval in post-pubertal testicular torsion (TT). This prospective study included patients with post-pubertal TT. Surgical exploration was urgently performed with either orchiopexy or orchiedectomy and contralateral orchiopexy. With the intention of cryopreservation, all cases underwent conventional testicular sperm extraction. Patients were followed-up after 1, 3, and 6 months with semen analysis and hormonal assay (FSH, LH and testosterone). Sperm retrieval rate (SRR), azoospermia rate and changes in hormonal profile were evaluated. The study included 62 patients with a median (IQR) age of 19 (18-20.7) years and duration of testicular torsion of 32.5 (18.3-48) hours. Testicular salvage was successful in 20 (32.3%) while orchiedectomy was performed on 42 patients. The duration of torsion [OR, 95% CI=0.75 (0.61-0.93), P=.008] was the independent predictor of testicular salvage. Successful SR was achieved in 58 patients (93.5%); (40 from the affected testis and 18 from the contralateral side). After 6 months, 21 patients (33.8%) developed azoospermia [19 (45.2%) in orchidectomy group and 2 (10%) in orchiopexy group, P=.006]. Abnormal contralateral testis was the independent predictor of azoospermia [OR, 95% CI=92(8.4-101.5), P < .001]. Azoospermia patients showed a statistically significant increase in FSH and LH and decrease in testosterone level as compared to the non-azoospermia group (P < .001). Azoospermia is not rare in post-pubertal TT patients; therefore, SR at time of intervention seems to be a good option for them to preserve their fertility potentials.

Hormonal profile changes induced by pesticide mixture exposure in female rats revealed by hair analysis.

Pesticide exposure has been associated with hormonal disruption in both animals and humans. However, there is limited knowledge of the combined effects of complex mixtures of pesticides on endogenous hormone levels. Here, we used hair analysis to assess the impact of a pesticide mixture comprising 19 components from multiple chemical classes at eight doses of 0-400μg/kg body weight (bw) three times per week per component on concentrations of 36 steroid and thyroid hormones in female rats over a 90-day exposure period. We detected 13 hormones in rat hair, namely estradiol (E2), androstenedione (AD), testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), pregnenolone (P5), progesterone (P4), 11-deoxycorticosterone (11-DOC), corticosterone (CORT), 3,3'-l-diiodothyronine (T2), 3,5,3'-l-triiodothyronine (T3), 3,3',5'-l-triiodothyronine (rT3), and 3,5,3',5'-l-tetraiodothyronine (T4). In comparison to the control group, hair E2 concentration was significantly lower in the two highest (200 and 400μg/kg bw) exposure groups, whereas hair DHEAS and CORT concentrations were significantly higher in the 40μg/kg bw and the highest exposure groups, respectively. Results from generalized additive models suggest that pesticide exposure resulted in monotonic dose responses in hair E2 concentration, CORT concentration and DHEA/CORT molar ratio but nonmonotonic dose responses in hair T concentration, DHEAS concentration, P4/P5 and DHEA/DHEAS molar ratios. The associations of E2, CORT and DHEA/CORT ratio with exposure intensity were confirmed by their significant linear relationships with hair concentrations of at least 23 of the 25 exposure biomarkers analyzed. Our results demonstrate that exposure to low levels of the pesticide mixture evaluated here can alter hair reproductive and adrenal hormones levels.

Влияние гормонального статуса на сексуальную активность женщин репродуктивного возраста с бесплодием

Androgens play a key role in the physiology of the female body and the reproductive system. Androgen receptor expression in the various tissues points to the importance of androgens in the regulation of the female sexual and social functioning. The study aimed to evaluate sexual functioning in women with infertility and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) using the Female Sexual Functioning Index questionnaire (FSFI). A cross-sectional study of 496 patients with infertility and DOR assessed the degree of sexual dysfunction in conjunction with the changes in the androgenic profiles as indicated by the androstenedione levels in the blood serum. Women with infertility and DOR were significantly more likely to report changes in sexual functioning, including a decrease in libido and in the quality and frequency of sexual relations. Furthermore, patients with normal androstenedione levels generally significantly outscored patients with decreased androstenedione levels (average questionnaire scores 21.2 ± 7.2 and 15.17 ± 3.0 respectively), indicating a lesser degree of sexual dysfunction in the former group; on the other hand, the latter group reported increased pain and decreased attraction, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction. Hormonal profile changes in patients with DOR, including decreased androstenedione levels, significantly impact sexual functioning, and their detection in clinical practice will allow to objectify complaints at an earlier state in order to assess the severity of sexual dysfunction and determine further personalized management tactics.

Male reproductive cycle in a population of the endemic butterfly lizard, Leiolepis ocellata Peters, 1971 (Squamata: Agamidae) from northern Thailand

BackgroundFundamental knowledge on the seasonal reproductive microanatomy and endocrinology of reptiles has been collected from several studies of various species. The present study was to determine annual changes in hormonal profiles, and detailed histomorphometric and histochemical characteristics of the entire male reproductive system of the tropical agamid lizard, Leiolepis ocellata.ResultsMale L. ocellata individuals (n = 75) collected from the territory of two provinces (Lampang and Tak) in northern Thailand exhibited annual variation in sex hormonal, histomorphometric, and histochemical characteristics of the male reproductive system. The reproductive cycle was subdivided into eight reproductive periods (early first active, first active, resting, second recrudescent, second active, regressive, quiescent, and first recrudescent), thus displaying a bimodal pattern with two actively reproductive periods. Circulating sex hormones (testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone) peaked in the first active (February) and the second active (June–July) periods. Likewise, gonadosomatic index (GSI) and histomorphometric variables of the testes and of the genital ducts (rete testis, ductuli efferentes, ductus epididymis, and ductus deferens) revealed their highest values in the first active period. Marked increase in protein and carbohydrate production was detectable in the ductuli efferentes during the active periods.ConclusionsThe male reproductive cycle of L. ocellata showed a biannual pattern of the hormonal profile, and detailed histomorphometric and histochemical characteristics of the entire reproductive system. Hence, the present study provides improved basic knowledge on the reptilian reproductive biology with comparative viewpoints to other reptiles.

Возможности применения молочной кислоты в акушерско-гинекологической практике

nflammatory diseases and dysbiosis provoked by opportunistic microbes currently rank first among lower reproductive tract infections in women. Lactobacilli are predominant in the vaginal microecosystem that is considered the first line of defense against infectious agents. Changes in hormonal profile, the pattern of intimate hygiene and sex life, and other factors impair the vaginal microecosystem. Diseases resulting from the activation of aerobic and anaerobic opportunistic microbes are particularly harmful during pregnancy, since they cause serious reproductive disorders and significantly increase the risks of perinatal complications. Frequent recurrences due to growing antibiotic resistance and the lack of potential antimicrobial treatment in the first trimester of pregnancy force to search for alternative therapeutic tools with good efficacy and safety. Topical agents containing lactic acid decrease vaginal pH and provide unfavorable conditions for the activity of opportunistic microbes, thereby maintaining the protective functions of Lactobacilli. Lactic acid is a natural chemical for this locus. As a result, agents containing this compound are virtually lacking side effects. They can be used along with antibiotics or as monotherapy. KEYWORDS: bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis, lactic acid, opportunistic microbes, vaginal microbiota, Lactobacilli, dysbiosis, pregnancy, normal flora. FOR CITATION: Savicheva A.M., Shadrova P.A. Potential use of lactic acid in obstetrics and gynecology. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2022;5(2):138–145 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2618-8430-2022-5-2-138-145.

Changes in adipose tissue microRNA expression across the menstrual cycle in regularly menstruating females: a pilot study.

Cyclical changes in hormone profiles across the menstrual cycle are associated with alterations in metabolic control. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to regulating metabolic control, including adipose tissue metabolism. How fluctuations in hormonal profiles across the menstrual cycle affect adipose tissue miRNA expression remains unknown. Eleven healthy, regularly menstruating females underwent four sampling visits across their menstrual cycle. Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue and venous blood samples were collected at each sampling visit. Luteinizing hormone (LH) tests, calendar counting, and serum hormone concentrations were used to determine menstrual cycle phases: early-follicular (EF), late-follicular (LF), postovulatory (PO), and midluteal (ML). Serum follicle-stimulating hormone, LH, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone were determined using multiplex magnetic bead panels and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Global adipose tissue miRNA expression levels were determined via microarray in a subset of participants (n = 8) and 17 candidate miRNAs were validated by RT-qPCR in the whole cohort (n = 11). Global analysis of adipose tissue miRNA expression identified 33 miRNAs significantly altered across the menstrual cycle; however, no significant differences remained after correcting for multiple testing (P > 0.05). RT-qPCR analysis of candidate miRNAs revealed miR-497-5p expression was significantly altered across the menstrual cycle ([Formula: see text] = 0.18, P = 0.03); however, post hoc tests did not reveal any significant differences between menstrual cycle phases (P > 0.05). miR-30c-5p was associated with testosterone concentration (R2 = 0.13, P = 0.033). These pilot data indicate differences in adipose tissue miRNAs in healthy women across the menstrual cycle and a weak association with ovarian hormones. Further research in larger sample sizes is required to confirm regulation of miRNA expression across the menstrual cycle.

Постковидный транзиторный гипогонадизм и эректильная дисфункция

Introduction. The SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic is one of the biggest public health challenges in the modern era. Currently, along with the continuing high incidence rate, the immediate and long-term consequences of COVID-19 are predictably becoming increasingly important. The impact of the COVID-19 on andrological health and erectile function has been studied insufficiently. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 infection on erectile function. Material and methods. From May 2020 to April 2021 44 men after COVID-19 pneumonia were consulted for decrease in libido, erectile function and the quality of sexual intercourse in three Astrakhan medical centers. The examination of patients included standard general clinical methods, hormonal profile studying (testosterone, luteinizing homone, prolactin) and number of standardized questionnaires. Results. No changes in the levels of luteinizing hormone and prolactin were observed. Total testosterone levels ranged from 8.0 to 14.8 nmol / L. According the testosterone level patients were divided into two groups. In group 1 patients testosterone level was 12.0 nmol/L and more, in group 2 patients – less than 12 nmol/L. In patients of the group 1 erectile dysfunction was regarded as one of the manifestations of asthenic syndrome and was relatively easily corrected by the administration of PDE-5 inhibitors and antiasthenic therapy. Patients of the group 2 had more severe complaints, «worse» scores on questionnaire scales and more significant asthenic syndrome. Discussion. The possible mechanisms of androgen deficiency and hormonal profile changes in those patients may be a direct damaging of gonadal cells by virus and nonspecific suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary system caused by a severe illness. In some cases, testosterone preparations were prescribed to those patients to achieve a therapeutic effect. Conclusions. COVID infection may have a negative impact on erectile function. The main causes of this are decrease of testosterone level, endothelial dysfunction, and long-term asthenization. Those changes may be reversible by rehabilitation and drug correction. One should not rush to begin hormone replacement therapy. It makes sense to start treatment with antiasthenic drugs, and add testosterone preparations in the absence of an effect only. This study addresses only some aspects of the COVID-19 influence on the men's health. In the context of the ongoing pandemic and the inevitable increase in the number of ill patients, further comprehensive studies are needed to clarify all the details and organize adequate andrological care for these patients.

Summated training and match load predictors of salivary immunoglobulin-A, alpha-amylase, testosterone, cortisol and T:C profile changes in elite-level professional football players: A longitudinal analysis

ABSTRACT We examined how summated training and match load measures relate to salivary immunological and hormonal profile changes in professional football players. Data were collected from 18 elite-level professional male football players from one English Championship team across a complete 40 wk competitive season. Daily training (micro-technology) and match (computerised tracking) measures of total, high-speed and high-metabolic load running distance and sprint, acceleration, deceleration and sRPE load were converted into exponentially weighted moving average “acute” (7d), “chronic” (28d) and acute:chronic composite load measures. Bi-weekly morning saliva samples were analysed for immunoglobulin-A, alpha-amylase, testosterone, cortisol and testosterone:cortisol. A two-stage data reduction technique using partial least squares modelling and a backward stepwise selection procedure determined the most parsimonious model for each salivary variable. Testosterone had non-linear relationships with chronic total (P = 0.015; Cohen’s D: large), high-metabolic load (P = 0.001;small) and high-speed (P = 0.001;trivial) running distance and linear relationships with chronic sRPE (P = 0.002;moderate ↓) and acute:chronic high-speed running distance (P = 0.001; trivial ↑). Cortisol had a non-linear relationship with chronic high-speed running distance (P = 0.001;trivial). Testosterone:cortisol had non-linear relationships with chronic decelerations (P = 0.039;small) and chronic summated acceleration and deceleration load (P = 0.039;small). Non-linear relationships typically indicated optimal hormonal responses at squad mean loads. No load variables clearly related to salivary immunoglobulin-A or alpha-amylase changes. We conclude that chronic total and high-intensity load measures relate to hormonal changes and might be useful indicators of player readiness. Acute load variables were not related to immunological or hormonal changes and consequently, should not be used as surrogate measures of player readiness in isolation.

VERY LOW-CARBOHYDRATE KETOGENIC DIET FOR THE TREATMENT OF SEVERE OBESITY AND ASSOCIATED NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE: THE ROLE OF SEX DIFFERENCES

Very low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets (VLCKDs) are a new type of weight loss (WL) intervention for severe obesity and are associated with a significant improvement in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Little is known about the effect of sex differences on weight loss induced by following a VLCKD.The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sex differences on weight loss and NAFLD improvement in patients with severe obesity undergoing a VLCKD. Seventy-three patients (42 females and 28males) with morbid obesity (BMI 40kg/m2 or 35 kg/m2+comorbidity) eligible for sleeve gastrectomy underwent a 25-day-long VLCKD.Anthropometric parameters, peripheral BP, bioimpedentiometry, degree of liver steatosis measured by ultrasonography, liver function tests, and glucose homeostasis were measured before and after the VLCKD. Males experienced a significantly larger excess body weight loss (EBWL, 14.5 vs11.7% respectively,p=0.018) and a greater reduction in y-glutamyl transferase (ϒ-GT, 17 vs6 IU/L respectively,p=0.003) than females. Dividing the female group by menopausal status, a significant difference between males and pre-menopausal females was found for both EBWL (14.5 vs10.8% respectively,p=0.017) and ϒ-GT (17 vs3 IU/L respectively,p<0.001). No significant difference was observed for EBWL and ϒ-GT between males and post-menopausal women and between sexes for improvement in the Edmonton stage or in the degree of steatosis. The efficacy of VLCKD in severe obesity is influenced by sex differences and, for females, by menopausal status. Males seem to experience larger benefits than females in terms of EBWL and NAFLD improvement. These differences seems attenuated after menopause, probably because of changes in hormonal profile and body composition.

Assessment of reproductive potential in patients after myomectomy

The aim of the study is to assess the restoration of anatomical and functional integrity of the uterus and identify changes in hormonal profile in women after laparoscopic and abdominal myomectomy.&#x0D; Material and methods. 58 patients aged 36,2 5,9 years old with uterine myoma underwent myomectomy: 31 patients underwent laparoscopic myomectomy and 27 patients underwent abdominal myomectomy.&#x0D; The selection of surgical approach didnt depend on the size, the number and localization of uterine myomas and the patients concomitant pathology.&#x0D; The hormonal profile of the patients including AMH level was assessed befor myomectomy and in the 6 months after the operation. Postoperative assessment was performed on day 5th8th after surgery and in 1 and 6 months after myomectomy.&#x0D; Results. No significant differences were found in the processes of reparation of the uterus and in hormonal profile of the patients after laparoscopic or abdominal myomectomy. The time required for the patients reabilitation and for the restoration of the ovarian function and uterine morphological structure was similar in both groups.&#x0D; Conclusion. The hormonal profile of the patients and the anatomical and functional restoration of myometrium after myomectomy doesnt depend on the surgical approach if myomectomy is performed by an experienced surgeon after the correct assessment of the clinical situation.

Endocrine Dysfunction in Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Study

Abstract Background This study has prospectively investigated pituitary function and their correlation with severity, pressure effect, and Glasgow outcome scale in the acute phase of traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Most of the retrospective studies have demonstrated that traumatic SAH-mediated hypopituitarism could be more frequent than previously known. Objectives The aim of the study is to find the prevalence of endocrine dysfunction in traumatic SAH and its correlation with severity of injury and final outcome. Materials and Methods Eighty-four consecutive patients of traumatic SAH formed the study group. Apart from clinical assessment, noncontrast computed tomography of the head was performed on all patients on admission. The hormonal analysis (FT3, FT4, thyroid-stimulating hormone, growth hormone [GH], cortisol, prolactin, testosterone) was performed within 24 hours of traumatic brain injury and was repeated on the seventh day amongst the patients who survived. Results Most common hormone to increase on day one was cortisol (48.78%), while on day seven follicle-stimulating hormones and cortisol (15.38%) showed increment in levels. Most common hormone to decrease on day one was FT3 (36.84%) and GH (36.26%), while on day seven testosterone (66.67%) and FT4 (30.76%) showed decreasing levels. Hormone most resistant to change was prolactin. Conclusion Hormonal dysfunction is common in moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. There is a direct association between radiological grading (Fischer) of SAH and hormonal profile changes. Performance of hormonal analysis should be considered in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, preferably with high-grade SAH, so that appropriate hormonal replacement can be done to optimize the clinical outcome.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Menopause in Forty Plus Women.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age group, but it affects women's health and quality of life across the life course. During different stages of life, the PCOS phenotype can change, which requires a personalized diagnostic approach and treatment. With increasing age, the syndrome evolves from a reproductive disease to a more metabolic disorder. Along with various metabolic disturbances like insulin resistance and abnormalities of energy expenditure, PCOS is recognized as a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in later life. The aim of the current review was to conduct a nonsystematic review of published literature and research that has been presented so far regarding menopausal women with PCOS as well as the associated changes in hormone profile, their lipid profile, and various metabolic changes that occur. The current review may also contribute to raise awareness about the risk of hypertension and CVDs in postmenopausal women with PCOS.