17-hydroxycorticosteroid Concentrations Research Articles

Determination of Inflammatory Markers, Hormonal Disturbances, and Sleepiness Associated with Sleep Bruxism Among Adults.

PurposeSleep bruxism (SB) is characterized by repetitive phasic, tonic, or mixed masticatory muscle activity during sleep with multifactorial etiology. Previous studies have shown that the complex origin of SB can be related to the psychological features of the affected individual, consumption of caffeine and alcohol, smoking, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, increased body mass index, hypertension, thyroid diseases, and probable genetic vulnerability. This study aimed to investigate the inflammatory markers, hormonal disturbances, and sleepiness associated with SB, which have a potential effect on the total cardiovascular (CV) risk among relatively young and healthy patients.Patients and MethodsA total of 74 individuals with probable SB were subjected to single-night polysomnography, followed by blood panel and 24-h urinary excretion tests. The level of daytime sleepiness was assessed in the participants using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.ResultsSB was found in 78.4% of participants. The bruxism episode index (BEI) positively correlated with the concentrations of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen in the collected urine samples. A positive correlation was also found between phasic BEI and glucose concentration 2 h after the consumption of glucose solution. Sleep bruxers showed significantly increased sleepiness compared to nonbruxers (p = 0.02). The scores on sleepiness were positively correlated with mixed BEI, minimal oxygen saturation, and mean heart rate.ConclusionThe results of this study revealed that participants with SB had metabolic and hormonal disturbances, probably due to stress and sympathetic activity. Moreover, it was found that young sleep bruxers potentially have a high CV risk due to the increased level of inflammatory and stress markers.

Xenobiotic action on steroid hormone synthesis and sulfonation the example of lead and polychlorinated biphenyls

In the present study, the metabolism of steroid hormones has been investigated to determine whether and how xenobiotics like lead (Pb) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) interfere with steroid hormone biotransformation in humans. Three groups of subjects were tested for concentration of urinary total steroids, 17-ketosteroids (n = 5), pregnane derivates (n = 6), 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (n = 11) and their sulfonated compounds: 14 workers exposed to lead, with a mean Pb blood concentration (PbB) of 29.21 microg/dl; 15 subjects exposed to PCBs, with a mean PCB blood concentration (PCBB) of 61.69 microg/l; a control group (n = 25). The urinary concentrations of 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids were significantly lower in the PCB-exposed groups. There were significantly fewer sulfonated 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in the subjects exposed to PCBs as compared to the controls, while the percentage of sulfonated steroids was lower for both 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in the PCB-exposed subjects, but only for the 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in the group of subjects exposed to Pb (P < 0.05). Pregnane derivate urinary concentrations did not differ between the three groups. Our results suggest that PCBs and Pb act on steroid hormone metabolism with different effects and only partially using the same hormone pathways; they may cause changes in endogenous hormone homeostasis and interfere with the xenobiotic phase II of detoxification. PCBs interfere on a larger number of steroids and cause more significant effects than Pb. It is likely that different mechanisms are involved in steroid hormone metabolism interference.

Abnormal free fatty acids and cortisol concentrations in the serum of AIDS patients

The serum free fatty acid (FFA), cortisol and urinary creatinine, 17-hydroxycorticosteroid and 17-oxosteroid concentrations of acquired immunedeficiency syndrome (AIDS-I: beginning and AIDS-II: end phase) and AIDS-related complex (ARC) patients were determined. Both groups were compared to a control group (healthy men). ARC and AIDS-I patients. The ratios of stearic ( C18:0) to oleic ( C18:1) acid were 75%, P < 0.01 (ARC) and 45%, P < 0.05 (AIDS-I) greater than normal, due to a decrease in the relative percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids by 25%, P < 0.001 (ARC) and 20%, P < 0.01 (AIDS-I). In contrast, the relative percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids was 85% greater than normal ( P < 0.001) in ARC and 100% greater than normal ( P < 0.001) in AIDS-I patients. Total FFA levels did not differ from controls. Serum cortisol levels were 35% ( P < 0.01) above normal in ARC and 60% ( P < 0.001) above normal in AIDS-I patients. Urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and 17-oxosteroids were very low ( 2–3-fold lower than normal values, P <0.001) in both groups of patients. Urinary creatinine did not differ from controls. In AIDS-II patients the total FFA concentration was below normal 35% ( P < 0.01) and the stearic/oleic acid ratio was 50% above normal ( P < 0.05). The relative percentages of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in this group were similar to those of controls. Serum cortisol concentrations were significantly higher, 50% ( P < 0.001), but he urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and 17-oxosteroids were 2-fold lower ( P < 0.001) than those of controls. Urinary creatinine did not differ from controls. These significant differences from normal may be implicated in the pathophysiology of AIDS and could represent not only a good index of diagnosis and prognosis, but also indicate new therapeutic approach to the disease.

Effect of ethyl p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate on the adrenocortical glucocorticoid function in guinea pigs

After daily administration of ethyl p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate in a dose of 0.2 g/kg by mouth daily for 15–26 days to guinea pigs the concentration of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-HCS) in the peripheral blood plasma fell. A fall in the excretion of individual 17-HCS in the urine took place chiefly on account of free unchanged cortisol, tetrahydrocortisol, and tetrahydro-11-deoxycortisol. An abundance of sudanophilic material was detected in the zona fasciculata of the gland. The test with ACTH showed that the existing functional reserves of the adrenal cortex were unchanged by the compound. The blood serum level of nonesterified fatty acids fell but the cholesterol level was unchanged. The possible mechanisms of the action of the compounds and prospects for its use in the treatment of hypercorticism are discussed.

Effect of muscular exertion on circadian rhythms of adrenocortical activity in rats

The effect of muscular exertion (swimming for 1 h) at different times of the 24-h period on circadian rhythms of the 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentration in the adrenals and peripheral blood of rats was studied. The results were processed on a computer by the “Cosinor” program. Physical exertion in the period of maximal motor activity of the rats (the evening) led to desynchronization of the circadian rhythms of the 11-hydroxycorticosteroid concentration in the adrenals and peripheral blood. Exertion during the period of minimal motor activity (the morning) had no such action.

Adrenocortical function in foetal, neonatal and young pigs.

SUMMARY Absolute and relative adrenal weight, blood plasma concentrations of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and their production in vitro on incubation of adrenal slices with corticotrophin (ACTH), were measured in foetal pigs, piglets and older pigs. These criteria all indicated that adrenocortical activity was highest on the day of birth. It developed intensely in about the last 10 days of intra-uterine life. After birth it decreased progressively with age, approaching the adult level after weaning in the second month of life. The adrenal cortex of pigs of all developmental stages investigated in this study was capable of responding markedly to stimulation with ACTH. No significant differences in adrenocortical activity were found between sexes up to 90 days of age.

Hypoglycemia in Children

Adrenocortical function was studied in 25 children with hypoglycemia, separated into two groups, depending on whether their height was above or below the third percentile. Plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS) concentrations were not significantly different in the two groups, and were higher than normal in both. In both groups, the urinary 17-OHCS values were quite low considering the high plasma concentrations, but in neither group were they significantly lower than normal. Adrenal responsiveness to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was normal as judged by the responses of both plasma and urinary 17-OHCS. In contrast, the control urinary 17-ketosteroid (17-KS) levels differed significantly from each other in the two groups, those in the group with severe growth retardation being significantly lower than normal and those in the other group being in the low normal range.

ESTROGEN DOSAGE EFFECTS ON SERUM PROTEINS

Abstract A longitudinal study was made in a single individual of the effects of 5 increasing doses of diethylstilbestrol, alternated with periods of no treatment, on the concentration of serum sialic acid, haptoglobin, β-glucuronidase, thyroxine-binding globulin, ceruloplasmin, plasminogen, corticosteroid-binding globulin, and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids. Except for sialic acid and haptoglobin, all these substances reacted with the same pattern of increase during treatment and return toward pretreatment control values during the periods off treatment. The responses of corticosteroid-binding globulin and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids were most closely dose related and were closely correlated with r = +0.91. They were responsive to a dosage of 0.1 mg/day of diethylstilbestrol.

Estrogen dosage effects on serum proteins: a longitudinal study.

A longitudinal study was made in a single individual of the effects of 5 increasing doses of diethylstilbestrol, alternated with periods of no treatment, on the concentration of serum sialic acid, haptoglobin, β-glucuronidase, thyroxine-binding globulin, ceruloplasmin, plasminogen, corticosteroid-binding globulin, and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids. Except for sialic acid and haptoglobin, all these substances reacted with the same pattern of increase during treatment and return toward pretreatment control values during the periods off treatment. The responses of corticosteroid-binding globulin and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids were most closely dose related and were closely correlated with r = +0.91. They were responsive to a dosage of 0.1 mg/day of diethylstilbestrol.

Excretion of corticosteroid-binding globulin, thyroxine-binding globulin and total protein in adult males with nephrosis: effects of sex hormones.

ABSTRACT The plasma concentrations and urinary excretion of corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) and total protein were studied in 6 adult males with the nephrotic syndrome. Significant losses of both CBG and TBG occurred in these patients, representing plasma clearances of up to 1200 ml/day. Despite low to low-normal plasma thyroxine concentrations, the mean TBG concentration in this group was the same as the normal mean. This was in distinction to plasma CBG and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentrations, means for both of which were well below the normal means. Diethylstilbestrol produced increased urinary losses of CBG in 5 of 5 subjects treated and of TBG in 4 of 5 subjects. Also increased was total protein excretion in all 5 subjects. Methandrostenolone [δ1-dehydro-17αmethyltestosterone (Dianabol)] decreased TBG excretion (and slightly decreased total protein excretion) in 3 of 3 subjects studied but did not change excretion of CBG.

Effects of amino-glutethimide on adrenal function in man.

ABSTRACT The effects of amino-glutethimide on adrenocortical function have been studied in 24 subjects, including 10 patients with Cushing's syndrome, 3 with primary aldosteronism and 1 with secondary hyperaldosteronism. Aminoglutethimide inhibited adrenal secretion of both cortisol and aldosterone. Inhibition of cortisol secretion was most clearly demonstrable in a patient with Cushing's syndrome caused by autonomous steroid secretion from an adrenal adenoma. In normal subjects, administration of large doses of amino-glutethimide was accompanied by consistent increases in plasma ACTH, and it is likely that these “compensatory” increases in ACTH were responsible for maintaining near-normal cortisol secretion rates and plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS) concentrations in these subjects. Decreases in cortisol secretion occurred in 7 of 9 patients with Cushing's disease given amino-glutethimide, and this was of modest therapeutic value in 4 of these patients treated for several months. The most consis...

Levels of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in blood plasma of rhesus monkeys and hamadry as baboons and changes caused by neuro-emotional action

Experiments were made by Porter and Silber's method in N. A. Yudaev and Yu. A. Pankov's modification to establish the normal level of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in the blood plasma of monkeys. The concentration of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in male rhesus macaques was on the average 34±1.3 mg %, in females −44±1.2 mg %; in male and female hamadryads −41±1.5 mg % and 52±1.5 mg % respectively. Variable reaction of the adrenal cortex to intravenous injection of ACTH was found in different species of monkeys, in rhesus macaques the maximum increase in the amount of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids was registered one hour after the injection of the preparation, in hamadryads-in two hours. Nembutal anesthesis presents the development of the stress condition. It was found that the neuro-emotional strain in monkeys brings about a marked increase in the hormonal function of the adrenal cortex.

Adrenocortical response to stress and ACTH in Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and steelhead trout (Salmo gairdnerii) at successive stages in the sexual cycle.

With the purpose of acquiring information concerning the functional activity of the adrenocortical tissue of the Pacific salmon (O. tshawytscha) during various stages of its migration from the sea to the spawning grounds, ACTH administration, the stress of holding in a confined space and repeated bleeding were employed to determine the response of the adrenocortical tissue as reflected in the changing concentration of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17- OHCS) in the blood plasma. The stress of holding sea salmon in a tank on board ship, without other disturbance, resulted after 1 hr in a progressive rise in plasma 17-OHCS to as much as a 4-fold increase by the end of 24–48 hr. This change was accompanied by hyperplasia of the adrenocortical tissue. At the beginning of the salmon's river migration, both holding alone plus bleeding and ACTH injection produced a marked increase in plasma 17-OHCS, but not quite as great as that shown by salmon taken in the sea. Thereafter, as the salmon continued their migration and maturation of the gonads, their adrenocortical reactivity diminished progressively until, by the time of spawning, little response to ACTH or stress could be elicited. At this terminal period in the salmon's life cycle the levels of 17-OHCS in the plasma remained high. Except at the beginning of their fluvial migration, females, both maturing and spawning, exhibited higher plasma concentrations of 17- OHCS than did male salmon. Spawning steelhead trout showed a higher rise in plasma corticosteroid levels than did spawning salmon following ACTH injection. (Endocrinology78: 791, 1966)

Adrenal cortical function in experimental alcoholism in dogs.

SummaryThe effect of acute ethanol administration on corticosteroid secretion has been studied in dogs by the direct measurement of 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentration in peripheral plasma, Procedures associated with the basic experimental design such as repeated handling of the animals, intravenous infusion of a sizeable volume of fluid and serial blood sampling over a 6 1/2-hour span of time had no appreciable effect on steroid plasma levels. Intravenous infusion of ethanol in different doses resulted in a significant elevation of plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentration but because of a high degree of variability in the results, no definite dose-response relationship could be established. Ethanol intoxication did not alter the normal disposal rate of exogenous hydrocortisone after the intravenous administration of this steroid. These observations suggest that the ethanol-induced corticosteroid response in the dog may be mediated by ACTH secretion.

Interrelation of iodide clearance and adrenocortical activity.

Studies of the circadian patterns of variation of radioiodide excretion, creatinine excretion and clearance and plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentration have been conducted in healthy volunteer euthyroid subjects. The diurnal patterns of change in these indices were generally similar. Early morning oral administration of 50 mg hydrocortisone acetate reversed the parallel pattern of change in radioiodide excretion and plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroid observed on the control day and produced significant and parallel increments (when compared to control values) in early morning radioiodide excretion and plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentration. Parallel, although statistically insignificant, changes in creatinine, sodium and chloride excretion were also observed. Ammonium chloride and dextran loading produced dissociation of the excretion patterns of sodium and chloride from those of creatinine and radioiodide. Acute intravenous hydrocortisone loading significantly increased creatinine and radioiodi...

DIAGNOSIS OF CUSHING'S SYNDROME; SINGLE DOSE DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESSION TEST.

SOME of the clinical signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome are frequently seen in patients who are not taking or producing excessive amounts of glucocorticoids.1It is not surprising, therefore, that Cushing's syndrome, although rarely encountered, is a frequently suspected diagnosis. Because clinical findings alone are frequently not sufficient to confirm or exclude this diagnosis with confidence, laboratory investigations must be performed on many patients in whom the diagnosis is considered.1At present, determination of the plasma concentration of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) and the 24-hour urinary excretion of 17-OHCS or 17-ketogenic steroids are commonly employed as screening tests for Cushing's syndrome. Unfortunately, the results of these tests in normal subjects and in obese patients overlap those of patients with Cushing's syndrome.2-4A simple reliable laboratory test for identification of patients with Cushing's syndrome would be advantageous. The purpose of this report is to review our experience with a

INFLUENCE OF THE HYPNOTIC TRANCE ON PLASMA 17-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROID CONCENTRATION.

In a pilot study and a formal experiment, plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentration was observed to drop to unusually low levels (3 μg./100 ml. or less) at the end of 90 min. of deep, relaxing, hypnotic trance. In the formal experiment on 12 subjects who were very susceptible to hypnosis, the low plasma 17-OHCS levels occurred in 25% of the hypnotic sessions, but only rarely in control periods (p < .0001). This trance-associated phenomenon could not be reproduced consistently in individual subjects, nor was it possible to predict its occurrence from any obvious characteristics of the trance experience. These decreases in 17-OHCS concentration may be related to the tension-relieving or the euphoric aspects of deep hypnosis. It is important to take into account possible physiological effects of the trance per se when evaluating physiological changes during subsequent hypnotic induction of affect.

RESPONSE TO METHOPYRAPONE (SU-4885) AND PYROGEN TEST IN IDIOPATHIC HYPOPITUITARY DWARFISM.

The oral methopyrapone (Su-4885) test and the pyrogen stimulation test have been carried out in 13 idiopathic hypopituitary dwarfs. In addition, the response to the pyrogen test was studied in 2 normal children. Ten of the hypopituitary dwarfs showed an abnormal response to the Su-4885 test. The normal children and 12 of the hypopituitary dwarfs showed a significant rise in the plasma concentration of unconjugated 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) 2 and 4 hr after the injection of the pyrogenic agent. In the majority of cases, the pyrogen injection was followed by a small but definite increase in the excretion of 17-OHCS. Nine of the hypopituitary dwarfs responded adequately to the pyrogen test subsequent to having an abnormal response to the Su-4885 test. The significance of the dichotomy in the response to these 2 tests is discussed. It is concluded that the idiopathic hypopituitary dwarfs have enough functioning pituitary tissue to respond normally to the stress induced by Piromen and possibly other ...

NATURAL HISTORY OF PITUITARY-ADRENAL RECOVERY FOLLOWING LONG-TERM SUPPRESSION WITH CORTICOSTEROIDS.

Plasma ACTH and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentrations were measured at various intervals in patients recovering from prolonged pituitary suppression. Pituitary-adrenal recovery was found to follow a definite pattern requiring several months for completion. Initially, both ACTH and corticosteroid levels were relatively low, a situation similar to that seen in patients with hypopituitarism. Thereafter, plasma ACTH levels gradually increased until they were supernormal, but there was a lag of several months in the recovery of normal adrenal responsiveness. Despite the fact that the pituitary gland could secrete large quantities of ACTH and despite the fact that corticosteroid levels were subnormal, a diurnal rhythm was observed in ACTH levels with a decrease to low values during the latter portion of each day. After several months, corticosteroid levels rose to normal, and soon thereafter plasma ACTH concentrations fell again to normal.

PLASMA CLEARANCE OF CORTISOL AND II-DEOXYCORTISOL IN DOGS.

The chromogenic properties of cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol in the Porter-Silber reaction are identical. Recoveries of these substances from plasma by the Silber-Porter technique are similar, hence the plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentration reflects the concentrations of 11-deoxycortisol or cortisol in a quantitatively similar manner. The disappearance of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids was determined after intravenous infusions of cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol in adrenalectomized dogs. The exponential disappearance of 11-deoxycortisol (T1/2, 87 min) was more rapid than that of cortisol (T1/2, 104 min). Although this small difference in the slopes is only questionably significant, the 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentration at each interval after cortisol infusion was two to three times greater than after 11-deoxycortisol. This concentration difference was statistically significant ( P &lt; 0.01) at all points. These data suggest that the distribution of injected 11-deoxycortisol is quite different from that of cortisol. As a result, the rate of adrenal corticogenesis is difficult to ascertain on the basis of plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentrations when, under the influence of Methopyrapone, the production of cortisol is replaced by that of 11-deoxycortisol.