DHEAS Concentrations Research Articles

Higher serum DHEA concentrations before and after SSRI treatment are associated with remission of major depression

BackgroundDehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated ester DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S), (together DHEA[S]), are the most abundant adrenal steroids in humans and are found in blood and the brain, where they function as neurosteroids with direct receptor affinities. Preclinical studies suggest that DHEA(S) has antidepressant/neuroprotective properties, and exogenously administered DHEA has shown antidepressant efficacy in humans. Nonetheless, the role of endogenous DHEA(S) levels in major depressive disorder (MDD) and antidepressant outcomes remains unclear. MethodsMorning fasting serum DHEA(S) concentrations were determined in 36 healthy, unmedicated MDD adults with Hamilton Depression (HDRS) ratings ≥17, and 75 healthy controls. MDD participants then completed eight weeks of open-label SSRI treatment before DHEA(S) levels were re-sampled; those with post-treatment HDRS ratings ≤7 were classified as “Remitters.” Pre- and post-treatment DHEA(S) levels of Remitters and Non-remitters were compared, controlling for age, sex, and BMI. ResultsPre-treatment HDRS ratings did not differ between Remitters and Non-remitters (p=0.179). Baseline DHEA levels of Remitters were significantly higher than both Non-remitters (p=0.008) and controls (p=0.004); baseline DHEA-S levels of Remitters were also higher than Non-remitters (p=0.040) but did not significantly differ from controls (p=0.096). Non-remitters did not significantly differ from controls. Post-treatment DHEA(S) levels remained higher in Remitters compared to Non-remitters (DHEA: p=0.013; DHEA-S: p=0.040). ConclusionsThese data suggest that higher circulating DHEA(S) levels (while unmedicated and after eight weeks of SSRI treatment) predict SSRI-associated remission in MDD. This raises the possibility that endogenous DHEA(S) abundance is a physiological adjunct to SSRI efficacy, as suggested by prior preclinical and clinical studies.

Urinary free cortisol and androgens in the population—Hormone interactions and the relationship with body composition and bone status

ObjectiveAbnormal secretion of thyroid hormones, growth hormone, cortisol and androgens influences body composition. We hypothesised that higher cortisol excretion, in combination with higher androgen and IGF-I concentrations, had a synergistic, favourable effect on body mass and bone. Design, patients and methodsThis was a cross-sectional study on a population sample of 290 women and 93men. The mean age was 65.4±7.2yearsinwomen and 59.7±10.0yearsinmen. Body composition was assessed with bioimpedance, and skeletal health with calcaneal quantitative ultrasound and fracture rate. The influence of urinary free cortisol (UFC), serum DHEAs (women), testosterone (men), free T4andIGF-I on the outcome was studied with regression analyses adjusted for age and body mass index. ResultsIn women, higher concentrations of UFC, DHEAs, IGF-I and lower free T4, were associated with higher fat-free mass. Only a higher UFC concentration was associated with favourable calcaneal measurements. In men, higher testosterone was associated with higher fat-free mass and lower fat mass. Higher IGF-I concentration, but not UFC, was independently associated with higher fat-free mass in men. Interaction analyses did not reveal any additive effects of hormones on body composition or bone in either sex. In both men and women, only age was associated with osteoporotic fractures. ConclusionSerum concentrations of androgens together with IGF-I were positively associated with body composition in both sexes. Urinary cortisol was positively associated with fat-free mass and bone status in women only. Increasing age, but not hormones, was the major determinant of osteoporotic fractures in this population sample.

Decrease of DHEA-S concentration succeeding a micro-dose thumb exertion: mood-state determinants reflect stress-biomarker responses.

BackgroundThe present study examined the effect of a micro-dose of resistance-exercise on serum DHEA-S, IL-6 and mood-state determinants. Potential relationships between mood and the biomarkers were also studied with the aim of directing research on non-invasive exercise-monitoring methods.Methods30 male participants (20 weightlifting-trained; 10 untrained) were separated into 3 groups of 10: weightlifting experimental (WLEXP); untrained experimental (UTEXP); weightlifting placebo (WLPLA). WLEXP and UTEXP performed four 60-s isometric thumb exertions separated by 60-s rest intervals in a single-blinded placebo-controlled study. Participants were assessed over a 60-min post-intervention recovery period for changes in serum DHEA-S and IL-6, and mood-state determinants (vigour, tension, fatigue).ResultsDHEA-S changed in UTEXP only; a decrease from 20- to 60-min post-exercise (Δ36.9 %, p < 0.01). DHEA-S remained below baseline at the final time-point (Δ35.3 %, p = 0.012). Tension decreased immediately post-exercise in WLEXP (Δ86.7 %, p = 0.022), whereas UTEXP showed a delayed decrease which continued up to 60-min post-intervention (Δ100 %, p < 0.01). Relative to fatigue scores recorded immediately post-exercise, WLEXP decreased within the first 10-min post-intervention (Δ22.2 %, p < 0.01) whereas UTEXP showed a delayed decrease evident at 20-min post-intervention (Δ25 %, p < 0.01). Serum IL-6 and vigour scores remained unchanged across groups (p > 0.05) and WLPLA did not change for any measured variable (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe authors conclude that a micro-dose of resistance-exercise can reduce serological DHEA-S concentration within 60-min of exercise cessation. Additionally, mood-state assessment in untrained individuals can be considered for non-invasively indicating exercise-induced concentration changes in the stress biomarker, DHEA-S, providing prospects for the development of safer, more sophisticated exercise-monitoring practice.

Histological parameters of the adrenal cortex after testosterone application in a rat model of the andropause.

Histological analysis of the adrenal cortex, after testosterone application in a rat model of the andropause, was the main subject of the present study. Middle-aged Wistar rats were divided into sham-operated (SO; n=8), orchidectomized (Orx; n=8) and testosterone treated orchidectomized (Orx+T; n=8) groups. Testosterone propionate (5 mg/kg b.w. /day) was administered for three weeks, while SO and Orx groups received the vehicle alone. Histological objectives were achieved using stereology, histochemistry and steroid receptor immunostaining. The concentrations of testosterone, aldosterone, corticosterone and DHEA were determined by immunoassays. Expectedly, increased (p<0.05) serum concentration of testosterone was observed in Orx+T group. The volume of ZG cells and nuclei increased in Orx+T animals by 50% and 25% (p<0.05) respectively, but the serum concentrations of aldosterone decreased (p<0.05) by 60%, all compared to the same parameters in Orx group. The immunostaining for androgen receptors (ARs) suggested their cytoplasmic localization in ZG cells of Orx+T rats. Volume of the ZF cell nuclei in Orx+T group decreased (p<0.05) by 17%, which was followed by the significant (p<0.05) fall in corticosterone production and secretion, all in comparison with Orx animals. Also, nuclear immunolocalization of ARs of high optical density was observed through the ZF of Orx+T group. In Orx+T rats volume of ZR cells and nuclei, and circulating DHEA concentration increased (p<0.05) by 68%, 22% and about 6.6 times respectively, compared to Orx animals. Besides the extra-receptor actions in adrenal cortex, testosterone supposedly affects some steroidogenesis-related gene expression, as indicated by centripetal rise in the number of nuclear ARs.

Free Androgen Index (FAI): Marker of Premature Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

Introduction: Premature androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men is alopecia occurring before the age of 30 years. We conducted this study to evaluate various androgenic hormones in men with premature androgenetic alopecia and to assess if free androgen index (FAI) can be used as a marker of hyperandrogenism in these men. Materials and methods: 57 men with premature AGA (defined as grade 3 or more on Hamilton-Norwood scale) were taken as subjects. The serum concentrations of Testosterone, DHEAS, and SHBG were measured and Free androgen index (FAI) was calculated and compared with age and sex matched controls. Results: There were significant differences in the mean values of all the three indicators for androgen status (FAI, DHEAS and testosterone) in cases as compared to the controls. The statistical significance was higher for FAI and DHEAS than that for testosterone. FAI appeared to be a better predictor of hyperandrogenism than DHEAS and testosterone. Conclusion: FAI is the best marker of a person’s androgen status and can be considered as the marker of premature AGA. Taking into consideration the technical limitations of the currently available methods for measuring free testosterone, and the diagnostic importance of using FAI as indicator of androgen status, it is recommended to implement these parameters in the routine investigation and assessment of men with AGA.

WS04.3 Deficiency of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in pediatric and adult patients with cystic fibrosis

Objectives Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the most abundant adrenal steroid, and the serum concentrations of its sulfate ester, DHEA-S, are 20-fold higher than those of any other circulating steroid hormone. Decreased levels of DHEA-S are associated with pulmonary hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, immune abnormalities, osteoporosis, glucose intolerance and diabetes, deterioration of lipid metabolism. The aim of the study was to evaluate DHEA-S concentrations in children and adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods 125 pediatric (6–17 years) and 38 adult patients (18–28 years) with CF were enrolled into the study. Plasma DHEA-S and ACTH levels were assayed with commercially available kits. Results DHEA-S concentrations were significantly below the age-adjusted median values in 68% of children and 73% of adults with CF. The hormone deficiency was more pronounced in subjects with cirrhosis and in the group of young women where, respectively, 100% and 82% of participants had DHEA-S concentrations below the age-adjusted median values. Pediatric patients (6–11 years) with minimal DHEA-S levels demonstrated significantly lower Body Mass Indexes compared to those of CF children who had normal hormone concentrations (14.4 vs 16.3 kg/m 2 p Conclusion Our data indicate that most pediatric and adult CF patients suffer from DHEA-S deficiency. Since DHEA is a well-tolerated and inexpensive drug, its supplementation might prove useful for the clinical management of CF patients with low levels of the hormone.

Improvement of NADPH-dependent P450-mediated biotransformation of 7α,15α-diOH-DHEA from DHEA by a dual cosubstrate-coupled system

Hydroxylation of DHEA to 7α,15α-diOH-DHEA was catalyzed by NADPH-dependent cytochrome P450 monooxygenase from Colletotrichum lini. By adding coenzyme precursor nicotinic acid, the NADPH/NADP ratio was significantly increased, and the 7α,15α-diOH-DHEA molar conversion was enhanced from 37.37% to 50.85%. To improve the availability of intracellular NADPH, a dual cosubstrate-coupled system consisting of nicotinic acid and glucose was investigated in C. lini. Using 20mM nicotinic acid and 15g/L glucose as cosubstrate for NADPH regeneration, the 7α,15α-diOH-DHEA molar conversion was dramatically increased by 74.58%. The conversion course was simultaneously shortened by 30h. Moreover, a fed-batch transformation model was established to diminish DHEA toxicity to C. lini and further increase DHEA concentration. The maximum concentration of DHEA was elevated to 15g/L using a three-batch transformation in a coenzyme regeneration system, and 7α,15α-diOH-DHEA production of 11.21g/L could be achieved after 60h of biotransformation. These results demonstrated that this strategy was promising for steroids hydroxylation.

Association Between Serum Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA‐S) and Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Individuals with Different Ages

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between serum DHEA-S and the cardiac autonomic modulation through of heart rate variability (HRV) analysis in individuals in different ages. Twenty one volunteers were assigned in 3 groups: G1 (20-39 years, n=7); G2 (40-59 years, n=8); G3 (蠅60 years, n=6). For HRV evaluate, it was realized an electrocardiographic recording, for subsequent linear analysis in the time and frequency domain. Following, the volunteers were underwent to antecubital vein puncture to collect blood samples to determine DHEA-S concentration, that was measured by chemiluminescense. In the results, we found smaller variance in G2 (1014.30 ± 265.21 ms2) and G3 (897.33 ± 274.18 ms2) compared to G1 (2235.16 ± 457.84 ms2; p<0.05). In HRV, the high frequency band was lower in G3 (172.80 ± 37.91 ms2) and in G2 (244.26 ± 76.86 ms2) when compared with G1 (996.09 ± 279.83 ms2; p<0.05). About hormonal analysis, G1 presented higher DHEA-S levels (240.02 ± 47.08 ug/dL) compared to G2 (91.22 ± 19.67 ug/dL) and G3 (54.21 ± 17.76 ug/dL; p<0.005). We evidenced that there are a strong and positive correlation between low serum DHEA-S and an impaired HRV associated with aging (r=0.768; p<0.001). We concluded that<a name=“_GoBack”></a> with aging there are an association between low serum DHEA-S and impairment of the HRV, which can be related to the cardiovascular events occurrence.

Influence of adrenal hyperandrogenism on the clinical and metabolic phenotype of women with polycystic ovary syndrome

To study the impact of adrenal hyperandrogenism (AH; defined as DHEAS concentration >95th percentile of a healthy female control population) on cardiometabolic risk factors associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Cross-sectional study. Academic hospital. Two-hundred ninety-eight consecutive women with PCOS, of whom 120 were obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥30kg/m(2)) and 178 nonobese (BMI <30kg/m(2)). None. Comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors, including 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, office blood pressure, lipid profile, and low-grade inflammatory markers. Patients with AH (AH-PCOS) had higher insulin circulating levels and lower insulin sensitivity than their counterparts without AH (non-AH-PCOS). Obesity, but not AH, was the main contributor to the presence of glucose tolerance disorders. Both obesity and AH increased the prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension. AH diminished high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in nonobese PCOS women in parallel with a decrease in total cholesterol levels, leading to a total to HDL cholesterol ratio similar to that of nonobese non-AH-PCOS patients. Furthermore, AH blunted the deleterious effect of obesity on the total cholesterol/HDL ratio, with the ratio of obese AH-PCOS patients being similar to that of nonobese PCOS patients with or without AH. The presence of AH in women with PCOS is associated with reduced insulin sensitivity and increased blood pressure but may have beneficial impact on the lipid profile. Obesity is the main determinant of the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors in PCOS women.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Functioning among Patients with Schizophrenia: A Cross Sectional Comparative Study

Objectives: Higher perceived stress and maladaptive coping strategies seems to play an important role in the course and outcome of schizophrenia. The biological effects of stress are mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning (reflected by cortisol and DHEAS ratio). The aim of this study were, first to compare serum cortisol, DHEA-S concentration and their molar ratio in schizophrenic patients with healthy subjects, and secondly to determine their correlation with psychopathology of schizophrenia. Methods: One hundred clinically established male patients with schizophrenia and fifty ages matched healthy controls participated in this study. Fasting serum cortisol and DHEAS levels were measured by Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA). Psychopathology was assessed by using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Sociodemographic characteristics, data regarding onset of illness, disease duration and medication history were recorded in self designed semi-structured proforma. The data collected on above tools, were analyzed by z test and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. Results: Serum cortisol levels and cortisol to DHEAS molar ratio were significantly higher in schizophrenic patients [(z=-4.457; p<0.001) (z=-3.787; p<0.001)] than in healthy comparison subjects, while no significant differences were seen in the DHEAS levels. These hormonal indices were not significantly associated with severity of psychopathology, onset of illness and disease duration in schizophrenia patients. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that besides the elevated cortisol level, cortisol to DHEAS ratio might reflect abnormal HPA axis functions in schizophrenic patients. Persistent stress vulnerability in these patients may lead to increased sensitivity to brain insults and in turn dysregulated neurotransmission, resulting in progressive deterioration in cognitive, emotional and psychosocial functions.

LC-MS/MS improves screening towards 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Basal serum 17OHP measurement remains the first screening step for nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH) and the accuracy of the test is of high value. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of immunoassays to LC-MS/MS in the assessment of serum 17OHP and androgens concentration in women with hyperandrogenism and controls.17OHP, total testosterone, androstendione and DHEA-S were measured in 39 women with clinically and/or biochemically evident hyperandrogenism and in 29 age-matched controls without clinical hyperandrogenism. 17OHP and androgens were measured by immunoassays and by LC-MS/MS. In patients group median 17OHP level measured by immunoassays was significantly higher compared to LC-MS/MS (5.49 nmol/l-ELISA NovaTec® and 3.57 nmol/l-ELISA DRG® versus 1.56 nmol/l-LC-MS/MS p < 0.0001) as well as in the control group (2.58 nmol/l-ELISA DRG® versus 1.14 nmol/l-LC-MS/MS p < 0.0001). Additional, unnecessary diagnostic procedures explaining elevated 17OHP level were undertaken in 85% of patients when NovaTec® test was used, in 50% when ELISA DRG® and in none when LC-MS/MS method was applied. Total testosterone, androstendione and DHEA-S concentrations in the patients and the controls assessed by the immunoassays were also significantly higher compared to LC-MS/MS. LC-MS/MS is more reliable diagnostic tool in the measurement of serum 17OHP and androgens concentrations compared to immunoassays in women with hyperandrogenism.

The interaction between air pollution and diet does not influence the DNA damage in lymphocytes of pregnant women

The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of DNA damage in lymphocytes of pregnant women with respect to hormonal and nutritional status and to air pollution in Lesser Poland. The study was performed on 39 healthy pregnant women. The oxidative DNA damage, alkali-labile sites and uracil in DNA of lymphocytes were measured by using the comet assay. The concentration of 17beta-estradiol, progesterone, DHEA, cholesterol, vitamin B12 and folates were determined. Dietary data were assembled from food diaries. Voivodeship Inspectorate for Environmental Protection in Krakow using automatic pollution monitoring system provided the air pollution information, such as concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, NO, NO2, SO2, CO and O3. Many statistical correlations between DNA damage and air pollutants concentration were found however their biological meaning is still to be explained. It should be taken under consideration, that the protective effect of air pollutants is a result of hormesis, as the measured amounts of air pollutants during the study did not exceed the admissible levels. There was found no diet-and air pollution interaction.

Effects of 60-day bed rest with and without exercise on cellular and humoral immunological parameters.

Exercise at regular intervals is assumed to have a positive effect on immune functions. Conversely, after spaceflight and under simulated weightlessness (e.g., bed rest), immune functions can be suppressed. We aimed to assess the effects of simulated weightlessness (Second Berlin BedRest Study; BBR2-2) on immunological parameters and to investigate the effect of exercise (resistive exercise with and without vibration) on these changes. Twenty-four physically and mentally healthy male volunteers (20-45 years) performed resistive vibration exercise (n=7), resistance exercise without vibration (n=8) or no exercise (n=9) within 60 days of bed rest. Blood samples were taken 2 days before bed rest, on days 19 and 60 of bed rest. Composition of immune cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Cytokines and neuroendocrine parameters were analyzed by Luminex technology and ELISA/RIA in plasma. General changes over time were identified by paired t-test, and exercise-dependent effects by pairwise repeated measurements (analysis of variance (ANOVA)). With all subjects pooled, the number of granulocytes, natural killer T cells, hematopoietic stem cells and CD45RA and CD25 co-expressing T cells increased and the number of monocytes decreased significantly during the study; the concentration of eotaxin decreased significantly. Different impacts of exercise were seen for lymphocytes, B cells, especially the IgD(+) subpopulation of B cells and the concentrations of IP-10, RANTES and DHEA-S. We conclude that prolonged bed rest significantly impacts immune cell populations and cytokine concentrations. Exercise was able to specifically influence different immunological parameters. In summary, our data fit the hypothesis of immunoprotection by exercise and may point toward even superior effects by resistive vibration exercise.

Canonical androstenedione reduction is the predominant source of signaling androgens in hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

It has been recognized for almost a decade that concentrations of signaling androgens sufficient to activate the androgen receptor are present in castration-resistant prostate cancer tissue. The source of these androgens is highly controversial, with three competing models proposed. We, therefore, wished to determine the androgenic potential of human benign and malignant (hormone-naïve and treated) prostate tissue when incubated with various precursors and examine concomitant changes in enzyme expression. Freshly harvested prostate tissue [benign, hormone-naïve, and hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC)] was incubated in excess concentrations of cholesterol, progesterone, DHEA, androstenedione, or testosterone for 96 hours, and steroid concentrations in the conditioned media measured by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Changes in the expression of androgen synthetic and/or degradative enzymes were determined by expression microarray and qPCR. Significant changes were confirmed in an independent dataset. Of the precursor molecules tested, only incubation with androstenedione gave rise to significant concentrations of signaling androgens. Although this was observed in all tissue types, it occurred to a significantly greater degree in hormone-refractory compared with hormone-naïve cancer. Consistent with this, gene set enrichment analysis of the expression microarray data revealed significant upregulation of 17HSD17B activity, with overexpression of the canonical enzyme AKR1C3 confirmed by qPCR in the same samples and in a publicly available expression dataset. Importantly, we found no evidence to support a significant contribution from either the "backdoor" or "5-α dione" pathway. Reduction of androstenedione to testosterone by the canonical HSD17B AKR1C3 is the predominant source of signaling androgens in HRPC.

Environmental, biological, and social factors influencing fecal adrenal steroid concentrations in female Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata).

The ability to determine hormonal profiles of primate populations using non-invasive techniques can help to monitor physical fitness, stress, and physiological responses to environmental changes. We investigated fecal glucocorticoids (fGC) and DHEAS concentrations in captive Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) in relation to environmental, biological, and social factors. The subjects were female Japanese monkeys from 4 months to 31 years old housed in captivity (27 in social groups and 12 in single cages). Fecal samples were collected from all females, and behavioral data from the social groups during the mating season and the following birth season. Hormonal concentrations were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay. Our results revealed that both fGC and fecal DHEAS concentrations are higher in females housed indoors in single cages than in those living outdoors in social groups. We also found that fGC concentrations were higher in the cycling females during the mating (winter) season than the lactating females in the birth (spring) season. Age was negatively associated to both fGC and fecal DHEAS levels, but the relationship between age and fecal DHEAS was more evident in females housed indoors in single cages than in females housed in outdoor social groups. We did not observe any association of dominance rank with either fecal DHEAS or fGC. This study showed that measurement of fecal DHEAS and fGC can be a good method to assess stress in Japanese macaques. These findings provide insights about the physiology of these two adrenal hormones in female Japanese macaques, which can be applied to wild populations and is fundamental for captive management and conservation biology.

Simultaneous Measurement of Thirteen Steroid Hormones in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Control Women Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

BackgroundThe measurement of adrenal and ovarian androgens in women with PCOS has been difficult based on poor specificity and sensitivity of assays in the female range.MethodsWomen with PCOS (NIH criteria; n = 52) and control subjects with 25–35 day menstrual cycles, no evidence of hyperandrogenism and matched for BMI (n = 42) underwent morning blood sampling. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to simultaneously measure 13 steroids from a single blood sample to measure adrenal and ovarian steroids. Androgen and progesterone results were compared in the same samples using RIA.ResultsTestosterone, androstenedione, progesterone and 17OH progesterone levels were higher when measured using RIA compared to LC-MS/MS, although the testosterone RIA demonstrated the best agreement with the LC-MS/MS using a Bland-Altman analysis. Results using LC-MS/MS demonstrated that the concentration of androgens and their precursors were higher in women with PCOS than controls [median (2.5, 97.5th %ile); 1607 (638, 3085) vs. 1143 (511, 4784) ng/dL; p = 0.03]. Women with PCOS had higher testosterone [49 (16, 125) vs. 24 (10, 59) ng/dL], androstenedione [203 (98, 476) vs. 106 (69, 223) ng/dL] and 17OH progesterone levels [80 (17, 176) vs. 44 (17, 142) ng/dL] compared to controls (all P<0.02), but no differences in serum concentrations of the adrenal steroids DHEAS, cortisol, corticosterone and their 11 deoxy precursors. Women with PCOS also had an increase in the product:precursor ratio for 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [22% (6, 92) vs. 20% (4, 43); p = 0.009].ConclusionLC-MS/MS was superior to RIA in measuring androstenedione, progesterone and 17OH progesterone levels, while testosterone measurements were better matched in the two assays. Androgen levels were higher in women with PCOS in the absence of a difference in adrenal-predominant steroids. These data support previous findings that the ovary is an important source for the androgen excess in women with PCOS.

ROLE OF ASHWAGANDHA ON HEMATOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL, SEMINAL PARAMETERS AND ON SERUM DHEAS IN PSYCHOGENIC ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION PATIENTS

Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera Dunal) has been known for its capability to improve endurance against stress, general resistance a gainst infections, to slow down the ageing process, improvement of male sexual health and useful in disorders such as psychogenic impotence and unexplai ned infertility. T he roots of which have been used as anti - stress agent, aphrodisiac and male sexual sti mulant. Erectile dysfunction has been defined as the persistent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual intercourse . The clinical study on Ashwagandha in Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction (PED) earlier reported negative results and concluded that, Ashwagandha didn’t provide relief in PED on various scales . The present article deals with the laboratory findings of this clinical study sample; to evaluate the efficacy of Ashwagandha on various hematological, bio che mical, seminal parameters and on serum DHEA - S (which were in normal range) in PED patients . Blood samples were collected and assayed for serum concentrations of DHEA - S, RBS, TC, TG, HDL, total protein, SGOT, SGPT , Hemoglobin, total RBC count, TLC and DLC. Semen samples were collected and measured on parameters like, liquefaction time, volume, motility and count. Patients found to have any abnormalities in the reports of above parameters were excluded from the study (to rule out organic pathology) . All of th ese investigations were done two times, before and after the treatment. Paired and unpaired‘t’ test were used for statistical analysis. Ashwagandha didn’t improve various hematological, biochemical, seminal parameters and serum DHEA - S which were already in normal range in the patients of psychogenic erectile dysfunction. The results were consistent with that of the clinical study which was also reported negative results earlier.

Metabolic, cardiovascular and anthropometric differences between prepubertal girls and boys

We aimed to assess possible differences in insulin sensitivity and other metabolic, anthropometric and cardiovascular parameters between boys and girls prior to puberty. We studied 85 healthy prepubertal children (33 girls and 52 boys) aged 8.7 ± 1.9 years (range 4.0-11.9 years), born 38-40 weeks gestation, and of birth weight appropriate-for-gestational-age. Insulin sensitivity was measured using frequently sampled intravenous glucose tests and Bergman's minimal model. Other clinical assessments included anthropometric measures, fasting lipid and hormonal profiles, body composition from whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Prepubertal girls and boys were of similar parent-adjusted height SDS (P = 0.26), but girls had considerably more body fat (P < 0.0001), less fat-free mass (P = 0.0002) and greater abdominal adiposity (P < 0.0001). These differences in body composition were independent of adrenal androgens. Insulin sensitivity was 18% lower in girls (11.0 vs 13.4 × 10(-4) /min (mU/l); P = 0.028), but this difference disappeared with adjustment for adiposity and DHEAS concentrations. There were, however, some apparent sex differences in cardiovascular parameters, with girls displaying increased heart rate and reduced blood pressure dipping. Girls also had higher triglyceride concentrations (+23%; P = 0.036). There are a number of anthropometric, metabolic and cardiovascular differences between sexes prior to the appearance of external signs of puberty. Although differences in insulin sensitivity were eliminated when adiposity and DHEAS concentrations were accounted for, there were independent differences in body composition and cardiovascular parameters. Thus, gender, adrenarche and adiposity should be accounted for in studies examining metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes prior to puberty.

The reproductive hormone cycle of adult female American alligators from a barrier island population

Comparatively, little data are available detailing the geographic variation that exists in the reproductive endocrinology of adult alligators, especially those living in barrier islands. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MI) is a unique barrier island environment and home to the Kennedy Space Center (FL, USA). Seasonal patterns of sex steroids were assessed in adult female American alligators from MI monthly from 2008 to 2009, with additional samples collected at more random intervals in 2006, 2007, and 2010. Plasma 17β-estradiol and vitellogenin concentrations peaked in April, coincident with courtship and mating, and showed patterns similar to those observed in adult female alligators in other regions. Plasma concentrations of progesterone, however, showed patterns distinctly different than those reported for alligator populations in other regions and remained relatively constant throughout the year. Plasma DHEA peaked in July around the time of oviposition, decreased in August, and then remained constant for the remaining months, except for a moderate increase in October. Circulating concentrations of DHEA have not been previously assessed in a female crocodilian, and plasma concentrations coincident with reproductive activity suggest a reproductive and/or behavioral role. Interestingly, plasma testosterone concentrations peaked in May of 2008, as has been shown in female alligator populations in other regions, but showed no peak in 2009, demonstrating dramatic variability from year to year. Surveys showed 2009 to be particularly depauperate of alligator nests in MI, and it is possible that testosterone could serve as a strong indicator of breeding success.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate as a putative protective factor against tardive dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a potentially irreversible consequence of long term treatment with antipsychotic drugs which is according to a well-known theory believed to be related to oxidative stress induced neurotoxicity. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an endogenous antioxidant with neuroprotective activity. The biosynthesis of DHEA depends upon the activity of cytochrome P450c17α (CYP17). The gene that encodes for CYP17 has a (T34C) single nucleotide polymorphism which enhances CYP17 transcription and expression. To test the hypothesis that carriership of a more active CYP17 variant would result in higher DHEA(S) levels and protect against neurotoxicity which results in orofaciolingual TD (TDof), limb-truncal TD (TDlt) or both (TDsum). Tardive dyskinesia was assessed cross-sectionally in 146 Caucasian psychiatric inpatients from Siberia. Patients who are carriers of the Cyp17 genotype CC have less chance of developing TD compared to patients who are carriers of the Cyp17 genotypes TC or TT (p<0.05). However, these carriers have significant lower circulating DHEAS levels compared to carriers of the Cyp17 genotypes TC and TT (p<0.05). Conversely, carriers of the CYP17 T-allele have significant elevated DHEAS levels. After correcting for gender and age no significant relationship between Cyp17 genotype CC, the T-allelle and the C-allele and the DHEAS concentration of patients was observed. Although an association between the CYP17 CC genotype and TD is indicated, our findings do not support the hypothesis that this is mediated through increased DHEA(S) levels. We believe that the relationship between this polymorphism and neuroprotective effects of steroids is more complex and cannot be elucidated without taking the posttranslational regulation of the enzyme into account.