Endocrine-metabolic Parameters Research Articles

N-acetylcysteine supplementation improves endocrine-metabolism profiles and ovulation induction efficacy in polycystic ovary syndrome

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 6–20% of women worldwide, with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia occurring in 50-70% of patients. Hyperinsulinemia exacerbates oxidative stress, contributing to PCOS pathogenesis. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant and insulin sensitizer that shows promise as a therapeutic for PCOS. Our current study aimed to investigate the effects of NAC supplementation on endocrine-metabolic parameters in PCOS mice and its effect on ovulation induction (OI) efficacy in women with PCOS.MethodsFemale C57BL/6 mice were orally administered letrozole (LE) to induce PCOS and then randomly divided into groups receiving daily oral administration of 160 mg/kg NAC (PCOS + NAC group), 200 mg/kg metformin (PCOS + Met group), or 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (drug solvent) (pure PCOS group) for 12 days. Healthy female mice served as pure controls. Estrous cycles were monitored during the intervention. Metabolic and hormone levels, ovarian phenotypes, antioxidant activity in ovarian tissues, and oxidative stress levels in oocytes were assessed post-intervention. Furthermore, a pragmatic, randomized, controlled clinical study was conducted with 230 PCOS women, randomly assigned to the NAC group (1.8 g/day oral NAC, n = 115) or the control group (n = 115). Patients in both groups underwent ≤ 3 cycles of OI with sequential LE and urinary follicle-stimulating hormone (uFSH). Cycle characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared between groups.ResultsSimilar to metformin, NAC supplementation significantly improved the estrous cycles and ovarian phenotypes of PCOS mice; reduced the LH concentration, LH/FSH ratio, and T level; and increased glucose clearance and insulin sensitivity. Notably, NAC significantly reduced oocyte ROS levels and increased the mitochondrial membrane potential in PCOS mice. Additionally, NAC significantly enhanced enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant activities in PCOS mouse ovaries, whereas metformin had no such effect. In the clinical trial, compared to women in the control group, women receiving NAC had significantly lower average uFSH dosage and duration (p < 0.005) and significantly greater clinical pregnancy rates per OI cycle and cumulative clinical pregnancy rates per patient (p < 0.005).ConclusionNAC supplementation improved endocrine-metabolic parameters in PCOS mice and significantly enhanced OI efficacy with sequential LE and uFSH in women with PCOS. Therefore, NAC could be a valuable adjuvant in OI for women with PCOS.

Maternal exposure to tributyltin alters the breast milk, hormonal profile, and thyroid morphology of dams and induces sex-specific changes in neonate rat offspring

Tributyltin (TBT) is the chemical substance commonly used worldwide to prevent biofouling of vessels. Due to its ability to bioaccumulate and biomagnify, even after being banned, significant concentrations of TBT can be detected in sediment, affecting marine and human life. Although studies have shown that direct exposure to TBT alters physiological parameters in mammals, the relationship between exposure to TBT during pregnancy and lactation, considered critical windows for metabolic programming, has not been fully elucidated. Our hypothesis is that offspring whose mothers were exposed to TBT during critical stages of development may exhibit dysfunctions in endocrine-metabolic parameters. We used pregnant Wistar rats that were divided into groups and received the following treatments from gestational day 7 until the end of lactation by intragastric gavage: vehicle (ethanol 0.01%; Control), low TBT dose (100 ng/kg of body weight (bw)/day; TBT100ng) and high TBT dose (1000 ng/kg bw/day; TBT1000ng). Dams and offspring at birth and weaning (21 days old) were studied. Maternal exposure to TBT promoted dose-dependent changes in dams. The findings for adiposity, milk composition and lipid profile were more pronounced in TBT100 ng dam; however, thyroid morphology was altered in TBT1000 ng dam. Female offspring were differentially affected by the dose of exposure. At birth, females in the TBT100ng group had low body weight, lower naso-anal length (NAL), and higher plasma T4, and at weaning, females in the TBT100ng group had lower insulin and leptin levels. Females in the TBT1000ng group had lower NAL at birth and lower leptinemia and weight of white adipose tissue at weaning. Male offspring from TBT groups showed high T3 at birth, without biometric alterations at birth or weaning. Despite these findings, both sexes exhibited dose-dependent morphological changes in the thyroid gland. Thus, maternal exposure to TBT constitutes an important route of contamination for both dams and offspring.

The relation of dermcidin with insulin resistance and inflammation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

SUMMARYOBJECTIVE:Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrinopathy among women of reproductive age. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance and subclinical inflammation. Dermcidin, an antimicrobial peptide, involves in insulin resistance and inflammatory processes. Dermcidin suppresses the secretion of insulin production from the liver/pancreas and also increases insulin resistance. We aimed to discover whether dermcidin levels were altered in polycystic ovary syndrome women compared to controls and determine the link of dermcidin with hormonal-metabolic parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome women.METHODS:The current research was designed as a case-control study and Rotterdam 2003 criteria were used for diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome. A total of 75 subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome and 75 age- and body mass index-matched subjects as controls were enrolled in the study. The insulin resistance state was determined using a homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were assessed to define inflammation.RESULTS:Circulating dermcidin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Dermcidin levels were significantly increased in polycystic ovary syndrome subjects compared to controls (172.53±42.41 ng/mL vs. 108.44±31.69 ng/mL, p<0.001). Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were markedly increased, whereas quantitative insulin sensitivity check index levels were notably decreased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome compared to controls. Linear regression analysis revealed that dermcidin exhibited an independent link with homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, whereas dermcidin displayed an inversely independent link with quantitative insulin sensitivity check index.CONCLUSION:Increased dermcidin levels were associated with insulin resistance and inflammation in polycystic ovary syndrome women, suggesting that dermcidin may play a role in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Assessment of THADA gene polymorphisms in a sample of Colombian women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A pilot study

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial and polygenic endocrine-metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age. SNPs in the THADA gene have been identified as PCOS risk loci. In this study, we evaluated the frequency of five polymorphisms in a sample of Colombian women with PCOS, and their association with clinical and endocrine-metabolic parameters. Forty-nine women with PCOS and forty-nine healthy women were included. Allelic discrimination was performed in the THADA gene by iPLEX and the MassARRAY system (Agena Bioscience). Haploview software was conducted to analyze the linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotypes of polymorphisms. There was an association between the genotypes TT of rs12468394, CC + AA of rs12468394, and GG of rs6544661 and an increase in the levels of free testosterone. The CC + AA of rs12468394 genotype also was associated with an increase of androstenedione levels. THADA gene SNPs were not associated with PCOS risk. There was very strong LD among the SNPs. No significant differences in the frequency of haplotypes between groups were observed. The statistical power of this analysis is low because of the small number of samples analyzed. Additional studies involving large populations of Colombian women with PCOS are needed to verify the role of the THADA gene in this disorder.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein-8B Levels at Birth and in the First Year of Life: Relation to Metabolic-Endocrine Variables and Brown Adipose Tissue Activity.

ObjectiveBone morphogenetic protein-8B (BMP8B) is an adipokine produced by brown adipose tissue (BAT) contributing to thermoregulation and metabolic homeostasis in rodent models. In humans, BAT activity is particularly relevant in newborns and young infants. We assessed BMP8B levels and their relationship with BAT activity and endocrine-metabolic parameters in young infants to ascertain its potentiality as biomarker in early life.Materials and MethodsBMP8B concentrations were assessed longitudinally by ELISA in a cohort of 27 girls and 23 boys at birth, and at age 4 and 12 months, together with adiposity parameters (DXA), and circulating endocrine-metabolic variables. BAT activity was measured by infrared thermography. BMP8B gene expression (qRT-PCR) was determined in BAT, white fat, and liver samples from neonatal necropsies, and in placenta and cord blood.ResultsBMP8B levels were high at birth, particularly in boys (P = 0.04 vs. girls), declined progressively, and remained well above those in healthy adults and pregnant women at age 1 year (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Neonatal BMP8B transcript levels were higher in BAT than in white fat, liver and cord blood. Circulating BMP8B levels during the first year of life marginally correlated with bone mineral density and gains in lean mass.ConclusionBMP8B levels are high at birth and decline progressively over the first year of life remaining above adult levels. Although changes in BMP8B concentrations overall reflect those in BAT activity during development, BMP8B levels are unlikely to be useful to predict individual variations in endocrine-metabolic status and BAT activity in healthy young infants.

A 24-month metformin treatment study of children with obesity: Changes in circulating GDF-15 and associations with changes in body weight and visceral fat.

Metformin treatment for 24 months in children with obesity lowers body mass index (BMI), reduces liver fat, and normalizes endocrine-metabolic parameters. Here we study whether circulating GDF-15 levels were raised by such metformin treatment and whether they related to changes in body weight and visceral fat in children with obesity. The study population consisted of 18 pre-pubertal/early pubertal children with obesity who had participated in a randomized double-blind clinical trial receiving metformin (850 mg/day) or placebo for 24 months. Circulating GDF-15, BMI and abdominal visceral and liver fat (magnetic resonance imaging) were assessed at 0, 6, 12 and 24 months. Results showed that metformin-treated children had higher GDF-15 levels at 6 and 12 months. Higher rises of circulating GDF-15 associated with more loss of body weight and visceral fat. In conclusion, the concept that GDF-15 is among the mediators of metformin's normalizing effects in individuals with obesity is herewith extended into childhood.

The significance of clinical and hormonal-metabolic parameters in the preoperative prediction of the risk of lymphogenous metastasis in patients with stage I endometrial cancer

In patients with moderately differentiated endometrial cancer with less than half myometrial invasion, there are no specific indications for performing or not performing lymphadenectomy. Given the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) among patients with endometrial cancer (up to 62%) and a large proportion of G2 tumors in combination with MS, the anthropometric and hormonal-metabolic parameters were considered for predicting the risk of lymphogenous metastasis. To build a model of preoperative prognosis of lymphogenous metastasis, the method of logistic regression was used. Data on 53 patients with stage I endometrial cancer was analyzed. All patients underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-ovariectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Positive lymph nodes were found in the surgical specimen of six patients. The additional risk parameters for lymphogenous metastasis were revealed in patients with stage I endometrial cancer, namely: leptin level (AUC = 0.957), visfatin level (AUC = 0.918), body mass index (AUC = 0.911), patient age (AUC = 0.828), and HDL cholesterol (AUC = 0.699). In addition to traditional risk factors (the depth of invasion and tumor differentiation grade), the model of preoperative prediction of the risk of lymphogenous metastasis for patients with intermediate- risk stage I endometrial cancer included the following parameters: age, body mass index, HDL cholesterol, level of adipose hormones leptin and visfatin in blood plasma.. The sensitivity and specificity of the model were 83.3% and 97.9%, respectively.

The content of adipokines in women with hypothyroidism and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypothyroidism are the most common endocrine pathologies. These diseases are associated with atherogenic dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and overweight.Aim. Тo assess the relationship between adipokines and hormone-metabolic parameters in women with hypothyroidism, type 2 diabetes mellitus and their combination.Materials and methods. We examined 119 women aged 45 to 74 years: 42 women with primary hypothyroidism, 38 women with type 2 diabetes and 39 women with a combination of type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism. All patients underwent an anthropometric examination, studied the indicators of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, the content of adiponectin, leptin and resistin.Results. In women with type 2 diabetes and its combination with hypothyroidism, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance were revealed. In all groups, an increase in total cholesterol, triglycerides, atherogenic coefficient was found. The examined women with a combination of hypothyroidism and type 2 diabetes mellitus had a decreased level of adiponectin and an increased level of leptin. In patients with hypothyroidism and patients with type 2 diabetes, a decrease in adiponectin levels and an increase in leptin and resistin were revealed.Discussion. The most pronounced hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance were found in the group of patients with a combination of hypothyroidism and type 2 diabetes. At the same time, the combination of type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism in the examined women, according to our data, did not aggravate lipid metabolism disorders. Against the background of visceral obesity in women with a combination of diseases, hypoadiponectinemia and hyperleptinemia were most pronounced. In this group, the level of resistin was positively correlated with the level of insulin and the index of insulin resistance.Conclusion. In women with hypothyroidism, type 2 diabetes and their combination, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hyperleptinemia, and hypoadiponectinemia were established. Hypoadiponectinemia and hyperleptinemia are involved in the development of atherogenic dyslipidemia in women with primary hypothyroidism.

Clinical Features and Insulin Resistance in Men with a Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity Phenotype

Purpose of the study: The aim of study was to analyze the characteristics of hormonal-metabolic parameters in men with a metabolically unhealthy obesity phenotype; identify the value of special indicators for diagnosis of insulin resistance.Materials and methods: The examination included 108 patients with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, which were hospitalized. According to the current national guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of obesity, all examined patients were divided into 2 groups: 1 — with metabolically healthy obesity phenotype, 2 — with metabolically unhealthy obesity phenotype. The study presents the results of comparative simultaneous nonrandomized study of two groups with using of different methods of examination (anthropometric indicators, laboratory tests for inspection of the hormonal profile, biochemistry parameters, and calculation of TyG index for diagnosis of insulin resistance).Results and discussion: The study found that patients of working age with metabolically unhealthy obesity phenotype are characterized by unfavorable anthropometric and hormonal-metabolic parameters and more severe polymorbid pathology (first of all cardiovascular diseases). The results of study revealed the value of special indicators for the diagnosis of insulin resistance (visceral obesity index &gt;1,85; TyG &gt;3,98; fat mass &gt;30,1).Conclusion: timely detection of insulin resistance indicators has great importance and practical application due to simplicity and accessibility.

Neudesin: a neuropeptide hormone decreased in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome

Neudesin is a neuropeptide hormone involves in female reproduction system via promoting effects of progesterone. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic and reproductive disorder associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis abnormalities and impaired negative feedback mechanism of progesterone upon gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion. Our aims were to discover whether neudesin levels were altered in PCOS women comparing to controls and to determine the link of neudesin with hormonal-metabolic parameters in PCOS women. The current research was designed as a case-control study. Sixty-eight subjects with PCOS and 67 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched subjects as controls were enrolled into the study. Circulating neudesin levels were measured by ELISA. Neudesin levels were significantly lower in PCOS subjects compared to controls (4.07 ± 1.22 vs. 6.02 ± 2.07 ng/ml, p < .001). Neudesin exhibited an inversely independent link with luteinizing hormone, free-androgen index, and BMI whereas it showed a positively independent link with progesterone in women with PCOS. Logistic regression analysis revealed that decreased neudesin levels were parallel with increased risk of having PCOS. Decreased neudesin levels were associated with hormonal disturbances in PCOS women, suggesting that neudesin may play a role in pathophysiology of PCOS.

Association of decreased myonectin levels with metabolic and hormonal disturbance in polycystic ovary syndrome

Myonectin is a myokine involving in glucose and lipid metabolisms. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic and reproductive disorder associated with insulin resistance. Our aims were to discover whether myonectin levels were altered in PCOS women comparing to controls and to determine the link of myonectin with hormonal-metabolic parameters in PCOS women. The current research was designed as a case-control study. Seventy-two subjects with PCOS and 72 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched subjects as controls were enrolled into the study. Circulating myonectin levels were measured by ELISA. Myonectin levels were significantly lower in PCOS subjects compared to controls (6.77 ± 1.96 vs. 9.14 ± 2.87 ng/ml, p< .001). Myonectin exhibited an inverse association with BMI, insulin resistance, free androgen index (FAI) and triglycerides whereas it showed a positive association with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in women with PCOS. Logistic regression analysis revealed that decreased myonectin levels were parallel with increased probability of having PCOS risk. Decreased myonectin levels were associated with metabolic and hormonal disturbances in PCOS women, suggesting that myonectin may play a role in pathophysiology of PCOS.

Decreased levels of spexin are associated with hormonal and metabolic disturbance in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome

Spexin, a newly identified peptide hormone, is involved in energy metabolism and the hypothalamic gonadal axis. We aimed to compare the altered levels of spexin in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to find out if there was any association between spexin levels and hormonal-metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. Eighty subjects with PCOS and 80 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched subjects with a normal menstrual cycle were enrolled into the current case control study. Spexin levels were measured by ELISA. Spexin levels were significantly lower in PCOS subjects. Spexin showed a negative correlation with insulin resistance, BMI and androgens in PCOS women. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of having PCOS was associated with low levels of spexin. Decreased spexin levels were inversely associated with androgens and unfavourable metabolic profiles in PCOS subjects, suggesting that the inter-related roles of spexin are in the different metabolic and hormonal pathways of PCOS. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subjects? Spexin is a newly identified peptide hormone which plays various roles in regulating energy metabolism and the hypothalamic gonadal axis. PCOS is a reproductive and metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis disruptions. What do the results of this study add? Decreased levels of spexin were inversely association with androgens and unfavourable metabolic profiles in PCOS women. The risk of having PCOS was increased in parallel with decreased spexin levels. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Spexin may play numerous roles in the pathophysiological processes of PCOS. To find the exact role of spexin over PCOS development, detailed investigations are required.

Effects of metformin administration on endocrine-metabolic parameters, visceral adiposity and cardiovascular risk factors in children with obesity and risk markers for metabolic syndrome: A pilot study.

BackgroundMetformin treatment (1000–2000 mg/day) over 6 months in pubertal children and/or adolescents with obesity and hyperinsulinism is associated with a reduction in body mass index (BMI) and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). We aimed to ascertain if long-term treatment (24 months) with lower doses of metformin (850 mg/day) normalizes the endocrine-metabolic abnormalities, improves body composition, and reduces the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in pre-puberal and early pubertal children with obesity.MethodsA pilot double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 18 pre-puberal and early pubertal (Tanner stage I-II) children with obesity and risk markers for metabolic syndrome. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive metformin (850 mg/day) or placebo for 24 months. Clinical, biochemical (insulin, lipids, leptin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP]), and imaging (body composition [dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging]) parameters as well as cIMT (ultrasonography) were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months.ResultsThe 12-month treatment tend to cause a reduction in weight standard deviation scores (SDS), BMI-SDS, leptin, leptin–to–high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin ratio, hsCRP, cIMT, fat mass, and liver fat in metformin-treated children compared with placebo. The effect of metformin on the reduction of BMI-SDS, leptin, leptin-to-HMW adiponectin ratio, hsCRP, and liver fat seemed to be maintained after completing the 24 months of treatment. No changes in insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR) or adverse effects were detected.ConclusionIn this pilot study, metformin treatment in pre-puberal and early pubertal children with obesity seemed to improve body composition and inflammation markers. Our data encourage the development of future fully powered trials using 850 mg/day metformin in young children, highlighting its excellent tolerance and potential long-term benefits.

Fractalkine: an inflammatory chemokine elevated in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Fractalkine (FKN) is an inflammatory chemokine related to reproductive system and glucose metabolism. There is a link between FKN and steroidogenesis as FKN induces progesterone synthesis. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive and metabolic disorder associated with low progesterone production and insulin resistance. We aimed to explore whether women with PCOS have any difference in FKN levels compared to women without PCOS. We also focused on determination of any association between FKN levels and hormonal-metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. The current research was designed as a case-control study. Eighty subjects with PCOS and 80 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched subjects with normal menstrual cycle were taken into the study. We measured circulating FKN levels via ELISA methods. Circulating FKN levels were higher in women with PCOS than controls (1.93 ± 0.61 vs. 1.22 ± 0.33 ng/ml, P< 0.001). FKN levels showed a positive correlation with body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance, inflammatory marker hs-CRP, total testosterone, and free-androgen index (FAI), whereas it showed a negative correlation with sex hormone-binding protein in women with PCOS. Linear regression analyses revealed that the link of FKN with BMI, insulin resistance, hs-CRP, and FAI was independent. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of having PCOS was associated with high levels of FKN. Increased FKN levels related to insulin resistance, inflammation and androgens in women with PCOS. FKN may have an inter-related role in different pathophysiologic pathways of PCOS.

Circulating insulin-like peptide 5 levels and its association with metabolic and hormonal parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Insulin-like peptide 5 (INSL5) is a gut peptide hormone that is a member of relaxin/insulin superfamily. Growing evidence implicates the crucial role of the peptide in some metabolisms including food intake, glucose homeostasis and reproductive system. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is involved in both reproductive and metabolic issues. The aim of the study was determination of circulating levels of INSL5 alteration in women with PCOS and evaluation of the relationship between INSL5 and hormonal-metabolic parameters as well as carotid intima media thickness (cIMT). A total of 164 subjects were recruited in this cross-sectional study (82 women with PCOS and 82 age- and BMI-matched controls). Circulating INSL5 levels were assessed via ELISA method. High-resolution B-mode ultrasound was used to measure cIMT. The hormonal and metabolic parameters of the recruited subjects were determined. Circulating INSL5 levels were significantly elevated in women with PCOS compared to controls (27.63 ± 7.74 vs. 19.90 ± 5.85ng/ml, P < 0.001). The mean values of INSL5 were significantly higher in overweight subjects compared to lean weight subjects in both groups. The women with PCOS having insulin resistance have increased INSL5 compared to those of PCOS subjects without insulin resistance. INSL5 is associated with insulin resistance, BMI, luteinizing hormone and free androgen index. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the odds ratio for having PCOS in the highest tertile of INSL5 was higher than in the lowest tertile. PCOS subjects exhibited an elevation in circulating INSL5 levels along with a link between INSL5 level induction and metabolic-hormonal parameters.

Relationship Between the Consumption of Soy and Its Derivatives During Critical Periods of Development and in Adulthood and Endocrine-Metabolic Disorders

The consumption of soybeans and their constituents, isolated soy protein and isoflavones, has been associated with positive effects on body weight, lipid profile and insulin, which has stimulated the production and consumption of foods derived from soy. However, these polyphenolic compounds (isoflavones) have similar structure to 17-beta estradiol and may act as agonists or antagonists in estrogen receptors. Due to its estrogenic activity, the safety of its consumption during critical periods of development, such as gestation and lactation, has been questioned. Studies that evaluate the effects of soybeans on endocrine metabolic parameters are still controversial. This review focuses on the role that soy and isoflavones play during critical periods of development and into adulthood. J Endocrinol Metab. 2017;7(5):135-140 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jem449w

The Relationship of eNOS, p22 phox, CETP and ESR1 Gene Polymorphisms Related to Endocrine-Metabolic Parameters and Metabolic Syndrome in Postmenopausal Women - A Sample Population Based Study

The Relationship of eNOS, p22 phox, CETP and ESR1 Gene Polymorphisms Related to Endocrine-Metabolic Parameters and Metabolic Syndrome in Postmenopausal Women - A Sample Population Based Study

Potential and real 'antineoplastic' and metabolic effect of metformin in diabetic and nondiabetic postmenopausal females.

The goal of this study was to determine if the single nucleotide polymorphisms marking potential sensitivity to metformin (MF) correlate with hormone-metabolic status as well as with actual response to MF in postmenopausal cancer patients with or without Type 2 diabetes mellitus and in diabetics without cancer. The carriage of ten different SNPs was evaluated in all patients by PCR, and hormone-metabolic status was estimated by anthropometry, ELISA and enzyme colorimetric assays. The response to daily 1-1.7 g of MF was studied based on hormone-metabolic parameters and indirect end points (endometrium thickness, mammographic breast density). The changes in evaluated 'antineoplastic' and metabolic response marker values were seen in 33.3 and 61.8% of the cases, respectively. Several genetic markers were found that showed an inclination to less frequent 'antineoplastic' or more frequent metabolic response to MF which may be helpful in further studies of this drug in cancer patients.

Secondary obesity

Hyperinsulinism and insulin resistance, hypogonadism in men and women are often associated with obesity and may be its consequences and to be a primary preceding the development of overweight. A characteristic feature of the endocrine obesity is an increase in body weight due to visceral fat with redistribution on central type, accompanied by the development of the metabolic and endocrine disorders. Mechanisms of obesity in various hormonal disturbances are different. In general in the vast majority approaches of obesity treatment do not differ from generally accepted. Adequate correction of hormonal disorders can reduce body weight and contribute to the improvement of endocrine-metabolic parameters.

Clinical efficacy and metabolic impact of two different dosages of ethinyl-estradiol in association with drospirenone in normal-weight women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized study

The estrogenic component of estro- progestin (EP) is responsible for a negative impact on the metabolic and lipid assessment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To evaluate the risk/benefit ratio of two EP combinations, containing the same progestin (3 mg drospirenone) and a different dose of ethinyl-estradiol (EE) (20 vs 30 μg) and to compare their effects on the clinical and endocrine-metabolic parameters in normal-weight PCOS women. In this randomized pilot study, we enrolled 30 young normal-weight PCOS women. Fifteen subjects were allocated to group A (20 μg EE) and 15 PCOS subjects to group B (30 μg EE). Hirsutism score, hormonal assays, oral glucose tolerance test, euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp and lipid profile were performed at baseline, and after 6 and 12 months of therapy. Main outcome measures were signs of hyperandrogenism, glucose and insulin metabolism, lipid profile. Both treatment regimens induced a significant improvement in hirsutism score, testosterone, DHEAS, and SHBG levels. Androstenedione significantly dropped only in patients of Group A, while 17(OH)P only in those from Group B. Both the formulations did not significantly modify gluco-insulinemic metabolism. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol levels significantly increased in both groups. Triglycerides levels, which increased as well, resulted more markedly influenced by the formulation with 30 μg EE. In association with drospirenone, 20 μg EE results as effective as 30 μg in improving clinical and hormonal features of normal-weight PCOS women, while exhibiting a milder influence on lipidic parameters.