Physiology Of Endocrine System Research Articles

FDA-APPROVED INDICATIONS OF ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE (ACTH) AS A DRUG: DOES IT HAVE A PLACE IN DISEASE MANAGEMENT TODAY?

ACTH is a pituitary hormone important for proper function of adrenal glands, cortisol production as well as human physiology in general. It is involved in the pathogenesis of several endocrine disorders like Cushing syndrome and can be a useful diagnostic tool for diseases like primary adrenal insufficiency. Although popular as a hormone in endocrine system physiology and testing, ACTH has been used as a drug since the 1950s. Except for steroid-releasing properties, its mechanism of action involves a steroid-independent anti-inflammatory and possible immune-modulatory effect. Pharmaceutic ACTH has a wide range of indications approved by FDA and usually comes in the form of subcutaneous injections. In this narrative review, we accumulated what we considered as important data from reviews, cases and trials involving the most basic FDA-approved ACTH indications. A special emphasis was given on rheumatologic indications of ACTH. More large data studies need to be performed to assess ACTH usefulness, efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness as a drug.

New Evidence on the Role of D-Aspartate Metabolism in Regulating Brain and Endocrine System Physiology: From Preclinical Observations to Clinical Applications.

The endogenous amino acids serine and aspartate occur at high concentrations in free D-form in mammalian organs, including the central nervous system and endocrine glands. D-serine (D-Ser) is largely localized in the forebrain structures throughout pre and postnatal life. Pharmacologically, D-Ser plays a functional role by acting as an endogenous coagonist at N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Less is known about the role of free D-aspartate (D-Asp) in mammals. Notably, D-Asp has a specific temporal pattern of occurrence. In fact, free D-Asp is abundant during prenatal life and decreases greatly after birth in concomitance with the postnatal onset of D-Asp oxidase expression, which is the only enzyme known to control endogenous levels of this molecule. Conversely, in the endocrine system, D-Asp concentrations enhance after birth during its functional development, thereby suggesting an involvement of the amino acid in the regulation of hormone biosynthesis. The substantial binding affinity for the NMDAR glutamate site has led us to investigate the in vivo implications of D-Asp on NMDAR-mediated responses. Herein we review the physiological function of free D-Asp and of its metabolizing enzyme in regulating the functions of the brain and of the neuroendocrine system based on recent genetic and pharmacological human and animal studies.

Single cell transcriptomics in endocrine system physiology: example from the pancreas

Single cell transcriptomics in endocrine system physiology: example from the pancreas

Link between Chronic Pesticides Exposure and Reproductive Problems in Male Farmers

The demand for potent and new pesticides increases day by day because of pest resistant and more food production. The objective of this study was to find out the effects of chronic pesticides exposure on the reproductive health of poor and reckless farmers.A 5 mL blood was drawn from 80 men (40 farmers, 40 controls) and was analyze for serum total testosterone using Biocheck (USA) kit. A detail questionnaire was designed about socio-demographic, occupational activities and clinical characteristics.In farmer group the Mean±SEM of total serum testosterone was 546±10 ng/dl and in control was 664±17 ng/dl. Total serum testosterone was significantly lowered (P< 0.0001) in farmers at 95% confidence interval as compared to control group. Reproductive health problems like infertility, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory problems, decreased libido, absent morning and nocturnal erection and general health problems like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, Parkinson and diabetes mellitus were more common in farmers.Pesticides negatively affect the physiology of endocrine system. It reduces the serum total testosterone concentration in farmers significantly.This low testosterone produces negative effects on the reproductive as well as general health.

Endocrine Disruptors and Breast Cancer Risk - Time to Consider the Environment

The term endocrine disruptors is used to describe a variety of natural and manmade substances that have the capacity to potentially interfere with and modify the normal physiology of endocrine system either by mimicking, blocking or modulating the actions of natural endogenous hormones. The rising incidence of breast cancer over the last 50 years and the documented higher incidence in urban as compared to rural areas suggest a relationship to the introduction and increased use of xenoestrogens in our environment. The literature has developed over the last decades where initial experiments on endocrine disruptors did not support an involvement in breast cancer, and then evidence mounted implicating various environmental factors including hormones, endocrine disrupting chemicals and non-endocrine disrupting environmental carcinogens in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Available data support the hypothesis that exposure to endocrine disruptors in utero leaves a signature on mammary gland morphogenesis so that the resulting dysgenic gland becomes more predisposed to develop tumors upon exposures to additional insults later on during life. Exceptionally, exposure to phytoestrogens could be beneficial to human health. Most of the available data are from well developed countries while the developing countries are still understudied regarding these issues. Here, we raise a note of caution about potential role of environmental toxins including endocrine disruptors in breast cancer development and call for serious measures to be taken by all involved parties in the developing world.

Grand challenges in pediatric endocrinology

Grand challenges in pediatric endocrinology