Changes In Endogenous Hormones Research Articles

Hormone replacement therapy: Will it affect seizure control and AED levels?

Interest in the years of reproductive changes for women with epilepsy (WWE), specifically perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause has been emerging in the epilepsy community. This article discusses evidence for changes in seizure frequency during perimenopause and postmenopause. Further, a catamenial epilepsy pattern during the reproductive years may be a hallmark for the observed seizure frequency change during these years; that is, an increase at perimenopause but a decrease at menopause. This finding implies that a subset of WWE are particularly susceptible to endogenous reproductive hormonal changes. An adverse effect on seizure frequency with the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during postmenopause for WWE was reported in questionnaires, and was later borne out in a clinical trial. The laboratory counterpart of this human trial, HRT in ovariectomized rodent seizure models, shows that estrogen and progesterone are neuroprotective and do not uniformly increase seizure frequency. Possible reasons for the discrepancy between "the lab and the clinic" are presented. Strategies for managing HRT in symptomatic postmenopausal WWE using estrogenic and progestogenic compounds that may be less likely to promote seizures are discussed.

Daidzein-rich isoflavone aglycones are potentially effective in reducing hot flashes in menopausal women

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of DRIs on hot flash symptoms in menopausal women. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of menopausal women, aged 38 to 60 years, who experienced 4 to 14 hot flashes per day. After a 1-week run-in period, a total of 190 menopausal women were randomized to receive a placebo or 40 or 60 mg/day of a DRI for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the mean changes from baseline to week 12 in the frequency of hot flashes recorded in the participant diary. The secondary outcomes included changes in quality of life and hormonal profiles. A total of 147 women (77%) completed the study. It was found that 40 and 60 mg of DRI improved hot flash frequency and severity equally. At 8 weeks hot flash frequency was reduced by 43% in the 40-mg DRI group and by 41% in the 60-mg DRI group, compared with 32% in the placebo group (P = not significant vs placebo). The corresponding numbers for 12 weeks were 52%, 51%, and 39%, respectively (P = 0.07 and 0.09 vs placebo). When comparing the two treatment groups with the placebo group, there were significant reductions in mean daily hot flash frequency. The supplement (either 40 or 60 mg) reduced hot flash frequency by 43% at 8 weeks (P = 0.1) and 52% at 12 weeks (P = 0.048) but did not cause any significant changes in endogenous sex hormones or thyroid hormones. Menopausal quality of life improved in all three groups, although there were no statistically significant differences between groups. DRI supplementation may be an effective and acceptable alternative to hormone treatment for menopausal hot flashes.

Are Nestlings the Cue for Reduction of the Adrenocortical Response to Stress in Male Yellow Warblers Breeding at High Latitude?

AbstractAbstract. Acute corticosterone secretion helps individuals survive perturbation, particularly when faced with unpredictable conditions. However, elevated corticosterone is often incompatible with reproduction. Male Yellow Warblers (Dendroica petechia) breeding at high latitude avoid this conflict by exhibiting a reduced adrenocortical response while provisioning nestlings. To determine if this reduction is cued by nestlings, in June 2000 we switched clutches between nest pairs to manipulate hatching date. We sampled males with early-hatching clutches for the adrenocortical response 24 hr after nestlings hatched, but 24 hr prior to the premanipulated (original) hatching date. Similarly, we sampled males with late-hatching clutches 24 hr after the original hatching date, but prior to nestlings hatching. Males with early-hatching clutches (n = 6) showed no reduced adrenocortical response, while males with late-hatching clutches (n = 6) appeared to show a reduced response even without nestlings, suggesting that nestlings do not cue the reduction. An endogenous clock, day-counting mechanism, or hormonal changes may be associated with the reduced adrenocortical response.

SEX DIFFERENCES IN THE LONG-TERM OUTCOME AFTER A SEVERE THERMAL INJURY

We have recently shown that during the acute phase, postburn female pediatric burn patients had significantly increased levels of anabolic hormones with an associated decreased hypermetabolism leading to a significant shorter intensive care unit stay compared with male patients. The aim of the present study was to determine possible differences between girls and boys in body composition, hypermetabolism, and hormone pattern in the long term. Sixty-two children (1-16 years old) who sustained a severe thermal injury (>or=40% total body surface area) were included into the study. Patients were further divided into girls (n = 22) and boys (n = 40). Patient demographics, nutritional support, and mortality were noted. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured by indirect calorimetry, body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (Hologic Inc, Waltham, Mass) at discharge, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after burn. In addition, blood was drawn at the same time points, and serum hormones were measured. There were no significant differences between girls and boys for demographics, nutritional intake, or concomitant injuries. Predicted REE was significantly decreased in girls at discharge, 6, 12, and 18 months postburn (P < 0.05). Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan showed that girls had improved change in bone mineral content and percent fat compared with boys (P < 0.05). There were no differences in changes in height, body weight, lean body mass, and total fat between groups. Girls had significantly higher levels of insulinlike growth factor 1, insulinlike growth factor binding protein 3, free thyroxine index, T4, and insulin when compared with boys (P < 0.05). No differences were found for T3 uptake, osteocalcin, cortisol, growth hormone, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) between groups. Data indicate that girls have a reduced REE associated with changes in bone content and endogenous anabolic hormones.

Leaf Responses of Micropropagated Apple Plants to Water Stress: Changes in Endogenous Hormones and Their Influence on Carbohydrate Metabolism

The changes in the concentrations of endogenous hormones and their influence on carbohydrate metabolism in leaves of micropropagated Fuji apple plants were studied under water deficiency stress. The results showed that water stress induced a rapid increase in the concentration of abscisic acid (ABA) and led to a decrease in concentrations of both zeatin and gibberellins (GAs). The concentration of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) changed in an independent manner, which was not correlated with the different levels of water stress. With regard to the carbohydrates, the contents of sorbitol and sucrose increased, whereas the content of starch decreased. The increase in the concentration of ABA was significantly correlated with both the increase in the activity of aldose-6-phosphate reductase (A6PR) and the decrease in the activity of sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), indicating that ABA played a regulatory role in sorbitol metabolism. The concentration of ABA was positively correlated to the activity of sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS) but negatively correlated to the activities of acid invertase (AI) and ADP-glucose-pyrophosphorylase (ADPGppase) in water-stressed plants, which indicated that ABA promoted sucrose synthesis and inhibited sucrose degradation and starch synthesis at the same time. Under conditions of water stress, the decrease in the level of zeatin was accompanied by a decrease in the activities of SDH and ADPGPPase. GAs concentration showed positive correlation with ADPGPPase activity. IAA showed no significant correlation with any of the enzymes tested in this study. The results of this study suggested that ABA might be one of the key factors regulating the distribution of carbohydrates under water stress. The metabolism of sorbitol and starch under conditions of water stress might be regulated by the combined action of many plant hormones.

Changes of endogenous hormones in Lilium davidii var. unicolor bulbs during bulb development and storage at low temperature for dormancy release

Changes of endogenous hormones in mother scales and in daughter scales of bulbs in Lilium davidii var.unicolor were studied during bulb development and 101 days storage at 2,6 and 10℃ in moist sawdust.The results indicated that ABA concentration both in mother and daughter scales and GA_(3) concentration,ZR concentration in mother scales increased during bulb development,but IAA concentration in all scales and GA_(3) concentration,ZR concentration in daughter scales declined.During the low temperature storage, GA_(3) and IAA level in different parts of bulb had the increase phase, but ABAcontent decreased, and ZR content in daughter scales declined, but which in mother scales had the increase as well as. The notable changes in content of endogenous hormones occurred in the earlier 34 d of storage. Compared among different storage temperature, ABA content had little difference, but GA_(3) content decreased with the rising of temperature. In daughter scales which having plentiful starch, a significantly negative correlation was observed between GA_(3) and ABA content, but had no any correlations in mother scales which had little starch. Path analysis of results showed that metabolism mechanism in mother scales and in daughter scales were different markedly during bulb development and storage at low temperature for dormancy release. Substances changes in mother scales were regulated by endogenous GA_(3), but mostly by endogenous ABA in daughter scales.

Effects of endogenous phenolic compounds and hormones on in vitro shoot tip culture of grapevine

SummaryWe have examined changes in endogenous hormones [indole-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA3), zeatin (Z) and abscisic acid (ABA)], total phenolic contents and seven major phenolic compounds (gallic acid, +(-) catechin, catechol, chlorogenic acid, o-coumaric acid, rutin and quercetin) in shoot tips of two grapevine cultivars (‘Çavus’ and ‘Hafızali’) collected during different months, to determine the effects of these endogenous compounds on the survival and subsequent growth of explants in vitro. Shoot tips of grapevine cv. ‘Çavus’ showed higher explant survival rates than those of ‘Hafızali’ from all months. Hormone and phenolic compound concentrations also varied depending on cultivar and harvest month. Endogenous compounds showed various correlation coefficients with the survival and subsequent growth of explants. According to our results, the survival and subsequent growth of explants were affected by phenolics and endogenous hormones to various extents. In both grapevine cultivars, shoot tips collected in May exhibited the highest survival rate and growth during the culture period, compared to shoot tips collected in all other months. It may therefore be possible to increase the success of grapevine shoot tip culture by selecting the most suitable collection time.

Content changes of several endogenous plant hormones in female-sterile Pinus tabulaeformis Carr

To determine the relationship between female sterility of Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. and plant hormones, content changes of several endogenous plant hormones in a female-sterile clone and a normal clone were analyzed during the key period of female gametophyte abortion in mutant clones. The change of ABA content showed a similar pattern between normal and mutant clones, but the ABA content of the mutant clone was always much higher than that of the normal clone. In the normal clone, the IAA content decreased significantly at the early stage of the period and reached its minimum during the first ten days of April and stabilized thereafter. The endogenous ZR levels increased sharply at the early stages and reached a maximum in the middle of April, then decreased dramatically. The IAA and ZR contents of the mutant clone did not change perceptively through the entire period. We conclude that the high levels of ABA and the deficit of IAA and ZR may be the reasons of female gametophyte abortion in the female-sterile clones of P. tabulaeformis.

Relationship of Seasonal Changes in Endogenous Plant Hormones and Alternate Bearing of Olive Trees

Changes in hormone concentrations in leaf, node, shoot tip, and fruit samples of three Turkish olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars (`Gemlik', `Memecik', and `Tavsan Yuregi') were monitored at monthly intervals over two successive years of the alternate-bearing cycle. Concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA), indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid-like substances (GA), and kinetin-like cytokinin were determined and their relationship to flower bud formation were examined during “on” and “off” years. Results showed significant differences in IAA, ABA, GA3-like, and kinetin-like cytokinins between “on” and “off” cropping years in various tissues of olive trees. Relative balances between GA3-like and ABA concentrations of tissues appears to exhibit evidence of being a key regulator of floral development and alternate bearing.

Changes of Endogenous Hormones and Polyamines in Cytoplasmic Male Sterile Non-heading Chinese Cabbage During Anther Development

It studies the changes of endogenous hormones and polyamines in cytoplasmic male sterile non-heading Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis Makino var. communis Tsen et Lee). Results showed that the microspore was prone to being sterile when there were lack of IAA, GA and polyamines, especially Put and abundant with ZRs and ABA in the anther. The imbalance of IAA/ZRs also easily caused the anther sterile.

EFFECT OF SHOOT BENDING ON ENDOGENOUS AUXIN AND CYTOKININ LEVELS IN BUDS, AND ITS POSSIBLE RELATIONSHIP TO FLOWER BUD FORMATION IN JAPANESE PEAR

ISHS IX International Symposium on Plant Bioregulators in Fruit Production EFFECT OF SHOOT BENDING ON ENDOGENOUS AUXIN AND CYTOKININ LEVELS IN BUDS, AND ITS POSSIBLE RELATIONSHIP TO FLOWER BUD FORMATION IN JAPANESE PEAR

Pharmacotherapy for sexual dysfunction in women

In the setting of multiple studies claiming a high prevalence of sexual problems amongst women, new conceptualisation of the sexual response in women and definitions of sexual dysfunction, which reflect the need for biopsychosocial management, are being developed. The biological underpinnings of the sexual response in women may be influenced by environmental factors, as well as by medications, disease processes and normative changes in endogenous hormones. Psychological factors can alter both the physiological processes and the experience of sexual response. The new models clarify the importance of sexual motivations other than desire, sexual arousability and subtypes of arousal disorder. The role of pharmacotherapy to potentially augment desire, arousability, genital congestion and to lessen the pain of chronic dyspareunia must be envisaged within the holistic biopsychosocial model.

Overview of osteoporosis: pathophysiology and determinants of bone strength.

Recent advances in both the pharmacological and surgical treatment of osteoporosis and vertebral compression fractures offer exciting new options for elderly patients. However, these treatments should be considered only with an indepth knowledge of osteoporosis as a metabolic disorder with complex effects on bone, its homeostatic regulation, and vertebral strength. Bone homeostasis is under the influence of both endogenous hormonal changes and external mechanical loads resulting from physical activity. These impart their effects through regulation of the relative activities of bone cells, in particular osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which control bone deposition and resorption, respectively. The strength of a vertebra is directly influenced by the amount and relative proportions of its components, with bone mineral density a useful measure of fracture risk. The purpose of this article is to discuss these issues, among others, in order to offer the reader a better understanding of the pathophysiology of osteoporosis and the determinants of bone strength as they relate to the aging skeleton.

Significant effects of mild endogenous hormonal changes in humans: considerations for low-dose testing.

We review the significant and adverse health effects that can occur with relatively small endogenous hormonal changes in pubertal and adult humans. We discuss the effects of hormonal changes that occur within normal physiologic ranges--such as the rising levels of estrogen in peripuberty, which cause growth spurts at low levels and then the fusion of epiphyses at higher levels--and the hormonal variations during the menstrual cycle and their relation to genital phenotypic changes and intercurrent disease evolution. We turn next to adaptive changes in gonadal and other functions during aging, exercise, stress, starvation, and chronic diseases, which can serve as models for the effects of exogenous, hormonally active compounds. Then we review the states of borderline hormonal imbalances such as subclinical (having few or very mild symptoms, if any) hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, glucose intolerance, and other endocrine conditions. Finally, we review the deleterious systemic effects of gonadal imbalance. Information stemming from clinical observations leads to the concept of "no threshold" within the endocrine system and thus illustrates the importance of considering low-dose testing for chemicals that interfere with hormonal activity. We also urge attention to more sensitive, less visible end points such as osteoporosis, increased risk for cardiovascular disease, or cognitive changes.

Significant Effects of Mild Endogenous Hormonal Changes in Humans: Considerations for Low-Dose Testing

Significant Effects of Mild Endogenous Hormonal Changes in Humans: Considerations for Low-Dose Testing

The influence of exogenous steroid hormones on steroid receptors, uterine histological structure and the bacterial flora of the normal bitch.

Oestrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors have been shown to vary in both concentration and distribution during the oestrous cycle of the bitch, influenced by the normal changes in endogenous reproductive hormones. The influence of exogenous steroid hormones on steroid receptors and the histological structure of the uterus was studied in two groups of parous Beagle bitches. Group A (n = 6) were treated with progesterone (P4) in oil i.m. (3 mg/kg) in late metoestrus on the day that peripheral plasma P4 concentrations were first identified as <10 ng/ml, and subsequently once weekly on three other occasions. Group B (n = 6) were treated with a single i.m. injection of MPA (50 mg, 4.2-5.6 mg/kg) following the same protocol. Full-thickness uterine wall biopsies were obtained from the mid part of one horn 2-7 days after the last (fourth) injection of P4 or MPA. During the subsequent oestrus, when peripheral plasma P4 concentrations were between 8 and 10 ng/ml, each bitch in both groups (n = 12) received a single injection of oestradiol benzoate (ODB) in oil i.m. (7.5 mg, 0.63-0.84 mg/kg). All bitches had an ovariohysterectomy 7 days later. Full-thickness uterine wall samples were obtained from the mid part of the intact horn and other parts of the uterus. Swabs were taken from the uterine lumen for bacteriological examination; all were sterile. Tissue samples were sectioned and examined for evidence of lesions, and stained for ER and PR receptors using an immunocytochemical method. The immunoreactivity was scored semiquantitatively, incorporating both the intensity and distribution of specific staining of the receptors using a simplified histoscore (H-score). At the time of ovariohysterectomy, fluid had accumulated in the isolated section of the uterine horn distal to the point of biopsy; the volume was greater in the MPA-treated bitches. There was also evidence in some sections of histological changes in the endometrium. Variations in the expression of both ER and PR were seen between bitches, which may have been due to some not being in mid-metoestrus at the time of treatment. In general, ER scores were low after P4 and MPA treatment, but following ODB there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in ER expression in all parts of the endometrium. PR scores were zero in the glandular epithelium of all 12 bitches after P4, MPA and ODB treatment, whereas in the other parts of the endometrium they were generally moderate to high. Following treatment with ODB, PR generally increased in the three regions of the endometrium where PR were present. The study shows that ER and PR distribution and expression in the endometrium of bitches can be modified by P4, MPA and ODB, with evidence of individual variation.

Response of French bean cultivars to water deficits: Changes in endogenous hormones, proline and chlorophyll

Effects of water stress at different stages of plant growth on leaf relative water content (RWC), osmotic potential (&Psi;os) and changes in contents of chlorophyll, abscisic acid (ABA), zeatin riboside (t-ZR), ethylene and proline in six cultivars of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were studied. Under water stress, &Psi;os and RWC were highest in cv. Contender and lowest in cvs. IIHR-909 and Sel-2. The increase in contents of ABA and proline was marked in cv. Contender followed by cv. UPF-626. Decrease in t-ZR and chlorophyll contents was prominent in cv. IIHR-909. Ethylene production surged in all the cultivars under 4- and 8-d stress and declined under 12-d stress.

Drug treatment in acute porphyria.

The acute hepatic porphyrias are rare pharmacogenetic diseases inherited as autosomal dominant conditions of low penetrance. The genetic defect is a 50% deficiency of an enzyme of the haem biosynthetic pathway. Patients may develop 'neurovisceral attacks' which include severe abdominal pain, neuropsychiatric manifestations and potentially fatal respiratory paralysis. Attacks occur generally after puberty, are much commoner in females and may be precipitated by endogenous hormonal changes, dieting, alcohol, severe infections, and many drugs. Treatment includes analgesia, early administration of haem, and general supportive measures. Patients are at greater risk of a severe attack on first presentation since an abdominal emergency may be simulated and inappropriate medication, including that for general anaesthesia may exacerbate the crisis. The urine should be tested for raised porphobilinogen, which is pathognomonic of the acute attack, if there is the slightest doubt about diagnosis. The genotype of blood relatives of index cases must be determined so that carriers may avoid drug and other precipitants. Some drugs have been established as safe or unsafe by clinical use, but information about many drugs is not available or is based only on their properties in rodents or in tissue culture systems. The relevance of these to the human condition remains controversial, but drugs shown to be porphyrinogenic in animal systems should be avoided if there is a known safe alternative. Where it is essential to use a drug not known to be safe, close biochemical and clinical observation may warn of an impending attack.

Estrogen receptor-beta mRNA expression in rat ovary: down-regulation by gonadotropins.

We have examined the expression and regulation of the two estrogen receptor (ER alpha and ER beta) genes in the rat ovary, using Northern blotting, RT-PCR, and in situ hybridization histochemistry. Northern blotting results show that the ovary expresses both ER alpha and ER beta genes as single (approximately 6.5-kb) and multiple (ranging from approximately 1.0-kb to approximately 10.0-kb) transcripts, respectively. ER alpha mRNA is expressed at a level lower than ER beta mRNA in immature rat ovaries. This relationship appears unchanged between sexually mature adult rats and immature rats. In sexually mature adult rats undergoing endogenous hormonal changes, whole ovarian content of ER beta mRNA, as determined by RT-PCR, remained more or less constant with the exception of the evening of proestrus when ER beta mRNA levels were decreased. Examination of ER beta mRNA expression at the cellular level, by in situ hybridization, showed that ER beta mRNA is expressed preferentially in granulosa cells of small, growing, and preovulatory follicles, although weak expression of ER beta mRNA was observed in a subset of corpora lutea, and that the decrease in ER beta mRNA during proestrous evening is attributable, at least in part, to down-regulation of ER beta mRNA in the preovulatory follicles. This type of expression and regulation was not typical for ER alpha mRNA in the ovary. Although whole ovarian content of ER alpha mRNA was clearly detected by RT-PCR, no apparent modulation of ER alpha mRNA levels was observed during the estrous cycle. Examination of ER alpha mRNA expression at the cellular level, by in situ hybridization, showed that ER alpha mRNA is expressed at a low level throughout the ovary with no particular cellular localization. To further examine the potential role of the preovulatory pituitary gonadotropins in regulating ER beta mRNA expression in the ovary, we used immature rats treated with gonadotropins. In rats undergoing exogenous hormonal challenges, whole ovarian content of ER beta mRNA, as determined by RT-PCR, remained more or less unchanged after an injection of PMSG. In contrast, a subsequent injection of human CG (hCG) resulted in a substantial decrease in whole ovarian content of ER beta mRNA. In situ hybridization for ER beta mRNA shows that small, growing, and preovulatory follicles express ER beta mRNA in the granulosa cells. The preovulatory follicles contain ER beta mRNA at a level lower than that observed for small and growing follicles. In addition, there is an abrupt decrease in ER beta mRNA expression in the preovulatory follicles after hCG injection. The inhibitory effect of hCG on ER beta mRNA expression was also observed in cultured granulosa cells. Moreover, agents stimulating LH/CG receptor-associated intracellular signaling pathways (forskolin and a phorbol ester) readily mimicked the effect of hCG in down-regulating ER beta mRNA in cultured granulosa cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that 1) the ovary expresses both ER alpha and ER beta genes, although ER beta is the predominant form of estrogen receptor in the ovary, 2) ER beta mRNA is localized predominantly to the granulosa cells of small, growing, and preovulatory follicles, and 3) the preovulatory LH surge down-regulates ER beta mRNA. These results clearly implicate the physiological importance of ER beta in female reproductive functions.

Sex, hormones and the brain

The human sexual response is a complicated biopsychosocial phenomenon in which internal and external stimuli are modulated by the central and peripheral nervous system, resulting in a cascade of biochemical, hormonal and circulatory changes that lead to cognitive and physical sexual arousal. In this article, current knowledge of the relationships between central processes, mediated by neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, and the hypothalamo—pituitary—gonadal axis is explored.Hormonal aspects of sexual arousability and sexual excitement are mainly related to androgens. The possible influences of hormonal therapies such as hormonal contraception and perimenopausal hormone substitution are described. The main conclusion is that clinicians should be aware of possible sexual problems resulting from changes in circulating sex hormone binding globulin and free testosterone in men and women due to endogenous or exogenous hormonal changes.