Estradiol Hormone Research Articles

The Role of Adopted Orphan Nuclear Receptors in the Regulation of an Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) under the Action of Sex Hormones.

Organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) is an influx transporter protein of the SLC superfamily, expressed mainly in the liver and some tumor cells. The mechanisms of its regulation are being actively studied. In the present study, the effect of sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone and testosterone) on OATP1B1 expression in HepG2 cells was examined. The role of adopted orphan receptors, farnasoid X receptor (FXR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), pregnane X receptor (PXR) and liver X receptor subtype alpha (LXRa), was also evaluated. Hormones were used in concentrations of 1, 10 and 100 μM, with incubation for 24 h. The protein expression of OATP1B1, FXR, CAR, PXR and LXRa was analyzed by Western blot. It was shown that estradiol (10 and 100 μM) increased the expression of OATP1B1, acting through CAR. Testosterone (1, 10 and 100 μM) increased the expression of OATP1B1, acting through FXR, PXR and LXRa. Progesterone (10 and 100 μM) decreased the expression of OATP1B1 (10 and 100 μM) and adopted orphan receptors are not involved in this process. The obtained results have important practical significance and determine ways for targeted regulation of the transporter, in particular in cancer.

Myeloid cannabinoid receptor CB1 deficiency confers atheroprotection in a sex-specific manner

Abstract Aim Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. A better understanding of the underlying chronic inflammatory disease mechanisms in atherosclerosis might help finding novel treatments and reduce CVD deaths. In particular, the cannabinoid receptor CB1 has been implicated in atherosclerosis, while its cell-specific effects in this disease are not well understood. Methods Myeloid Cnr1 (CB1 encoding gene) knockout mice were generated on apolipoprotein E deficiency (Apoe-/-) background by crossing CB1flox mice with transgenic mice carrying Cre under control of the lysozyme M (LysM) promoter for selective expression in myeloid cells. Age - and sex-matched groups were analyzed at baseline, 4 and 16 weeks Western diet (0,15% cholesterol). For in vitro experiments, murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) were used. Results Male mice with myeloid-specific Cnr1 deficiency on atherogenic background developed smaller lesions and necrotic cores compared to controls, while only minor effects in females were observed. Male Cnr1 deficient mice had reduced arterial monocyte recruitment and macrophage proliferation with less inflammatory phenotype. The sex-specific differences were reproducible in vitro in BMDMs and blunted by female hormone estradiol treatment. Array-based kinase activity profiling of BMDMs stimulated with a synthetic CB1 agonist revealed a CB1-dependent regulation of p53 and cyclin-dependent kinases. Transcriptomic profiling via bulk RNA-sequencing of CB1 agonist-stimulated BMDMs further unveiled chromatin modifications, mRNA processing and mitochondrial respiration among the key processes affected by CB1 signaling, which was supported by metabolic flux assays. Chronic administration of the peripherally-restricted CB1 antagonist JD5037 inhibited plaque progression and macrophage proliferation, again only in male mice. Conclusion Impaired CB1 signaling in macrophages is atheroprotective by limiting their arterial recruitment, proliferation and inflammatory reprogramming. The biological effects of macrophage CB1 signaling seem to be more pronounced in male mice. This highlights the need to consider the biological sex as an important variable in preclinical studies.

Effects of long-term proton pump inhibitor use on sexual hormones and sexual and reproductive health in female patients.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used to treat a range of gastrointestinal diseases around the world. Long-term use of PPIs has been associated to a variety of undesirable effects. Although short-term therapy has been shown to have little or no effect on endocrine hormone in women, however, its long-term safety has received little attention. We aimed at evaluating long-term use of PPIs and its effects on female reproductive hormones as well as related clinical consequences. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two outpatient gastroenterology clinics in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This study included female patients who had been using PPIs on a regular basis for 3 months or more. In total of 101 participants, patients with sexual complaints have significantly altered levels of prolactin (p = 0.05), estrogen (p < 0.001) and progesterone (p = 0.001) than patient without sexual complaints. The frequency of amenorrhea (p < 0.001), cyclic disturbances (p < 0.001), breast augmentation (p = 0.001) and painful breast (p = 0.004) were statistically significant in patients with raised serum prolactin values. Serum values of Sex hormone binding globulin SHBG (p < 0.001), estradiol (p = 0.002) and total testosterone (p < 0.001) were significantly altered between normal prolactin and hyperprolactinemic patients. These findings suggest that long-term PPI use may cause endocrine hormone disturbances leading to sexual difficulties in women.

Estradiol effects on an emotional interference task in adolescents with current and remitted depression

Attentional biases to emotional stimuli are thought to reflect vulnerability for mood disorder onset and maintenance. This study examined the association between the endogenous sex hormone estradiol and emotional attentional biases in adolescent females with either current or remitted depression. Three groups of participants (mean age ± SD) completed the Emotional Interrupt Task: 1) 20 adolescent females (15.1 ± 1.83 years) currently diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), 2) 16 adolescent females (16.4 ± 1.31 years) who had experienced at least one episode of MDD in their lifetime but currently met criteria for MDD in remission, and 3) 30 adolescent female (15.4 ± 1.83 years) healthy controls. Attentional interference (AI) scores were calculated as differences in target response reaction time between trials with emotional facial expressions versus neutral facial expressions. Estradiol levels were assayed by Salimetrics LLC using saliva samples collected within 30 min of waking on assessment days. Robust multiple regression with product terms evaluated estradiol's main effect on AI scores, as well as hypothesized estradiol × diagnostic group interactions. Although neither mean estradiol levels nor mean AI scores in the current-MDD and remitted-MDD groups differed from controls, the relationship between estradiol and overall AI score differed between control adolescents and the remitted-MDD group. Specifically, the remitted-MDD adolescents performed worse (i.e., showed greater attentional interference) when they had higher estradiol; no significant relationship existed in the current-MDD group. Because this finding was driven by angry and not happy stimuli, it appears higher estradiol levels were associated with greater susceptibility to the attention-capturing effects of negatively-valenced emotional content in girls at risk for MDD from prior history.

Comparison of testosterone, FSH, LH and E2 hormone levels in infertility suspected males with COVID-19 infection.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that has many adverse impacts on many systems including reproduction. The direct effects of COVID-19 on urogenital system are still open to argue. This study aimed to compare testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E2) hormone levels in COVID-19 infected male individuals with infertility suspicion. One hundred five control (healthy) and 105 COVID-19 infected males aged between 20 to 54 years old were enrolled in the study. All patients were either diagnosed with primary or secondary infertility suspicion. The COVID-19 infection was diagnosed via reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction test. Blood samples from patients were analyzed from the control and COVID-19 group to measure serum testosterone, FSH, LH, and E2 levels. Hormone levels were statistically compared between groups with the Independent T test. In control and COVID-19 patients, no significance was determined for FSH and LH hormone values. Testosterone hormone were significantly decreased and E2 level was statistically increased in COVID-19 patients compared to that in the control group (P < .001). COVID-19 is a viral disease that affects organ including gonads. COVID-19 infection decreased testosterone levels and increased E2 levels, which leading to disorders in male and female reproductivity.

Construction and validation of a personalized prediction model for postpartum anxiety in pregnant women with preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific multi-system disease with multi-factor and multi-mechanism characteristics. The cure for preeclampsia is to terminate the pregnancy and deliver the placenta. However, it will reduce the perinatal survival rate, prolong the pregnancy cycle, and increase the incidence of maternal complications. With relaxation of the birth policy, the number of elderly pregnant women has increased significantly, and the prevalence rate of preeclampsia has increased. Inappropriate treatment can seriously affect the normal postpartum life of pregnant women. Studies have shown that postpartum anxiety in women with preeclampsia can affect physical and mental health, as well as infant growth and development. To analyze the factors influencing preeclampsia in pregnant women complicated with postpartum anxiety, and to construct a personalized predictive model. We retrospectively studied 528 pregnant women with preeclampsia who delivered in Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine between January 2018 and December 2021. Their basic data were collected, and various physiological and biochemical indicators were obtained by laboratory examination. The self-rating anxiety scale was used to determine whether the women had postpartum anxiety 42 d after delivery. The independent factors influencing postpartum anxiety in early pregnant women with eclampsia were analyzed with multifactor logistic regression and a predictive model was constructed. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the calibration and discrimination of the predictive model. Eighty pregnant women with preeclampsia admitted to our hospital from January 2022 to May 2022 were retrospectively selected to verify the prediction model. We excluded 46 of the 528 pregnant women with preeclampsia because of loss to follow-up and adverse outcomes. A total of 482 cases completed the assessment of postpartum anxiety 42 d after delivery, and 126 (26.14%) had postpartum anxiety. Bad marital relationship, gender discrimination in family members, hematocrit (Hct), estradiol (E2) hormone and interleukin (IL)-6 were independent risk factors for postpartum anxiety in pregnant women with preeclampsia (P < 0.05). Prediction model: Logit (P) = 0.880 × marital relationship + 0.870 × gender discrimination of family members + 0.130 × Hct - 0.044 × E2 + 0.286 × IL-6 - 21.420. The area under the ROC curve of the model was 0.943 (95% confidence interval: 0.919-0.966). The threshold of the model was -1.507 according to the maximum Youden index (0.757), the corresponding sensitivity was 84.90%, and the specificity was 90.70%. Hosmer-Lemeshow χ2 = 5.900, P = 0.658. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the model were 81.82%, 84.48% and 83.75%, respectively. Poor marital relationship, family gender discrimination, Hct, IL-6 and E2 are the influencing factors of postpartum anxiety in preeclampsia women. The constructed prediction model has high sensitivity and specificity.

Hormone imbalance of fetoplacental complex as a factor of premature birth

Despite the sufficient study of the pathogenetic factors of preterm birth, there is currently no consensus on the peculiarities of the pathogenesis of disorders of the functional state of the fetoplacental complex in this complication of pregnancy, no unified methodological approaches to early diagnosis have been developed, and there are no standards for the examination and treatment of pregnant women with detected disorders.The purpose of the work. To investigate the level of FPC hormones in pregnant women at risk of preterm birth.Materials and methods. The main group consisted of pregnant women with signs of placental dysfunction and a history of miscarriage (50 women). The control group consisted of 50 healthy pregnant women. Determination of hormones (progesterone, estradiol, placental lactogen) was carried out by the method of solid-phase enzyme immunoassay. The research was performed on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay according to the instructions for the specified sets of reagents.Results. The content of the hormones estradiol, progesterone and placental lactogen during pregnancy was determined to study the changes in the placental system hormonal function of pregnant women with a threat of premature birth. The concentration of estradiol in the blood serum of pregnant women of the main group was below the norm during the entire pregnancy period. It leads to a decrease in estrogens and progesterone synthesis by the corpus luteum of the ovary, and then by the placenta. A reduction of these hormone levels, which take a direct part in the flow of basic biochemical and physiological processes in the muscles of the uterus, leads to an increase in the contractile activity of the myometrium, which is shown by the phenomena of placental dysfunction and premature birth.Conclusion. Studying the levels of hormones of the fetoplacental complex in pregnant women at risk will allow predicting the development of premature birth.

Revisiting the Relation Between Steroid Hormones and Unethicality in an Exploratory, Longitudinal Study With Female Participants.

Research on the relation between hormones and unethical behaviors and tendencies has provided mixed results, hindering the understanding of the potential biological regulation of unethical behaviors and tendencies. We conducted an exploratory, longitudinal study (N = 257 women) allowing to estimate relations between, on the one hand, steroid hormones (testosterone, cortisol, estradiol, and progesterone) and conception probability and, on the other hand, a broad variety of measures related to unethicality (self-reported personality variables, cheating in committed relationships, self-serving economic dishonesty in a behavioral task, namely, the mind game). Contrary to theoretical assumptions of and results from some previous studies, we find no consistent relation between hormones and unethical behavior or tendencies in the majority of analyses. Yet, some small, exploratory associations emerged that call for (preregistered) replications, before more firm conclusions can be made.

Hormonal changes in strength training during the menstrual cycle: a systematic review

Introduction: During the menstrual cycle, women are exposed to continual variations in serum concentrations of various female sex steroid hormones. The fluctuations of the main female hormones, estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, are essential for regulating ovulatory cycle patterns. In this sense, it is speculated that strength training can stimulate the signaling pathways of essential hormones to regulate the patterns in the different phases of the ovulatory cycle. Objective: To analyze hormonal changes and strength performance in different phases of the menstrual cycle in experienced women undergoing strength training. Methods: A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA recommendations. The terms “Strength Training”, “Resistance Exercise” and “Menstrual Cycle” were searched in Medline (PubMed), Virtual Health Library (VHL) and ScienceDirect databases. Experimental studies that evaluated hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle in strength training in women trained in resistance exercise were included. Results: From a total of 592 documents, six studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions in the included studies ranged from 2 to 140 days. The protocols demonstrated that the intervention with strength training provides changes in the hormones progesterone, testosterone, estradiol and ammonia in the follicular and luteal phase. Conclusion: The studies investigated in this review demonstrated that Strength Training induced hormonal and strength increases, in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, in women experienced in strength training.

Evaluation of Genistein as a Mitochondrial Modulator and Its Effects on Sperm Quality.

Phytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, are bioactive compounds found in plants with defense and protection functions. In the human body, they simulate the behavior of the hormone estradiol and can modulate the function of the male hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This study aims to describe the effects of genistein on sperm quality of Wistar rats (male/adult) after a short oral administration protocol (50 mg/day, for 5 days), focusing on mitochondrial function. No signs of toxicity were observed in the animals during the period. The testicular mass of rats from the genistein-treated group was lower than that from the control group. Isoflavone increased the number of viable Leydig and Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and primary spermatocytes in the treated group. The rounded spermatid count was similar to the control group, and a decrease in elongated spermatids was observed in the treated group. Genistein treatment increased plasma testosterone levels in the treated group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an in vivo short protocol demonstrating that genistein administration stimulates the overall oxygen consumption in rat seminal samples. Therefore, genistein induced a pro-spermatogenesis effect, enhanced plasma testosterone levels, and increased oxygen consumption, improving sperm mitochondrial efficiency. Similar protocols can be explored in animal and human infertility issues.

Effects of Maternal Cigarette Smoking on Trace Element Levels and Steroidogenesis in the Maternal-Placental-Fetal Unit.

This study evaluates the interaction of toxic elements cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) due to exposure from cigarette smoking, essential elements, and steroidogenesis in the maternal-placental-fetal unit. In a cohort of 155 healthy, postpartum women with vaginal term deliveries in clinical hospitals in Zagreb, Croatia, samples of maternal blood/serum and urine, placental tissue, and umbilical cord blood/serum were collected at childbirth. The biomarkers determined were concentrations of Cd, Pb, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se), and steroid hormones progesterone and estradiol in maternal and umbilical cord blood and the placenta. Three study groups were designated based on self-reported data on cigarette smoking habits and confirmed by urine cotinine levels: never smokers (n = 71), former smokers (n = 48), and active smokers (n = 36). Metal(loid)s, steroid hormones, urine cotinine, and creatinine levels were analyzed by ICP-MS, ELISA, GC-MS, and spectrophotometry. Cigarette smoking during pregnancy was associated with increased Cd levels in maternal, placental, and fetal compartments, Pb in the placenta, and with decreased Fe in the placenta. In active smokers, decreased progesterone and estradiol concentrations in cord blood serum were found, while sex steroid hormones did not change in either maternal serum or placenta. This study provides further evidence regarding toxic and essential metal(loid) interactions during prenatal life, and new data on sex steroid disruption in cord serum related to cigarette smoking. The results indicate that umbilical cord sex steroid levels may be a putative early marker of developmental origins of the future burden of disease related to harmful prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke.

Estradiol Concentrations and Wellbeing in Trans People Using Estradiol Hormone Therapy

Estradiol Concentrations and Wellbeing in Trans People Using Estradiol Hormone Therapy

Assessment of gut microbial β-glucuronidase and β-glucosidase activity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

PCOS is a prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, characterized by hormonal imbalances and metabolic disturbances. This study explores the correlation between gut microbial β-glucuronidase and β-glucosidase and PCOS, focusing on their association with hormone levels and other clinical parameters. In this case-control study, fecal samples were collected from women of reproductive age, both with and without PCOS. The analysis of gut β-glucuronidase and β-glucosidase enzymes was conducted with the other clinical parameters, including body mass index, hormone levels, and hirsutism. These factors were then subjected to correlation analysis. PCOS women showed significantly higher levels of β-glucuronidase activity with a statistically significant P-value (0.05 ± 0.1 vs. 0.04 ± 0.1; P = 0.006) as well as β-glucosidase activity (0.13 ± 0.08 vs. 0.09 ± 0.05; P = 0.06) compared to the controls. This study also revealed intriguing connections between the selected enzymes and hormone levels, particularly testosterone and estradiol. Gut microbial enzymes β-glucuronidase and β-glucosidase may be used as biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of PCOS in women with metabolic challenges. It could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment options.

Protective effect of Salvia hispanica (chia seeds) against obesity induced ovarian disorders in rat model

The main goal of the current report is to assess the protective impacts of chia seeds against obesity-induced ovarian dysfunctions with a trial to elucidate the mechanism of action. Forty rats were divided into 4 groups including lean untreated, lean consuming chia seeds, obese untreated, and rats consumed high-fat diet (HFD) mixed with ground chia seeds for 10 weeks. Anthropometric measures including visceral fat, peri-ovarian fat, ovarian weights, and duration of the estrous cycle were computed. Serum luteinizing (LH), follicular stimulating (FSH), progesterone, estradiol hormones, and tumor necrosis-α (TNF-α) were estimated. Ovarian histopathology and immunohistochemistry (CD31) were performed. Results showed that chia seeds clearly reduced obesity and induced alteration in anthropometric measures with a clear increase in LH and progesterone. Such seeds notably reversed histopathological alteration and reduced TNF-α, and CD31 induced by HFD. Conclusively, chia seeds have a potential protective role against obesity-induced ovarian dysfunction owing to their anti-inflammatory properties.

Ayurvedic Intervention in the Management of Premature Menopause

ABSTRACT Menstruation is a cyclic physiological process of uterine bleeding due to the shedding of the endometrium. A normal menstrual cycle plays an essential role in maintaining the woman’s health status during reproductive age. Premature menopause is defined as the cessation of menstruation at or below the age of 40. Premature ovarian failure (POF) is defined as when an ovarian failure occurs before the age of 40. The prevalence of premature ovarian insufficiency is estimated at 1% in the general population. The present case report documents the efficacy of Ayurvedic medication in a female aged 24 years who had commencement of menstruation after 4 years of amenorrhea postovarian cystectomy. The left ovary of the patient was removed during the surgery, and a small hypoplastic right ovary and uterus were visible in the ultrasonography. The levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol hormone in the patient were equivalent to postmenopausal individuals. She was also suspected of POF. The Ayurvedic management included Shamana Aushadh, Yoga, and Pathya Ahara Vihara for 3 months. The menstruation was visible after 1 month of Ayurvedic medication. The follow-up was done for 3 months. A marked improvement was also noted in the general health of the patient along with regularity in the menstrual cycle each month.

(006) Methamphetamine-Induced Vaginal Lubrication

Abstract Introduction Vaginal dryness is a frequent complaint, especially in post-menopausal women. The physiology underlying the production of vaginal lubrication in response to arousing stimuli is established; however, no current pharmacological agents successfully target mechanisms within this physiology. Previous research from our lab has demonstrated that female methamphetamine (meth) users experience the immediate production of excessive vaginal lubrication, accompanied by a warmth or flushing sensation spreading from the chest areas to the pelvic region, when using the drug intravenously (IV). The physiological source of this previously undescribed effect of meth could present a potential mechanism to enhance a woman’s natural production of vaginal lubrication, providing a potentially life-changing option to patients experiencing vaginal dryness. Objectives The purpose of the current study was to determine if vaginal lubrication induced by IV meth use reported in a previous study from our lab occurs in rats, and if this effect is dose-dependent. This study also sought to begin to uncover the mechanism behind this phenomenon. Methods Adult female Wistar rats (n=8) were implanted with chronic indwelling jugular catheters and allowed at least one week to recover from surgery. Rats anesthetized with isoflurane gas were intravenously infused with one of seven doses of meth ranging from 0.015-0.96 mg/kg meth or saline IV via the implanted catheter. Pre-weighed cotton-tipped swabs inserted into the vaginal canal collected fluid secreted following drug administration. The change in weight of the swab was taken as the weight of fluid produced. Consequent studies examined several signaling molecules in plasma known to have an influence on vaginal lubrication, including the steroid hormones estradiol, progesterone and testosterone, as well as the gaseous vasodilator nitric oxide. These molecules were measured at time points up to 60 minutes after meth administration. Results As hypothesized, meth increased vaginal lubrication in a dose-dependent manner. Doses of 0.06 and 0.24 mg/kg of meth induced significant increases in vaginal lubrication compared to saline. Further, compared to pre-meth levels, significant increases in estradiol were seen at two and 15 minutes after meth administration. Significant increases in progesterone, testosterone and nitric oxide were seen ten minutes after meth administration. Conclusions This study has far-reaching implications since the majority of women will experience vaginal dryness at least once, if not recurrently. The underlying mechanism of meth-induced vaginal lubrication, when elucidated, may provide a pharmacological target in treating not only meth use disorder, but also the millions of women suffering from vaginal dryness. Disclosure No.

P-280 Continuous in-situ monitoring of female hormone levels as a tool to improve the efficacy of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment

Abstract Study question Is it possible to remotely monitor a patient’s hormone levels during an ART cycle using an unobtrusive and subcutaneously injectable biosensor for real-time monitoring? Summary answer It is possible for in-situ remote continuous monitoring implantable devices to successfully measure patient blood hormone levels over a clinically relevant concentration range. What is known already Worldwide 48.5 million couples suffer from infertility. In the UK, assisted reproductive treatments (ART) have increased by almost ten-fold in the last 20 years. Hormonal imbalances are the leading cause of female infertility and the success rate of ART tremendously depends on the accurate measurement of the levels of hormones, namely Luteinizing Hormone, Progesterone and Beta Estradiol. These hormone levels change and pulsate during each patient cycle, requiring women undergoing ART treatments to have a blood draw and endocrinology analysis every 2-3 days, making ART treatment highly invasive to a patient’s lifestyle and at a high cost. Study design, size, duration In order to determine the feasibility and potential of the study question, a minimally invasive biosensor to monitor ART hormone levels in real time was developed. The biosensor was tested in vitro for the range of 1 pg/ml to 1 µg/ml in three analytical replicates. The resulting sensitivity of testing was measured in order to evaluate real-work applications. Participants/materials, setting, methods A gold working electrode was utilized and activated using cyclic voltammetry. After activation, a self-assembled monolayer (Thiol-EDC-NHS), was formed on the gold surface, followed by the separate addition of anti-Progesterone4 and Beta-estradiol antibodies. After the addition of each layer, the Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) of the gold electrode was measured. Based on the peak current, calibration curves were plotted and the sensitivity of the sensors was calculated. All electrochemical measurements were performed using CHI potentiostat. Main results and the role of chance This electrochemical hormone biosensor technology) is based on the detection of Progesterone4 and Beta-estradiol biosensor electrodes which can continuously detect hormone levels with a limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2.01 and 6.72 pg/ml, respectively. Further to this, the biosensor covers the detection of a wide range of hormone concentrations in the blood from 1 pg/ml to 1 µg/ml. The sensor was also characterised by microscopy techniques such as scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Raman microscopy. Next, the biosensors will be validated in-vivo by conducting animal trials allowing for the main parameters of the biosensors to be optimized according to the in-vivo study. Limitations, reasons for caution This novel implantable biosensor technology requires more upcoming validation in animal models before then being tested clinically to order to assess its ability for widespread use. Wider implications of the findings The development and implementation of an unobtrusive remote and continuous monitoring implantable system for hormonal concentrations monitoring that are vital for success in an ART procedure could transform the entirety of the process as well as positively influence patient's access to care. Trial registration number NA

Optimized Modeling of Metastatic Triple-Negative Invasive Lobular Breast Carcinoma.

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is a common breast cancer subtype that is often diagnosed at advanced stages and causes significant morbidity. Late-onset secondary tumor recurrence affects up to 30% of ILC patients, posing a therapeutic challenge if resistance to systemic therapy develops. Nonetheless, there is a lack of preclinical models for ILC, and the current models do not accurately reproduce the complete range of the disease. We created clinically relevant metastatic xenografts to address this gap by grafting the triple-negative IPH-926 cell line into mouse milk ducts. The resulting intraductal xenografts accurately recapitulate lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), invasive lobular carcinoma, and metastatic ILC in relevant organs. Using a panel of 15 clinical markers, we characterized the intratumoral heterogeneity of primary and metastatic lesions. Interestingly, intraductal IPH-926 xenografts express low but actionable HER2 and are not dependent on supplementation with the ovarian hormone estradiol for their growth. This model provides a valuable tool to test the efficiency of potential new ILC therapeutics, and it may help detect vulnerabilities within ILC that can be exploited for therapeutic targeting.

ASSOCIATION OF TROPONINS WITH SEX HORMONES IN STABLE HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Background Cardiovascular events are one of the major causes of death in dialysis. Usually, troponins are regarded gold standard for detecting cardiovascular complications. In addition, studies have confirmed a difference between men and women regarding cardiovascular and renal diseases.&#x0D; Objectives To investigate the relation between troponins (Hs-TnT) and biomarkers, including sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol, total and free testosterone, ferritin, Albumin, CRP and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in hemodialysis.&#x0D; Patients and MethodsSixty-one hemodialysis patients were enrolled in this study. Hs-cTnT, cTnI, total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, estradiol, Albumin, CRP, ferritin, urea and creatinine were estimated.&#x0D; ResultsHs-cTnT was associated with Albumin (R=-0.3; P=0.01). Troponin showed no association with the rest of the markers. The mean values in the dialysis group were: Hs-cTnT 93.8 pg/ml; ferritin 222.1 µg/l; albumin 4.18 g/dl; CRP 18.4 mg/l; urea 143.3 mg/dl; creatinine 9.4 mg/dl; total testosterone 1.46 ng/ml; free testosterone 28.75 pg/ml when compared to the control group, the differences between serum values in dialysis group were significant P &lt; 0.05. The rest of the biomarkers showed no significant differences.&#x0D; ConclusionThe most interesting finding was a negative association of Albumin with Hs-cTnT, indicating the possible use of albumin-adjusted Hs-cTnT rather than troponin alone to better predict critical cardiac events in hemodialysis. Troponin did not associate with SHBG, estradiol and testosterone hormones, possibly indicating no obvious role of these hormones in troponin regulation. Estimated GFR levels showed no correlation, suggesting troponin might be further degraded before renal elimination.

The effect of sex hormones on decision-making in healthy young women

Risky decision-making is associated with several mental health disorders and deleterious health behaviours. As men are known to engage in riskier behaviours, the effects of testosterone on decision-making have been extensively studied. However, few studies have been conducted in women and by extension, examined female sex hormones (progesterone and estradiol). This study aimed to understand the role of sex hormones (progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone) on decision-making. Forty healthy young women provided saliva samples to assess their sex hormones before completing the Iowa Gambling Task. The goal of this decision-making task was to maximize monetary profits by drawing cards from four decks: two with large gains and larger losses (risky decks) and two with small gains and smaller losses (safe decks). For the purposes of data analysis, card draws were separated into five blocks of 20 draws each, allowing us to quantify the learning rate of the advantageous safe decks. Multilevel linear models revealed two inverse interactions: time*testosterone and time*progesterone. Specifically, lower levels of progesterone and higher levels of testosterone were independently associated with riskier decision-making. In both cases, this effect led to slower learning of the advantageous safer decks. These data suggest that the effects of testosterone on risk-taking are not unique to men. Moreover, the results suggest that progesterone also influence risk-taking. This raises important questions regarding risk-taking tendencies in women throughout the menstrual cycle (which induces endogenous hormonal variations) and in women using hormonal contraceptives (which dampen the menstrual cycle).