Gonadal Axis Hormones Research Articles

Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Experimental Ovarian Damage.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) has a well-proven deleterious effect on the hypothalamicpituitary- gonadal axis. The current study investigated the therapeutic potentials of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a murine model of BPA-induced ovarian damage. Fifty adult female rats were divided into: Group 1; control group, Group IIa, IIb: rats were given oral gavage of BPA (25 and 50 mg/Kg body weight respectively) on a daily basis for 15 days, and Group IIIa, IIIb; rats were intravenously treated with of MSCs (106 cells) after receiving the last dose of BPA as in group II. Plasma and ovarian tissue levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and gonadal axis hormones were assessed. Apoptosis was evaluated by TUNNEL assay and by apoptosis markers (FAS, FASL, Caspase 3, SLTM). A histological examination of ovarian tissue was also conducted. BPA resulted in a significant elevation in plasma levels of LH, FSH, and ovarian tissue levels of MDA and a significant decrease in estradiol and progesterone. All genetic and protein markers of apoptosis were elevated in BPA treated group with decreased oestrogen receptor expression in the ovarian tissue. Increased apoptotic cells were confirmed by TUNEL assay. A high dose of BPA was able to increase the number of atretic follicles in the ovarian tissue whereas the numbers of primordial, primary, secondary and Graafian follicles were decreased. All the laboratory and histological abnormalities were ameliorated by treatment with MSCs. The antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of MSCs could possibly explain the ability of this therapeutic modality to ameliorate BPA-induced-ovarian damage.

Hormone measurements and histomorphological observations in male Bactrian camels.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis hormones and to determine the morphological changes of the testis. The Bactrian camels were divided into two groups based on their ages. The results showed that the testicular weight was significantly heavier in adult male camels than in pubertal male camels (P < 0.05). There were also significant differences between testicular length, testicular width, and testicular volume (P < 0.05). In the testes of both pubertal and adult male camels, Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes, round spermatids, and elongated spermatids were observed. Adult male camels had more Sertoli cells (P < 0.01) and elongated spermatids (P < 0.05). The concentrations of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were higher in the plasma and testes of adult camels than in pubertal camels (P < 0.05). E2 concentrations were lower in adult camels than in pubertal camels (P < 0.05). The testosterone levels in testicular tissue were higher than in blood plasma in both adult and pubertal stage (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these findings provide supportive knowledge and show the significant differences in terms of testicular volume, testicular hormone concentrations, and testicular morphology between different developmental stages in Bactrian camels.

Hypogonadism in Male Patients with Pituitary Adenoma and Its Related Mechanism: A Review of Literature.

Maintaining normal gonadal axis hormone levels is important for improving the condition of male patients with pituitary adenoma. The current literature is somewhat divided on the results of evaluations of gonadal axis function in male patients with pituitary adenoma before and after treatment, and the increasing demand for better quality of life has provided motivation for this research to continue. In this article, we summarize the feasibility of using testosterone as an indicator for assessing male function and discuss the changes reported in various studies for gonadal hormones before and after treatment in male patients with pituitary adenoma. It is important for clinicians to understand the advantages of each treatment option and the effectiveness of assessing gonadal function. The rationale behind the theory that pituitary adenomas affect gonadal function and the criteria for evaluating pituitary–gonadal axis hormones should be explored in more depth.

Cannabinoids and Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Treatment.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Approximately 70–80% of BCs express estrogen receptors (ER), which predict the response to endocrine therapy (ET), and are therefore hormone receptor-positive (HR+). Endogenous cannabinoids together with cannabinoid receptor 1 and 2 (CB1, CB2) constitute the basis of the endocannabinoid system. Interactions of cannabinoids with hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis hormones are well documented, and two studies found a positive correlation between peak plasma endogenous cannabinoid anandamide with peak plasma 17β-estradiol, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels at ovulation in healthy premenopausal women. Do cannabinoids have an effect on HR+ BC? In this paper we review known and possible interactions between cannabinoids and specific HR+ BC treatments. In preclinical studies, CB1 and CB2 agonists (i.e., anandamide, THC) have been shown to inhibit the proliferation of ER positive BC cell lines. There is less evidence for antitumor cannabinoid action in HR+ BC in animal models and there are no clinical trials exploring the effects of cannabinoids on HR+ BC treatment outcomes. Two studies have shown that tamoxifen and several other selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) can act as inverse agonists on CB1 and CB2, an interaction with possible clinical consequences. In addition, cannabinoid action could interact with other commonly used endocrine and targeted therapies used in the treatment of HR+ BC.

Protective effect of N-acetylcysteine on changes in serum levels of Pituitary–Gonadal axis hormones and testicular tissue in acrylamide-treated adult rats

Background: Acrylamide (ACR) has cytotoxic effects on various tissues of the body, including the reproductive system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on changes in serum levels of pituitary–gonadal axis hormones and testicular tissue in ACR-treated adult rats. Materials and Methods: Forty-two adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 7 equal groups including control group, sham group received only distilled water intraperitoneally, ACR group received 50 mg/kg ACR orally, NAC group received 40 mg/kg NAC intraperitoneally and ACR+NAC1, ACR+NAC2 and ACR+NAC3 groups received 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg NAC intraperitoneally, respectively, and then received 50 mg/kg ACR orally. After 28 days of treatment, serum levels of LH, FSH and testosterone were measured by ELISA method, and the testicular tissue was evaluated histopathologically. Results: Hormonal and histopathological analysis indicated that compared to the control, sham and NAC groups, the administration of ACR alone decreased FSH and testosterone levels while increased LH level, and also, it decreased spermatogenic and Leydig cells, but it had no effect on Sertoli cells. The administration of NAC alone had no influence on the level of hormones and spermatogenesis. Coadministration of ACR+NAC ameliorated the serum levels of FSH, LH and testosterone and increased the number of spermatogenic and Leydig cells and recovered spermatogenesis disrupts, in a dose-dependent manner compared to the ACR group. Conclusion: As a potent antioxidant, NAC could inhibit ACR-induced toxicity effects in a dose-dependent manner and ameliorate spermatogenesis in rats.

Canine spermatozoa-What do we know about their morphology and physiology? An overview.

Spermatozoa are unique cells because of their morphological and physiological characteristics. They are produced during the process called spermatogenesis. Spermatogenesis consists of three phases: spermatocytogenesis, spermiogenesis and spermiation, during which spermatozoa undergo several changes. Spermatogenesis takes place within the seminiferous tubules containing two types of cells-the germ cells and the Sertoli cells-that alongside the Leydig cells, which play an important role when it comes to normal fertility. Everything is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and specific hormones due to multi-hormonal feedback systems. Spermatozoa possess morphological and physiological features, which are sometimes completely different from what is observed in various somatic cells. What is more, canine spermatozoa have specific characteristics making them special compared to the spermatozoa of other mammalian species. The metabolic energy production, which is crucial for the appropriate functioning of spermatozoa, can be fuelled by different metabolic pathways utilizing different chemical substrates. Inseparable from the oxidative phosphorylation process is the production of reactive oxygen species, which are both essential and toxic to spermatozoa. Furthermore, epididymis is a very important structure, responsible for the transport and maturation of spermatozoa, which are then stored in the last segment of epididymis-the epididymal cauda. Moreover, the retrieval of spermatozoa from the epididymides is crucial for the development of assisted reproduction techniques and sperm cryopreservation methods. The information gained from the research on domestic dogs might be transferred to their wild relatives, especially those species categorized as endangered.

Protective effect of melatonin on pituitary- gonadal axis hormones and spermatogenesis in sertraline-induced adult Balb/c mice

Protective effect of melatonin on pituitary- gonadal axis hormones and spermatogenesis in sertraline-induced adult Balb/c mice

SAT-459 Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) Axes in Cushing Syndrome (CS): A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: It is well known that persistent hypercortisolemia suppresses thyroid and gonadal function. However, there are few data on the degree and type of derangement or the course of recovery of these axes after cure. To investigate this, we studied the pre- and post-surgical characteristics of the gonadal and thyroid axis hormones in CS patients (pts). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed records of 23 adult CS pts admitted to our protocols from 2010 - 2018 who received curative surgery with follow-up for 6 - 12 months (6M-12M). We recorded morning serum free T4 (fT4) and TSH, and morning LH, FSH, estradiol (E, premenopausal only) or testosterone (T, in men only) values before (0M), and 6M and 12M after definitive surgery. The rate of abnormal values was calculated at each timepoint. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23 software and are shown as percentage, mean ± SD or median(Interquartile Range). Results: Pt age was 45.6 ± 10.8 years; 21 (91%) were female. Before surgery fT4 (Nl: 0.9 - 1.7ng/dL) and TSH (Nl: 0.27 - 4.2mcIU/mL) were low normal. Subnormal values were seen for LH (13%), FSH (9.5%), E (14.2%, Nl: 15 - 350 pg/mL) and T (100%, n=2, Nl: 181-758ng/dL). fT4 increased from 0.96 ± 0.2 at 0M to 1.12 ± 0.13 at 12M (p=0.016), remaining in the lower half of the normal range. TSH increased significantly from 0M (0.98 ± 0.57) to 6M (2.8 ± 1.4) and 12M (2.9 ± 0.13) (p<0.0005 for both). In premenopausal women (n=14), there was a statistically significant (SS) change from 0M to 12M in both serum E (38.9 pg/mL (21.4 - 51) to 132.3 pg/mL (84.2 - 388), p=0.028) and LH levels (2.9 U/L (3.3 - 5.9) to 7.5 (3.6 - 13.6), nl(follicular phase): 1-12 U/L, p=0.019); the change in E, LH and FSH at 6M and in FSH at 12M was not SS. Menses were documented only in 8; resumption of normal cycles occurred 2 - 11 months after surgery. In postmenopausal females(n=7) there were no SS changes in LH or FSH from OM (LH: 21.4+11.1, nl: 11-40 U/L; FSH 54.3+30.5, nl: 22-153 U/L) to 6M or 12M. One man was taking T at 0M and one had a low T level at 0M (88.2 ng/dL) that normalized (357 ng/dL, nl: 181 - 758ng/dL ) at 6M.Conclusions: HPT and HPG axes improved after cure. While the HPT axis may start recovery at 6M, reflected by SS rise in TSH at 6M, HPG axis recovery was more homogeneous. Larger studies are needed to uncover the effects of hypercortisolemia on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-End organ axes and timelines of their recovery after treatment.

The Effect of Artemisia absinthium Hydroalcholic Extract on Ovaries and Pituitary- Gonadal Axis Hormones in Mice

The Effect of Artemisia absinthium Hydroalcholic Extract on Ovaries and Pituitary- Gonadal Axis Hormones in Mice

Impact of Pituitary-Gonadal Axis Hormones on Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Men.

The association of sex hormone (estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone) with cardiopulmonary disease has already attracted great attention, especially in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the impact of sex hormones and their pituitary stimulators (follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone) on PAH in men remains unclear. We conducted a prospective cohort study recruiting 95 patients with idiopathic PAH from 2008 to 2014 and following up for a median of 65 months for death. Compared with control, abnormal plasma levels of sex hormones were more common in patients with PAH. Higher estradiol and estradiol/testosterone levels were associated with risk of PAH diagnosis (odds ratio per ln estradiol, 3.55; P<0.001; odds ratio per ln estradiol/testosterone, 4.30; P<0.001), whereas higher testosterone and progesterone were associated with a reduced risk (odds ratio per ln testosterone, 0.48; P=0.003; odds ratio per ln progesterone, 0.09; P<0.001). Fifty patients died during follow-up. Men with higher estradiol had increased mortality (hazard ratio per ln estradiol, 2.02; P=0.007), even after adjustment for baseline characteristics and PAH treatment. According to receiver operating characteristic analysis, patients with PAH with higher estradiol level (≥145.55 pmol/L) had worse 5-year survival rate compared with those with lower estradiol (38.6% versus 68.2%; log-rank test P=0.001). Therefore, our data show higher estradiol, estradiol/testosterone ratio, lower testosterone, and progesterone were associated with increased risk of PAH. Meanwhile, higher estradiol was independently associated with higher mortality in men with PAH. Further studies are needed to explain the origin of these hormonal derangements and their potential pathophysiological implications in PAH.

WITHDRAWN: P.2.012 Associations among severity of suicidal risk and gonadal axis hormones in hospitalised patients

WITHDRAWN: P.2.012 Associations among severity of suicidal risk and gonadal axis hormones in hospitalised patients

Effects of aqueous extract from Asparagus officinalis L. roots on hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormone levels and the number of ovarian follicles in adult rats

Asparagus is a plant with high nutritional, pharmaceutical, and industrial values. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of asparagus roots on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and oogenesis in female rats. In this experimental study, 40 adult female Wistar rats were divided into five groups, which consist 8 rats. Groups included control, sham and three experimental groups receiving different doses (100, 200, 400 mg/kg/bw) of aqueous extract of asparagus roots. All dosages were administered orally for 28 days. Blood samples were taken from rats to evaluate serum levels of Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinal hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone hormones. The ovaries were removed, weighted, sectioned, and studied by light microscope. Dose-dependent aqueous extract of asparagus roots significantly increased serum levels of GnRH, FSH, LH, estrogen, and progestin hormones compared to control and sham groups. Increase in number of ovarian follicles and corpus luteum in groups treated with asparagus root extract was also observed (p<0.05). Asparagus roots extract stimulates secretion of hypothalamic- pituitary- gonadal axis hormones. This also positively affects oogenesis in female rats.

Profertility effects of aqueous leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis in adult male Wistar rats

Telfairia occidentalis is a leafy vegetable consumed commonly for its nutritional and medicinal effects. However, few studies have been carried out on its fertility effects in males with most of such studies offering conflicting results. The present study evaluated the effects of aqueous extract of the leaves of T. occidentalis on male fertility in adult wistar rats. The thirty rats used for this study were randomized into groups A, B and C. Rats in groups B & C were treated with 500 and 1000mg/kg.bwt of the leaf extract respectively by gavage for 56 days while group A served as control. The sperm characteristics, male hypothalamo-pituitary gonadal axis hormones and histological studies were carried out according to existing laboratory methods. Results from all the parameters studied showed that the aqueous extract of leaves of T. occidentalis exhibited profertility properties in adult male wistar rats. Further research to determine the components of the leaf extract implicated in the outcomes observed and the mechanism of action would be necessary. Keywords: Profertility, Telfairia occidentali s, Wistar rats

Bone mass and hormone analysis in patients with spinal cord injury: evidence for a gonadal axis disruption.

Bone loss is a constant finding in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). We sought to evaluate potential modifiable factors that could lead to bone loss in complete motor paraplegia by examining gonadal axis hormones, vitamin D status, and bone markers. This is a cross sectional. It includes SCI Outpatient. Twenty-nine chronic male patients with SCI were compared with 17 age-matched, able-bodied men. The bone mineral density (BMD) of lower limbs and lumbar spine were measured using dual x-ray absorptiometry. Parathormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], collagen type I C-terminal telopeptide (CTX), and sexual hormone were measured. Patients with SCI had lower BMD at the inferior limbs sites. CTX showed an inverse relationship with the time since injury. Patients had lower free T levels (SCI, 12.00 ± 2.91 vs controls, 19.51 ± 5.72; P ≤ .001), and the majority (72%) had normal/low levels of gonadotropins. Low T, however, was not related to low bone mass in patients with SCI. In the controls, the 25(OH)D level was positively correlated with the T and with the lumbar spine BMD, but these correlations were not observed in the SCI. Impairment of testicular function after SCI was indicated by the low levels of T and the loss of correlation between T and 25(OH)D levels; this correlation was present in the able-bodied controls. Inappropriate levels of gonadotropins were identified in most patients, featuring a hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and suggesting a disruption of the pituitary-gonadal axis. T concentrations might not be an effective target for bone loss therapy.

Effect of Noise and Crowding Stresses on Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal Axis and Protective Effect of Sulpiride Drug in Adult Female Albino Rats

Background: Noise and crowdingare the most stressful factors which cause depressant effects on human beings, especially females.Therfore this study was aimed at clarifying their effects on hypothalamus pituitary gonadal axis hormones (luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen (E2)and progesterone as well as prolactin (PRL)and the possible protective effect of antidepressant drug;sulpiride. Material and Methods: Sixty adult female rats were divided into six groups (10/each): 1- Rats served ascontrol, 2- Rats treated with sulpiride drug only, 3- Rats exposed to noise (90db, 3hr. per day) for 45 days, 4- Rats exposed to noise and treated with sulpiride drug, 5- Rats exposed to crowding and 6- Rats exposed to crowding and treated with sulpiride drug. Results: Noise and crowding stresses caused a significant decrease of estrogen (E2), progesterone (P), LH and FSH levels and high significant increase in PRL level. Sulpiride drug ameliorated these parameters changes except PRL level which showed a high significant level compared to control group. Conclusion: it is useful to use antidepressant drug (e.g. sulpiride) with people who are exposing to noise and crowding stress.

Effect of Noise and Crowding Stresses on Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal Axis and Protective Effect of Sulpiride Drug in Adult Female Albino Rats

Background: Noise and crowdingare the most stressful factors which cause depressant effects on human beings, especially females.Therfore this study was aimed at clarifying their effects on hypothalamus pituitary gonadal axis hormones (luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen (E2)and progesterone as well as prolactin (PRL)and the possible protective effect of antidepressant drug;sulpiride. Material and Methods: Sixty adult female rats were divided into six groups (10/each): 1- Rats served ascontrol, 2- Rats treated with sulpiride drug only, 3- Rats exposed to noise (90db, 3hr. per day) for 45 days, 4- Rats exposed to noise and treated with sulpiride drug, 5- Rats exposed to crowding and 6- Rats exposed to crowding and treated with sulpiride drug. Results: Noise and crowding stresses caused a significant decrease of estrogen (E2), progesterone (P), LH and FSH levels and high significant increase in PRL level. Sulpiride drug ameliorated these parameters changes except PRL level which showed a high significant level compared to control group. Conclusion: it is useful to use antidepressant drug (e.g. sulpiride) with people who are exposing to noise and crowding stress.

Changes in sexual function and gonadal axis hormones after switching to aripiprazole in male schizophrenia patients

Antipsychotic-induced sexual dysfunction is a common problem in patients with schizophrenia. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of switching to aripiprazole on sexual dysfunction and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in male patients with schizophrenia. In this prospective, open-label study, the participants were 10 male schizophrenia patients treated with atypical antipsychotics, risperidone, amisulpride, and olanzapine. Before and after switching to aripiprazole, they were assessed on the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale, and hormonal levels were measured. Our results showed a significant improvement in the severity of sexual dysfunction, especially in 'ease of sexual arousal' and 'penile erection,' as measured by the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale total scores after switching to aripiprazole (χ(2) = 12.45 and P = 0.002). The serum prolactin level decreased significantly after switching to aripiprazole (χ(2) = 11.14 and P = 0.004), but the changes in the total testosterone level were not significant (χ(2) = 4.75 and P = 0.93). Our results suggest that sexual dysfunction in schizophrenia patients seems to improve after switching to aripiprazole from other atypical antipsychotics (risperiodone, amisulpride, or olanzapine). This may be associated with a change in dopamine and serotonin transmissions and a decrease in the serum prolactin concentration.

Use of Endocrine Hormones for Treating Depression

Disturbances in some endocrine hormones have been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. Some of these hormones (and drugs that affect hormone function) have been used as therapeutic agents for the treatment of depression, especially adrenal, thyroid, and gonadal axis hormones. Open-label and controlled studies of various drugs that directly suppress or inhibit adrenal axis function have shown some benefit for the treatment of major depression, including treatment-resistant depression. Thyroid hormone augmentation is effective for nonresponders to antidepressant agents, although it has not been studied extensively. Estrogen may improve mild mood symptoms in perimenopausal women but may not be effective alone for major depression. Evidence of the antidepressant effects of testosterone in men is inconsistent, with mixed results from controlled studies. The adrenal steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone has an important role in mood regulation and may have significant antidepressant effects.

Hormones, nicotine, and cocaine: Clinical studies

Nicotine and cocaine each stimulate hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal and –gonadal axis hormones, and there is increasing evidence that the hormonal milieu may modulate the abuse-related effects of these drugs. This review summarizes some clinical studies of the acute effects of cigarette smoking or IV cocaine on plasma drug and hormone levels and subjective effects ratings. The temporal covariance between these dependent measures was assessed with a rapid (2 min) sampling procedure in nicotine-dependent volunteers or current cocaine users. Cigarette smoking and IV cocaine each stimulated a rapid increase in LH and ACTH, followed by gradual increases in cortisol and DHEA. Positive subjective effects ratings increased immediately after initiation of cigarette smoking or IV cocaine administration. However, in contrast to cocaine's sustained positive effects (< 20 min), ratings of “high” and “rush” began to decrease within one or two puffs of a high-nicotine cigarette while nicotine levels were increasing. Peak nicotine levels increased progressively after each of three successive cigarettes smoked at 60 min intervals, but the magnitude of the subjective effects ratings and peak ACTH and cortisol levels diminished. Only DHEA increased consistently after successive cigarettes. The possible influence of neuroactive hormones on nicotine dependence and cocaine abuse and the implications for treatment of these addictive disorders are discussed.

Long-term intrathecal morphine influence on major compounds of the endocrine system in elderly population

Background The influence of long-term opioid administration on hormonal levels is not well characterized in the literature. We previously showed that intrathecal opioid therapy significantly influences the homeostasis of immune and endocrine systems. Other authors confirmed that exogenous and endogenous opioids induce this effect. They have a cytokine-like behavior and may function as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators or hormones, as concerning their synthesis, storage and release. Aims To assess the effects of morphine long-term intrathecal administration on serum levels of Gonadal, Thyroidal and Adrenal axis hormones in an elderly population affected by chronic pain; to assess the correlation between hormone levels and morphine dosage. Methods Patients suffering from chronic non-cancer pain with or without intrathecal drug delivery system were studied and hormonal levels were monitored, using an immunoradiometric assay kit. Results The long-term administration of intrathecal morphine influenced part of the endocrine system, in particular, there was a reduction of FSH and LH and an increment of GH serum levels; this effect was morphine dose dependent. Conclusion Long-term intrathecal opioid administration influenced FSH, LH and GH serum levels. Data on this issue are inadequately described in the literature. The finding of endocrine effects of opioid therapy, nonetheless, cannot be ignored, as it may have clinical relevance in both elderly and young population. We believe that during long intrathecal pain treatments with morphine, clinicians should be aware of both immediate and later opioids side effects, and in particular, they should monitor immune and endocrine changes.