Gonadal Hormone Concentrations Research Articles

Relationship between serum apelin, visfatin levels, and body composition in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome patients

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between body composition and serum visfatin and apelin levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MethodsIn this prospective observational study, the differences in body composition, levels of gonadal hormone concentrations, glucose metabolism, apelin, and visfatin were compared between PCOS patients and the control group. PCOS patients were further divided into different subgroups according to different obesity criteria and the differences between serum visfatin and apelin levels in different subgroups were compared. Finally, the correlation of serum visfatin levels and apelin levels with body composition, and metabolism-related indicators in PCOS patients was explored. ResultsA total collected 178 cases of PCOS patients and 172 cases of healthy women (control group) between 2020 July and 2021 November. In PCOS patients, their weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Hip Rate (WHR), Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI), Percent Body Fat (PBF), Fat mass index (FMI), PBF of Arm, PBF of Leg, PBF of the Trunk, Visceral Fat Level (VFL), fasting insulin (FINS), Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) were significantly higher than in the control group (all P < 0.001), Percent Skeletal Muscle (PSM), PSM of Leg, and PSM of the Trunk were significantly decreased than in the control group (all P < 0.001). The PCOS patients had significantly higher serum visfatin levels and apelin levels compared with the control group (all P < 0.001). In PBF > 35 % PCOS patients, the apelin and visfatin levels were significantly higher than the PBF ≤ 35 % PCOS patients. In WHR ≥ 0.85 and BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 PCOS patients, the visfatin levels were significantly higher than the WHR < 0.85 and BMI < 24 kg/m2 PCOS patients. Serum apelin and visfatin positively correlated with BMI level, WHR, FFMI, PBF, FMI, PBF of arms, PBF of legs, PBF of the trunk, VFL, FBG, HOMA-IR index and negatively correlated with PSM, PSM of legs, and PSM of the trunk (all P < 0.001). ConclusionsCompared with healthy women, Patients with PCOS have an increased fat content in various parts of the body, reduced skeletal muscle content, and are often complicated by metabolic abnormalities. Serum visfatin and apelin correlated not only with obesity, fat mass, and fat distribution but also with muscle mass and distribution. It may be possible to reduce the long-term risk of metabolic disease in PCOS through the monitoring and management of the body composition in PCOS patients or to reflect the therapeutic effect of PCOS.

Effect of GnRH Active Immunisation on Reproductive Performance of Male Sprague Dawley Rats.

To investigate the effect of active immunisation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on the reproductive function in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, 24 42-day-old rats were randomly assigned to treatment with GnRH6-MAP, GnRH-OVA, a surgical castration group, and a blank control group. Each rat in the treatment groups was intramuscularly injected at 6, 8, and 10 weeks of age. The serum concentrations of testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and anti-GnRH antibodies were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The results showed that active immunisation with recombinant GnRH6-MBP and GnRH-OVA significantly increased the serum levels of anti-GnRH antibodies and reduced the serum concentrations of testosterone compared to the black control. Eight weeks after immunisation, the rats' testes were surgically removed for morphological evaluation, showing atrophy of the convoluted vasculature, relative emptying of the lumen, and insignificant differentiation of spermatogonial cells, which were increased in weight and volume compared with the blank control group. These findings indicated that active immunisation with GnRH can lead to testicular atrophy and reduce gonadal hormone concentrations, suggesting that GnRH is a highly effective immunogen.

Serum steroid and thyroid hormone concentrations in healthy domestic male and female alpacas.

Alpacas are high quality fiber producing animals, kept for production purpose and as pets. Endocrine imbalances from adrenal glands, gonads, or thyroid gland may result in coat abnormalities in domestic animals and affect reproduction. Contrary to many domesticated animals, information on hormone concentrations in alpacas is scarce. The purpose of this study was to provide steroid and thyroid hormone values in domestic alpacas. Blood was collected from healthy male (35 intact, 2 castrated) and female (48 non-pregnant, 3 pregnant) alpacas from local farms in Tennessee. Adrenal, reproductive, and thyroid hormones were analyzed. There were no significant differences in median concentrations of progesterone, estradiol, thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) between intact male and female non-pregnant alpacas. Median concentrations of testosterone, androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and cortisol were significantly higher in intact male alpacas compared to female non-pregnant alpacas. This information provides adrenal, gonadal, and thyroid hormone concentrations in alpacas to help with diagnosis of endocrine disorders.

Plantain-based diet modulates atrazine-induced testicular toxicities in rats

Objective: To assess the potential of plantain-based diet in modulating testicular toxicities in rats exposed to atrazine. Methods: The plantain-based diet at 50%, 25% and 12.5% were prepared from the basal diet by substituting the corn starch with plantain fruit pulp flour at different percentages. Wistar rats were fed plantain-based diet in varying concentrations ranging from 12.5% to 50% of the basal diet for 21 days before or after atrazine treatment in a two-phase experiment: preventive and therapeutic phases. The therapeutic model (n=35) had seven groups with 5 rats each, including the control, atrazine, atrazine recovery, atrazine plus plantain-based diet 50%, 25%, 12.5%, and atrazine plus quercetin groups. The preventive model (n=30) had six groups of 5 rats, consisting of the control, atrazine, 50%, 25%, 12.5% plantain-based diet plus atrazine, and quercetin plus atrazine groups. Gonadal hormones (testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone), sperm parameters (sperm motility, viability, morphology and concentration), and testicular function indices (protein, cholesterol, glycogen, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase) were measured. Results: The gonadal hormones, sperm characteristics, and testicular function indices of the rat testis decreased significantly in the atrazine group alongside degeneration of the histoarchitecture. However, plantain-based diet restored the gonadal hormone concentrations, semen parameters, and testicular function indices in both the preventive and therapeutic models. Conclusions: Treatment with plantain-based diet protects against rat testicular toxicity caused by atrazine via the modulation of gonadal hormones, sperm quality, testicular function index as well as histoarchitecture of rat testes.

Egg production and endocrine profiles of female whooping cranes (Grus americana) maintained ex situ are improved in naturalized enclosures

Whooping cranes (Grus americana) are naturally seasonal breeders and rely on wetland habitats throughout the annual cycle. However, captive cranes are commonly housed in dry outdoor pens, which may lack key environmental stimuli that in turn compromise reproduction. Our study sought to first, assess seasonal patterns of reproductive hormones in successful versus non-successful bird pairs and second, determine endocrine responses to alterations in enclosure environments. Fecal samples were collected from eight crane pairs year-round for 3 consecutive years, once a week during non-breeding season and three times a week during the breeding season. During Year 1, all pairs were housed in traditional dry pens, whereas during January of Year 2 all pairs were moved to either new dry pens (control, n = 4) or ponded pens (wetland, n = 4) and remained in the same pen until the end of the study. Fecal samples were assessed for gonadal (year-round) and adrenal (breeding season only) hormones. Estrogen and progestagen metabolite concentrations were low during non-breeding season in all females. However, as birds transition into a breeding season, gonadal hormone concentrations significantly increased (p < 0.001) in laying females but not in non-laying individuals. Androgen metabolite concentrations during breeding seasons were higher (p < 0.001) in males paired with non-laying females, with no variations observed during non-breeding months and within birds of the same reproductive output. We observed significant effect of enclosure environment on ovarian function of female whooping cranes. Specifically, mean estrogen metabolite concentrations increased after birds were moved from dry pen to wetland enclosures (Year 1: 349.1 ± 83.4 ng/g feces; Year 2: 382.7 ± 82.9 ng/g feces; Year 3: 556.5 ± 85.4 ng/g feces, p = 0.008 and 0.019 respectively,), whereas those of the control females remained constant. Further, estrogen concentration assessed during breeding season of Year 3 in females housed in wetland pens was higher than birds housed in a dry pen (556.5 ± 85.4 vs 311.7 ± 85.12 ng/g feces; p = 0.019). The number of eggs laid increased in three of the four pairs housed in the wetland pens, while there was no change in egg production in control birds (9 vs. 2 combined number of eggs produced by all pairs in each respective group in Year 3). Finally, moving birds to an enclosure that mimic natural environment did not impact androgen or glucocorticoid excretion. The findings demonstrate that differences in gonadal hormone production between laying and non-laying whooping crane females exist primarily during the breeding season, and that a more natural environment can have a positive influence on ovarian function in female whooping cranes.

Pituitary-gonadal hormones associated with respiratory failure in men and women hospitalized with COVID-19: an observational cohort study.

To explore pituitary-gonadal hormone concentrations and assess their association to inflammation, severe respiratory failure and mortality in hospitalized men and women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and compare these to hormone concentrations in hospitalized patients with bacterial community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), influenza virus CAP, and to concentrations in a reference group of healthy individuals. Serum concentrations of testosterone, estrone sulfate, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured within three days of admission. Associations were assessed by logistic regression analysis in patients with COVID-19, and results were reported as odds ratio with 95% confidence interval per two-fold reduction after adjustment for age, comorbidities, days to sample collection, and IL-6 concentrations. In total 278 with COVID-19, 21 with influenza virus CAP, and 76 with bacterial CAP were included. Testosterone concentrations were suppressed in men hospitalized with COVID-19, bacterial- and influenza virus CAP and moderately suppressed in women. Reductions in testosterone (OR 3.43 [1.14-10.30], p=0.028) and LH (OR 2.51 [1.28-4.92], p=0.008) were associated higher odds of mechanical ventilation (MV) in men with COVID-19. In women with COVID-19, reductions in LH (OR 3.34 [1.02-10-90], p=0.046) and FSH (OR 2.52 [1.01-6.27], p=0.047) were associated with higher odds of MV. Low testosterone and LH concentrations were predictive of severe respiratory failure in men with COVID-19, whereas low concentrations of LH and FSH predicted severe respiratory failure in women with COVID-19.

Food cravings and loss‐of‐control eating in youth: Associations with gonadal hormone concentrations

Among youth with overweight, food cravings (FC) are associated with loss-of-control (LOC)-eating, but the impact of sex-associated biological characteristics on this relationship is unknown. We examined whether sex and gonadal hormone concentrations moderated the relationships between FC and LOC-eating severity among healthy boys and girls across the weight strata in natural and laboratory environments. Using ecological momentary assessment (EMA), FC, and LOC-eating severity were reported 3-5 times a day for 2 weeks. In the laboratory, participants reported FC, consumed lunch from a buffet test meal designed to simulate LOC-eating, and rated LOC-eating severity during the meal. Eighty-seven youth (13.0 ± 2.7 years, 58.6% female, 32.2% with overweight/obesity) participated. EMA measured general and momentary FC were positively associated with LOC-eating severity (ps < .01), with no differences by sex (ps=.21-.93). Estradiol and progesterone significantly moderated the relationships between FC and LOC-eating such that general FC and LOC-eating severity were only positively associated among girls with greater (vs. lower) estradiol (p=.01), and momentary FC and LOC-eating severity were only positively associated among girls with greater (vs. lower) progesterone (p=.01). Boys' testosterone did not significantly moderate the associations between FC and LOC-eating severity (ps=.36-.97). At the test meal, pre-meal FC were positively related to LOC-eating severity (p < .01), without sex or hormonal moderation (ps=.20-.64). FC were related to LOC-eating severity in boys and girls. In the natural environment, gonadal hormones moderated this relationship in girls, but not boys. The mechanisms through which gonadal hormones might affect the relationship between FC and LOC-eating warrant investigation.

Seasonal changes in reproductive anatomy and gonadal hormone concentrations of African penguins (Spheniscus demersus)

Several standard descriptions of the avian male and female reproductive tract have been reported, including effects of age, stage of reproductive maturity and gonadal hormone concentrations. Limited information on penguin reproductive biology and a lack of information on the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) necessitated a detailed description of salient structural features of this species and provided an opportunity to evaluate seasonal changes in gonadal steroid hormone concentrations. Tissues from 36 males (adults and juveniles) and 29 females (adults and juveniles) were used for macro-anatomical descriptions and histology of the testes and ovaries. In addition, concentrations of gonadal steroid hormones for eight captive African penguins (four females and four males) were quantified during two breeding and one non-breeding season. The testes were asymmetrical, with the right testis having smaller dimensions compared to the left testis. Marked spermatogenic cellular associations and spermatid developmental stages were present in adult testes only during the breeding season. There was variation in the dimensions of the single ovary during follicular development related to the age and breeding status of the females. Testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol concentrations fluctuated during the breeding and non-breeding periods, with males and females having similar steroid concentrations. The results from this study confirm that the breeding status in African penguins can be deduced based on testicular and ovarian histological structures. The results from the present study focused on African penguin reproductive biology should be considered in management strategies for the conservation of the species.

Anthropometric biomarkers for abnormal prenatal reproductive hormone exposure in women with Mayer-Rokitanksy-Küster-Hauser syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis

To study whether markers of prenatal exposure to reproductive hormones are related to Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis. Case-control study. Comparison of sex hormone-related external genital and digital characteristics in cases and controls. University hospital. We enrolled 172 women in four groups-women with MKRH, women with PCOS, women with endometriosis, and controls (43 in each group). Measurement of two anthropometric biomarkers: anogenital distance and digit ratio. Anogenital distance was measured from the anus to the anterior clitoral surface (AGDac) and from the anus to the posterior fourchette (AGDaf). For the digit ratio we used a direct, as well as a computer-assisted graphic measurement to measure the length of the second and fourth digit. After adjustment for body mass index and age, AGDac was the shortest in endometriosis and the longest in PCOS groups, with a mean difference of 10 mm (95% confidence interval 3.1-16.8). AGDaf but not AGDac measures were found to be significantly larger in the MRKH group, with a mean difference compared with controls of 2.6 mm (95% confidence interval 0.1-5.2). The digit ratio was not significantly different between the groups. In this study we did find limited evidence for androgen exposure during the development of MRKH. This is compatible with the hypothesis that the uterovaginal agenesis may have been the result of temporary prenatal exposure to altered gonadal hormone concentrations. For endometriosis and PCOS we confirm previously observed associations for anogenital distance reflecting possible estrogen-based and androgen-based intrauterine origins, respectively. NTR7492.

Re-evaluation of reproductive cycle and fecundity of finetooth sharks Carcharhinus isodon (Valenciennes 1839) from the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, with new observations on ovarian cycle and reproductive endocrinology of biennially reproducing sharks.

To provide updated information on life history for improved fishery management, the reproductive cycle of the finetooth shark Carcharhinus isodon from Northwest Atlantic (NWA) populations was investigated by examining temporal changes in morphology and histology of reproductive organs. Changes in plasma concentrations of gonadal sex hormones in relation to reproductive stage were also examined. Increases in testis width, epididymis head width, plasma testosterone concentrations and occurrence of mature spermatozoa were observed in male sharks between December and April, suggesting a seasonal pattern in reproduction that culminates with copulatory activity in May. Increases in maximum follicular diameter, oviducal gland width, plasma 17β-estradiol concentrations and occurrence of vitellogenic follicles were observed in non-pregnant female sharks during the same time period along with the occurrence of newly pregnant females in May, demonstrating strong synchronicity between male and female reproductive cycles. Pregnant females bearing full-term embryos were also observed in May, indicating that parturition occurs between mid-May and early June and gestation requires 12 months. Only transient temporal changes in follicle size and oviducal gland width were observed in pregnant females, indicating that reproductive periodicity is biennial; nonetheless, a single female exhibiting signs of concurrent vitellogenesis and pregnancy was observed. Mean brood size ± S.D. was 3.9 ± 0.9 offspring/female. Fecundity was not significantly correlated with female size, in part due to an unexpectedly high rate of early embryo mortality, which occurred in 11% of pregnant females, and was more common in larger individuals. Changes in ovarian activity during mid-pregnancy were observed, suggesting possible roles for the ovary in regulating some aspects of early to mid-gestation. This study confirms that earlier characterizations of the reproductive cycle and fecundity in NWA finetooth sharks remain valid for use in fishery management. This study also highlights unusual features of finetooth shark pregnancy (e.g., early embryo death, mid-pregnancy changes in ovarian function) that may have broader relevance to understanding elasmobranch reproduction.

Gestational and childhood exposure to phthalates and child behavior

BackgroundEarly-life phthalate exposures may adversely influence neurodevelopment by disrupting thyroid hormone homeostasis, altering brain lipid metabolism, or reducing gonadal hormone concentrations. Previous literature examining gestational phthalate exposure and child behavior were inconclusive and few prospective studies have examined childhood phthalate exposure, particularly phthalate mixtures. We investigated whether gestational and childhood phthalate exposures were associated with child behavior. MethodsWe used data from 314 mother–child pairs in the HOME Study, a longitudinal pregnancy and birth cohort that enrolled pregnant women from Cincinnati, Ohio. We quantified urinary concentrations of 11 phthalate metabolites in samples collected twice during gestation from women and six times from their children when they were ages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 years. We assessed children’s behavior at ages 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 years using the Behavioral Assessment System for Children-2. Using linear mixed models, we estimated covariate-adjusted associations of measurement-error-corrected gestational and childhood phthalate metabolite concentrations (per interquartile range increase) with repeated child behavior assessments. We used Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression to estimate the association of phthalate mixtures with child behavior. ResultsGestational mono(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (MCPP) concentrations were associated with more problem behaviors (internalizing: β = 0.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.1, 1.9; externalizing: β = 1.0, 95%CI = -0.1, 2.0; behavioral symptoms index [BSI]: β = 1.1, 95%CI = 0.1, 2.1). Higher childhood monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) (β = 1.4; 95%CI = 0.0, 2.7), monocarboxynonyl phthalate (MCNP) (β = 3.2; 95%CI = 1.6, 4.8), monocarboxyoctyl phthalate (MCOP) (β = 0.9; 95%CI = 0.0, 1.7), MCPP (β = 1.8; 95%CI = 0.2, 3.5), and monoethyl phthalate (MEP) (β = 1.6; 95%CI = 0.1, 3.1) concentrations were associated with higher BSI composite scores. Consistent with this, the weighted childhood phthalate index was associated with more problem behaviors (internalizing: β = 1.5, 95%CI = −0.2, 3.1; externalizing: β = 1.7, 95%CI = 0.1, 3.5; BSI: β = 1.7, 95%CI = 0.2, 3.2); MBzP, MCNP, and MEP largely contributed to these associations. ConclusionOur findings suggest that childhood exposure to phthalate mixtures may be associated with children’s problem behaviors.

Counterpoint: Investigators should not control for menstrual cycle phase when performing studies of vascular control that include women.

Observed sex differences in the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease incidence and the efficacy of clinical intervention strategies, coupled with recent mandates from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and its international counterparts to consider sex as a biological variable in all preclinical and clinical work (15), have led to increased enrollment of women in human physiology studies of vascular function with the goal of improving external validity and clinical applicability of the findings. However, standard practice in these studies is to test women during the early follicular phase (~days 1-5) of the menstrual cycle, during which estrogen and progesterone concentrations are lowest, and either exclude or limit testing of women who use hormonal contraceptives to the placebo phase. This approach seeks to control for, or limit, differences in circulating hormone concentrations between men and women and is based on the dogmatic theory that cyclic changes in estrogen and progesterone concentrations lead to greater variability in study outcomes and uninterpretable datasets. Contrary to this common approach, we propose that limiting testing of women to this single phase 1) decreases external validity of the findings, 2) obfuscates potential physiological differences contributable to differences in sex hormone concentrations between men and women, and 3) is, in many instances, contradicted by literature that demonstrates limited or no variability in vascular measurements across the menstrual cycle.

A single ovarian stimulation, as performed in assisted reproductive technologies, can modulate the anxiety-like behavior and neuronal activation in stress-related brain areas in rats

Infertility affects about 8 to 12% of couples of childbearing age around the world, and is recognized as a global public health issue by the WHO. From a psychosocial perspective, infertile individuals experience intense psychological distress, related to emotional disorders, which have repercussions on marital and social relationships. The symptoms persist even after seeking specialized treatment, such as assisted reproductive technologies (ART). While the stress impact of ART outcome has been comprehensively studied, the role of supraphysiological concentrations of gonadal hormones on stress response, remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a single ovarian stimulation on the stress response in rats. To mimic the context of ART in rodents, female rats were submitted to the superovulation (150 UI/kg of PMSG and 75 UI/kg of hCG) and then to psychogenic stress (restraint stress for 30 min/day, repeated for three days). Anxiety-like behavior was evaluated in the elevated plus-maze, and neuronal activation in the stress-related brain areas assessed by Fos protein immunoreactivity. Corticosterone, estradiol, progesterone and corpora lutea were quantified. Data were analyzed using Generalized Linear Model (GzLM). Our findings indicate anxiolytic-like and protective effects of supraphysiological concentrations of gonadal hormones induced by a single ovarian stimulation on stress response. An activation of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal response inhibitory pathways, with participation of the prefrontal cortex, basomedial amygdala, lateral septum, medial preoptic area, dorsomedial and paraventricular hypothalamus, was detected.

The effects of cannabidiol on male reproductive system: A literature review.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most abundant phytocannabinoids present in the plant Cannabis sativa (marijuana). There have been several studies of CBD in the last few decades, mainly focused on its neuroprotective properties, particularly after the identification of the endocannabinoid system and its participation in the central nervous system. On the other hand, the peripheral effects of CBD, particularly on reproductive physiology, were also evidenced. A narrative review was conducted using the PubMed database to identify studies that analyzed the pharmacological effects of CBD on the male reproductive system of vertebrates and invertebrates. Thirty-two citations (in vivo and in vitro) were identified. Among the vertebrates, the studies were carried out with men, monkeys, rats and mice. Studies with invertebrates are centered exclusively on the sea urchin. The CBD treatment periods include mostly acute and subacute evaluations. Exposure to CBD is associated with a reduction in mammalian testis size, the number of germ and Sertoli cells in spermatogenesis, fertilization rates, and plasma concentrations of hypothalamic, pituitary and gonadal hormones. Moreover, chronic doses of CBD have impaired sexual behavior in mice. From the studies identified in this review, it is possible to conclude that CBD has negative effects on the reproductive system of males. However, knowledge is still limited, and additional research is required to elucidate fully the mechanisms of action, as well as the reversibility of CBD effects on the reproductive system.

Self-rated Tanner stage and subjective measures of puberty are associated with longitudinal gonadal hormone changes.

Introduction In large community-based studies of puberty, Tanner staging by a clinician is often not possible. We compared self-rated Tanner staging and other subjective ratings of pubertal development with serum hormone levels measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to reassess the utility of self-rated pubertal stage using highly sensitive and specific hormone analysis. Methods Adolescents and their parents enrolled in the Adolescent Rural Cohort study of Hormones and health, Education, environments and Relationships (ARCHER) answered annual survey questions on pubertal development. Annually, adolescents provided blood samples for serum testosterone and estradiol measured by LC-MS/MS. Results Longitudinally, self-rated Tanner stage was positively associated with serum testosterone and estradiol levels in both sexes. Confirmation by adolescent and parent that puberty had commenced was associated with higher gonadal hormone levels in both sexes. Parent and adolescent responses demonstrated 'fair' to 'moderate' agreement. Conclusions Over a 3-year follow-up, self-rated Tanner staging and simple questions regarding pubertal onset and development are positively associated with adolescent gonadal hormone concentrations in serum measured by mass spectrometry. Thus, self-report of puberty stage still has a role in large community-based studies where physical examination is not feasible.

Low estradiol levels escalate menopausal symptoms leading to mild cognitive impairment in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND Women in menopause experience dramatic alterations in gonadal hormone concentrations, including diminished estradiol levels. It has been hypothesized that these hormonal changes may be responsible for the occurrences of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, sleep disruption, night sweats, and irritability, as well as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in postmenopausal women. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine if there is any association between hormonal changes and menopausal symptoms, including MCI in postmenopausal women.METHODS A total of 245 postmenopausal women were recruited for this cross-sectional study and classified into 2 groups; MCI and non-MCI groups. Diagnosis of MCI was made using the modified Petersen criteria. Variables such as subjects’ age, duration of menopause, menopausal symptoms, anthropometric status, hormone levels, and cognitive status were assessed and statistically analyzed.RESULTS Of the 245 subjects enrolled in this study, 53.9% had MCI. Multivariate analysis found that sleep disruption and estradiol levels were independent risk factors of MCI in postmenopausal women. No significant correlation was found between menopausal symptoms and estradiol concentration.CONCLUSIONS Low estradiol levels were associated with higher risks of experiencing menopausal symptoms and MCI. Sleep disruption and estradiol levels were the most influential factors in the development of MCI in postmenopausal women.

The role of gonadal hormones in the hypoglossal discharge activity of rats exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia

ObjectiveThe role of gonadal hormones in chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH)-evoked hypoglossal nerve (XII) neuroplasticity has not been thoroughly studied. The purpose of this study was to reveal the effects of gonadal hormone concentration variations on the XII discharge activity of rats exposed to CIH and the corresponding relationship with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). MethodsThis study employed five groups of female rats and six groups of male rats. Gonadal hormone levels were modified through gonadal resection and daily supplementation with gonadal hormones in rats of both sexes. Rats in the CIH groups were exposed to an additional 4 weeks of CIH once the operative incision for gonadectomy had healed. Finally, XII spontaneous discharge activities were recorded, and serum estradiol, testosterone and 5-HT concentrations were detected by ELISA. ResultsAmong the female rats, the normal estradiol level groups expressed XII neuroplasticity, while the low estradiol level group failed to express this phenomenon. XII neuroplasticity was related to the serum estradiol concentration. In the male rats, XII neuroplasticity was successfully evoked in the normal testosterone level group but was suppressed in the low testosterone level group and aromatase inhibitor group. XII neuroplasticity was not significantly related to serum testosterone concentrations. Both estradiol and testosterone concentrations were related to 5-HT concentrations. ConclusionsThis is the first study to analyze the effects of gonadal hormones on XII neuroplasticity in both female and male rats. The results suggest that the estradiol level is related to XII neuroplasticity rather than the testosterone level, and testosterone may indirectly adjust XII neuroplasticity by converting to estradiol. Estradiol and testosterone levels are related to 5-HT levels in the respective genders.

Influencia de los distintos tipos y parámetros del ejercicio físico sobre la calidad seminal: una revisión sistemática de la literatura

The positive importance of physical activity properly prescribed in terms of intensity and volume on a variety of metabolic, musculoskeletal, cognitive and other disorders is widely known. The increasing epidemiology of infertility is due to the changes in lifestyle habits, such as inappropriate diets or the radiations from new-generation electrical devices. There are not many informative evidences regarding either infertility causes and effects, or the exercise role in reversing its symptoms. In order to obtain and summarize the most relevant information about the influence of the different training types and parameters in the semen quality criteria, a descriptive literature review without temporal restriction of WOS, PubMed and Scholar data bases has been conducted. The study produced the following results; whilst a high intensity and prolonged volume training produce a drop in the gonadal hormone concentrations and the antioxidant levels and, therefore, in the sperm quality, moderate exercise reverts these effects and could potentially influence a possible optimization of the sperm generating processes. Key words: Training, male infertility, gonadal hormones, seminal oxidative stress, sperm quality.

Multiple pregnancy epulides: a case report

Pregnancy epulis is a tumor-like lesion that results from aggravating gingivitis due to high level of gonadal hormone concentration. Pregnancy epulis is commonly manifested as a single lump. A case of multiple pregnancy epulises, which has been rarely explored, is reported in this paper. The patient received no other treatment but a single supragingival scaling. Results showed no remarkable changes in the lesion. However, all the epulides regressed spontaneously in five months after the parturition.

Group housing during adolescence has long-term effects on the adult stress response in female, but not male, zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)

Adolescent social interactions can have long-term effects on physiological responses to stressors in later-life. A larger adolescent group size can result in higher stressor-induced secretion of glucocorticoids in adulthood. The effect may be due to a socially-mediated modulation of gonadal hormones, e.g. testosterone. However, group size (number of animals) has been conflated with social density (space per animal). Therefore it is hard to determine the mechanisms through which adolescent group size can affect the stress response. The current study aimed to tease apart the effects of group size and social density during adolescence on the physiological stress response and gonadal hormone levels in adulthood. Adolescent zebra finches were housed in groups varying in size (2 vs. 5 birds per cage) and density (0.03m3 vs. 0.06m3 per bird) during early adolescence (day 40–60). Density was only manipulated in birds raised in groups of five. Glucocorticoid concentration secreted in response to a standard capture and restraint stressor was quantified in adolescence (day 55±1) and adulthood (day 100+). Basal gonadal hormone concentrations (male testosterone, female estradiol) were also quantified in adulthood. Female birds housed in larger groups, independent of social density, secreted a higher glucocorticoid concentration 45min into restraint regardless of age, and had higher peak glucocorticoid concentration in adulthood. Adult gonadal hormone concentrations were not affected by group size or density. Our results suggest that group size, not density, is a social condition that influences the development of the endocrine response to stressors in female zebra finches, and that these effects persist into adulthood. The findings have clear relevance to the social housing conditions necessary for optimal welfare in captive animals, but also elucidate the role of social rearing conditions in the emergence of responses to stressors that may persist across the lifespan and affect fitness of animals in wild populations.