Higher Testosterone Research Articles

DHT Induces Arterial Stiffening in Female Wild Type Mice

Testosterone is the predominant sex hormone in men and is increased in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS patients also experience an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases including hypertension and arterial stiffness. Our previous work showed significant downregulation of the G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) as well as the nuclear estrogen receptor ERα in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells in response to the testosterone metabolite dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which cannot be aromatized to estrogen. Therefore, we hypothesized that DHT may induce arterial stiffness in female mice via downregulation of vascular estrogen receptors. Two groups of female wildtype mice were treated with DHT via silastic capsule for 4 weeks; one group received a dose designed to mimic DHT levels in men while the other group received twice this dose. While post‐treatment systolic blood pressure was not different between the control, single dose, and double dose groups (111 ± 10, 106 ± 3, 110 ± 7, n=8 per group; P=0.22), intracarotid vascular stiffness measured via pulse wave velocity showed a more than two‐fold increase in single dose (4.3 ± 0.8 m/s) and double dose (4.8 ± 1.0 m/s) DHT treated mice when compared with non‐treated controls (1.9 ± 0.3 m/s; P<0.0001). These findings suggest that high testosterone levels in females may promote arterial stiffening and cardiovascular damage independent of changes in blood pressure. Future studies will include histological analysis of aortic sections using Masson’s trichrome to assess changes in the extracellular matrix as well as droplet digital polymerase chain reaction to assess changes in estrogen receptor expression. In conclusion, these findings of arterial stiffening in response to increased DHT levels in females are important for not only PCOS patients but also women using testosterone for fitness, gender transitioning, or reduced libido.

Assessment of serum testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone levels in female patients with acne vulgaris

Introduction: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit with differential pathogenesis. To elucidate the roles of hormones in acne pathogenesis, we conducted a study to evaluate the serum testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone levels in women with acne vulgaris. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study, and 175 women with acne vulgaris were examined; their serum estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone were analyzed by chemiluminescence technique and compared with the healthy control group. Results: Increased serum hormone levels in women with acne vulgaris accounted for 29.7%, and hyperandrogenism accounted for 16.0% of cases. We found significant differences in testosterone levels (mean value, 55.67±25.56 versus 38.37±10.16 ng/dL, p<0.05) respectively, in the acne group and the control group. However, the estradiol level of the acne group (323.15±93.31 pmol/L) was lower than the control group (370.94±58.88 pmol/L), with p-value under 0.05. No statistically significant differences were found for progesterone (0.60±0.38 versus 0.50±0.15 ng/mL, p>0.05) levels. Moreover, we did not find the relationship between serum hormone levels and the severity of acne vulgaris. Conclusion: This study showed that female acne vulgaris patients may have high serum testosterone levels and low serum estradiol levels compared with those of female controls. However, hormone alterations had no correlation with acne severity.

The High Testosterone Concentrations of the Bucks Used in the "Male Effect" Is Not a Prerequisite for Obtaining High Ovarian Activity in Goats from Mediterranean Latitudes.

Simple SummaryThe introduction of males to anovulatory females previously separated from males (or even without separation) can induce estrous activity within a few days; this is termed the “male effect”. It is a common reproductive management practice on the extensive and semi-extensive goat farms of the Mediterranean area. High testosterone concentrations at the moment of the induction of the “male effect” are usually considered essential to obtain a high reproductive response from female goats. By controlling the secretion of GnRH, it is possible to control the gonadotropins and testosterone secretion. GnRH agonists have been used to control testosterone concentration in different species. Two experiments were carried out to determine if the contact during the seasonal anestrous of the males with the females modifies the testosterone concentrations and if the use of a GnRH agonist on the bucks to avoid variation in testosterone concentrations when the male effect is induced causes variation in the reproductive response of the does.Two experiments were carried out. Firstly, 54 anestrous females were placed in contact with photostimulated males (Photo; n = 27) or with no photostimulated males (Natural; n = 27). Moreover, a group of bucks treated with artificial photoperiod and a group of bucks subjected to natural photoperiod without contact with females was used (Photo Isolated and Natural Isolated, respectively). In the Natural groups, the testosterone concentrations were similar except for three days after the introduction of the bucks to the does (19.72 ± 4.11 vs. 2.05 ± 0.25 ng/mL for Natural and Natural isolated bucks, respectively, p < 0.05). However, no differences were observed in the Photo groups during the entire experiment. The percentage of females showing estrous was higher in the group of females in contact with photostimulated bucks (96 vs. 74%, respectively, p < 0.05). In the second experiment, a GnRH agonist, deslorelin, was used to regulate the testosterone concentrations of the bucks. Seventy anestrous females were divided into five groups depending on the treatment received by the bucks to which they were exposed: photostimulated bucks (Photo group, n = 14); photostimulated bucks but treated with the agonist at the onset of the photoperiod treatment (Photo-Ago Long group, n = 13); photostimulated bucks but treated with the agonist at the end of the photoperiod treatment (Photo-Ago Short group, n = 15); bucks receiving no photostimulation but treated with the agonist at the end of the photoperiod treatment period (Natural-Ago Short group, n = 13) and bucks receiving no photostimulation nor agonist (Natural group, n = 15). The agonist treatment increased testosterone concentrations after the injection, which remained high for the entire experiment (p < 0.05). Six days after the introduction of the bucks to the does, the testosterone concentrations increased only in the Natural group reaching similar concentrations to the other groups (12.17 ± 6.55, 16.69 ± 4.53, 8.70 ± 0.61, 11.03 ± 1.45 and 14.42 ± 3.64 ng/mL for Photo, Photo-Ago Long, Photo-Ago Short, Natural-Ago Short and Natural bucks, respectively, p > 0.05). No differences in reproductive parameters were observed (p > 0.05). These results demonstrate that, at Mediterranean latitudes, anestrous females can stimulate the testosterone concentrations of bucks after a period of isolation. The high testosterone concentrations are not a prerequisite for an adequate response to the male effect.

Assessment of serum testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone levels in female patients with acne vulgaris

Introduction: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit with differential pathogenesis. To elucidate the roles of hormones in acne pathogenesis, we conducted a study to evaluate the serum testosterone, estradiol, progesterone levels in women with acne vulgaris. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study, and 175 women with acne vulgaris were examined; their serum estradiol, progesterone, testosterone were analyzed by chemiluminescence technique and compared with the healthy control group. Results: Increased serum hormone levels in women with acne vulgaris were accounted for 29.7%, and hyperandrogenism was accounted for 16.0% of cases. We found significant differences in testosterone levels (mean value, 55.67±25.56 versus 38.37±10.16 ng/dL, p&lt;0.05) respectively in the acne group and the control group. However, the estradiol level of the acne group (323.15±93.31 pmol/L) was lower than the control group (370.94±58.88 pmol/L) with p&lt;0.05). No statistically significant differences were found for progesterone (0.60±0.38 versus 0.50±0.15 ng/mL, p&gt;0.05) levels. Moreover, we did not find the relationship between serum hormone levels and the severity of acne vulgaris. Conclusion: This study showed that the female acne vulgaris patients may have high serum testosterone levels and low serum estradiol levels compared with those of female controls. However, hormone alterations had no correlation with the acne grades.

Prohibitin-1 plays a regulatory role in Leydig cell steroidogenesis

SummaryMitochondria are essential for steroidogenesis. In steroidogenic cells, the initiation of steroidogenesis from cholesterol occurs on the matrix side of the inner mitochondrial membrane by the enzyme P450scc. This requires cholesterol import from the cytoplasm through the outer mitochondrial membrane, facilitated by the StAR protein. The subsequent steps leading to P450scc remain elusive. Here we report that the male transgenic mice that expressed a mutant form of a mitochondrial protein prohibitin-1 (PHB1Tyr114Phe) from the Fabp-4 gene promoter displayed smaller testes, higher testosterone, and lower gonadotropin levels compared with PHB1-expressing and wild-type mice. A subsequent analysis of the testis and Leydig cells from the mice revealed that PHB1 played a previously unknown regulatory role in Leydig cell steroidogenesis. This includes a role in coordinating cell signaling, cholesterol homeostasis, and mitochondrial biology pertaining to steroidogenesis. The implications of our finding are broad as the initial stages of steroidogenesis are indistinguishable across steroidogenic cells.

Sex differences in body composition affect total airway resistance during puberty

BackgroundDuring puberty, changes in body composition due to sex hormones are associated with lung mechanics. However, little is known about the mediation effect of sex differences in body composition during puberty with total airway resistance.MethodsWe prospectively recruited 620 children (10–12 years old) from the general population and conducted a cross-sectional study. This study assessed pubertal status according to the five Tanner stages using a questionnaire, line drawings, and each subject’s blood sex hormone profile. Both the impulse oscillation system for total lung mechanics and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance for body composition analyses were conducted. The effects of puberty on body composition and subsequent total lung resistance were evaluated using mediation analysis.ResultsAmong the 503 children enrolled, there were 261 males (51.9%) and 242 females (48.1%). In males, higher testosterone levels corresponded with reduced total lung resistance (β = –0.13, 95% CI = –0.21 to –0.05, p < 0.001), and the proportion of the mediating effect through the muscle-fat ratio was 19% (95% CI = 4 to 59, p = 0.02). In contrast, in females, pubertal status reduced total lung resistance (β = –0.27, 95% CI = –0.58 to –0.05, p = 0.04), however, the proportion of the mediating effect through the body mass index was –51% (95% CI = –244 to –4%, p = 0.04).ConclusionThe muscle-fat ratio in adolescent males had a synergistic effect with testosterone on improving total airway resistance, whereas improvements in lung resistance by pubertal status were partially masked by body mass index in adolescent females. In conclusion, body composition changes during puberty between males and females have differing effects on total airway resistance.

Assessment of serum testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone levels in female patients with acne vulgaris

Introduction: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit with differential pathogenesis. To elucidate the roles of hormones in acne pathogenesis, we conducted a study to evaluate the serum testosterone, estradiol, progesterone levels in women with acne vulgaris. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study, and 175 women with acne vulgaris were examined; their serum estradiol, progesterone, testosterone were analyzed by chemiluminescence technique and compared with the healthy control group. Results: Increased serum hormone levels in women with acne vulgaris were accounted for 29.7%, and hyperandrogenism was accounted for 16.0% of cases. We found significant differences in testosterone levels (mean value, 55.67±25.56 versus 38.37±10.16 ng/dL, p&lt;0.05) respectively in the acne group and the control group. However, the estradiol level of the acne group (323.15±93.31 pmol/L) was lower than the control group (370.94±58.88 pmol/L) with p&lt;0.05). No statistically significant differences were found for progesterone (0.60±0.38 versus 0.50±0.15 ng/mL, p&gt;0.05) levels. Moreover, we did not find the relationship between serum hormone levels and the severity of acne vulgaris. Conclusion: This study showed that the female acne vulgaris patients may have high serum testosterone levels and low serum estradiol levels compared with those of female controls. However, hormone alterations had no correlation with the acne grades.

Elevated prenatal maternal sex hormones, but not placental aromatase, are associated with child neurodevelopment

Fetal exposure to testosterone may contribute to vulnerability for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is hypothesized that placental aromatase prevents fetal exposure to maternal testosterone, however, this pathway and the implications for child neurodevelopment have not been fully explored. We examined the relationships between prenatal maternal testosterone and estradiol at 19.2 ± 1.3 weeks, cord blood testosterone and estradiol at birth, placental aromatase mRNA expression, and neurodevelopment using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), the Behavioral Assessment System for Children, 3rd Edition (BASC-3), and the Empathizing Quotient for Children (EQ-C) at 4.5–6.5 years of age in a sample of 270 Nulliparous-Mothers-to-be (nuMoM2b) study participants. Maternal testosterone levels were positively associated with SCQ scores, but the association was not significant after adjusting for maternal age at delivery, nor was there a significant interaction with sex. Maternal estradiol levels were negatively associated with BASC-3 Clinical Probability scores among males (n = 139). We report a significant interaction effect of cord blood testosterone and fetal sex on both total SCQ scores and t-scores on the Developmental Social Disorders subscale. Placental aromatase was not associated with any neurodevelopmental or hormone measure, but under conditions of low placental aromatase expression, high maternal testosterone was positively associated with SCQ scores in males (n = 46). No other associations between hormone levels and neurodevelopment were significant. Our findings provide a foundation for further investigation of the mechanisms through which maternal sex hormones and placental steroidogenesis may affect fetal hormone production and neurobehavior.

Female Testosterone: Contested Terrain

World Athletics policy narrowly defines female athletes, creating contested bodies in elite sport. Framed by feminist cultural studies and transfeminism, we discuss the eligibility rules and their real-life impact. Women with naturally elevated endogenous testosterone (hyperandrogenism) are being treated as if they are cheating. That high testosterone in female bodies has been deemed an unfair competitive advantage is consistent with dominant cultural narratives rather than the research about testosterone and sport performance. Applying an intersectional lens, it becomes clear that race, region, class, and nation intersect so that women athletes from the Global South are disproportionately affected by the eligibility regulations. This creation of contested bodies has led to critical mental and physical health outcomes. Cherry-picking one biological component of a body as the cause of exceptional performance in elite sport is irresponsible. Instead, we need education, compassion, and to follow sound science grounded in moral and ethical research.

Association Between Sex Hormone Levels and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With COVID-19 Admitted to Hospital: An Observational, Retrospective, Cohort Study.

Understanding the cause of sex disparities in COVID-19 outcomes is a major challenge. We investigate sex hormone levels and their association with outcomes in COVID-19 patients, stratified by sex and age. This observational, retrospective, cohort study included 138 patients aged 18 years or older with COVID-19, hospitalized in Italy between February 1 and May 30, 2020. The association between sex hormones (testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone) and outcomes (ARDS, severe COVID-19, in-hospital mortality) was explored in 120 patients aged 50 years and over. STROBE checklist was followed. The median age was 73.5 years [IQR 61, 82]; 55.8% were male. In older males, testosterone was lower if ARDS and severe COVID-19 were reported than if not (3.6 vs. 5.3 nmol/L, p =0.0378 and 3.7 vs. 8.5 nmol/L, p =0.0011, respectively). Deceased males had lower testosterone (2.4 vs. 4.8 nmol/L, p =0.0536) and higher estradiol than survivors (40 vs. 24 pg/mL, p = 0.0006). Testosterone was negatively associated with ARDS (OR 0.849 [95% CI 0.734, 0.982]), severe COVID-19 (OR 0.691 [95% CI 0.546, 0.874]), and in-hospital mortality (OR 0.742 [95% CI 0.566, 0.972]), regardless of potential confounders, though confirmed only in the regression model on males. Higher estradiol was associated with a higher probability of death (OR 1.051 [95% CI 1.018, 1.084]), confirmed in both sex models. In males, higher testosterone seems to be protective against any considered outcome. Higher estradiol was associated with a higher probability of death in both sexes.

What drives SMEs to adopt e-commerce? The joint role of testosterone and absorptive capacity

PurposeThe study aims to investigate the relationship between chief executive officers' (CEOs') prenatal testosterone exposure, absorptive capacity and e-commerce adoption by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachBased on a study of 1,519 SMEs led by a male CEO in China, the impact of entrepreneur's digital ratio on e-commerce adoption is empirically analyzed through a multivariate logistic model.FindingsThe results show that the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), a reverse measurement of prenatal testosterone exposure, is negatively correlated with the adoption of e-commerce by SMEs. This evidence suggests that CEOs with high prenatal testosterone exposure have a higher probability of adopting e-commerce. In addition, this research indicates a positive correlation between absorptive capacity, which is defined by market innovation, process innovation and marketing innovation, and the adoption of e-commerce by SMEs.Originality/valueThis research can contribute to the discussion by providing new insights into the antecedents of the adoption of e-commerce in SMEs.

The Chances of Infertility in a Patient Presenting with PCOS in Childbearing Age

Background: PCOS is a leading cause of infertility globally. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complicated disease pigeon-holed by high testosterone levels, irregular menstruation, and/or tiny cysts on one or both ovaries. The disease can be anatomical (polycystic ovaries) or biochemical (hyperandrogenemia). Follicular developmental inhibition, ovarian microcysts, anovulation, and menstrual irregularities are all symptoms of hyperandrogenism, a clinical characteristic of PCOS. Objective: The objective is to determine the chances of infertility in a patient presenting with PCOS in childbearing age. Methodology: Data was collected from Medline, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the Obsgyne online library for papers published between 2005 and 2021 using specified MeSH keywords in this systematic review. We examined 10 cross-sectional type analytical studies for data collecting in this systematic work. Results: 10 studies conducted between the years 2005 to 2021 were included in this systematic review. There were 3900 women in the study, ranging in age from 10 to 40. The 2nd most prevalent etiology of feminine factor-related infertility was determined to be PCOS in this investigation. In 70% of cases of anovulatory infertility, PCOS is the reason. As a result, it's critical to screen for and treat it in primary care settings. Ultrasound is the best modality for the detection of PCOS. PCOS has been identified using ultrasonography methods in several investigations. The basal follicle counts by TVS might be included among sonographic findings in the diagnosis of PCOS, with basal follicle counts of more than 10 is a PCOS criterion. Slightly swollen stroma, hypertrophy, enhanced ovarian mass and thickness, and the percentage of ovarian stroma to total ovary area are among the other characteristics. Conclusion: From this systematic review we concluded that infertility is most commonly caused by PCOS. In 70% of cases of anovulatory infertility, PCOS is the reason. Despite the fact that TVS is the gold standard for detecting ovarian abnormalities in young girls we examine trans-abdominally by using a high-frequency probe. Ultrasonography results for PCOS of the periphery cyst patterns include a considerable variety of small subcapsular follicles (10 follicles with a maximal diameter of 8 millimeter), enhanced ovarian volume (12.3 millimeter), and increased echo density of the ovarian stroma.

Assessment of serum hormone levels in female patients with acne vulgaris

Introduction: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit with differential pathogenesis. To elucidate the roles of hormones in acne pathogenesis, we conducted a study to evaluate the serum testosterone, estradiol, progesterone levels in women with acne vulgaris. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study, and 175 women with acne vulgaris were examined; their serum estradiol, progesterone, testosterone were analyzed by chemiluminescence technique and compared with the healthy control group. Results: Increased serum hormone levels in women with acne vulgaris were accounted for 29.7%, and hyperandrogenism was accounted for 16.0% of cases. We found significant differences in testosterone levels (mean value, 55.67±25.56 versus 38.37±10.16 ng/dL, p&lt;0.05) respectively in the acne group and the control group. However, the estradiol level of the acne group (323.15±93.31 pmol/L) was lower than the control group (370.94±58.88 pmol/L) with p&lt;0.05). No statistically significant differences were found for progesterone (0.60±0.38 versus 0.50±0.15 ng/mL, p&gt;0.05) levels. Moreover, we did not find the relationship between serum hormone levels and the severity of acne vulgaris. Conclusion: This study showed that the female acne vulgaris patients may have high serum testosterone levels and low serum estradiol levels compared with those of female controls. However, hormone alterations had no correlation with the acne grades.

High fat diet-induced obesity prolongs critical stages of the spermatogenic cycle in a Ldlr\u2212/\u2212.Leiden mouse model

Obesity can disturb spermatogenesis and subsequently affect male fertility and reproduction. In our study, we aim to elucidate at which cellular level of adult spermatogenesis the detrimental effects of obesity manifest. We induced high fat diet (HFD) obesity in low-density lipoprotein receptor knock-out Leiden (Ldlr−/−.Leiden) mice, and studied the morphological structure of the testes and histologically examined the proportion of Sertoli cells, spermatocytes and spermatids in the seminiferous tubules. We examined sperm DNA damage and chromatin condensation and measured plasma levels of leptin, testosterone, cholesterol and triglycerides. HFD-induced obesity caused high plasma leptin and abnormal testosterone levels and induced an aberrant intra-tubular organisation (ITO) which is associated with an altered spermatids/spermatocytes ratio (2:1 instead of 3:1). Mice fed a HFD had a higher level of tubules in stages VII + VIII in the spermatogenic cycle. The stages VII + VII indicate crucial processes in spermatogenic development like initiation of meiosis, initiation of spermatid elongation, and release of fully matured spermatids. In conclusion, HFD-induced obese Ldlr−/−.Leiden mice develop an aberrant ITO and alterations in the spermatogenic cycle in crucial stages (stages VII and VII). Thereby, our findings stress the importance of lifestyle guidelines in infertility treatments.

Relationship between reproductive hormones and migration distance in a polygynous songbird, the Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

Many bird species migrate to southern overwintering locations to avoid harsh conditions at their breeding grounds, but at the cost of an energetically demanding migration that may delay their spring reproductive development. Previous work on the relationship between migration distance and reproductive readiness has primarily focused on early season baseline testosterone in both males and females. However, for females, testosterone alone may not be the appropriate measurement of reproductive development. Estradiol, a metabolite of testosterone that is essential for breeding behaviors and reproduction, should also be measured. Furthermore, baseline testosterone varies throughout the day and may change due to social interactions that occurred prior to sampling. Injection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) elicits an individual’s maximum potential testosterone production, minimizing daily and social variation. We explored relationships between migration distance and reproductive status after arrival to the breeding ground in Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus). We predicted that individuals that travel a shorter distance will have higher levels of reproductive hormones upon arrival given they are able to invest less in migration and more in reproduction. This is important because individuals that breed earlier often have higher reproductive success. In females, we measured baseline estradiol and testosterone. In males, we assessed baseline and GnRH-induced testosterone. Hormone values were related to migration distance, estimated by stable isotope analysis of claw samples collected before breeding began in eastern North Dakota. We found that males with shorter inferred migration distances have higher baseline testosterone upon arrival. However, inferred migration distance was not correlated with GnRH-induced testosterone. Female inferred migration distance was not correlated with baseline testosterone, but it was correlated with baseline estradiol. Females with higher testosterone had lower estradiol, suggesting that testosterone in females is not a reliable indicator of estradiol levels, thus readiness to breed. Our observations suggest that baseline hormone levels were related to migration distance, but baseline testosterone alone may not provide a complete assessment of a male or female’s preparedness to breed following spring migration.

The Apolipoprotein B/A1 Ratio is Associated With Metabolic Syndrome Components, Insulin Resistance, Androgen Hormones, and Liver Enzymes in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

AimTo evaluate the association between the apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio (ApoB/ApoA1) and metabolic and endocrine parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).MethodsThis study was a secondary analysis of the Acupuncture and Clomiphene for Chinese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome trial (PCOSAct), and 957 subjects with available ApoB and ApoA1 measurements were included. Tests for linear trends and linear regression were used to assess the relation between the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and metabolic and endocrine parameters. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between the ratio and risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and insulin resistance (IR). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to determine the predictive value of the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio for MetS and IR.ResultsThe results showed that the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio was positively associated with waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance, high free testosterone, high free androgen index, alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, and higher prevalence of MetS and IR, but was negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein and sex hormone-binding globulin after adjusting for age and body mass index. Logistic regression showed that compared with the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio in first quartile, those in the fourth quartile demonstrated a higher risk of MetS (OR: 24.48, 95%CI: 8.54–70.15, P trend <0.001) and IR (OR: 1.78, 95%CI: 1.10–2.87, P trend <0.05) after adjusting for confounding factors. ROC curve results showed that the AUCMetS was 0.84 (95%CI: 0.81–0.86) and had 86.8% sensitivity and 70.3% specificity with a threshold value of 0.64, and the AUCIR was 0.68 (95%CI: 0.64–0.71) and had 74.3% sensitivity and 58.2% specificity with a threshold value of 0.56.ConclusionsIncreased ApoB/ApoA1 ratio was associated with worse MetS components, IR, and elevated androgen hormones and liver enzymes. The ratio might be a useful tool to screen for MetS and IR in PCOS patients.

Help or punishment: acute stress moderates basal testosterone's association with prosocial behavior

The gonadal hormone testosterone is well-recognized to facilitate various behaviors for obtaining social status. A good reputation (i.e. competitive, generous, and trustworthy) is of crucial importance for acquiring high social status. It is unclear which type of reputation is preferred by individuals under the influence of testosterone. Given that the recent dual-hormone hypothesis emphasizes the modulating effect of stress (cortisol) on the influence of testosterone, it would be intriguing to test the role of stress-induced cortisol in testosterone-related reputation seeking. To test this hypothesis, we induced acute stress in 93 participants with cold pressor test (CPT) paradigm (vs. control condition), and then they were instructed to play a third-party intervention game, in which they made decisions as an uninvolved, outside the third party to punish a violator, help a victim, or do nothing. Salivary samples were obtained to assess participants’ testosterone and cortisol levels. We split the testosterone concentration by median to low endogenous testosterone (LT) and high endogenous testosterone (HT). We found that HT individuals’ prosocial preferences did not affect by acute stress. They were more likely to choose punishment than helping under both stress and control conditions. In contrast, individuals with low testosterone were more inclined to help than punish under control conditions. Interestingly, acute stress brought behavior patterns of LT individuals closer to those of HT individuals, that is, they reduced their helping behavior and increased the intensity of punishments. In this preliminary study on the preference inducement of testosterone for different types of prosocial behaviors, we discuss the physiological mechanism of the relationship between testosterone and reputation and the implications of these results for the dual-hormone hypothesis. HIGHLIGHTS Low testosterone (LT) individuals were more inclined to help than punish. High testosterone (HT) individuals were more inclined to punish than help. The HT individuals' preferences for prosocial types were not affected by acute stress. Acute stress brought the behavior patterns of LT individuals closer to those of HT individuals.

Deficiency of Wnt10a causes female infertility via the β-catenin/Cyp19a1 pathway in mice.

Wnt signaling is relevant for a wide range of biological processes, including reproductive function. The function of Wnt10a in female fertility, however, remains obscure. In the present study, we explored the structure and function of the female reproductive organs in Wnt10a knockout (KO) mice. The expression of β-catenin signaling was significantly lower in the ovaries of the Wnt10a KO mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. In addition, the estrous cycles were disrupted, ovarian follicles were diminished, and endometria were thinner, accompanied by lower serum estrogen levels, and higher testosterone and progesterone levels in Wnt10a KO mice. The expression of the ovarian cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (Cyp19a1) was significantly lower in Wnt10a KO mice. We detected no significant changes in the levels of the gonadotropins between WT and KO mice. Together, our findings indicate that deficiency of Wnt10a causes female infertility through β-catenin and Cyp19a1signaling pathways in mice.

Comorbid laboratory abnormalities in female pattern hair loss patients

Background: Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the main cause of alopecia in women and has a debilitating impact on the quality of life. However, certain comorbid conditions causing hair loss are often masked by FPHL and may remain undetected. Hence, it is imperative to identify them to administer appropriate treatment. The necessity of laboratory tests to evaluate these comorbidities in patients with FPHL has not been established. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the frequency of comorbid abnormalities detected by laboratory tests in patients with FPHL. Methods: Routine laboratory test results of patients with FPHL, who visit our hair clinic for the first time, were retrospectively collected and analyzed. These tests assessed the serum testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxin, zinc and ferritin levels, hemoglobin, as well as antinuclear antibody (ANA), and rapid plasma reagin test results. The correlation between age and hair loss severity and the frequency of comorbidities was evaluated using subgroup analysis. Results: Among the 356 patients with FPHL, coexisting zinc deficiency, iron depletion, and thyroid abnormalities were common and present in 41.7%, 39.7%, and 11.3% of them, respectively. The rate of concomitantly increased ANA titers was relatively low (4.4%), while that of syphilis and high serum testosterone levels was extremely low (0.3% and 0%, respectively). Younger patients (<50 years) with FPHL had a higher rate of coexisting iron deficiency than patients in the older age group. Conclusion: Testing for concomitant iron depletion, zinc deficiency, and thyroid disease is recommended in female patients with FPHL.

Effect of high testosterone levels on endothelial function in aorta and erectile function in rats

Effect of high testosterone levels on endothelial function in aorta and erectile function in rats