Endocrine Compounds Research Articles

Plant growth regulator and soil fertilizer improve production and growing stage of Brachiaria decumbens

AbstractIt is necessary to increase the rates of initial growth of pastures for use during the better planting period. Thus, two experiments were used to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulator (PGR; auxins, gibberellins and cytokinins) in seeds types (coated with polymer coating fungicide and conventional method) and nitrogen fertilization methods in Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk on the germination, growth, development and physiological composition. From the regression estimates, lower levels of PGR (10.3; 12.8; 8.85 and 9.57 ml/kg for germination percentage, germination speed index, leaf and pseudostem, respectively) were recommended in coated seeds when compared to conventional method (untreated seeds, with polymer coating and fungicide). Leaf and pseudostem mass production had a significant interaction effect between seed type and the use of growth regulator. Coated seeds (with fungicide and polymers after scarification) had greater performance with absence or at lower levels (8.85 and 9.57 ml/kg seed) of growth regulators. This was not observed for conventional seeds, the higher doses (15.5 and 18.1 ml/kg) presented higher development for the same characteristics. In second experiment, rates of photoassimilate were increased by soil fertilization and use of PGRs. No influence of foliar fertilization was observed when used exclusively, but N‐fertilization multiple and soil promotes an increase in chlorophyll content and mass yield, respectively. The use of exogenous hormonal compounds acts on the organogenesis of plant tissues and increases the formation of plant tissues and acts in the promotion of germination and development of structures, making it a key tool in pasture establishment.

Pyometra in a Bitch Possibly Caused by Simultaneous Administration of Levonorgestrel and Estradiol Cypionate

Background: Toxicological events in animals may be accidental or intentional and could occur in the home environment. These events could involve different agents such as pesticides, rodenticides, medicines, foods, and plants. Indiscriminate use of medication in pets by their owners is common. Self-medication of animals with drugs for human use can cause irreversible damage to their health. The emergency contraceptive pill (morning-after pill), comprising concentrated hormonal compounds, is sold freely in Brazil. The objective of this article was to report a case of pyometra in a bitch possibly caused by simultaneous administration of human emergency contraceptive pill along with a veterinary contraceptive medication. Case: A 6-year-old bitch was referred to a Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for abdominal enlargement. According to the guardian, during estrus (30 days before the consultation) the female dog was covered. After intercourse, the owner administered a human emergency contraceptive pill (morning-after pill) and a veterinary contraceptive. Physical examination revealed severe dehydration (10%) and high temperature, besides the abdominal enlargement. The hemogram revealed leukocytosis with a left shift, characteristic of infection. After clinical examination, closed pyometra was suspected, and later confirmed by ultrasonography. Due to the poor clinical condition, fluid therapy was performed, and a systemic antibiotic was administered. After stabilization, the patient underwent ovariohysterectomy. In the postoperative period, the fluid therapy was continued, and antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs were administered. Two days after surgery, the patient was discharged for home recovery. Discussion: Most cases of drug poisoning in animals involve female dogs, similar to the patient in this report. There is no theory elucidating the same, but the rate of incidence in female dogs has been reported to be higher than that in male dogs in the veterinary clinical routine. The administration of medicines at the guardian’s discretion, as seen in this case, is common in Brazil. The drugs involved may be of veterinary or human use. Drug intoxication is linked to the culture of self-medication. If the animal presents a symptom similar to that of a human, the guardian dispenses the same medicine used for him to their pet animal. Thus, it can be inferred that the guardian of the bitch in this report had the habit of self-medication and adopted the same conduct with the pet. The emergency contraceptive pill used here consisted of levonorgestrel, a progestin-type of hormone. No reports of levonorgestrel use have been reported in dogs; therefore, the mode of action of the drug in the canine species is unknown. The administration of progestogens in bitches is one of the main causes of reproductive diseases in the species. One of the diseases related to the use of contraceptives in bitches is pyometra. Despite the evidence, the human contraceptive cannot be determined as the cause of pyometra, because a veterinary contraceptive was also administered. Pyometra probably occurred due to the combined effect of both drugs. Thus, this case was diagnosed as drug intoxication. Veterinarians should be alert on this subject and invest in awareness and prevention of self-medication in animals by their guardians.

New Hormonal Agents in Patients With Nonmetastatic Castration-Resistant ProstateCancer: Meta-Analysis of Efficacy and Safety Outcomes.

In the past few years several hormonal agents have been tested in patients with nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) leading to an impressive improvement in terms of metastases-free survival (MFS). We performed a meta-analysis aimed to: (1) estimate the pooled effect of new hormonal compounds in terms of MFS, overall survival (OS) in overall and specific subpopulations; and (2) estimate the effect of high-grade toxicities of these drugs. We identified 881 studies published between January 1, 2010 and February 16, 2018 on PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Three randomized placebo controlled clinical trials were selected (PROSPER, SPARTAN, and ARAMIS). Because of the absence of individual data, all of the analyses performed were made on aggregated data provided in selected studies. We used the inverse variance technique for the meta-analysis of the hazard ratios collected for MFS and OS analysis. Fixed and randomized models were used. Relative risk and 95% confidence intervals and risk difference were estimated considering the number of Grade 3 adverse events in treatment and control arms. Administration of new hormonal compounds in nmCRPC patients led to a significant benefit in MFS in the overall population and in all subgroups analyzed. These agents might also improve OS but longer follow-up is needed to confirm this hypothesis. Indeed results of OS analysis should be carefully evaluated because none of the studies selected provided mature OS data. Administration of these agents resulted in a significant increased risk of treatment-related death, high cardiovascular toxicity, hypertension, fractures, and falls. Administration of new hormonal compounds prolongs the time of metastases occurrence and might prolong also survival in patients with nmCRPC. Treatment-related toxicity is an important issue because these agents increase the risk of death, cardiovascular toxicity, hypertension, fractures, and risk of falls.

Перспективы использования соединений гормонального типа действия в борьбе с личинками кровососущих комаров

Перспективы использования соединений гормонального типа действия в борьбе с личинками кровососущих комаров

Analysis of Male Urine as Pheromone to Increase Reproduction in Female Tiger Grouper (Epinephelus Fuscoquttatus)

The aim of this study was to identify the steroid hormone compound in the urine of male tiger grouper, and the role of steroid hormone suspected as pheromone of the male fish to induce gonad maturity of female tiger grouper. The methods employed in this study included broodstock maintenance, the collection of male urine samples, pheromone analysis of male urine, and application test of urine for gonad maturity of female tiger grouper. The analysis of pheromone content in urine was performed by using LC-MS / MS and FTIR methods. Urine was applied for several females placed in concrete tanks with a volume of 12 tons, 4 females for each tank. The parameters tested were male urine dose: 1 ml, 2 ml, and 3 ml. The results of pheromone analysis using LC-MS / MS method in urine and sperm of male tiger grouper indicated a peak of ion percussion of 255 ms and 273 ms, while the ion products showed 159 F and 255F. Based on the result of FTIR test, it could be seen that the resulted bands were infrared absorption which had certain character patterns, in which urine had six infrared spectrums; this steroid was classified in alcohol group β-sitosterol. The role of urine as a pheromone carrier administered to female was observed through the concentrations of estradiol-17β hormone and testosterone in blood plasma. The results showed that the concentration of estradiol-17β was much higher when compared with testosterone, either before or after treatment. The high concentration of estradiol was related to the stages of egg development in the female before the spawning season. From the results of this study, it could be concluded that male urine of tiger grouper was a pheromone that could increase the stimulation and gonad maturity of female broodstock.

Relationship of some metabolic and hormonal compounds in the blood with the productive and reproductive performance in local Awassi ewes

The study was conducted at AL-Fayhaa station in Jabila province (50 km North of Babil) and laboratories of the Department of Animal production techniques for the period from February to June to show the relationship between some metabolic and hormonal compounds in the blood with production and reproductive performance in local awassi ewes. Data were collected from 50 milking ewes 2-5 years old from 220 records of daily milk production for fertility percentage and prolificacy rate. The results showed that the regression coefficient of daily milk production on total protein (dl) and their coefficient reach to 0.0057 kg.mg-1 and prolactin hormone (ml) were positive and highly significant (P<0.01) and their coefficient reach to 0.019 kg.ng-1 and on glucose concentration (dl) were negative and highly significant (P<0.01) and their coefficient reach to - 0.028 kg.mg-1 and on total cholesterol concentration (dl) were negative and significant (P<0.05) and their coefficient reach to - 0.0053 kg.mg-1. The regression coefficient of fertility percentage on follicle stimulation hormone was observed positive and highly significant (P<0.01) and on triglycerides concentration were positive and significant (P<0.05) . the result also showed that the regression coefficient of prolificacy rate on glucose and total protein concentrations were negative and highly significant (P<0.01) . the correlation coefficient between metabolic and hormone compounds in the blood with production and reproductive performance for ewes were supported to the regression coefficient of same traits .we conclude from this study the possibility of using metabolic and hormonal compounds in rapid selection programs to improve head of ewes .

Impact of progestogens on hemostasis.

Combined hormonal contraception containing estrogen and progestogen and postmenopausal hormone therapy with estrogen ± progestogen are reported risk factors for venous thrombosis. The thrombotic risk varies by estrogen dose and type of progestogen. Estrogen combined with "newer generation" progestogens in combined oral contraceptives may have higher thrombotic risk than estrogen combined with older generation progestogens. Among postmenopausal women thrombotic risk also varies by type of hormone and mode of delivery. Although the risk of thrombosis with the different hormonal compounds is uncertain, it has definitely been attributed to the pharmacological effect of the hormones on hemostasis. Animal and cell culture studies have demonstrated the pharmacodynamics of progestogens with respect to hemostasis. Extrapolation from these studies to clinical conditions and further to clinical end points such as cardiovascular disease is, however, controversial. Few clinical studies have focused on the effect of progestogen only therapy on the hemostatic system in vivo. Most of the current knowledge regarding the in vivo effect of progestogens on hemostasis is obtained from studies with combined contraceptives. These results obviously reflect the combined influence of both estrogen and progestogen on hemostasis, and extrapolation to progestogen-only conditions is challenging. This paper discusses the pharmacodynamics of progestogens in relation to the hemostatic system, addressing results obtained in animal and cell culture studies and in clinical studies employing progestogen-only and combined oral contraceptives. The compiled results suggest that the major effect of progestogens on hemostasis is related to alterations in platelet function and the tissue factor pathway of coagulation. More studies focusing on these topics are warranted.

The Retinol Circulating Complex Releases Hormonal Ligands During Acute Stress Disorders.

Intensive care workers actively participate in very hot debates aiming at defining the true metabolic, hormonal and nutritional requirements of critically ill patients, the contributory roles played by thyroid and retinoid ligands being largely underestimated. The present article makes up for redressing the balance on behalf of these last hormonal compounds. The retinol circulating complex is transported in the bloodstream in the form of a trimolecular edifice made up of transthyretin (TTR), retinol-binding protein (RBP) and its retinol ligand. TTR reflects the size of the lean body mass (LBM) and is one of the 3 carrier-proteins of thyroid hormones whereas RBP is the sole conveyor of retinol in human plasma. In acute inflammatory disorders, both TTR and RBP analytes experience abrupt cytokine-induced suppressed hepatic synthesis whose amplitude is dependent on the duration and severity of the inflammatory burden. The steep drop in TTR and RBP plasma values releases thyroxine and retinol ligands in their physiologically active forms, creating free pools estimated to be 10-20 times larger than those described in healthy subjects. The peak endocrine influence is reached on day 4 and the freed ligands undergo instant cellular overconsumption and urinary leakage of unmetabolized fractions. As a result of these transient hyperthyroid and hyperretinoid states, helpful stimulatory and/or inhibitory processes are set in motion, operating as second frontlines fine-tuning the impulses primarily initiated by cytokines. The data explain why preexisting protein malnutrition, as assessed by subnormal LBM and TTR values, impairs the development of appropriate recovery processes in critically ill patients. These findings have survival implications, emphasizing the need for more adapted therapeutic strategies in intensive care units.

Improved strength of silk fibers in Bombyx mori trimolters induced by an anti-juvenile hormone compound

BackgroundBombyx mori silk fibers with thin diameters have advantages of lightness and crease-resistance. Many studies have used anti-juvenile hormones to induce trimolters in order to generate thin silk; however, there has been comparatively little analysis of the morphology, structure and mechanical properties of trimolter silk. MethodsThis study induced two kinds of trimolters by appling topically anti-juvenile hormones and obtained thin diameter silk. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), FTIR analysis, tensile mechanical testing, chitin staining were used to reveal that the morphology, conformation and mechanical property of the trimolter silk. ResultsCocoon of trimolters were highly densely packed by thinner fibers and thus had small apertures. We found that the conformation of trimolter silk fibroin changed and formed more β-sheet structures. In addition, analysis of mechanical parameters yielded a higher Young's modulus and strength in trimolter silk than in the control. By chitin staining of silk gland, we postulated that the mechanical properties of trimolters' silk was enhanced greatly during to the structural changes of silk gland. ConclusionWe induced trimolters by anti-juvenile hormones and the resulting cocoons were more closely packed and had smaller silk fiber diameters. We found that the conformation of trimolters silk fibroin had a higher content of β-sheet structures and better mechanical properties. General significanceOur study revealed the structures and mechanical properties of trimolter silk, and provided a valuable reference to improve silk quality by influencing molting in silkworms.

Social factors and aromatase gene expression during adult male-to-female sex change in captive leopard grouper Mycteroperca rosacea

Social factors and aromatase gene expression in the leopard grouper Mycteroperca rosacea was studied when captive fish were separated by sex during the reproductive (April–June) and post-reproductive (July–September) seasons. Monosex females, monosex males, and mixed-sex, held in social sextet units were analyzed for sex steroids throughout confinement. At the end of the experiment, the gonad-sex was defined by histology, and gonad and brain aromatase gene expressions were quantified. Only males held in the monosex social units changed sex. Histology showed one male remained unchanged, six were found in a transitional sexual stage, in which two had intersex-predominantly-testes, and four had a more defined intersex ovo-testes pattern, and 11 were immature de novo females (neofemales). Neofemales and most intersex fish did not survive. In spring, 11-ketosterone showed a specific male profile, which suggests that male-to-female sex change was not triggered during the reproductive season. The low steroid levels in summer made it impossible to associate the sex change to a gonad hormonal shift; in September, gonad aromatase gene expression was not significantly different among groups. However, brain aromatase expression in intersex fish was significantly higher than monosex females, mixed-sex females, and neofemale groups. These results suggest that in the absence of female hormonal compounds, and at a time when male gonad steroidogenesis was diminished, the brain mediated male-to-male social-behavioral interactions, including stress, by increasing aromatization, resulting in derived intersex-male, which triggered more aromatization, followed by a sex change.

Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer.

In the contemporary scene, less than 5% of men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer (PC) have metastases at first presentation, compared to 20-25%, more than 20years ago. Nonetheless, the use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has increased over the years, suggesting that patients in Europe and United States may receive ADT in cases of lower disease burden, and not always according to evidence based indications. Nonetheless, PC remains the second most common cause of cancer death after lung cancer in American men. Thus, there is a need for more effective, specific and well tolerated agents which can provide a longer and good quality of life while avoiding the side effects related to disease and treatment morbidity.After mentioning the current knowledge on the endocrinology of androgens and androgen receptor, relevant to PC development, as well as the possible events occurring during PC initiation, we will compare different hormonal compounds available for the treatment of PC, both from a pharmacological standpoint, and in terms of contemporary clinical indications.

"Per vaginam" topical use of hormonal drugs in women with symptomatic deep endometriosis: a narrative literature review.

We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of the vagina as a route for drug delivery and absorption, with a particular focus on the use of vaginal hormonal compounds for the treatment of deep infiltrating symptomatic endometriosis. A MEDLINE search through PubMed was performed to identify all published studies in English language on vaginal hormonal treatments for symptomatic endometriosis. Main advantages of the vaginal route include avoidance of the hepatic-first pass metabolic effect, the possibility of using lower therapeutic dosages, and the reduction of side effects compared with the oral administration. Studies on endometriosis treatment mainly focused on the use of vaginal danazol (n=6) and the contraceptive vaginal ring (n=2). One pilot study evaluated the efficacy of vaginal anastrozole in women with rectovaginal endometriosis. Most investigations evaluated the vaginal use of hormonal agents in women with deep infiltrating endometriosis/rectovaginal endometriosis. Overall, a substantial amelioration of pelvic pain symptoms associated with endometriosis was observed, particularly of dysmenorrhea. A significant reduction in rectovaginal endometriotic nodule dimensions measured at ultrasound examination was detected by some but not all authors. The vaginal route represents a scarcely explored modality for drug administration. High local hormonal concentrations might achieve a greater effect on endometriotic lesions compared with alternative routes. Future studies should focus on the use of the vagina for delivering target therapies particularly in patients with deeply infiltrating rectovaginal lesions.

Phytohormone profiling in relation to osmotic adjustment in NaCl-treated plants of the halophyte tomato wild relative species Solanum chilense comparatively to the cultivated glycophyte Solanum lycopersicum

A holistic approach was used to investigate the hormonal profile in relation with osmotic adjustment under salinity in Solanum lycopersicum and its halophyte wild relative Solanum chilense. Plants were subjected to 125mM NaCl for 7days. Solanum chilense displayed a contrasting behaviour comparatively to S. lycopersicum, not only for mineral nutrition, but also regarding the modalities of osmotic adjustment and phytohormonal profiling. The extent of osmotic adjustment was higher in S. chilense than in S. lycopersicum. Ions K+ and Na+ were the major contributors of osmotic adjustment in S. chilense, accounting respectively for 47 and 60% of osmotic potential. In contrast the contributions of proline and soluble sugars remained marginal for the two species although salt-induced accumulation of proline was higher in S. lycopersicum than in S. chilense. Both species also differed for their hormonal status under salinity and concentrations of most hormonal compounds were higher in S. chilense than in S. lycopersicum. Interestingly, salicylic acid, ethylene and cytokinins were positively correlated with osmotic potential in S. chilense under salinity while these hormones were negatively correlated with osmotic adjustment in S. lycopersicum. Our results suggested that the capacity to use inorganic ions as osmotica may improve salt resistance in S.chilense and that phytohormones could be involved in this process.

Detrimental Effects of Higher Body Mass Index and Smoking Habits on Menstrual Cycles in Korean Women.

Alteration of menstrual cycle by individual lifestyles and unfavorable habits may cause menstrual irregularity. We aimed to investigate the relationship between lifestyle factors and menstrual irregularity in Korean women using data from the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2010-2012. This cross-sectional study included 3779 nondiabetic Korean women aged 19-49 years who did not take any oral contraceptives or sex hormonal compounds. We examined the association of menstrual irregularity with age, body mass index (BMI), drinking experience, and smoking habits. Age, Asian BMI, marriage status, age at menarche, and smoking habits were significantly associated with menstrual cycle irregularity (p < 0.01). The prevalence of menstrual irregularity was significantly increased at younger ages: 18.4%, 10.3%, and 10.5% at 19-29, 30-39, and 40-49 years, respectively. Moreover, obesity groups, defined as per Asian BMI using modified WHO criteria, were strongly associated with menstrual irregularity. BMI 25.0-29.9 [obesity class I] (adjusted odds ratios [OR], 1.94; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.37-2.74) and ≥30.0 [obesity class II] (adjusted OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.22-3.91) presented significantly higher risk of menstrual irregularity compared with BMI 18.5-22.9 [normal weight]. Multivariable analysis revealed that high BMI in younger women aged 19-29 years (p < 0.001) and smoking habits in middle-aged women aged 30-39 years (p < 0.005) significantly predicted menstrual irregularity. This study substantiated that menstrual irregularity was closely associated with higher BMI and smoking habits in nondiabetic Korean women. Weight loss and smoking cessation should be recommended to promote women's reproductive health.

Simultaneous determination of four hormonal compounds in oral contraceptive tablet formulations by high performance liquid chromatography

ABSTRACTA rapid, accurate, and precise HPLC method has been developed for simultaneous determination of four contraceptive hormonal compounds namely ethinylestradiol (EE), drospirenone (DR), gestodene (GS), and levonorgestrel (LV) in oral contraceptive tablet dosage form. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 (150 × 4.6 mm, 5μ) column; the mobile phase consists of acetonitrile: water (50:50, v/v) pumped at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min; and UV detection was set at 200 nm. The limit of detection was 0.0086 µg/mL for (EE), 0.0397 µg/mL for (GS), 2.80 µg/mL for (DR), and 0.229 µg/mL for (LV), whereas the limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 0.028 µg/mL for (EE), 0.132 µg/mL for (GS), 9.500 µg/mL for (DR), and 0763 µg/mL for (LV), respectively. The correlation coefficient (r) values of the four compounds ranged from 0.99995 to 0.99999. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines and USP 34 for estimation of (EE), (DR), (GS), and (LV) in commercially available tablet dosage form. The validation results were found satisfactory. The proposed method can be useful in quality control of bulk manufacturing and pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Is there a sex of the placenta

The placenta has traditionally been considered as an asexual organ. Thus, most of the studies focusing on the placenta have not taken the sex of the embryo into account. However, as trophoblast cells originate from the embryo, they reflect fetal sex as either XX or XY, allowing for possible sex differences in placental biochemistry, function, and signaling. The placenta is a temporary organ performing the functions of many adult organs for the growing fetus. The placenta plays a key role in fetal growth and development, it is designed for exchange of oxygen, nutrients, antibodies, hormonal compounds and waste products between the mother and fetus and may carry significant information about the pregnancy. The placenta is considered also a major endocrine organ being responsible for synthesizing vast quantities of hormones and cytokines that have important effects on both maternal and fetal physiology. The investigation of placenta and its functions helps to identify molecular mechanisms that have both early- and long-term effects on health of the fetus. Gender differences were observed in the placenta at multiple levels: epigenetic modifications of DNA, gene expression, protein expression and immune function. Proceedings of the 11 th International Workshop on Neonatology and Satellite Meetings · Cagliari (Italy) · October 26 th -31 st , 2015 · From the womb to the adult Guest Editors: Vassilios Fanos (Cagliari, Italy), Michele Mussap (Genoa, Italy), Antonio Del Vecchio (Bari, Italy), Bo Sun (Shanghai, China), Dorret I. Boomsma (Amsterdam, the Netherlands), Gavino Faa (Cagliari, Italy), Antonio Giordano (Philadelphia, USA)

Hormonal contraception and postmenopausal hormone therapy in Spain: time trends and patterns of use.

This study aims to describe time trends in and patterns of use of hormonal contraception and postmenopausal hormone therapy and to identify factors associated with their use among Spanish women. We performed a cross-sectional analysis using data from 1,954 population controls (aged 24-85 y) in 12 provinces of Spain who were enrolled in the Multi Case-Control Spain study (2007-2013). Data were collected from a questionnaire conducted face-to-face by trained personnel. We collected information on sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, sleep patterns, reproductive history, and occupational history. Overall, 48.5% of Spanish women reported ever use of hormonal contraception, and 9.8% of women in the postmenopausal group reported use of postmenopausal hormone therapy. Younger cohorts used hormonal contraception for a longer period, whereas postmenopausal hormone therapy use dramatically dropped in the 2000s. Women with higher education levels (including education of partners) and smoking history were the most probable users of hormonal contraception, whereas inverse associations were observed among housewives, obese women, and nulliparous women. Postmenopausal hormone therapy use was associated with a surgical or therapeutic cause of menopause and with occupational history of rotating shifts. In this Spanish population, several demographic, lifestyle, occupational, and reproductive factors are associated with use of hormonal compounds. Characterizing hormonal users and monitoring trends in the use of these hormonal compounds are essential from a public health perspective.

Ovulación y uso de anticonceptivos orales en la mujer peruana desnutrida

Me propongo estructurar un plan de trabajo práctico, referente al estudio de la ovulación y su inhibición por el uso oral de compuestos hormonales de la fertilidad.

Experience with androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer in Japan and future perspectives.

Novel anti-androgens and androgen biosynthesis inhibitors have been developed to treat castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, knowledge of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has not been developed in the criticism, including information regarding the adverse effects of hormonal therapy. We hypothesize that there are ethnic differences in the efficacy and adverse effects of ADT; therefore, this review summarizes the experience of ADT, mainly in Japan. A risk stratification instrument, the Japan Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (J-CAPRA) score, was developed based on the Japan Study Group of Prostate Cancer registry, which is a large, multicenter, population-based database. It revealed that clinical outcomes were substantially better for males treated with ADT in Japan compared with those in the United States. Moreover, there were small survival differences in patients with localized and locally advanced cancer who received local therapy and primary ADT in another Japanese cohort study. In terms of adverse effects, including bone loss and cardiovascular risk, ADT appears to be better tolerated in Japanese populations than in Western cohorts. An ongoing randomized controlled trial of a trimodality treatment comprising brachytherapy, external beam radiation therapy, and neoadjuvant with or without adjuvant ADT in patients with localized high-risk prostate cancer will provide novel insights regarding adjuvant ADT. As a future perspective, the optimal selection of the type of primary ADT, including combining androgen blockade and novel hormonal compounds, adjusted according to each patient's clinicopathological background, may provide better clinical outcomes in patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Hormone Use in Food Animal Production: Assessing Potential Dietary Exposures and Breast Cancer Risk.

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the role of hormones in breast cancer etiology, following reports that heightened levels of endogenous hormones and exposure to exogenous hormones and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals through food and the environment are associated with increased breast cancer risk. Seven hormone drugs (testosterone propionate, trenbolone acetate, estradiol, zeranol, progesterone, melengestrol acetate, and bovine somatotropin) are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in food animals. There is concern that these drugs or their biologically active metabolites may accumulate in edible tissues, potentially increasing the risk of exposure for consumers. To date, the potential for human exposure to residues of these compounds in animal products, as well as the risks that may result from this exposure, is poorly understood. In this paper, we discuss the existing scientific evidence examining the toxicological significance of exposure to hormones used in food animal production in relation to breast cancer risk. Through a discussion of U.S. federal regulatory programs and the primary literature, we interpret the state of surveillance for residues of hormone drugs in animal products and discuss trends in meat consumption in relation to the potential for hormone exposure. Given the lack of chronic bioassays of oral toxicity of the seven hormone compounds in the public literature and the limitations of existing residue surveillance programs, it is not currently possible to provide a quantitative characterization of risks that result from the use of hormonal drugs in food animal production, complicating our understanding of the role of dietary hormone exposure in the population burden of breast cancer.