Influence Of Hormones Research Articles

The Interplay of Sex and Learning Method Selection: A Study on the Reciprocal Influence on Cognitive Abilities

As the society continues to evolve, the demand for top-notch education has grown in tandem. Understanding the interplay of sex, learning method selection, and cognitive abilities in cognitive development is crucial for optimizing educational strategies and outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship among sex, different learning methods, and cognitive abilities across different cognitive domains. A diverse body of literature was systematically examined, which includes studies employing various cognitive tests and learning method assessments in different sex and age cohort. As predicted, results revealed a significant interaction between sex and learning method selections in cognitive abilities. Females have the advantage of the influences of hormones and timing of cognitive maturation in cognitive abilities, leading to better performance in verbal memory tasks, more efficient responding, and better inhibitory control. As males perform best in competitive learning environments and females in cooperative environments, implying the interaction between sex and cognition in learning method selections. The findings of this review highlighted the complex interplay between sex, learning methods, and cognitive abilities, underscoring the need to take individual strengths and sex differences into account when selecting learning methods. Insights from this study have implications for educational practices and policymaking, suggesting the potential for a more personalized learning approach to enhance cognitive abilities and academic performance. Further research direction and limitations are also discussed.

The future of cosmeceuticals

AbstractThe present state of skincare addresses the consequences of photodamage, hormonal influences, and the cumulative impact of exposome exposure throughout a person's life. Treatments within the aesthetic domain either harness biological pathways to achieve rejuvenation, such as retinoids and antioxidants, or suppress them, like lightening ingredients. Emerging advancements encompass techniques that stimulate the differentiation of stem cells to generate younger keratinocytes and fibroblasts, activate macrophages to diminish proinflammatory cellular waste, and restore glycosaminoglycans within the dermal matrix. While these innovations have significantly enhanced the potential of skincare to revitalize the skin in recent years, obstacles to their adoption remain substantial, including complex multistep regimens, the elevated cost of novel technologies, and limited accessibility for a majority of consumers. The next phase of skincare innovation targets the root cause of aging, at the genetic and epigenetic level. By reversing the effect of the exposome at this level, it is conceivable that biological age and chronological age might no longer correlate. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence, the identification of biomarkers, and improved accessibility to genetic predisposition lab testing will combine to allow for greater personalization of skincare recommendations.

Hormonal contraception and risk for cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in young women: a scoping review of the evidence.

Women are significantly more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) than men. Suggestions to explain the sex differences in dementia incidence have included the influence of sex hormones with little attention paid to date as to the effect of hormonal contraception on brain health. The aim of this scoping review is to evaluate the current evidence base for associations between hormonal contraceptive use by women and non-binary people in early adulthood and brain health outcomes. A literature search was conducted using EMBASE, Medline and Google Scholar, using the keywords "hormonal contraception" OR "contraception" OR "contraceptive" AND "Alzheimer*" OR "Brain Health" OR "Dementia". Eleven papers were identified for inclusion in the narrative synthesis. Studies recruited participants from the UK, USA, China, South Korea and Indonesia. Studies included data from women who were post-menopausal with retrospective data collection, with only one study contemporaneously collecting data from participants during the period of hormonal contraceptive use. Studies reported associations between hormonal contraceptive use and a lower risk of ADRD, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD), better cognition and larger grey matter volume. Some studies reported stronger associations with longer duration of hormonal contraceptive use, however, results were inconsistent. Four studies reported no significant associations between hormonal contraceptive use and measures of brain health, including brain age on MRI scans and risk of AD diagnosis. Further research is needed on young adults taking hormonal contraceptives, on different types of hormonal contraceptives (other than oral) and to explore intersections between sex, gender, race and ethnicity. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/MVX63, identifier: OSF.io: 10.17605/OSF.IO/MVX63.

Ендогенна та екзогенна нейростероїдна модуляція пам’яті щурів з алкогольною залежністю та агресивним типом поведінки

Alcoholism and chronic stress lead to impaired cognitive functions, which are regulated, in particular, by neurosteroid hormones. Exogenous administration of progesterone is one of the ways to influence the brain system of hormonal and neurotransmitter regulation. The effect of intranasal administration of low doses of progesterone on endogenous neurosteroid modulation of working and spatial memory in male rats with alcohol dependence and aggressive behavior was investigated. Alcohol dependence in male rats was modeled by voluntary intake of bread soaked in ethanol solution at a dose of 1.2 g/kg for 30 days. Aggressiveness was determined using the sensory contact method and the “partition” test. To study memory processes in rats, neuroethological methods of testing working (recognition of new objects) and spatial (orientation in the Barnes maze) memory were used. Progesterone was administered intranasally at a dose of 80 μg per rat for 10 days. Progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol levels were measured in the frontal neocortex (FC), hippocampus, and serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The stimulatory effect of alcoholization on spatial memory and impairment of working memory in male rats with aggressive behavior was found. Zoosocial conflict on the background of prolonged alcohol consumption leads to impaired object recognition and spatial orientation against the background of neurosteroid imbalance: a decrease in progesterone and testosterone content in the FC, hippocampus, serum, and an increase in cortisol levels in these structures. Intranasal administration of progesterone to rats with alcohol dependence and aggressive behavior offsets the negative effects of confrontational relationships on working memory processes, restores the acquired experience to the baseline (however, the processes of object differentiation remain weakened); leads to improved spatial memory. The favorable effects of progesterone on memory are accompanied by a decrease in the imbalance of hormonal influences in brain structures with the restoration of progesterone and testosterone concentrations in the FC, hippocampus and serum against the background of weakening of stress-induced glucocorticoid activity. Therefore, intranasal administration of low doses of progesterone improves working and spatial memory in male rats with alcohol dependence and aggressive behavior due to the tendency to restore the balance of hormones (progesterone, testosterone, cortisol) in the brain structures responsible for memory.

Research progress on the interference effects of plasticizers on maternal behavior and its potential mechanisms.

Environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), known as environmental hormones, are exogenous chemicals that can disrupt hormone levels and cause dysfunction of the secretory system in humans and animals. Plasticizers, which are widely used EDCs, are commonly used to enhance the flexibility of plastic products. As plastics age and wear, however, they can leach into the environment and enter the bodies of animals through various pathways such as the digestive tract and skin. They can lead to estrogen-like effects and have substantial reproductive toxicity. Residual plasticizer concentrations in the environment are typically low. Unlike high doses that induce acute damage to the reproductive system, low doses of plasticizers do not cause macroscopic harm and thus its reproductive toxicity is often overlooked for extended periods. An increasing number of studies conducted on humans and mice in recent years have demonstrated that low doses of plasticizers can induce reproductive toxicity by interfering with maternal behavior. Prenatal exposure to plasticizers can result in abnormal postnatal maternal behavior. Female offspring also exhibit significantly low maternal care, lactation, and other behaviors in adulthood, which may persist for multiple generations, significantly disrupting the animal breeding process and impacting the health and well-being of newborn pups. The underlying mechanisms have not been systematically summarized. The risk of continuous exposure to low-dose plasticizers in humans and animals has increased due to the extensive utilization of plastic and rubber products in modern production and lifestyle patterns. It is thus crucial to conduct a systematic review on the effects of low-dose plasticizers on maternal behavior. We reviewed the research progress on the disruptive effects of plasticizers on animals' maternal behavior and concluded that these effects are primarily caused by inducing oxidative stress damage and DNA methylation reprogramming in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, as well as disrupting the balance of the thyroid system and causing intestinal microbial disorders. It would offer a novel perspective for future studies about the influence of plasticizers and other environmental hormones on maternal behavior in domesticated animals.

Imaging and Management of Fibroepithelial Lesions of the Breast: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation.

Fibroepithelial lesions (FELs) are among the most common breast masses encountered by breast radiologists and pathologists. They encompass a spectrum of benign and malignant lesions, including fibroadenomas (FAs) and phyllodes tumors (PTs). FAs are typically seen in young premenopausal women, with a peak incidence at 20-30 years of age, and have imaging features of oval circumscribed hypoechoic masses. Although some FA variants are especially sensitive to hormonal influences and can exhibit rapid growth (eg, juvenile FA and lactational adenomas), most simple FAs are slow growing and involute after menopause. PTs can be benign, borderline, or malignant and are more common in older women aged 40-50 years. PTs usually manifest as enlarging palpable masses and are associated with a larger size and sometimes with an irregular shape at imaging compared with FAs. Although FA and FA variants are typically managed conservatively unless large and symptomatic, PTs are surgically excised because of the risk of undersampling at percutaneous biopsy and the malignant potential of borderline and malignant PTs. As a result of the overlap in imaging and histologic appearances, FELs can present a diagnostic challenge for the radiologist and pathologist. Radiologists can facilitate accurate diagnosis by supplying adequate tissue sampling and including critical information for the pathologist at the time of biopsy. Understanding the spectrum of FELs can facilitate and guide appropriate radiologic-pathologic correlation and timely diagnosis and management of PTs. Published under a CC BY 4.0 license. Online supplemental material is available for this article. Quiz questions for this article are available through the Online Learning Center.

1 Significant Psychiatric Burden Exists in Women Veterans with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Objective:Epilepsy, and specifically drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric dysfunction, likely due to a combination of physiological mechanisms, emotional reactions to disease burden, and bi-directional influences. Women with epilepsy warrant special consideration due to many factors, including hormonal influences on seizure susceptibility, reproductive health considerations, and unique psychiatric and clinical profiles. However, there is yet to be large-scale research characterizing women with DRE. The present study characterized psychiatric conditions, treatment, and hospitalization data in a Veterans Health Administration (VHA)-wide sample of women Veterans and then compared results to a male Veteran sample to explore sex differences.Participants and Methods:Data from 52,579 Veterans enrolled in VHA care between FY2014 and 2nd Quarter FY2020 were gathered from the VHA Corporate Data Warehouse administrative data. The sample was comprised of 5,983 women (11.4%) and 46,596 men (88.6%). Demographics, psychiatric diagnoses, psychiatric medications, ER visits, and hospitalizations were characterized. Chi-square analyses were used to examine group differences between men and women.Results:The vast majority of the women Veteran sample had at least one psychiatric diagnosis (86.1%), with over half of the sample diagnosed with depression (68.3%), PTSD (54.1%), and/or anxiety disorders (57.7%). When compared to men, women Veterans were more likely to have a psychiatric diagnosis (86.1% vs. 68.1%), evidenced a higher number of co-morbid psychiatric conditions (2.4 vs. 1.6), and were prescribed more psychiatric medications (3.4 vs. 2.3; all significant at p<0.001). All individual psychiatric diagnoses were more prevalent in women than men and, notably, suicidality was also higher in women (13.5% vs. 10.0%; p < 0.001). Women Veterans also had a higher number of ER visits (6.9 vs. 5.5; p < 0.001) and psychiatric hospitalizations than men (.4 vs. .3, p < 0.001).Conclusions:The present study represents the largest known investigation to date of women with DRE and is also the largest study of women Veterans with any form of epilepsy. It highlights a vast psychiatric burden in this subset of women Veterans, with high rates of psychiatric comorbidity, lending to downstream effects on psychiatric medication burden and risk for emergency care usage and psychiatric hospitalization. Comparisons to men emphasize that women are differentially impacted by the psychiatric toll of DRE and warrant special consideration. The markedly higher rates of depressive disorders and suicidality in women Veterans with DRE is especially notable when considering risk of harm and mortality. Overall, the present work adds to the paucity of literature of women Veterans with seizures and gaps in the broader DRE research base, with implications for specialized screening and maximizing treatment interventions in this population.

The ‘faulty male’ hypothesis for sex-biased mutation and disease

Biological differences between males and females lead to many differences in physiology, disease, and overall health. One of the most prominent disparities is in the number of germline mutations passed to offspring: human males transmit three times as many mutations as do females. While the classic explanation for this pattern invokes differences in post-puberty germline replication between the sexes, recent whole-genome evidence in humans and other mammals has cast doubt on this mechanism. Here, we review recent work that is inconsistent with a replication-driven model of male-biased mutation, and propose an alternative, 'faulty male' hypothesis. This model proposes that males are less able to repair and/or protect DNA from damage compared to females. Importantly, we suggest that this new model for male-biased mutation may also help to explain several pronounced differences between the sexes in cancer, aging, and DNA repair. Although the detailed contributions of genetic, epigenetic, and hormonal influences of biological sex on mutation remain to be fully understood, a reconsideration of the mechanisms underlying these differences will lead to a deeper understanding of evolution and disease.

Psychiatric comorbidities in conduct disorders and neurobiological bases

Conduct disorder is rarely isolated, and the international literature shows a high and very diverse comorbidity. This article presents in particular the psychiatric comorbidity of conduct disorder with other externalized disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and internalized disorders such as mood disorder (depressive and bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders (abuse/dependence). These disorders seem to have a neurobiological substrate which implicates brain and hormonal changes, neurotransmitters alterations and environmental influences.

Arrhythmias in transgender individuals.

The need to improve access to health services for the transgender community has become evident, especially concerning cardiovascular risk, which is higher compared to the general population. Surgical procedures and hormone therapies are common in this population to affirm gender identity, but they pose challenges as they are associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism, body fat concentration, and insulin resistance. Additionally, there is an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events such as venous thromboembolism, stroke, and myocardial infarction. The influence of sex hormones on the electrophysiological properties of the heart has been studied, highlighting gender differences that may predispose the transgender population to cardiac arrhythmias. Exogenous hormone therapy, for both transgender women and men, can affect the QT interval and increase the risk of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. Although the incidence of arrhythmias in the transgender population is not entirely clear, evidence suggests the need for careful cardiovascular monitoring and consideration of risk factors before initiating hormone therapies.

Exploring the Molecular Interactions between Acyclovir and Hormones: Insights from Density Functional Theory Calculations

AbstractAcyclovir, a widely used antiviral medication, is primarily known for its efficacy against viral infections caused by the herpes simplex virus and varicella‐zoster virus. While acyclovir‘s direct effects on viral DNA replication are well‐established, its potential interactions with hormone receptors and influence on hormone functioning remain relatively unexplored. This study employs computational study to investigate the hypothetical relationship between acyclovir and hormone activity. By utilizing DFT studies and NBO analysis, the interaction between acyclovir and hormones is assessed. The results show an increase in the dipole moment of complexes, and drug‐hormone complex conformation may be stabilised by hydrogen bonding. The computed ▵E of the complexes is found to be lesser than the hormone that improved the reactivity of the complexes. From the IR spectra analysis, the formation of hormones and their complexes with acyclovir is analysed.

A Case-Control Study on Factors Associated With Secondary Amenorrhea Among the Medical Students of Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI), anxiety, stress, depression, hormones, and secondary amenorrhea among female medical students at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). In this case-control study, UMS undergraduate female medical students aged 19-25 years who did not menstruate in the last three months (with a previous history of a regular menstrual cycle) or six months (with a history of irregular menstruation) were included as cases (40 students), and students with similar criteria but no menstrual irregularities were recruited in the study as controls (40 students). The study was conducted at Polyclinic UMS from January 1, 2021, until December31, 2022. The chi-squared test and odd ratio examined the association of the above-mentioned factors with the secondary amenorrhea. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant, and an odds ratio if the confidence interval did not contain one was considered significant. Both the groups had a similar frequency of different BMI grades. The cases exhibited significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than the controls. Again, the cases demonstrated higher estradiol (E2), testosterone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and lower levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) than those with regular menstruation. The research also revealed that a one-unit decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels corresponds to a threefold increase in the risk of experiencing secondary amenorrhea, while the risk escalates to fourfold for LH.Moreover, E2, testosterone, and TSH levels exhibited protective effects on secondary amenorrhea. Anxiety, serum LH, and FSH were significantly associated with secondary amenorrhea. Future studies should address the diurnal variation of the hormones and consider the participants' circumstances to get a proper effect of hormonal influence and stress.

The effects of sex, season, and natural sunlight on plasma vitamin D3 levels in two chelonian species (Testudo hermanni, Trachemys scripta) and their interaction with calcium, phosphate, and magnesium as associated plasma compounds

Species specific physiology, seasonal changes, sex, and husbandry factors all influence the blood chemistry of chelonians, including vitamin D3, calcium, phosphate and magnesium levels. Problems in the supply of many of these are commonly seen in captive reptiles. The goal of this study was to measure vitamin D3, calcium, phosphate and magnesium in plasma from captive, healthy, adult Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni) and pond sliders (Trachemys scripta). Samples were categorized and compared based on species, sex, season, and access to sunlight as a central husbandry element. Blood samples of 522 Hermann’s tortoises and 188 pond sliders, taken from March to September 2022, were included in the study. New reference intervals for vitamin D3, calcium, phosphate and magnesium were established, with specific reference intervals calculated for each species, sex, and season in those cases in which significant differences were found based on these factors. For the calculation of reference intervals for vitamin D3 the factors species, season and access to sunlight were considered. Vitamin D3 levels differed by access to sunlight in some seasons depending on the species and were generally higher in Hermann’s tortoises. Plasma vitamin D3 levels did not correlate with calcium, phosphorus or magnesium levels on a larger scale in either species. Calcium, phosphate, and magnesium were higher in females than in males of both species, and magnesium was higher in Hermann’s tortoises than in pond sliders. Our results can be helpful in a more specific interpretation of blood results and support previous findings that direct sunlight is an important factor in chelonian health. More studies are needed to better understand the role of other hormonal influence on the vitamin D3, calcium, phosphate and magnesium metabolism in chelonians.

Relative expression of hormone receptors by endothelial and smooth muscle cells in proliferative and non-proliferative areas of congenital arteriovenous malformations

BackgroundEpisodic growth due to microvascular proliferations (MVP) has been reported in congenital arteriovenous malformations (AVM), which are normally quiescent lesions composed of mature malformed vessels. Since AVM also may worsen under conditions of hormonal dysregulation, we hypothesized that hormonal influences may stimulate this process of vasoproliferative growth through potential interactions with hormone receptors (HR).Methods13 Cases of AVM tissue with histologically documented vasoproliferative growth were analyzed quantitatively for the presence and tissue localization of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PGR), growth hormone receptor (GHR) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) in relation to resident cells of interest (endothelial cells (EC), smooth muscle cells (SMC) and mast cells (MC)) by applying multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Expression patterns in lesions with MVP and mature vessels were quantified and compared. Available fresh frozen tissues of 3 AVM samples were used to confirm the presence of HR using Reverse-Transcriptase quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR).ResultsAll four HR studied were expressed in all cases within EC and SMC in areas of MVP and mature vessels, but not in normal skin tissue. ER, GHR, and FSHR showed more expression in EC of MVP and in SMC of mature vessels. RT-qPCR confirmed presence of all 4 HR in both areas.ConclusionExpression of ER, PGR, GHR, and FSHR in vasoproliferative areas of congenital AVM could explain onset of sudden symptomatic growth, as has observed in a subpopulation of patients. These findings may have implications for eventual anti-hormonal targeted therapy in the lesions involved.

Influential Factors in Intestinal Absorption and Renal Reabsorption of Calcium

Calcium is one of the vital and essential elements in the body, serving as a primary constituent of bones and teeth. It plays a fundamental role in nerve signal transmission, muscle contractions, heart rate regulation, blood clotting, energy production, glandular secretion, and immune system maintenance. Calcium is abundantly found in dietary sources, with most of it residing in the teeth and bones within the body. Approximately 40% of daily dietary calcium is absorbed primarily at the beginning of the intestine and before gastric juice neutralization, while 60% of it is excreted through feces. Calcium absorption occurs in two forms, passive and active, through the intestines, and renal reabsorption takes place through the kidneys. Various factors such as intestinal environment, dietary components (including lactose, proteins, and amino acids),bile salts, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, acidic pH, health status, age, and growth hormone influence intestinal calcium absorption positively. Conversely, fatty acids, phytic acid, aging, alkaline pH, iron, magnesium, calcitonin hormones, and glucocorticoids reduce calcium absorption. Parathyroid hormone, calcitonin hormone, vitamin D, and dietary regimen significantly contribute to the active reabsorption of calcium through renal tubules. Despite the considerable variations in the calcium content of dietary sources, a highly precise regulatory system controls vitamin D production, preventing fluctuations in plasma calcium ion concentrations. This regulation helps prevent hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia, which can lead to numerous irregularities in the body.

Preliminary evidence of increased alcohol use associated with ethinyl estradiol levels in women using oral contraceptives

Alcohol use is highly prevalent in young adult women and rates of alcohol use disorder are rising rapidly in this population. Further, emerging evidence suggests that circulating levels of ovarian hormones influence alcohol consumption, with increased consumption associated with higher estradiol and lower progesterone levels. However, less is known about the influence of synthetic hormones (contained in oral contraceptive (OC) pills) on alcohol use. The current study examined the influence of OC pill phase, ethinyl estradiol (EE) levels, and progestin levels on self-reported alcohol consumption in healthy female drinkers. Young adult female drinkers using OCs (N = 21) reported alcohol use across one OC pill pack using the Timeline Followback and provided blood samples during both pill phases to measure synthetic hormone levels. We compared alcohol use between OC pill phases (active vs. inactive) using linear mixed effects models for repeated measures and examined correlations between alcohol use and EE and progestin levels. Results showed that women with higher EE levels reported increased alcohol consumption (r = 0.56, p = 0.01) and binge drinking (r = 0.45, p = 0.04) in the active pill phase. Progestin levels and pill phase were not significantly associated with alcohol consumption. These findings provide preliminary data suggesting increased levels of EE from OC pills are associated with excessive alcohol consumption in women. Further research is needed to determine if EE plays a causal role in increased alcohol consumption. This line of research could inform female-specific AUD prevention and treatment strategies among the large subpopulation of women using hormonal contraceptives.

Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Women.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women globally. Numerous studies show ongoing disparities in diagnosis, management, and outcomes of ischemic heart disease in women compared to men. We aim to review the factors contributing to sex-based differential outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions in women. Hormonal influence on coronary arteries and progression of atherosclerosis in women results in distinct coronary plaque characteristics and unique pathological process such as spontaneous coronary artery dissection and myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries. During the presentation of acute coronary syndromes, women are older and have higher burden of comorbidities, with higher short- and long-term mortality. Awareness of differences in vascular biology and unique risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women is essential for sustained improvement in cardiovascular mortality. Better representation of women in trials is crucial to address the gaps in knowledge and allow for individualized treatment approaches in women.

Sexual dimorphism in cancer

The incidence and mortality of malignant neoplasms of non-reproductive organs both carcinomas and sarcomas in men is one and a half times higher than in women. This is based on genetic differences, which are superimposed by patterns of epigenetic regulation of the expression of sex chromosome genes that determine sex differences in the processes of tissue differentiation, which, in turn, mediates the formation of the hormonal status of the body. Compared to the Y chromosome, the mammalian X chromosome contains several dozen times more genes encoding major regulators of proliferation, metabolism, immunity, and tumor growth inhibitors, as well as X-linked microRNAs affecting transcription factors and cross-regulation by other non-coding RNAs. This results in a female or male gene expression profile that accounts for phenotypic differences. This peculiarity, along with the fact that in female cells on the second inactivatedX chromosome epigenetic repression of the most important genes is reversed and, accordingly, their expression level is doubled, may largely explain the sex disparity in carcinogenesis. The influence of sex hormones and disparity in the expression of antitumor immunity contribute significantly to this difference. A detailed study of the mechanisms underlying sex dimorphism in carcinogenesis will be an essential contribution to fundamental oncology and to the practice of diagnosis, prognosis and personalized treatment of malignances with regard to their gender-specific course. These studies are especially relevant in relation to insufficiently studied soft tissue sarcomas, the ratio of the frequencies of which in men and women varies greatly depending on the histological subtype of the tumor.

SAT424 Neuroendocrine And Developmental Impacts Of Early Exposure To Estrogenic Endocrine Disruptors

Abstract Disclosure: M. Streifer: None. S. Mendez: None. R. Raval: None. L. Thompson: None. A.C. Gore: None. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), exposure to which during early development can result in a variety of neuroendocrine and reproductive abnormalities. Hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and KNDy (Kisspeptin-Neurokinin B-Dynorphin expressing) neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) are involved in reproductive development, maturation, and success; dysfunctions in kisspeptin signaling can lead to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and sub- or infertility. KNDy and kisspeptin neurons develop under the influence of gonadal hormones, notably estradiol, and are vulnerable to early exposure to estrogenic EDCs. In this experiment male and female rats were perinatally exposed to the weakly estrogenic PCB mixture Aroclor 1221 (A1221) to determine if and how altered kisspeptin signaling in the ARC and AVPV affects reproductive development. Using RNAscope, a novel in situ hybridization technique, we are exploring if changes in the number of KNDy and kisspeptin neurons or RNA expression of kisspeptin and regulatory peptides neurokinin B and dynorphin are potential mechanisms of the increased incidence of reproductive disorders associated with estrogenic PCB exposure. A1221 exposure did not alter the number of kisspeptin-expressing neurons in the AVPV, though quantification of RNA expression and analysis in the ARC are still ongoing. Serum LH, FSH, estradiol, and testosterone were measured as they are involved in the kisspeptin signaling pathway. In A1221 exposed females, serum LH and FSH were decreased, and estradiol was increased in early life (postnatal day 8). A1221 exposed males had decreased serum LH at a prepubertal time point (postnatal day 30), but FSH and testosterone were unaffected by treatment. Developmental markers that could be indicative of dysfunctions in kisspeptin and KNDy neuron function were monitored. A1221 exposure did not cause any obvious abnormal developmental delays in males or females. Moving forward, we plan on further exploring the effects of developmental A1221 exposure in the AVPV and ARC through gene expression profiling. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Lupus and recurrent pregnancy loss: the role of female sex hormones and B cells.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a debilitating autoimmune disease characterized by uncontrolled activation of adaptive immunity, particularly B cells, which predominantly affects women in a 9 to 1 ratio compared to men. This stark sex disparity strongly suggests a role for female sex hormones in the disease's onset and progression. Indeed, it is widely recognized that estradiol not only enhances the survival of autoreactive B cells but also stimulates the production of autoantibodies associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, such as anti-nuclear antibodies and anti-dsDNA antibodies. Clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus typically emerge after puberty and persist throughout reproductive life. Furthermore, symptoms often exacerbate during the premenstrual period and pregnancy, as increased levels of estradiol can contribute to disease flares. Despite being fertile, women with lupus face a heightened risk of pregnancy-related complications, including pregnancy loss and stillbirth, which significantly surpass the rates observed in the healthy population. Therefore, this review aims to summarize and discuss the existing literature on the influence of female sex hormones on B-cell activation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, with a particular emphasis on their impact on pregnancy loss.