Hormonal Parameters Research Articles

Effectiveness of metformin in combination with intranasal insulin for the treatment of metabolic and hormonal disturbances in adult male rats with metabolic syndrome induced by impaired breastfeeding

BACKGROUND: Limiting or temporally stopping breastfeeding can lead to the development of metabolic syndrome in adulthood, which requires the development of approaches for its prevention and correction. One such approach is treatment with metformin or intranasal insulin. Since the targets of these agents differ and may complement each other, it has been suggested that their combined use could be effective. AIM: To study the effect of a four-week co-administration of metformin (orally, 120 mg/kg/day) and intranasal insulin (1.2 IU/kg/day) in male rats with metabolic syndrome, induced by breastfeeding disruption on postnatal days 19–21, on their metabolic and hormonal parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study treatment was compared with monotherapy using the same drugs. RESULTS: It was found that adult male rats with disrupted breastfeeding developed obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperleptinemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and a reduction in the number of β-cells and the area of pancreatic islets, which are characteristic of metabolic syndrome. Long-term treatment with metformin and its combination with intranasal insulin partially or fully normalized body weight, abdominal fat, and metabolic and hormonal parameters, with the restorative effect of combination treatment on such parameters as body weight, fat mass, glucose tolerance, and blood glycated hemoglobin levels being more pronounced than with metformin alone. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study support the use of a combination of metformin and intranasal insulin to normalize metabolic and hormonal parameters in metabolic syndrome induced by breastfeeding disruption in early days of life.

Total antioxidant capacity status in non-obese adolescent females with PCOS: a cross-section study

Abstract Background The endocrine disease polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has a number of complications. Teenagers all over the globe are becoming increasingly concerned about the syndrome. It has been suggested that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Aim The purpose of the present work was to estimate total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in non-obese adolescents and decide if the TAC could be a potential marker for the prediction and diagnosis of PCOS. Methods Serum samples were collected to assess the levels of follicle stimulant hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), serum lipids, and serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in 50 non-obese patients with PCOS and 50 controls; correlation analysis was made between serum lipid, hormonal parameters, and TAC. Results Adolescents with PCOS had significantly lower levels of TAC compared with controls and showed significant higher values of LH, FSH, and LH/FSH ratio. There were significant negative correlations between TAC levels with LH, FSH, and LH/FSH. Linear regression analysis revealed statistically significant correlations between TAC and LH and FSH levels in non-obese adolescents with PCOS. Conclusion Serum TAC level was diminished in non-obese PCOS patients and was related to increase of LH/FSH ratio. So, quantification of TAC activity in serum could be of value in assessment of cases at higher risk for development of PCOS, suggesting its possible role in regulating sex hormones and could have potential roles in the etiopathogenesis of PCOS in non-obese adolescent females.

Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Excess Body Fat Exhibit Atypical Sympathetic Autonomic Modulation That is Partially Reversed by Aerobic Physical Training.

The aetiology of impairments in autonomic modulation of heart rate variability (HRV) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains unclear, as does the impact of aerobic physical training (APT) on controlling endocrine-metabolic disorders and HRV. This is because these women often present excess body fat. Therefore, we assessed whether the dysregulation in autonomic modulation of HRV in women with PCOS is due to endocrine-metabolic disorders and whether the combination of excess body fat with endocrine-metabolic disorders amplifies cardiovascular autonomic deficits. We also investigated whether APT positively influences autonomic modulation of HRV in PCOS. Non-randomised clinical trial. Women with and without PCOS with different percentages of body fat. Participants were divided into four groups: women without PCOS with a body fat percentage between 22% and 29% (CONTROL group; 22%-29%); CONTROL (30%-37%) group; PCOS (22%-29%) group; and PCOS (30%-37%) group. Hemodynamic, metabolic, and hormonal characteristics and HRV parameters were obtained before and after 16 weeks of APT. The PCOS (22%-29%) group exhibited lower vagal modulation than the CONTROL (22%-29%) group. In contrast, no significant differences were observed between the CONTROL (30%-37%) and PCOS (30%-37%) groups. Furthermore, the PCOS (30%-37%) group demonstrated lower sympathetic modulation than the PCOS (22%-29%) group. After APT, the PCOS (22%-29%) group increased in vagal modulation, while the PCOS (30%-37%) group increased in sympathetic modulation. PCOS affects vagal modulation; however, this effect may be masked at elevated levels of body fat. Additionally, the combination of excess body fat with endocrine-metabolic dysregulation appears to reduce sympathetic modulation, possibly due to sympathetic drive hyperactivity. APT positively affected HRV in both PCOS groups.

Microscopic Testicular Sperm Extraction in Patients with Klinefelter Syndrome: Long-Term Outcomes from a Single Center

Objective: Klinefelter syndrome (KS) represents a sex chromosome anomaly observed in approximately 1 in 500–600 phenotypic males. It is observed in 3% of infertile males and up to 11.9% of azoospermic males. KS manifests in either non-mosaic (47, XXY) or mosaic (47, XXY/46, XY) forms, with 85% of cases presenting as the non-mosaic 47, XXY karyotype. The average rate of surgical sperm retrieval in patients with KS is around 50%, ranging from 28% to 69%. In this study, we aimed to present the outcomes of microscopic testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) in patients with non-mosaic KS. Materials and Methods: The results of 61 patients diagnosed with KS, who presented to the Harran University Urology Clinic with azoospermia between 2017 and 2024, were retrospectively reviewed. Hormonal assessments, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and total testosterone (TT), were conducted for all patients, and their partners underwent gynecological evaluations for infertility. Testicular dimensions were recorded via scrotal ultrasonography. Patients were categorized into TESE-positive and TESE-negative groups, and parameters were compared between these groups. Results: The mean age of the patients was 29.0±5.1 years, and their mean infertility duration was 5.9±4.1 years. The sperm retrieval rate was 29.5% (n=18). Mean levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol, and TT were 44.9 IU/L, 23.3 IU/L, 10 nmol/L, 31.4 pmol/dL, and 219 ng/dL, respectively. Sperm was retrieved in 18 patients (29.5%), while no sperm was obtained in 43 (70.5%). No significant correlation was observed between patient age, testicular size, serum levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol, and TT, and sperm retrieval rates when comparing the TESE-positive and TESE-negative groups (P>0.005). Conclusion: In patients with non-mosaic KS, hormonal parameters, age, and infertility duration were not found to be significant predictors of the success of micro-TESE in sperm retrieval.

The deleterious effect of orally administered aqueous extract of <i>Acalypha wilkesiana</i> (Red Acalypha) on female reproductive organs in Sprague Dawley rats

Acalypha wilkesiana is a herbaceous plant that has been traditionally used to treat and/or manage a variety of illnesses, including respiratory issues, diabetes, jaundice, hypertension, fever, diarrhea, and inflammation of the liver. The effects of taking Acalypha wilkesiana orally on the uterus and ovaries were examined in this study. Twenty (20) adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (165±20g) were purchased and given a two-week period to get used to the laboratory environment. Aqueous extract of Acalypha wilkesiana was given orally for four weeks at concentrations of 0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of BW following acclimatization. Groups A-D provided as the control, low, medium, and high doses, respectively. The rats' weight gain and behavioral patterns were periodically examined. Following their euthanasia, blood was drawn via the ocular sinuses to measure hormonal parameters, and the uterus and ovaries were exercised to examine histology and oxidative stress markers. Significantly lower levels of FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone were observed in the treatment groups, while significantly lower levels of SOD and CAT and higher levels of MDA were observed. In both the 40 and 80 mg/kg groups, histological sections of the ovaries and uterus revealed vascular congestion in the ovaries and moderate to severe damage within the uteri. The findings demonstrated that long-term use of Acalypha wilkesiana increased levels of oxidative stress, altered hormone levels, and negatively affected the histoarchitecture of the uterus and ovaries.

Healing of chronic wounds at the remodeling stage: the ratio of hormonal and immune parameters

Background. Both patients and healthcare systems around the world experience the negative consequences of chronic wounds. Chronic wounds often precede serious events such as amputation and premature death. Objective: to study the relationship between endocrine factors (insulin and cortisol) and bioactive molecules (interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)), influencing the development of reparative processes of chronic wounds at the remodeling stage in an experiment, and to analyze the features of the histostructure of rat skin in the area of chronic wound healing. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 12 white rats. Animals were randomized into intact and experimental groups, with 6 participants in each group. Chronic wounds were induced in the experimental group. Rats were euthanized on the 28th day of the experiment. In the blood serum, the insulin, cortisol, IFN-γ, and TGF-β1 levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Histological examination was carried out using generally accepted methods. Results. It was shown that the concentrations of insulin, cortisol, and TGF-β1 in animals of the experimental group were almost doubled compared to intact rats. The level of IFN-γ in animals with wounds was 1.2 times lower than in intact rats. Microscopic examination showed that the wounds were at the stage of remodeling. At the same time, signs of inflammation are partially preserved, which may indicate chronicity of the reparative process. Conclusions. Understanding the mechanisms of reparative processes during wound healing will allow for the development of clinical protocols to improve care for patients with injuries.

Individual and combined effects of commercial glyphosate, atrazine and 2,4-D herbicides on the gerbil ventral prostate

Exposure to pesticides, individually or in a mixture, in drinking water is one of the main sources of human contamination, which causes adverse effects on the reproductive system. Our study aimed to investigate, the effects of a 90-day exposure to low concentrations of glyphosate (GLY), atrazine (ATZ), and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), in commercial formulations, on morphological, molecular, and hormonal parameters of the ventral prostate of gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). The animals were exposed via drinking water to individual concentrations of GLY: 700 μg/L, ATZ: 3 μg/L, and 2,4-D: 70 μg/L, as well as to their mixture (MIX). Our findings showed an increase in prostatic complex relative weight in ATZ-exposed animals. Stereological and morphometric techniques indicated an increase in the percentage and thickness of muscular stroma, following an increase in the amount of collagen and reticular fibers in the MIX group. Histopathological analysis showed a decrease in the incidence of epithelial atrophy, subepithelial inflammation, and microacini in the MIX. On the other hand, ATZ-exposed animals showed an increase in hyperplasia and total prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). The expression of caspase-3 decreased and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) increased in the 2,4-D and MIX. Western blotting showed an increase in estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) expression in MIX-exposed animals. Testosterone levels decreased in animals from the GLY, ATZ and 2,4-D groups. Our findings provide evidence that individual or combined exposure to herbicides causes hormonal imbalance and morphological alterations, besides favoring the incidence of proliferative lesions in the prostate, predisposing the gland to more severe injuries.

Visceral adipose tissue, epicardial fat, and hepatic steatosis in polycystic ovary syndrome: a study of ectopic fat stores and metabolic dysfunction.

In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ectopic fat accumulation remains debatable. Therefore, intra-abdominal, hepatic, and epicardial fat were compared between PCOS women and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls and their associations with metabolic and hormonal parameters were explored. Furthermore, the performance of echocardiographic epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) and hepatic steatosis measurement using transient elastography-based controlled attenuation parameter (TE-CAP) in screening abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was originally evaluated. Women aged 18-39 years with BMI < 35 kg/m² were recruited. PCOS was defined by the Rotterdam criteria. All participants underwent clinical and laboratory exams, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), TE-CAP, and echocardiography. A receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to evaluate the accuracy and optimal cutoff values of TE-CAP and EATT in predicting DXA-measured VAT. The study included 35 women with PCOS and 37 controls. PCOS women exhibited higher levels of androgens, insulin resistance (IR) parameters, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, VAT, and EATT. VAT correlated with IR and triglycerides, whereas EATT correlated with HDL-cholesterol. In PCOS women aged 18-29, the cutoff values of CAP and EATT for VAT were 198.0 and 3.07, respectively, with CAP showing higher area under the curves (AUC). In PCOS women aged 30-39, the cutoff values were 209.5 and 3.36, respectively, with EATT showing higher AUC. VAT correlates with more metabolic parameters in PCOS than TE-CAP or EATT. TE-CAP is useful for VAT screening in PCOS patients aged 18-39 years, whereas EATT is effective and outperforms CAP in those aged 30-39 years.

Melatonin increases superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) levels and improves rat ovarian graft function after transplantation

BackgroundOvarian cryopreservation is a promising technique despite being hindered by damage from freezing and thawing. Melatonin can mitigate this outcome.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of melatonin on the follicular dynamics of ovarian tissue in a cryopreserved cell culture.MethodsThree-month-old adult female Wistar rats (n = 24) weighing approximately 250 g were oophorectomized and divided into two groups (n = 12): the control group (CG) and the melatonin group (MG). In the CG, slow cryopreservation was performed according to the standard protocol with Medium M2 and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). In MG, melatonin diluted in ethyl alcohol vehicle at a concentration of 0.1 μm was added to the culture medium. In both groups, the ovaries were cryopreserved by slow freezing and kept in liquid nitrogen for 24 h. Subsequently, after thawing, the ovaries were reimplanted in the retroperitoneum, one on each side of the great vessels (inferior vena cava and aorta). After 30 days, the animals were euthanized during the diestrus phase; then, the grafts were removed and processed for histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses, whereas the blood was subjected to biochemical analysis. Student’s t test was used to assess the difference between the groups.ResultsThe FSH levels in MG (83.79 ± 32.37) were lower than those in CG (120.52 ± 36.59), p = 0.03. The FSH/AMH ratios were also lower in MG (3.53 ± 1.13) than in CG (6.52 ± 2.85), p = 0.001. The SOD2 immunoexpression was higher in MG than in CG regarding all parameters except for the degenerated follicles (follicular cells and internal thecal cells): CG (16.80 ± 4.80 [13.36–20.24]) and MG (14.91 ± 4.04 [12.01–17.79]) p = 0.351. Statistically, the difference in intact follicles (theca + interstitium) between CG (6.60 ± 2.59 [4.75–8.45]) and MG (9.31 ± 3.09 [7.09–11.51]) was significant (p = 0.049), with a small difference in the expression of regular antral follicles.ConclusionsMelatonin can improve the quality of cryopreserved tissues, as evidenced in this study, and the evaluation of cryopreserved ovarian grafts, as shown in the melatonin group with better hormonal parameters and greater immunohistochemical expression of the SOD2 antioxidant. Thus, damage is reduced during cryopreservation and transplantation is improved.

Genomic association of SNPs rs4077582 of CYP11A1 and rs700519 of CYP19A1 genes with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Several candidate genes have been shown to be associated with PCOS. Previous studies have shown that variations in CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 genes are associated with hormonal dysregulation associated with PCOS in different ethnic populations. This study aims to investigate the genomic association between SNPs rs4077582 of CYP11A1 and rs700519 of CYP19A1 and the development of PCOS in Pakistani population. A total of 280 subjects were recruited for the study, including 142 PCOS cases diagnosed based on Rotterdam criteria and 138 age-matched controls. The anthropometric, hormonal and biochemical parameters of all subjects were analyzed. Genomic DNA was extracted and genotyping of the selected SNPs was performed using Sanger sequencing. Further, we also examined the genotypic-phenotypic correlation analysis for various clinical and biochemical parameters for SNP rs4077582 of CYP11A1. We found significant differences in allele frequency (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.30-0.60, χ2 = 16.3693, p = 0.000052) and genotypic frequency (χ2 = 26.4376, p = 0.00001) between PCOS women and controls for SNP rs4077582 of CYP11A1. Genotype-phenotype correlation analysis showed a significant difference in FAI (p = 0.005), testosterone (p = 0.001), androstenedione (p = 0.005) and urea (p = 0.049) levels between the three genotypes. No association between SNP rs700519 of CYP19A1 and PCOS was observed. Our results suggest the role of SNP rs4077582 of CYP11A1 gene in the clinical manifestation of PCOS in Pakistani women.

Impact of polyethylene microplastics exposure on kallikrein-3 levels, steroidal-thyroidal hormones, and antioxidant status in murine model: protective potentials of naringin

The widespread presence of microplastics in the environment has raised significant concerns regarding their potential impact on human and animal health. Among various microplastic types, polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) are particularly prevalent due to the extensive use in packaging and consumer products. Exploring the uncharted therapeutic potentials of naringin, this study delves into its mitigating effects on disruptions in kallikrein-3 levels, steroidal-thyroidal hormone balance, and antioxidant defense triggered by PE-MPs exposure, paving the way for novel interventions in environmental toxin-induced endocrine and oxidative stress disorders. Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were randomly grouped into four: Control, PE-MPs (1.5 mg/kg), PE-MPs + NAR (1.5 mg/kg PE-MPs + 100 mg/kg NAR), and NAR (100 mg/kg). Hormonal and antioxidant parameters were assessed after 28 days of exposure. PE-MPs exposure caused a significant increase(p < 0.005) in the level of kallikrein-3 (KLK-3) while it significantly reduces the levels of testosterone (TST), luteinizing hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and Free-triiodothyronine (fT3) and Total cholesterol (TChol) concentration. PE-MPs exposure also disrupted significantly (p < 0.005) antioxidant profile by down-regulating the activities of glutathione-S-transferase, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reducing levels of glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AA) while concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased relative to control. However, the mitigating potentials of naringin on disruptions in hormonal and antioxidant profiles caused by PE-MPs exposure were demonstrated, as NAR normalized KLK-3, steroid, and thyroid hormone levels, cholesterol concentration, and enhanced antioxidant defense. This suggests that NAR is a promising protective agent against endocrine and oxidative damage induced by environmental contaminants such as microplastics.

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea and polycystic ovarian morphology: a narrative review about an intriguing association.

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA) is responsible for 20-35% of all cases of secondary amenorrhoea and, thus, is the second most common cause of secondary amenorrhoea after polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A high number of patients with FHA reveal polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) on ultrasound. The combination of amenorrhoea and PCOM can lead to confusion. First, amenorrhoeic women with PCOM fulfil the revised Rotterdam criteria and, thus, can easily be misdiagnosed with PCOS. Moreover, it has been claimed that some women with FHA and concomitant PCOM differ from those without PCOM in terms of endocrine regulation and metabolic traits. The main focus of this article was on studies about FHA, which differentiated between patients with or without PCOM. The aim was to estimate the prevalence of PCOM and to look if it has an impact on pathophysiologic, diagnostic and therapeutic issues as well as on long-term consequences. Peer review original and review articles were selected from PubMed searches for this review. Searches were performed using the search terms 'polycystic AND functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea'. The reference lists of publications found were searched for relevant additional studies. The inclusion criteria for publications were: English language, patients' age ≥ 18 years, year of publication >1980, original studies, validated diagnosis of FHA, and validated diagnosis of PCOM using transvaginal ultrasound. The prevalence of PCOM in women with FHA varied from 41.9% to 46.7%, which is higher than in healthy non-PCOS controls. Hypothetically, the high prevalence might be due to a mixture of silent PCOM, as in the general population, and pre-existing PCOS. Several differences in metabolic and hormonal parameters were found between FHA-PCOM and FHA-non-PCOM patients. While oestrogen deficiency is common to both groups of patients, FHA-PCOM patients have a higher BMI, higher levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and testosterone, a higher increase in LH in the course of a GnRH test, and lower sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels than FHA-non-PCOM patients. The differential diagnosis between FHA-PCOM and PCOS, especially PCOS phenotype D (PCOM and oligo-/anovulation without hyperandrogenism), can be challenging. Several parameters have been suggested, which are helpful though not absolutely reliable. They include the typical causes for FHA (excessive exercise, energy deficit, and/or psychological stress), the serum levels of LH, testosterone, and SHBG, as well as the progestin challenge test. Whether FHA-PCOM has a different risk profile for long-term consequences concerning patients' metabolic and cardiovascular situation as well as their bone mass, is unclear. Concerning therapeutic aspects, there are only few data about FHA-PCOM compared to FHA-non-PCOM. To treat anovulation, the use of pulsatile GnRH treatment seems to be equally effective in both groups. Similar to FHA-non-PCOM patients, pulsatile GnRH therapy would be more efficient than exogenous gonadotropins in FHA-PCOM patients. Women with FHA-PCOM present a special sub-population of FHA patients. The diagnostic pitfall of FHA-PCOM should be emphasized in clinical guidelines about FHA and PCOS. The fact that almost half of the women with FHA have an ovarian follicle excess (i.e. PCOM) in face of low gonadotropin serum levels suggests that the intra-ovarian regulation of folliculogenesis is subject to individual variations, for unknown reasons, either genetic or epigenetic. Further studies are needed to investigate this hypothesis. Not applicable.

Effects of metformin and curcumin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A factorial clinical trial

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women, associated with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances. Metformin and curcumin have shown promise in improving these metabolic and hormonal parameters individually, but their combined effects in PCOS remain unclear. MethodsWe conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week factorial trial involving 200 women with PCOS. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive metformin (500-mg/8 h) + placebo, nanocurcumin soft gel capsule (80-mg/8 h) + placebo, metformin (500-mg/8 h) + nanocurcumin (80-mg/8 h), or double placebo. Lipid profiles, glucose metabolism markers, hormonal parameters, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed at baseline and week 12. ResultsThe combination of metformin and curcumin demonstrated significant improvements in lipid profiles, glucose metabolism, hormonal parameters, body weight, and BMI compared to individual agents or placebo. Greater reductions in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) levels were observed with the combination therapy, along with increased high-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol. Additionally, the combination therapy significantly improved markers of glucose metabolism and showed synergistic effects in reducing body weight and BMI. Reductions in testosterone and improvements in Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were also observed with combination therapy. ConclusionThe combination of metformin and curcumin demonstrates superior efficacy in improving lipid profiles, glucose metabolism, hormonal parameters, body weight, and BMI in women with PCOS compared to individual agents or placebo. This highlights the potential synergistic effects of combining these agents for the management of PCOS.

The effect of zinc supplementation on endocrine parameters and hormonal profiles in women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The effect of zinc supplementation on endocrine parameters and hormonal profiles in women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Caregiving, caring intensity, and allostatic load: A comparison of caring to others inside and outside the home

ObjectiveCaregiving to a sick or disabled relative is a key chronic stress model in health psychology. However, caregiving is not uniformly stressful, and this study tested whether caregiving effects on life satisfaction and allostatic load varies by caring intensity, i.e., caring within the home, outside the own home, or both (e.g. Dual caring). MethodUsing data from the UK Understanding Society Wave 2, a sample of non-caregivers (N = 3149) and caregivers (N = 562) met inclusion criteria and completed measures of life satisfaction and provided blood samples for capturing endocrine, cardiovascular and immune parameters for assessment of allostatic load. ResultsDual caregivers had lower life satisfaction compared to non-carers, and other caregiver groups. Further, dual caregivers had higher levels of allostatic load compared to non-carers and those caring within the home and those caring outside the home. These group differences withstood adjustment for several co-variates including gender, education, income and lifestyle factors. ConclusionsThese results confirm that caregiving is not uniformly stressful with dual caring, an index of caring intensity being more damaging for health. The findings are also discussed in relation to the caregiver-control model of chronic stress.

Interaction of MMP-9 in the active phase of Graves' disease with and without ophthalmopathy.

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is expressed as orbital inflammation, and serum levels of several proinflammatory cytokines have been studied among patients with Graves' disease (GD) with and without TED; however, a more sensitive and specific marker for the different phases of GD and TED is still lacking. Seventeen active TED, 16 inactive TED, 16 GD without TED, and 16 healthy controls were recruited. Serum IL-17A, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 were measured by multiplex bead assay. TED hormone and eye parameters were evaluated, and their relationship with cytokine levels was analyzed. Serum MMP-9 was higher in active TED than healthy controls, whereas IL-17A was lower among these patients than in GD without TED and healthy controls. No differences were found in MMP-3 and MMP-2 concentrations. MMP-9 levels were lower in patients with inactive TED who underwent radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy and those on levothyroxine replacement. MMP-9 levels were elevated in patients on methimazole. A negative correlation was found between age at assessment and time of follow-up with MMP-9 levels in inactive TED. Free T3 and ophthalmometry values were positively correlated with MMP-9 in the GD without TED and inactive TED groups, respectively. In conclusion, serum MMP-9 was increased in patients with active TED and was related to the RAI treatment, longer follow-up time, and higher ophthalmometry in patients with inactive TED, as well as thyroid function in GD without TED. MMP-9 may be involved in both the active phase of TED and the active phase of inflammation related to GD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study addresses clinical aspects of specific ophthalmological examination and serum cytokine concentrations of patients with Graves' disease (GD) with and without ophthalmopathy. Our findings suggest that MMP-9 may be involved in the active phase of ophthalmopathy and in the active phase of GD. The central question is whether MMP-9 is a potential target for future treatments.

Physiological and hormonal changes between postmenopausal rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus in women

It is thought that sex hormones are playing an actual role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The purpose of this study was to determine the differences of some hematological, hormonal and immunological parameters between the postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. This study contained 75 postmenopausal women (52-65 years old). They included 25 women diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, 25 diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and 25 normal controls. Blood was collected and used to determine complete blood count (CBC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) tests. Serum was separated and used to determine Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Prolactin, cortisol, Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, rheumatoid factor (RF) and Immunoglobulin E (IgE). The results indicated that both patients’ groups had anemia. However, the RA group had leukocytosis, but the SLE group had leukopenia. Moreover, thrombopenia occurred only in SLE patients. Although the levels of FSH and cortisol were significantly higher, the levels of LH, Estrogen and testosterone had significantly dropped in both patient groups. Interestingly, the level of progesterone was higher in the SLE and lower in the RA group. Moreover, the levels of RF, ESR and IgE were significantly increased in both patients’ groups. In conclusion, there were many differences in hematological and hormonal levels between postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Such findings need future work to find out the reasons for these differences and how they could be used in future treatment strategies.

Maternal low-dose caffeine intake during the perinatal period promotes short- and long-term sex-dependent hormonal and behavior changes in the offspring.

Maternal caffeine crosses the placenta and mammary barriers, reaching the baby and, because his/her caffeine metabolism is immature, our hypothesis is that even a low caffeine intake (250 mg/day), lower than the dose limit recommended by the World Health Organization, can promote caffeine overexposure in the offspring, leading to short- and long-term changes. Pregnant Wistar rats received intragastric caffeine (CAF) (25 mg/Kg/day) or vehicle during the gestation and lactation periods. We evaluated morphometrical, metabolic, hormonal, and behavioral parameters of male and female offspring at different ages. Even a low caffeine intake promoted lower maternal body mass and adiposity, higher plasma cholesterol and lower plasma T3, without changes in plasma corticosterone. Female CAF offspring exhibited lower birth weight, body mass gain and food intake throughout life, and hyperinsulinemia at weaning, while male CAF offspring showed reduced food intake and lower plasma T3 at weaning. At puberty and adulthood, male CAF showed higher preference for palatable food, aversion to caffeine intake and higher locomotor activity, while female CAF only showed lower preference for high fat diet (HFD) and lower anxiety-like behavior. At adulthood, both male and female offspring showed higher plasma T3. Male CAF showed hypertestosteronemia, while female CAF showed hypoinsulinemia without effect on glucose tolerance. A low caffeine intake during the perinatal period affects rat's offspring development, promoting sex-dependent hormonal and behavior changes. Current data suggest the need to review caffeine recommendations during the perinatal period.

Effect of heat stress on physiological, haemato-biochemical and hormonal parameters of Vechur cattle in the tropical highlands of Kerala

Effect of heat stress on physiological, haemato-biochemical and hormonal parameters of Vechur cattle in the tropical highlands of Kerala

Metabolic and Hormonal Parameters in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-sectional, Multicenter Study in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women globally, characterized by metabolic, hormonal, and reproductive disturbances. This study aims to elucidate the specific metabolic and hormonal intricacies of PCOS within the Bangladeshi demographic, addressing a noticeable dearth of comprehensive investigations in this population. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Endocrine Department of Ibn Sina Medical College Hospital and the National Healthcare Network Uttara Executive Center from January 2022 to March 2023. The study included 237 participants diagnosed with PCOS based on the modified Rotterdam criteria. Data collection encompassed demographic details, clinical parameters, and laboratory investigations recorded systematically through history taking, physical examinations, and laboratory analyses. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Analysis Software Studio Version. Results: The study revealed a mean age of 25.1 years among 237 participants, with 70.5% married and 33.5% having children. Hormonal assessments uncovered intriguing patterns, including elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and an increased LH:follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio. Weight distribution highlighted a significant association between obesity and fatty liver. Despite an elevation in thyroid-stimulating hormone levels among obese PCOS individuals, FSH, LH, and testosterone levels showed no significant differences between obese and nonobese groups. Conclusion: In-depth analysis of metabolic and hormonal parameters in Bangladeshi PCOS patients contributes to the global understanding of PCOS, while offering insights specific to this demographic. The study has implications for tailored therapeutic interventions and refined diagnostic criteria, potentially improving clinical outcomes for individuals affected by PCOS in Bangladesh and beyond.