Hormonal Parameters Research Articles

The effect of thrombosis-related laboratory values on mortality in COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19 may cause thrombosis in both venous and arterial systems. Familiarity with the signs and symptoms of thrombosis and its treatment is essential in treating COVID-19 infection and its complications. D-Dimer and mean platelet volume (MPV) are measurements related to the development of thrombosis. This study investigates whether MPV and D-Dimer values could be used to determine the risk of thrombosis and mortality in the COVID-19 early stages. 424 patients who were COVID-19 positive, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, were randomly and retrospectively included in the study. Demographic and clinical characteristics such as age, gender, and length of hospitalization were obtained from the digital records of participants. Participants were divided into living and deceased groups. The patients' biochemical, hormonal, and hematological parameters were analyzed retrospectively. White blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, and monocytes were significantly different in the two groups (p-value <0.001), and their values were lower in the living group than in the deceased group. MPV median values did not differ according to prognosis (p-value = 0.994). While the median value was 9.9 in the survivors, it was 10 in the deceased. Creatinine, procalcitonin, ferritin, and the number of hospitalization days in living patients were significantly lower than in patients who died (p-value <0.001). Median values of D-dimer (mg/L) differ according to prognosis (p-value <0.001). While the median value was 0.63 in the survivors, it was found as 438 in the deceased. Our results did not show any significant relationship between the mortality of COVID-19 patients and their MPV levels. However, a significant association between D-Dimer and mortality in COVID-19 patients was observed.

Factors Affecting Thyroid Elastography in Healthy Children and Patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most common form of thyroiditis in childhood. In addition to thyroid ultrasonography, shear-wave elastography (SWE) can evaluate thyroid parenchyma tissue stiffness, and more detailed findings can be obtained. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between SWE values and clinical, biochemical and hormonal parameters of individuals both in patients with HT and in healthy individuals. We compared 46 newly diagnosed HT cases with 46 healthy controls. We examined the effect of all metabolic parameters and thyroid-related markers on SWE values. The mean SWE values in patients with euthyroid HT were 12.5 ± 5.1 kilopascal (kPa), it was 8.2 ± 2.82 kPa in healthy controls (p< 0.001). Although the clinical (age, gender and body mass index) and laboratory parameters (such as thyroid function tests, HOMA-IR, IGF-1 values, which we think may affect SWE scores) of children with HT and healthy controls were statistically similar (p> 0.05), except for thyroid autoantibodies and thyroglobulin, SWE values and thyroid volume were significantly higher in individuals with HT (p< 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the direction and degree of the effect of the variables on thyroid elasticity scores, it was observed that age (p: 0.002), BMI SDS (p: 0.04) and Anti-TPO (p: 0.008) levels were effective on the thyroid elasticity score in the regression model. We detected a SWE cut-off value of 9.68 kPa with 68% sensitivity and 72% specificity, a 70% positive predictive value, and a 69% negative predictive value in thyroid elastography to differentiate cases with HT from healthy controls. Our results show that any metabolic factor other than BMI SDS has no effect on SWE scores, especially in healthy children. There is a positive correlation between BMI SDS and SWE in healthy children (r=0.353; p=0.02), but not in the patients with HT (r=0.196; p=0.19). Likewise, age is another factor affecting SWE in only healthy children. We do not recommend routine evaluation of any laboratory parameter other than thyroid functions before thyroid elastography.

Metformin effect on internal carotid artery blood flow assessed by area under the curve of carotid artery Doppler in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Insulin resistance (IR) was reported in most polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) cases. Metformin, a biguanide drug, successfully reduced IR. Homeostatic Model Assessment for IR (HOMA-IR) and Doppler parameters assessed metformin's effectiveness. To verify whether the area under the curve of the internal carotid artery (AUC-ICA) Doppler wave can be a useful marker for assessing IR among PCOS cases who presented with menstrual irregularity and were treated with metformin over 6 mo. An observational, cross-sectional study recruited 54 eligible PCOS women; the anthropometrics were as follows: age, body mass index (BMI), menstrual cycle days, biochemical serum cholesterol, low and high-density lipoprotein, sex hormone-binding globulin, fasting blood glucose, and HOMA-IR, hormonal testosterone, luteinizing hormone over follicle-stimulating hormone ratio, and ultrasonic pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI), carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and (AUC-ICA) parameters were initially recorded and repeated 3 mo and 6 mo later with metformin tab 500 mg; three times/day for 6 mo. In addition, AUC-ICA was assessed by taking repeated systolic and diastolic wave height measurements. Metformin caused a progressive reduction in BMI, menstrual cycle days, biochemical hormonal, and Doppler parameters (CIMT, PI, RI, and AUC-ICA). AUC-ICA correlated strongly to all PCOS parameters. AUC-ICA correlated inversely with treatment time (r = -0.98, P < 0.001) and positively with HOMA-IR (r = 0.98, P < 0.0001). Via the best subset regression model, the AUC-ICA had the highest predictive value for HOMA-IR. AUC-ICA preceded PI, RI, and CIMT with a strong, meaningful correlation to all PCOS parameters, making it a reliable marker for the assessment of IR, especially during metformin therapy. Further studies are recommended to promote the application in practice.

Diabetes and thyroid through the prism of some metabolic abnormalities

Introduction: Thyroid dysfunction (TD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are the two most common chronic endocrine disorders with variable prevalence among different populations. Both insulin and thyroid hormones are affected by autoimmune pathology and they do affect cellular metabolism, being a part of the metabolic syndrome. However, the correlations between T2DM and TD have not yet been sufficiently defined, followed by ambivalent results from previous studies.Objectives: The study was conducted to compare the metabolic parameters of patients with T2DM with and those without AITD so as to determine the existence of a correlation between these and hormonal parameters (TSH, FT4).Design and methods: This are documented observational case-control study that included 31 subjects with T2DM and AITD and 25 with T2DM without AITD. Sessions were conducted at the Clinic for Internal Medicine of the University Clinical Center in Tuzla. Individual metabolic parameters were analyzed, and in a broad evaluation, the values of hormonal and immune parameters were monitored and documented.Results: There were no differences in age, gender and BMI of the examined groups. There was a statistically significant difference between the values related to OS, SKT, DKT, PGN, 2h ppPG, and HbA1c. A statistically significant correlation was found between TSH and females, FT4 and BMI (rS = 0.375 pvalue = 0.045) as wellas a correlation between TSH and HbA1c (rS = 0.313 pvalue = 0.019) and TSH and 2x ppPG (rS = 0.281, pvalue = 0.036).Conclusion: The expression of metabolic control parameters is strongest in the group of patients with diabetes and AITD. Their identification as a risk factor and the detection of their subclinical signs are extremely important for the early implementation of preventive and therapeutic strategies, which could change the course of diabetic complications and significantly improve prognosis of diabetes.

Impact of 6-month triptorelin formulation on predicted adult height and basal gonadotropin levels in patients with central precocious puberty.

Triptorelin, a long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, is available in 1-, 3-, and 6-month formulations to treat central precocious puberty (CPP). The triptorelin pamoate 22.5-mg 6-month formulation recently approved for CPP offers greater convenience to children by reducing the injection frequency. However, worldwide research on using the 6-month formulation to treat CPP is scarce. This study aimed to determine the impact of the 6-month formulation on predicted adult height (PAH), changes in gonadotropin levels, and related variables. We included 42 patients (33 girls and nine boys) with idiopathic CPP treated with a 6-month triptorelin (6-mo TP) formulation for over 12 months. Auxological parameters, including chronological age, bone age, height (cm and standard deviation score [SDS]), weight (kg and SDS), target height (TH), and Tanner stage, were evaluated at baseline, and after 6, 12, and 18 months of treatment. Hormonal parameters, including serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol for girls or testosterone for boys, were analyzed concurrently. The mean age at treatment initiation was 8.6 ± 0.83 (8.3 ± 0.62 for girls, 9.6 ± 0.68 for boys). The peak LH level following intravenous GnRH stimulation at diagnosis was 15.47 ± 9.94 IU/L. No progression of the modified Tanner stage was observed during treatment. Compared to baseline, LH, FSH, estradiol, and testosterone were significantly reduced. In particular, the basal LH levels were well suppressed to less than l.0 IU/L, and the LH/FSH ratio was less than 0.66. The bone age/chronological age ratio remained stable with a decreasing trend (1.15 at the start of treatment, 1.13 at 12 months, 1.11 at 18 months). PAH SDS increased during treatment (0.77 ± 0.79 at baseline, 0.87 ± 0.84 at the start of treatment, 1.01 ± 0.93 at six months, and 0.91 ± 0.79 at 12 months). No adverse effects were observed during treatment. The 6-mo TP suppressed the pituitary-gonadal axis stably and improved the PAH during treatment. Considering its convenience and effectiveness, a significant shift to long-acting formulations can be expected.

Sexual attraction to visual sexual stimuli in association with steroid hormones across menstrual cycles and fertility treatment

BackgroundSteroid hormones (i.e., estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) are considered to play a crucial role in the regulation of women’s sexual desire and sexual attraction to sexual stimuli throughout the menstrual cycle. However, the literature is inconsistent, and methodologically sound studies on the relationship between steroid hormones and women’s sexual attraction are rare. MethodsThis prospective longitudinal multisite study examined estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone serum levels in association with sexual attraction to visual sexual stimuli in naturally cycling women and in women undergoing fertility treatment (in vitro fertilization, IVF). Across ovarian stimulation of fertility treatment, estradiol reaches supraphysiological levels, while other ovarian hormones remain nearly stable. Ovarian stimulation hence offers a unique quasi-experimental model to study concentration-dependent effects of estradiol. Hormonal parameters and sexual attraction to visual sexual stimuli assessed with computerized visual analogue scales were collected at four time points per cycle, i.e., during the menstrual, preovulatory, mid-luteal, and premenstrual phases, across two consecutive menstrual cycles (n = 88 and n = 68 for the first and second cycle, respectively). Women undergoing fertility treatment (n = 44) were assessed twice, at the beginning and at the end of ovarian stimulation. Sexually explicit photographs served as visual sexual stimuli. ResultsIn naturally cycling women, sexual attraction to visual sexual stimuli did not vary consistently across two consecutive menstrual cycles. While in the first menstrual cycle sexual attraction to male bodies, couples kissing, and at intercourse varied significantly with a peak in the preovulatory phase, (all p ≤ 0.001), there was no significant variability across the second cycle. Univariable and multivariable models evaluating repeated cross-sectional relationships and intraindividual change scores revealed no consistent associations between estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone and sexual attraction to visual sexual stimuli throughout both menstrual cycles. Also, no significant association with any hormone was found when the data from both menstrual cycles were combined. In women undergoing ovarian stimulation of IVF, sexual attraction to visual sexual stimuli did not vary over time and was not associated with estradiol levels despite intraindividual changes in estradiol levels from 122.0 to 11,746.0 pmol/l with a mean (SD) of 3553.9 (2472.4) pmol/l. ConclusionsThese results imply that neither physiological levels of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone in naturally cycling women nor supraphysiological levels of estradiol due to ovarian stimulation exert any relevant effect on women’s sexual attraction to visual sexual stimuli.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ ПРАКТИЧЕСКОГО ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ СПЕЦИАЛИЗИРОВАННЫХ РЕФЕРЕНТНЫХ ИНТЕРВАЛОВ ГОРМОНАЛЬНЫХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ У НЕСОВЕРШЕННОЛЕТНИХ СПОРТСМЕНОВ ДЛЯ ДИАГНОСТИКИ ЭНДОКРИННОЙ ПАТОЛОГИИ

Results of hormonal tests of highly qualified athletes can differ significantly from the general population standards, which makes their interpretation difficult. The purpose of this research was to compare the prevalence of hormonal changes in adolescent athletes according to both the standard and the specialized reference intervals (RI). Materials and methods used: 2550 adolescent athletes, of which 1483 (58.1%) boys and 1067 (41.9%) girls from 28 kinds of sport aged 14 years to 17 years and 11 months old (ME: 16.1±1.1 y/o). All the young athletes have undergone the study of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (T4 test), cortisol, somatotropic hormone (STH) and total testosterone (chemiluminescent method with Lazurite automatic analyzer by Dynex Technologies Inc., USA) as part of an in-depth medical checkup of athletes in accordance with the Order of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia No. 134n dated March 01, 2016, on the basis of the Federal Scientific and Practical Center for Children and Adolescents of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia (Moscow, Russia). The assessment of the hormonal profile was carried out according to both the standard RI and the specialized RI for young athletes. Results: when assessing the endocrine status of young athletes according to the standard RI, the frequency of hormonal changes was 30.6%, and 22.1% according to the specialized RI. When using specialized RI in male athletes, an increase in TSH and cortisol is recorded 2 times less often (p&lt;0.001 for both parameters), an increase and decrease in total testosterone is determined in isolated cases, and hypersecretion of growth hormone is detected 6.5 times more often (p&lt;0.0001). An increase in TSH when assessed using specialized RI in female athletes occurs 2 times less often (p&lt;0.001). Hypersecretion of cortisol and growth hormone is recorded 20% (p=0.34) and 51% (p=0.02) less frequently, respectively. Conclusion: the use of the new RI does allow reducing of the frequency of detection of hormonal changes in adolescent athletes by 8.5% (p=0.03). The use of specialized RI of hormonal parameters in adolescent athletes to interpret TSH levels does not contradict with the modern clinical guidelines when deciding about the appointment of hormone replacement therapy for young athletes with subclinical hypothyroidism. The level of total testosterone, equal to 2.84 nmol/l, in young male athletes aged 16 to 17 y/o cannot be considered as a variant of the norm. The diagnostic value of determining growth hormone and cortisol in highly qualified athletes in adolescence is doubtful due to the high variability of the studied parameters and the complexity of interpreting the results obtained for practical use by a pediatric endocrinologist.

Fertility in Acromegaly: A Single-Center Experience of Female Patients During Active Disease and After Disease Remission.

Fertility represents a major concern in patients with acromegaly. The current retrospective study aimed to investigate gonadal function and fertility rates in acromegalic women. In this referral-center study, 50 acromegalic women with disease onset within reproductive age were evaluated for prevalence of gonadal dysfunction and infertility. Anthropometric, metabolic, hormonal parameters, and gynecological ultrasound were evaluated at diagnosis and after disease control. Data about menstrual disturbances, pregnancy, and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) were investigated at disease onset, at diagnosis, and after disease control. At presumed disease onset, menstrual disturbances were reported in 32% of patients. Uterine leiomyoma, ovarian cysts, and PCOM were diagnosed in 18%, 12%, and 8%, respectively; 36.8% of patients were infertile. At diagnosis, menstrual disturbances were found in 58.1% (P = .02), being significantly more prevalent in patients with higher insulin-like growth factor-I quartiles (Q) (P = .03, Q1 vs Q4). Gynecological ultrasound revealed uterine leiomyoma, ovarian cysts, and PCOM in 39.1% (P = .04), 28.2% (P = .09), and 13% (P = .55), respectively. The infertility rate was 100% (P = .02). At disease control, menstrual disturbances were slightly decreased as compared to diagnosis (P = .09). Noteworthy, menstrual disturbances (P = .05) and particularly amenorrhea (P = .03) were significantly more frequent in patients with active disease duration greater than 5 years (median) as compared to those achieving disease control in less than 5 years. Among patients with pregnancy desire, 73.3% conceived at least once, with resulting infertility significantly decreased compared to diagnosis (26.7%; P = .01). At-term deliveries, preterm deliveries, and spontaneous abortions were recorded in 86.7%, 6.6%, and 6.6%, respectively, of the 15 pregnancies reported by the patients. No neonatal malformations and/or abnormalities were recorded. Gonadal dysfunction and infertility are common in acromegalic women within reproductive age, being directly influenced by disease status and/or duration.

Anti-cold Stress Effect of Aqueous Extract of Fruit Kernel of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. in Wistar Albino Rats

Background: Stress is a reflex reaction initiated by animals due to the inability to cope with a stressor, which may cause discomfort, illness, or sometimes death. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-cold stress potential of aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (fruit kernel) in Wistar albino rats. Methods: Rats were divided into five different groups (n=6). Cold stress was induced by exposing rats to cold environments during peak winter for 4 h/day for the 10-day experimental period. Groups 1 and 2 kept as healthy and stress-induced groups respectively. Group 3 received the Withania somnifera (100 mg/kg body weight) as a standard adaptogen. The Group 4 and 5 received Z. armatum at a dose rate of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Haemato-biochemical, stress and hormonal profile of all the groups were analyzed. Result: A significant hyperglycemia was observed in a stress-induced group compared to the healthy group. Elevated lipid peroxidase (LPO) and declined superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were recorded in stress-induced group concerning the healthy group. Hormonal analysis exhibited significant hypercortisolism with significant reduction in thyroxine (T4) values in stress- induced group. However, levels of LPO, SOD and hormonal parameters were recovered towards normal levels in a group 5, receiving a extract of Z. armatum (500 mg/kg). The present study revealed the anti-cold stress potential of aqueous extract of Z. armatum (fruit kernel) at a dose rate of 500 mg per kg body weight in rats.

Therapeutic Potential of Selenium Nanoparticles on Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Female Wistar Rats.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is considered the most frequent gynecological endocrine disorder that causes anovulatory infertility. The current study aimed to investigate the potential significance of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), an IL-1 inhibitor, in the treatment of letrozole-induced PCOS in rats that satisfied the metabolic and endocrine parameters found in PCOS patients. Letrozole (2ppm, per orally, p.o.) was given orally to female Wistar rats for 21days to develop PCOS. After PCOS induction, rats were given SeNPs (25ppm/day, p.o.), SeNPs (50ppm/day, p.o.), or metformin (2ppm/day, p.o.) for 14days. PCOS was associated with an increase in body weight, ovarian weight, ovarian size, and cysts, as well as an increase in blood testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and insulin, glycaemia, and lipid profile levels. The SeNP administration decreased all of these variables. Furthermore, SeNPs significantly reduced letrozole-induced oxidative stress in the ovaries, muscles, and liver by decreasing elevated levels of malondialdehyde and total nitrite while raising suppressed levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase. SeNPs increased the amounts of the protective proteins Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and OH-1. It was depicted from the study that SeNPs reduce the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines that are interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and the interleukin 1 (IL-1). Our findings show that SeNPs, through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, alleviate letrozole-induced PCOS.

The Impact of Acute Nutritional Interventions on the Plasma Proteome.

Humans respond profoundly to changes in diet, while nutrition and environment have a great impact on population health. It is therefore important to deeply characterize the human nutritional responses. Endocrine parameters and the metabolome of human plasma are rapidly responding to acute nutritional interventions such as caloric restriction or a glucose challenge. It is less well understood whether the plasma proteome would be equally dynamic, and whether it could be a source of corresponding biomarkers. We used high-throughput mass spectrometry to determine changes in the plasma proteome of i) 10 healthy, young, male individuals in response to 2 days of acute caloric restriction followed by refeeding; ii) 200 individuals of the Ely epidemiological study before and after a glucose tolerance test at 4 time points (0, 30, 60, 120 minutes); and iii) 200 random individuals from the Generation Scotland study. We compared the proteomic changes detected with metabolome data and endocrine parameters. Both caloric restriction and the glucose challenge substantially impacted the plasma proteome. Proteins responded across individuals or in an individual-specific manner. We identified nutrient-responsive plasma proteins that correlate with changes in the metabolome, as well as with endocrine parameters. In particular, our study highlights the role of apolipoprotein C1 (APOC1), a small, understudied apolipoprotein that was affected by caloric restriction and dominated the response to glucose consumption and differed in abundance between individuals with and without type 2 diabetes. Our study identifies APOC1 as a dominant nutritional responder in humans and highlights the interdependency of acute nutritional response proteins and the endocrine system.

Effects of a Dulaglutide plus Calorie-Restricted Diet versus a Calorie-Restricted Diet on Visceral Fat and Metabolic Profiles in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The effects of dulaglutide and a calorie-restricted diet (CRD) on visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and metabolic profiles in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have not been extensively investigated. In this study, we investigated whether dulaglutide combined with CRD could further reduce VAT and promote clinical benefits as compared with a CRD regimen alone in overweight or obese PCOS-affected women. Between May 2021 and May 2022, this single-center, randomized, controlled, open-label clinical trial was conducted. Overall, 243 participants with PCOS were screened, of which 68 overweight or obese individuals were randomly randomized to undergo dulaglutide combined with CRD treatment (n = 35) or CRD treatment alone (n = 33). The duration of intervention was set as the time taken to achieve a 7% weight loss goal from baseline body weight, which was restricted to 6 months. The primary endpoint was the difference in the change in VAT area reduction between the groups. The secondary endpoints contained changes in menstrual frequency, metabolic profiles, hormonal parameters, liver fat, and body composition. As compared with the CRD group, the dulaglutide + CRD group had a considerably shorter median time to achieve 7% weight loss. There was no significant between-group difference in area change of VAT reduction (-0.97 cm2, 95% confidence interval from -14.36 to 12.42, p = 0.884). As compared with CRD alone, dulaglutide + CRD had significant advantages in reducing glycated hemoglobin A1c and postprandial plasma glucose levels. The results of the analyses showed different changes in menstruation frequency, additional metabolic profiles, hormonal markers, liver fat, and body composition between the two groups did not differ significantly. Nausea, vomiting, constipation, and loss of appetite were the main adverse events of dulaglutide. These results emphasize the value of dietary intervention as the first line of treatment for PCOS-affected women, while glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist therapy provides an efficient and typically well tolerated adjuvant therapy to aid in reaching weight targets based on dietary therapy in the population of overweight/obese PCOS-affected women.

Is marijuana a foe of male sexuality? Data from a large cohort of men with sexual dysfunction.

Although it has been assumed that chronic cannabis use may have an unfavorable impact on male sexual function and its metabolic correlates, evidence from clinical studies remains inconclusive. To investigate the relationship between cannabis use and sexual behavior, anthropometrics and metabolic/vascular profiles in a large series of men evaluated for sexual dysfunction. A total of 4800 men (mean age 50.8 years) attending an andrology outpatient clinic for sexual dysfunction were studied. Sexual symptoms, hormonal, metabolic, and instrumental (penile color Doppler ultrasound, PCDU) parameters were evaluated according to the reported habitual use of recreational substances (no use, 1-2 joints/week, >2 joints/week, and use of illicit drugs other than cannabis). When compared with non-users, cannabis users were younger and exhibited a lower prevalence of comorbidities as well as better PCDU parameters, despite reporting higher alcohol and tobacco consumption. After adjustment for confounders, cannabis use was associated with a greater instability in the couple's relationship and a higher frequency of masturbation. In addition, the group smoking >2 joints/week showed a significantly lower body mass index than both controls and users of substances other than cannabis. Men who reported using recreational drugs (either cannabis or other) exhibited significantly lower levels of both total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol than non-users. At the PCDU, smoking 1-2 joints/week was associated with significantly higher dynamic peak systolic velocity than both non-drug use and use of >2 joints/week. Prolactin levels were significantly higher in individuals smoking 1-2 joints/week and in those who used substances other than cannabis when compared with controls, whereas no difference in total testosterone levels was observed. In men with sexual dysfunction, mild cannabis consumption may be associated with a more favorable anthropometric and lipid profile and with a better penile arterial vascular response to intracavernous prostaglandin injection.

Climacteric symptoms, age, and sense of coherence are associated with sexual function scores in women after menopause.

Postmenopausal sexual function presupposes the integration of hormonal, neural, and vascular interactions and is subject to optimal crosstalk among psychological, interpersonal, cultural, and environmental factors. Sense of coherence (SOC) reflects a person's ability to cope with stressors and may influence the occurrence of menopausal symptoms and sexual dysfunction. To investigate the association of severity of climacteric symptoms, cardiometabolic risk factors, and SOC with sexual function in postmenopausal women. Overall 281 sexually active postmenopausal women without significant psychopathology or cardiovascular disease attending the Menopause Unit of Aretaieion Hospital were evaluated by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Greene Climacteric Scale, Beck Depression Scale, and Sense of Coherence Scale. Hormonal and biochemical parameters and cardiometabolic risk factors were evaluated. FSFI scores <26.5 were considered pathologic. Total and subdomain scores of sexual response were determined. Pathologic FSFI scores were found in 79.7% of the sample. Linear models of multivariable regression analysis showed that FSFI scores were associated with (1) Beck scores (b = -0.200; 95% CI, -0.472 to -0.073, P = .001), vasomotor symptom severity (b = -0.324; 95% CI, -0.985 to 0.051; P < .001), and age and (2) SOC (b = 0.150, 95% CI, 0.036-0.331; P = .008), vasomotor symptom severity (b = -0.361; 95% CI, -0.743 to 0.245; P < .001), and age. Both models were adjusted for menopausal age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, type of menopause, and menopausal hormone therapy intake. SOC was associated with Beck depression scores (β = -0.487, P < .001; Greene Climacteric Scale total scores, β= -0.199, P < .001). FSFI score <26.5 vs >26.5 was associated with SOC (odds ratio,0.982; 95% CI, 0.563 to 1.947; P = .006) and moderate to severe vasomotor symptom severity (odds ratio,2.476; 95% CI, 1.478 to 3.120; P = .009) independent of age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, menopausal hormone therapy intake, type of menopause, or Beck depression classification. The results indicate the importance of psychometric assessment of postmenopausal women when presenting with scores of low sexual function. The severity of vasomotor symptoms should also be addressed in any case. This is the first study investigating the relationship between SOC and sexuality in menopause in a carefully selected homogenous population. Limitations included the cross-sectional design and the fact that sexual distress was not assessed. Pathologic FSFI scores were highly prevalent in this sample of postmenopausal women. FSFI is associated positively with age and severity of vasomotor symptoms and negatively with SOC.

Feed restriction as a tool for further studies describing the mechanisms underlying lipolysis in milk in dairy cows

Milk lipolysis is defined as the hydrolysis of triglycerides, which are the main component of milk fat. Short-chain fatty acids (FAs) released in milk are responsible for rancid flavour. In addition, the presence of partial glycerides impairs the functional properties of milk, such as foaming and creaming abilities. Milk lipolysis, a key criterion used to assess milk quality, depends on animal parameters and breeding factors. Low-energy diets are associated with higher levels of spontaneous lipolysis, particularly in late lactation. In this study, dairy cows were fed a restricted diet (i.e. 65% of their ad libitum DM intake (DMI)) to induce spontaneous lipolysis in milk and to study milk composition associated with lipolysis. Two groups of 22 cows each received a control diet (100% of ad libitum DMI) or the restricted diet according to a 2 × 2 crossover design. The restricted diet was fed for five days. As expected, feed restriction increased milk spontaneous lipolysis which was associated with an increase in lipoprotein lipase activity. At the same time, milk yield and protein content decreased and no effect was observed on milk fat content. The increase in spontaneous lipolysis was associated with an increase in milk fat globules diameter, without influencing casein micelles diameter. Feed restriction altered the parameters of dairy cow metabolism, with increases in plasma non-esterified FAs, triglycerides and urea, indicating body fat mobilisation and protein catabolism associated with feed restriction. Feed restriction also altered hormonal parameters, with decreases in plasma insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 and prolactin. As expected, lipolysis was higher in evening milk and was associated with a larger diameter of milk fat globules. This zootechnical approach will be completed with proteomic, lipidomic and transcriptomic studies of milk and/or mammary gland of animals selected for their extreme lipolysis.

Duration of untreated illness and clinical correlates in first-episode and drug-naïve patients with major depressive disorder

BackgroundsThe notion that a prolonged duration of untreated illness (DUI) leads to poorer outcomes has contributed to extensive changes in mental health services worldwide. However, most studies on DUI have focused on schizophrenia and related psychosis. This study aimed to assess the possible relationship between DUI and certain clinical correlates in first-episode and drug-naïve patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited 1718 first-episode and drug-naïve MDD outpatients. All participants were scored on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and thyroid hormone and metabolic parameters were measured. We used the Structure Clinical Interview for DSM-IV for clinical diagnosis and investigated suicide attempts through face-to-face interviews. ResultsA total of 171 (10%) of MDD patients had co-morbid psychiatric symptoms. Participants who were older, with lower education level, and married were less likely to seek a timely treatment compared to the counterparts. One-month longer untreated duration was associated with 2% to 9% higher odds of being with most of the investigated clinical conditions. For those with the longest DUI, the risk was increased for most of the investigated clinical conditions, with absolute risk differences ranging from 5.19% to 29.48%. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that longer DUI may be negatively associated with clinical correlates in MDD. Further long-term follow-up studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary results.

Mind and body in students' and teachers' engagement: New evidence, challenges, and guidelines for future research.

Traditionally, research in educational psychology has neglected the physiological foundations of motivation, emotion, engagement, and learning. Recent studies have made substantial progress to more fully consider physiological processes, as documented in the contributions to this special issue. In this commentary, I summarize their findings, discuss strengths and weaknesses, and outline directions for future research. The studies showcase how physiological indicators can be integrated in research in educational psychology. The resulting findings document links between cardiovascular, electrodermal, and hormonal parameters as well as physical activity and a range of mental and behavioural processes in educational settings. Together, they attest to the critical role of physiological processes in students' and teachers' engagement. However, most of the studies used small samples and correlational designs, and not all of the findings were consistent. To inform theory and practice in evidence-based ways, we need to make further headway in building a cumulative, coherent knowledge base. To this end, it may be helpful to more precisely specify the status of physiological indicators; secure construct symmetry of physiological, mental, and behavioural variables; use causal designs and within-person analysis; include sufficiently powered samples of participants and measurement occasions; employ multiple indicators and assessments to increase reliability and specificity; define the time windows and lags of assessments that are suited to capture physiological processes and their functions; and consider the role of socio-cultural contexts.

The effects of hormonal changes on sperm DNA integrity in oligoasthenoteratospermia individuals: A case-control study.

Hormonal imbalance is one of the important etiological factors for Oligoasthenoteratospermias (OAT). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hormonal changes including prolactin, TSH, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and anti-Mullerian hormone on sperm DNA fragmentation in normal men compared with OAT to design a clinical algorithm for the comprehensive study of male factor infertilities. We consecutively selected 60 candidates referred to the infertility clinic to collect the semen and blood samples. Then, a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling test was performed to evaluate the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). After semen analysis and DFI checking, they were classified into 4 groups consisting of normospermia and OAT men each with or without increased DFI. Hormone parameters were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunoassay. Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels showed positive correlations with DFI in a significant way (p 0.01), while testosterone and thyroid-stimulating hormone were associated with sperm concentration. Prolactin and anti-Mullerian hormone levels significantly correlated (p 0.01) with sperm concentration and DFI value simultaneously. Decreased and increased levels of serum hormones could adversely affect semen profile and sperm DNA integrity which lead to severe male infertility. Although we investigated the effects of the main hormones related to male infertility on DNA damage, the role of these hormones on the fertilization rate and embryo quality needs to be evaluated in further studies.

Biochemical and hormonal abnormalities in adult female acne.

Prevalence of adult patients with acne is increasing and women comprise majority of the cases. There is lack of data on biochemical and hormonal abnormalities in adult female acne (AFA). To evaluate biochemical and hormonal parameters in 60 patients of AFA. A cross-sectional observational study conducted from November 2018 to March 2020 in Dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in North India. Adult females (age > 25 years) with a clinical diagnosis of acne were included in the study. 60 cases of AFA were included. The age ranged between 26-41 years with mean age at presentation being 29.45 years. 53.3% patients had persistent acne while 46.7% had late-onset acne. 50% patients had history of premenstrual flare-up of their acne. Raised FBG was found in 25% patients. 10% had raised serum insulin levels. HOMA-IR index was deranged in 55% patients. At least one lipid alteration was reported in 91.6% of patients. In hormonal parameters, raised TT was present in 6.7%, LH in 3.3%, FSH in 18.3%, prolactin in 3.3%, and TSH in 15%. No association was found between acne severity and biochemical and hormonal parameters. Our study highlighted the importance of measuring lipid profile in AFA and calculating HOMA-IR index for measuring insulin resistance rather than simply measuring serum insulin levels. In our study, additional parameter deranged in significant number of patients was FBG. Hence, we recommend routine screening of lipid profile, FBG and calculation of HOMA-IR index in AFA.

The Effect of Tapering Period with and without Creatine Supplementation on Hormonal Responses of male football Players

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a tapering period with creatine supplementation on hormonal responses of men football players. Materials and Methods: The study sample included 18 male soccer players of the first division league (mean age: 18.77 ± 1.26 years, height: 174.5± 5.77 cm, and weight: 64.07± 6.99 kg) that were in the specific conditioning period who were randomly divided into two equal groups: Taper alone (n=9) and Taper with creatine supplementation (n=9). The levels of blood hormonal parameters including testosterone, cortisol and testosterone to cortisol ratio (T/C) were measured before and after the tapering period (10 days). Paired t-test and independent T-test was used to examine the differences within and between groups, respectively. Results: The results showed that the cortisol levels in the post-test compared to the pre-test decreased significantly in both groups (p≤0.05) ; While, there was no significant difference in testosterone and T/C (p≥0.05). Also, no significant difference was observed in the levels of testosterone, cortisol and T/C between the two groups. Conclusion: The taper period can reduce the cortisol levels of male soccer players, but creatine consumption has no significant effect on the levels of cortisol, testosterone and T/C ratio in the taper period.