Hormonal Parameters Research Articles

Olanzapine during lactation: impact on testicular morphometry and endocrine parameters in adult wistar rats.

Olanzapine (OLZ) is an antipsychotic medication used to treat postpartum psychiatric symptoms. It aimed to evaluate the effects of administering OLZ to lactating rats on testicular parameters of adult Wistar rats. Mothers received 2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg until weaning. Adult male rats showed decrease in body weight, weight of testes, epididymis, prostate, seminal gland and gonadosomatic index when higher doses of OLZ were administered. Testicular volumetric parameters, as well as the length of seminiferous tubules, were also reduced in animals treated with the highest doses of OLZ. The diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the height of the seminiferous epithelium were reduced. There was also a relevant decrease in the population of Sertoli cells and a relevant reduction in the volume of individual Leydig cells. Histopathological analysis of the testes showed lesions compatible with testicular degeneration in rats treated with the highest dose of OLZ. There was a significant reduction in plasma testosterone levels in all treatments. It is noted, therefore, that the adverse impact on the testes of the highest doses of the drug during the neonatal period persisted into adulthood, with the dose of 2.5 mg/kg of OLZ proving to be safer than the others.

Long-term effects of levetiracetam and valproic acid on laboratory parameters in childhood epilepsy

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in childhood which often requires long-term or sometimes lifelong treatment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the change in hematological and biochemical laboratory parameters at the 24th month compared to the treatment baseline values in pediatric epilepsy patients receiving levetiracetam (LEV) and valproic acid (VPA) monotherapy. Complete blood count panel, biochemical and hormonal parameters were investigated retrospectively at baseline and at 24 months in patients diagnosed with epilepsy at the Balikesir University Medical Faculty pediatric neurology clinic, Türkiye, and started on LEV and VPA monotherapy between 01.08.2019 and 01.08.2022. Forty-nine patients were using LEV and 14 VPA. A statistically significant difference in terms of the complete blood count parameters mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) was observed in the cases using LEV between baseline and the 24th month of treatment (p=0.006, p=0.004). Among the cases using VPA, significant differences between baseline and the 24th month of treatment were determined in the complete blood count parameters red blood cell (RBC), MCV, and monocyte (MON)% values (p=0.004, p=0.022, and p=0.01). In conclusion, epilepsy treatment is a lengthy process in pediatric patients, and patients need to be monitored using hematological and biochemical parameters at specific intervals in terms of potential seizure drug side effects.

Preventive effects of quercetin against inflammation and apoptosis in cyclophosphamide-induced testicular damage.

We aimed to investigate the effects of quercetin (QRC) against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced testicular damage and how it interacts with apoptotic and inflammatory signaling pathways. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, 10 in each group; Control group (corn oil, intragastrically, 14 days), QRC group (100 mg/kg QRC, dissolved in corn oil, 14 days), CP group (200 mg/kg CP, intraperitoneally, single dose on the 7th day), and CP+QRC group (100 mg/kg QRC, intragastrically, 14 days and 200 mg/kg CP, intraperitoneally, single dose on the 7th day). Animals were sacrificed one day after the last QRC application and the effects of quercetin were evaluated by histological, morphometrical, and hormonal parameters. Also, nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB), nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) immunoreactivities were evaluated immunohistochemically. CP increased the testicular weight/body weight ratio, significantly decreasing body weights and testicular weights. All hormone levels were also reduced significantly. Morphometrically, seminiferous tubules diameter and germinal epithelial thickness decreased, while a significant increase was determined in interstitial field width in addition to histological damage. Furthermore, immunohistochemical findings also indicated that NFkB and Bax immunoreactivity were increased in the CP group, whereas significant decrease was seen in Nrf2 and Bcl-2 immunoreactivity. Apoptotic cell and tubule index were reduced in CP. QRC ensured improvement in all findings. Data showed us, that QRC may have preventive effects in CP-induced testicular damage by acting on NFkB, Nrf2, Bax, and Bcl-2 pathways.

Antiosteoporosis effect of bryodulcosigenin on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in experimental rats.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease which commonly occurred in postmenopausal women. Almost 10 percent of world population and approximately 30% of women (postmenopausal) suffer from this disease. Alternative medicine has great success in the treatment of osteoporosis disease. Bryodulcosigenin, a potent phytoconstituent, already displayed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. In this study, we made effort to analyze the antiosteoporosis effect of bryodulcosigenin against ovariectomy (OVX) induced osteoporosis in rats. Swiss albino Wistar rats were grouped into fIve groups and given an oral dose of bryodulcosigenin (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) for eight weeks. Body weight, uterus, bone mineral density, cytokines, hormones parameters, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), and its ratio were estimated. Bryodulcosigenin significantly (p < 0.001) suppressed the body weight and enhanced the uterine weight and significantly (p < 0.001) increased the bone mineral density in whole femur, caput femoris, distal femur and proximal femur. Bryodulcosigenin significantly (P < 0.001) altered the level of biochemical parameters at dose dependent manner, significantly (P < 0.001) improved the level of estrogen and suppressed the level of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Bryodulcosigenin significantly (P < 0.001) improved the level of OPG and suppressed the level of RANKL. Bryodulcosigenin reduced the cytokines level and suppressed the TGF-β and IGF. We concluded that bryodulcosigenin is an antiosteoporosis medication based on the findings.

Serum Irisin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and its Alteration with Metformin Intervention.

Studies investigating the alterations of serum irisin and its change with metformin therapy in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are conflicting. Our aim is to study serum irisin in PCOS patients and the change of irisin levels with metformin therapy over 6 months. This is a randomized control study conducted in 187 PCOS cases and 94 age-matched controls aged 18-40 years. Detailed evaluation of anthropometric, biochemical, and hormonal parameters was performed. A subset of 99 overweight/obese patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥23 kg/m2 were stratified into a metformin group (n = 67) receiving 500 mg thrice daily and a lifestyle intervention-only group (n = 32). The effect of metformin therapy on serum irisin levels was measured at the end of 6 months. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS version 26.0 Software. Serum irisin was higher in PCOS patients than in controls [12.47 (8.1-17.7) vs 8.3 (7.0-9.6) ng/ml, P < 0.001], independent of BMI. Serum irisin showed a significant positive association with BMI (β =0.168), waist-to-hip ratio (β =0.166), leutinizing hormone (β =0.225), TG (β =0.305), FAI (β =0.151), and testosterone (β =0.135). Serum irisin showed a significant positive association with homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (β =0.14, P = 0.04) in overweight/obese PCOS patients only (n = 146) but not in the whole PCOS cohort (n = 187). Metformin reduced the median serum irisin levels significantly (13.9 to 12.1 ng/ml, P < 0.001), and the delta change in irisin levels was associated with HOMA-IR in the metformin group. Serum irisin is increased in PCOS patients independent of BMI. Metformin therapy reduced serum irisin levels in overweight/obese PCOS patients by improving insulin resistance.

Natural Heat Stress Affects Physiological, Hematological and Hormonal Parameters in North African Ram Breeds

Natural Heat Stress Affects Physiological, Hematological and Hormonal Parameters in North African Ram Breeds

Differences in the Characteristics and Factors Associated with Insulin Resistance in Normal Weight and Overweight Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women

OBJECTIVE This research aimed to compare clinical and biochemical parameters between normal and overweight-obese polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, and to determine the association between insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and anthropometric, biochemical and hormo-nal factors in both groups of PCOS. METHODS This study was of a cross sectional design. PCOS was diagnosed using the Revised Rotterdam Criteria 2003. Participants underwent history taking and physical examination. Blood samples were collected for FPG, insulin, lipid profiles, TSH, FSH, LH, SHBG, total testosterone, and free androgen index (FAI). Insulin resistance index was calculated by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR). Clinical and biochemical parameters were compared between both groups of PCOS. Associations between HOMA-IR and anthropometry, biochemistry and hormonal para-meters between groups were determined separately. RESULTS Sixty-four female with PCOS were enrolled. Comparison of biochemical analyses found that the free androgen index was higher and that LH and SHBG were lower in the overweight-obese group. HOMA-IR was greater in the overweight-obese group. In the overweight-obese group, there were statistically significant correlations between the HOMA-IR with the measured BMI, waist circumference, waist-height ratio, HDL, triglycerides, SHBG and the free androgen index. Interestingly, in the normal weight group, only the triglycerides, SHBG and the free androgen indix had a statistically significant correlation with HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS There were clear differences in the parameters related to insulin resistance between overweight-obese and normal weight PCOS; however, triglycerides, SHBG, and the free androgen index played a significant role in insulin resistance in both groups of PCOS. KEYWORDS homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome

Ameliorative effect of Withania somnifera on haemato-biochemical and hormonal parameters during heat stress in murrah buffalo calves

Ameliorative effect of Withania somnifera on haemato-biochemical and hormonal parameters during heat stress in murrah buffalo calves

Utility of Visceral Adiposity Index and Lipid Accumulation Products to Define Metabolically-Unhealthy Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Asian Indian Women - A Cross Sectional Study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women are at risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome (MetS) due to insulin resistance (IR) and hyperandrogenism (HA). Both visceral adiposity index (VAI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) are simple outpatient department-based metric tools that have been introduced to screen PCOS women who are metabolically unhealthy and are at risk of development of MetS. The aim of the study was to evaluate VAI and LAP in women with PCOS and to correlate them with metabolic and endocrine markers. The study also assessed these parameters amongst different PCOS phenotypes and determined their usefulness to define metabolically healthy PCOS (MH-PCOS) and metabolically unhealthy PCOS (MU-PCOS). The design of the study was a cross-sectional study. Two hundred PCOS women were included in the study, and all the clinical, anthropometric, hormonal, biochemical and metabolic markers were assessed. The cohort was divided into MH-PCOS and MU-PCOS by the modified National Cholesterol Education Programme criteria. VAI and LAP were calculated and correlated with clinical, endocrine and metabolic parameters. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to study the independent role of VAI and LAP to predict MetS. Adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios were calculated. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was done to define cut-offs in Asian Indian women. VAI and LAP had good ability to correctly discriminate MU-PCOS from MH-PCOS (area under the curve [AUC] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.89 [0.82-0.95]) and (AUC [95% CI [0.81-0.92] =0.86) using ROC, respectively. The sensitivity of VAI and LAP corresponding to the optimal cut-off of ≥2.76 and ≥48.06 (Youden) was 84.09% and 79.55%, respectively. Similarly, the specificity of VAI and LAP was 85.26% and 79.49%, respectively. VAI has a positive predictive value of 61.7% (95% CI [23.7%-40.3%]) and a negative predictive value of 95% (95% CI [88%-99.1%]). LAP has a positive predictive value of 53% (95% CI [40.3%-65.4%]) and a negative predictive value of 93.3% (95% CI [87.6%-96.9%]). PCOS women having VAI ≥ 2.76 had 19.3 times ([95% CI: 6.50-57.70]) more chance of developing MetS. PCOS women having LAP (≥48.06) have 3.7 times ([95% CI: 1.35-10.60]) more odds. There was no difference between ROC curves of VAI and LAP (P = 0.32). VAI cut-off ≥ 2.76 and LAP with a cut-off of ≥ 48.06 may be used as markers for predicting MetS amongst PCOS women.

Prediction of Reproductive Outcomes of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Cycles Using a Multivariate Scoring System.

Prediction of in vitro fertilisation (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) success is crucial in counselling patients about their real chance of getting a live birth before commencing treatment. A multivariate scoring system proposed by Younis et al., 2010, was amongst the predictive models used to evaluate IVF/ICSI success. The score entitles basal endocrine, clinical and sonographic parameters. The objective of this study is to assess the predictability of the Younis multivariate score for pregnancy outcomes in ICSI cycles. This prospective observational cohort study (NCT03846388) included patients who pursued IVF or ICSI in a tertiary infertility unit between February 2019 and December 2021. The score variables were age, body mass index, antral follicle count, basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), basal FSH/luteinising hormone ratio, infertility duration, number of previous cancellations and mean ovarian volume. For each woman included in the study, Younis multivariate score was calculated. Then, we correlate the different reproductive outcomes with score levels to validate the score predictability. A score of ≤14 was defined as a low score based on the previous study's results. The student's t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used to compare numerical variables, whereas categorical variables were analysed using the Chi-square test. A receiver operating curve (ROC) and a multivariate logistic regression model were used to investigate the predictability of the Younis scoring model for cycle outcomes. Two hundred ninety-two ICSI-ET cycles were analysed. Of the total cohort, 143 (48.97%) women included showed a low score (≤14), whereas 149 (51.03%) women showed a high score (>14). Women with low scores had significantly higher pregnancy and live birth rates compared to women with high scores (60.1% vs. 7.4%, respectively, P < 0.001; 44.7% vs. 6.7%, respectively, P < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) in the ROC curve analysis showed a higher predictability for the scoring system for live birth rate with an AUC of 0.796, with a sensitivity of 86.5% and specificity of 63.8% when using a cut-off level of ≤14. For pregnancy prediction, the AUC was 0.829, with a sensitivity of 88.66% and a specificity of 70.77% when using the same cut-off. Women who have a low score have a high chance of having frozen embryos. Likewise, women who have a high score have a very high chance of cycle cancellation. The Younis multivariate score can be used for the prediction of ICSI cycle outcomes and to calculate the chance of cycle cancellation, pregnancy and take-home baby before ICSI.

Eco-friendly synthesis and assessment of chrysin – primed zinc ferrite nanoparticles against vinyl chloride and 2-acetylaminofluorene model of hepatorenal injury in rats

Co-exposure to environmental toxicants is becoming an emerging problem globally. This study investigated the potential of chrysin-primed zinc-ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4@Chrysin) to counteract oxidative stress and inflammation in vinyl chloride (VC) and 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) induced liver and kidney toxicities in male Wistar rats. ZnFe2O4@Chrysin was identified using x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron micrographs. Molecular orbital distributions in chrysin were determined using Density Functional Theorem analyses. Forty –two rats were placed in six groups of seven animals each, and orally administered with ZnFe2O4@Chrysin (10, 20, 50 mg/kg), VC (50 mg/kg) and 2-AAF (30 mg/kg) over a period of 28 days. Liver and kidney function, lipid profile, oxidative stress, inflammation, endocrine and cancer parameters were evaluated. Treatment with ZnFe2O4@Chrysin ameliorated the VC + 2-AAF induced elevations in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride, urea, uric acid, and sodium and potassium levels. VC + 2-AAF also caused significant elevations in superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, myeloperoxidase levels which were restored by ZnFe2O4@Chrysin. Elevated levels of alpha fetoprotein, C-reactive protein (CRP) and thyroid stimulating hormone in VC + 2-AAF treated rats were significantly reversed by ZnFe2O4@Chrysin. ZnFe2O4@Chrysin also restored the histoarchitecture of the kidney and liver of rats exposed to VC + 2-AAF. This study suggests that ZnFe2O4@Chrysin offered protection against VC and 2-AAF induced alterations in biochemical indices of rats via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms.

Bone health in transgender assigned female at birth people: effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy and gonadectomy.

Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and gender-affirming surgery (GAS) may be desired by transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals who want to affirm their gender identity. Testosterone is the basis of GAHT for transgender individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB), whereas GAS can involve hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy, bilateral oophorectomy (BO), thorax masculinization, and phalloplasty. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of GAHT on the bone health of TGD AFAB individuals who have undergone or not undergone BO. This was a single-center, longitudinal study with retrospectively collected data. TGD AFAB GAHT-naïve individuals were enrolled and underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and laboratory tests (hormonal and bone metabolism parameters) at baseline and after 5 and 10 years of GAHT. Two hundred and forty-three TGD AFAB people were included in this study. Seventy-five subjects had completed data for 5 years and 19 subjects for 10 years of GAHT. At baseline, low bone density (Z-score < -2.0) was found in 2.5% (6/243) of subjects for lumbar spine (LS), whereas total hip (TH) and femoral neck (FN) Z-scores and laboratory tests were within the normal female range. After stratifying by physical activity, the physically active group showed significantly higher LS BMD and Z-scores (p ≤ 0.05). Five years after the start of GAHT, a significant reduction in LS (p ≤ 0.05), TH (p ≤ 0.001), and FN (p ≤ 0.01) Z-scores was detected. A significant reduction in the Z-scores of all three bone sites was observed only in the subgroup that had undergone BO. After 5 years of GAHT, estradiol levels were significantly decreased compared to those in baseline (p ≤ 0.001). Significantly higher estradiol levels were detected in the 5-year no-BO subgroup compared to those in the 5-year BO subgroup (p ≤ 0.001). A significant reduction in LS and TH Z-scores were observed after 10 years of GAHT. At this time, estradiol levels were significantly decreased compared to those in baseline (p ≤ 0.01). Bone density in TGD AFAB individuals is comparable to that in their peers prior to GAHT and BO, but those subjects who underwent BO had a reduced Z-score at LS, FN, and TH after 5 years and at LS after 10 years of GAHT.

Dynamics of hematological and oxidative parameters characterizing the nonspecific resistance of cows under technological stress

The aim of the work was to study the dynamics of biochemical, hormonal and oxidative parameters in the blood of cattle from the point of view of nonspecific resistance of animals under the action of technological stress. Technological stress was accompanied by the entry of cortisol into the blood, a significant intensification of lipid peroxidation processes, a decrease in the activity of the antioxidant system of the blood, and a change in the nonspecific resistance of the animal organism. On day 1 after technological stress, the content of cortisol and the level of DC in the blood increased by 2 times, an increase in MDA and OR, a decrease in catalase and reduced glutathione were observed. The most pronounced changes were recorded on days 3-14 after technological stress. The animals showed neutrophilia, monocytosis, lymphopenia and appearance of NEToses on days 3 and 14 after technological stress. On the 3rd day after technological stress, an increase in lysozyme activity of blood serum and a decrease in bactericidal activity were shown. Preservation of reduced indicators of reduced glutathione and lysozyme activity while maintaining cortisol at the upper limit of indicators relative to the initial values was recorded by 30 days in cows after technological stress. The data obtained indicate that the body’s defenses are a dynamic physiological indicator, which must be taken into account as a general resistance of the cattle body to stressors in order to prevent the disruption of the body’s adaptive capabilities.

Dilemmas concerning the course of pregnancy in patients with anorexia nervosa considering hormonal and somatic parameters.

Mental anorexia nervosa is a rare, potentially severe, chronic, and recurrent mental disorder that occurs more often in women than in men, especially during the childbearing years. The disorder is associated with an increased risk of mortality, mainly related to the physical consequences of severe malnutrition and suicide. Malnutrition of the body can cause serious hormonal and somatic problems. Despite significant hormonal disturbances that reduce fertility, a woman with anorexia can become pregnant. A new phenomenon now seen with increasing frequency is pregorexia, an eating disorder associated with pregnancy. It involves the use of dietary restrictions to avoid excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Pregnancy changes the hormonal economy mainly due to the development of the placenta, which secretes many hormones, not just sex hormones. Mental anorexia poses a significant risk to both mother and child if not diagnosed and treated properly. Treatment of anorexia involves simultaneous somatic and psychological treatment. During pregnancy, additional care should be taken to create an optimal environment for the developing foetus. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of research providing guidance in this area. Available studies are mainly case reports or reports focusing on specific clinical situations. It is worth noting that no study to date has attempted a comprehensive assessment of endocrine disruption in pregnant women with anorexia. Recognising the existing knowledge gap on endocrine disorders in pregnant women with anorexia nervosa, a systematic review of the literature was conducted.

Linum usitatissimum Delivery over Chitosan Nanobiopolymer: Enhanced Effects on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Condition.

Herein, chitosan nanoparticle (CHIT) was used as a safe and biocompatible matrix to carry flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) extract (FSE). The number of main features and bio-interface properties of CHIT-FSE were determined by SEM, DLS, FTIR, XRD, TGA, and zeta potential analyses and compared to those of chitosan lacking FSE. A GC-MS analysis was also conducted to reveal the bioactive compounds of FSE. The active anchoring of the FSE phytomolecules over chitosan nanoparticles with enhanced thermal and structural stability was correspondingly verified. Subsequently, the influence of CHIT-FSE, CHIT-TPP, and FSE supplementation was assessed on hormonal and biochemical markers of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in female rats and compared with untreated and healthy control groups. After 16 days of treatment, CHIT-FSE represented the best performance for controlling the serum levels of the studied biochemical (lipid profile and blood glucose level) and hormonal (insulin, testosterone, luteinizing, and follicle-stimulating hormone) parameters. Considering the negligible therapeutic activity of CHIT-TPP, the enhanced activity of CHIT-FSE compared to only FSE was expounded based on the potent action of chitosan nanoparticles in enhanced stabilization, bioavailability, transport, and permeability of the therapeutically important phytomolecules. As per the results of this investigation, supporting medically important biomolecules over chitosan can enhance their therapeutic effectiveness in controlling PCOS.

Ab. No. 107 Effects of Yogasana on Anthropometric Indices and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms in Women Undergoing Infertility Treatment: An Interventional Study

Introduction: Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) varies from 6.5 to 19.9% worldwide. Major symptoms include hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and ovarian cysts leading to infertility. Yogasana is an important factor in improving physical and mental symptoms, as well as hormonal and metabolic parameters, thereby addressing various diseases. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of Yogasana on BMI, FSH: LH ratio, and ultrasonography in patients with PCOS. Yogasana is a crucial component of physiotherapy treatment techniques that can target patients with PCOS. Methods: After screening for inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 31 subjects were included using sequential sampling techniques. At the end of 3 months, only 12 patients completed the treatment. All patients received a total of 60 minutes of treatment protocol, five days per week, including: 10 minutes of warm-up, 40 minutes of Yogasana (sitting, prone, and supine poses), 10 minutes of meditation, Baseline criteria for age, BMI, duration of suffering from the disease, FSH:LH ratio, and ultrasonography were recorded. Results: All the patients were women with a mean age of 31 ± 4 years, diagnosed with PCOS by ultrasonography, suffering for a mean of 14 ± 5 years. The Shapiro-Wilk test indicated that the data were not normally distributed. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied to pre and post-treatment data of BMI, FSH:LH ratio, ultrasonography, showing significant improvement in all parameters (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: PCOS is a chronic condition that cannot be cured; however, some symptoms can be improved through yogasana. Implications: Yogasana should be incorporated into the treatment of patients with PCOS to reinforce positive results.

Carotid intima media thickness as a marker of increased cardiovascular risk due to androgenic anabolic steroids in male bodybuilders: a cross-sectional study.

The usage of androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) leads to severe side effects. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of AAS on the increase in the carotid intima-media thickness which is regarded as predictor of cardiovascular disorders and determine the association of ASS usage to urinary, hepatic, and hematological systems as well as lipid disorders. A total of 60 male bodybuilders (30 AAS users with a mean age of 31.2±8.9 years and 30 AAS nonusers with a mean age of 31.2±8.9 years) were assessed in this cross-sectional study. The patients' demographic, radiologic, hormonal, and biochemical parameters were recorded. The carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured using B-mode ultrasound in both groups. Abdominal ultrasonography was used to assess for the presence of fatty liver. CIMT was significantly increased in AAS (0.72±0.13 mm) users than in the controls (0.47±0.07 mm) (P<0.001). The mean duration of AAS usage was 2.70±2.13 years. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the duration of AAS usage and CIMT (r=0.710; P<0.001). A statistically significant negative correlation among HDL, LH, and CIMT was found in the correlation analysis between biochemical parameters and CIMT among AAS users (respectively, r and P values were: r=0.399; P=0.029; r=-0.366; P=0.047; r=-0.287; P=0.035). Likewise, a negative correlation (r=-0.425; P=0.019) was found between FSH and CIMT. We found that the usage of AAS among male bodybuilders has led to an increase in CIMT, which is associated with poor cardiovascular health. The results of our study highlight the vital importance of educating male bodybuilders who use these chemicals about the side effects.

РОЛЬ АДИПОКИНОВ В ВОПРОСАХ ДИАГНОСТИКИ НЕАЛКОГОЛЬНОЙ ЖИРОВОЙ БОЛЕЗНИ ПЕЧЕНИ

Introduction. Currently, the main cause of chronic liver diseases and one of the leading indications for transplantation is considered to be non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The pathophysiology of the disease closely correlates with the abnormal relationship between adipose tissue and the liver, since inflammation is tightly linked to lipid metabolism. Metabolic dysfunction is manifested by insulin resistance of hepatic tissue, processes of fat accumulation in the cell (steatosis), inflammation in the form of steatohepatitis and, as the end of this process, fibrosis. Much attention is now being paid to hormones produced by adipose tissue, namely adipokines, due to their immunometabolic activity. The accumulated clinical database associates adipokines with the progression of NAFLD which may serve to expand the boundaries of diagnosis and the course of this disease. Aim. To determine the diagnostic significance of adipokines as markers of the development and progression of NAFLD in patients taking into account their nutritional status. Materials and methods. The study included a comprehensive assessment of nutritional status, including anthropometric parameters, bioimpedance analysis, assessment of actual nutrition, and evaluation of biochemical and hormonal parameters of patients. The study was performed at the Novosibirsk Regional Clinical Hospital for War Veterans No. 3 and the Research Institute for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, a branch of the Novosibirsk Institute of Cytology and Genetics. A total of 349 people participated in the study, including 113 NAFLD patients without obesity, 122 NAFLD patients with obesity, and 114 conditionally healthy individuals. Results. In patients with NAFLD, both obese and non-obese, compared to the control group, there are changes in body composition, biochemical parameters , as well as non-adherence to diet were detected when assessing actual nutrition. According to the results of the hormonal study, the patients have an increased level of adipokines. Adipsin values are significantly higher in the group of patients with NAFLD combined with obesity compared to the group of patients with NAFLD without obesity. The levels of visfatin, adipsin and PAI-1 confirmed their relationship with the nutritional status of patients with NAFLD, biochemical parameters, and non-invasive steatosis indices, while the level of visfatin was also associated with the fibrosis index FIB-4. Conclusion. The levels of adipokines can be considered as a non-invasive diagnostic marker reflecting the course and progression of NAFLD in patients with different nutritional status.

Effects of thyroid hormones modify the association between pre-pregnancy obesity and GDM: evidence from a mediation analysis.

Conflicting associations have been noted between thyroid function and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), with indications that pre-pregnancy BMI might influence these relationships. This study aims to examine the effect of thyroid hormone indices and their mediation role on the risk of GDM. Pregnant women in our study were recruited from the Zhoushan Pregnant Women Cohort, Zhejiang Province, China. Participants who had their first prenatal follow-up and measured thyroid biomarkers in the first trimester, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) records in the second trimester were eligible for inclusion in this study. The data were extracted from the Electronic Medical Record System database, at Zhoushan Maternal and Child Care Hospital. Maternal information about sociodemographic and health-related characteristics was extracted from the dataset. A unique personal identification number was provided to link both datasets. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to investigate the correlations between thyroid hormone indices with GDM. The interaction effects of first-trimester thyroid hormone indices with pre-pregnancy BMI on GDM risk using a generalized linear regression model. Furthermore, the mediation analysis was used to explore the potential mediating effects of thyroid hormone indices on the relationship between pre-pregnancy BMI and GDM. Overall, 5895 pregnant women were included in this study. The first-trimester FT4, thyroid feedback quantile-based index (TFQI), thyrotropin index (TSHI) and thyrotroph thyroxine resistance index (TT4RI) levels were negatively associated with fasting blood glucose (FBG) and postprandial blood glucose (PBG2H) in the second trimester (all P<0.05); FT3 and the FT3-to-FT4 ratio levels were positively associated with PBG1H and PBG2H in the second trimester (all P<0.05). Moreover, there were significant correlations between the highest quartile FT4, FT3, FT3-to-FT4 ratio, TSHI, and TFQI with GDM (all P < 0.05). The mediating effect of thyroid hormone parameters was 24.9% on the association between pre-pregnancy BMI and GDM. In conclusion, the low FT4, high FT3-to-FT4 ratio, and low TFQI in the first trimester significantly increase the risk of GDM and should be given more attention. Furthermore, increased pre-pregnancy BMI might partially increase the risk of GDM by influencing the body's thyroid function.

Effects of carnosine supplementation on markers for the pathophysiological development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in a diet-induced model

Consumption of diets high in sugar and fat is related to the development of Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Carnosine (CAR) is a dipeptide with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action and has been studied for treating diseases. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of CAR on diet-induced MASLD in rats. Male Wistar rats were distributed into 2 groups (17 weeks): normocaloric (Co, n = 12), and hypercaloric diet rich in lipids and simple carbohydrates (MASLD, n = 12). After, the animals were redistributed to begin the treatment with CAR (4 weeks): Co (n = 6), Co + CAR (n = 6), MASLD (n = 6), and MASLD + CAR (n = 6), administered intraperitoneally (250 mg/kg). Evaluations included nutritional, hormonal and metabolic parameters; hepatic steatosis, inflammatory and oxidative markers. MASLD group had a higher adiposity index, systolic blood pressure, glucose, plasma and liver triglycerides and cholesterol, insulin, hepatic steatosis, oxidative markers, and lower PPAR-α (Peroxisome Proliferator-activated receptor α), compared to the Co. CAR attenuated plasma and hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol levels, hepatic steatosis, CD68+ macrophages, and hepatic oxidative markers, in addition to increasing HDL cholesterol levels and PPAR-α, compared to the untreated MASLD group. CAR acts in importants pathophysiological processes of MASLD and may be a therapeutic compound to control the disease.