Hormone Treatment Research Articles

Screening for Breast Cancer Risk: An Analysis of Under-recognized Risk Factors and Comparison of Interventions.

Recognition of patients at high risk (HR) for breast cancer allows earlier screening and opportunities for risk reduction. We compare patients referred to our breast clinic as HR vs referrals for other reason (ROR) and found to be HR. We evaluate under-recognized factors and treatment differences. A retrospective chart review of patients found to be HR but referred for any reason to our breast clinic from July 2012 to December 2022 was performed. Referral reason, demographics, hormonal history, family history, and other risk factors were evaluated and compared (HR vs ROR). While other risk models were used for screening, Gail and Tyrer-Cuzick version 7 (TCv7) were used for comparison. Breast imaging received, hormonal therapy, and genetics referral evaluations were compared. 195 patients were referred to our breast team, 113 (58%) were referred as HR while 82 (42%) were ROR. Average age was 47 years old. 175 (91%) were Caucasian. 74 (65.5%) were referred for genetic testing, and 32 (26%) tested positive for a genetic mutation (n = 10, 12% ROR). 67 (35%) were recommended chemoprevention (n = 32, 16.4% took chemoprevention). 6 (3.1%) underwent prophylactic mastectomies and 163 (85%) had supplemental breast imaging. Comparison of HR vs ROR did not show significant differences in hormonal factors or treatments received; however, TCv7 was higher in the group referred as HR (P < .001). Our study showed that HR patients are more commonly referred secondary to family history but undergo similar treatments as those ROR. Accessibility to screening tools and education of risk factors, especially in minorities and those not otherwise being screened, may help better recognize HR.

Comparison of the effectiveness of prepubertal growth hormone treatment on height and predicted adult height in children with short stature born small for gestational age vs. with a growth hormone deficiency.

We compared the effects of growth hormone (GH) treatment on height and predicted adult height in children with short stature born small for gestational age (SGA-SS) vs. with a growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This retrospective study analyzed the background and clinical characteristics of children who presented to Tanaka Growth Clinic for short stature and were diagnosed with either SGA-SS or GHD and underwent treatment with GH. We compared differences in height, height velocity, GHdose increases, insulin-like growth factor-1 levels, and bone-age/chronological-age ratio between the two groups. Out of these children, 33 SGA-SS and 54 GHD children started GH treatment before the age of 8 years, witha mean dose of 0.25 mg/kg/week and 0.20 mg/kg/week, respectively. At treatment initiation, the age and height standard deviation scores (SDS) of the SGA-SS group were significantly lower than those of the GHD group. The height velocity was significantly greater in the SGA-SS group for 3 years owing to higher GH doses and younger age. No notable differences in puberty onset height or predicted adult height were observed between the two groups for boys or girls. The increase in height SDS from the start of GH treatment until the onset of puberty was substantially greater in the SGA-SS group than in the GHD group for both sexes. Adult height of patients with SGA-SS is expected to resemble that of patients with GHD but may notreach the-1.0 SD achieved with GH treatment of those patients in Western countries.

Rational corticosteroids administration and antibiotic treatment is key to managing cutaneous anthrax

BackgroundAnthrax is a global health concern, with cutaneous anthrax accounting for over 95% of cases and generally promising outcomes. Nonetheless, the absence of timely intervention can result in mortality rates of 10–40%. This research aims to explore the clinical presentations and phenotypic characteristics of cutaneous anthrax patients and evaluate the efficacy of various therapeutic approaches.MethodsA retrospective study was performed on 76 cutaneous anthrax patients identified at three hospitals from 2017 to 2022. Patients were categorized based on their hospital stay into two groups: those hospitalized for at least seven days and those for shorter durations. We assessed their clinical and phenotypic profiles, including symptoms, general health status, and laboratory findings, alongside treatment outcomes, focusing on corticosteroids therapy and antibiotic regimens.ResultsThe study encompassed 76 diagnosed individuals, predominantly young adult males (78.9%). A significant gender disparity was noted. Hormonal treatment markedly improved edema regression in patients (P < 0.002), highlighting its therapeutic value. The impact of various antibiotic treatments on disease progression differed significantly based on corticosteroids treatment status, with specific combinations showing more effectiveness in non-corticosteroids-treated patients.ConclusionsThe predominance of young male adults among cutaneous anthrax cases was observed, with corticosteroids treatment significantly reducing edema duration. In cases where corticosteroids therapy is not utilized, employing piperacillin-tazobactam alone or in combination with quinolones effectively shortens the illness duration, suggesting a tailored approach to treatment can enhance patient outcomes.

Response of children with Turner syndrome with different types of karyotype abnormalities to growth hormone treatment.

Short stature is the main characteristic of Turner syndrome (TS) patients and growth hormone (GH) therapy has been essential for achieving the final adult height (Ht). In the present study, the response of TS patients with different types of karyotype abnormalities to GH therapy was analyzed. The clinical parameters of 194 TS patients registered in the LG Growth Study were retrospectively reviewed. Data for 4 groups of subjects were obtained as follows: monosomy X (n=56); X structural abnormality (n=26); X mosaicism without structural abnormality (n=41); X mosaicism with structural abnormality (n=71). Clinical characteristics and growth response parameters were compared over 3 years of GH treatment. The baseline Ht standard deviation score (SDS) of all patients was -2.85±0.86. The baseline Ht SDS, body mass index SDS, and chronological age (years)-bone age (years) were significantly different based on chromosomal abnormalities. The growth velocity (GV; cm/yr) in the first year was the highest and significantly different among the groups. The GV in the second year also showed an increase in the X mosaicism without structural abnormality group compared with the monosomy X group. The change in Ht SDS (ΔHt SDS) over 3 years was not statistically different between karyotypes. The response to 3 years of GH therapy did not differ based on the karyotype of TS patients although the initial Ht SDS was the lowest in the monosomy X group.

Exogenous Hormone Treatments in Maize.

Plant hormones have key functions in plant morphology, physiology, and stress responses. Studies on the biology of hormones and their effect on plant physiology and metabolism are greatly facilitated by the exogenous application of these compounds. In general, methods for exogenous hormone application are easy and fast, and provide useful information about their effects in planta. Although hormone effects have been studied in several plant species, the used methods need to be tailored specifically to each species to get robust data. Maize is an established model for basic and applied research, and an excellent system for studying the effects of hormones on developmental and stress responses in a cereal crop. Different methods have been reported for the exogenous application of plant growth regulators in maize, including watering, spraying, immersion, and application to the apical whorl. These various methods are useful to analyze hormone responses at different developmental stages, in specific organs, and within tissues. As with all exogenous application assays, suitable experimental design and the inclusion of proper controls are critical factors in these methods, to obtain reliable and reproducible results. Here, we provide an overview of various methods for hormone exogenous application in maize, and technical considerations to get successful results.

Self-determination and self-affirmative paths of trans* and gender diverse people in Portugal: Diverse identities and healthcare

Abstract Background Trans* and gender diverse (TGD) people are very heterogeneous. While legal contexts and healthcare practices have been growingly endorsing self-determination and consent for gender affirmative care in some countries, gender affirmation trajectories need to be understood as unique and fluid processes, constructed and negotiated by each individual in a given social and cultural context. This study aimed to characterize diverse profiles of TGD people in Portugal, regarding individual choices and trajectories in social, legal, and medical gender affirmative processes. Methods A questionnaire, first developed in France and used in Brazil, Italy, Norway, and Chile, was adapted to the Portuguese context. The conducted survey is comprised of 120 questions, organized into six sections: 1) sociodemographic variables; 2) gender affirmation processes and medical and psychological care; 3) general health and sexual health; 4) mental health; 5) sexuality and sexual concerns; 6) experiences of discrimination and gender identity. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 115 adults who identified as TGD. Content analysis was performed on the written responses, and later categorized. Results Approximately 21% of people identified as men, 17% as trans men, 7% as women, 12% as trans women, 26% as non-binary persons, and 17% as agender or other identifications. Differences were calculated among profiles of TGD participants and their choices for affirmative care, social, and legal transition, revealing an association between the way people self-identify and the request for legal recognition of gender identity, as well as the choices of procedures (or aspirations) for medical affirmation (i.e., hormonal treatments, top surgery, bottom surgery). Conclusions The provision of health care practices consistent with the principles of self-determination requires training of health care professionals and adjustment of public policies, to allow for unique trajectories and profiles.

Improving RCCE-IM for LGBTQ+ migrants: Lessons learned from COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Background To foster equity during a pandemic event, public health practitioners must be mindful of social and political circumstances that inform poor health. This is especially true for populations who are exposed to several factors that structure health inequity, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise queer identifying (LGBTQ+) populations. We aim to report on the specific challenges of LGBTQ+ people, including those who belong to the migrant communities, during the COVID-19 pandemic and find out their needs in risk communication (RC), community engagement (CE) and infodemic management (IM). Methods We will first review findings of studies conducted in Portugal, UK, Italy, Brazil, Chile, and Sweden, between 2020-2023, in the context of “Project Global Queerantine”, then report on the additional challenges that LGBTQ+ people faced when living in migrant communities. Results LGBTQ+ individuals perceived their psychological wellbeing to have been greatly affected by the pandemic. Stressors included fear of the disease itself, and fear of spreading the virus, as well as the negative consequences of adhering to the recommendations of social distancing, which constantly interplayed with the marginalized position of being a LGBTQ+ person. Limited access to the LGBTQ+ community was a common stressor for trans individuals who faced prolonged waiting times for “gender dysphoria” assessment and hormone treatment. The intersectionality of vulnerability mechanisms experienced by LGBTQ+ migrants exacerbated all these issues, as did challenges in accessing and comprehending COVID-19-related information. Conclusions During health crises, it is critical for RCCE-IM efforts to consider the increased mental health issues and disruption of social support networks that LGBTQ+ people may face. Strategies and examples of good practices for RCCE-IM that are specifically tailored to LGBTQ+ migrants will be developed in collaboration with the workshop participants.

Histological ovarian features and hormonal determinations in assigned females at birth transgender individuals according to different testosterone preparations.

Distinct androgen formulations have been used as gender-affirming hormone treatment, but little is known about the specific changes that may occur in the ovary depending on the testosterone preparation used. The study aims to evaluate the histological modifications of the ovarian tissue and the hormonal changes after gender-affirming surgery based on the testosterone preparation employed, such as testosterone cypionate or undecanoate. Unicenter transversal cohort study. Sixty transmasculine persons before and after gender-affirming surgery. A histological examination of the ovaries was conducted, including the follicular population and the characterization of the ovarian stroma. Hormonal status (testosterone, estradiol, FSH, and LH) were also assessed before and after the procedure. The median age of participants was similar between the two groups (27.9 vs. 26.7 years, p = 0.27). There were no differences in all hormonal determinations before gender-affirming surgery between the groups. After surgery, FSH levels increased significantly, especially in the testosterone undecanoate group compared to the cypionate group (72.3 vs. 38.3 U/L, p = 0.02), consistent with LH determinations (43.0 vs. 23.4 U/L, p = 0.02). However, no regimen modification was required for any individual. No statistical differences were observed in any parameter concerning the follicular population, nor were there any variances in the thickness of the tunica albuginea (p = 0.85) or the proportion of luteinized stromal cells. Nevertheless, there was a tendency toward increased luteinization in the testosterone cypionate group (88.2% vs. 76.9%, p > 0.05). In a cohort of transmasculine individuals using different androgen preparations, histological analysis of ovarian tissue revealed comparable findings. Both groups exhibited similar follicular populations and comparable modifications in stromal tissue. However, significant differences were observed in hormonal profiles, although no modification in testosterone dosage was needed.

The Functional Role of the Long Non-Coding RNA LINCMD1 in Leiomyoma Pathogenesis.

Existing evidence indicates that LINCMD1 regulates muscle differentiation-related gene expression in skeletal muscle by acting as a miRNA sponge, though its role in leiomyoma development is still unknown. This study investigated LINCMD1's involvement in leiomyoma by analyzing paired myometrium and leiomyoma tissue samples (n = 34) from patients who had not received hormonal treatments for at least three months prior to surgery. Myometrium smooth muscle cells (MSMCs) were isolated, and gene expression of LINCMD1 and miR-135b was assessed via qRT-PCR, while luciferase assays determined the interaction between LINCMD1 and miR-135b. To examine the effects of LINCMD1 knockdown, siRNA transfection was applied to a 3D MSMC spheroid culture, followed by qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses of miR-135b, APC, β-Catenin and COL1A1 expression. The results showed that leiomyoma tissues had significantly reduced LINCMD1 mRNA levels, regardless of patient race or MED12 mutation status, while miR-135b levels were elevated compared to matched myometrium samples. Luciferase assays confirmed LINCMD1's role as a sponge for miR-135b. LINCMD1 knockdown in MSMC spheroids increased miR-135b levels, reduced APC expression, and led to β-Catenin accumulation and higher COL1A1 expression. These findings highlight LINCMD1 as a potential therapeutic target to modulate aberrant Wnt/β-Catenin signaling in leiomyoma.

Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of Phospholipase C Gene Family Reveals Orthologs, Co-Expression Networks, and Expression Profiling Under Abiotic Stress in Sorghum bicolor.

Phospholipase C (PLC) is an essential enzyme involved in lipid signaling pathways crucial for regulating plant growth and responding to environmental stress. In sorghum, 11 PLC genes have been identified, comprising 6 PI-PLCs and 5 NPCs. Through phylogenetic and interspecies collinearity analyses, structural similarities between SbPLCs and ZmPLCs proteins have been observed, with a particularly strong collinearity between SbPLCs and OsPLCs. Promoter function analysis has shown that SbPLCs are significantly enriched under abiotic stress and hormonal stimuli, like ABA, jasmonic acid, drought, high temperature, and salt. Gene co-expression networks, constructed using a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), highlight distinct expression patterns of SbPLC1, SbPLC3a, and SbPLC4 in response to abiotic stress, providing further insights into the expression patterns and interactions of SbPLCs under various environmental stimuli. qRT-PCR results reveal variations in expression levels among most SbPLCs members under different stress conditions (drought, NaCl, NaHCO3), hormone treatments (ABA), and developmental stages, indicating both specific and overlapping expression patterns. This comprehensive analysis offers valuable insights into the roles of SbPLCs in sorghum, shedding light on their specific expression patterns, regulatory elements, and protein interactions across different environmental stimuli and developmental stages.

Genomic Identification and Expression Analysis of Regulator of Chromosome Condensation 1-Domain Protein Family in Maize.

Abiotic stress affects the growth and development of maize (Zea mays). The regulator of chromosome condensation 1 (RCC1)-containing proteins (RCPs) plays crucial roles in plant growth and development and response to abiotic stresses. However, a comprehensive analysis of the maize RCP family has not been reported in detail. This study presents a systematic bioinformatics analysis of the ZmRCP family, identifying a total of 30 members distributed across nine chromosomes. The physicochemical properties and cis-acting elements in the promoters of ZmRCP members are predicted. The results of subcellular localization showed that ZmRCP3 and ZmRCP10 are targeted to mitochondria and ZmRCP2 is localized in the nucleus. A heatmap of expression levels among family members under abiotic stress conditions revealed varying degrees of induced expression, and the expression levels of 10 ZmRCP members were quantified using RT-qPCR under abiotic stress and plant hormone treatments. The results showed that ZmRCP members exhibit induced or inhibited responses to these abiotic stresses and plant hormones. These results contribute to a better understanding of the evolutionary history and potential role of the ZmRCP family in mediating responses to abiotic stress in maize.

A loss-of-function mutation in OsTZF5 confers sensitivity to low temperature and effects the growth and development in rice.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is highly sensitive to low temperatures, which can significantly reduce its production. Cold tolerance in rice is a complex trait regulated by multiple mechanisms. OsTZF5, a member of the CCCH-type zinc finger gene family in rice, has been previously reported that overexpressing OsTZF5 under the stress-responsive promoter can confer drought resistance. In this study, we showed that the loss of function mutants of OsTZF5 decreased seed germination rate and chilling tolerance in rice, and influencing normal growth and development. OsTZF5 is expressed in various parts of the rice plant, including roots, stems, leaves and inflorescences, with the highest expression levels observed in leaves. Additionally, the expression of OsTZF5 gene was influenced by various stress conditions and hormone treatments. OsTZF5 knock-out mutants exhibited significantly lower survival rates compared to the wild type (Zhonghua11, ZH11) after cold stress, as well as fewer tillers, lower thousand-grain weight, and reduced grain yield under normal conditions. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that the expression of cold stress-related genes was significantly down-regulated in OsTZF5 knock-out mutants compared to ZH11 after cold stress. This down-regulation likely contributes to the reduced cold stress tolerance observed in OsTZF5 knock-out mutants. Our findings suggest that OsTZF5 is a multifunctional gene that plays a crucial role in regulating cold stress in rice.

Cardiometabolic risk assessment in transgender individuals - differential impact of sex hormones and sex chromosomes.

While transgender individuals represent a significant group seeking medical care, the differential effect of sex on cardiometabolic risk metrics is incompletely understood. Therefore, the current study aimed to characterize the impact of sex hormones and chromosomes on a contemporary panel of cardiometabolic risk biomarkers and functional cardiovascular measurements. 17 transmen and 17 transwomen were studied at baseline (T0), 4 weeks (hormonal castration, T1), and 11 months following gender-affirming hormone treatment (T12). We analyzed carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and arterial stiffness, lipoproteins and other metabolites comprehensively by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) from macrophages. T0 to T12 comparisons informed the impact of sex hormones, comparisons of genetic XX and XY individuals at T1 the impact of sex chromosomes. Vascular function was comparable at T12 and T0; systolic blood pressure increased in transmen (p=0.002). Transmen developed a pro-atherogenic lipoprotein profile, estrogen treatment in transwomen tended to result in improvements. Several metabolites indicating increased diabetes risk including plasma glucose were changed in transmen (p=0.025), with opposite changes in transwomen (p=0.002). Interestingly, at T1 apparent diabetes risk was lower in XX compared with XY individuals (p=0.002). CEC decreased in transwomen (p<0.01), while remaining unchanged in transmen. However, in both groups the strong positive association of apoA-I with cholesterol efflux observed at T0 was lost at T12. The results are consistent with increased cardiometabolic risk in transmen, while transwomen show beneficial changes early during gender-affirming hormone therapy. Sex chromosomes have less intrinsic effects. XY individuals and transmen display an increased apparent diabetes risk. Further research of cardiometabolic risk is needed for transgender individuals.

Effectiveness of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone treatment in patients with oligo-asthenospermia at different levels of DNA fragmentation index: A phase II clinical trial

Abstract Objective This study aimed to perform an evaluation of changes in spermogram parameters after follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) therapy in infertile males having oligo-asthenospermia at different levels of DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Materials and methods Infertile men with oligo-asthenospermia, no underlying urogenital disease (such as varicocele), and medically fertile partners were enrolled over 1 year. Semen parameters, FSH, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone levels were determined; also, a Sperm DNA Fragmentation Assay Kit (Hamun Teb Pishro, Tehran, Iran) was used for determining sperm DFI at baseline .Participants were categorized into three groups based on DFI: DFI &lt;15% (group 1), DFI of 15%–30% (group 2), and DFI &gt;30% (group 3). All participants received subcutaneous recombinant FSH (150 mg every other day) for 6 months. Sperm specimens were tested 6 months after intervention (a single sperm control test). Results Sixty males whose average age was 28.4 years were enrolled. Only group 3 (poor fertility) exhibited a significant rise in sperm concentration (p = 0.001) and motility (p &lt; 0.05) after FSH treatment. Group 1 (DFI &lt;30 fertility) and group 2 (DFI of 15%–30%) showed increased mean sperm concentration and motility postintervention, although these alterations were not significantly different. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels increased significantly in all three groups after FSH administration. Serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels were not significantly increased in any of the groups. Conclusions FSH treatment improves sperm concentration and motility in men with oligo-asthenospermia, with significant improvements observed in men with DFI &gt;30%. DNA fragmentation index can be a predictive indicator of response to FSH treatment in such patients.

Heat stress: a major threat to ruminant reproduction and mitigating strategies.

Stress is an external event or condition that puts pressure on a biological system. Heat stress is defined as the combination of internal and external factors acting on an animal to cause an increase in body temperature and elicit a physiological response. Heat stress is a set of conditions caused by overexposure to or overexertion at excess ambient temperature and leads to the inability of animals to dissipate enough heat to sustain homeostasis. Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and cramps are among the symptoms. For the majority of mammalian species, including ruminants, heat stress has a negative impact on physiological, reproductive, and nutritional requirements. Reproductive functions, including the male and female reproductive systems, are negatively affected by heat stress. It decreases libido and spermatogenic activity in males and negatively affects follicle development, oogenesis, oocyte maturation, fertilization, implantation, and embryo-fetal development in females. These effects lead to a decrease in the rate of reproduction and financial losses for the livestock industry. Understanding the impact of heat stress on reproductive tissues will aid in the development of strategies for preventing heat stress and improving reproductive functions. Modification of the microenvironment, nutritional control, genetic development of heat-tolerant breeds, hormonal treatment, estrous synchronization, timed artificial insemination, and embryo transfer are among the strategies used to reduce the detrimental effects of heat stress on reproduction. These strategies may also increase the likelihood of establishing pregnancy in farm animals.

Response of Different Exogenous Phytohormones to Rice Yield Under Low-Temperature Stress at the Filling Stage

This paper aims to clarify the effects of different exogenous phytohormones on the physiological traits of rice (Oryza sativa L.) at the early stage of irrigation under low-temperature stress. In this study, two types of rice varieties with different temperature sensitivities screened out previously, namely, a cold-tolerant variety (Nan Jing 9108) and a low-temperature-sensitive variety (Hui Liang You 898), were used in pots to simulate the process of low-temperature stress in rice at the early stage of grouting (6–9 days after anthesis) with artificial low-temperature treatments. The experimental treatments were 450 mg L−1 Methyl jasmine acid (MJ), 46 mg L−1 Melatonin (MT), 69 mg L−1 Salicylate (SA), 40 mg L−1 Erythromycin (GA3), 25 mg L−1 Zeatin (Z), 145 mg L−1 Spermidine (SPD), and 5 mg L−1 Abscisic acid (ABA) sprayed on rice before low-temperature stress, while low-temperature treatment without spraying (DK) and conventional planting without spraying (CK) were added as the control. The results showed that compared with the room temperature control (CK, sprayed with deionized water), the low-temperature control (DK, low-temperature treatment, and sprayed with deionized water) all significantly reduced the rice grain yield. Different exogenous hormones sprayed before low-temperature stress could increase rice yield, among which, Z and SPD spraying treatments had a better effect on the yield of Hui Liang You 898, while different exogenous hormone treatments increased the yield of Nan Jing 9108 in an average manner. The Z and SPD treatments increased the yield of Hui Liang You 898 by 24.87% and 26.16% and that of Nan Jing 9108 by 15.87% and 17.80%, respectively. This was mainly attributed to the significant increase in thousand-grain weight and fruiting rate, while there was no significant difference in the number of spikes and number of grains. The different exogenous hormone treatments were able to delay leaf senescence, enhance the photosynthetic production capacity of plants by increasing leaf chlorophyll content, and thus increase the accumulation of photosynthetic assimilation products and population growth rate after flowering. Among them, both Z and SPD treatments resulted in a population growth rate of more than 30% from spike flushing to maturity, which led to a higher dry matter accumulation of the plant at maturity. In addition, in the dry matter distribution of the plant at maturity, the seeds occupied a higher accumulation amount and proportion compared with the respective DK; the SPD treatment resulted in the maximum distribution rate of seeds at maturity of Hui Liang You 898, with an increase of 8.27%, and the Z treatment resulted in the maximum distribution rate of seeds at maturity of Nan Jing 9108, with an increase of 7.34%. At the same time, the Z treatment significantly increased the activities of adenosine diphosphate glucose phosphorylated enzyme (AGP) and starch branching enzyme (SBE) in the grains of both varieties, which resulted in the accumulation of more starch and ultimately increased the rice grain yield. The results verified that different exogenous phytohormones could be used to regulate the insufficiency of grouting caused by low-temperature stress during the grouting and fruiting stages of rice and enriched their agronomic and physiological traits in response at the same time.

Menopausal hormone therapy for breast cancer survivors.

The global incidence of breast cancer continues to increase and increasing efficacy of treatments has improved overall prognosis and survival with a resulting requisite focus on improving quality of life after cancer. Treatment inevitably results in symptoms of menopause and these symptoms may be more severe after cancer treatment compared to natural menopause and may pose a potential risk of early treatment discontinuation. Consequently, the global burden of successfully managing these symptoms is significant. There is a discordance between randomized and observational data regarding the risk of systemic menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer recurrence; hormone receptor status is significant to recurrence risk in this setting. The systemic absorption of local oestrogen is not a consistent surrogate marker for cancer recurrence and clinical data has not demonstrated a consistent increase in the risk of cancer recurrence with local therapy. Nonhormonal treatments remain first-line management of menopause symptoms in breast cancer survivors to minimize the risk of cancer recurrence. However, severe symptoms not responding to nonhormonal interventions require a multidisciplinary, patient-centred approach to discuss the evidence base for hormonal treatments.

Effect of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Treatment on Superovulation Response and Embryo Recovery in Holstein Heifers: A Field Trial at Zagros Milk and Meat Company, Iran

Background: Superovulation is a crucial component of assisted reproductive technology. Inducing superovulation with Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation, potentially affecting reproductive outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effects of GnRH treatment on superovulation response and embryo recovery in Holstein heifers. Methods: Twenty-one Holstein heifers (age: 135.15 months; weight: 361.05 kg) were selected based on their general health status and ovarian function. All heifers received two consecutive doses of prostaglandin F2α and underwent superovulation. The heifers were inseminated twice: Once at the onset of standing estrus and again 12 hours later. In the treatment group (13 heifers), a single dose of GnRH was administered simultaneously with the second insemination. The superovulation response was evaluated based on the number of corpus luteum (CL), unovulated follicles (UoF), total recovered embryos/ova, and the number of transferable embryos, using logistic regression with the GENMOD procedure in SAS. Results: The mean number of CL was not significantly greater in the control group (13.6) compared to the GnRH group (11.4). The average number of UoF was similar between the two groups (P = 0.1853). However, the control group had a significantly higher average total number of recovered embryos/ova (7.7) compared to the GnRH group (2.1). Additionally, the control group produced more transferable embryos, with an average of 2.5, while the GnRH group averaged 0.7 (P &lt; 0.0062). Conclusions: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone likely deactivated the oviduct by disrupting the balance of estradiol and estrogen, leading to a reduction in both the total number of embryos and the number of transferable embryos in heifers.

Exogenously Applied Gibberellic Acid Alters Cannabinoid Profile in Cannabis sativa L.

Cannabis sativa (C. sativa L.) has garnered significant attention worldwide due to its widespread use as a pharmaceutical agent. With the increasing clinical application of C. sativa and cannabinoid therapeutics, there is strong interest in the development of superior plant varieties and optimisation of growth conditions to enhance secondary metabolite yield. Our RNA sequencing analysis revealed differential expression of hormone-related transcripts in developing C. sativa trichomes, suggesting the involvement of hormone signalling pathways in cannabinoid production. Leveraging the potency of exogenous hormones on plants, this study sought to determine if the application of cytokinin (CK), gibberellic acid (GA) and jasmonic acid (JA) modified trichome morphology and the cannabinoid profile over an 8-week period following the induction of flowering. Exogenous hormone application led to alterations in trichome morphology, with each treatment significantly reducing trichome head width by the final week of assessment. Interestingly, GA application also resulted in a significant reduction in the concentration of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) by week 8 post floral induction, however, JA and CK treatment did not consistently modulate the accumulation of these cannabinoids. The minor cannabinoids, cannabidivaranic acid (CBDVA), cannabicyclolic acid (CBLA), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabigerol (CBG), were also affected by hormone treatments, with varying degrees of accumulation observed. These findings underscore the intricate interplay between phytohormones and secondary metabolite biosynthesis in C. sativa. Our study highlights the potential of hormone modulation as a strategy to enhance cannabinoid yield and offers some insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing cannabinoid biosynthesis in C. sativa trichomes.

Sex differences and testosterone interfere with the structure of the gut microbiota through the bile acid signaling pathway.

The gut microbiome has a significant impact on human wellness, contributing to the emergence and progression of a range of health issues including inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular problems, and psychiatric disorders. Notably, clinical observations have revealed that these illnesses can display differences in incidence and presentation between genders. The present study aimed to evaluate whether the composition of gut microbiota is associated with sex-specific differences and to elucidate the mechanism. 16S-rRNA-sequencing technology, hormone analysis, gut microbiota transplantation, gonadectomy, and hormone treatment were employed to investigate the correlation between the gut microbiome and sex or sex hormones. Meanwhile, genes and proteins involved bile acid signaling pathway were analyzed both in the liver and ileum tissues. The composition and diversity of the microbiota from the jejunum and feces and the level of sex hormones in the serum differed between the sexes in young and middle-aged Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. However, no similar phenomenon was found in geriatric rats. Interestingly, whether in young, middle-aged, or old rats, the composition of the microbiota and bacterial diversity differed between the jejunum and feces in rats. Gut microbiota transplantation, gonadectomy, and hormone replacement also suggested that hormones, particularly testosterone (T), influenced the composition of the gut microbiota in rats. Meanwhile, the mRNA and protein level of genes involved bile acid signaling pathway (specifically SHP, FXR, CYP7A1, and ASBT) exhibited gender-specific differences, and T may play a significant role in mediating the expression of this pathway. Sex-specific differences in the structure of the gut microbiota are mediated by T through the bile acid signaling pathway, pointing to potential targets for disease prevention and management techniques by indicating that sex differences and T levels may alter the composition of the gut microbiota via the bile acid signaling pathway.