Hormone Concentrations Research Articles

Modulatory Effects of Aqueous Moringa Olifera Extract in Lead Mediated Endometriosis in Wistar Rats

Context: The study aims to evaluate the modulatory effect of an aqueous extract of Moringa olifera on lead-mediated endometriosis in Wistar rats. Settings and Design: Twenty-five female Wistar rats were used for the study. The rats were divided into five groups, each containing five rats, and were treated daily for fourteen days. Group I (Control) was administered 5ml/Kg of distilled water per oral (PO), Group II was given 50mg/Kg of Lead PO, Group III was given 50mg/Kg Lead and 100mg/Kg of aqueous Moringa olifera extract (AMOE), Group IV received 50mg/Kg Lead plus 200mg/Kg AMOE while Group V received 50mg Lead plus 300mg AMOE PO. Results: At the end of the experiment, there was decreased estrogen level across the groups with only group II being significant (P<0.5) relative to the control, Progesterone levels increased significantly in all the groups relative to the control, Inflammatory markers Interleukin-6 levels decreased significantly in all the treated groups relative to the control group(P<0.5), however only groups II and III showed significant increases in Tissue necrotic factor. SOD levels decreased significantly in all the treated groups while MDA increased in groups II, III, and V (P<0.5). Histologically, Groups II-V showed varying degrees of loose cytoplasmic content, cell edema, and vascular degeneration with Group II also displaying extensive hemorrhage, the number of primordial follicles decreased significantly across groups II-V, primary follicles also decreased significantly in groups II and III, while secondary follicles increased significantly in Groups III and V (P<0.5). Conclusion: Results showed that Lead could induce endometriosis, especially through oxidative stress, AMOE, however, offers a modulatory effect, adjudged by it’s effects on inflammatory markers, hormone concentration as well as oxidative stress markers.

Mechanisms contributing to lactose and sucrose-induced postprandial lipaemia

Fructose-containing sugars can exaggerate postprandial lipaemia and stimulate hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) when compared to glucose-based carbohydrates(1). Galactose has recently been shown to increase postprandial lipaemia compared to glucose(2), but mechanisms remain uncharacterised. The aim of this study was to assess the effect and mechanisms of lactose-induced lipaemia.Twenty-four non-obese adults (12 male and 12 female) completed three trials in a randomised, crossover design (28 ± 7-day washout). During trials, participants consumed test drinks containing 50 g fat with 100 g of carbohydrate. The control carbohydrate was a glucose polymer (maltodextrin), the experimental carbohydrate was galactose-containing carbohydrate (lactose) and the active comparator was fructose-containing carbohydrate (sucrose). Hepatic DNL was assessed by the 2H2O method and [U-13C]-palmitate was added to the test drink to trace the fate of the ingested fat. Blood and breath samples were taken to determine plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations, in addition to plasma and breath 2H and 13C enrichments. Data were converted into incremental under the curve (iAUC) and were checked for normality by visual inspection of residuals. Differences between trials were assessed by one-way ANOVA. Where a main effect of trial was detected, post- hoc t-tests were performed to determine which trials differed from lactose according to the principle of closed-loop testing.The plasma triacylglycerol iAUC (mean ± SD) in response to maltodextrin was 51 ± 68 mmol/L*360 min. Following lactose ingestion, plasma triacylglycerol iAUC increased to 98 ± 88 mmol/L*360 min (p<0.001 vs maltodextrin), which was comparable to sucrose [90 ± 95 mmol/L*360 min (p=0.41 vs lactose)]. Hepatic DNL in response to maltodextrin was 6.6 ± 3.0%. Following ingestion of lactose, hepatic DNL increased to 12.4 ± 6.9% (p=0.02 vs maltodextrin), which was comparable to sucrose [12.2 ± 6.9% (p=0.96 vs lactose)]. Exhaled 13CO2 in response to maltodextrin was 10.4 ± 4.1 mmol/kgFFM*360 min. Following ingestion of lactose, exhaled 13CO2 was 8.8 ± 4.9 mmol/kgFFM*360 min (p=0.09 vs maltodextrin), which was lower than sucrose [11.1 ± 3.9 mmol/kgFFM*360 min (p=0.01 vs lactose)].These data are consistent with the hypothesis that hepatic de novo lipogenesis contributes to both lactose and sucrose-induced lipaemia and provide a rationale to investigate the longer-term effects of lactose and sucrose on metabolism.

A practical approach to nutritional intervention for people with chronic kidney disease in Vietnam.

A comprehensive nutritional management is necessary for favourable outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to assess the changes in nutritional status and disease progression with nutritional management where renal replacement therapy (RRT) was not in place. A quasi-experiment intervention was conducted on 70 CKD patients at stages 3-5 from July to December 2022. Participants were excluded if they underwent RRT, including dialy-sis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis), or kidney transplantation. The nutritional regimen covered nutrition-al counseling, samples of the dietary menu, and supplement products. We evaluated nutritional status using Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) scale and sub-clinical blood test at T0 (hospital admission) and T1 (two weeks after the admission or 24 hours before the discharge). After the intervention, the number of patients classified as malnutrition or at risk of malnourished reduced significantly (65.7% to 54.3% and 25.7% and 5.7%, respectively). The serum concentration of urea, creatinine and parathyroid hormone decreased remarkably, especially in patients receiving nutritional management. In the intervention group, the dietary pattern provided increased intakes of calcium and iron at T1, while phosphorus, sodium and potassium decreased after follow-up. Nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness and sleep disorders were improved in the intervention compared to the control group. Nutritional therapy enhanced the nutritional sta-tus, and quality of dietary and renal function in CKD patients without RRT. Applying nutrition education and treatment at an early stage can slow CKD progression, which should be applicable elsewhere in Vietnam.

Role of gastrointestinal appetite hormones in the success of body mass loss during interventions based on exercise combined with restricted energy intake diets with different fat and carbohydrate content

Restriction of energy intake is an effective strategy for achieving body mass loss(1). However, it leads to gastrointestinal appetite hormonal changes, which are expected to enhance hunger, reduce satiety, and possibly impair the ability to comply with prescribed intervention(2). Exercise interventions, on the other hand, did not modify gastrointestinal appetite hormones(3) and there is some evidence that postprandial appetite hormone responses after a low carbohydrate-high fat meal (LCHF) are more favorable than after high carbohydrate-low fat meal (HCLF) meal (4). This study investigated how energy-restricted diets based on LCHF and HCLF meals and combined with exercise affect body weight, and gastrointestinal appetite hormones and explored the relationship between body mass changes and changes in gastrointestinal appetite hormones.Twenty-seven overweight and obese females (age: 35 ± 9.35 years, BMI: 31.64 ± 5.08 kg/m2) completed a randomized parallel design study and underwent a 4-week intervention consisting of brisk walking combined with either consumption of calorie-restricted HCLF or LCHF diet. Participants underwent a 5-hour experimental trial before and after the interventions, which included body weight measurements and fasting and postprandial blood sample collection for gastrointestinal appetite hormone measurements.Both interventions significantly reduced body mass (HCLF group, −2.1 ± 1.7 Kg: LCHF group, -1.7 ± 1.7 Kg, P < 0.05 for both groups), but changes between the groups were not significant (P>0.05). Body mass changes were individual and ranged from -0.4 kg to −5.3 kg and from +1 kg to −4.4 kg in the HCLF and LCHF groups, respectively. The interventions had no impact on mean values of time- averaged postprandial concentrations of ghrelin, PYY, and GLP-1 but there was large individual variability in changes of these hormones. Results combined from both groups revealed that changes in ghrelin ranged from +549.3 to -407.7 pg/ml, in PYY from −132.5 to + 96.4 pg/ml and in GLP-1 from −6.6 to +19.5 pg/ml. Correlation, investigated on the data from both groups combined, between changes in body mass and changes in ghrelin (r = −0.18, P= 0.41), PYY (r = −0.04, P =0.87), and GLP-1 (r = 0.11, P = 0.64) were not significant.In conclusion, the extent of body mass loss during interventions based on restricted energy intake diets combined with exercise is not related to the carbohydrate and fat content of the diet. Our findings also suggest that the success of body mass loss cannot be predicted by changes in postprandial concentrations of gastrointestinal appetite hormones.

Stoffwechselflexibilität – eine wichtige Grundlage des Behandlungserfolgs: Prospektive Kohortenstudie über den Einfluss der osteopathischen Lebensstilberatung auf die metabolische Flexibilität

Metabolic flexibility is the ability of the metabolism to efficiently adapt to the food supply and energy requirements. It is ensured by healthy mitochondria and a balanced hormone system, and it is important for osteopaths as it is essential for the healthy interplay of bodily functions. A loss of metabolic flexibility leads to insulin resistance and is linked to many conditions that we treat in practice on a daily basis. By means of lifestyle advice, osteopaths can increase the effect of their treatments. An adapted lifestyle prevents the circulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and obesogenic and pathogenic concentrations of certain hormones, leading to improved self-healing powers.Based on a prospective study, we show that lifestyle counseling by osteopaths, accompanied by lifestyle coaches, has positive effects on metabolic flexibility and thus on metabolic health. We osteopaths can ensure a healthy metabolism and are well advised to point out the health-promoting effects of carbohydrate restriction and fasting to our patients.

Efficacy of Different Concentrations of IBA and NAA on Growth of Hardwood Cuttings of Fig (Ficus carica L.) cv Dinkar

An investigation was conducted to know the influence of growth hormones on shoot growth in hardwood cuttings of fig (Ficus carica L.). The experiment was set up in RBD having thirty cuttings with three replications treated with different concentrations of growth hormones viz., T1 (IBA 1000 ppm), T2 (IBA 2000 ppm), T3 (NAA 1000 ppm), T4 (NAA 2000 ppm), T5 (IBA 1000 ppm + NAA 1000 ppm), T6 (IBA 2000 ppm + NAA 2000 ppm) along with control. Present study revealed earliest sprouting, maximum shoot diameter, shoot length and number of leaves, fresh and dry weights shoot with T6 (IBA 2000 ppm + NAA 2000 ppm). On the basis of findings of this study fig hardwood cuttings treated with IBA 2000 ppm + NAA 2000 ppm under the shade house conditions can be recommended to nursery growers and researchers to obtain desirable shoot growth under Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh.

Hipercortisolismo de origen adrenal

Hypercortisolism of adrenal origin is a hormonal disorder caused by chronic exposure to excess glucocorticoids due to adrenal overproduction of cortisol. There is a wide spectrum of clinical presentations of hypercortisolism, from apparently subclinical to full-blown cases depending on the duration and intensity of the hypercortisolism. Consequently, the diagnosis can be complex, given that most of the signs and symptoms are nonspecific. The clinical manifestations are related to an unfavorable cardiometabolic profile, which leads to increased morbidity and mortality in these patients. The biochemical diagnosis is based on confirming autonomous glucocorticoid production by demonstrating the absence of physiological cortisol suppression via a dexamethasone suppression test. The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentration is requested in order to establish the etiological diagnosis. Once the biochemical diagnosis is confirmed, the next step is a radiological study, with the first imaging technique being a computed tomography (CT) scan of the adrenal gland without contrast. The most common cause of endogenous ACTH-independent hypercortisolism is a unilateral cortisol-producing adrenal adenoma. Treatment will be individualized according to the cause and degree of hypercortisolism as well as associated comorbidities.

Effects of induced subclinical hypocalcemia in early lactation Holstein cows without milking during infusion on PTH and serotonin concentrations

The transition to lactation demands a substantial amount of calcium (Ca) to support colostrum and milk production. Extensive research has been focused on elucidating the interplay between the traditional Ca-parathyroid hormone-vitamin D axis and mammary-derived factors, such as serotonin (5-HT) and parathyroid-hormone-like hormone (PTHLH), in regulating Ca metabolism during the transition period. Here, we investigate the impact of induced subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) on 5-HT and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations in early lactation dairy cows under conditions of 24h milk stasis. Twelve multiparous Holstein cows in early lactation received either continuous intravenous infusion of saline solution or 5% ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) to maintain blood ionized calcium (iCa) below 1mM (n = 6/treatment). Blood samples were collected hourly during infusion and 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48h post-infusion. Urine samples were collected every 4 h during infusion and at 12, 24, and 48h post-infusion, while milk samples were collected daily from 2d pre-infusion to 4d post-infusion. Infusion of EGTA resulted in decreased blood iCa during the infusion period, with iCa concentrations rebounding 24h post-infusion. No significant treatment effects were observed on 5-HT and PTH blood concentrations. These findings underscore the importance of considering physiological distinctions in studies of Ca metabolism during the transition period.

Are there sex differences in the variability of fasting metabolism?

There is evidence across species and across many traits that males display greater between-individual variance. In contrast, (premenopausal) females display large within-individual variance in sex hormone concentrations, which can increase within-individual variance in many other parameters. The latter may contribute to the lower representation of females in metabolic research. This study is a pooled secondary analysis of data from seven crossover studies to investigate the between-individual and the within-individual variance in fasting plasma metabolites, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and body mass. Females demonstrated higher within-individual variability of plasma 17β-estradiol [coefficient of variation (CV): 15 ± 15% for males vs. 38 ± 34% for females, P < 0.001] and progesterone concentrations (CV: 13 ± 11% for males vs. 52 ± 51% for females, P < 0.001) but there were no meaningful differences in the variability of plasma glucose (CV: 4 ± 3% for males vs. 5 ± 5% for females), insulin, lactate, triglycerides (CV: 15 ± 9% for males vs. 15 ± 10% for females), and esterified fatty acid concentrations or in RMR and body mass (CV: 0.43 ± 0.34% for males vs. for 0.42 ± 0.33% females; P > 0.05 for all outcomes). Males displayed higher between-individual variance in RMR compared with females (SD: 224 kcal·day-1 for males vs. 151 kcal·day-1 for females). In conclusion, these data do not provide evidence that females show greater within-individual variability in many fasting metabolic variables, RMR, or body mass compared with males. We conclude that including females in metabolic research is unlikely to introduce greater within-individual variance when using the recruitment and control procedures described in these studies.NEW & NOTEWORTHY To investigate the within-individual variability in metabolic parameters in males and females, we performed a pooled secondary analysis of fasting blood samples, resting metabolic rate, and body mass from seven crossover studies. We found a greater day-to-day variation in 17β-estradiol and progesterone in females compared with males but no meaningful difference in within-individual variability of fasting plasma glucose, insulin, lactate, triglycerides, NEFA, resting metabolic rate, or body mass between females and males.

Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 and leptin concentrations in Black Bengal goats at different ages and gestation periods and their relationship to kid growth performance.

The impact of maternal hormone concentration on kid growth performance in relation to insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and leptin is minimal. This study examined IGF-1 and leptin levels at varying ages and gestation periods for their correlation with Black Bengal goat kids' growth during the preweaning phase. Blood samples were collected from 43 dams with different reproductive cycles and 28 prepubertal goats to measure serum concentrations of IGF-1 and leptin. Among dams, both hormones were investigated in different age ranges (<2, 2-3, 3-4, and >4 years old) and reproductive cycles (non-pregnancy, early gestation (1-50 days), mid-gestation (51-100 days), late gestation (101-135 days), and the last 15 days before delivery). After delivery, 65 kids from 34 dams were weighted weekly for 8 weeks to calculate average daily weight gain (ADG) at 0-4 weeks (ADG0-4 W) and 4-8 weeks (ADG4-8 W) and growth performance, including weight (W), height (H), length (L), chest girth (C) measured at birth (W0, H0, L0, and C0) and at 10 weeks of age (W10, H10, L10, and C10) were related to hormone serum concentrations in their dams at different gestation periods including the last 15 days before delivery. Dams had higher mean serum IGF-1 (p < 0.001) and leptin (p < 0.05) than prepubertal goats. Dams at late gestation had higher IGF-1 concentrations than those at early and mid-gestation and during the last 15 days before delivery. However, it was consistent with non-pregnant goats. The kid's growth performance correlated positively with IGF-1 concentration, which was collected in the last 15 days before delivery. Multivariate analysis showed that ADG0-4 W was higher in kids born from dams with high IGF-1 than those with low IGF-1 measured during the last 15 days of delivery, whereas leptin tended to have a similar effect. Serum IGF-1 and leptin concentrations of dams measured during the last 15 days before delivery were associated with kid's growth during the preweaning period.

The Utility of SHBG Assay in Clinical Biochemistry for Iraqi Women

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, additionally called PCOS is the most widespread endocrine illness amongst women. The aetiology of PCOS is attributed to a multi-factorial interplay among environmental and genetic effects. The overarching goal evaluates the correlation among blood concentrations of total testosterone, sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in ladies with PCOS and the impact of obesity, age, marital popularity on the obtained results. This study was conducted at the National Center for Educational Laborites /Medical City/ Baghdad. The study comprised of a sample of 83 women, elderly between 17 -45 years, who had been selected in a random manner from a Gynaecology Clinic. The statistics collection duration spanned from November 2022 to March 2023. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were based on their body mass index (BMI), age and marital status. Investigations included serum-free testosterone measurements by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA), total testosterone, SHBG, E2, FSH and LH by Automated Immunoassay Analyzer (AIA-2000). The current findings showed non-significant distinctions in mean values of BMI between studied groups of patients and controls which reflect matches between them. This study revealed the effect of marital status compared to PCOS and healthy control subjects. Married PCOS patients were non significantly affected (83.9% vs. 85.2%, p&gt;0.05) as compared to married controls. Results of these studies showed a significantly higher mean rate of serum FSH level in PCOS-affected women when opposed to normal individuals.

Characteristics of the reproductive potential of women with ovarian endometrioma

Endometriosis is one of the most studied hormone-dependent pathological conditions in modern gynecological practice, which is diagnosed in 300 million women of reproductive age worldwide. The frequency of endometriosis in the general population of women is 10–15%, its rate is 46% among the patients with infertility and 80% – among the patients with pelvic pain syndrome. Ovarian endometriomas in the structure of external genital endometriosis account for 64%.The objective: to determine the state of the ovarian reserve in women of reproductive age with ovarian endometriomas depending on the surgical treatment method.Materials and methods. The study involved 120 women of reproductive age with ovarian endometriomas, who were surgically treated by laparoscopic access, and 30 women of the control group, who were included in the examination for the purpose of evaluating the physiological parameters of the ovarian reserve, who applied for the solution of contraception issues.Group I included 60 women who underwent intraoperative bipolar coagulation (BC) of the ovarian medulla for the purpose of hemostasis, 30 persons of them underwent inversion cystectomy (Subgroup IA) and 30 patients underwent traditional cystectomy (Subgroup IB).Group II included 60 patients who underwent intraoperative BC of the medullary and cortical layers, of which 30 underwent inversion cystectomy (Subgroup IIA) and 30 underwent traditional cystectomy (Subgroup IIB).For the assessment the functional state of the ovaries echographic examination, Doppler study and hormonal examination were carried out (determination of the concentration of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), basal level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), inhibin B in blood plasma) before and 3 months after surgical treatment.Results. The indicators of the ovarian reserve of the patients of the studied groups before the surgical treatment were significantly different from the indicators of the women of the control group, which was manifested by a decreased number of antral follicles (AF) by 1.6 times, a decreased volume of ovarian tissue by 1.5 times, a decreased vascularization index (IV) by 2.4 times and the blood flow index (IC) by 1.2 times, an increase in the FSH index by 1.3 times, a decreased AMH level by 1.3 times and a decreased inhibin B concentration by 2.3 times (p&lt;0, 05).After the surgical intervention, even more pronounced pathological changes in the reproductive potential were found, which were associated with deep neurovascular disorders in the ovaries and the death of part of the generative cells as a result of the cystectomy and hemostasis with the use of high-frequency energy.Conclusions. When using BC of the medullary and cortical layers of the ovaries a decreased number of AF by 48.8% and the decreased volume of the tissue of the operated ovary by 41.3% were found compared to the preoperative period, which is 4.1 and 3.1 times more than with BC of the medullary layer (p&lt;0.05). Hormonal homeostasis disorders were manifested by a compensatory increased level of FSH by 46.8% and a decreased AMH concentration by 23.5% (p&lt;0.05).In the case of the use of BC of the medulla of the ovary with inversion cystectomy, the decrease in the ovarian reserve is expressed at least. The use of BC of the medullary and cortical layers of the ovary with inversion cystectomy leads to a decreased ovarian reserve to a low level 2.2 times less often than when using a classic cystectomy (p&lt;0.05).

Intraprostatic hormone dosage: Validation of a novel prostate biopsy technique

BackgroundAdvances in chromatography and mass spectrometry have allowed us to develop a novel technique for measuring intraprostatic hormone concentrations directly on prostate needle biopsies, rather than using traditional punch excision. This has significant clinical implications as intraprostatic dihydrotestosterone and testosterone levels could help monitor prostate growth, neoplasia and castration resistance. MethodsPatients undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer were prospectively included. Each prostate specimen received one 90mg punch excision and six needle biopsies. Intraprostatic hormones were dosed through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. ResultsWe included twenty patients, of which eleven were incidentally diagnosed with prostate cancer; four had ISUP 1 (20%) and seven had ISUP 2 (35%). The prostate biopsy technique was unable to obtain measures for testosterone, Delta-4-androsterone and androstenedione. Tissue concentrations of DHEA, DHT, E1 and E2 can be obtained with no significant difference from the reference established on a punch from a single biopsy core sample. ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that intraprostatic concentrations of DHEA, DHT, E1 and E2 can be measured without significant difference from the reference established on a single punch excision. This finding opens the way to research on the interactions between endocrinology and prostate oncogenesis and particularly on the mechanisms of resistance to hormone therapies in vivo. Level of evidence2

Jasmonate ZIM Domain Protein (JAZ) Gene SLJAZ15 Increases Resistance to Orobanche aegyptiaca in Tomato.

Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers. is a holoparasitic plant that severely reduces tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production in China. However, there is a lack of effective control methods and few known sources of genetic resistance. In this study, we focused on key genes in the JAZ family, comparing the JAZ family in Arabidopsis thaliana (L. Heynh.) to the tomato genome. After identifying the JAZ family members in S. lycopersicum, we performed chromosomal localization and linear analysis with phylogenetic relationship analysis of the JAZ family. We also analyzed the gene structure of the JAZ gene family members in tomato and the homology of the JAZ genes among the different species to study their relatedness. The key genes for O. aegyptiaca resistance were identified using VIGS (virus-induced gene silencing), and the parasitization rate of silenced tomato plants against O. aegyptiaca increased by 47.23-91.13%. The genes were localized in the nucleus by subcellular localization. Heterologous overexpression in A. thaliana showed that the key gene had a strong effect on the parasitization process of O. aegyptiaca, and the overexpression of the key gene reduced the parasitization rate of O. aegyptiaca 1.69-fold. Finally, it was found that the SLJAZ15 gene can positively regulate the hormone content in tomato plants and affect plant growth and development, further elucidating the function of this gene.

Ground-based adaptive horsemanship lessons for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled pilot study.

Equine-assisted services (EAS) has received attention as a potential treatment strategy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as existing literature indicates that symptoms may decrease following EAS. Relatively little is known about the mechanisms at play during lessons and if physiological measures are impacted. The objectives of this pilot study were to 1) explore the effects of adaptive horsemanship (AH) lessons on symptoms of PTSD, hormone concentrations, and social motor synchrony; 2) determine if physiological changes occur as veterans interact with horses; and 3) explore if the interaction between veteran and horse changes over the 8-week session. Veterans with PTSD were randomly assigned to control (CON, n = 3) or AH (n = 6) groups for an 8-week period (clinical trial; NCT04850573; clinicaltrials.gov). Veterans completed the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) at pre-, post-, and 2- and 6-month follow-up time points. They also completed a social motor synchrony test (pendulum swinging) and blood draw at pre- and post-time points. In weeks 1, 4, and 8, blood samples were drawn at 0 min, 3 min, 5 min, 25 min, and 30 min during the 30-min AH lessons. Veterans completed the Human-Animal Interaction Scale (HAIS) after each lesson. Blood samples were assayed for plasma cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and oxytocin. Data were analyzed with repeated measure ANOVAs. Changes in PTSD symptoms from pre- to post-time point were analyzed with paired t-tests. Changes in PCL-5 scores tended to differ (p = 0.0989), and global BSI scores differed (p = 0.0266) between AH (-11.5 ± 5.5, mean ± SE; -0.5 ± 0.2) and CON (5.3 ± 5.4; 0.4 ± 0.2) groups. Social motor synchrony and hormone concentrations did not differ between groups or time points (p > 0.05). Cortisol, norepinephrine, and oxytocin concentrations did not differ across sessions (p > 0.05). Epinephrine concentrations tended (p = 0.0744) to decrease from week 1 to 4 of sessions. HAIS scores increased (p ≥ 0.0437) in week 3 and remained elevated as compared to week 1. Participant recruitment was the greatest challenge. These preliminary results agree with the literature suggesting that EAS can reduce symptoms of PTSD.

The Effect of Mediterranean Diet on Thyroid Gland Activity.

The main goal of this research was to determine whether there is a correlation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (assessed by the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS)) and parameters indicating thyroid gland activity, such as concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones (free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4)), thyroglobulin (Tg), antibodies to thyroid proteins (thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb)), and calcitonin (CT) in plasma and serum samples. An additional objective was to investigate whether there are differences in the values of the MDSS among clinical groups (euthyroid individuals, euthyroid individuals with positive TgAb and/or TPOAb, and hypothyroid and hyperthyroid participants). This cross-sectional study included 4620 participants over 18 years of age from the islands of Korčula and Vis, and the mainland city of Split. The MDSS was assessed from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). MDSS values were significantly higher in females compared to males and showed a positive association with the age of the participants. There was no significant difference in the MDSS values among the examined clinical groups. In the group of subjects with euthyroidism, a significant positive association was found between fT3 and the MDSS, while in the group of subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism, a significant positive association was observed between the MDSS and both fT3 and fT4. CT levels were also positively associated with the MDSS. Considering the significant positive association of the MDSS and both fT3 and fT4 levels in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, the results of this study could be used to create guidelines for selecting an appropriate, potentially protective diet for these patients.

Urinary haloacetic acid concentrations in relation to sex and thyroid hormones among reproductive-aged men

Sex and thyroid hormones are critical for male reproductive health. However, the associations between haloacetic acid (HAA) exposure – a known endocrine disruptor – and sex and thyroid hormones in humans remains unclear. We thus recruited 502 male participants seeking fertility evaluation from a reproductive center. We measured concentrations of sex and thyroid hormones in a single blood sample and dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) in repeated urine samples. Multivariable linear regression models were constructed to evaluate the associations between HAA concentrations and hormone measurements. After adjusting for potential confounders and urinary creatinine concentrations, urinary concentrations of TCAA were inversely associated with serum levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), testosterone (T), T/luteinizing hormone ratio (T/LH), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (all P for trend < 0.10). Compared with participants in the lowest quartile of TCAA concentrations, those in the highest quartile had reduced serum levels of SHGB by 14.2 % (95% CI: −26.7, −3.0 %), T by 11.1 % (95% CI: −21.7, −1.3 %), T/LH by 21.0 % (95% CI: −36.7, −7.1 %), and TSH by 19.1 % (95% CI: −39.7, −1.5 %). Additionally, we observed inverse associations between continuous measurements of urinary HAAs and serum levels of free T, bioactive T, and estradiol. Our findings suggest that male HAA exposure may be associated with disrupted sex and thyroid function.

Metabolic regulation mechanism of melatonin for reducing cadmium accumulation and improving quality in rice

Melatonin acts as a potential regulator of cadmium (Cd) tolerance in rice. However, its practical value in rice production remains unclear. To validate the hypothesis that melatonin affects Cd accumulation and rice quality, a series of experiments were conducted. The results showed that exogenous melatonin application was associated with reduced Cd accumulation (23–43%) in brown rice. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that exogenous melatonin affected the rice protein secondary structure and starch short-range structure. Metabolomics based on LC–MS/MS revealed that exogenous melatonin altered the brown rice metabolic profile, decreased fatty acid metabolite content, but increased amino acid metabolite, citric acid, melatonin biosynthetic metabolite, and plant hormone contents. These findings indicate that exogenous melatonin can effectively reduced Cd accumulation and improve rice quality through metabolic network regulation, serving as an effective treatment for rice cultivated in Cd-contaminated soil.

Effect of auxins on biochemical composition of apical cuttings of Mulberry (Morus indica l.) Using mini clonal technology

A research study was carried out to examine the effects of auxin and rooting hormone on the biochemical composition of the mini clonal mulberry leaves raised using mini-clonal technique of (Morus indica L.) variety 'V1'.Two hormones, such as indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and napthalene acetic acid (NAA), were used in the experiment. The hormones were replicated four times in each of the following concentration ranges: 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 ppm. Different hormone concentrations were applied to apical shoot cuttings before they were planted in the appropriate rooting medium in a greenhouse condition. The biochemical parameters analysed during the research study include leaf moisturecontent, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, carotenoid, total chlorophyll, crude protein, total carbohydrates, crude fat, total protein content present in mulberry leaves. The nutritive value of mulberry varieties depends on its biochemical constituents present in it. The results indicated that V1 mulberry mini clones have recorded better biochemical constituents and suitable for rearing of mulberry silkworms to get successful cocoon crop.

The coexistence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and dark septate endophytes synergistically enhanced the cadmium tolerance of maize

IntroductionArbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate endophytic fungi (DSEs) generally coexist in the roots of plants. However, our understanding of the effects of their coexistence on plant growth and stress resistance is limited.MethodsIn the present study, the effects of single and dual inoculation of AMF and DSE on the growth, photosynthetic physiology, glutathione (GSH) metabolism, endogenous hormones, and cadmium (Cd) content of maize under 25 mg•kg-1 Cd stress were investigated.ResultsCompared with that after the non-inoculation treatment, AMF+DSE co-inoculation significantly increased the photosynthetic rate (Pn) of maize leaves; promoted root GSH metabolism; increased the root GSH concentration and activity of γ-glutamyl cysteine synthase (γ-GCS), ATP sulfatase (ATPS) and sulfite reductase (SIR) by 215%, 117%, 50%, and 36%, respectively; and increased the concentration of endogenous hormones in roots, with increases in zeatin (ZR), indole-3 acetic acid (IAA), and abscisic acid (ABA) by 81%, 209%, and 72%, respectively. AMF inoculation, DSE inoculation and AMF+DSE co-inoculation significantly increased maize biomass, and single inoculation with AMF or DSE increased the Cd concentration in roots by 104% or 120%, respectively. Moreover, significant or highly significant positive correlations were observed between the contents of ZR, IAA, and ABA and the activities of γ-GCS, ATPS, and SIR and the glutathione (GSH) content. There were significant or highly significant positive interactions between AMF and DSE on the Pn of leaves, root GSH metabolism, and endogenous hormone contents according to two-way analysis of variance. Therefore, the coexistence of AMF and DSE synergistically enhanced the Cd tolerance of maize.