Hormone Concentrations Research Articles

Systematic identification and prediction of sex-specific MADS-box genes in Zanthoxylum armatum during flower development

Zanthoxylum armatum, as a vital economic tree species serving both as a food source and medicinal plant, it stands as one of the key industries supporting rural revitalization in southwestern China, offered significant economic, ecological, and social benefits. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the occurrence of male flowers being sterile, which has greatly impeded the industrial development of Z. armatum. In this study, we investigated the MADS-box gene as a pivotal transcription factor (TFs) influencing flower development. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of MADS-box genes in Z. armatum and establish a solid foundation for future research on this significant gene family, we conducted a genome-wide investigation and analyzed the expression patterns of MADS-box genes. The present study identified a total of 72 MADS-box genes (ZaMADS1–72) from Z. armatum and proposed that the ZaMADS41 gene is pivotal candidate gene influencing the female-to-male transformation. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes can be categorized into two types: Type I (29 genes) and Type II (43 genes), with the latter exhibiting more complex protein domains and motifs compared to the former. Protein-protein interactions were observed among members of the ZaMADS-box gene family, while their promoter regions contained cis-acting elements associated with light response, hormone response, and plant growth and development. Expression profiling during different stages of male and female flower development demonstrated distinct high expression patterns for certain genes specifically in mature male or female flowers. Furthermore, the determination of endogenous hormone content indicated a potential correlation between iP9G and MEJA with sex transformation, while iP9G exhibited a significantly negative association with ZaMADS33 expression. This comprehensive study on MADS-box genes in Z. armatum combined with changes in endogenous hormone levels during male and female flower development, provides a solid theoretical foundation for investigating bud differentiation mechanisms and regulatory techniques in this species.

Use of an Ethinyl Estradiol/Etonogestrel Vaginal Ring Alters Vaginal Microbial Communities in Women with HIV.

HIV-1 antiretroviral therapy (ART) alters hormonal contraceptive levels delivered via intravaginal ring (IVR) in a regimen specific manner. We explored the role of the IVR on vaginal microbial communities, vaginal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), vaginal HIV shedding, and the effect of vaginal microbes on hormone concentrations in cisgender women with HIV (WWH). Vaginal microbes were assessed by 16S RNA sequencing of weekly vaginal swabs, vaginal SCFA by mass spectrometry, HIV-1 shedding by nucleic acid amplification on vaginal aspirates, and bacterial vaginosis by Nugent scoring from 74 participants receiving an etonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol (ENG/EE) intravaginal ring while on no ART (N=25), efavirenz-based ART (N=25), or atazanavir-based ART (N=24). At baseline, microbial communities of the 64 substudy eligible participants robustly classified as Lactobacillus crispatus--dominant (n=8), L. gasseri-dominant (n=2), L. iners-dominant (n=17), or mixed anaerobic communities (n=37). During IVR therapy, there was an increased probability of Lactobacillus-dominant community state types (CSTs) (odds-ratio=1.61, p=0.04). Vaginal CSTs were associated with Nugent scores. Bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria were associated with significantly higher and L. iners with lower Nugent Scores (all p adj <0.1). Lactic acid levels were correlated with the relative abundance of Lactobacillus species (r2=0.574; p<0.001). Vaginal shedding of HIV-1 was less common in women with L. crispatus-dominant microbiomes (p=0.04). Mixed anaerobic vaginal communities modulated EE concentrations in a regimen-specific manner. Combined ENG/EE IVR therapy was associated with an increase in Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbial communities in WWH and may benefit those with bacterial vaginosis. EE levels were altered by the vaginal microbiota.

Changes of the Heart Rhythm in Imbalance of Thyroid Gland Hormones and its Morphology in Outbred Rats

To analyze the relationship between the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and thyroid dysfunction caused by low concentrations of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine (FT3 and FT4), and high concentrations of free thyroxine (FT4) with normal values of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in experiments on outbred rats. The pathogenesis of AF with low concentrations of FT3, FT3 and FT4, and a high concentration of FT4 was studied in an experiment on 146 outbred rats. In the experiment, hypothyroidism, euthyroidism, and thyrotoxicosis were modeled by changing the concentrations of thyroid hormones, and the effect of these conditions on ECG and the incidence of AF was evaluated. The types of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid system response to the L-thyroxine administration in experimental hypothyroidism were identified. A relationship was determined between AF paroxysms and threshold values of thyroid hormones at low concentrations of FT3, FT3 and FT4, and a high concentration of FT4 with normal TSH values. It was shown that achieving the euthyroid status did not reduce the incidence of AF paroxysms by more than 70.0%. In AF with low FT3, low FT3 and FT4, and high FT4, the dose of L-thyroxine must be adjusted.

Synergistic effects of SAP and PGPR on physiological characteristics of leaves and soil enzyme activities in the rhizosphere of poplar seedlings under drought stress.

Super absorbent polymers (SAP) provide moisture conditions that allow plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to enter the soil for acclimatization and strain propagation. However, the effects of SAP co-applied with PGPR on the physiological characteristics of leaves and rhizosphere soil enzyme activities of poplar seedlings are not well understood. Here, a pot experiment using one-year-old poplar seedlings with five treatments, normal watering, drought stress (DR), drought stress + SAP (DR+SAP), drought stress + Priestia megaterium (DR +PGPR) and drought stress + SAP + P. megaterium (DR+S+P), was performed to analyze the contents of non-enzymatic antioxidants, osmotic regulators and hormones in leaves, as well as rhizosphere soil enzyme activities. Compared with normal watering, the DR treatment significantly decreased the contents of dehydroascorbate (DHA; 19.08%), reduced glutathione (GSH; 14.18%), oxidized glutathione, soluble protein (26.84%), indoleacetic acid (IAA; 9.47%), gibberellin (GA) and zeatin (ZT), the IAA/abscisic acid (ABA), GA/ABA, ZT/ABA and (IAA+GA+ZT)/ABA (34.67%) ratios in leaves, and the urease and sucrase activities in the rhizosphere soil. Additionally, it significantly increased the soluble sugar, proline and ABA contents in leaves. However, in comparison with the DR treatment, the DR+S+P treatment significantly increased the DHA (29.63%), GSH (15.13%), oxidized glutathione, soluble protein (29.15%), IAA (12.55%) and GA contents, the IAA/ABA, GA/ABA, ZT/ABA and (IAA+GA+ZT)/ABA (46.85%) ratios in leaves, and the urease, sucrose and catalase activities in rhizosphere soil to different degrees. The soluble sugar, proline and ABA contents markedly reduced in comparison to the DR treatment. The effects of the DR+SAP and DR+PGPR treatments were generally weaker than those of the DR+S+P treatment. Thus, under drought-stress conditions, the simultaneous addition of SAP and P. megaterium enhanced the drought adaptive capacities of poplar seedlings by regulating the non-enzymatic antioxidants, osmotic regulators, and endogenous hormone content and balance in poplar seedling leaves, as well as by improving the rhizosphere soil enzyme activities.

Association of thyroid hormones with the severity of chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional observational study at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

The interplay between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and thyroid dysfunction is becoming more evident in the biomedical community. However, the intricacies of their relationship warrant deeper investigation to understand the clinical implications fully. This study aims to systematically evaluate the correlation between thyroid hormone levels, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4), and markers of renal disease severity. These markers include serum creatinine, urea, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in individuals diagnosed with CK). We conducted a cross-sectional observational study involving a cohort of 86 participants with CKD recruited from the renal clinic at King Fahad Hospital in Tabuk. Biochemical parameters, encompassing plasma electrolytes and thyroid hormone concentrations, were quantitatively assessed. These measurements were performed with the aid of a Roche Cobas E411 analyzer. The Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to delineate the strength and direction of the associations between the thyroid function markers and renal disease indicators. The statistical analysis highlighted a generally weak correlation between the concentrations of thyroid hormones and the indicators of renal disease severity, with Pearson correlation coefficients between -0.319 and 0.815. Critically, no significant correlation was found between creatinine and thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), nor was any substantial correlation between urea and thyroid hormones. Conversely, a robust positive correlation was noted between the levels of parathyroid hormone and serum creatinine (r=0.718, p<0.001). The data suggests that thyroid hormone levels have a minimal correlation with the severity of renal disease markers. In contrast, the pronounced correlation between PTH and creatinine underscores the importance of considering PTH as a significant factor in managing and therapeutic intervention of CKD complications. These initial findings catalyze further research to thoroughly investigate the pathophysiological relationships and potential therapeutic targets concerning thyroid dysfunction in patients with renal impairment.

Evaluation of male reproductive hormones of Kalahari Red and Kalawad goat bucks as affected by age and season under tropical conditions.

Comprehensive understanding of reproductive hormones and environmental cues with their relationship is essential for efficient production in livestock sectors involving either assisted or natural reproductive methods. This study evaluated the effects of age and seasonal-associated changes in the blood concentrations of testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) of male Kalahari Red (KR) andKalawad(KW)-crossbred goats. Based on a 2 × 3 × 4 factorial arrangement, a total of 42 bucks (KR n = 21 and KW n = 21) were allotted into three age groups (> 1 ≤ 2years, > 2 ≤ 3years and > 3 ≤ 4years) with seven KR bucks and seven KW bucks each per age group; reared under different seasons (early rainy, late rainy, early dry and late dry). The animals were managed semi-intensively, kept in an open-ventilated pen and subjected to same nutritional regime throughout the one-year experimental period. Follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone concentrations were analyzed in serum samples. Data obtained reproductive hormones were subjected to three-way Analysis of Variance using SAS 1999. Results show that breed had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on both serum FSH and testosterone concentrations. The highest FSH (0.49 ± 0.02ng/mL, 0.45 ± 0.01ng/mL, 0.41 ± 0.1ng/mL and 0.47 ± 0.07ng/mL) mean values (P > 0.05) were observed in KR in September, October, November and May, respectively while the highest (2.6 ± 0.02ng/mL) testosterone concentration in KW (p < 0.05) was obtained in December. Testosterone had irregular patterns between breeds and months of sampling. FSH was at peak (p > 0.05) in KR during the late rainy season at all ages while the values of FSH concentration in KW were not significantly different at all ages and seasons. The highest (2.05 ± 0.11ng/mL) serum testosterone mean value in KW peaked (p < 0.05) age > 3 ≤ 4years during the late rainy season. Testosterone concentration was lower and steady at all ages during rainy seasons in KR but started fluctuating during the early dry season. The least mean (0.62 ± 0.07ng/mL and 0.68 ± 0.05ng/mL) were recorded (p > 0.05) in KW during the late dry season at age > 2 ≤ 3 and > 3 ≤ 4years respectively. In KR and KW goat breeds raised under tropical condition, the high seasonal variations were responsible for the fluctuations in the reproductive hormones which resultantly altered or lowered the sexual activity of the animals at certain season(s).

Increased parathyroid hormone concentration as a biomarker of atrial fibrillation in severe aortic stenosis: Editorial comment

Increased parathyroid hormone concentration as a biomarker of atrial fibrillation in severe aortic stenosis: Editorial comment

Evaluation of pregnancy toxemia in goats: Metabolic profile, hormonal findings, and redox balance

Pregnancy toxemia entails the development of hyperketonemia due to the negative energy balance that occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy in dairy goats. There are a limited number of studies on new diagnostic biomarkers and the pathophysiology of pregnancy toxemia in goats. This study assessed the hormones spexin and irisin and redox biomarker and metabolic profile changes in goats with pregnancy toxemia. The study included 36 hair goats, with 12 in the subclinical pregnancy toxemia (SPT) group, 12 in the clinical pregnancy toxemia (CPT) group, and 12 in the control group (CG). Spexin, irisin, and insulin hormone concentrations were determined by ELISA, while metabolic profile parameters were evaluated with an automatic chemical analyzer and redox balance by spectroscopy. In the goats with pregnancy toxemia, serum levels of spexin, irisin, insulin, and glucose were significantly lower than those of CG goats. The SPT group had significantly higher ischemia-modified albumin concentrations than CG goats, while the CPT group had significantly lower native thiol concentrations compared to CG animals. The concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyric acid and non-esterified fatty acids in the groups with pregnancy toxemia were significantly higher than those of control animals. In the diagnosis of pregnancy toxemia, spexin had sensitivity of 90 %, specificity of 95 %, and an area under the curve value of 0.988, while irisin had sensitivity of 90 %, specificity of 91 %, and an AUC value of 0.979. In this study, both spexin and irisin hormones showed excellent performance in the diagnosis of pregnancy toxemia. In addition, pregnancy toxemia was found to cause increased oxidative stress and significant changes in metabolic and endocrine metabolism in goats. Measuring these biomarkers in both healthy dairy goats and those with pregnancy toxemia may contribute significantly to the management and diagnosis of herd health.

Research on the Molecular Mechanisms and Key Gene Discovery in Quercus variabilis Root Pruning Based on Transcriptomics and Hormone Profiling.

Quercus variabilis (Q. variabilis), a significant broadleaf species used in afforestation across high, sandy, and mountainous regions, presents unique challenges for transplantation. This species is characterized by its slow above-ground growth and rapid taproot development, which suppresses the proliferation of lateral and fibrous roots, negatively impacting post-transplant survival. Research indicates that targeted root pruning-specifically, the removal of one-third of the roots-promotes the development of lateral roots in these seedlings. This study involved pruning the root systems of Q. variabilis and assessing the subsequent root development in comparison to an unpruned control group. Our analysis, which included transcriptome sequencing and plant hormone metabolism assays conducted at 2, 12, and 25 days post-pruning, yielded 126.02 Gb of clean data and identified 7662 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). These genes were primarily enriched in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway. Further investigation of this pathway, along with hormone content measurements, elucidated the mechanisms that contribute to enhanced root growth following pruning. Additionally, through a weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), we identified 20 key genes that are instrumental in promoting root development in Q. variabilis saplings. This research advances the theoretical framework for forestry seedling production and afforestation, laying the groundwork for scientifically informed vegetation restoration techniques.

Post-Flowering Photoperiod Sensitivity of Soybean in Pod-Setting Responses

The development of soybean (Glycine max) is regulated by the photoperiod, with genes related to photoperiod sensitivity primarily focused on the flowering time. However, their roles in post-flowering reproductive development and the mechanisms by which the photoperiod affects them are not yet determined. In this study, we found that pod formation is sensitive to the photoperiod. Long-day conditions tended to extend the time from flowering to pod formation, and the first wave of flowers tended to fall off. Additionally, the photoperiod affected the pistil morphology; under short-day conditions, the stigma had a curved hook-like structure that facilitated better interaction with the filaments when pollen was released, ultimately influencing the timing of pod formation. Photoperiod-insensitive mutants, lacking E1 family and Evening Complex (EC) genes, showed no difference in the pod formation time under long-day or short-day conditions. Hormone content analysis and transcriptome data analysis indicated that various hormones, reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst pathway signals, and the application of sucrose solution in vitro might influence floral organ abscission.

Stimulating endogenous hormone content by plant extracts: increased in vitro regeneration of flax (Linum usitatissimum) cultivars

Stimulating endogenous hormone content by plant extracts: increased in vitro regeneration of flax (Linum usitatissimum) cultivars

Sexual activity and climatic adaptation assessment of West African Dwarf goats introduced into Algeria

This study aimed to highlight the effects of variations in age, seasons and climatic conditions on the reproductive activity of West African Dwarf Goats imported from tropical zones in Algeria, and to verify the degree of their adaptation to Mediterranean climatic conditions. For this purpose, testicular biometry and hormonal analysis (testosterone and LH levels) using the radioimmunological method were carried out monthly. In total, seven goats aged between 18 to 48+ months were surveyed during the period from September 2021 to March 2022. The results showed a considerable effect of age on testicular measurements. Bucks less than 18 months recorded the lowest average testicular length, width, thickness and volume, scrotal width and circumference, as levels of testosterone concentrations. All variables were strong correlated. Seasonal variations in the average testicular measurements and hormonal concentrations were observed, without affecting testicular activity. Apart from thenegative action of ambient temperature, no effects of relative humidity or atmospheric pressure were revealed. West African Dwarf Goats showed a good capacity to adapt to Mediterranean climatic conditions through their continuous testicular activity during the year.

Ramadan fasting and exercise combination therapy: A novel approach for osteoporosis prevention in ovariectomized rats.

Osteoporosis is a chronic bone metabolic disease that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly the elderly and postmenopausal women. It is characterized by weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures and leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The goal of the current study is to examine the reported osteo-preservative effects of exercise and/or fasting in the Ramadan fasting model (RFM) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The experimental intervention started 1month following the ovariectomy procedure and consisted of five 15-min exercise sessions per week at 18-25m/min and/or an approximately 13-h fast from sunrise to sunset (6:00 AM-19:00 PM). Serum bone metabolism biomarker levels were measured, and mineral concentrations in femoral ashed bones and digested serum were determined. Additionally, serum bone alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP), parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, calcitonin, and vitamin D3 concentrations were measured using the competitive enzyme immunoassay technique. Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus showed a notable decrease in mineral concentration among OVX rat femurs compared with the combination group (OVX + RFM + E) and control groups. In addition, homeostasis of serum concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus was observed to increase in the OVX + RFM + E group rather than in the OVX group without intervention when compared with a control group. Furthermore, fasting and exercise, either alone or concurrently with ovariectomy, induced a non-significant elevation in osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D3, whereas b-ALP and calcitonin increased significantly compared with those in control rats. The combination of the Ramadan fasting model and moderate intensity exercises among OVX rats manifested advantageous effects in bone biomarkers compared with OVX rats without intervention. This could be recommended as a lifestyle modification that is protective against osteoporosis, especially in the context of depleted estrogen hormone after menopause.

Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid stimulating hormone, and dementia risk: results from the NHANES 2011-2012 and Mendelian randomization analysis.

As the world ages, dementia places a heavy burden on society and the economy, but current methods of diagnosing dementia are still limited and there are no better therapies that target the causes of dementia. The purpose of this work is to explore the relationship between thyroid disease, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations, free tetraiodothyronine (FT4) concentrations and cognitive function. This study utilized cognitive function and thyroid data from the 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to assess the relationship between different groups of TSH and FT4 concentrations and cognitive function using weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS), and then used two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) to assess the causal relationship between hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, TSH and FT4 concentrations with dementia. Our analysis of the 2011-2012 NHANES data showed that the individuals with low TSH concentrations had higher Alzheimer's Disease Word List Registry Consortium1 (CERAD1) and CERAD.delay.recall scores than individuals with high TSH concentrations, and individuals with low FT4 concentrations had higher CERAD3 and Animal Fluency Test scores than individuals with high FT4 concentrations. Our results also showed a non-linear relationship between serum TSH and FT4 concentrations and the Animal Fluency Test. The TSH concentrations within the range of 1.703 to 3.145 mIU/L exhibit a positive correlation with Animal Fluency Test, whereas concentrations outside this range are negatively correlated with Animal Fluency Test. The FT4 concentrations exhibited a positive correlation with Animal Fluency Test to the left of the FT4 concentrations inflection point (0.849 ng/L), whereas to the right of this inflection point, correlation was negative. MR analysis results further indicate that genetic predisposition to hyperthyroidism may be associated with a reduced risk of dementia and vascular dementia(VaD). Conversely, genetic predisposition to hypothyroidism appears to be linked with an increased risk of dementia and VaD. Additionally, genetic predisposition to elevated TSH concentrations may be correlated with a heightened risk of risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study provides evidence of a nonlinear relationship between TSH and FT4 concentrations and cognitive function, with hyperthyroidism decreasing the risk of dementia and VaD, hypothyroidism increasing the risk of dementia and VaD, and elevated serum TSH concentrations increasing the risk of AD. Furthermore, prioritizing early detection, diagnosis, and treatment through the assessment of thyroid function in individuals at high risk for developing dementia is of paramount importance. This strategy has the potential to significantly contribute to the prevention and deceleration of dementia progression.

Propylthiouracil thyroid manipulation positively affects the metabolic adaptability of primiparous dairy cows to early lactation requirements

The study examined effects of thyroid manipulation with propylthiouracil (PTU) on the metabolic adaptability of transitional dairy cows to early lactation. The study included 30 primiparous Holstein-Friesian cows, which were divided into two groups: PTU+ (n = 15; received orally 4 mg/kg PTU during 20 days before expected calving) and PTU− (n = 15; did not receive orally PTU). Blood was sampled from each cow consecutively from − 20, − 17, − 13, − 5, − 4, − 3, − 2, and − 1 days before the expected term of calving, calving day (0), and + 1, + 2, + 3, + 4, + 5, + 10, + 15, + 30 and + 60 days after the calving to measure thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), insulin, glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), bilirubin, total protein and albumin concentrations. Liver samples were biopsied at −7 ± 2 and +7 day relative to calving from both groups of cows to determine deiodinase (DIO) expressions and fat and glycogen content. Additionally, milk yield was monitored during the first 60 days of lactation. PTU successfully induced thyroid suppression by significantly reducing T3 and T4 concentrations and hepatic DIO1 expressions and caused PTU+ cows to have significantly higher insulin and glucose concentration in the precalving period. After calving, PTU+ cows had higher insulin and glucose concentration, liver glycogen content and overall milk production, lower BHB concentration, BCS loss, and liver fat deposits. Accordingly, cows treated with PTU have a more favourable energy balance and metabolic adaptation to early lactation.

Associations of body composition measures with circulating insulin-like growth factor-I, testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin concentrations in 16,000 men.

Adiposity is positively associated with risk of some cancer sites and other health conditions in men; however, it is unclear if endogenous hormones play a role in these associations. We examined how body composition, measured from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and common measures of adiposity (e.g., body mass index (BMI)), are related to hormone concentrations in men from the UK Biobank study. Up to 16,237 men with available body composition data (including visceral, subcutaneous, and liver fat, muscle fat infiltration (MFI), lean tissue, and common adiposity measures) and serum hormone measurements (insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and calculated free testosterone) were included. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models were used to determine the geometric mean hormone and SHBG concentrations across categories of each exposure. Common measurements of adiposity were highly correlated with MRI measures of central and total adiposity (r = 0.76-0.91), although correlations with ectopic fat (liver fat and MFI) were lower (r = 0.43-0.54). Most adiposity measurements showed an inverse U- or J-shaped association with circulating IGF-I and free testosterone; however, MFI was linearly inversely associated, and lean tissue volume was positively associated with both IGF-I and free testosterone concentrations. All body composition measures were inversely associated with total testosterone and SHBG concentrations (relative geometric mean difference between Q5 vs. Q1: 20-30%). Our results show that common adiposity and most MRI measures of adiposity relate similarly to serum hormone concentrations; however, associations with ectopic fat (particularly MFI) and lean tissue were different.

Influence of Lactation Stage on Content of Neurotrophic Factors, Leptin, and Insulin in Human Milk.

Human milk comprehensively meets the nutritional needs of a child, providing not only structural and energy components but also various bioactive factors. Among these, neurotrophic factors and hormones involved in metabolic processes deserve special attention. Studies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays compared the content of neurotrophic factors-CNTF, NT-3, and NGF-and hormones, leptin and insulin, in two groups of breast milk samples: early lactation (1-3 months) and extended lactation (>6 months, up to 12 months). The results indicated changes in leptin and insulin levels as the lactation period extended. NGF, leptin, and insulin were present in milk samples from both study groups, with leptin and insulin levels being higher in the early lactation group. CNTF and NT-3 were not detected in any of the samples from either study group. The analyses confirmed that human milk from women who breastfeed for extended periods remains a source of biologically active components and macronutrients that support a child's development and health.

Neonatal reference intervals for serum steroid hormone concentrations measured by LC-MS/MS.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a rare, inherited disorder of adrenal steroid synthesis. In many countries it is part of the neonatal screening program enabling early diagnosis and treatment. In case of an abnormal neonatal screening result or when other differences of sexual development (DSD) are suspected, measurement of serum steroid hormones using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is needed for further diagnosis. However, reliable age- and sex-specific reference intervals (RIs) for serum steroid hormones during the neonatal period are missing. We therefore aimed to establish LC-MS/MS based RIs for serum steroid hormones in neonates. Serum was obtained from healthy term neonates at two time points: 130 samples at day 3-8 (T1, time of the neonatal screening) and 126 samples at day 13-15 (T2,two weeks old). Concentrations of cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, 21-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone, testosterone, androstenedione, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) were measured using LC-MS/MS. RIs (in nmol/L) were established for T1 and T2: cortisone (19.3-215;18.0-212), cortisol (10.0-407;8.4-446), corticosterone (<31;<50), 11-deoxycortisol (0.73-4.6;0.70-3.6), 17-OHP (<4.9;<5.1), androstenedione (0.3-1.8;0.3-2.7), 11-deoxycorticosterone (<0.2;<0.2), and 21-deoxycortisol (<1;<1), respectively. Testosterone differed between boys and girls: RIs at T1 and T2 for boys were 0.27-4.3 and 0.63-13.9, and for girls<0.30 and <0.47, respectively. We established LC-MS/MS based RIs for cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, 21-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone, testosterone, androstenedione, and 17-OHP in neonates in the first and second week of life.

Sequence characteristics, expression and subcellular localization of PtCYP721A57 gene from cytochrome P450 family in Polygala tenuifolia willd.

The Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) family is the largest enzyme protein family in plants, distributed across various organs and involved in significant catalytic activities in primary and secondary metabolic processes. In this study, we cloned the PtCYP721A57 gene, characterized its open reading frame (ORF), and conducted comprehensive analyses including physicochemical properties, evolutionary relationships, subcellular localization, prokaryotic expression, and correlation between the relative expression of different parts and the content of tenuifolin, hormones, and abiotic stress response associated with the encoded protein. The ORF of PtCYP721A57 was 1,521 bp, with a secondary structure predominantly composed of α-helices and random coils. Subcellular localization experiments confirmed the presence of PtCYP721A57 in the endoplasmic reticulum. For prokaryotic expression, we constructed the recombinant plasmid pET28a-PtCYP721A57 using pET28a as the vector, which was then transformed into BL21(DE3). Induction with Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) at temperatures of 16 and 25 °C and varying concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2 mM) resulted in the formation of inclusion bodies, with higher expression observed at 25 °C. Our qPCR analyses revealed that PtCYP721A57 exhibited the highest expression in the cortex of Polygala tenuifolia, followed by roots and xylem, correlating with the observed tenuifolin content distribution. Induction with abscisic acid (ABA) and chitosan (CHT) initially decreased PtCYP721A57 expression followed by a subsequent increase, peaking at 48 h. Similarly, drought stress induced a gradual increase in PtCYP721A57 expression, also peaking at 48 h. NaCl treatment for 6 h significantly upregulated PtCYP721A57 expression. In conclusion, our study provides foundational insights into the PtCYP721A57 gene in Polygala tenuifolia, laying the groundwork for further exploration of its role in the biosynthesis pathway of triterpenoid saponins.

Actions of thyroid hormones and thyromimetics on the liver.

Thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine and thyroxine) are pivotal for metabolic balance in the liver and entire body. Dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis can contribute to hepatic metabolic disturbances, affecting lipid metabolism, glucose regulation and protein synthesis. In addition, reductions in circulating and intrahepatic thyroid hormone concentrations increase the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease by inducing lipotoxicity, inflammation and fibrosis. Amelioration of hepatic metabolic disease by thyroid hormones in preclinical and clinical studies has spurred the development of thyromimetics that target THRB (the predominant thyroid hormone receptor isoform in the liver) and/or the liver itself to provide more selective activation of hepatic thyroid hormone-regulated metabolic pathways while reducing thyrotoxic side effects in tissues that predominantly express THRA such as the heart and bone. Resmetirom, a liver and THRB-selective thyromimetic, recently became the first FDA-approved drug for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Thus, a better understanding of the metabolic actions of thyroid hormones and thyromimetics in the liver is timely and clinically relevant. Here, we describe the roles of thyroid hormones in normal liver function and pathogenesis of MASH, as well as some potential clinical issues that might arise when treating patients with MASH with thyroid hormone supplementation or thyromimetics.