Hormone Production Research Articles

Adrenal crisis-induced cardiogenic shock (ACCS): a comprehensive review.

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a disorder in which inadequate glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid hormone production leads to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight loss, and nausea. In some patients with unknown AI, adrenal crisis-induced cardiogenic shock (ACCS) can be the first presentation, resulting in a fatal situation. The ACCS may exhibit unresponsiveness to inotropes and fluid therapy; thus, glucocorticoid administration is the primary vital intervention, making early detection of AI essential. Hence, in this study, we review the case reports demonstrating acute cardiomyopathies in the context of AI. The review addresses the suggested underlying mechanisms, including the diminished protective effects of glucocorticoids against catecholamines in AI. We also highlighted some clues to aid physicians in considering AI as a differential diagnosis in critically ill patients presenting cardiogenic shock.

Oxygen sensing in the kidney.

The kidneys fulfil several essential homeostatic functions for the body. One of them is the maintenance of sufficient oxygen supply to the organs. For this purpose, the kidneys control the formation of red blood cells by the production of the hormone erythropoietin. This control of red cell formation is not only relevant to prevent states of oxygen deficiency but also to prevent an unwanted increase of red cell numbers causing thromboembolic risks. The adequate production of erythropoietin requires a sensing of the arterial oxygen content and transduction to hormone production. This oxygen sensing is a two-step process which includes a translation of the arterial oxygen content to respective oxygen tension in the tubulointerstitium and a perception of the resulting local interstitial oxygen tension to translate them into specific cellular responses such as the production of erythropoietin. This contribution will describe these steps of oxygen sensing for the healthy kidney and for the changes occurring during states of chronic renal disease, which are commonly associated with anemia. In this context a special focus will also be set on intrarenal hypoxia and oxygen sensing in the diabetic kidney including the treatment with tubular glucose transport (SGLT-2) inhibitors which might influence the oxygen sensing in the kidney. Finally, we will consider the effects of prolylhydroxylase inhibitors (PHD-I), which fundamentally interfere with the cellular oxygen sensing and which are meanwhile treatment options in renal anemia.

A multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of thoracic endometriosis

Purpose. To familiarize gynecologists with the clinical presentation, diagnosis and basic principles of treatment of thoracic endometriosis (TE).Materials and Methods. The article presents a review of publications based on the results of search in electronic resources PubMed, Elibrary, EMBASE. The own clinical observation of the patient with TE is also presented.Results. The clinical picture of TE can be different, in many patients it is asymptomatic. The typical symptom of TE is menstrual cycle-related, usually right-sided pain in the thoracic, scapular or shoulder area. Chest X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bronchoscopy are used in diagnosis. The gold standard for definitive diagnosis and effective treatment is video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). As with pelvic disease, the first-line therapy for TE is medication to suppress ovarian steroid hormone production. Surgical treatment should be considered in patients with refractory or recurrent TE and in acute life-threatening conditions.Conclusion. Management of patients with thoracic endometriosis requires an interdisciplinary approach involving gynecologists and thoracic surgeons.

Copper and Colorectal Cancer

Minerals constitute only 5% of the typical human diet but are vital for health and functionality. Copper, a trace element, is absorbed by the human gut at 30–40% from diets typical of industrialized countries. The liver produces metallothioneins, which store copper. Copper is crucial for mitochondrial respiration, pigmentation, iron transport, antioxidant defense, hormone production, and extracellular matrix biosynthesis. Copper deficiency, often caused by mutations in the ATP7A gene, results in Menkes disease, an X-linked recessive disorder. On the contrary, Wilson disease is characterized by toxic copper accumulation. Cuproptosis, a unique form of cell death regulated by copper, is a subtype of necrosis induced by enhanced mitochondrial metabolism and intracellular copper accumulation. This process can reduce the malignant potential of tumor cells by inhibiting glucose metabolism. Therapeutically, copper and its complexes have shown efficacy in malignancy treatments. The disruption of copper homeostasis and excessive cuproplasia are significant in colorectal cancer development and metastasis. Therefore, manipulating copper status presents a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer, using copper chelators to inhibit copper formation or copper ion carriers to promote cuproptosis. This review highlights the role of copper in human physiology and pathology, emphasizing its impact on colorectal cancer and potential therapeutic strategies. Future AI-based approaches are anticipated to accelerate the development of new compounds targeting cuproptosis and copper disruption in colorectal cancer.

Deciphering the mystery of CHNG3

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH), characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production due to abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, is the most common congenital endocrine disorder. We previously conducted comprehensive genetic screening of 102 patients with permanent CH born in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan and identified mutations in several genes in 19 CH patients, including defects in genes encoding dual oxidase 2, thyroglobulin, thyrotropin receptor, thyroid peroxidase, and paired-box 8. Despite these findings, approximately 80% of cases remain unexplained. CH pedigrees unexplained by known genetic forms of CH have been reported in the literature and registered as congenital hypothyroidism, nongoitrous, 3 (CHNG3; %609893) in Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man. We also identified a Japanese pedigree of CH that was compatible with CHNG3. However, the exact genetic cause of CHNG3 was not revealed by standard analysis methods such as exome sequencing and array comparative genomic hybridization. We therefore took a combined approach and analyzed a total of 11 undiagnosed CH pedigrees by whole genome sequencing to analyze a 3-Mb linkage region, and found a disease-causing variant affecting a TTTG microsatellite in a noncoding region on chromosome 15. Further analysis revealed that 13.9% of 989 Japanese CH patients had abnormalities involving the TTTG microsatellite, with a substantial proportion (41.5%) of familial CH cases carrying these mutations. Identification of the genetic cause of CHNG3 provides new insights into the pathogenesis of CH, and highlights the need for continued exploration of noncoding genomic regions in Mendelian disorders of unknown etiology.

The effect of Xerostomia in diabetes mellitus patients on the incidence of dry socket after tooth extraction: A literature review

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder caused by the absence of insulin hormone production or lack of response to insulin. Diabetes mellitus can cause complications such as caries, periodontal disease, and xerostomia. Xerostomia is associated with low salivary flow which can cause several additional complications. Objective: To determine the effect of xerostomia, a complication in patients with diabetes mellitus, on the incidence of dry sockets after tooth extraction. Method: The method used in this study is a Literature Review, which searches three different journal databases, using the search terms "xerostomia" OR "diabetes mellitus" AND "tooth extraction" OR "dry socket." Results: It shows that there is an effect between the occurrence of xerostomia in patients with diabetes mellitus and the incidence of dry sockets after tooth extraction. Discussion: In patients with diabetes mellitus, saliva production can decrease due to nerve and blood vessel damage caused by glucose metabolism disorders in the body. This can reduce the quality and increase the viscosity of saliva, making the wound-healing process after tooth extraction more difficult. Xerostomia in patients with diabetes mellitus can worsen the dry socket condition because of the lack of moisture in the oral cavity, which can affect the blood clotting process after tooth extraction. If the blood clot dislodges, it can cause a dry socket in xerostomia patients. Conclusion: Dry socket in diabetic patients with xerostomia is thought to be due to low saliva production which interferes with wound healing after tooth extraction.

The effect of adrenalectomy on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

Progressive lung fibrosis is often fatal and has limited treatment options. Though the mechanisms are poorly understood, fibrosis is increasingly linked with catecholamines such as adrenaline (AD) and noradrenaline (NA), and hormones such as aldosterone (ALD). The essential functions of the adrenal glands include the production of catecholamines and numerous hormones, but the contribution of adrenal glands to lung fibrosis remains less well studied. Here, we characterized the impact of surgical adrenal ablation in the bleomycin model of lung fibrosis. Wild type mice underwent surgical adrenalectomy or sham surgery followed by bleomycin administration. We found that while bleomycin-induced collagen over-deposition in the lung was not affected by adrenalectomy, histologic indices of lung remodeling were ameliorated. These findings were accompanied by a decrease of lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and macrophages in lung tissues, along with concomitant reductions in alpha smooth muscle actin (⍺SMA) and fibronectin. Surgical adrenalectomy completely abrogated AD, not NA, detection in all compartments. Systemic ALD levels were reduced after adrenalectomy while ALD levels in lung tissues remained unaffected. Taken together, these results support the presence of a pulmonary-adrenal axis in lung fibrosis and suggest that adrenalectomy is protective in this disease. Further investigation will be needed to better understand this observation and aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Regulation of Sex-biased Gene Expression by the Ancestral X-Y Chromosomal Gene Pair Kdm5c-Kdm5d.

Conventionally, Y-linked Sry is thought to drive sex differences by triggering differential hormone production. Ancestral X-Y gene pairs, however, are hypothesized to drive hormone-independent sex differences. Here, we show that the X-Y gene pair Kdm5c - Kdm5d regulates sex-biased gene expression in pluripotent mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Wild-type (WT) XX female ESCs exhibit >2-fold higher expression of 409 genes relative to WT XY male ESCs. Conversely, WT XY male ESCs exhibit >2-fold higher expression of 126 genes compared to WT XX female ESCs. Loss of Kdm5c in female ESCs downregulates female-biased genes. In contrast, loss of either Kdm5c or Kdm5d in male ESCs upregulates female-biased genes and downregulates male-biased genes, effectively neutralizing sex-biased gene expression. KDM5C promotes the expression of Kdm5d and several other Y-linked genes in male ESCs. Moreover, ectopic Kdm5d expression in female ESCs is sufficient to drive male-biased gene expression. These results establish Kdm5c - Kdm5d as critical regulators of sex-biased gene expression.

The female reproductive tract microbiome and obesity

High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing has allowed us to identify novel microorganisms and their relationships in the female reproductive tract. However, in obese patients, the female reproductive tract microbiome, unlike the intestinal microbiome, has been understudied. Here, the literature review analyzes and describes microbiome features in the external genitalia, vagina, cervical canal, uterus, and ovaries in overweight and obese nonpregnant and pregnant females. The microbiome of the lower female reproductive tract in obese patients is characterized by increased bacterial diversity, pH, decreased Lactobacillus abundance, and increased abundance of obligate anaerobes and yeasts of the genus Candida. The endometrial microbiome in overweight and obese patients has been studied only in postmenopause and is characterized by higher Proteobacteria abundance. No data on the characteristics of the ovarian microbiome in obese patients are available. The mechanisms accounting for microbiome changes in obese patients are likely to due to the ability of adipose tissue-derived leptin and estrone to inhibit production of pituitary gonadotropic hormones resulting in blocked ovulation and lowered estradiol production in patients of reproductive age. Consequently, a decline in glycogen synthesis in the vaginal epithelium, decreased Lactobacillus abundance followed by elevated vaginal mucus pH value and number of obligate anaerobes, including those associated with bacterial vaginosis are observed. Weight loss can have a beneficial effect on the state of the vaginal microbiome, restoring normal Lactobacillus abundance.

Age, sex, and cell type-resolved hypothalamic gene expression across the pubertal transition in mice

BackgroundThe hypothalamus plays a central role in regulating puberty. However, our knowledge of the postnatal gene regulatory networks that control the pubertal transition in males and females is incomplete. Here, we investigate the age-, sex- and cell-type-specific gene regulation in the hypothalamus across the pubertal transition.MethodsWe used RNA-seq to profile hypothalamic gene expression in male and female mice at five time points spanning the onset of puberty (postnatal days (PD) 12, 22, 27, 32, and 37). By combining this data with hypothalamic single nuclei RNA-seq data from pre- and postpubertal mice, we assigned gene expression changes to their most likely cell types of origin. In our colony, pubertal onset occurs earlier in male mice, allowing us to focus on genes whose expression is dynamic across ages and offset between sexes, and to explore the bases of sex effects.ResultsOur age-by-sex pattern of expression enriched for biological pathways involved hormone production, neuronal activation, and glial maturation. Additionally, we inferred a robust expansion of oligodendrocytes precursor cells into mature oligodendrocytes spanning the prepubertal (PD12) to peri-pubertal (PD27) timepoints. Using spatial transcriptomic data from postpubertal mice, we observed the lateral hypothalamic area and zona incerta were the most oligodendrocyte-rich regions and that these cells expressed genes known to be involved in pubertal regulation.ConclusionTogether, by incorporating multiple biological timepoints and using sex as a variable, we identified gene and cell-type changes that may participate in orchestrating the pubertal transition and provided a resource for future studies of postnatal hypothalamic gene regulation.

Molecular interactions of Trichoderma: from microbial competition to soil health promotion

The increasing demand for sustainable solutions to agricultural pest and disease management has positioned Trichoderma fungi as a promising biological control agent. Trichoderma is not only capable of suppressing various plant pathogens but also promotes plant growth and strengthens natural plant defenses. This mini-review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying Trichoderma's ability to function as a biocontrol agent, focusing on nutrient competition, antibiotic production, mycoparasitism, and the induction of plant resistance. Additionally, advances in genomics and transcriptomics have facilitated a deeper understanding of the signaling pathways and genes responsible for Trichoderma's biocontrol effectiveness, including G-protein and MAPK pathways. Beyond pathogen suppression, Trichoderma plays a key role in enhancing soil health and establishing symbiotic relationships with plants, contributing to improved nutrient absorption and growth hormone production. However, challenges remain in translating laboratory success to large-scale field applications. This mini review highlights the need for further research on optimizing Trichoderma formulations, understanding its interaction with other beneficial soil organisms, and exploring genetic engineering to enhance its biocontrol capabilities. The future of Trichoderma lies in its integration into holistic, agroecological systems alongside other sustainable pest management strategies.

Effect of electronic smoking (Vaping) on thyroid hormones level and lipid profile in men

In the last period, the market quickly became saturated with vaping devices available in many flavors and forms appealing to youth. Both traditional cigarette and e-cigarette smoking are known to potentially alter metabolic processes, including hormone production and to increase the risk of lung, heart and kidney diseases. The aim of the study was to estimate the level of thyroid hormones and lipids in the blood of young men who smoked traditional or e-cigarettes. A case-control study involved 200 men aged 24-25 years who smoked 5-7 h per day, divided into two groups (100 e-cigarette smokers and 100 cigarette smokers) and 50 healthy men who did not smoke. The levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) were measured using COBAS E411. The levels of total cholesterol, TG, LDL and HDL were estimated spectrophotometrically. No significant changes were found in thyroid hormone levels or lipid profiles, except for an increased TG content in the group of traditional cigarette smokers compared to the control group. Whereas in the blood of e-smokers, the increase in the level of FT3 and FT4 and a significant decrease in that of TSH, as well as the elevated content of total cholesterol, TG, and LDL, were detected compared to the control group. The results obtained indicate that e-smoking affects the function of the thyroid gland and lipid metabolism. Keywords: blood samples, lipid profile, thyroid hormones, vaping

Free long-chain fatty acids trigger early postembryonic development in starved Caenorhabditis elegans by suppressing mTORC1.

Postembryonic development of animals has long been considered an internally predetermined program, while macronutrients were believed to be essential solely for providing biomatters and energy to support this process. However, in this study, by using a nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (abbreviated as C. elegans hereafter) model, we surprisingly discovered that dietary supplementation of palmitic acid alone, rather than other abundant essential nutrients such as glucose or amino acid mixture, was sufficient to initiate early postembryonic development even under complete macronutrient deprivation. Such a development was evidenced by changes in morphology, cellular markers in multiple tissues, behaviors, and the global transcription pattern and it occurred earlier than the well-known early L1 nutrient checkpoint. Mechanistically, palmitic acid did not function as a biomatter/energy provider, but rather as a ligand to activate the nuclear hormone receptor NHR-49/80, leading to the production of an unknown peroxisome-derived secretive hormone in the intestine. This hormonal signal was received by chemosensory neurons in the head, regulating the insulin-like neuropeptide secretion and its downstream nuclear receptor to orchestrate global development. Additionally, the nutrient-sensing hub mTORC1 played a negative role in this process. In conclusion, our data indicate that free fatty acids act as a primary nutrient signal to launch the early development in C. elegans, which suggests that specific nutrients, rather than the internal genetic program, serve as the first impetus for postembryonic development.

Rola mikrobioty jelit i jej metabolitów w przebiegu otyłości i cukrzycy

The gut microbiota is an indispensable component of the proper functioning of the human body, as gut microorganisms and their metabolites strongly influence the host's metabolism and immune functions. They also contribute to the biosynthesis of vitamins, production of gut hormones, maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity, protection against pathogens, as well as digestion and absorption of nutrients. Increasingly, the relationship between disturbances in the composition of gut microbiota and the onset of metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes is being emphasized. Understanding the significance of the microbiota in the course of these diseases, its composition, and activity may offer new approaches to their treatment. Increasing attention is being paid to individual species of gut bacteria, among which Akkermansia muciniphila holds a special position, as a decrease in the abundance of this commensal bacterium in the gut is associated with many diseases, including obesity and diabetes.

A Novel Low-Impact Resistance Exercise Program Increases Strength and Balance in Females Irrespective of Menopause Status.

The reduction in sex hormone production across the menopause transition is thought to accelerate age-related decline in muscle mass, strength, and stability, increasing the risk of falls and fractures. We aimed to investigate whether a novel low-impact resistance exercise program could improve strength, balance, and body composition and whether any improvement was affected by menopause status. Seventy healthy, moderately active pre- (PRE; 46.7 ± (SD) 3.2 years), peri- (PERI; 52.3 ± 2.2 years) or post- (POST; 57.0 ± 2.5 years) menopausal females, not taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), were randomised to continue habitual physical activity (CON; n = 25) or complete a supervised resistance exercise program 4 days/week for 12 weeks (EXC; n = 45). Strength at the hip and shoulder (isokinetic dynamometer), dynamic balance (Y-balance), flexibility (sit-and-reach & back-scratch), muscle thickness (rectus femoris, vastus intermedius (VI) and medial deltoid), and lean and %body fat (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were measured before and after training. Results: Hip abduction and flexion peak torque (19 ± 48 and 20 ± 17%, respectively, P < 0.05), posterolateral and posteromedial balance (12 ± 15 and 13 ± 15%, respectively, P < 0.001), flexibility (21 ± 36%, P < 0.001), VI thickness (12 ± 19%, P = 0.032), lean mass (2 ± 2%, P = 0.007), all increased over 12 weeks in EXC, but not CON, with no difference in response between PRE, PERI or POST. The changes in shoulder strength and body mass over 12 weeks were not different between CON and EXC. This is the first study to demonstrate that the decline in sex hormones, and increase in age, across the menopause transition does not affect the ability of lower limb (hip) strength and balance to adapt to a low-impact resistance exercise training program in females not taking HRT.

The impact of adrenocortical carcinoma hormone secreting status as a predictor of poor survival: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) poses a significant challenge in healthcare due to its aggressive nature and rarity. Prior reports suggest a poorer prognosis associated with hormone-secreting neoplasms. This study aims to assess the impact of ACC hormonal status on patients' oncologic survival. A comprehensive literature search of the Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, CENTRAL and clinicaltrials.gov databases was undertaken. Utilized data involved Hazard Ratios derived from multivariable analysis in order to minimize exposure to confounding bias. Included studies were subsequently meta-analyzed using a Random effects model. Twelve studies incorporating 4483 patients were included in the quantitative analysis. Hormonally active ACCs comprised 48% of the entire pooled patient cohort and were found to be associated with significantly worse Overall Survival (HR 1.57, 95% Confidence Interval 1.39-1.78, p < 0.001). Disease-Free Survival was comparably impacted (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.11-1.57, p < 0.001). Furthermore, cortisol secreting ACCs specifically, were also found to be associated with a 48% increase in the hazard of death or disease recurrence. Interstudy statistical heterogeneity was minimal among evaluated outcomes. Hormone-producing ACCs exhibit a poorer prognosis compared to non-secreting counterparts, with a 57% increased risk of death and a 32% increased risk of recurrence. These findings support the hypothesis that hormone production signifies an adverse tumor-specific feature, particularly when leading to hypercortisolemia, indicating an aggressive disease phenotype.

Triad of female athletes

The female sports triad is a spectrum of dysfunctions related to energy availability, menstrual function, and bone mineral density. Energy availability is considered the trigger for the triad. Scientists have proven that women who do sports consume approximately 30% less energy and carbohydrates in relation to their body weight. Sufficient energy availability ensures the presence of a menstrual cycle, directly affects the stimulation of the production of female sex hormones (estrogen in particular). Thus, it prevents resorption of bone tissue. When energy availability is too low, a physiological mechanism reduces the amount of energy used for cell maintenance, thermoregulation, growth, and reproductive function. This compensation tends to restore energy balance and promotes survival, but impairs health. Low body weight in women of reproductive age, particularly in adolescence and the first reproductive age, is a biological marker of somatic and reproductive dysfunction. Osteoporosis in young female athletes is manifested by fractures unusual for young women or by frequent and multiple bone fractures during an athletic career. In this review article, an analytical review of literary and informational sources regarding the history of research on the problem of the triad of female athletes is carried out. The specifics of the negative impact of the athlete triad on the female body, the components of the athlete triad (amenorrhea, eating disorders, and osteoporosis) are examined in detail. The article focuses on its main cause - energy imbalance. The impact of the triad of female athletes on the psyche and behavior is considered. The question of its consequences for health both in the short-term and in the long-term perspective is considered. The prevention of RED-S syndrome was also investigated. The purpose of the study: Systematization of current knowledge about the triad of female athletes (relative energy deficiency syndrome (RED-S)). Research methods. Theoretical analysis of literary sources, systematization, generalization of scientific-methodical and special literature.

Widespread production of plant growth-promoting hormones among marine bacteria and their impacts on the growth of a marine diatom

BackgroundReciprocal exchanges of metabolites between phytoplankton and bacteria influence the fitness of these microorganisms which ultimately shapes the productivity of marine ecosystems. Recent evidence suggests that plant growth-promoting hormones may be key metabolites within mutualistic phytoplankton-bacteria partnerships, but very little is known about the diversity of plant growth-promoting hormones produced by marine bacteria and their specific effects on phytoplankton growth. Here, we aimed to investigate the capacity of marine bacteria to produce 7 plant growth-promoting hormones and the effects of these hormones on Actinocyclus sp. growth.ResultsWe examined the plant growth-promoting hormone synthesis capabilities of 14 bacterial strains that enhance the growth of the common diatom Actinocyclus. Plant growth-promoting hormone biosynthesis was ubiquitous among the bacteria tested. Indeed all 14 strains displayed the genomic potential to synthesise multiple hormones, and mass-spectrometry confirmed that each strain produced at least 6 out of the 7 tested plant growth-promoting hormones. Some of the plant growth-promoting hormones identified here, such as brassinolide and trans-zeatin, have never been reported in marine microorganisms. Importantly, all strains produced the hormone indole-3 acetic acid (IAA) in high concentrations and released it into their surroundings. Furthermore, indole-3 acetic acid extracellular concentrations were positively correlated with the ability of each strain to promote Actinocyclus growth. When inoculated with axenic Actinocyclus cultures, only indole-3 acetic acid and gibberellic acid enhanced the growth of the diatom, with cultures exposed to indole-3 acetic acid exhibiting a two-fold increase in cell numbers.ConclusionOur results reveal that marine bacteria produce a much broader range of plant growth-promoting hormones than previously suspected and that some of these compounds enhance the growth of a marine diatom. These findings suggest plant growth-promoting hormones play a large role in microbial communication and broaden our knowledge of their fuctions in the marine environment.4YJWCKdNErspcm2bUDNM6tVideo

Unveiling the critical role of androgen receptor signaling in avian sexual development

Gonadal hormone activities mediated by androgen and estrogen receptors, along with cell-autonomous mechanisms arising from the absence of sex-chromosome dosage compensation, are key factors in avian sexual development. In this study, we generate androgen receptor (AR) knockout chickens (AR−/−) to explore the role of androgen signaling in avian sexual development. Despite developing sex-typical gonads and gonadal hormone production, AR−/− males and females are infertile. While few somatic sex-specific traits persist (body size, spurs, and tail feathers), crucial sexual attributes such as comb, wattles and sexual behaviors remain underdeveloped in both sexes. Testosterone treatment of young AR−/− males fails to induce crow behavior, comb development, or regression of the bursa of Fabricius, which are testosterone-dependent phenotypes. These findings highlight the significance of androgen receptor mechanisms in fertility and sex-specific traits in chickens, challenging the concept of a default sex in birds and emphasizing the dominance of androgen signaling in avian sexual development.

Epidemiological Aspects of Renal Disorders in Dogs at South-Saurastra Region of Gujarat- A Prospective Study

Background: Kidney plays a major role in eliminating metabolic wastes from body, in maintaining acid-base balance and production of hormones. Due to their anatomic and physiologic features, kidneys are most susceptible to toxicity and ischemia. No study has been carried out to assess the renal disorders in dog in this region. Hence, the epidemiological study was carried out to record renal disorders in dogs at Junagadh. Methods: The assessment of the incidence of renal disorders in dogs was performed in the hospital cases presented at Veterinary Clinical Complex, COVSAH, KU from September 2022 to August 2023. A total of 2850 caseloads of dogs with different ailments were screened, out of which 170 dogs were diagnosed as renal disorders based on clinical presentation, hematology, serum biochemistry, urine analysis and nephrosonography. Result: The overall incidence of renal disorders in dogs was 5.96%. The higher occurrence of renal disorders was noted in age group of 6-8 years (9.62%) and males (6.61%). The dog breeds that were found higher incidence were Labrador retriever (9.68%) followed by German shepherd (7.24%). Month and Season wise higher incidence was recorded in the month of October (10%) of monsoon (7.61%) season. The highest recorded incidence of renal disorder was nephritis and renal failure (AKI/CKD) (each 35.88%).