Hormone Ratio Research Articles

Relationship between prolactin level and puberty in girls with early breast development.

Prolactin (PRL) stimulates the mammary glands development; however, it also inhibits gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. We evaluated the relationship between PRL levels and puberty in girls with precocious breast development. This study included 244 girls with breast development < 8 years of age. Patients were categorized as central precocious puberty (CPP) [peak luteinizing hormone (LH) levels≥ 5 IU/L after GnRH stimulation] versus non-CPP (NPP) group. High PRL was defined as serum PRL > 17.9ng/mL. High PRL was more common in NPP than in CPP group (17.6 vs. 8.1%, p=0.025), although mean PRL levels did not differ. In NPP group, the high PRL group had lower peak LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, and later LH peak time after GnRH stimulation than normal PRL group (all p<0.05). PRL levels of the subgroups according to the peak LH time (15, 30, 45, 60, and 90min after GnRH stimulation) were different in NPP group, but not in CPP group. PRL levels tended to be higher as the peak LH time was delayed. High PRL was associated with decreased odds for CPP (OR=0.42, p=0.043). Girls with NPP showed higher proportion of high PRL than CPP group. High PRL group showed more features of prepubertal response in NPP group, and associated with decreased odds for CPP, suggesting the possibility of PRL role on breast development while suppressing hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activation in NPP girls.

Association of insertion/deletion polymorphism of angiotensin converting enzyme gene with metabolic components of polycystic ovary syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has taken the prime position as an endocrine disease in women of reproductive age and is estimated to affect 2.2–22.5% worldwide and in Indian women it ranges from 9% to 12%. The primary defects that cause PCOS still remains unknown. A lot of genetic factors not excluding polymorphisms and mutations of multiple genes have been linked with PCOS, exact mechanisms which might be the cause of PCOS are yet unknown. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and its yields are related with angiogenesis of ovarian epithelium, restoration of meiosis, steroidogenesis, and follicular growth. Aims and Objectives: The present study was aimed to establish the association of ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in PCOS patients and to assess the influence of this polymorphism on the metabolic components of PCOS. Materials and Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from blood obtained from 100 patients with PCOS and 100 healthy controls following ethical guidelines. DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using I/D distinct allele primers. PCR products were assessed after being exposed to gel electrophoresis. Results were analyzed in respect to biochemical parameters. Results: The allelic frequency and genotypic distribution of the ACE gene polymorphism is associated with PCOS in women. The concentrations of testosterones as well as luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone ratio among the distinct genotypes were significantly different. The presence of “D” allele in a population more likely to be associated with formation of polycystic ovary and hyperandrogenism was observed. Conclusion: The data suggest that ACE I/D polymorphism and PCOS pathology are unassociated. However, aggravation of clinical symptoms of PCOS can be linked to the steroidogenesis which, in turn, is associated with the polymorphism.

The value of urinary gonadotropins in the diagnosis of central precocious puberty: a meta-analysis

BackgroundThe gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test is time-consuming, invasive, and costly. However, it is the diagnostic gold standard for central precocious puberty (CPP), which in girls is defined as the onset of secondary sexual characteristics before the age of 8 years accompanied by breast buds, accelerated growth, and advanced bone age. This meta-analysis was performed to compare the diagnostic value of urinary gonadotropins and the GnRH stimulation test for CPP.MethodsWe searched six databases for relevant literature. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we estimated the sensitivity, specificity, area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and publication bias.ResultsSix eligible trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In the meta-analysis of urinary luteinizing hormone (ULH), after excluding the data of one study, we obtained an AUC of 0.90 (sensitivity = 0.81, specificity = 0.85). The meta-analysis of the ULH to urinary follicle-stimulating hormone (UFSH) ratio revealed an AUC of 0.8116 (sensitivity = 0.79, specificity = 0.84).ConclusionBoth the ULH level and ULH:UFSH ratio are effective and available approaches for CPP diagnosis.Trial RegistrationINPLASY 2021120076.

Steroid Hormone Profiling in Hyperandrogenism and Non-hyperandrogenism Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

The purpose of this study is to explore the differences in the steroid metabolic network between hyperandrogenic and non-hyperandrogenic women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was employed for the quantification of 36 kinds of serum steroids in 80 PCOS women during their follicular phase. Compared with those in non-hyperandrogenemia PCOS women (NA-PCOS), the levels of 17-hydroprogesterone (P = 0.009), androstenedione (P < 0.001), total testosterone (P < 0.001), dihydrotestosterone (P = 0.025), estrone (P = 0.007), and estradiol (P < 0.001) were increased in hyperandrogenemia PCOS (HA-PCOS) women. It was suggested that HA-PCOS may have increased activity of P450c17 (17-hydropregnenolone/pregnenolone, P = 0.008), 3βHSD2 (androstenedione/dehydroepiandrosterone, P = 0.004), and 17βHSD3 (testosterone/dehydroepiandrosterone, P = 0.01) and decreased activity of 5α reductase (dihydrotestosterone/testosterone, P = 0.008). Moreover, the ratio of luteinizing hormone (LH) to follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was found to be related to these increased steroids and enzyme activities. In conclusion, the HA-PCOS and the NA-PCOS women showed different steroid profiles, and the different enzyme activities in steroidogenic pathway may be the main reason for the difference.

Different Factors Are Associated With Sex Hormones and Leydig Cell Function in Israelis and Palestinians in Jerusalem.

Total testosterone (TT) is known to influence health and virility in men. Among men from United States and Europe, numerous sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were reported to be associated with TT. However, associations with TT and Leydig cell function in the Middle East are poorly described. A cross-sectional, population-based sample had a structured interview, physical examinations, and blood tests in two hospitals in Jerusalem, Israel. A subsample (25- to 44-year-old men, n = 286: 124 Israelis, 162 Palestinians) had sex hormone measurements. The primary outcomes were TT and free testosterone/luteinizing hormone (FT/LH) ratio, representing Leydig cell function. Associations with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity (PA) were evaluated using multivariable linear regression. Compared with Palestinians, Israelis had similar TT (4.81 vs. 5.09 ng/mL, p = .405) and higher FT/LH (31.2 vs. 25.8 ng/IU, p = .002). In ln-transformed values, marital status had a stronger association in Palestinians (P for interaction = 0.03). Age, BMI, and PA had a stronger association with TT in Israelis with significant interactions with ethnicity. BMI <25 and a higher PA quartile were associated with a higher TT (p < .001). Among Israelis, age (p = .007), married marital status (p = .007), and BMI <25 were significantly associated with FT/LH. No associations of any factors were identified among Palestinians. Associations with several modifiable factors identified in Western samples were replicated in Israelis and to a lesser degree in Palestinians. Different relationships of several factors with TT and FT/LH could result from ethnically diverse genetic, sociodemographic, and behavioral characteristics that warrant further research.

P-590 Discriminatory value of steroid hormones on polycystic ovary syndrome in women with infertility and obesity

Abstract Study question Which steroid hormone (ratio) has the highest discriminatory value in the biochemical diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women with infertility and obesity? Summary answer Androstenedione (A4) is a potentially useful discriminatory biomarker for PCOS in women with obesity, whereas Testosterone (T)/Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 11-oxygenated androgens are not. What is known already The best biomarker to assess biochemical hyperandrogenism in PCOS is still under discussion. Serum total or free T, followed by Free Androgen Index (FAI), and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) are the most widely used biomarkers. T/DHT ratio has been proposed as a useful biomarker for PCOS. Moreover, a recent study demonstrated 11-oxygenated androgens represent the majority of circulating androgens in PCOS. Whether this is also relevant in women with obesity is unclear. We aimed to assess the discriminatory value of different steroid hormones and their ratios for PCOS as well as adverse metabolic phenotype within PCOS in women with obesity. Study design, size, duration We used the baseline data and samples originating from an RCT that examined whether a six-month lifestyle intervention prior infertility treatment in women with obesity improved live birth rate, compared to prompt infertility treatment. In total of 577 women with obesity were randomized between 2009 and 2012. Women were diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed based on the revised criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program. Participants/materials, setting, methods Women with PCOS comprised the study group (N = 132). Ovulatory women with idiopathic, tubal or male factor infertility were the control group (N = 83). Women were excluded when blood sampling was performed in the luteal phase or when baseline samples were unavailable. The steroid hormones were measured using LC-MS/MS. 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11OHA4) and 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) were analyzed using LC-MS/MS in a separate method. The discriminatory value was based on receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves with adjustment for age. Main results and the role of chance The mean age was 28.1 years in the PCOS group and 30.9 years in the control group (p &amp;lt; 0.001). BMI was not significantly different (36.0±3.2 versus 35.7±3.5, p = 0.51). Among the tested steroid hormones (ratios), SHBG, A4, T, DHT, 11KT, FAI, T/DHT ratio, and T/A4 ratio showed statistically significant differences between the PCOS and the control group. DHEA, DHEA-S, 11OHA4 did not differ between the groups. The crude AUCs of FAI, T, A4, T/DHT ratio, SHBG, 11KT, T/A4 ratio, and DHT in ROC analysis for representing PCOS were 0.85, 0.84, 0.81, 0.70, 0.62, 0.59, 0.58, and 0.57 respectively. Among the markers with crude AUCs≥0.70, the incremental value of the marker A4 (AUC difference: 0.14, 95%CI: 0.07 to 0.21), T (0.18, 95%CI: 0.10 to 0.25), and FAI (0.18, 95%CI: 0.10 to 0.25) in addition to age showed significant improvement, but T/DHT ratio (0.02, 95%CI: –0.01 to 0.04) did not. However, the combination of A4 together with T or FAI did improve discriminatory value of individual T or FAI (AUC difference: –0.001, 95%CI: –0.004 to 0.003 and 0.007, –0.007 to 0.02, respectively). None of the measured steroid hormones (ratios) have promising discriminatory value for adverse metabolic phenotype within PCOS in women with obesity. Limitations, reasons for caution This is a post-hoc analysis and no power calculation was performed. There was a significant difference in age between women with and without PCOS, and residual confounding might exist. All PCOS patients in this analysis were infertile and obese, and it is conceivable that milder PCOS phenotypes are not represented. Wider implications of the findings T/DHT ratio and 11-oxygenated androgens might not serve as a promising discriminatory biomarker for PCOS in women with obesity, nor for adverse metabolic phenotype within PCOS in these women. A4 is a potential biomarker for PCOS diagnosis in women with infertility and obesity, however, its utility potency needs further validation. Trial registration number NTR 1530

Hormonal Profile in Response to an Empathic Induction Task in Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence: Oxytocin/Testosterone Ratio and Social Cognition.

Empathy deficits have been proposed to be an important factor for intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV perpetrators have shown a differential change in salivary oxytocin (sOXT), testosterone (sT), and cortisol (sC), following empathic and stress tasks, compared to non-violent men. However, the influence of empathic deficits in those hormones after an emotion-induction task in IPV perpetrators remains unclear. We analyzed the effects of an empathic induction task on endogenous sOXT, sT and sC levels, as well as their hormonal ratios, in IPV perpetrators (n = 12), and compared them to controls (n = 12). Additionally, we explored the predictive capacity of empathy-related functions (measured with the interpersonal reactivity index) in the hormonal responses to the task. IPV perpetrators presented lower sOXT changes and higher total sT levels than controls after the task, lower sOXT/T change and total sOXT/T levels, as well as higher total sT/C levels. Notably, for all participants, the lower the perspective taking score, the lower the total sOXT levels and sOXT changes and the higher the sT changes were. Low perspective taking also predicted smaller sOXT/T and sOXT/C changes in the empathic induction task, and higher total sT/C levels for all participants. Therefore, our results could contribute to furthering our ability to focus on new therapeutic targets, increasing the effectiveness of intervention programs and helping to reduce IPV recidivism in the medium term.

Pituitary Effects of Metformin in Men With Early-Onset Androgenic Alopecia.

Males with early-onset androgenic alopecia are characterized by elevated androgen levels. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the presence of this condition modulates the impact of metformin on pituitary hormone production. This study compared 2 groups of young men with prediabetes, matched for age, blood pressure, and insulin sensitivity: 23 subjects with early-onset male-pattern baldness (group 1) and 25 individuals with normal hair growth (group 2). Throughout the study, both groups were treated with metformin for 6 months. Circulating levels of glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin, gonadotropins, thyrotropin, prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1 and androgens were determined at the beginning of the study and 6 months later. At entry, luteinizing hormone (LH), the LH/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio, total testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were higher in group 1 than in group 2. The effect of metformin on fasting glucose, insulin sensitivity, and glycated hemoglobin was more pronounced in group 2 than in group 1. Only in group 1, metformin reduced LH levels and the LH/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio. Metformin did not affect plasma levels of the remaining hormones. In untreated men with androgenic alopecia (group 3, n = 22), glucose homeostasis markers and hormone levels remained similar throughout the study period. The obtained results suggest that the impact of metformin on gonadotroph secretory function is stronger in men with early-onset androgenic alopecia than in men with normal hair growth. Metformin treatment may protect men with early-onset androgenic alopecia against the development of gonadotroph hyperplasia and/or focal testicular changes.

Divergent Associations Between Serum Androgens and Ovarian Reserve Markers Revealed in Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

BackgroundThe role of excess androgen in ovarian reserve remains unclear in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Our study highlights the associations of serum androgen levels and ovarian reserve markers in PCOS and non-PCOS women.MethodsTotally 584 menstrual abnormalities women of 20-45 years were retrospectively evaluated at the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital between January 2021 to October 2021. The enrolled patients were classified into two groups: the PCOS group (n=288) and the non-PCOS group (n=296) based on the Rotterdam consensus for PCOS diagnosis. The serum androgens, including testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT, calculated), bioavailable testosterone (Bio-T, calculated), androstenedione (A2), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were assessed with an in-house developed liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. The associations between the serum androgens and the hormone markers commonly used for evaluating ovarian reserve function, such as anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and the ratio of luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were explored.ResultsThe serum T, FT, Bio-T, A2, DHT, DHEA, DHEAS, AMH and LH/FSH of the PCOS group were 51.7 ± 23.2 ng/dL/mL, 8.5 ± 5.0 pg/mL, 210.1 ± 127.7 pg/mL, 1.9 ± 0.8 ng/mL, 0.2 ± 0.1 ng/mL, 6.4 ± 4.2 ng/mL, 2431.0 ± 1030.7 ng/mL, 6.7 ± 3.8 ng/mL, and 1.8 ± 1.4 respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the non-PCOS group (p<0.05). In the group of PCOS patients, T and A2 levels were positively associated with AMH in both multivariate linear regression analysis and Pearson’s correlation analysis. Similar but weaker associations were observed in the non-PCOS patients. In the PCOS patients with hyperandrogenemia (HA), the AMH level was significantly higher in the subjects with T increased than in the subjects with non-T androgen(s) increased (A2, DHT, DHEA or DHEAS).ConclusionsThe serum androgen levels are positively associated with ovarian reserve markers in both of the PCOS and the non-PCOS patients in our study. In the PCOS group, the highest AMH level was observed in the subjects with the T elevation subgroup, suggesting that T is more closely related with the increase of AMH when compared with other androgens investigated.

THE REPRODUCTIVE PATHOLOGIES OF MALE OFFSPRING BORN TO MOTHERS WITH FETOPLACENTAL INSUFFICIENCY: HORMONE DEPENDENT MECHANISMS OF DEVELOPING AND PROFYLAXIS

Introduction. Fetoplacental insufficiency (FPI) is the symptom complex that substantially results not only in pregnancy development and childbirth, but in the health condition of offspring at different times. It has been shown that offspring born to mothers with FPI have morphological and functional disturbances of different systems of organs. The aims of this research were to determine hormone depended mechanisms of reproductive pathologies developing in the ontogenesis of male offspring born to different aged mothers with FPI and experimental grounding of potential preventive activity of developed pharmaceutical composition suitable for animals of this phenotype. Materials and methods. Mature Wistar rat females of young (3-4 months) and mature (8-10 months) reproductive age have been used in the experiment. Eights groups for 7 pregnant females in each group have been formed. Modeling of FPI has been carried out by daily subcutaneous administration of the 50 % tetrachloromethane oil solution at dose of 2 ml/kg of body weight from 12th to 18th day of pregnancy. The reproductive system of male offspring has been estimated. Results. FPI influences the sex differentiation of brain in male offspring that reflects in delaying of sexual maturity in the form of postponed testicles moving to the scrotum. FPI leads to relative estrogenization, inhibition of sperm cells differentiation and causes significant changes in antioxidant defense system in male offspring at puberty. FPI causes changes of testosterone, estradiol levels and shifts sex hormones ratio to the hyperestrogenemia in the all of mature male offspring that influence the activity of male sexual behavior, worsens spermogram and fertility. Conclusion. Fetoplacental insufficiency in females in third trimester of pregnancy leads to marked changes in reproductive system of their male offspring born to mothers of reproductively young and reproductively mature age. Data obtained indicate the opportunity and ways to develop the medicines for prophylaxis of reproductive pathologies in children born to mothers with fetoplacental insufficiency.

Integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology to reveal the therapeutic mechanism of Dingkun Pill on polycystic ovary syndrome

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDingkun Pill (DKP), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, was modified from Bujing decoction and Xusijiangsheng pill by the imperial physician in the Qing dynasty (1700′ s). It was believed to treat various gynecological diseases by nourishing qi and blood. Accumulating evidence indicates that it is effective in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of action DKP against PCOS need to be further elucidated. Aim of the studyTo investigate the therapeutic effect and action mechanism of DKP against PCOS using an integrated approach of metabolomics and network pharmacology. Materials and methodsThe rat model of PCOS was established by dehydroepiandrosterone. An integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology strategy was applied to systemically clarify the mechanism of DKP against PCOS. Theca cells were prepared to evaluate the effect of DKP and its ingredients on testosterone synthesis in vitro. ResultsThe pharmacological experiments demonstrated that DKP could effectively convert the disordered estrous cyclicity, decrease the level of testosterone and the luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone ratio, and inhibit abnormal follicle formation in PCOS rats. By metabolomics analysis, 164 serum endogenous differential metabolites and 172 urine endogenous differential metabolites were tentatively identified. Steroid hormone biosynthesis and ovarian steroidogenesis were the most significantly impacted pathways. Based on network pharmacology and metabolomics studies, the ingredient-target-pathway network of DKP in the treatment of PCOS was constructed. Among the 10 key targets, CYP17A1, CYP19A1, STS, AR, ESR1, and MYC were closely involved in ovarian androgen synthesis. In theca cell-based assay of testosterone synthesis, DKP and its two active compounds (ligustilide and picrocrocin) showed inhibitory effects. ConclusionDKP effectively improved symptoms in rats with dehydroepiandrosterone-induced PCOS. The mechanism of DKP in the treatment of PCOS is related to the CYP17A1 enzyme required for androgen synthesis.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Phenotype D Versus Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea With Polycystic Ovarian Morphology: A Retrospective Study About a Frequent Differential Diagnosis

The two most frequent causes of secondary amenorrhea are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA). Despite several studies showing differences in hormonal profile between these groups, the differential diagnosis remains challenging, in particular between FHA women with polycystic ovarian morphology (FHA-PCOM) and PCOS patients without hyperandrogenism (phenotype D, PCOS-D). In a retrospective case-control study, 58 clearly defined patients with FHA-PCOM were compared to 58 PCOS-D patients, matched 1:1 for age and BMI. Significantly higher levels of LH, estradiol, testosterone, and a higher luteinizing hormone (LH): follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio as well as lower sexual hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels were found in PCOS-D patients (p< 0.05). Optimized cut-off values for the prediction of FHA-PCOM were calculated by the Youden index. The highest sensitivity was found for an estradiol serum level <37.5 pg/mL (84.5%, 95% confidence interval, CI: 72.6-92.6), whereas a LH : FSH ratio <0.96 had the highest specificity (94.8, 95% CI: 85.6-98.9). A linear discriminant analysis including testosterone, SHBG and LH was able to correctly classify 87.9% of FHA-PCOM patients (bootstrap 95% CI: 80.2 - 94.0%). In conclusion, this model including serological parameters could be an easy and reliable tool to distinguish between FHA-PCOM and PCOS-D patients, especially in situations where the clinical profile is not obvious.

Effect of statins combined or not combined with metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of statins combined or not combined with metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Databases were systematically searched from inception to February 2022. Meta-analysis was conducted by using STATA 12.0 software. In the study, standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed as the effect size. A random effect model was used. Meta-analysis showed significant decline of total testosterone, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, androstenedione, luteinizing hormone (LH), LH to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, and prolactin in statin group. Our study also demonstrated significant decline of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides in statin group. Moreover, we found significant decline of fasting glucose, insulin sensitivity index, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. The meta-analysis showed that statin therapy was good for women with PCOS, and could improve clinical signs of PCOS.

Hormone ratios suffer from striking lack of robustness to measurement error

Hormone ratios are often used to capture the joint effect (or “balance”) of two hormones with opposing or mutually suppressive effects. Despite some statistical and interpretative problems, hormone ratios are being increasingly used to examine associations of testosterone/cortisol, estradiol/progesterone, testosterone/estradiol, and other hormone pairs. Here we discuss a methodological problem that has not been previously recognized, namely, the striking lack of robustness of raw hormone ratios in the face of measurement error. Hormone levels are measured with error, both due to inability of assays to perfectly assess concentrations “in the tube” and due to discrepancies between levels at the time of sample collection and effective levels that produce the physiological and/or behavioral effect of interest. Noise in measured hormone levels can be substantially exaggerated by ratios, especially when the distribution of the hormone at the denominator is positively skewed, as is frequently observed. To evaluate the extent of this problem and explore the conditions that exacerbate it, we present two sets of simulations, one using idealized distributions and one using empirically observed distributions from studies of estrogen and progesterone. Results show that the validity of raw hormone ratios—the correlation between measured levels and underlying effective levels—drops rapidly in the presence of realistic levels of measurement error. Log-ratios are much more robust to measurement error, and their validity is more stable across samples; under some conditions (e.g., moderate amounts of noise with positively correlated hormone levels), they may provide a more valid measurement of the underlying raw ratio than the measured raw ratio itself. These findings have important implications for research that uses hormone ratios as predictors.

Testosterone level correlates significantly with luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone ratio among women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A cross sectional study

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrinological problem among women in the reproductive age, is characterized by chronic ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and elevated luteinizing hormone: follicle stimulating hormone (LH-FSH) ratio. The goal of this study was to examine if the blood LH-FSH ratio and total testosterone (TT) levels in Sudanese women with PCOS were linked. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 300 women with confirmed PCOS based on Rotterdam criteria. PCOS women mean (standard deviation): age 29.1(5.8) years; body mass index (BMI) 27.9±4.6 kg/m2. Each participant underwent a clinical history, physical examination, and ovaries ultrasonogram. ASYS Expert Plus Microplate was used to quantify serum LH, FSH, and TT levels in fasting blood specimen drawn during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle of women with PCOS. Results: More than two-thirds of the participants (71.0%) had an aberrant LH-FSH ratio (cut-off&gt;1.0), and 58.3% had hyperandrogenemia (TT&gt;109.5 ng/dL). Hyperandrogenemic women had significantly increased LH-FSH ratio (P= 0.000). The LH-FSH ratio and serum TT were significantly positive correlated (r= 0.329, P= 0.000). Overall, 52.0% of women with PCOS exhibited menstrual cycle irregularity, and 59.0 % had a positive family history of PCOS. On logistic regression analysis, the LH-FSH ratio (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 2.308 (1.698- 3.139, P= 0.000) was found to be positively related to hyperandrogenemia independently. Furthermore, when the LH-FSH ratio is greater than one, hyperandrogenemia can be distinguished from normoandrogenemia, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.726, P= 0.000, 95% CI: (0.668-0.785) with a serum TT threshold of 109.5 ng/dL (sensitivity 70.0%, specificity 77.1%). Conclusions: In Sudanese women with PCOS, the serum LH-FSH ratio and TT have a strong relationship. Furthermore, LH-FSH ratio of greater than one can be used to distinguish between hyperandrogenic and non-hyperandrogenic PCOS women.

The features of liver glycogen fractions in streptozotocin-induced type-I diabetic rats

The ratio of counter-regulatory hormones to insulin is increased in diabetes. This causes a change in the activities of the enzymes involved in glycogen metabolism. Thus, it is expected that the structure of glycogen will be changed reversibly in diabetes mellitus. The current research was done to study whether the fractions of glycogen have been changed in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats. To this end, one group of 10 male rats received a single injection with STZ and were compared with the control group. Liver glycogen fractions were analyzed for the content of carbohydrates, protein, and organic phosphate. Hyperglycemia and clinical signs of diabetes appeared after two days of STZ- injection and continued up to two weeks. In diabetic rats relative to controls, total glycogen decreased by about 39% (24.4 ± 3.0 mg/g wet weight of liver vs. 39.7 ± 2.2, p = 0.001), and the change happened entirely in acid-soluble glycogen (ASG) fraction (19.1 ± 1.7 vs. 33.4 ± 2.2, p = 0.001), while acid-insoluble glycogen (AIG) increased slightly but not significantly (5.5 ± 1.1, vs. 4.5 ± 0.8, p = 0.5). Diabetes was also associated with the change in the content of glycogen protein and the ratio of ASG to AIG. The content of organic phosphate was 181.4 ± 26.3 and 39.2 ± 7.9 µg/g wet weight of liver for ASG and AIG fractions in control rats and had no significant change in diabetes. In conclusion, diabetes is accompanied by the reduction in liver glycogen carbohydrate and protein of total and soluble fraction but the content of organic phosphate has not been affected.

Correlations Between Gonadotropin Hormones and the Manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common disease associated with chronic anovulation that affects 4 - 6% of women of reproductive age. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the correlation of luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio with body mass index (BMI), hirsutism, age, and main clinical symptoms of PCOS in women. Methods: We compared hirsutism, irregular menses, menstrual pain, LH, FSH, and LH/FSH between 400 women diagnosed with PCOS based on Rotterdam Criteria and 500 healthy controls. Moreover, the relationships between all these variables were investigated. The data were evaluated by the Mann-Whitney test, chi-square test, and correlation coefficient. Results: In this study, mean weight and BMI, as well as the percentage of clinical factors, namely hirsutism, irregular menstruation, and menstrual pain in the PCOS group, were significantly higher than in the control group (P ≤ 0.001). In addition, the mean of LH, FSH, and LH/FSH in women with PCOS was significantly higher than the control group (P≤0.001). Our results showed a significant negative relationship between age and LH/FSH in the PCOS group (r = -0.106, P = 0.034). Conclusions: According to the findings of this study, LH/FSH ratio had a significant negative correlation with age. However, no relationship was observed between LH/FSH ratio and BMI.

Retinal Morphometric Indicators in Primary Hypothyroidosis and Primary Thyrotoxicosis

Purpose: to study the morphometric parameters of the retina in patients with primary hypothyroidism and primary thyrotoxicosis by optical coherence tomography.Materials and methods. The material for this study was the results of examination of 54 patients (108 eyes) with thyroid dysfunctions: 32 people (64 eyes) with primary untreated hypothyroidism and 22 people (44 eyes) with primary untreated thyrotoxicosis. To assess the morphometric parameters of the retina, optical coherence tomography was performed.Results. A significant thickening of the layer of nerve fibers was revealed in almost all sectors of the retina of patients with primary hypothyroidism and primary thyrotoxicosis, with the exception of the upper sector in primary thyrotoxicosis. The morphometric parameters of the optic nerve head in both groups were ambiguous. With thyrotoxicosis, the diameter and topographic area of the excavation were less than normal, while the area of the neuroretinal girdle, the area and excavation of the optic nerve head, the ratio of excavation to the area of the optic nerve head, the horizontal and vertical dimensions were higher. In hypothyroidism, the diameter, area and topographic volume of the excavation, the ratio of the excavation to the area of the optic nerve head, the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the excavation to the optic nerve head were below normal, and the length and area of the neuroretinal girdle were higher. In both groups, an increase in the volume and thickness of the retina of all macula’s sectors in combination with a decrease in the minimum thickness of the fovea was revealed. A correlation between the parameters of optical coherence tomography and the rank indicators of the ratio of thyroid hormones was revealed.Conclusion. In primary hypothyroidism and primary thyrotoxicosis, statistically significant morphometric changes in the retina and optic nerve head were revealed. The morphometric data correlated with the rank indices of the thyroid hormone ratios.

Combination of Stimulated Thyroglobulin and Antithyroglobulin Antibody Predicts the Efficacy and Prognosis of 131I Therapy in Patients With Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Following Total Thyroidectomy: A Retrospective Study.

Background and PurposeThis study aimed to analyze the diagnostic ability of the combination of stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg) and antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) in predicting the efficacy and prognosis of radioactive iodine (131I) therapy (RAIT) in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTCs) after total thyroidectomy (TT).MethodsThis retrospective study comprised 409 DTC patients who underwent 131I treatment following TT in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2019 to August 2020, and they were followed up to November 2021. Patients were divided into the successful ablation and the unsuccessful ablation group based on the classification of the efficacy of RAIT in the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines. The clinical characteristics and the efficacy of the initial RAIT were evaluated. The cutoffs of preablation sTg, sTg/thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) ratio, and sTg×TgAb product were calculated to predict the efficacy of RAIT. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors for unsuccessful ablation. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to estimate the prognostic value of sTg×TgAb product affecting progression-free survival (PFS).ResultsThe cohort consisted of 222 cases in the successful ablation group and 187 cases in the unsuccessful ablation group. Between the two groups, preablation sTg, sTg/TSH ratio, and sTg×TgAb product were significantly higher in the unsuccessful ablation group. The area under the curve (AUC) of the sTg×TgAb product was the highest among the above three factors. The cutoffs for the worse therapeutic effect of the initial RAIT in sTg, sTg/TSH ratio, and sTg×TgAb were >2.99 ng/ml, >0.029 mg/IU, and >34.18, respectively. STg >2.99 ng/ml and sTg×TgAb product >34.18 were independent risk factors for unsuccessful ablation. Patients with sTg×TgAb product >34.18 had shorter PFS than that of patients with sTg×TgAb product ≤34.18. In separate analyses of TgAb-negative and TgAb-positive subgroups, higher sTg×TgAb was both associated with a lower success rate of RAIT and a shorter PFS.ConclusionSTg×TgAb product predicted the efficacy and prognosis of 131I therapy for both TgAb-negative and TgAb-positive DTC patients before the initial 131I treatment following TT. Thus, it can be used as a clinical reference indicator for the surveillance of DTC patients.

Effects of Plant Growth Regulators on the Endogenous Hormone Content of Calyx Development in ‘Korla’ Fragrant Pear

The development of calyxes in ‘Korla’ fragrant pear is influenced by hormones. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different plant growth regulators on the endogenous hormone content of young ‘Korla’ fragrant pear fruit. The hormone contents [indoleacetic acid (IAA), gibberellin acid (GA3), and abscisic acid (ABA)] of young ‘Korla’ pear fruits treated with water, IAA, and triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the relationship between the content and ratio of endogenous hormones and calyx abscission in ‘Korla’ fragrant pear was explored. The results showed that the rate of calyx abscission in the ‘Korla’ pear fruits treated with TIBA was significantly higher than that of fruits treated with water and IAA, and that of fruits treated with water was significantly higher than that of fruits treated with IAA. The GA3 content was higher than the IAA and ABA contents during each period. The IAA content of the stalk was higher than that of the calyx tube and flesh. The GA3 and ABA contents of the calyx tube were higher than those of the stalk and flesh. The IAA and GA3 contents of the first order were higher than those of the fourth order. The ABA content of the fourth-order fruit was higher than that of the first order. The (IAA+GA3)/ABA in the calyx tube was significantly higher than that in the flesh and fruit stalk. After IAA treatment, the IAA, GA3, and ABA contents of the first-order calyx tube increased by 47.7%, 17%, and 31.6%, respectively, whereas those of the fourth-order calyx tube increased by 65.3%, 39.9%, and 33.2%, respectively. After TIBA treatment, the IAA, GA3, and ABA contents of the first-order calyx tube increased by 46.1%, 36.5%, and 50.0%, respectively, the IAA content of the fourth-order tube decreased by 25.5%, and the GA3 and ABA contents increased by 22.0% and 12.2%, respectively. The IAA, GA3, and ABA contents of the flesh and fruit stalk did not significantly differ from those in the calyx tube. The results indicated that spraying IAA during flowering promoted calyx persistence, whereas spraying TIBA promoted calyx abscission. These findings provide certain theoretical references and practical criteria for improving the quality of ‘Korla’ fragrant pear.