Urinary Hormone Research Articles

Surplus dietary tryptophan inhibits stress hormone kinetics and induces insulin resistance in pigs

Recently we have shown that surplus dietary tryptophan (TRP) reduced the plasma concentrations of cortisol and noradrenaline in pigs. Stress hormones are known to affect insulin sensitivity and metabolism. We now investigated the long-term effects of surplus dietary TRP on 1) plasma and urinary stress hormone kinetics, 2) insulin sensitivity for glucose and amino acid clearance, and 3) whole body nitrogen balance. Pigs were fed for 3 weeks a high (13.2%) vs normal (3.4%) TRP to large neutral amino acids (LNAA) diet, leading to reduced fasting (14 h) plasma cortisol (17.1 ± 3.0 vs 28.9 ± 4.3 ng/mL, p < 0.05) and noradrenaline (138 ± 14 vs 225 ± 21 pg/mL, p < 0.005) concentrations, lower daily urinary noradrenaline (313 ± 32 vs 674 ± 102 ng/kg day, p < 0.001) and adrenaline (124 ± 13 vs 297 ± 42 ng/kg day, p < 0.001) but higher dopamine (5.8 ± 0.5 vs 1.5 ± 0.2 µg/kg day, p < 0.001) excretions, respectively. Insulin sensitivities for both glucose and amino acid clearance, (as measured by the intraportal hyperinsulinaemic (1 mU/kg min) euglycaemic euaminoacidaemic clamp technique), were lower by 22% in pigs on the high vs normal TRP/LNAA diet (14.8 ± 1.4 vs 18.9 ± 0.9, p < 0.05 and 69.7 ± 4.3 vs 89.7 ± 6.8 mL/kg min, p < 0.05, respectively) without affecting urinary nitrogen excretion (35.5 ± 1.0 vs 36.6 ± 1.0% of dietary nitrogen intake, p = ns). In conclusion, long-term feeding of surplus dietary TRP inhibits both baseline adrenocortical and sympathetic nervous system activity, it induces insulin resistance for both glucose and amino acid clearance but it does not affect whole body protein catabolism. This indicates that the bioactive amino acid TRP contributes to homeostasis in neuroendocrinology and insulin action and that low baseline adrenocortical and sympatho-adrenal axis activity are associated with insulin resistance.

Development of a metabonomic approach based on LC-ESI-HRMS measurements for profiling of metabolic changes induced by recombinant equine growth hormone in horse urine

Despite the worldwide existing regulation banning the use of the recombinant equine growth hormone (reGH) as growth promoter, it is suspected to be used in horseracing to improve performances. Various analytical methods previously developed to screen for its misuse have encountered some limitations in terms of detection timeframes, in particular during the first days following reGH administration. A novel strategy involving the characterization of global metabolomic fingerprints in urine samples of non-treated and reGH-treated horses by liquid chromatography-electrospray-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-HRMS) is described and assessed in this paper in order to develop a new screening tool for growth hormone abuse in horseracing. The strategy involves a limited sample preparation of the urine samples and the use of appropriate software for data processing and analysis. As preliminary work, reproducibility of both sample preparation and mass spectrometry (MS) measurements was evaluated in order to demonstrate the reliability of the method. Application of the developed protocol on two horses demonstrated the suitability of the developed strategy and preliminary results showed significant modifications of the metabolome after treatment with reGH.

Urinary hormone analysis assists reproductive monitoring and sex identification of bell frogs ( Litoria raniformis)

With the world currently facing a global amphibian extinction crisis, the development of techniques to help meet the needs of conservation managers and researchers studying the reproductive biology of amphibians is needed. Here, we developed enzyme immunoassays to measure estrone, testosterone, and progesterone hormone metabolites in the urine of Litoria raniformis, the southern bell frog. Concentrations of urinary estrone, testosterone, and progesterone increased during the breeding season for females (P < 0.05). Concentrations of urinary testosterone and progesterone increased for males during the breeding season compared with that for months where no reproductive behaviors were observed (P < 0.05). Furthermore, urinary estrone concentrations proved to be a reliable sexing tool for adult frogs, with no overlap between the sexes in 98% of cases, regardless of season. There was no difference in estrone (P = 0.204) or testosterone (P = 0.485) metabolite concentrations between samples taken immediately upon capture and those taken 12 to 24 h later from the same individual. Progesterone metabolite concentrations were lower on Day 2 than upon collection (P = 0.004). This is the first study to show that urinary hormone analysis can be a useful technique for reproductive monitoring in an amphibian. Additionally, hormone metabolite measures offer promise as sex identification tools for monomorphic species and for those whose secondary sex characteristics are visible only during the breeding season.

Seasonal Profiles of Ovarian Activity in Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) Based on Urinary Hormone Metabolite Analyses

The Iberian Lynx Ex-Situ Conservation Programme is an essential part of a co-ordinated action plan to conserve the most endangered felid species of the world. Successful captive breeding demands reliable methods for reproduction monitoring including reliable non-invasive pregnancy diagnosis. During a 3-year study, urine samples from six captive Iberian lynx females were obtained (one non-pregnant, one pseudo-pregnant and 11 pregnant cycles). Progesterone, pregnanediol and oestradiol were determined in urinary extracts and relevant urinary oestrogen metabolites were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Urinary progestins did not follow the typical pregnancy-related course of felids. In the lynx, we failed to demonstrate an urinary progestin elevation during pregnancy. In contrast, urinary oestrogens increased from 3.8 +/- 0.6 to 8.6 +/- 0.5 ng/mg creatinine (p < 0.001) during the pregnancy. A comparison of pseudo-pregnant with pregnant cycles revealed a further increase of oestrogens caused by implantation (p < 0.05). In one female, which refused to mate, no difference was estimated between oestrogens levels during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Almost 10-fold higher oestrogen concentrations were measured in urines of females that shared enclosures with males. HPLC analysis of oestrogens in urine samples collected from Iberian lynx during the pregnancy revealed that lynx urine is composed of two polar oestrogen metabolites in addition to oestrone and minor amounts of oestradiol. Oestrone was detectable in all urinary extracts (8-12% of metabolites), whereas oestradiol was elevated only during late pregnancy (18%). Thus, seasonal luteal activity in Iberian lynx can be monitored by urinary oestrogens. The increase of urinary oestradiol during late pregnancy might indicate an oestradiol secretion by the lynx placenta.

Proteomic analysis of the human receptive versus non-receptive endometrium using differential in-gel electrophoresis and MALDI-MS unveils stathmin 1 and annexin A2 as differentially regulated

The transcriptome of the endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle has been described in recent years. However, the proteomic of the window of implantation remains unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the proteome of the human endometrium in the pre-receptive phase versus the receptive phase by identifying and quantifying the proteins differentially expressed using differential in-gel electrophoresis (DIGE) and mass spectometry (MS). Endometrial biopsies were collected at days 2 (pre-receptive) and 7 (receptive) after the urinary luteal hormone surge in the same menstrual cycle from eight fertile women (corresponding to days 16 and 21 of the menstrual cycle). Proteins were extracted and labeled with CyDye DIGE fluorofores and separated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Image analysis using the DeCyder software followed by protein identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-MS and database searching revealed 32 differentially expressed proteins, although only annexin A2 and stathmin 1 were consistently regulated in the two experiments performed. Validation and localization of annexin A2 and stathmin 1 were performed by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Annexin A2 and stathmin 1 were investigated using an endometrial refractoriness model. The results highlight the key potential of these proteins as possible targets for human endometrial receptivity and interception. This study shows that the human endometrium has a differential proteomic repertoire during the window of implantation. Consequently, we identified annexin A2 and stathmin 1 as differentially expressed molecules in the receptive endometrium.

Single- and multi-analyte determination of gonadotropic hormones in urine by Surface Plasmon Resonance immunoassay

Single- and multi-analyte detection of two gonadotropic hormones (follicle stimulating hormone (hFSH) and luteinizing hormone (hLH)) was achieved by a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) immunoassay on untreated human urine samples. Multi-analyte detection was accomplished using two alternative formats which are based in the individual or simultaneous immobilization of the hormones on the sensor surface. The lowest detection limit for both hormones in urine was found to be 1 ng mL −1, which in international units (IU) in terms of the World Health Organization (WHO) standards represents 8 mIU mL −1 of hLH and 14 mIU mL −1 of hFSH, respectively. The reliability of the assay was demonstrated by intra- and inter-assay variabilities <6%, chip-to-chip variabilities <5%, recoveries in the range of 80–120% and stability of the sensor response through more than 100 measurements. The sensitivity of this biosensing methodology renders it in a useful technique for the diagnosis of reproductive disorders, as well as for fertility monitoring.

Application of a Rapid, Sensitive Hemagglutination Test for Estimation of Urinary Luteinizing Hormone in Male Sterility

Zusammenfassung Anwendung eines schnellen, sensitiven Haemagglutionationstests zur Bestimmung von Luteinisierungshormon im Urin bei mannlicher Sterilitat Es wird uber einen neuen, sehr sensiblen Haemagglutinationstest zur Bestimmung von LH im Urin bei Sterilitat des Mannes berichtet. Dieser Test (Higonavis®) befindet sich in Japan im Handel. Er liefert durchaus vergleichbare Werte zu den Befunden, die mit einem Radioimmunoassay gewonnen wurden und stellt somit eine echte Alternative dar. Es wird die Auffassung vertreten, das der Test im Bereich der klinischen Endokri-nologie eine Zukunft hat. Resumen Aplicacion de un test de hemaglutinacion rapido y sensible para evaluacion de LH en esterilidad masculina. El radioinmunoensayo es un metodo muy sensible pero presenta problemas el mane-jo de isotopos. Por otro lado, la sensibilidad del inmunoensayo, es baja. De aqui el in-teres en desarrollar un metodo sensible y simple. El higonavis, reactivo utilizado en hemaglutinacion para inmunoensayo de gonado-trofinas, parece tener sensibilidad equivalente al R.I. A. Se determinola LH en orina por inmunoensayo y en plasma por R.I.A., en 12 pacientes esteriles (5 con recuento y motilidad superior a 55 millones y 32% respectivamente; 1 con oligoastenozoospermia grave y 6 azoospermicos). En 6 pacientes se administro 0,1 mg. de Lh-RH y se determino la LH por ambos metodos a los 30, 60, 90 y 220 minutos. La reaccion de Higonavis consiste en mezclar eritrocitos sensibilizados con anticuer-pos anti-HCG con orina que contiene HCG o LH; los anticuerpos anti-HCG de las superficies de los hematies, reaccionan con la HCG o LH aglutinando a los hematies que forman una masa en el fondo del tubo (reaccion positiva). Si no hay HCG o LH en la orina, los hematies se sedimentan formando un anillo (reaccion negativa). El Higonavis se compone de eritrocitos sensibilizados con anticuerpos anti-HCG. Las diferencias entre los niveles de LH en orina y en plasma por ambos metodos fue insignificante. La respuesta de los niveles de LH a la administration de LH-RH alcanzo el pico en orina a los 60′ y en plasma a los 30′. Se comenta la exactitud y practicabilidad del inmunoensayo con Higonavis para uso clinico.

Seasonal variation in gonadal steroids of males and females in the Cape mole-rat (Georychus capensis): the potential for opportunistic breeding

Urinary testosterone concentrations in males and urinary progesterone and oestradiol concentrations in females were measured in the Cape mole-rat (Georychus capensis) and compared for the summer and winter periods. The Cape mole-rat breeds seasonally, with sexual activity and subsequent pregnancy recorded during the winter months in the southern hemisphere. Despite the fact that it has a distinct breeding season, seasonal differences in urinary hormone concentrations of both male and female Cape mole-rats were not statistically significant. This finding supports the notion the Cape mole-rat may have the opportunity to operate as an opportunistic breeder if fortuitous environmental conditions arise, such as unseasonal rainfall, occurring at these normally non-favourable times of the year.

Seasonal Variation in Gonadal Steroids of Males and Females in the Cape Mole-Rat (Georychus capensis): The Potential for Opportunistic Breeding

Urinary testosterone concentrations in males and urinary progesterone and oestradiol concentrations in females were measured in the Cape mole-rat (Georychus capensis) and compared for the summer and winter periods. The Cape mole-rat breeds seasonally, with sexual activity and subsequent pregnancy recorded during the winter months in the southern hemisphere. Despite the fact that it has a distinct breeding season, seasonal differences in urinary hormone concentrations of both male and female Cape mole-rats were not statistically significant. This finding supports the notion the Cape mole-rat may have the opportunity to operate as an opportunistic breeder if fortuitous environmental conditions arise, such as unseasonal rainfall, occurring at these normally non-favourable times of the year.

Urinary and serum hormones profiles after testosterone enanthate administration in male hypogonadism: Concerns on the detection of doping with testosterone in treated hypogonadal athletes

To describe serum and urinary hormones, androgens metabolites and testosterone/epitestosterone ratio profiles after testosterone administration in male hypogonadal volunteers, and to evaluate their possible usefulness in detecting doping with testosterone in treated hypogonadal athletes. Controlled open label design vs placebo; pharmacokinetic study. Ten male volunteers affected by severe hypogonadism (serum testosterone <2.31 ng/ml). Serum and urinary parameters were evaluated, by radioimmunoassay and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, before and at different time points for 7/3 weeks after a single administration of testosterone enanthate (250 mg) or placebo, respectively. As partially known, testosterone administration increased, with great individual variability, urinary concentrations of glucuronide testosterone, androsterone, etiocholanolone, 5alpha-androstane- 3alpha,17beta-diol, 5beta-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol, testosterone/ epitestosterone and testosterone/LH ratios; and decreased epitestosterone and 5alpha-androstane-3beta,17beta-diol/5beta-androstane- 3alpha,17beta-diol ratio. Serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone increased in all volunteers, and concentrations higher than the upper reference limits were observed in many volunteers until 2 weeks after testosterone administration. Whereas the observed prolonged hyperandrogenism partially limited data interpretation, the report ed characteristics of variation of urinary parameters might be used to suspect testosterone misuse in hypogonadal athletes treated with testosterone enanthate. In this sense, while the actual threshold for tes tos terone/epites tos ter one ratio was confirmed to be of reduced usefulness, we suggest a contemporary evaluation of whole urinary androgen metabolites profile and serum androgens, at specific time points after testosterone enanthate administration. Moreover, an adequate tailoring of treatment, to avoid transitory hyperandrogenism, is highly advisable. Further studies on strategies for detecting doping with testosterone in hypogonadal athletes are warranted.

Telomere Length, Current Perceived Stress, and Urinary Stress Hormones in Women

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences that cap and protect the ends of chromosomes; critically short telomeres may lead to cellular senescence or carcinogenic transformation. Previous findings suggest a link between psychosocial stress, shorter telomeres, and chronic disease risk. This cross-sectional study examined relative telomere length in relation to perceived stress and urinary stress hormones in a sample of participants (n = 647) in the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Sister Study, a cohort of women ages 35 to 74 years who have a sister with breast cancer. Average leukocyte telomere length was determined by quantitative PCR. Current stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale and creatinine-adjusted neuroendocrine hormones in first morning urines. Linear regression models estimated differences in telomere length base pairs (bp) associated with stress measures adjusted for age, race, smoking, and obesity. Women with higher perceived stress had somewhat shorter telomeres [adjusted difference of -129bp for being at or above moderate stress levels; 95% confidence interval (CI), -292 to 33], but telomere length did not decrease monotonically with higher stress levels. Shorter telomeres were independently associated with increasing age (-27bp/year), obesity, and current smoking. Significant stress-related differences in telomere length were seen in women ages 55 years and older (-289bp; 95% CI, -519 to -59), those with recent major losses (-420bp; 95% CI, -814 to -27), and those with above-average urinary catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine: -484bp; 95% CI, -709 to -259). Although current perceived stress was only modestly associated with shorter telomeres in this broad sample of women, our findings suggest the effect of stress on telomere length may vary depending on neuroendocrine responsiveness, external stressors, and age.

Surface plasmon resonance immunoassay analysis of pituitary hormones in urine and serum samples

Background Direct determination of four pituitary peptide hormones: human thyroid stimulating hormone (hTSH), growth hormone (hGH), follicle stimulating hormone (hFSH), and luteinizing hormone (hLH) has been carried out using a portable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) immunosensor. Methods A commercial SPR biosensor was employed. The immobilization of the hormones was optimized and monoclonal antibodies were selected in order to obtain the best sensor performance. Assay parameters as running buffer and regeneration solution composition or antibody concentration were adjusted to achieve a sensitive analyte detection. Results The performance of the assays was assessed in buffer solution, serum and urine, showing sensitivity in the range from 1 to 6 ng/mL. The covalent attachment of the hormones ensured the stability of the SPR signal through repeated use in up to 100 consecutive assay cycles. Mean intra- and inter-day coefficients of variation were all < 7%, while batch-assay variability using different sensor surfaces was < 5%. Conclusions Taking account both the excellent reutilization performance and the outstanding reproducibility, this SPR immunoassay method turns on a highly reliable tool for endocrine monitoring in laboratory and point-of-care (POC) settings.

Daily Profiles of Salivary and Urinary Melatonin and Steroids in Healthy Prepubertal Boys

The aim of this study was to assess the circadian hormonal profile of two circadian markers, melatonin and cortisol, as well as other steroids in prepubertal boys (Tanner stage I). Nine volunteer healthy prepubertal boys aged 10.8 +/- 0.11 years participated in this study. Concentrations of daily salivary and urinary hormones were quantified around 24-hours, every 3 hours, in daytime samples (collected between 07.00 h +/- 30 min and 21.00 h +/- 30 min) and night-time samples (collected between 21.00 h +/- 30 min and 07.00 h +/- 30 min). Significant differences (p < 0.01) were found between day- and nighttime secretion of salivary melatonin and urinary 6-sulphatoxymelatonin, whereas no significant differences were found between day- and nighttime secretion of salivary and urinary cortisol nor between day- and nighttime secretion of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS). The circadian profiles of salivary melatonin and cortisol showed large amplitude with a peak occurring at night (approximately 03.00 h) for melatonin and in the early morning (between 06.00 and 09.00 h) for cortisol. The curve patterns of the urinary 6-sulphatoxymelatonin and steroids (free cortisol and 17-OHCS) were coherent with data on saliva. The pattern of salivary androstenedione and testosterone were undetectable due to the very low concentrations of these steroids in the saliva of the prepubertal children. A strong significant positive correlation was observed between the daily salivary melatonin levels and the daily urinary 6-sulphatoxymelatonin excretion (R = 0.968, p < 0.001), and between free urinary cortisol and urinary 17-OHCS (R = 0.733, p = 0.025). The salivary and urinary hormones studied were independent of body mass index. This study shows the relevance of salivary cortisol and melatonin, although lower than in plasma, in testing adrenal and pineal function as markers of circadian rhythms. The data are of interest for the diagnosis and treatment of chronobiological disorders in prepubertal children.

Is the menopausal transition stressful? Observations of perceived stress from the Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study.

To describe changes in the levels of perceived stress in relation to menopausal transition (MT)-related factors (MT stage, hot flash severity, urinary estrone glucuronide, urinary follicle-stimulating hormone, hormone therapy), aging and age-related changes, and psychosocial factors (income adequacy, role burden, social support, parenting, employment, history of sexual abuse, depressed mood). A subset of participants (N = 418) in the longitudinal Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study provided data during the late reproductive and early and late MT stages or early postmenopause (PM) from 1990 to 2005, including menstrual calendars for staging the MT, annual health reports, and first morning urine specimens (assayed for estrone and follicle-stimulating hormone). Multilevel modeling was used to test patterns of perceived stress related to MT-related and aging-related factors and psychosocial factors with as many as 1,814 observations from 418 women per factor. Age was centered at 47.9 years. The effects of the MT-related factors were not significant, although the stress ratings decreased during PM by 0.11 units (P = 0.06). In analyses with age as a covariate and with each covariate added separately, employment was associated with significantly higher levels of stress (beta = 0.14, P < 0.0001), as was history of sexual abuse (beta = 0.11, P = 0.03) and depressed mood (beta = 0.02, P < 0.0001). Improvement in each of the factors of role burden, social support, and income adequacy was associated with significantly lower perceived stress (beta = -0.19, -0.13, and -0.10, respectively; P < 0.0001 for all). Negative appraisal of aging changes and perceived poorer health were both associated with significantly higher stress levels (beta = 0.08, P < 0.0001 for both) and depressed mood (beta = -0.02, P < 0.0001). A multivariate model included significant effects of employment, perceived health, and depressed mood (beta = 0.24, -0.04, and 0.02, respectively; P < 0.0001 for all). Being employed, experiencing depressed mood, and perceiving one's health as poor were more important in women's evaluation of their daily stress than severity of hot flashes, MT-related factors, or other social factors. Clinicians working with women going through the MT should remain vigilant to the impact of social circumstances of women's lives, especially employment, as well as focusing on the psychosocial and endocrine features of this transition.

Biochemical markers of bone turnover associated with calcium supplementation in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: Results of a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled intervention trial

To determine the effects of calcium supplementation on bone physiology in corticosteroid-free children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) by measuring serum and urinary bone-related hormones, minerals, and markers of bone formation and resorption. In this double-blind trial, patients were randomized to receive daily oral supplementation with 1,000 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D or with placebo and 400 IU of vitamin D for 24 months. The effect of calcium supplementation on bone physiology was determined periodically using markers of bone turnover. One hundred ninety-eight patients met the inclusion criteria and were followed up in the study. At baseline, there were no differences in markers of bone turnover between the groups. Patients with < or = 4 joints with active disease had higher serum levels of calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Calcium-treated patients with < or =4 joints with active disease had lower levels of osteocalcin (OC). At followup, levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, PTH, OC, and urine phosphorus were lower in the group receiving calcium supplementation. Hypercalciuria, as determined by the urinary calcium-to-creatinine ratio, was not noted in 24-hour urine studies. Levels of markers of bone physiology were significantly decreased in children with JRA receiving calcium supplementation. The physiologic changes were noted as early as 12 months into calcium supplementation. The hypercalciuria noted on spot testing of the urinary calcium-to-creatinine ratio was not demonstrated on further evaluation, nor did it lead to renal pathology. These findings suggest that the calcium supplementation met physiologic needs and caused an increased calcium loss in urine.

Specific gravity as an alternative to creatinine for estimating urine concentration in captive and wild chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) Samples

The measurement of hormones in urine has become a widely used technique in primatology. Because urine concentration varies according to fluid intake, concentration must be measured in each sample collected, and hormone values are always expressed per unit of concentration. Traditionally, creatinine has been used as a concentration index, but some studies in humans have shown that creatinine varies among populations and even within and between individuals within a population, and that it begins to degrade after just one freeze-thaw cycle. In addition, creatinine measurement is relatively time-consuming and expensive and creates hazardous waste. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that specific gravity, or the ratio of the density of a sample to that of water, is highly correlated with creatinine measurement in urine samples collected from captive chimpanzees at the New Iberia Research Center in Louisiana and wild chimpanzees at the Ngogo study site in the Kibale National Park, Uganda. We found that specific gravity and creatinine were highly correlated in both captive (N=124) and wild (N=13) chimpanzee samples, and that specific gravity measurement was robust to actual and simulated transport conditions and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. We recommend that researchers consider specific gravity measurement as a preferable alternative to creatinine measurement in their studies of primate endocrinology.

Evaluating the utility of an accelerometer and urinary hormone analysis as indicators of estrus in a Zoo‐housed koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Induced ovulators, such as the koala, do not always have overt signs of estrus, which makes pairing these animals for breeding purposes difficult to achieve in a zoo setting. This study examined the possibility of using alternative methods to behavioral sampling and weight fluctuations for monitoring estrus in a female koala of reproductive age. We attempt to gain an improved understanding of koala estrus and enhance our ability to detect it by combining a noninvasive technique for hormone analysis with a newer method for recording activity level. The findings suggest that activity levels were accurately measured using an accelerometer and increased activity was associated with one estrus behavior, bellowing. Weekly weight declines occur with increases in activity registered from the accelerometer. We also validated an assay to detect progesterone and estradiol in female koala urine in an attempt to detect an estrus spike. However, neither urinary concentrations of estradiol nor progesterone was associated with behavioral cues of estrus in our subject. We suggest that increased female activity, bellowing, and weight loss all indicate a pro-estrus state that requires proper male stimulation in order to achieve a full estrus display.

Cellular and Hormonal Content of Breast Nipple Aspirate Fluid in Relation to the Risk of Breast Cancer

In research settings, the measurement of serum and urine hormone concentrations has shown modest positive relationships with breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women. However, the local production of sex steroids in the breast is a significant contributor to the hormonal environment of the breast. Nipple aspiration fluid provides a window into this environment and allows the measurement of hormone and protein content which may show stronger relations to breast cancer risk, and therefore enable both more accurate risk assessment, and the use of preventive measures directed to the lowering of local breast hormonal exposure.

Partial recovery of luteal function after bariatric surgery in obese women

To determine whether obesity-related reproductive endocrine abnormalities in ovulatory women are reversible with weight loss. Observational cohort study. Healthy volunteers in an academic research environment. Women aged 18-48 years with regular menstrual cycles 21-40 days and a body mass index (BMI) >or=35 kg/m(2) planning to undergo bariatric surgery were recruited. Twenty-five eumenorrheic (non-polycystic ovary syndrome) women with a mean BMI of 47.3 +/- 5.2 kg/m(2) were sampled with daily menstrual cycle urinary hormones before (n = 25) and 6 months after (n = 9) weight loss surgery resulting in >25% reduction of initial body weight. Daily hormones were compared before and after surgery and with 14 normal-weight control subjects. Metabolites of LH, FSH, E(2), and P were measured daily for one menstrual cycle. Group means were compared using t tests among ovulatory cycles. Luteal pregnanediol glucuronide (Pdg) increased from 32.8 +/- 10.9 to 73.7 +/- 30.5 microg/mg creatinine (Cr) and whole-cycle LH increased from 168.8 +/- 24.2 to 292.1 +/- 79.6 mIU/mg Cr after surgically induced weight loss. Luteal Pdg remained lower than in normal-weight control subjects (151.7 +/- 111.1 microg/mg Cr). Obese women took longer to attain a postovulatory Pdg rise of >2 microg/mg Cr than control subjects (3.91 +/- 1.51 vs. 1.71 +/- 1.59 days); this improved after surgery (2.4 +/- 1.82 days). Whole-cycle estrone conjugates (E(1c)) was similar to control subjects at baseline, but decreased after weight loss (from 1,026.7 +/- 194.2 to 605.4 +/- 167.1 ng/mg Cr). Follicle-stimulating hormone did not relate to body size in this sample. Women of very high BMI have deficient luteal LH and Pdg excretion and a delayed ovulatory Pdg rise compared with normal-weight women. Although these parameters improved with weight loss, Pdg did not approach levels seen in normal-weight women. Luteinizing hormone may be less effective in stimulating the corpus luteum in obesity. The large postoperative decrease in E(1c) may reflect the loss of estrone-producing adipose tissue after weight loss.

Mother's menopausal age is associated with her daughter's early follicular phase urinary follicle-stimulating hormone level

Early follicular phase follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a marker of ovarian reserve, has been used to predict time to menopause. A mother's age at menopause is related to her daughter's age at menopause, possibly because of genetic factors. In this study we sought to determine the relationship between maternal age at menopause and early follicular phase FSH of premenopausal daughters. The Uterine Fibroid Study enrolled women randomly selected from a prepaid health plan, collected questionnaire data, and obtained early follicular phase urine samples for a subset of participants. For this secondary analysis, premenopausal women between the ages of 35 and 46 years, who provided a urine sample on cycle day 2, 3, 4, or 5 and their mother's age at natural menopause (n = 182) were selected from the original cohort. Initially bivariate analysis and subsequently regression modeling were performed to assess the independent relationship between maternal age at menopause and urinary creatinine-corrected FSH. Unadjusted analyses and those adjusting for age (mean +/- SD, 40.5 +/- 3.2 y), smoking status (16% current smokers), and body mass index (26.8 +/- 6.9 kg/m) showed a significant association between maternal age at menopause and daughter's urinary FSH level (P < 0.04). Women whose mothers experienced earlier menopause had higher urinary FSH levels. The significantly increased FSH values among women whose mothers experienced early menopause is consistent with previously reported associations between mother's and daughter's age of menopause. FSH, a marker of ovarian reserve, is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Future epidemiologic studies on FSH should include collection of information on maternal age at menopause.