Increased Estrogen Levels Research Articles

Effects and Mechanisms of Lactobacillus Probiotics in Maintaining Women’s Vaginal Health: A Review

Probiotics are beneficial living microorganisms. They are useful to vaginal health when consumed in suitable doses. The dominant species included in probiotics are Lactobacillus. We can get these microbes naturally or commercially utilize them as functional food. Lactobacillus species form 70% of inhabitant bacteria in females compared to other warm-blooded animals. The prevalent Lactobacillus species are L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. iners and L. jensenii. Because of the development of antibiotic resistance mechanisms, the beneficial relationship between humans and probiotics has been discussed for several years. Lactobacillus prevents the attachment of pathogens by using several mechanisms, for example, by increasing estrogen levels, production of lactic acid, lowering pH 4.0-4.5 to provide an acidic environment, release of hydrogen peroxide, bacteriocins and bacteriocins-like substances, adhesion and colonization properties. Lactobacillus prevent the entry and attachment of pathogenic bacteria, thus not only helping to control and manage different gynecological conditions like bacterial vaginosis, endometriosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis and genitourinary syndrome of menopause but also infections that can spread through sexual contacts such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, Human papillomavirus infections (HPV). Overall, the use of probiotics in improving vaginal health is beneficial, easy and cost-effective but the use of probiotics in HPV clearance is not quite beneficial. So, more work should be done on HPV preventive vaccines.

Effect of Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin) seed extracts on the cyclicity and reproductive hormones of female Wistar rats

Introduction: Despite the traditional use of Cucurbita pepo seed in pregnancy, its effects on female reproduction remain scarce. This study evaluated the impacts of n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and aqueous ethanol extracts of C. pepo seed on the cyclicity and reproductive hormones of female Wistar rats. Methods: Ten groups of four rats received seed extracts or tween 80 orally for 21 days: A (control)= 0.5 mL tween 80 (vehicle); B, C, & D= 142.86, 285.71, and 428.57 mg/kg nHE; E, F, & G= 142.86, 285.71, 428.57 mg/kg of DCM; and H, I, & J= 142.86, 285.71, 428.57 mg/kg of aqueous ethanol extracts, respectively. Vaginal cytology monitored the estrous cycle daily, and blood samples were obtained for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone at various oestrus cycle phases. Results: Compared to the control, the estrous cycle phases did not change significantly (P>0.05). FSH levels significantly increased (P<0.05) with DCM and aqueous ethanol extracts of C. pepo seed during proestrus and estrus phases compared to the control. A significant (P<0.05) increase in LH was observed with n-hexane, DCM, and aqueous ethanol extracts during all estrous cycle phases compared to the control. All extracts significantly increased estrogen levels (P<0.05) during all phases. DCM and aqueous ethanol extracts reduced substantially the estrus-phase progesterone. Conclusion: Cucurbita pepo may stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in female reproduction. Further studies should be conducted using various phytoestrogen compounds to gain useful knowledge about the effectiveness, safety, and long-term effects of C. pepo seed extracts in regulating hormonal balance.

Aspirin increases estrogen levels in the placenta to prevent preeclampsia by regulating placental metabolism and transport function

Preeclampsia is a unique multisystem progressive disease during pregnancy, which seriously endangers the health of pregnant women and fetuses. In clinical practice, aspirin is recommended for the prevention of preeclampsia, but the mechanism by which aspirin prevents preeclampsia has not yet been revealed. This report comprehensively evaluates the effects of aspirin on the expression and activity of placental metabolic enzymes and transporters. We found that after aspirin administration, only the expression of organic anion transporter 4 (OAT4) in the placenta showed a significant increase at both mRNA and protein levels, consistent with the results in JAR cells. Meanwhile, studies on the metabolic enzyme activity in the placenta showed a high upregulation of CYP19A1 activity. Subsequently, significant increases in endogenous substrates of OAT4 and CYP19A1 (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and androstenedione) as well as estrone were detected in placental tissue. In summary, aspirin enhances the transport of DHEAS through OAT4 and promotes the metabolism of androstenedione through CYP19A1, thereby increasing estrogen levels in the placenta. This may be the mechanism by which aspirin prevents preeclampsia and maintains pregnancy by regulating the metabolism and transport function of the placenta.

Developing water quality and land use surrogates to predict endocrine-disrupting chemical profiles in a highly urbanized river basin

This study investigated geospatial distributions of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the waters of the Dongjiang River and their associations with anthropogenic activities. Fifteen EDCs, with total concentrations in the river water of 149–2525 ng/L were detected, with bisphenol-A, 4-nonylphenol, 4-tert-octylphenol, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and methylparaben being the five predominant EDCs. The total estrogen concentration was high downstream and significantly correlated with the spatial distribution of urban land use, wastewater discharge, population, and gross domestic product, indicating human activities have increased estrogen levels and threatened ecological health. The total risk quotient indicated a high ecological risk of estrogens to fish and a moderate to high ecological risk of personal care products to algae. Estrone, triclosan, bisphenol-A, 4-nonylphenol, and 4-tert-octylphenol were categorized as priority pollutants, which required special concern. Triclosan and triclocarban can serve as reliable chemical indicators for predicting EDC levels based on correlation analysis. The crucial factors affecting EDC levels were identified through the Mantel test and predictor importance was quantified using a multiple regression model, which can help predict occurrences and geospatial distributions of EDCs. Total phosphorus and electrical conductivity were the major predictors of EDC levels, providing promising indicators for monitoring EDCs in river water. Urban land proportion significantly affected phenolic environmental estrogens, natural estrogens, and disinfectants. In the main stream, urban population, urbanization rate, and gross domestic product influenced phenolic environmental estrogen levels. A mini-review of the global distribution of EDCs in river water revealed that income and population differences among countries affect their occurrence, suggesting socioeconomic factors should be considered to mitigate EDC pollution.

A potential treatment with phytoestrogens: A literature review of experimental models on female rat’s reproductive health

Introduction: Phytoestrogens are nonsteroidal substances produced from plants with biological properties such as estrogen. The two main types of phytoestrogens are flavonoids and non-flavonoids. Flavonoids, including isoflavones, are among the most estrogenic compounds, and due to their structural similarities, they can bind to estrogen receptors. Isoflavones have been found in various foods, including fruits, vegetables, sprouts, seeds, and oilseeds (including flaxseeds). This review focuses on plants phytoestrogens that contain flavonoids, isoflavones, daidzein, and genistein. In addition, isoflavones can also be considered endocrine disruptors with the possibility of negative effects on the state of health in certain parts of the population or environment. This literature review will include phytoestrogen-rich crop yields on the reproductive health of mice. Method Systematic review: Literature searches are conducted on databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Cochrane, with time limits. From 2014 to 2024, searches were carried out on this database, considering studies involving herbs, phytoestrogens, isoflavones, and genistein in ovariectomy rat’s model (OVX). The study found that plants rich in phytoestrogens can overcome post-ovariectomy complaints, increase estrogen levels, and increase normal cell proliferation. This herb is used as an effective alternative therapy in treating post-ovariectomy complaints. Result: The search results found 2,401 studies on phytoestrogens and hypoestrogenics in the reproductive organs. Conclusion: Phytoestrogens have active compounds that can improve the reproductive system after ovariectomy in female mice.

A comprehensive investigation on female Wistar rats examining the therapeutic potential of Pueraria tuberosa on letrozole-induced Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) stands out as the most prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age with 5–10% of women experiencing its effects. Historically known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, its pathology involves various irregularities including heightened androgen levels, insulin resistance, diminished estrogen and progesterone levels, and irregular gonadotropin levels. However, the drugs commonly used to treat PCOS come with multiple side effects and limited efficacy in targeting the disorder’s underlying pathology. Indian kudzu tubers, specifically Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. tubers are a valuable source of phytoestrogens such as puerarin, daidzein, biochanin-A, and formononetin. Phytoestrogens are natural compounds derived from plants that stimulate estrogenic activity through estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), thereby increasing estrogen levels. Hence, the objective of this research was to assess the impact of the ethanolic extract obtained from Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. on the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway in a rat model with induced PCOS using letrozole. Objective To determine the hormonal parameters i.e. estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone level, as well as to evaluate body weight, ovarian weight, and histopathology of the ovary in female rats, we investigated a comprehensive investigation on female Wistar rats examining the therapeutic potential of Pueraria tuberosa on letrozole-induced PCOS. Materials and methods For this aim, animals were divided into six groups (n=6). Control group, untreated letrozole-induced PCOS group (1 mg/kg bwt) for 21 days, PCOS group treated with tuber extract of Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC (100 200 and 400 mg/kg bwt) for 14 days, and PCOS group treated with clomiphene citrate (1 mg/kg bwt) for 14 days. Finally, body and ovarian weight, and hormonal assays (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels) were conducted. Histomorphometric ovarian evaluation of cystic follicles was determined. Results and conclusion The ethanolic extract of Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. tuber exhibited a significant enhancement in both body weight and ovarian weight when compared with the PCOS-induced group. It positively influenced hormonal levels by increasing estrogen and progesterone while decreasing testosterone levels. In addition, the extract normalized the ratio of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels and assessed histomorphometric changes, leading to a reduction in cystic follicles. In summary, the ethanolic extract derived from the tuber of Pueraria tuberosa (Willd.) DC. demonstrates the potential to alleviate certain symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. This positive impact is attributed to its components, including puerarin, daidzein, biochanin-A, and formononetin, which exhibit estrogenic and antiandrogenic effects. Notably, in this study, doses of 200–400 mg/kg of the extract were identified as the most effective, suggesting their promise as a potential therapeutic intervention for PCOS.

Oral dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation enhances osteoporotic fracture healing in the OVX rats

Osteoporosis easily causes delayed fracture union, even non-union. It has been demonstrated that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation can increase estrogen levels and improve bone mineral density (BMD) in the elderly, while the role of DHEA on fracture healing remains unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of DHEA supplementation on osteoporotic fracture healing. Seventy-two female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Forty-eight rats received ovariectomy (OVX), and the remaining rats received a sham OVX operation (sham group). A right transverse femoral osteotomy was performed in all rats at 12 weeks post-OVX. OVX rats were randomly allocated into 2 groups (n = 24 in each group): (i) ovariectomized rats (control group) and (ii) ovariectomized rats treated with DHEA (DHEA group, 5 mg/kg/day). The DHEA supplementation was initiated on the first day post-fracture for 3, 6, and 12 weeks. Fracture healing was evaluated by radiography, histology, biomechanical analysis, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Serum biomarkers were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). At 3 and 6 weeks, radiographs revealed reduced calluses formation and lower radiographic scores in the control group than in other groups. The sham and DHEA groups showed higher BMD and bone mineral content (BMC) at the fracture site than the control group after fracture. Histological analysis revealed the fracture callus was remodeled better in the sham and DHEA groups than in the control group. At the early phase of healing, DHEA supplementation increased osteoblast number, callus area, and cartilage area than the control group. An increased bone area was observed in the DHEA group than in the control group at the late phase of healing. Additionally, improved biomechanical characteristics were observed in both the sham and DHEA groups than those in the control group post-fracture. ELISA showed higher levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and 17β-estradiol (E2) in the DHEA group than in the control group post-fracture. Furthermore, the DHEA group exhibited significantly elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OC) levels compared to the control group at 6 and 12 weeks. The DHEA group and the control group did not exhibit a notable difference in TRAP-5b levels. The present study demonstrated that the DHEA treatment has a favorable impact on osteoporotic fracture healing by enhancing callus formation, consolidation, and strength in the OVX rats.

Case Report: The Effect of Ajwa Date Consumption on Total Cholesterol Levels in Perimenopausal Women

Based on the 2016 Riskesdas, the prevalence of high cholesterol in Indonesia among women aged 35-59 years was 52.9%, and among those aged ≥60 years, it was 58.7%. According to provincial data, the highest percentage of patients with high cholesterol levels at Posbindu and FKTP in Indonesia was in West Papua Province, reaching up to 70%. The concentration of cholesterol levels in women's blood tends to increase with age, particularly for those over 40 years old, due to hormonal factors, especially the decrease in estrogen production and function. The decline in estrogen levels leads to an increase in lipids or total cholesterol, resulting in changes in body fat composition associated with hypercholesterolemia. This case report aims to investigate the impact of consuming Ajwa dates on the total cholesterol levels of perimenopausal women. Results: Ajwa dates contain higher polyphenol concentrations with an impressive nutritional profile that enhances blood lipoproteins. Additionally, dates can increase estrogen levels due to the estradiol and estrone present in their pollen. Several experimental studies have shown a significant difference in total cholesterol levels in subjects before and after consuming Ajwa dates. Conclusion: There is a notable difference in total cholesterol levels before and after the administration of Ajwa dates.

Exosome Therapy: A Novel Approach for Enhancing Estrogen Levels in Perimenopause.

Perimenopause significantly impacts women's health globally, often managed with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) despite the associated risks. This study explores a novel alternative exosome therapy, aimed at stimulating estrogen production in ovarian tissues, thus offering a potential non-hormonal treatment for perimenopausal symptoms. Employing ex vivo methodologies, ovarian cortex specimens from perimenopausal women were treated with exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and cultured under specific conditions (patent number: PCT/US2022/073467). The exosomes were produced under cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) conditions, ensuring high safety standards. Estrogen levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and gene expression changes in estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptors were assessed via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was utilized to evaluate cellular proliferation and apoptotic markers. The results indicated a significant increase in estrogen levels and estrogen receptor-alpha (Erα) expression in treated tissues compared to controls. Additionally, a decrease in apoptotic markers and an increase in cellular proliferation markers were observed. These findings suggest that exosome therapy can effectively enhance estrogen production and modulate receptor sensitivity in perimenopausal ovarian tissues. This approach could serve as a safer alternative to HRT, aligning with the body's natural regulatory mechanisms and potentially offering a more effective treatment option for managing perimenopausal symptoms.

Vaginal candidiasis, predisposing factors, symptoms and treatment

Introduction: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a disease caused by Candida species, mainly Candida albicans species, which can be colonizing the vaginal microbiota of healthy women, without causing disease. Due to its high prevalence, it is one of the most frequent causes of gynecological consultation. It occurs mainly in women after puberty, worldwide it is estimated that at least 75% of women have had candidiasis at least once in their lives. Its clinical signs are itching, vaginal inflammation and white discharge. It is diagnosed by laboratory tests or culture. A higher frequency of candidiasis occurs in women with high estrogen load or some degree of immunodeficiency. Treatment consists of azole antifungals, particularly fluconazole. The present study consists of a systematic review of the existing literature related to vulvovaginal candidiasis, focusing on epidemiology, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment. Material and methods: The study design is a literature review for which a search and evaluation of the existing literature and previous research on vaginal candidiasis will be carried out through the databases PubMed, Google Academic, Scielo, Sciendirect, among others. For this purpose, inclusion criteria will be used through searches related to "Candida", "vaginal candidiasis", "recurrent vaginal candidiasis", "vaginal candidiasis predisposing factors" and "candidiasis literature review". Results: Vaginal candidiasis is an infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast-like fungus that normally lives in the vagina. Predisposing factors include antibiotic use, increased estrogen levels, uncontrolled diabetes, overweight, pregnancy, premenstrual period, taking corticosteroids, and high doses of estrogen. Treatment of vaginal candidiasis includes antifungal medications, such as single-dose oral fluconazole, and avoidance of excess moisture. In uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis, all available forms of antifungals are highly effective, both oral and topical, whereas in complicated vulvovaginal candidiasis, a longer course of 5-7 to 10-14 days of conventional therapy should be performed. Patients who have frequent recurrences require their long-term pressure with oral medications. Conclusion: It is important for health care professionals and patients to be aware of the risks of recurrence so that timely treatment can be provided to patients

Estrogen influences the transzonal projection assembly of cumulus-oocyte complexes through G protein-coupled estrogen receptor during goat follicle development.

Estrogen is an important hormone that plays a role in regulating follicle development and oocyte maturation. Transzonal projections (TZPs) act as communication bridges between follicle somatic cells and oocytes, and their dynamic changes are critical for oocyte development and maturation. However, the roles and mechanisms of estrogen in regulating TZPs during follicular development are not yet understood. We found that the proportion of oocytes spontaneously resuming meiosis increases as the follicle grows, which is accompanied by rising estrogen levels in follicles and decreasing TZPs in cumulus-oocyte complex. To further explore the effect of elevated estrogen levels on TZP assembly, additional estrogen was added to the culture system. The increased estrogen level significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of TZP assembly-related genes. Subsequent research revealed that TZP regulation by estrogen was mediated by the membrane receptor GPER and downstream ERK1/2 signaling pathway. In summary, our study suggests that estrogen may regulate goat oocyte meiosis arrest by decreasing TZP numbers via estrogen-mediated GPER activation during follicle development.

Oral supplementation with resveratrol improves hormonal profile and increases expression of genes associated with thermogenesis in oophorectomy mice

Menopause causes important bodily and metabolic changes, which favor the increased occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Resveratrol exerts proven effects on body metabolism, improving glucose and lipid homeostasis and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in various organs and tissues. Accordingly, this study evaluates the effects of resveratrol supplementation on the expression of markers associated with thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue, and on the body, metabolic and hormonal parameters of female mice submitted to bilateral oophorectomy. Eighteen female mice were randomized into three groups: G1: control (CONTROL), G2: oophorectomy (OOF), and G3: oophorectomy + resveratrol (OOF + RSV); the animals were kept under treatment for twelve weeks, being fed a standard diet and treated with resveratrol via gavage. Body, biochemical, hormonal, and histological parameters were measured; in addition to the expression of markers associated with thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. The results showed that animals supplemented with resveratrol showed reduced body weight and visceral adiposity, in addition to glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels; decreased serum FSH levels and increased estrogen levels were observed compared to the OOF group and mRNA expression of PRDM16, UCP1, and SIRT3 in brown adipose tissue. The findings of this study suggest the important role of resveratrol in terms of improving body, metabolic, and hormonal parameters, as well as modulating markers associated with thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue of female mice submitted to oophorectomy.

The microbiome: a link between obesity and breast cancer risk

Globally, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality among all female cancers. Hereditary factors only account for 5-10% of breast cancers, highlighting the importance of non-hereditary factors, such as obesity. The increasing prevalence of obesity underscores the need to understand its contribution to breast cancer risk. Multiple mechanisms may mediate pro-carcinogenic effects of obesity, including altered adipokine levels, local and systemic inflammation, disruption of insulin and insulin-like growth factor signaling, increased estrogen levels, and alterations of the microbiome. In this review, we focus on the link between gut microbiome alterations and breast cancer risk in the context of obesity. First, we discuss how obesity influences the gut microbiome. Next, we describe the effect of such microbiome alterations on breast carcinogenesis, highlighting underlying molecular mechanisms. Finally, we review preclinical data on the interactions between host and bacteria, current challenges to study the obesity-microbiome connection, and future perspectives in this field.

Regulation of exercise on heart rate variability in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive quantitative measure of cardiac autonomic nervous activity. Due to the increase of age and the decrease of estrogen level in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, the cardiac autonomic nervous function is abnormal, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Proper exercise can increase estrogen levels, improve cardiovascular health, regulate cardiac autonomic nervous activity, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Low-moderate intensity aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, aerobic combined resistance exercise and mind-body exercise have positive effects on HRV in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Therefore, summarizing the effects of different exercise modes on HRV in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, as well as the mechanism of exercise training improvement on HRV, so as to adopt better exercise strategies to improve HRV of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, and thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improve the health level and quality of life of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Effect of Submaximal Exercise on Trained and Untrained Intensity on Estrogen Levels in Female White Rats (Rattus Norvegicus) Wistar Strains

Background: Trained and continuous physical activity can increase estrogen levels in women, while irregular activity can increase excessive Estrogen levels. Submaximal exercise is a recommended exercise to improve a woman's physiological function The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effect of submaximal exercise on trained and untrained intensity on Estrogen levels in female white rats (Rattus norvegicus) Wistar strains. Methods: This research was an experimental study using a post-test-only control group design using 30 female Wistar rats which were divided into 5 groups: control group not treated (K1), experimental group of animals with exercise intensity without intervention (K2), group of experimental animals with untrained intensity without intervention (K3), group of experimental animals with exercise intensity with intervention (K4), and experimental group of animals with exercise intensity with intervention (K4). experimental animals with untrained intensity treatment with intervention (K5). The intervention was swimming at moderate intensity with a duration of 85% of the maximum time to swim and a load of 8% of the rat's body weight. After the treatment period, all groups were terminated to take intracardiac blood measured using ELISA. Results: The data results were analyzed using statistical tests. The results of this study found that the trained group had lower Estrogen levels compared to the untrained group, but higher than the control group. The Kruskal-Wallis test show a significance value (p = 0.157), p> 0.05. Conclusion: In this study, there was no effect of submaximal exercise between trained and untrained intensity on Estrogen levels in Wistar strain female white rat.

Ovarian Gene Transcriptional Responses to Anticonvulsant Drugs (Diazepam and Phenytoin) in Female Wistar Rats

This study was designed to investigate ovarian gene transcriptional responses to selected anticonvulsant drugs (diazepam and phenytoin) in female rats. Fifteen female rats (120 – 140 g) were used for this study. Diazepam (0.14 mg/kg) and phenytoin (2.8 mg/kg) were given to the rodents orally for 50 days. The method of RT-PCR involving isolation of RNA, conversion of cDNA and electrophoresis was employed to investigate the expression of FSH-R, aromatase and GPX-1genes. Graphics were generated as mean +/- SEM using Graph-pad Prism version 8.0. The expression of GPX-1 was significantly (p<0.05) up-regulated, while the FSH-R and aromatase expressions were significantly (p<0.05) and insignificantly (p>0.05) down-regulated respectively in the diazepam treated rats when compared with their respective controls. The FSH-R and aromatase expressions were significantly (p<0.05) up-regulated, while the GPX-1 expression was insignificantly (p>0.05) up-regulated in the phenytoin treated rats relative to their respective controls. Conclusively, it can be suggested that diazepam: inhibited follicular growth through the down-regulation of FSH-R expression, reduced estrogen level through the down-regulation of aromatase expression, inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress through the up-regulation of GPX-1 expression. In addition, it can be suggested that phenytoin: induced follicular growth through the up-regulation of FSH-R expression, increased estrogen level through the up-regulation of aromatase expression, inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress through the up-regulation of GPX-1 expression.

The Organoleptic Test For Tempe-Based Drink Formulation For The Prevention Of Cognitive Function In Elderly Women

Older women are at twice the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease than men. This happens because when women experience menopause, estrogen in the body will decrease. Estrogen is a hormone that can influence and help regulate body functions including the reproductive system, brain and central nervous system, bones, liver and urinary tract. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is intended to increase estrogen levels in postmenopausal women. One of the food ingredients that contain phytoestrogens and is widely consumed in Indonesia is tempe. The aim of the study was to make a tempe-based drink containing isoflavones (genestein, daidzein, glycetin) and nutrients (vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate) that are appropriate and sensory acceptable. The content of isoflavones and nutrients was analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Tempe flour which has been analyzed for its nutritional content and isoflavones, then a tempe drink formulation is made with isoflavones content, namely 15 milli grams (30 grams of tempe flour). To improve the flavor of the drink, add cocoa powder. The design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with a single treatment, namely the concentration level of tempe flour for formula 1 (original tempe) = 17.5%, formula 2 (original tempe) = 14% and formula 3 (tempe with added chocolate as flavor). = 14 %. Acceptance of tempeh-based drinks was carried out by organoleptic tests in the form of hedogenic (liking) tests on 30 elderly women. In the first phase of the research that for color, taste, aroma and thickness the most preferred was the third formula with the addition of chocolate and 14% thickness. The conclusion is that tempe flour using the freeze dry method contains isoflavones and nutrients (vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid) higher than tempe using the oven method but not significantly. Hedogenic test (favorability test) is the highest with a 14% viscosity formula and there is the addition of chocolate
 Keywords: tempe, elderly women, organoleptic test

Androgen and Estrogen β Receptor Expression Enhances Efficacy of Antihormonal Treatments in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

The triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype is characterized by the lack of expression of ERα (estrogen receptor α), PR (progesterone receptor) and no overexpression of HER-2. However, TNBC can express the androgen receptor (AR) or estrogen receptor β (ERβ). Also, TNBC secretes steroid hormones and is influenced by hormonal fluctuations, so the steroid inhibition could exert a beneficial effect in TNBC treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dutasteride, anastrozole and ASP9521 in in vitro processes using human TNBC cell lines. For this, immunofluorescence, sensitivity, proliferation and wound healing assays were performed, and hormone concentrations were studied. Results revealed that all TNBC cell lines expressed AR and ERβ; the ones that expressed them most intensely were more sensitive to antihormonal treatments. All treatments reduced cell viability, highlighting MDA-MB-453 and SUM-159. Indeed, a decrease in androgen levels was observed in these cell lines, which could relate to a reduction in cell viability. In addition, MCF-7 and SUM-159 increased cell migration under treatments, increasing estrogen levels, which could favor cell migration. Thus, antihormonal treatments could be beneficial for TNBC therapies. This study clarifies the importance of steroid hormones in AR and ERβ-positive cell lines of TNBC.

Combination of androgen and estrogen improves asthma by mediating Runx3 expression.

Objective: Asthma is a chronic heterogeneous airway disease, and imbalanced T-helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cell-mediated inflammation contribute to its pathogenesis. Although it has been suggested that androgen and estrogen were involved in development of asthma, the underlying mechanisms remained largely unclear. Studies have demonstrated that Runx3 could promote naive CD4+ T cells to differentiate into Th1 cells. Hence, our study aimed to explore the potential regulatory mechanism of androgen and estrogen on asthma via modulating Runx3. Methods: First, clinical assessments and pulmonary function tests were conducted on 35 asthma patients and 24 healthy controls. The concentrations of androgen, estrogen, and androgen estrogen ratios were assessed in peripheral blood samples of asthma patients and healthy controls. Then, a murine asthma model was established to explore the effects of estrogen and androgen (alone or in combination) on asthma. Third, an in vitro assay was used to explore the mechanism of combination of androgen and estrogen in asthma. Results: We observed decreased androgen and increased estrogen levels in asthma patients compared with healthy controls. In mice with experimental asthma, there were increased serum concentrations of estrogen and decreased serum concentrations of androgen, intervention with combination of androgen and estrogen alleviated airway inflammations, increased Runx3 expressions and elevated Th1 differentiation. In CD4+ T cells co-cultured with bronchial epithelial cells (BECs), treatment with androgen plus estrogen combination promoted Th1 differentiation, which was mitigated by Runx3 knockdown in BECs and enhanced by Runx3 overexpression. Conclusion: These findings suggest that androgen estrogen combination modulate the Th1/Th2 balance via regulating the expression of Runx3 in BECs, thereby providing experimental evidence supporting androgen and estrogen combination as a novel therapy for asthma.

Glut4 expression in pro-atherogenic monocytes is associated with estrogen induced ROS formation

Abstract Background Glucose transporter (GLUT) 4 was shown to be expressed on monocytes with dynamic alterations. Moreover, increased formation of monocyte related reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an important marker for atherosclerosis and estrogen is known to increase ROS. However, the impact of estrogen on human monocytes have not been investigated. This is of great importance as a high number of aging women receive hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to meno-pause symptoms. This was shown to be associated with high risk for ischemic events. In this study, we investigated the impact of estrogen on human monocytes about membrane expression of GLUT4 and ROS formation. Methods In this pilot study, we investigated human leukocytes from 88 healthy volunteers (54 female and 34 male) and 114 patients (56 female and 58 male) treated in the department of Cardiology, Pneumology and Vascular medicine, University Hospital Düsseldorf. Buffy coat was extracted out of whole blood by centrifugation and analysed by flow-cytometry. Amount of CD14+ and CD16+ monocytes was measured in % of all leukocytes in all participants. ROS and GLUT4 expression were assessed for monocyte type in dependence from increasing estrogen concentrations in a sub cohort by in-vitro incubation representing physiological peak and HRT concentrations (0, 500 and 2000 pM). Results Mean age of healthy volunteers was 31,2 years. Mean age of patients was 75,9 years. In patients, 51% were male, 58% had arterial hypertension, 33% diabetes mellitus type II, 16% were smokers and 19% were obese. Antiatherogenic monocytes (CD16+) were stable in males but decreased with age in females (female: r=-0.3130 p=0.0010; male: r=-0.1011 p=0.3946). In contrast, pro-atherogenic monocytes (CD14+) increased with age in females (female: r=0.4013 p=<0.0001; male: r=0.09135 p=0.4389). Increasing estrogen concentrations induced ROS formation in all monocytes in a dose dependent manner (0 – 947±124, 500 - 1312±258, 2000 - 1248±629 geometric mean, p=0.0327 [one-way ANOVA]). Separation in CD14+ and CD16+ monocytes revealed that this effect was only driven by increase in CD14+ monoctyes (0 - 1021±325, 500- 1160±239, 2000 – 513 geometric mean, p=0.0179), whereby CD16+ monocytes did not show relevant increase. GLUT4 membrane expression was inversely related to increasing estrogen levels with decrease in CD14+ (0 - 578±81, 500- 498±55, 2000- 507±41 geometric mean, p=0.0131) and numerical reduction in CD16+ monocytes by high estrogen levels (0- 592±77, 500 - 544±80, 2000- 537±72 geometric mean, p=0.0784) Conclusion In this study, we could show that high estrogen levels induce decrease of GLUT4 membrane expression in human monocytes. This might be associated with increased ROS formation in pro-atherogenic CD14+ monocytes which are already increased with age in women. This might reflect a relevant mechanism for the increased rate of ischemic events by HRT.